An Idea in the Works

   There's something about walk-a-thons I just don't get. If I donate money for every mile someone walks, what difference does it make to me or to the designated charity whether that person walks or not? As long as I've promised my money, he or she could go take a nap for all I care. Walking doesn't make my dollar go a bit farther. 
   Now I don't object to walk-a-thons. I just think more could be accomplished if the walking were combined with a little work. I sometimes ask walkers as I pull out my checkbook if they plan to carry a trash bag and pick up litter while they walk. They look at me like I'm nuts. And maybe I am.
   Or maybe it's just the old hands-on teacher in me, but somehow it makes me feel better when I see visible results from physical activity. Take Gwinnett's Great Days of Service for example. Nearly 100,000 Gwinnettians turned out all over the county to actually do something that would make a difference. 
   Among the many places upon which these humanitarians descended was the Dream House for medically fragile children in Lilburn. Thanks to volunteers who've stepped up to serve, the Dream House will soon become a reality for children needing special care, but whose parents are unwilling or unable to provide it.
   Volunteers have been working for months on the project. Alisa Elkins of Hangups decorated all the rooms. Hayden Moore constructed the Path of Dreams and Joseph Lawrence, a nature trail, for Eagle Badge credit. Karen Waller has been working with the Ladybug Garden Club of Lilburn and Stone Mountain Masons to design a Secret Garden, inspired by the book of that title. Assisting the Needs for the Disabled (AND) volunteers along with Lenox Life Members of Bell South Volunteers built all the ramps around Scott Uthlaut's landscaping plans. 
   And yes, there was that Great Day of Service I'd mentioned. Seventy volunteers from PRIMERICA and volunteers from Boy Scout Troop 549, along with other community members spent the day clearing land for the Secret Garden and digging holes for a slab for van parking. And they did plenty of walking, but have lots to show for it!
   Thanks to these volunteers, the Dream House dedication will be on November 21. Laura Moore, Founder, David Snell, VP of the Dream House, Jeff Beech, Chairman of the Board, Charlie Ray of Laurel River Properties, and David Bowen, Mike Phelps, Tip Case and Steve Palmer of Bowen Family Homes are among the dignitaries who will share the honors.
   Laura Moore's dream is about to come true. But, I have a dream, too.
   What if in addition to walk-a-thons, we held work-a-thons like dig-a-thons, bag-a-thons or mow-a-thons? People sponsoring other people to work rather than walk. Imagine the money and meaningful contributions such events could bring in. Any ideas, anyone? For the first Gwinnett work-a-thon volunteer, my checkbook is open.

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