|
Founders’ Corner
It was early September of 1999 when I was in a planning meeting at FIRSTLINK. The subject of Make a Difference Day came up, the largest national day of service. A crazy idea sparked in my head, and I asked if this could be my project. Be careful what you ask for…you might get it. In this case I did. I took it as a vote of confidence and ran with it. I had only six weeks to do something that would not only represent FIRSTLINK as Central Ohio’s Volunteer Center, but the overall theme of this day of service. Folks need to do something on this day that truly makes them feel they are making a difference. And I thought, “Why not a picnic for the homeless?”
It became apparent to me that, not only would this small event demonstrate the importance of good neighborliness to an often forgotten segment of our community, it would also demonstrate the kinds of activities that mobilize groups of community-minded volunteers AND help dispel myths about homelessness.
But would a picnic in late October really work? Who would become excited about volunteering for such a thing when weather conditions at that time of year are so unpredictable? Everyone I spoke to about serving on the planning committee agreed to help – and with only six weeks to pull it off.
My first call in the committee-formation process went to a friend, former associate and retired marketing expert. After he surprised me by saying ‘yes’ to the position of chairperson, a very strong working committee was formed. They represented various aspects of our community and included a person with a profound understanding of the homeless “system.” Support mounted. That first year, over one hundred volunteers assembled at Columbus’ oldest city park. On that cold, damp Saturday morning, they set up tents, fired up the charcoal and, throughout the afternoon, clothed and entertained 110 homeless men, women and children of our community.
This was no small task considering the lack of a budget for food, clothing, entertainment and transportation necessary in making this event a success.
At the 2000 picnic, a young singer/songwriter from a local high school performed the Good Neighbors Theme Song that she had written as a contribution to our event. She also performed it for Ohio’s First Lady, Hope Taft at the 2001 Make a Difference Day Ohio awards ceremony.
The rest is history. Every year the numbers of volunteers and homeless served have grown. What an inspiration this has been, watching the enthusiasm generated by new and veteran volunteers who make this expression of being “Good Neighbors” better each year. I sit in awe during the volunteer-led and -driven “partnership” planning meetings at the level of expertise and diversity of those diligently working toward this simple mission.
Once, a volunteer approached me as the event was wrapping up for another year and said, “I now have had the opportunity to see the joy on the faces of adults and children first-hand, to see them have fun together while bridging cultural and economic gaps, watching them build understanding and respect in bridging those gaps…I GET IT!”
My hope and vision is that groups and individuals will realize the condition of homelessness in their own communities, realize they can make a difference, and maybe have their own Good Neighbors picnic.
William S. McCulley
Founder
View our Photo and Video Gallery
|
|
|