EFNT Freedom Day 2009

Interior Design Guide Trends

Sep 25 by: Rayven

September 11th will forever be a day etched in the memory of all Americans; we all remember where we were and what we were doing when we learned of the attacks on the World Trade Center towers in NYC. This year on September 11th, over 400 local volunteers and members of EFNT will also remember where we were: The Dallas Fire & Rescue Training and Maintenance Facility, giving the grounds a much needed facelift. After a welcome speech from EFNT's executive director Pam Gerber, we paid honor to our nation's heroes, the 343 brave firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty that day. And every day before that and since then, firefighters take that risk in the name of saving lives, so it made sense for the 8th Annual Freedom Day to take place at the Dallas training facility, where over 1,700 employees go to prepare, learn and train each year. With the help of countless volunteers and the kind donors who supplied us with the needed materials, we ripped out carpet, painted walls, landscaped and planted trees, took inventory and scrubbed until the facility was sparkling clean-just as it should be.

On a personal level, it was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had the opportunity to participate in. Our CEO, Shannon Streater was a board member for the event and signed us up as a team, giving us all a chance to connect on a differet level outside the confines of the DG Office. On any given day, I can be found with Starbucks in one hand, phone in the other, sitting at my desk and typing away at my latest project. But on this particular day, we had the chance to get our hands dirty, literally, and become a part of something bigger than ourselves. Fully prepared with safety goggles and gloves, we took to one of the office buildings, ripping out old (rotten) carpet and installing new (thanks to generous donation by RWA Flooring)...text book example of manual labor, and it was amazing. Knowing that we were, in some small way, giving back to the people who fight for our lives on a daily basis-We couldn't help but to smile.

Freedom Day is hosted by EFNT every year on September 11th, with different projects and new locations. I encourage you and your team, company, friends and family to get involved next year. Learn more when you visit the EFTN Freedom Day homepage.