Another Plug for Innovation Institute on North Texas Giving Day

Harrold Andresen (R) fixes both vehicles and broken dreams.

Today is North Texas Giving Day. The Communities Foundation of Texas is is encouraging donors to make a special contribution to their favorite non-profit organization. Since it was email from Innovation Institute that reminded me of this announcement, I decided to simply remind readers here that the training school for wheelchair bound people who want to learn mechanical skills is an amazing project.

What especially amazing to me is that the school was initiated a full ten years ago. Seems like only yesterday that Harrold Andresen, formerly of Duluth here, began converting 15 stalls of his 20 stall auto mechanic shop into a school. (Disclaimer: Harrold is my brother-in-law.) The ambitious project took years of planning and work, and the whole non-profit piece is no piece of cake either. But his vision ultimately became a reality and if you go to the Innovation Institute Facebook page, you will see an amazing array of photos showing guys working on cars and equipment, problem solving on matters such as how to lengthen a golf cart or ride-around lawn mower so that a wheelchair-bound person can roll onto it and drive it.

Here's the link to the Donor Bridge website if you wish to contribute to this life-changing program. I like how they describe what they do: Empowering people, regardless of their disabilities, by creating innovative mechanical devices that increase mobility, self-esteem, and independence.

Who doesn't want more independence?

For what it's worth, if you have a favorite charity -- and there are needs all around -- today might be a good day to write a check, or make a pledge, and give. Whether it's Life House here in Duluth, or one of the many other good causes wherever you are, this is your prompt to move from good intention to doing good.

On another topic: tonight is the Celebration of Clay art opening at the Duluth Art Institute. 5-7 p.m. Maybe I will see you on the scene? Have a great day.