If you have always wanted to help rebuild New Orleans, or just start the New Year out by giving back, I2M is providing the opportunity!
In innovative fashion, one of the signature events of the annual Innovate to Motivate conference is an opportunity to help rebuild New Orleans through an optional volunteer service afternoon with the Beacon of Hope project. This event is being sponsored by our friends and Platinum Sponsors at Executive Communications: http://www.executive-com.com/.
Thanks to Liz, Lisa, Amy and the gang at Executive Communications!
And, this year, by popular demand, we will have a post-volunteer afternoon adult beverage hour sponsored by our friends at The Soft Edge: http://thesoftedge.com/.
Thanks to J.C. Chamberlain and our friends at the Soft Edge!
While we pride ourselves on top-notch curriculum and faculty, I have to admit that the Beacon of Hope project was a conference highlight:
“Having spent my high school years in Baton Rouge, I have a fond place in my heart for south Louisiana. After Hurricane Katrina hit I really wished that I could have helped with the immediate rebuilding effort, but with a young family and a full time job, it wasn’t possible. During the 2009 I2M conference I had the opportunity as a volunteer for Beacon of Hope to help gut a ruined home for a young couple moving back to New Orleans. That afternoon gave me a rewarding sense of participation in the rebuilding effort that I will always remember.”
Mike Amery
Legislative Counsel
American Academy of Neurology Professional Association
Over a third of the conference attendees gave their only free afternoon to spend time with the Beacon of Hope, rehabbing a house in the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans, where only 30% of the residents have been able to return to more than three years after Hurricane Katrina.
And, our people ran in. Literally. Our volunteer coordinator, John, told me, “Well, I hated for your people to be tearing that drywall out without masks for a few minutes, but sometimes we get people who just stand around and wait for someone to tell them what to do. Heck, your people just ran in and went after it! I’d rather see that any day.”
You can see the accomplished gang here:
http://www.innovatetomotivate.com/2009_annual_conference
Be a part of something bigger than yourself. Give back with I2M!
