The 42nd Annual AHP (Association for Healthcare Philanthropy)

Conference took place on September 24 - September 28, 2008, at the Sheraton Chicago with over 1,000 people in attendance. Leeza Gibbons presented the conference opening and keynote address.

Her striking charisma and genuine personality captivated the audience.  Embracing change was a topic she was trying to instill. "If we are going to be Champions of change, we can't sit silently, we must be the change," Leeza said. Every one in the room appeared to be listening as if her words were directed to him or her personally. She touched upon many ways by which change comes into our life. "Every decision you make is an answer for someone," she pointed out. Her wonderful way of touching everyone's heart was overwhelming.

The brilliant thing about this event was that LGMF had a fantastic opportunity to make every one who attended aware of the wonderful education, empowerment, and energy Leeza's Place has to offer the caregiver in need. Leeza touched on how her mother had once inspired her, saying, "Honey, take my story and make it count."  It was at this moment that Leeza came to realize she was no longer her mother's daughter but that she was now her mother's caregiver. In honor of her loving mother, Leeza spreads the word about how so many loved ones are in the hands of caregivers but that those caregivers need special attention.  Leeza's Place offers a tranquil spot for the caregiver to get their bearings and at the same time feel secure. "We will wrap our blanket around you and give you support," explains Leeza. "We at Leeza's Place want the caregiver to take their oxygen first."

With a beautiful smile and friendly handshake, Leeza greeted every person that wanted to meet her after she finished her speech.  Additionally, many people walked over to the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation exhibitor's booth to express how happy they were that Leeza was the chosen guest speaker. Kathy Miller and Kim Jackson, Leeza's Place Advocates from the Leeza's Place in Joliet, Illinois, which is affiliated with Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, were running this booth and people constantly complimented them on Leeza's sincerity and warm personality.

The seminar ended with a lot of smiles and excitement about Leeza's Place. Many people spoke to Dr. James Huysman, Executive Director and Co-Founder of LGMF, about the possibilities of opening a facility in their locations. People from all over the United States as well as from other countries inquired about what it would take to get a Leeza's Place open near them. Many took information to share with officials back home in hopes of encouraging an opening in their respective hospitals or organizations. Overall, it was agreed the seminar was a huge success and the appearance and address of Leeza Gibbons definitely was a significant part of that success.

At one point during her talk, Leeza offered a love letter to everyone. This letter's message will continue to be remembered by all. It was during this letter that she said, "What we have to offer is what we give away." She encouraged us to smile at everyone or exchange a positive glance with everyone we meet, as you never know when that gesture could come at a time when someone really needs it. "Take time to search for meaning in who you are and in what you do. Seek out opportunity and turn down noise. Create your own change!"