May 2007

The thank you notes are sent; the champagne glasses are returned. Now only memories of a grace-filled event remain.  Modcom’s 15-year business anniversary held April 28, 2007, was a feel-good celebration. 

The costumes alone were cause for a fabulous party. The theme was 70’s and guests went over the top with their interpretation of this flower-power, peace and love nostalgic era. Tied-dyed t-shirts. Leather-fringed vests. Granny glasses. Blue eye shadow and white go-go boots. All of it magic. 

When I first thought of creating a celebration to commemorate our milestone in business, I had a vision of renting out a restaurant and throwing a small party. Since most of our clients are federal and state agencies, I knew there would be restrictions on what they could accept from a contractor. I came up with the idea of a benefit for a worthy cause. Guests would make a donation to attend – eliminating the ethical conflict of interest issue. Little did I know the conflict it would cause in my own mind.

Can you imagine what it feels like to ask friends, family and clients the following: would you like to attend our anniversary celebration?  By the way, it will cost you $35!  Weird. But, the wheels were in motion. Much to my surprise, guests were very open to making a donation. In fact, the idea was so appealing that some people made a donation and they didn’t even attend the party. Groovy. 

In the end, we raised $3,200 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. To me, that was the highlight of the evening. I learned that bringing people together as part of something bigger and more noble than drinking beer and eating cake raises the collective vibration. It is powerful and unifying. After all, the benefit celebration was all about peace, love and flowers. What better way to demonstrate this than working toward a common goal? You dig?

So now I’m thinking of ways Modcom can continue the cycle of giving and receiving. I’d like to set up a grant program where my company can offer a scholarship on a quarterly basis to a worthy cause.  There are many logistical issues attached to this lofty goal.  Least of which is finding the resources to fund this project, i.e. cold hard cash.

One thing I know for sure is that the burden of this effort doesn’t fall on my shoulders only. The idea that together we can make a difference in the lives of others has been underscored by the success of our anniversary benefit.  My responsibility lies in facilitating this process, not owning it. By being a conduit of generosity and goodwill I can rest in the knowledge that the energy of giving and receiving flows through us, not to us. Abundance presents itself in many ways. It is up to each and every one of us to recognize it.

Far out.