Focus: Volunteers in Action

It took thirty years for this group of four Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity brothers to reunite. This band of "brothers" graduated from Florida Institute of Technology in 1972 and 1973. Now they get together much more often and do so in the spirit of helping others.

In fact, John, Joe, Michael and Chip are regulars on the Dallas Ramp Project circuit. Joe is a minister at a church in Oak Cliff and actively volunteers for Habitat for Humanity as well. John is even on the board of the Texas Ramp Project and serves as a terriffic team leader - as I was able to witness this past Saturday.

Also helping out on this build were Mike, Dana and James from the Grace Community Church in Plano. All three of them were on their second build and plan on coming out again. Dana has been a resource teacher in Plano for the past decade - she gives back to our society every day - it's a way of life for her.

Our seventh volunteer on this build was Amber - a bright, accomplished young woman with two fantastic careers: One as a physical therapist and the other as a professional track and field athlete. Amber found her way to the Dallas Ramp Project less than two months after she moved to Dallas from Pittsburgh when she was doing some research on behalf of one of her clients. When I asked if she'd be back to help out on a second build she said, with a big smile, "yes, of course!" I bet she'll be back and she'll even invest in her own power drill, too!

Each of these seven volunteers came out early one Saturday morning in October with one common goal: To help someone in need. And indeed they did.

The ramp that was built for Pearl and Regina is sorely needed. Both women - friends for years - are living with pancreatic cancer. Pearl told me that she is wary of her stairs as they are getting increasingly difficult to navigate. Needless to say, she was very excited about her new ramp being installed and truly appreciates the hard work these seven volunteers did for her and for her "big sister" (even though she's younger in years), Regina. Pearl has a lot to live for - her three devoted children, her fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren - and is not the type to give up.

Let's celebrate Pearl's fortitude, friendships and the generosity of these volunteers.