Misti Coker is beloved among friends in Stuttgart and across the Natural State. This former teacher has a heart for helping others and believes everybody deserves a cheerleader when times are tough. Misti, along with her friend Martha Ellen Talbot, will welcome patrons to the inaugural Tailgate at Marlsgate to generate support for Personal Pep Rally – an organization that provides invaluable resources to cancer patients and families.
Misti remembers a childhood filled with fun and fellowship. “My mother taught me at a very young age that you need to be involved in your community.” She attended First Presbyterian Church in Stuttgart with Martha Ellen and sister Terri. They remained friends throughout the years. “When Personal Pep Rally gained momentum, I called Martha Ellen for advice; she’s always been my biggest cheerleader. We knew I had to educate more people about what we do for cancer patients, with the hope of getting others involved. And here we are.”
Personal Pep Rally began as a literacy initiative to improve test scores at Stuttgart High School. “I collaborated with English teachers. We had six months to accomplish the goal, and we did it. We gave every student a personal pep rally!” This compassionate support system evolved into “joy mail” when the Coker family received a devastating diagnosis. “July 1st, 2016, will be a day that forever is ingrained within us. It was the day that we learned that our son-in-law and Lauren’s late husband, Marc Stringer, had cancer. Cancer is something that no one wants to hear, especially at 33 years old.” Misti encouraged friends and “friends of friends” to send “joy mail” to Marc during his initial treatments. “After the first three months, Lauren said – ‘Mom, I want to do this for other people.'” That is when Joy Mail started and Personal Pep Rally was reinvented. “Personal Pep Rally worked for my students, many of whom were in desperate home situations, so I thought surely it would bring joy to cancer patients.”
This simple act of kindness in a box is shipped with love and delivers a dash of happiness. “In the beginning our list was small, but then as people found out they could send Joy Mail – we started receiving texts, calls and emails wanting to add people to our list.” Today, monthly shipments include 138 cities across Arkansas, 42 other states and several countries. Each box contains practical items that families might need if appointments take longer than expected: a blanket, scripture card, a phone charger, candy and more.
Tailgate at Marlsgate will showcase the best of Southern hospitality with a twist of unexpected elegance. Misti and Martha Ellen have planned of an evening with delights at every turn. Martha Ellen elaborates, “In Marlsgate tradition, our guests can expect opulence and the beauty of the Delta in our new ballroom that overlooks cotton fields and Bearskin Lake. With Misti at the helm, there will definitely be a full serving of FUN!” Misti adds, “It is what you would expect, complete with chandeliers and silver, but the main objective is sharing our mission with those who have never heard of Joy Mail or Personal Pep Rally.” She notes it also generates funding for scholarships, education and early detection. “Being able to serve as a connector for cancer patients, connecting them to resources, is critical for their survivorship.”
FOR FUN
Philosophy to Live By – Just Show Up, show up for Jesus, show up for Others, and show up for You. In that order, and that is where you will find JOY. And always take the NUDGE – Never Underestimate Decisions. God Encourages.
Motivation + Inspiration – Several people serve as my sounding boards for motivation; they are my go-to individuals who keep me grounded and motivate me to keep going. What inspires me is knowing that we do bring joy to so many people who are struggling. I go back to what my first principal used to tell us: if you reach one, you have accomplished what you were supposed to.
Favorite Time of Day – Mornings; especially when it is cool outside. I love a hot cup of coffee, my verse of the day, and my bible study.
For Relaxation + Enjoyment – Relax, that is funny. I don’t really relax, but when I do get free time, I like to sit in silence, drink a cup of coffee, and do what I call think-pray.
Tailgate at Marlsgate
Thursday, October 23 | Marlsgate
