One of my favorite days all year is the annual SAVE Day of Caring.  I rally 25 of my closest co-workers and we spend the day doing volunteer work at my ad agency’s charity of choice.  It doubles as my charity of choice too.

SAVE does housing options for men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS.  It’s a unique charity that’s been around since 1986.  SAVE began at the height of the ‘80’s AIDS epidemic.  It started as a hospice and has evolved in to a place that helps find affordable housing for nearly 700 individuals and families.

SAVE is a small charity that does an amazing amount of work throughout Kansas City and it fills me with pride to see my company throw its arms around it.  We’ve grown right along with it.

It was a picture perfect day yesterday to do some much-needed landscaping around the grounds.  Sunny, high-70’s, zilcho humidity and nice breeze.  That’s unheard of in KC in early July.  There’s a better chance of it not snowing in Antarctica.

SAVE looks forward to our visit every year.   Why wouldn’t they?  Hello?  Free labor.  They BBQ for us, make us feel at home and then turn us loose working on their properties.  It’s amazing what 25 people can get done in a short amount of time.  And by amazing, I mean, jaw-dropping.  The residents of SAVE came out to help us in our efforts.

Now, I’m not one for manual labor.  I have an aversion to sweating.  But for one day I’m Mr. Weed Whacker.  I’m also Mr. Mulcher … Mr. Hedge Trimmer … And Mr. Ivy Eradicator.

If you get a chance, stop by and take a tour, or visit www.saveinckc.org.  You’ll be duly impressed at how such a small charity can make such a big impact.   Their motto:  “There’s no place like home.”  So apropos on SO many levels.