Putting Perspective on Life

Over the past year, I was asked to photograph various charity events. As most photographers know, charity events will bring you a few additional job, but not much. The joy of helping worthwhile organization can pay you more in self satisfaction and give you a sense of fulfillment. I've always enjoyed helping others, although I never knew how much until the beginning of this year. What I didn't realize is that I received as much of the benefit as those I was helping. The first event that I was asked to assist was Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.com). This group organizes annual benefit walks throughout the country to bring about awareness and raise money for autism research. One statistic that continues to surprise me is that 1 in every 150 children will be diagnosed with autism. Needless to say, the walk was a complete success. With almost 50 teams and more than 200 participants, it amazed me to see how many people put their heart into this group. The new friends that I met, some of those diagnosed with autism, continues to be a positive force behind the reason I donate time to these worthwhile causes.

As a member of the Safe Kids Coalition, its members receive emails from other groups or individuals needing assistance with fundraisers, events, a bicycle helmet for their child, or a car seat check-up. In March, we received a similar type of request, but this time it was a request for help to organize a special needs prom. Most people take going to the the prom for granted. It is an opportunity not given to all people. For this reason, Sarah and Faith Christian Church decided to solve this by taking on the challenge of providing a prom for those with disabilities and special needs. I immediately offered to be the photographer and talked a DJ friend of mine into participating as well. Without getting too detailed or long winded, the positive energy in the room was indescribable. We knew we had achieved something good, but we will never truly understand the positive affect we've had on those lives we touched.

If you have an opportunity to help someone, take it. It will become an experience that you'll remember for a lifetime.