When Theresa Kewley started her job at the Hanley Center Foundation, a dear friend gave her a Brighton badge clip. It went together with her business attire so much better than a standard-issue blue lanyard. While the clip holds a card identifying her as director of development & special events for the non-profit organization, Theresa has actually played many other roles in her life, all of which focus on helping others.
Early in her career, as a young wife and mother, she became a teacher so that her work hours could coincide with her son’s school schedules. She taught science and always came up with fun ideas to promote education. When she helped start a science program at Cambridge Preschool in Wellington, Florida, she even dressed up as a mad scientist with crazy blue hair and a lab coat to excite the children.
This enthusiasm caught the eye of Dr. Rachel Docekal, a fellow mom and science professional. Dr. Docekal was the chief development officer at the South Florida Science Museum. She brought Theresa over to the museum as director of marketing and gave her the opportunity to create a childhood learning program to promote science at an early age. Theresa also became the official alligator handler, which explains her fondness for Brighton’s Later Gator collection.
After this project was completed, Dr. Docekal moved to the Hanley Center Foundation as its CEO and once again offered Theresa a new challenge. Theresa now coordinates golf tournaments, luncheons, comedy shows and other events for the center, which offers innovative treatment programs for addiction. Her largest event for Hanley comes up November 12, 2011 when the foundation celebrates its silver jubilee with the Purple Butterfly Ball at the Breakers Palm Beach.
“I enjoy doing anything that helps others. I know that sounds so cliché, but I truly am the type of person that enjoys giving more than receiving,” says Theresa. “I taught because my students needed me and enjoyed my hands-on approach to learning. I promoted the museum because it provided children with an important first look at the wonders of science, and I enjoy working at the Hanley Center Foundation because I know that the money I raise supports critical programs that save lives each and every day.”
Of course, helping others starts at home. She got married at age 20 and postponed finishing college until after her son was two years old. Since her husband works in the Florida Army National Guard, they relocated often. “Going to school, moving around, working, being a mom and a wife all at the same time had its challenges,” she says, “but thanks to God’s grace and my incredible family I was able to always accomplish anything I put my mind to.”
Now 44, Theresa leads a busy, fulfilled life with her husband, two kids and her new horse, an Overo that her husband gave her for Mother’s Day. One goal remains at the top of her wish list (besides getting Brighton’s Break Away Charm Sunglasses): As her “retirement job,” she’d like to run her own “animal rescue farm.” Growing up on a large family-owned property in Central Florida, Theresa developed a deep affinity for the resident large animals. Her rescue farm would provide a safe haven and a forever home for such creatures (including horses, donkeys and goats) that have been abused or abandoned.
Actually, she first noticed Brighton because of her interest in horses. At the Wellington Green Mall, the Brighton Collectibles store is located directly across from the elevator. The first time Theresa visited the mall, she spotted the Brighton window display as soon as the elevator doors opened. “I fell in love with the way the leather and metal were designed to create such attractive accessories,” she says. “Being a ‘horse person,’ I was also attracted to the equestrian feel of those pieces.” She started off with a simple woven metal bracelet, but now her collection includes watches, belts, purses, shoes, charm bracelets and, of course, her badge clip.
Theresa has passed her love of horses and Brighton onto her eight-year-old daughter Alyssa, who is currently taking horseback riding lessons. Alyssa also loves the alligator jewelry, and her knowledge of Brighton already runs deep.
Last August when they were running around, doing back-to-school shopping, they found themselves at the mall -- tired, thirsty and ready to call it quits. When Theresa suggested they head to the food court for something to drink, Alyssa had a brighter idea. “Mommy I just want some water,” she said. “Can we get it at Brighton? Theirs is colder.” 
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