Remembering September 11th through a Day of Caring

September 11th.  It's a date we won't forget and, often, don't like to think about.  The memories aren't just bad, they're almost unimaginable.  Almost...but not completely...since we've become all too familiar with the mark that terror leaves on the human experience.

For many in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, however, the date has become synonymous with something good, something happy, something really worthwhile.  I'm talking about the Trident United Way's annual Day of Caring, which brings out more than 6,000 volunteers, participating in 300+ projects in the tri-county area. 

Blackbaud has a long tradition of participating in this worthwhile event, sending teams of employees out on company time to share their time and talents to help those in need.  This year, more than 150 members of Team Blackbaud will take on 13 different projects for a variety of nonprofit organizations and public schools.  While one group will be building a run-in shed and jumps for Rein & Shine, an equine-assisted therapy program in Awendaw, another will be way across town finishing the interior of a house for Rural Mission.  In between, teams will be working to clean up parks and beautify some of our local elementary schools.

I'll be spending the day on John's Island, helping to reorganize Sea Island Habitat for Humanity's ReStore, which resells donated furnishings and construction materials as a way to raise money to fund its programs.  Have you ever thought about where all that stuff goes when a house is renovated or demolished?  The completely usable doors, windows, cabinets, light fixtures and tile?  I was introduced to the ReStore by Classic Remodeling and Construction, which worked with my family on a renovation.  They not only suggested that we donate materials to the ReStore, they took the materials out there for us. 

I'm really proud to be spending the day helping Sea Island Habitat for Humanity (the 3rd oldest Habitat affiliate in the world!), and I know it'll be fun, too.  Sally Ehrenfried, our awesome community relations manager who coordinates this effort from the Blackbaud end, promises it will be.  She recalled today how, at the end of a long day at the Lowcountry Food Bank last year, a colleague turned to her, covered in mud and sweat, and said with a grin on his face, "This was great.  When can we do it again?"

That's what it's all about.  Giving back and helping people see the value of staying involved.  Thanks to the folks at Trident United Way for making this day happen, to Sally for her work, to our colleagues who are serving, and to the other 5,850 people from the community who are lending a hand to make 9/11 a day to remember - in a positive way.