Definitely On To Something

Posted by Gabe on July 1, 2010 under Kids Are Heroes Day, Kids are Heroes | 3 Comments to Read

I bet I am not alone in still feeling uplifted by what happened last weekend at Kids Are Heroes Day.  I am seeing pictures posted, comments being made that would indicate that the other parents are still thinking about it too.  My excitement is driven not only by the fact that it was an amazing day, but I also can see how we can use that energy for future events as well.  Kids Are Heroes is all about getting other kids involved.  We have had our share of successes in the past with this concept, but I bet we will impact many more kids much faster if we are able to put on similar events in a larger venue.

Case in point: One of MaryMargaret’s best friends is named Emma.  Emma has joined us on several occasions to help out with whatever we were working on at the time.  Even though she knew what KAH was all about, that was as far as she went with it and that’s totally OK.  We always say we never sell what we do to kids or parents — we just want them to know we are here in case they become inspired by what other kids are doing.

So Emma was there again to help MaryMargaret at her table.  They “scored” the indoor “football” game.  It was a very long day so Emma slept over that night.  The next morning at breakfast I casually asked MaryMargaret if she had thought about her next project. “I’m going to help with the oil spill” were the words that immediately came out of her mouth.  We had been talking about this for a while but weren’t sure if she was passionate enough about it. No sooner had she said that when Emma chimed in, “I want to help!!”  So they talked about it for a while and dubbed their new project “Black to Blue”.  Since then MaryMargaret has been off making an inspirational movie about the subject.  What’s so cool about it is that she has not asked for nor wanted my help.  She used Windows Movie Maker (which I have never even tried) to do it.  The movie brought my wife to tears, so I know it’s going to be a hit.  Her goal is $5000 to help with the cleanup efforts.  So what about Emma?  We hadn’t spoken to her in a few days and were wondering if she was still committed.  Just so happens I saw her mom last night and she told me “Absolutely!”  She has been drawing pictures of pelicans in distress for the fund raisers, and to put on “Black to Blue” T-Shirts to sell.  So it looks like we will be featuring a new hero pretty soon.

So was this newfound motivation a coincidence for Emma?  What about MaryMargaret?  We are no different than other parents.  We have no magic dust that keeps our child motivated to do such things.  This activity can be hard on kids and parents alike.  It’s a constant battle to raise awareness and donations.  We might be out at a fund raiser in the heat for four hours and come back with few donations.  Many of the parents said this weekend really recharged all of their batteries because it was so inspiring.  I am no different in feeling that sentiment. So what did it?  I believe there were two major factors. First, Levar and Devin put on a wonderful show.  Many people told me they were surprised at how giving they were when it came to personal attention, signing autographs, etc.  NFL players have a reputation of being prima donnas, but definitely not these two.  And Levar’s charisma and natural ability to relate to kids really drew them towards him.  Kids wanted to be in that special group of kids who were deemed “heroes”.  Levar spoke of many of the heroes in his speech.  Kids want to be part of that.  But that wasn’t the only motivating factor.  Later on that day we had a reception for the “hero” families at the hotel pool area.  The kids couldn’t jump in the pool fast enough. They were together for four hours, playing, laughing and cajoling as if they were all best friends.  Emma was there too.  I think she really wanted to be a part of this “club” cause these kids (and what they are doing) are really cool.  And I also know she wasn’t the only one who was motivated that day.

Since Saturday I have added two goals to my list.  The first is to repeat Saturday’s events on a much grander stage.  (Hint hint, Hershey Park!)  What happened Saturday is deserving of national attention.  Second I want to develop a platform where the heroes can collaborate with each other as they grow up.  Many companies offer grants, scholarships and large donations to kids who are doing great things.  Often times it’s about how many votes they can get.  That means it comes right down to how connected they are.  This promotes an atmosphere of competition and resentment.  I want to do just the opposite.  These are the leaders of tomorrow and how much more will they be able to accomplish if they work together and support each other?

So if you have any ideas on how I can get there with both of these goals, I’m all ears.

This video is of the pictures from Kids Are Heroes Day.  The wonderful photos were taken by Tracy Timmester. (Thanks Tracy!!!)