Paying it Forward

There is alot of talk in the general market place these days about “Paying It Forward”, especially here in Detroit. Between the continued loss of jobs in the automotive sector and the never ending economic challenges that our city faces, I find it extremely rewarding to give back to our community. Recently, we have been spending alot of time volunteering for various national and local charities. Our band, 7 Million Jigawatts, donated an afternoon performance recently to help raise funds for Childhelp.org. We put on an old fashioned Grand Ole Opry style performance surrounding one mic during a local street festival. It was a smashing success and our friend raised well over $2,000.

Last night, we received a call from the guys at Small Town Low Down to help with a breast cancer fundraiser in late August at the Red Dog Saloon. We performed at a charity event for them last year to help send several under privileged kids to summer camp. (I think the kids are actually at camp this week!) The only thing we asked this time is what more can we do to help.

In September, we will be performing at the annual chick ride for breast cancer fundraiser in South Rockwood. Our friends, the Soroptomists

and Cathie Teifer host a wonderful all day event at Oaktree Farms. It starts just before noon with all the bikes rallying and a kick off for the ride with the National Anthem and an appearance by a former Miss America. Then the local police and sheriff escort the Harley riders across the county and back on a poker run while Carraba’s prepares the food. As the riders return, our band kicks off, the eating and partying begin. Last year, they raised well over $20,000 to donate toward breast cancer research. I am looking forward to this years event even more.

The impact that we are able to make on our local community to help improve others situations is amazing. The impact these events have on our group are amazing. We all leave feeling more fulfilled and satisfied than any normal show. Many times, these special charity performances lead to new fans, friends and often opportunities for our group to perform in new venues and at other events. To say that rewards come back to us ten fold would be an understatement.

How are you “Paying It Forward”?