Your Next Keynote Speaker, Karen Mertes

Inspire your audience by having the #1 Amazon Best Selling author, Karen Mertes, as your next keynote speaker.

Karen Mertes, a member of the Women Veterans Speakers Bureau,  The Professional Woman International Speakers Bureau and the National Speakers Association with the Central Florida chapter, also raises funds for Fulfill Your Destiny by delivering motivational speeches and serving as a consultant to corporations and other non-profit organizations.
All honorariums for Karen’s speaking and consulting engagements are paid directly to the tax-deductible non-profit corporation, Fulfill Your Destiny. We believe many corporations have supporting their local community as one of their objectives. We also believe many of these businesses have dollars in their budgets for bringing in speakers during employee appreciation days, employee training and corporate retreats. With the tax-deductible honorariums going directly to Fulfill Your Destiny, Karen can save businesses money and fill multiple needs – leadership, education, moral, team building and philanthropy. Karen is also happy to provide additional info on her background and references/testimonials on her past speaking engagements as requested.

Send your request here: contact

Watch Karen Mertes’s Interview on the Morning Blend!

Karen Mertes, the founder of Fulfill Your Destiny, appeared on the Morning Blend alongside Kristina Wehlau of Euphoric Arrangements, who is one of the recipients of Fulfill Your Destiny’s $1000 Business Builder Grant.

Watch the interview here to see Karen share Fulfill Your Destiny’s newest opportunity for entrepreneurs desiring a business boost.

Karen is also the author of the #1 Amazon Best Seller Plaintiff 101, which is a book that helps other personal injury survivors who are contemplating litigation. Find the book on Amazon here.

Tune in to the Morning Blend at 10 a.m. to See Karen Mertes!

Karen Mertes, the founder of Fulfill Your Destiny, will be on the Morning Blend on Tuesday, April 30th. Karen will appear alongside Kristina Wehlau of Euphoric Arrangements, who is one of the recipients of Fulfill Your Destiny’s $1000 Business Builder Grant.

Tune in at 10 a.m. to hear Karen share Fulfill Your Destiny’s newest opportunity for entrepreneurs desiring a business boost.

Karen is also the author of the #1 Amazon Best Seller Plaintiff 101, which is a book that helps other personal injury survivors who are contemplating litigation. Find the book on Amazon here.

Karen’s Story

February 7, 2007 was the day that forever changed her life’s path.

Karen Mertes, a lieutenant colonel in our United States Air Force, was driving the speed limit on the interstate when she was struck by a drunk driver traveling over 100 mph. He had a blood alcohol level of nearly three times the legal limit. Both vehicles were totaled. Her axle snapped in half, with brakes and steering inoperative. Karen made a futile attempt to regain control of her vehicle as her car slid sideways down the interstate, with cars in the remaining lanes traveling by her at highway speeds. During these split seconds, as her life hung in the balance, Karen made a bargain with God. She promised God that if she were blessed to live, she would spend the rest of her life helping others. This was the genesis for what has become Fulfill Your Destiny, Inc.

Although I did not realize it at the time, the events of February 7, 2007 created the genesis of my future non-profit corporation which would be known as Fulfill Your Destiny. On that date, my vehicle was struck at high speed by a drunk driver, totaling both automobiles. While I had a concussion, I was thankful I had survived without what I deemed to be a “serious” bodily injury. At the time of the collision, I was a lieutenant colonel in our United States Air Force, with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and two master’s degrees in business administration and cost estimating & analysis. With top secret clearances, my work required every bit of the advanced education and 18 years experience I had accumulated. Following rehabilitation, I was released to return to work. It became apparent to me I could no longer perform the complex memory-driven cognitive tasks I could before the collision. I was diagnosed as suffering from a permanent traumatic brain injury (TBI), which affected certain parts of my brain.

Unfortunately, the parts affected were the same parts I had built my advanced education and career around. At that time, I knew I would have to start over and build a future around my strengths which remained. Through therapy and interface with a number of organizations in Tampa Bay, I learned that this “hidden injury” had stolen the careers and lives of significant numbers of people, many of whom were military who suffered TBI’s in our conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. At that time, I vowed to help people suffering traumatic brain injuries as well as other traumas, whose careers and educational paths have been cut short. My 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation is Fulfill Your Destiny.
Karen R. Mertes, Lt Col (Ret), USAF
Founder & President, Fulfill Your Destiny, Inc.

You can find Karen’s book, Plaintiff 101, by clicking here.

Lightning Player Mathieu Joseph Has Chosen to Raise Money for Fulfill Your Destiny in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Fulfill Your Destiny is incredibly honored and very grateful to share that NHL Tampa Bay Lightning #7 Mathieu Joseph has selected Fulfill Your Destiny as the non-profit that he’s raising money for as part of the new #BeardTheThunder initiative for the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs.  #BeardTheThunder enables fans to participate alongside players in one of hockey’s most iconic and visible traditions—the playoff beard!

