People - they're what make a community great
I'm lucky. Really lucky, in fact.
Every day I wake up knowing that, when I step outside, I will take my place in a vibrant community. A community that has its fare share of issues, for sure (and, right now, pollin). But one where people want to make change. Work together. Do something better, whether it be on a small scale or a large one.
We have something special here in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. An ecosystem that incorporates some of the most beautiful nature I've ever seen...along with people (from all over - including Yankees like me - who have figured out how cool a place this is to live), a passion for historic preservation, a love of food and culture, and so much more.
Going back to those issues I mentioned...well, yea, we have them, but we have another asset that will make all the difference as we fight to change the circumstances of those in need. We have people. And it's these people that make the community what it is.
Some of those people are my neighbors, like Mitchell Crosby of JMC Charleston, who is ALWAYS there when I call and ask for help. Yesterday, I was asking a favor for a friend who was having a tough time. And Mitchell was, of course, there. He is a true pro in every sense.
Some of those people are members of the community, like Jim Fisher, the vice president for development for the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation. This June, we'll be celebrating Jim and his accomplishments as he receives the first-ever Fundraiser of the Year award given by the South Carolina Lowcountry chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. But the award isn't the point. It's what he did...how he helped to secure funding for MUSC's critical programs that matters. I have personal experience with the children's hospital, and all I can say is that, when you need it, it's a true gift that we have such an incredible place right here.
And, yes, some of those people are my colleagues at Blackbaud. Like Kevin Kreamer who created a music program at the MUSC Children's Hospital and who volunteers his time to bring hope, through music, to the kids. Or Jackie Huffman, who volunteers with the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital. They're releasing seven sea turtles back into the wild on Saturday. If you haven't seen this before, GO (or watch the video in the April 18th hospital blog entry of Mama Pritchard, the 368-pound sea turtle, returning to the ocean). Or Sally Ehrenfried, my partner in crime, who was just named to the incoming board of directors of the South Carolina Association of Nonprofit Organizations. I am so thrilled for her, and she is so grateful for the opportunity to serve.
At Blackbaud, we believe that "our people make us great." It's a core value. Today, I'm sharing that value with rest of this vibrant community. Our people DO make this a great place to live...a place that cares about being even better for tomorrow.
What are you doing to make your community better?