Alpha Gamma Delta - University of Alabama

The Squirrel's Nest 2 Inspiring Women, Impacting the World How Nancy Runyan Gaston '77 Found Her Calling O ftentimes, finding your true calling occurs by happenstance. For Nancy Runyan Gaston '77 it was no coincidence she found her calling with Mountain Brook Community Church's Sweet Repeats children's consignment sale. In fact, it was through Psi Chapter years later that that she found a connection to both her passion for service and Alpha Gamma Delta. "The friendships that I have known not just from undergraduate days but in my adulthood as well prove that Alpha Gam was the common thread that started it all." Six years ago, a group of moms put together the idea of a consignment sale for children. Unbeknownst to Nancy, one of these young mothers had a connection to her through her own mother-in-law, Leigh Bradshaw Denson '75. From that moment on, Nancy became the floor chairman for the Mountain Brook Community Church's Sweet Repeats children's consignment sale and has loved it ever since. The funds from the consignment sale benefit the community in a myriad of ways. It provides funds for numerous mission trips as well as organizations such as Save a Life. "At heart, we believe this is a ministry and we want people to feel special and that they are contributing to something special when they walk through our doors. Our shoppers range from upper- income families who are looking for a great deal to those who truly need to shop this sale to clothe their children." From heirloom dresses to gently used toys, the consignment sale has it all, including a dream team of volunteers. Whether directing traffic during a sale or reworking displays during hectic hours, Nancy turns to specific volunteers such as Susan Smith Blair '74, Dana Caldwell Sheheane '98, Erin Ireland Clark '04, Elizabeth Smith Melancon '02, Beth McKibben Sanders '77, and Karen Coley Keene '79 for support. "When we have specific needs, I have turned first to our AGD volunteers as I know they are up to the task. They have never let me down! Knowing these women and being able to confidently fill these positions has been a great help to the sale overall and me personally." Nancy's Psi Chapter connections have only increased since the advent of the consignment sale. Despite living in four different states, Nancy and a group of seven Psi Chapter alumnae vacation in New Orleans, Orange Beach, Hot Springs, Ark., travel to Tuscaloosa for game days, and enjoy catching up in their group chat. "Even though we didn't all know everyone well as undergraduates, we can still share in each other's joys and sorrows because of our Alpha Gam bond." If undergraduates and alumnae want to further enrich their friendships, Nancy encourages them to expand beyond their friend groups. "If you're really smart, you will take advantage of the fact that Psi Chapter will continue to be in your life and influence your world forever." Whether bringing a plate of refreshments to the Christmas party or taking on a leadership position, the time alumnae donate only further enriches the Alpha Gamma Delta experience. One day, Nancy hopes to share this bond of sisterhood with her daughter, Alison. If any alumnae are interested in becoming involved in MBCC Sweet Repeats or starting their own consignment sale, contact Nancy at nrunyan700@aol.com or (205) 960- 2392. Susan Smith Blair '74, Erin Ireland Clark '04, Dana Caldwell Sheheane '98, and Nancy Runyan Gaston '77 at the MBCC Sweet Repeats children's consignment sale. "The friendships that I have known not just from undergraduate days but in my adulthood as well prove that Alpha Gam was the common thread that started it all."

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