For Our City Gilbert Launches First Event!
There sure was a lot of Love going around Gilbert today. I hope it's the beginning of a new era for our Town, community and For Our City Gilbert. Today over 650 volunteers stepped out of the shadows of obscurity and right out on to the Global Stage. You laugh, but it is true! The day started with aiding the wonderful "Global Village Festival" with setting up for their event. No small task, this cultural party attracted more than 3,000 spectators and participants.
From Town Square to home base. We had teams of people serving the elderly with repairs around the house. At least eight "helpless neighbors" made new friends when their Honey-do's got checked off their lists. There is something to be commended for when a community intentionally seeks out those who need help and don't have any available to them. I call that Big Hearted Gilbert!
At Oak Tree Elementary, the entire perimeter of the school was painted in less than 4 hours. Potentially, this would have taken a skilled crew of 4 painters a week to do on their own! Gooooooooooo Gilbert! It's amazing what you can do with a little over 100 volunteers, 100 gallons of paint, and 3 dozen donuts!!!
But wait, that's not all! Over at Harris Elementary, the inside of the school was getting a face-lift. The quality of work was so good, that the crew was given access to even more space to paint!!!! Gilbert- "a community of Excellence" - it's not just a slogan! Way to go team Harris. Children of all ages, from 1-92, o.k. well hypothetically, gathered to make more than 300 clay crosses for Holding Hope. Over 400 Hospice patients will receive a hand crafted gift of hope. Our unique botanical garden of the East Valley got a make over today as well. At the Riparian Preserve, horticulture specialist combed through the campus, extracting any unwanted weeds.
The Police and Fire Station we delivered home-style meals made with Gilbert style love!
All in all, what we saw today was what I believe will become the #1 reason for folks relocating to Gilbert AZ: Lovely people! We may have people come because it's a great place to find work, grow a family, attend school, and has great quality of life. However, the real reason people love to live in Gilbert is because Gilbert Loves. Today Gilbert was portrayed as a community that is willing to lay aside their busy lives and take time to serve one another.
Thanks to all of the help hands that made this event so special! The clear true winner today is the Town of Gilbert and then members of its community!
Thanks a million! Millions of Blessings!
Tim Thompson, Co-Director For Our City Gilbert
Gilbert 'For Our City' group tackles town's social needs
Read more: http://bit.ly/wEBVDd
