|
December 8, 2009
Becky Tweedy, Assistant to the President
 It was a very good day.
Many companies celebrate an anniversary with a party. We decided to celebrate by giving to others. We chose Habitat for Humanity’s “Women’s Build” – their effort to challenge women to actively address the problem of substandard housing and to be a part of the solution. Women-filled (but not limited-to) crews have already built more than 800 homes within the
U.S. As a certified Women Owned Business, this seemed like a perfect fit for MG.
After a week of mostly heavy rain, the morning of November 21st dawned crisp and clear. First to arrive at the build site were Lindsey (Corp Admin Assistant – who came up with this idea!) and her husband Brad to help set up the “MG stuff;” the Habitat construction foremen and volunteer coordinators; and Toya, the homeowner to-be. Then Marta (DM) came with the coffee, and Nancy (Asst DM) helped put the finishing touches on our MG table – tableskirt, tee-shirts, apples, balloons. It was totally MG.
And then “the MG family” began to arrive. Slowly at first, then in clusters of threes and fours. The shout-outs grew louder and the hugs more intense. We found out it was Toya’s birthday. “Hey! I’m so glad y’all could come!” “Don’t forget to sign the birthday card!” “Have you picked up your tee-shirt yet?” “I didn’t know y’all were going to be here!” It was turning into our very own Extreme Makeover, MG Style.
We were divided up and put to work doing things most of us have never done before. Siding and drywall (or sheetrock for those of you who aren’t sure what I’m talking about.) With over 50 MG volunteers working alongside the 5 Habitat leaders, the progress was amazing!
According to Habitat tradition, the morning begins with a blessing. That was the first family gathering. We gathered again for lunch (graciously provided by our Virginia Episcopal School family), and once more in the afternoon as we anxiously watched Toya climb the ladder to affix the last piece of siding at the apex of the roof. At that point we, of course, had to confer some MG awards:
The Early Bird Award – to the VES Team, for being the first group on site
The Pink Hammers:
Roberta Brannon & Hazel Mines – for traveling the farthest (from
Maryland!)
Greg Retz – for climbing the highest!
The Team Spirit Award – to
Sidwell
Friends
School for the largest group who traveled the farthest
The New Homeowner Award – to Toya, of course!
And the “Thanks, Lindsey, for suggesting this in the first place Award.”
We heard about a new disease that can be caught at these work-sites – “Habititis” – it won’t surprise me if a few of our crew come down with it. Symptoms include an uncontrollable urge to volunteer at Habitat work-sites on Saturday mornings.
I believe the back of the tee-shirt says it best: “Making soufflés and building houses – it’s just what we do - - -“
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form
