Tossing some balls for a good cause

Today I was on the other side of a dunk tank. The dunker, if you will, not the dunkee. I like being the one who makes people take the plunge. I've been on the other side. It's not fun.

I've been in Ohio all week for our annual company meetings. Our fiscal year ended in July, so the company traditionally brings everyone in to the office the 3rd week of August to review, discuss, plan, and celebrate. This was the 28th annual meeting. Pretty impressive.

Last year, when I made the decision to leave my former employer after nine years, it was one of the most stressful decisions of my life. I kept doubting my decision. Not because I didn't feel comfortable with the new opportunity, but because of fear. I was afraid of change. I think that may have been one of the reasons my dad stayed at American Airlines for so long. When you do something for so long, like stay at the same company, you get comfortable. You may also get complacent. I needed a new challenge. I needed a new environment. I needed a different purpose.

Before I left the office today, I stopped by to see the two men who started this company 28 years ago. I just wanted to say "thanks." Our company has made a tremendous impact on the lives of nursing home residents this past year (and previously). We have a real solution that helps people do their jobs, thus allowing caregivers to proactively care for their residents. It's great to be part of something special.

But the more impressive thing that happened this week,was hearing about the amount of time and money my colleagues (and I) have spent on charitable causes. The people in our company work with over 30 organizations, and constantly look at new ways to help others outside of selling software. Food banks, blood drives, 200 mile bike rides, baked goods auctions, bowl-a-thons, standard money donations, and yes, dunk tanks. Each of the four directors agreed to spend 15 minutes, individually, on the dunk tank chair. Employees were encouraged, for $1 a throw, to warm-up their pitching arms and throw balls at the target. The brave directors agreed to match each donation their presence earned dollar for dollar. As I understand it, in a matter of one hour, this event raised over $800 for a local food bank. $800 is a lot of balls. $800 is a lot of time spent in three feet of water.

I successfully hit the target on eight out of my 20 throws. Not bad odd for a guy who sucks at sports.