Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Winkles.
Tracy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a mother of two I volunteered often for many organizations; served on committees and boards at the schools in my area and worked two jobs. I love helping others succeed and making our community a better place. In March, 2017 my world was changed forever with the loss of our son, Clayton Winkles in a one car accident on his way home. Everything I ever knew became so cloudy. It was during the wee hours of that morning when I turned to my faith to find the hope and strength in community to get through the devastation. He was a senior in High School filled with hopes, dreams and a future I was committed to supporting. His younger brother was still a sophomore at the time and I had to find a way to go on. One year later, while still struggling daily to make sense of all that was happening, I knew my social media feed was going to replay the events of March 26, 2017 over and over. I asked for a clear line of sight as to what to do with all of it when it became clear! 03/26 means more than just a day! If you add the numbers together 3+2+6 you get 11! A miracle of sorts! 11 was Clayton’s # in baseball; there were 11 disciples in the bible and surely I could encourage others to do 11 things for someone else! So out of my pain came #Great11 a movement to encourage others to perform 11 acts of kindness on 03/26 and beyond every year! An opportunity to change my social media feed with all the good people do for others in memory of a boy who cared more for others than he did himself. Who served more than he was served! Who had the “Best day of his life” and shared every moment about it with me before he was called home!
Has it been a smooth road?
Well, I am not sure how to answer this. You see, losing a child changes the very core of who you are. Nothing seems right and everything is a challenge. Just waking up and doing daily tasks became a challenge. However, I had a husband and a son, Connor to keep fighting for. You see 85% of all marriages fail in the first year after the loss of a child! I despise becoming a statistic and became determined more than ever to fight for my marriage and my son! We all struggled. It was in the wee hours of a morning when I received a text from another mom, walking the same road. She became a sounding board and made me feel “normal”, Nancy Medford has been an integral part of this journey. I was also very fortunate to have my sister, Debra Powledge; my “Warrior Women”-Alicia Moyer, BobbieJo Majors, Erin Bergin, Kathi Dailey, Rachel Robeson and my ROCK, Kelly McAndrew with me every step of the way. They never stopped believing good was going to come from all of this pain!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with #Great11 – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
#GREAT11 is more of a movement than a business! It is an opportunity for individuals, groups, schools, churches and organizations to make a difference in the life of someone else. It is the simple act of doing something for someone else without any reward in return! Well, that is not completely true! I saw this year families come together and see the spirit of hope come alive when they were doing the simplest of tasks. I watched a mother perform 11 acts of kindness with her sweet little angel and know that she is molding her morals and values to serve others first. I heard stories of kids on College Campuses all over the south performing small acts for others who were less fortunate and hurting! I saw stories from California to Maryland all recognizing the impact of #GREAT11. These people made memories and reflected the true spirit of serving! They are changing the way 03-26 looks! You see, so many people lost something here on earth when Clayton was called home that morning. They lost a friend who talked them out of committing sins; suicide, etc. They lost someone who made them laugh; and we all lost the greatest HUGGER I have ever met! His hugs, WOW!! They made you feel so loved and welcomed and he gave them freely to every one; even strangers! This organization is about loving others first and giving back! We hope to send kids to camp with little fundraisers and reminders of #GREAT11 and to continue to share stories of faith through guest speaking arrangements and the release of a publication in the future. Our biggest support is done through work with the Clayton Winkles Memorial Clay Shoot supporting Arlington Young Life Camps for kids. We are on our third year for the shoot and hope to have the support of many in our community on 09/14!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Arlington is the hub of all things great! It is a true “Dream city!” I moved here in 1976 and grew up here, attending the same schools my children attended. Arlington has provided not only my “two mile circle of safety” it provided me with memories that will forever remain in my heart. It is where I can work, play and live without worrying about my safety! Our neighborhoods are deep rooted in tradition and everyone has a smile on their face. I like to say, my community is my home. It is like the small town neighborhoods of the past, but has all the technology and modern feels to serve the next generation of greatness! Community Relationships are deep in Arlington and no matter where the road takes you, CALLING it HOME is never a problem!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2709 Glassboro Circle
Arlington TX 76015 - Phone: 817-988-2425
- Email: greatelevenmovement@gmail.com
- Instagram: greateleven
- Facebook: #GREAT11
- Twitter: @greatelevenmovement
Image Credit:
BobbieJo Majors, Major Images Photography
Amy Turman, Truhart Photography
McKenna Hughes, Mckenna Hughes Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
