When my Mouseplanet colleague Mark Goldhaber and I discussed how we would report back on our Mousefest experience, we decided that Mark would do the detail work and I would try to capture the essence of exactly what this year’s Mousefest was all about.
I thought I had the easier assignment. I was wrong… so wrong.
After many false starts I sat back and tried to figure out why I was having so much trouble. Why couldn’t I focus on what made this Mousefest such a success?
I went back over my notes and began to realize that the foundation for my article had been staring at me all along, but I was too close to notice.
It was on a Thursday night at the Celebration Hotel back in December 2003 when Deb Wills and I had a conversation about this concept called Mousefest. It was the vision of Deb, and Jen and Dave Marx to bring the Disney communities together, to promote the intermingling of the various pockets of Disney fandom, to help gather us as one big family.
Several years later, their dream has been realized.
During Mousefest 2005 there were countless times when I would attend a meet that was sponsored by one community and found it well-visited by folks from other communities.
I know that our own Dole Whip meet brought out close to over 50 people and spanned at least five communities. It was so gratifying to see this happening before my eyes.
Deb attended that meet and her affection for everyone and the excitement in her voice reflected the emotions she felt as she also witnessed the mingling of the many Disney Internet communities.
The Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party meet was something to behold. Not only were there many communities in attendance but in evidence too was the bonding that had been taking place over the last several years. It was a moving experience.
I had never seen Deb as excited as she was that evening. She was having fun with everyone and made sure everyone was happy
Deb “Stitch” Wills attacks Mike at the Mousefest 2005 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Meet. Photo by Lisa K. Berton.
Deb greeted everyone with the same warm greeting, hug, and big smile that has become her signature at Mousefest.
Deb welcomes Amy Stoll to the Mousefest 2005 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Meet. Photo by Lisa K. Berton.
This year’s Mousefest had finally achieved the dream of Deb Wills, to see everyone be brought together as one community of friends.
This dream was spawned from the heart of Deb Wills
This bonding that I speak of was not an accidental happening. It very much is a huge harvesting of hard work by one individual and the influence she has on all of us.
At the MegaMouse Meet I had the opportunity to interview Deb on a live Internet podcast for Mouseworld Radio, and she was so elegant in describing how gratifying it was to see the Disney Internet community not only gather in the numbers seen for this year, but also how heartwarming it was for her to see the mingling of the communities and the “crossovers” that were taking place.
Mike interviews Deb Wills at the Mousefest 2005 MegaMouse Meet. Photo by Lisa K. Berton.
I know that Deb Wills is thought highly by everyone, but I myself have found a new level of respect and admiration for this lady.
It has been her personality, her love of life, and her passion for Disney that has been most responsible for what Mousefest 2005 has achieved. This is not to ignore the contributions of both Jennifer and Dave Marx. Their efforts notwithstanding have also been a key to the success of this annual event.
For Mousefest 2005 however, I cannot help that all the love, the fun, the good times, and the bonding of the Disney Internet community was a result of Deb Wills’ unique charm and her love for life and for people. For those who think they know her you don’t. She is all about helping people get the most out of their lives and all about doing whatever she can to help people celebrate the magic of Disney.
I was fortunate to spend considerable time in this lady’s presence during this year’s Mousefest and saw her in action making everyone welcomed, comfortable, and loved. We should all learn from Deb and her approach to life.
This woman always has a smile on her face, always has a pleasant word for everyone, and never seems to have a cloud over her head. She is truly a gift from above and this year’s Mousefest has certainly made me aware as to how much her personality is reflected during Mousefest’s week.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Deb for making this Mousefest so special. I was overwhelmed by the warmth and friendship that I felt from all who I was fortunate to spend time with and it all started with Deb.
Sometimes we do not realize the gifts we find in life. Sometimes we don’t appreciate what these gifts bring to our own lives.
Deb Wills is a gift to all of us.
She is a treasure that we are very fortunate to have in our lifetime.
Not only is she a gift and a treasure… but Deb Wills was the heart (and soul) of Mousefest 2005.
Mike and the heart of Mousefest 2005, Deb Wills. Photo by Lisa K. Berton.
