iBelieve raises spirits, money for Maureen’s Hope

By Sarah Hall

Editor

If you’re looking for professional support and inspiration, they’re pretty easy to find. But if you’re struggling personally, where do you look?

Susan Bertrand, founder of Baldwinsville-based Maureen’s Hope, says that’s something that’s a lot harder to find. That’s why she organized iBelieve, which brings together several speakers that will encourage participants to explore their beliefs and find hope within themselves.

“There are many events in our community geared toward helping folks through their business life, but we need more action toward helping people through their every day, personal life,” Bertrand said. “That’s what iBelieve is meant to do. We promise that you have everything to gain and nothing to lose.”

Speakers range from those well-known on the national motivational circuit to local health and fitness gurus.

“We have a diverse group of speakers, but what they have in common is being passionate about living life to the fullest and giving back,” Bertrand said.

Speakers will focus on connection, authenticity, trust, resilience, body language, intuition and true grit.

“It’s a very special group that has come together with only the best of intentions,” Bertrand said. “[These are] the type of people I want to surround myself with.”

The keynote speaker is Gwen Webber-McLeod, a well-known speaker on leadership development, strategic planning, facilitation and developing effective collaborations. Bertrand said she had spoken to McLeod years ago about putting together an event like this, but at a cost much lower than others so that more people could attend.

“I remember talking to her and saying, ‘Most of the people who need to hear the message at these can’t afford to go,’” Bertrand said. “That’s when I decided I needed to have an event like this but at a much lower price.”

That’s why iBelieve only charges $25 admission (though the VIP party afterwards is $50). If someone wishes to attend and the $25 ticket is still out of reach, Bertrand said they can just email her at [email protected] for an opportunity for complimentary tickets.

Bertrand said it’s important to her that as many people benefit from the event as possible.

“Who needs an event like this? All of us,” she said. “As we go through life, we all encounter adversities, doubt and uncertainty. We need to take time to recharge ourselves and further develop our attributes of self-love, perseverance and resilience. Happiness takes work and we want to offer an afternoon to come together as a community and chose happiness.”

All proceeds from the event benefit Maureen’s Hope, which serves patients facing life-threatening illnesses and their families.

“Maureen’s Hope offers positivity, comfort and encouragement to patients and families,” Bertrand said. “This event will allow us to offer those same positive attributes to a larger and more diverse group.”

Bertrand, who hopes to make this an annual event, said she hopes people leave with a sense of fulfillment.

“My hopes are very simple,” she said. “I want the attendees to leave feeling like their tank is full and they are ready to take on life and to feel part of a caring community that surrounds them.”

iBelieve will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at the Palace Theater in Eastwood. Tickets are $25 for the event itself and $50 for the VIP party following the event. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit maureenshope.org.

iBelieve speakers

Motivational speakers at the Maureen’s Hope iBelieve event, to be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at the Palace Theater in Syracuse, are as follows: