 Giving back to the community has been central to Kerry and Colleen Rock's relationship. For their first date, Kerry promised Colleen Margarita's at Guadalajara if she volunteered with him at Loaves and Fishes. Doing volunteer work together became the foundation of their relationship.
In early 2017, Kerry and Colleen took a big step forward with their volunteering efforts. Kerry, a military veteran, was introduced to the Chris Long Foundation and its goal of bringing a reliable source of clean water to villages in East Africa. Kerry and Colleen united with military combat veterans, former athletes, and clean water advocates to raise funds to build 3 new wells to bring 7500 people clean drinking water daily. Conquering Kili participants committed to raising $10,000 and hiking Africa's tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro. While Kerry would represent the couple on the hike, it was a team effort to raise the required $10,000. For seven months between June 2017 and February 2018, Kerry and Colleen were doing fundraising events across Charlottesville. It was a grassroots effort focused on leveraging their existing relationships with owners of local establishments. While they debated the final total raised, Kerry was off to Africa to represent their efforts. When Kerry reached the summit, he had a little surprise for Colleen: a wedding proposal delivered via video. The experience of raising money for Conquering Kili taught Kerry and Colleen a lot about the ins and outs of fundraising. The experience solidified a focus on helping other organizations achieve their goals. Once back in Charlottesville, they focused on local causes within our community. "We knew we needed to be a bit more organized. We needed a brand so people understood what we were all about." While Kerry and Colleen decided against formalizing within a 501c3, they launched Do Good Cville in 2018, focusing on helping local charities raise funds and connecting donors with local charities. With a passion for helping the local homeless community, the Winter Wear Drive has become one of their signature initiatives. An effort that started as a single-day event that raised 300 items has grown into a 2-week, multi-site event that raised over 3,000 items this year. In early December, the items were distributed at the Pavilion, providing critical winter coats and clothing to patrons of the Haven, International Neighbors, International Rescue Committee, and other local organizations. Do Good is committed to ensuring every donated item finds a home with a person in need. At the heart of Do Good is a passion to have a positive impact regardless of size. Once a month, you will find Kerry and Colleen running their Dab for the Good Charity Bingo Night at Random Row Brewing Company. The monthly event raises between $1,000- $1,300 for a local charity. Charities that have benefited from the effort may not be top of mind within our community. Some charities impacted by bingo night include the Ishan Gala Foundation, SARA, and Girls on the Run. "We are trying to support organizations that may not have much visibility. Whether connecting them with donors or running an event, we are trying to make a positive impact." Kerry and Colleen also find continued motivation from their children. "Our oldest child is now more aware of our work. She has seen it firsthand; seeing the light in her eyes means a lot. She understands we are helping others." One of the secrets to Do Good's success is Kerry and Colleen's recognition that small acts can have a significant impact when combined. They encourage others looking to make a positive impact to start small and not overlook the little things that can impact our community. "If you do good, it will build the good inside you. Don't get lost in having to change the world. You can start changing the world by doing the smallest thing." If you are interested in learning more about Do Good's work, take a minute to visit their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook. They are always looking for volunteers and potential charities with a need.
Stay Positive Cville!!
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