Remembrance, Opportunity & Baseball

Thousands and thousands of people lost loved ones on September 11th, 2001.  Mike and Pat Williams are two of them. Their son Kevin, only 24 when he went to work on the 104th floor that day, was among many things an avid and accomplished baseball player. It has been on this foundation that Mike and Pat Williams turned their own heartache into blessings for hundreds of other people's kids.

The following is a statement Mike and Pat offer on the Kevin Williams Memorial Foundation website:

“We know how positively sports have affected our children and wish the same experience for others regardless of financial situations. We would like to hope that through Kevin’s foundation many children will be given opportunities and experiences they might never have had. We cannot think of a better way for everyone to experience Kevin’s spirit and carry out his legacy. The unimaginable tragedy of 9/11 is so senseless - this is our way of trying to make it a better world, one child at a time.”

To date, over 500 kids have attended baseball camp thanks to Mike and Pat Williams. Recently one of them earned a full college scholarship.

Kevin's legacy and spirit do indeed live on.

In the Business of Betterment

Shantanu Prakash saw the value of breathing life into lessons.
First it was bringing computers to the classroom and IT skills to the students. Then with multimedia learning materials he brought math and science to life. Soon his company was going from simply educational to fundamentally transformative.
Take a glimpse at how Mr. Prakash is changing education for the better - through business.

A Reason to Run

Anton Frazile has been gearing up for his first marathon. He also wants to ride a motorcycle, and can't wait to drive a car. Not unusual for a 15-year-old.
He's going at it all as if he doesn't even know he has cerebral palsy.
Tony Espaillat ran his first marathon a few years ago and swore he'd never do it again. But the kids at the camp where he is a counselor have helped change that. Most recently, Anton gave Tony reason to overcome an appendectomy and a knee injury to run yet again.
These guys make a great team.

** Thanks to Kathy Aji for shining today's spotlight on Anton and Tony.

Giving...and giving...and giving.

In December 2009 Reed Sandridge decided to start giving $10 to someone every day, for a full year. This after losing his job. 'The concept is simple,' he says. 'Do something kind for someone.'
Yes, very simple. Not  necessarily easy.
After a year of handing out Hamiltons, getting to know the hundreds of people he came in contact with and amassing a treasure trove of experiences, Reed continued his altruistic ways as a 'Kindness Investor' and a weekly volunteer, elements of a lifestyle he shares with us on his Year of Giving blog.

**Thank you Tina Allen Kolessar for introducing Reed to us here.

Making Peace

Cesar Cruz is making friends, though not in the usual sense.
Through his work at Oakland's East Bay YMCA, Mr. Cruz is bringing together young men who might otherwise end up killing each other.
Gang members themselves call him a hero - and all he needs is a kitchen, some food and a little bit of history.
That and some guts, perhaps.

Breaking Down Barriers in the Desert

In 2007 Ryan Bennett ran his first marathon.
Recently he ran six of them. In five days. In the Sahara Desert.
He says it's all about "breaking down invisible barriers for yourself" - a sentiment we've all heard in one form or another, so often perhaps that it loses its meaning. That is, until we assume an endeavor, accept a challenge, that reminds us how tough we can be, no matter how harsh the environment.
But don't take it from me; my endeavors pale in comparison to what Ryan has done.

The Light of Easter

On Easter weekend, there is only one spotlight.

One spotlight that shines all over the world.
On Easter Sunday 2003, Natalie Elders and her family were extraordinarily blessed.
As are all who open themselves to His light.
Happy Easter.