I have to tell you that I am proud to live in Phoenix. I’ve lived in some pretty big places: Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. But in Phoenix you can be anything you want to be … and be successful. This has been the most welcoming and warm city I have ever lived in. Earlier in the year I decided to be more active (helps when growing a business) but I decided it was not about that. It was about making friends. Through my involvement with the Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the Human Rights Campaign and Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic I have encountered some of the most brilliant, loving and accepting people ever.
Case in point. In one month, the Phoenix Gay Chamber collected more than 2,000 toys and art supplies, estimated at around $25,000, for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Child Life Center.
Too often the media is allowed to define a group. The gay community has been defined this year by Props 102 and 8 as well as call in gay day yesterday. But in reality that community is a thriving contributing part of Arizona’s Economy (and the US). More than just a buying power statistic of $600 billion, these people have faces and they care about their community.
Chamber businesses have a significant impact on local revenues generated and re-distributed into the local economy. And those one-of-a-kind businesses help articulate a city’s brand image more than any mall or string of retail chains ever will.
The point is, despite social pressures and downright hating out there, you can’t dampen the spirits of truly generous people. Holiday Season or not.
Ok, enough of my soapbox, but you get the picture right? If not, than below are pictures taken from the Holiday Mixer at g:studio where all the toys were delivered last night and at the Hospital where we delivered the toys today. To see more pictures, visit my facebook page.
Personally, I like knowing that a child who is going through hell may have their day brightened or be distracted from their pain, if only for a little while.
It doesn’t matter if the child knows where the toy came from or who found time in their lives to seek it out and give. There’s great power in sharing and that act moves forward and ultimately changes lives.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.
One of two giant piles with hundreds more toys on the way
Joseph Gesullo, Paul Holtzman, Carolyn Lane and Me
Growing Number of Toys and its snowing
Santa Arrives
Toy's being received by Phoenix Children's Hospital Staff
The PR guy has to take his own picture!