Our Tampa Bay Lighting share that #BeardTheThunder is a fun way to raise money for designated non-profits throughout Tampa Bay which Lighting players have chosen to support throughout the regular and post-season.  The goal of #BeardTheThunder is not only the financial support, but also to raise awareness for the great work that these non-profits do every day.

We invite fans to text TBLBeards to 52182 or click on the link to support their player and/or cause.  Progress on players’ beard growth will be updated periodically.  Please note that all donations will be evenly distributed among the 17 charities selected by the players.  Please share the good!  Use the hashtag #BeardTheThunder on social media!

Fulfill Your Destiny is honored to be among these 17 non-profits the players have chosen (listed alphabetically):

– Armed Forces Families Foundation
– Big Cat Rescue
– Build the Thunder
– CARD (Center For Autism & Related Disabilities at USF)
– Children’s Cancer Center
– Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
– First Tee of Tampa Bay
– Fulfill Your Destiny
– Hillsborough Education Foundation
– Humane Society of Tampa Bay
– Make-A-Wish of Southern Florida
– Metropolitan Ministries
– Ronald McDonald House of Charities of Tampa Bay
– Shriner’s Hospitals for Children
– Special Olympics
– The Ryan Callahan Foundation
– The Spring of Tampa Bay

To donate to Mathieu Joseph’s non-profit, click here.

Official Photos from Fulfill Your Destiny’s 2019 Spring Chari-Tea

Fulfill Your Destiny‘s 2019 Spring Chari-Tea was on March 30, 2019. Check out some of the official photos!

Fulfill Your Destiny’s 2019 Spring Chari-Tea Event is 1 Week Away!

Fulfill Your Destiny’s Spring Chari-Tea will be returning to the beautiful Empress Tea Room from 2:30 – 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 30, 2019.

There will be live auctions, silent auctions, surprise totes, raffles, and a few other nice surprises.

This year, there are 11 donations for the live auction:

1) SOLD!!!! Besito West Shore donated ‘A Taste of Mexico with 3 of your closet Maestros!’ “Your Besito experience includes our “Chefs” personal selection of appetizers, entrees, dessert and a few take home surprises.  From the Bar, enjoy a tequila flight tasting and a selection of our signature Margaritas.” This Bestio Mexican Dining Experience has a value of $350 and the minimum starting bid is $100.*

2)  Clutter No More!  Simplify and organize your life with the “Gift of Organization” to save time, reduce stress, enjoy peace of mind!  PerfecTiming Concierge has donated an organizing/decluttering session for one indoor room or closet.  Package is valued at $500 and the minimum starting bid is $150.*

3) SOLD!!!! Tampa Bay Lightning Brayden Point Autographed Hockey Stick.  Brayden Point ranks #2 in all of the NHL’s top goal scorers.  The minimum starting bid is $150.

4)  In Home Cooking Class and Dining Experience with Wine Pairing for up to 6 People with The Food Whisperer, Holistic Chef Adrienne Falcone Godsell.  Includes Wine, Hands On Instruction, Recipes, and Clean Up.  Valid through 6/30/19.  This package has a value of $475 and the minimum starting bid is $150.*

5)  One Zoom Deluxe Laser Teeth Whitening System paired with an Oral B Genius Professional Exclusive Rechargeable Toothbrush donated by The Family Dentist.  This  package has a value of $750 and the minimum starting bid is $250.*

6)  A Month of Jewelry!  A Different Piece of Jewelry for Every Day of the Month!  A jewelry case from HSN holds 31 different beautiful pieces of jewelry donated from many including diamond jewelry, a necklace from Morocco, and fabulous custom pieces.  The jewelry is valued at over $1,000 and the minimum starting bid is $250.*

7)  Have you ever wanted to record a custom track?  This prize might be for you!  Work with an award winning engineer in a custom built studio located in Clearwater, FL equipped with all the latest gear.  Doug Johnson has been producing music for over 25 years and has worked with some of the greatest singers, songwriters and musicians nationwide.   This package includes 18 hours of recording and engineering time, fine tuning your tracks and formatting them into digital content for your use.  This package has a value of $1200 and is good through 3/2020.  The minimum starting bid is $300.*

8) Exclusive Family Portrait plus Luxury 5 Diamond Hotel Stay in New York or Palm Beach.  Be photographed by World Renowned Bradford in either his New York or Palm Beach location.  Package includes a 20” wall portrait on canvas with lavish artistry plus a one night stay at either the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Westchester or the 5 Diamond, 5 Star Eau Resort in Palm Beach (formerly the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach).  Certificate valid through 9/30/2019.  This package has a value of $5,500 and the minimum starting bid is $300.*

9)  Time for Me – Karen’s Ultimate Pampering and Relaxation Collection includes 2 x 1-Hour Custom Massages from Willow Healing; 1 x Blow Dry & Brow from Belmora Salon & Spa;   1–Hour Reflexology from Sam Belyea, the Foot Whisperer; 3 x Packages of Shampoo, Blow Dry & Style, an additional VIP Hair and Makeup, Full Set of Eyelash Extensions, and 1x  Spray Tan from Eyes on You; Lancôme’s Parisian Case with 11 Full-Size Products; an Eye Mask and Cozy Slipper Socks.  This collection has a value of $1,200 and the minimum starting bid is $300.*

