Is it true that hard times ignite great leadership? As community leaders, we must serve first and then lead. Prime example: Houston furniture store owner Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale opened the doors of his Gallery Furniture stores up to Hurricane Harvey evacuees in the days leading up to the one of the busiest weekend’s in retail (Labor Day Weekend). Mack sacrificed this past holiday weekend’s sales to continue to serve those in need of shelter and meals after being displaced from their homes by the storm. In the spirit of our own theme this year “A Legacy of Leaders,” Mack was quoted in an interview with CBS News as stating the reason for his generosity was simply, “This is what my parents would have done.”
Offering the resources at your disposal to uplift those around you in a time of crisis should not be exception, but the norm. For some, it’s financial resources and spheres of influence. For example, comedian Kevin Hart issued the Hurricane Harvey Relief Challenge to his friends in entertainment via social media, which led to multiple $25,000 donations towards hurricane relief efforts. Houston Texans’ J.J. Watt has encouraged the sports communities (players and fans alike) to give, raising over $4 million for hurricane relief. Houston Rockets’ Clint Capela used the power of social media to report emergency situations and help get quicker assistance to those falling victim to the rising waters. In community leadership, community is key. We can accomplish more together than we can apart.
Locally, many Richmonders stepped up to the plate by both traveling down to the Texas for physical assistance but also using their resources here at home to raise funds for relief efforts. Patrick McKann of Glen Allen gathered a group last week to go down and rescue horses and livestock stranded in the floodwaters. Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint on Grove Avenue donated 100% of their profits last week (and through the holiday weekend) to the American Red Cross. We applaud these individuals and businesses as well as the many other local efforts continuing to provide support to the hurricane relief. There is much to do in the aftermath of the storm and it will take a lot of time and resources. It is important that we continue to think of south Texas as their cleanup efforts have only just begun.
Looking for ways you can help south Texas? CLICK HERE for a recent article from ABC News on how, when, and what to give.