So I have to be at work tomorrow at 7 in the morning. It’s a really big day for UW, and been talked about and planned for since before I came in January. Each year, the United Way puts on a big fancy luncheon to celebrate and award its donors, and the people who helped reach all the amounts needed for different campaigns. Last year, we fell short, though, and I love what the ’08 celebration has morphed into. Its a non-luncheon, now, which is funny sounding, but also much more appropriate for the present economic climate. The people coming have paid the same amount for a plate of food they will not be receiving. The money will be going towards basic needs and the guests will be helping sort these basic needs to deliver to UW agencies. They’re saving tons of money by not having the normal luncheon, which also helps, but I’m still amazed by how much politics goes into everything in such a large non-profit like United Way. Everyone is very careful to thank people who have donated anything towards the luncheon, not just because we really are grateful, but also because it seems to be very important that people know we didn’t pay extra for these gifts. A bank had even offered to cover finger sandwiches, but the idea was respectfully declined because it would give the wrong idea once again.


Anyway, I’m excited to go to my first big United Way event, one week before I leave. This is also the even that will be showcasing all the videos I’ve been working on since I first started. Three of the seven that I made will be on loop at the event. Pretty excitinggg. But I’ll be video taping the whole event and calling individuals out for more little interviews. I don’t know how I became the United Way videographer, and I don’t know If I’ll ever continue in this field again, but It really has been awesome doing something outside my comfort bubble.

I watched a TED video towards the beginning of my nashville stint with Paula Scher looking at her portfolio in retrospect. “The best way to accomplish serious design, which I think we all have the opportunity to do, is to be totally and completely unqualified for the job.” What Scher illustrated this theory with was the job that came to her in 2000, where a group of architects asked her to design inside of theaters with them. She talked a lot about how she had no idea what she was doing. Somehow this is inspiring, haha. Maybe, just because it’s a relief to know that I don’t always have to know everything. So even though these movies are a little rough, they were nothing what I’m used to, but a whole new outlet for creativity as well as a chance to hear wonderful stories about how people are changing their lives, and United Way is helping.

Here’s just one of my videos for an example. I tried to keep them all consistent, for more of a “series” feel. So they are all set to the same music that i got from www.mobygratis.com

Also, here’s a link to the rest of the videos on the United Way of Nashville’s website! Click here.