I remember when I was growing up, I would tell my parents ANYTHING to get what I wanted. Phrases like “Mom if you get this for me I promise that I’ll NEVER ask for anything again” or “Can we please got to [insert fun kid place: Disneyland, waterpark etc]? I’ll do all the dishes and mow the lawn for a month” were frequently thrown around the Chan family. And each time, my parents would laugh, knowing that I rarely kept my side of the bargin. Hey, I have selective memory ok? There are lots of important things to remember when you’re a kid. Like cheat codes to video games.
But like most good parents, they did not let my crime spree carry on unchecked. They would always tell me: Put your money where you mouth is. Meaning? Back up your talk. Everyone can talk a good game. Few actually go through with it.
Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to attend the Thirst Relief Benefit Shoot at WPPI. When I say fortunate, I mean Lucky. You see, spots to the benefit shoot had been auctioned off to raise money to bring clean water solutions to people in need. Typically 3rd world countries. Try as I did, I didn’t get a spot. Bummed.
So on the day of the shoot, I randomly ran into Mike Colon…who was one of the instructors. I had attended one of Mike’s workshops earlier in the year. And Mike isn’t hard to miss. He’s over 6ft. So I told him about how I was bummed about missing the shoot. Then he said that a spot had opened up last minute. And that they were meeting in the lobby. Right now.
I sprint upstairs. Grab my gear. Run back down. And somehow make it.
Through out the day, I had a great time learning from Mike [Celebrity Photographer. need I say more?] and David/Luke Edmonson. [They're a father-son studio out of Texas. Two of the most amazing, yet humble photographers you'll ever meet]. But more importantly, I had a chance to sit down and chat with the founders of Thirst Relief during dinner. I got to hear firsthand why they started Thirst. The need that drives them. The impact they’re making. Their Vision.
It struck me. Sincerity. They saw a problem, and did something about it. Which made me think. Most people [myself included] talk a good talk when it comes to giving back and helping. Everyone knows giving back is a GOOD thing. But if one doesn’t take immediate steps to change once we’ve been touched….the ebb and flow of our busy lives will quickly wipe away that desire.
I don’t want that to happen. So I’m putting my money where my mouth is. As some of my recent brides already know….a minimum 2% of every wedding booked will go towards clean water projects with Thirst Relief/Charity:Water.
Imagine what could happen if we all put our money where our mouth is.
No post is complete with images. Here are some from the Shoot. On the left….David + Luke Edmonson. Right, Mike Colon
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