Project: Katrina Hope…raise funds…raise walls…raise spirits

This evening served as an acute reminder of why Project: Katrina Hope is here. Paul Perez, one of the residents of St. Bernard Parish, cooked dinner for all of the volunteers working with the St. Bernard Project this week, and it turned into a special evening of sharing. After serving the more than 150 volunteers, Mr. Perez presented a video slideshow and narration of his story (of attempting to clean and rebuild his damaged home) and gratitude for all that the volunteers have done to help his family and all of the Gulf Coast. The volunteers and myself were very touched by his gesture of thanksgiving, and it really reminded everyone that their work makes a great difference in the community.

I was fortunate enough to speak with Mr. Perez after most of the people had left, and it really struck a chord with what our organization is attempting to accomplish. He urged me to focus on the appreciation of the residents for all that the volunteers had done for them, and he made a statement that rings true with so many residents of the region. “I wish the volunteers could stand in my shoes and feel the love I have received from them. I’m lucky that this all happened to me.”

It is amazing how grateful the residents are for all of the work being done here, and this evening was an incredibly uplifting experience for all of the volunteers. Even more exciting is that I will be able to share this story with all of you and with many more people across the nation, hopefully inspiring others to come down and be a part of the positive growth of the region.

With hope,
Gretchen

Posted on June 24th, 2008 by Gretchen Wieland
Filed under: From Gretchen