Idea Party turns dreams into reality

Why does Katey Coffing host "Idea Parties"?

"Because everybody has a dream, but for one reason or another it might be on the back burner," she said.

Seated around tables at Comma Coffee on Sunday, participants explained their own dreams and what is holding them back. Coffing, a personal coach, helped them succinctly identify the dream and the obstacle. People's eyes lit up as they brainstormed ways to achieve their goals.

"Go ahead and spit out all your ideas, even if they seem crazy, because there might be some useful nugget in them," Coffing said.

Certified natural-health practitioner Renata Dorner wants to promote healthy eating habits, but is having a hard time reaching people.

"People need to work together because the companies (selling the junk food) are not interested in helping us," she said.

Someone recommended that she write a column in the newspaper, but she already does. Someone else recommended she set up a table at the Telegraph Square farmer's market, but she already does that, too.

"Have you thought about putting together a newsletter?" asked Toni McCormick.

"Yeah, with an e-newsletter you can reach up to 1,000 subscribers free of charge," said Coffing.

Ceci Chourré wants to write a book to teach people to use the Fair Credit Reporting Act to clean up their credit.

"We're working on the same premise," she told Dorner. "We both want to help people help themselves live a more healthy, balanced lifestyle."

"I do it in the health way - you do it in the wealth way," Dorner responded.

Larry Knutson testified how well Chourré's program works.

"Boy, you ought to see the credit offers I get now," he said.

Soon she had a list of ideas on how to get her book published, including Print On Demand books and eBooks.

Coffing said part of the reason the Idea Parties are so successful is the support of a group provides encouragement.

"It provides mutual accountability," she said.

Plus it's helpful to talk about ideas and put them in writing, rather than just thinking about them.

"Manifest it," she said. "Put it in writing. If you have an idea and you don't tell anybody about it, that's really safe, isn't it? But there's a good chance it's not going to happen."

McCormick, who is working to help sick and starving people in Africa, agreed that sharing her idea with other people has made it more real.

"Plus I really like to see what other people are doing in the community. And it's fun."

Coffing's next Idea Party is noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 27 at Comma Coffee. For more details call her at (888) 926-2244 or the coffee shop at 883-2662.

Contact Karl Horeis at khoreis@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.