Submitted by Sabina Hitchen on | 0 Comments
Media outlets across the country - in fact around the world - have spent much of November reporting about the devastation that accompanied Hurricane Sandy. Several of these reports also highlighted the lack of response that many of the impacted areas were dealing with. Here at Tin Shingle we've also been highlighting the storm's blow to so many who are part of the small business community to which we all belong. This steady stream of bad news can be depressing, but we know it is our duty to share with all of you.
That said, out of the mass destruction have come stories of hope. Of neighbors helping neighbors and even more powerful: of strangers helping those who they did not know but who they saw needed help. These stories of people coming together to support, aid and rebuild are stories that we believe deserve just as much recognition as those of loss, as they are all part of the Sandy Surivial Stories tapestry.
It is with great honor that we bring you our first of these happier Sandy stories, by highlighting the work of entrepreneur, brand ambassador and true "Sandy Angel" Jennifer Walsh of Behind the Brand Media. Though Jennifer is a nationally recognized small business star, where has really been shining over the past month is in her dedication to serving her home (she's a native New Yorker) and all of those impacted by Sandy. You can follow this journey of service via her blog (I highly encourage you to do so).
Admit it: though many of us may fantasized about renting a car and going to help those in the far reaches of New York and New Jersey who were slammed by the storm, few of us had the time or ability to do so, due in part to personal or professiona committments. Not Jen. The DAY AFTER SANDY she was mobilizing not only herself but scores of other people who joined her in handing out food, gathering supplies (her own apartment became a drop off center bursting at the seems with donations), even finding a car (repeatedly) to drive out to the hardest hit areas and help.
When the news of the storm became, well, yesterday's news and public interest waned, Jen's determination to help did not. She put her work on hold and continued to travel to those areas hit by Sandy and bring car loads of supplies along with her trademark optimism and hope.
Like many of us, Jen could have made excuses, could have focused more on herself or could have said, "what can I do?". Instead, she rose to the occasion and channeled the same determination and energy it takes to be a successful entrepreneur towards doing something for the greater good.
Jennifer Walsh we salute you! We're proud you're not only a part of the New York community but the small business community we are all linked together in thanks to the choices we've all made to follow our hearts and passions!
Jenn is still taking all donations for many everyday items. Please feel free to email her to find out how you can get donations to her so she can hand out personally to those most affected: jennifer@behindthebrandmedia.com
