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DoGooders

Dave Upton

dave_upton

This week, we would like to honor Dave Upton: a dedicated Vestavia Hills, Alabama resident whose efforts are producing smiles by the dozens. His re-establishment of the Birmingham AMBUCS chapter paved the way for a unique initiative in our area. The motto of his organization is “Creating Mobility and Independence for People with Disabilities.” They do this by providing custom made therapeutic tricycles and wheelchair ramps to those whose accessibility is physically limited.

In addition to these services, AMBUCS provides scholarships to physical therapists that assist their consumers, and they support a host of programs that help them become more independent. All in all, this is a wonderful organization that gives hope to many. Without the ingenuity and devotion of Dave Upton, this service may have never existed in the city of Birmingham. Here at DoGoodedness, we want to recognize his efforts and ask that you consider donating or volunteering your time to AMBUCS.

Dave, we thank you for your great work!

Matt

Each week, we will be highlighting the efforts of DoGooders and their assorted DoGooderies.

If you have someone you would like to nominate, please send an email to matt@DoGoodedness.com!

Ken Britt

If there is a volunteer award named in your honor, then you might just be a DoGooder! Such is the case for Ken Britt. Aside from being my Godfather and a personal role model, he has amassed a list of accomplishments and involvements that speaks volumes of his dedication and caring heart.

Due to his extensive involvement in AID Atlanta, the organization established the Kenneth F. Britt Honors Service Award in 2000, which is annually awarded to the most dedicated volunteer. In 2001, Mr. Britt received the Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year award from the Atlanta Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and in 1999 The Human Rights Campaign’s Atlanta Steering Committee presented him with the Dan Bradley Humanitarian Award. He has also served on numerous non-profit boards, including the Midtown Alliance, Atlanta Opera, and the City of Atlanta’s Human Relations Commission.

Since his recent retirement from Alston & Bird LLP, he remains incredibly active on the non-profit scene, with leadership positions both nationally as Co-Chair of the National Board of the Human Rights Campaign and locally as a member of the CHRIS Kids (www.CHRISkids.org) Capital Campaign Committee.

Thanks for all the Good that you do!

Matt

Each week, we will be highlighting the efforts of DoGooders and their assorted DoGooderies.

If you have someone you would like to nominate, please send an email to matt@DoGoodedness.com!

Week of November 23rd

Valerie McLean

Valerie is the owner of the Trak Shak running shops, Director of the Mercedes Marathon, President of Birmingham Marathon, Inc. and proud mother of Breck. Over the last fifteen years, Val has orchestrated a host of events that have raised millions of dollars for local and national charities. Her influence, however, spans far beyond just raising dollars

A few years ago, in the suburb of Homewood (where the Trak Shak is located), I overheard a city counsel member as he credited Val with revitalizing the downtown area. Her store, with its Wednesday night and Saturday morning social runs, helped bring people back to an area that some saw as fledgling.

Her involvement in Birmingham’s running community is unparalleled. Nearly every weekend, a road race is benefiting from her help. In addition to bringing thousands of visitors a year to the Magic City with the Mercedes Marathon, Valerie also pioneered efforts to bring the 2004 Men’s Olympic Marathon Trials to town. The city of Birmingham would not be the same without her.

Thanks Val, for all that you do!

Each week, we will be highlighting the efforts of DoGooders and their assorted DoGooderies.

If you have someone you would like to nominate, please send an email to matt@DoGoodedness.com!

Week of November 16th

Bryce Ivey

What Did You Do When You Were in Third Grade?

Allow me to introduce Bryce Ivey, an industrious third grader from Helena, AL. Bryce is in year two of his blanket drive for the Wrapped in Warmth Campaign. Last year, he collected 75 blankets for terminally ill in-home patients. This year he hopes to raise that number to 100! Please read his letter below and consider helping him out!

Get in the giving spirit- I am collecting donations for new blankets/throws to New Beacon Hospice in Alabaster, AL. They provide in-home services to people who are terminally ill. The patients live in our local communities including Helena. Many of the patients live in older homes and are hurting financially. There are many needs that the patients have but among those are the need for warm blankets/throws. With the cold winter coming, I am collecting between now and Christmas- break, new blankets and throws to donate. You can drop off blankets at Helena Intermediate or Church at Cahaba Bend. My mom will help me take the blankets to New Beacon Hospice December 11, 2009. It doesn’t cost much; we found throw blankets at Walgreens and Dollar General for just $4.99. Last year I collected over 75 blankets. Please help wrap those in need in warmth this holiday season!