This Time It's About Community Service

Its been eight years since I've blogged. Last time, it was about my profession, really for business purposes and marketing.  The blog was in this "hip" Hamptons magazine, and my blog was dry and boring because that's what the topic was-dry and boring.

Please don't get me wrong, I "like" my career and I serve my clients very well.  But, I spend most of my days writing reports and papers about the environment, and I don't believe in sensationalizing topics or using fear to increase readership.  That's not my style. The result was this blog full of general statements, with some examples, which were difficult for most readers to relate to and for me to become passionate about.

Needless to say, lots has changed in the past eight years...kids, life, perspective. So, if you want to talk environment, call me at work because this blog is about community service, service organizations, and being a member of this global community.  Now, that's a topic we could all get invested in.  Right?

Who I am to post a blog on this topic? What gives me the qualifications? Well, I've been in Kiwanis for 10 years, and I'm extremely involved at the local, regional and state levels by serving as President of my local club (which is Greater Westhampton), being elected Lt. Governor of our 10 eastern Suffolk clubs for two years, and being appointed to our state-level foundation board.

To be honest though, I am a bit embarrassed about my motivation and timing to "finally" write this blog.  The offer has been on the table for a little while now, and I have been swamped with home, work and Kiwanis.  I really have been.  But, I've magically found the time to write on this Monday night.

The reason is that we have our Casino Nite this Friday night, April 5th at Villa Tuscano, and it is an important fundraiser for us.  I'd like you to attend.  Please find the details on Patch's calendar.

But, I'm not asking for you to attend for me.  Right? I don't get anything out of this.  Do I?  Its for the children and families of our communities (which are from East Moriches to East Qugoue, by the way).

We serve these communities by providing pediatric trauma kits to all of the hamlets; sending children to camp; working Maureen's Haven; donating dictionaries to all of our elementary schools; and many other great contributions to individual families in need. Some of the stories would break your heart.

I need to confess, however. I do get something out of it. I do get something out of serving my community, and its priceless.  Seriously.  I get the joy and honor of being involved in an outstanding organization that make my community and my world a better place.  That's a really great feeling.

I am not simply talking about my Kiwanis club or Kiwanis International.  I am talking about any service organization that you could join and make a difference in someone's life, whether its Rotary, Knight of Columbus, Lions, Cub Scouts, Girls Scouts, or Kiwanis-there are plenty to choose from.  It will change your life.

We are all looking for good members and people to support us.  Your participation allows all of us to help our communities, and it is extremely rewarding.  Try visiting a club in the next month.

Thanks for reading, and I will try to get blogs posted on a weekly basis-not only when we have important fundraisers:) Have a great week.-Greg