One of our first programs that included a strong “community give back” element. In this case, a group of trial attorneys and their spouses got their hands dirty to build raised-bed gardens at a transitional housing facility on the Big Island of Hawaii.  This was the undisputed highlight of what was a pretty exciting and extravagant annual junket.  No surprise for us.  Giving back tends to have that effect.

Its all in the details

Creativity and coordination are the magic ingredients in building our programs.  In this case, a group of families lived in transitional housing on a barren patch of wind-blown land near Waimea, Hawaii. In lieu of the traditional team-building event for our group, we organized a Community Service Project focused on building raised gardens to promote sustainability.  We leveraged local resources to provide greater impact, mobilizing businesses to secure donations (dirt, lumber, etc.), a Boy Scout troop to build  the planter frames, Master Gardeners from the Univ of Hilo to provide gardening expertise and our hotel to donate snacks and beverages.

Working side-by-side with residents, we planted raised-bed vegetable gardens. The Executive Director of our group was presented with a framed group photo at our Awards Banquet. This was a true community effort with long-lasting implications and benefits for all. We created and published a YouTube video to extend the goodwill weeks after the conclusion of the program.  Amazing what happens when you roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.

Lokahi Garden – Planting for a Purpose