10) Enjoy Homosassa by Water hosted by Kathy & Gary Alford.  Up to 4 people, children are encouraged as they love it!  Your Homosassa Getaway includes:  1- Night Stay in Private Home right on Homosassa River, Home Prepared Dinner & Breakfast with Lunch on the Boat.  You can arrive on a Friday or Saturday afternoon (your choice) to Swim with the Manatees, Scallop, Fish, Kayak, Paddleboard and/or Float on the River.  You can customize your Getaway how you’d like.  This Live Auction experience has a value of $1500 and the minimum starting bid is $500.*

11) Club Med 4-night land only vacation for you & a guest at one of the following resorts:  Club Med Cancun Yucatan, Mexico; Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico; Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Florida; and Club Med Turkoise, Turks & Caicos.

What’s included:
• Full-board Gourmet Cuisine:  Your meals and refreshments are included in your package. Nothing to prepare, no shopping lists, no schedules, no budgeting, just the pleasure of fine food.  From breakfast to dinner, everything is included in your package – even snacks in between.
• Children Clubs for ages 4-17:  Kids clubs made just for you!  At Club Med kids will never get bored.  Both morning and night classes are offered, giving parents piece of mind.  From sailing, flying trapeze and tennis, there is endless sports and activities to keep kids entertained.
• Unlimited water & land sports
• Open bar & snacking:  Day or night, unlimited (but always in moderation) alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included in your package.  No need to worry about the check, while you sip fresh mango juice by the pool, or enjoy a mango cocktail on the beach.
• Free Unlimited Wi-Fi: Now at Club Med, connecting with your loved ones is easier than ever! Enjoy FREE internet access throughout your vacation from any device anywhere on the resort including any room category with FREE WIFI.
• Day & Night Entertainment

This Club Med vacation package is valued at $1,600 and the minimum starting bid is $800.*

* Please contact Karen in advance for “Buy It Now” donations and options on any of the live auction items.

For more information about the event, click here.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Arrive Alive, Don’t Drink and Drive.

The number of drunk-driving fatalities doubles on St. Patrick’s Day. Every year, without fail, roughly one-third of deaths in motor vehicle crashes are due to someone making the selfish and often deadly choice to drink and drive.

Have a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t drink and drive.

5 Common Types of Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury law allows an injured plaintiff to get compensation when someone else’s negligence caused the plaintiff harm. Here are 5 of the most common types of personal injury cases.

1. Car Accident

These result in the majority of personal injury cases in the US. When an accident happens, it’s usually because someone isn’t driving as carefully as they should be. A careless driver can usually be held financially responsible for injuries stemming from a car accident.

2. Medical Malpractice

These occur when a doctor or health care professional fails to provide competent or reasonably skilled care and the patient is injured as a result.

3. Slip and Fall

Property owners (and sometimes renters) have a legal responsibility to keep their property reasonably safe and free of hazards so that people on the premises won’t be injured.

4. Defamation

Defamation of character in the form of libel (written statements) or slander (spoken statements) refers to the fact that a person can suffer an injury to his or her reputation as a result of untrue statements.

5. Dog Bites

In most cases, the owners of the dog are financially responsible for bites or injuries caused by the dog, but the laws vary from state to state.

For more information like this, you can read the #1 Amazon Bestseller “Plaintiff 101” by clicking here.

 

You Can Get These Dream Packages at a Discount Before the Chari-Tea Event!

Fulfill Your Destiny’s annual Chari-Tea event is coming up on March 30, but the prizes are available now at a huge discount.

Prize #1: “Turn Back the Clock” with a “Non-surgical State of the Art Face Refresh”

Performed by Rashae Doyle, MPAS, PA-C, one of Tampa’s leading esthetics and injectable specialists, at Dr. Castellano’s Cosmetic Surgery Center in Tampa. Procedures may include injectables, threading, laser skin treatment, and skin care products depending upon client need and preference.

Value: $3,500
Buy-it-now price: $2,800

Prize #2: “Treat Yourself to the Gift of Renewed Energy and Health”

Enjoy a complete health screening, personal wellness, and customized nutrition plan with double board-certified Dr. Stacey Robinson MD, frequent guest of The Morning Blend and bestselling author of “Roadmap to Health.”

Value: $1,000
Buy-it-now price: $700

Prize #3: “Dream Head-to-Toe Beauty/Style Makeover”

Includes a closet edit/wardrobe-style makeover and personal shopping trip with wardrobe stylist Valerie Romas “One2styleU.” Also includes a day of beauty with a hair style makeover, color/cut with master-hair color and stylist, Allison Figueroa, and makeup session at L’Bella Style Lounge in Tampa.

Value: $1,100
Buy-it-now price: $799

To purchase your discounted prize package, contact the charity by emailing carolynanneastman@gmail.com or calling (813) 531-0502.