Monche' Gilmore

Monche’ Gilmore, a junior ambassador with People to People who will be spending his summer in Europe, spoke last week at the Toastmaster’s Club of Cape Coral. Their president, Rich Greer, responded to a request from Nancy Garrett, a long-time member of Toastmasters and a cheerleader for Monche’, who lives in Lehigh Acres and is the son of Norma and Jesse Gilmore.

Garrett believed that this diverse group could not only hear about his efforts but also give him some feedback on how to more effectively share his adventure both locally and abroad. Presenting himself as a junior ambassador is quite a task. So, she tracked down a couple of clubs in the Fort Myers area and the one out at Cape Coral invited him come there one evening last week.

Rich Greer is the president of Toastmasters Club #9051. He and Garrett have exchanged emails and phone calls and Rich felt that it would be even more beneficial if Monche’ returned for a second presentation giving him a chance to incorporate their suggestions. It also helped that Greer works with other young people with their speaking skills, too. And, as he put it in one of his emails, “…isn’t that the whole idea behind Toastmaster’s – to assist others in the development of powerful and succinct speaking?”

In addition to wanting to help Monche’, Garrett hopes to encourage other community organizations such as Kiwanis and Lions to invite Monche’ and other youngsters to speak to them as many students in the schools have responsibilities requiring effective communication.

Monche’ is a member of a swim team and is planning a trip to Europe this summer by raising money.

The really good news is that he is now half way to meeting his $6,500 goal. He keep track of his adventure on his blog at: monche123.blogspot.com.