Selena Silvestro, a marketing professional, has been using her audience development skills to reach and inspire community members to give back in a BIG way. When it comes to event planning and social media, Selena says “It comes easy to me because that’s what I do!”. Selena put out a call to action on facebook after being contacted by a friend about a local veteran named Lorenzo needing a handicap accessible bathroom, new garage door, and roof repair. Within three days, several Collierville business owners, who Selena calls the “Collierville Dream Team”, volunteered to remodel his bathroom and fix his roof. Selena posted a Facebook live video the day of the project encouraging community members to support the event where all proceeds would go towards Lorenzo’s renovations. “I put the videos on a public setting, so people could see them, and that’s what brought out the community support,” says Selena. “It was the most amazing project I’ve been a part of!”

Selena recalls another instance where she was able to help a struggling Collierville family receive the household and personal necessities they so desperately needed. The family was facing several hardships including the father being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and two of their five children having special needs. Selena became engaged when the mother called one day asking for a favor from Selena to pick up her kids from the school bus stop. As she performed this favor, she quickly realized the family could use some help. Selena called on the mother’s of other school-age children to help with clothing, meals, and donations while the family had a child at LeBonheur. “I was Facebook friends with many of these ladies, so it (Facebook) was a good way to post updates on needs. Since this first started, the use of Facebook groups has REALLY made coordinating outreach efforts easier,” says Selena. “We helped fix up the rental house and get clothes for the kids, assisted with meal deliveries and groceries.” 

“I will never underestimate the power of our community when it comes to giving,” says Selena. “I once posted that a family needed a Christmas tree and decorations, and I got a tree and ornaments donated within 24 hours from friends around Collierville! I bought some lights, added some of our ornaments to the mix, and we made Christmas happen for them! Because of that post, a local photographer friend donated his time and did a beautiful family photo shoot! It was the first family portrait they’ve ever had!”