One of the things I miss most from my days in radio are the opportunities I was given to contribute to the community. I've found that it is a little more difficult to find ways to help when you aren't as is the public eye as often as I once was. However! A long time friend, former co-worker and practically next door neighbor of mine, Kambria Hunter - is a dynamo event coordinator for the Albany Boys and Girls Club.
Their Mission Statement: “To provide a fun, safe, supervised
environment for recreational and educational
activities where all boys and girls, especially
those who need us the most, can develop
self-esteem and the qualities needed to become
caring, responsible citizens."
Every few months I go down to the club and take pictures of the kids doing what they do best - being kids! They have so many opportunities there that I never had at their age, a computer lab, full gym and they can even build computers! How cool is that? They used the pictures I took for various brochures and displays all over the club - my favorite however are the HUGE banners hanging in the front entryway:
Every year, right before Thanksgiving - the club hosts a Thanksgiving Feast. Volunteers from the community donate their time and food to provide kids, who might not otherwise get one, a hot meal shared with friends, new and old. It really touches my heart to see such amazing people give of themselves in such a real and meaningful way.
Tonight is the 7th annual Celebration of Trees 30 businesses from all over the valley donate their time to decorate themed Christmas trees to be auctioned off with the proceeds going to the club. It starts at 6:30 - there will be wine and hors d'oeuvres with other great things to bid on including a silent auction for wreathes, centerpieces, gift baskets and poinsettias. If you can't make it tonight there will be a public viewing of all of these beutiful trees tomorrow and Saturday - click --->>> HERE <<<--- for all the details! I will post pictures tomorrow!