Firefighters across our country are participating in the Cold Water Challenge—a call to support charities in their communities—and I have watched with great delight. You are probably wondering what this has to do with The Ribbon In My Journal, but sponsoring charities is near and dear to our hearts in our company and our family.
My husband Neal is a professional firefighter. He was challenged by his colleagues to take an ice water bath and give $25 to the charity of his choice or disregard the challenge (oh, the disgrace of that!) and pay $100 to the charity of his choice. He watched video after video of men being doused with buckets of ice water and calling out others to take the challenge. Creativity was the name of the day.
Not to be outdone, Neal went with me to Savannah for our Cooking with Paula Deen photo shoots, and he had a little help in taking his ice water challenge. The video will explain it all.
Neal’s charity of choice was the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. My son Brian is on the Board of Directors and serves as the president of the Junior Board, which he founded to get young professionals involved in helping eradicate hunger in our area. We have had many company events to collect food and to bring awareness to this tremendous need. Last year more than 9 million pounds of food was distributed in our area.
It is a very fulfilling thing to help people and support charities. Our family and coworkers here at Hoffman Media challenge you to help someone in need. Giving back is near and dear to our hearts. Thank you for your caring and loving hearts that make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Comments 8
You are a good guy, Neal DiPiano. Chilling for Charity !
Our grandchildren in Lebanon, TN have been sending Cold Water Challenges to their friends and supporting all kinds of charities in their area. It’s been so sweet to watch 4, 6, 8 year olds challenge friends, coaches and parents in the name of doing a good deed and to see those who accepted the challenge pass along the fun and good works. I understand Lebanon has raised a lot of money for local charities over the past month with this challenge. Thanks for sharing.
Our world needs more of the same- kind , generous and loving people as yourselves !
That was too sweet! Love it that he would be apart of the challenge. And to have Paula be there! What a lucky man! She is on my bucket list to meet one day. Thanks for sharing this precious moment. Love your blog. You are one awesome, creative person. Thanks for all the sharing and ideas you share with us!
Best video of a cold water challenge I’ve seen!
Phyllis, the quote is so true. What a wonderful challenge and worthy cause. We know several firefighters in our community. They always step up to the plate for those in need. Your husband was a good sport to have it filmed! He couldn’t have chosen a more charitable person than Paula to “ice the cake.” What fun for both of them…well, certainly for her! Thanks for sharing.
Sherry
How funny! My father was also a firefighter and they are such a giving, selfless bunch anyway. My husband and I support several “hunger” programs and are glad we are blessed enough to do that. Good for you and Neal!
Too cute, love that Paula.