Gratitude

For more than 20 years I’ve been a part of the social profit sector as a staff person, volunteer, and as a coach and trainer. I’ve worked alongside thousands of organizations that strive to serve their community. I’ve been humbled by client stories and admired the kindness, skills, and selfless way so many people in our sector go about their work.

This past weekend, my partner Mark and I were personally touched by this drive to help others. Suddenly, we found ourselves as the recipients of these services, experiencing the social profit sector on a whole new level. Today’s message is purely one of gratitude.

Thank you to each of you who advocate for others; feed, house & clothe others; save or clean the environment; teach; care for the sick, frail or elderly; counsel; plant; read; provide emergency support; and in some way make your community a better place.

And a very special thank you to the fire and police departments across our country who do their jobs to handle emergencies like the fire that struck Mark’s house and garage this week.
It was with shock and awe that we watched the precision of the fire men and women from five cities put the fire out and keep our neighborhood safe. The temperatures were in the 90s as they rotated in to fight the fire in shifts for 10 – 15 minutes each. Fire Chief Specken managed the organized, efficient process as they all did their jobs. Not for a thank you, but because that’s what they do.

Hours later, the looks on their sweaty hot faces as they left were of fatigue and a bit of pride that they’d saved much of the house and there was no loss of life.

We were unable to put our gratitude into words. A few tears maybe, but words weren’t enough.

So, for just a moment I thank you all in our very special social profit sector. Thank you for the work being done behind the scenes, in front of the scenes, everywhere.

Those you serve may not always remember or have the words to thank you, but today, on their behalf, Mark and I thank you.