Motorcity Blightbusters is so cool I am at a loss as to how to explain it.
If you know me in the least, you know that finding the right words is rarely an issue and I am almost never left speechless. Today was one of those days. I literally had to hold my jaw shut at one point because I was in such awe. I can't remember a time when I felt like I made such a small contribution.
If you don't know who Motorcity Blightbusters are, check out www.blightbusters.org.
Rachel Williams and I had an absolutely wonderful meeting there today with the founder, John George and 3 of his key people. The passion, the love and the positive energy that they shared is the EXACT SPIRIT our community needs to return to greatness.
For those of you who have been with us for a few months, you will remember my posting about them in January. At that time I mentioned we would be putting together a MCC day where we gather together and make a difference. Although we still don't have a day picked, I am now more committed to seeing that happen then ever.
If you are, or know a skilled tradesmen (plumbing, carpentry, roofer, flooring, electrician or anyone that can swing a hammer or paint) Blightbusters needs you. In addition, they are seeking individuals to come in and help mentor children, educate adults and help to make a brighter community. A more detailed list of how you/we can assist will be coming in the near future.
ON MARCH 29, blightbusters will be sponsoring a day with U of M Detroit Partnership Project will
be working on 60 volunteer sites in northwest Detroit. The various projects will consist
of renovations and demolition of abandoned homes, mural painting, community garden, and clean up sites of illegal dumping, etc. I intend to be a part of that day. Rachel has already told me it is on her calendar. Hopefully a few of you will join us as well while me make our initial impact with this FINE organization.
One of my goals is to help them raise funds and make a positive impact on OUR city.
I haven't even talked about the rebuilding they are doing in their business area. It is so cool. If any of you ever want to hear spoken word poetry, cool jazz or see some awesome artwork, you owe it to yourself to head down there on a Saturday evening and check out Creative Juicez. I was also informed that the best sweet potato pie on earth is in the heart of the area.
Check out John George on www.blightbusters.org to get an idea of who the man is. That should help you understand what the organization is about. It was amazing to walk through town with him. He connected with everyone in a meaningful way. Rachel likened it to walking with the mayor of a small town (think of the movie Doc Hollywood). He is cool and what he and his very committed team is doing is even cooler!
Thanks for joining me Rachel and thank you to those of you who read this. Together, we will do great things!
In the spirit of the Motorcity, I wish you all greatness.
Terry Bean
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The Blightbusters do absolutely amazing work - I heartily second Terry's recommendation. John has worked very, very hard in the city taking on tasks that people think are impossible - and making them happen.
Terry, I look forward to your updates.
Terry said it beautifully. It was definitely moving to witness Blight Busters love and commitment to the city. John George said they are doing SOMEthing EVERYday to advance their efforts. And it's so evident - what they've created at Lahser and Grand River is incredible.
Whoever is interested in going on the 29th, I have room for 4! Let's roll up our sleeves together.
Rachel
Blightbusters has been one of the city's greatest assets and champions for a long time. We need them, I love them, we can't live without them. If you're just hearing about them, please take the time to learn more, and lend a hand if you can.
Hey guys,
One of the wonderful things about MCC is the people that are involved with putting together and managing all the events that go on here. Other wonderful things that go on here are the events that we have: weekly lunches, quarterly charities, and two golf outings this summer, evening social gatherings, and many other events to come.
Fortunately viral marketing works (Charlie Wollborg will swear it) and MCC is growing by leaps and bounds. SO, I want to throw a few things out there to the new people here, and throw out a refresher to our old school, and seasoned members.
1) We have an incredible event coming up on May 31st. Is it a volunteer day for an organization called BlightBusters. In a nut shell a bunch of MCC members are going downtown to help fix up some broken down houses. I would be attending myself but it is on Saturday. Please check out the calendar event and RSVP today. In June we will announce the fall charity.
2) We need people to help on the membership committee. There are a few subcommittees' that have been formed and they are slightly short staffed. Here is the list of positions available.
-Host for meetings (a once a month commitment)
-someone to record the Ask's at the meetings (also a once a month commitment)
-Golf lovers to help us put together our Golf outings this summer (a seasonal commitment)
People,
Please let me know what you would like your involvement to be. There is something for everyone here. If the above listed don't interest you. We have other committees and other subcommittees that need help. Bottom line, the best way to take advantage of your membership is not to tell people how wonderful you are, it to show them. I am handing you the keys.
BR
One of the things, for me, that truly separates MCC from the many other networking groups around here is our commitment to reach out to the greater community and help make Detroit a better place for everyone. From Red, White & Warmth last fall, to getting Children's Hospital a second mobile play center, to donating toys to Children's Hospital, to cleaning up neighborhoods with Motor City Blightbusters - it's an opportunity for me to make a much bigger difference in my town than I could just on my own.
And I get to destroy things that don't work any more, clean things up and bring order and beauty to a neighborhood, get dirty myself, laugh, play, eat a great lunch - and most of all, spend some time with some REALLY great people! And maybe even make a great new business connection or two. Can't get better than that for a few hours on a Saturday.
I have no home renovation skills. But I can swing a hammer (if you show me where to pound), wield a paint brush, use a rake, etc. And I have two good arms and two good legs to cart stuff to a dumpster. And a great sense of humour! So I'm going to give what I've got.
Please come join me. I can promise it's going to be a raucous good time - I'm going to be there!
- Natalie
I would love to go down and get dirty with my fellow MCC members on the 31st but my son and I are going to be inducted into the Boy Scouts 'Order of the Arrow' that weekend. I think I get to learn a secret handshake! This is a group that promotes the outdoor camping experience within the Scouts and just as I love to open the eyes of young boys (and their dads) to the joys of the outdoors I think it is SO important that we help open the eyes and hearts of those in the area to the situation and great potential of the urban neighborhoods. I was born in the city and remember my dad coming home one day with dents in his car from rocks being thrown during the riots. We moved to the suburbs when I was 10 years old but still feel proud to say I'm 'from Detroit'. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Yianni with Motor City Blightbusters last night and came away feeling like I really do want to help make a difference. We can all 'make a difference'.
I'm a brand new member of MCC, I started checking out the different discussions. I was born and raised in Detroit and I love "the old girl" but she does need a face lift. Thank God for Blightbusters, how inspiring. Bless you for changing Blight to BRIGHT. Way to go!! Hoping to join on the 31st.