Recognizing those who consistently go above and beyond to make the community a stronger, better place
By Cynthia Jones
Back at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, Barry Barbe, owner of El Gato Azul, formed the Gato Community Gives program, focusing on finding locals in need and filling that need, whether through providing meals or needed cash or other means of support.
Then, months later, Barry sent out an enticement for a dozen or so people to join a “Super-Secret Mission.”
In mid-August, the group met for the first time on the patio at El Gato Azul. Their mission, as defined by Barry: to nominate people or organizations in the community that should be recognized and celebrated as “making the good,” doing good deeds without any thought of recognition.
“Finding and Making the Good” was born.
The recognition states: “Finding and Making the Good is a volunteer group of community members who have come together to recognize those in our community who are going above and beyond and out of their way to make a difference. You are being recognized for doing just that. A community is stronger and a better place to live due to people like you who take the time to make a difference by Making the Good.”
In the few months the group has been active, a number of nominations and recognitions have taken place and the group has worked out a process. There is a Finding and Making the Good website (findingandmakingthegood.com) where nominations and donations can be made.
The group intends to recognize up to three individuals or organizations each month and encourages local businesses and donors to participate in contributing gift certificates, cash, or other services to be given the nominees.
Consider those around you who consistently make an effort to make the best of this crazy time and nominate them to be recognized for Making the Good. Let’s all do our best to focus on the positive and good in our community.
For more information, visit www.findingandmakingthegood.com.