ACTS OF KINDNESS: COMPASSION, RESOURCEFULNESS, GENEROSITY AND COMMITMENT

Lovely post from Susan Duncan - includes stories from Aleisha Williams Gravit, Trish Desilets Lilley, Matt Parfitt, and yours truly. Appreciated being included to discuss my work with Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor and Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit as well as my (fan) support of Daniel McKernan, Kellita Holt, Chris McKernan, Christine Wagner, Sarah Haley Chouinard, Tianna Prichard, and all the team at Barn Sanctuary.

“With so much news about COVID-19, many of us are becoming a little overloaded with coping with the stress and the substantial impacts on the economy, society, our friends and families and our firms. Over the next several weeks, we will share stories of individuals in our legal community who personally have made a difference.” Susan plans to feature Savannah Alden, Jan Anne Dubin, Despina Kartson, and Stacy Rotner in the next edition, and she is interested in covering other people/stories going forward. 

FULL ARTICLE: https://rainmakingoasis.com/2020/05/acts-of-kindness-part-1-compassion-resourcefulness-generosity-and-commitment/

“Roy has been involved in a number of charitable causes and organizations over the years and it was interesting to discover how his efforts have changed during the pandemic. A strategic marketer, Roy is particularly adept at social media and digital marketing. Prior to COVID, Roy’s ideas and proposals for how his non-profit organizations could more effectively engage with constituents and important audiences often fell on deaf ears, but with social distancing and stay-at-home orders in place, the need to connect with stakeholders, to raise money and to spread the word required a different approach and platform once people could not interact in person.

“Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor – Annual Gala – This annual event which typically raises $300,000 on average, is a critical fund-raiser for the organization. Fortunately, prior to the shut-down in March, the staff and Board members had done a great job soliciting auction items. But how can an organization turn their annual live Gala with live entertainment into a virtual success? By having Roy on the Board! Roy designed a pre-show series of pre-recorded stories and videos posted on Facebook for half an hour at which point Facebook went live. He arranged for a live performance by a pianist duo who also played and sang songs on request live. The 2020 Virtual Gala, held on May 9th via FB achieved 1,700 views in real time and a total of 2,500 hits overall. Amazingly, despite the set-back of not having a live event, the gala and auction still raised $200K. Roy’s fellow board members and staff now are believers in the power of social media!

“Mosaic Theatre of Detroit – This organization was founded in 1992 after many public schools cut performing arts out of their budgets and curricula. In the 28 years since it was founded, it has been the launching pad for many Broadway performers. Obviously, performance arts are best taught live but once COVID took hold and live classes were cancelled, the school had to pivot to online classes, communications and promotion of its programs. Roy, a Board member of this organization, says the pandemic has provided the impetus for the school to rebrand its social media platform which now features video profiles and music clips and is actively engaging with students and stakeholders via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

“Barn Sanctuary is another passion of Roy’s. While he does not serve in any formal capacity for this organization, he is a huge fan, promoter and supporter. ‘Barn Sanctuary was established in 2016 in Chelsea, Michigan …to change the way the world views farmed animals by rescuing, rehabilitating abused and neglected farmed animals in need. Barn Sanctuary is home to over 100 rescued farmed animals including: cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, and goats.’ Due to the Coronavirus, they are hosting virtual tours and virtual field trips until they can welcome live visits to the farm again.”