It is without question; IAEI has a big heart and cares hugely for those who have and continue to contribute to the success of our association.
Let me explain. During the first section meeting, held in Sparks/Reno, Nevada, I showed a video of myself taking the ALS ice bucket challenge. I had received a challenge to participate in support of this important cause mainly because of Nancy Loyd, a huge supporter of IAEI for many years and a close personal friend, who was recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
In support of Nancy and Richard Loyd, who have participated in numerous educational programs, the Southwestern Section decided to take the ice bucket challenge during the banquet and requested donations in support of ALS. The response was overwhelming. In their wisdom, Southwestern Section challenged the next scheduled section meeting to take up the challenge. It did not stop there! The challenge moved from section meeting to section meeting.
I do not think anyone could have predicted the outcome. I was astonished by the generosity displayed by our members—individuals, companies, organizations, and our sections, chapters and divisions. The awe-inspiring support is a true testament of the integrity, strength and courage that Nancy Loyd inspires in all of us.
At each section meeting, others and I spoke briefly about ALS and Nancy’s devotion to IAEI. I fought my emotions each time before stepping up and getting ice dumped on me. I was so proud and honored to belong to such a great organization.
We are more than just an organization involved in education and code development with a key focus on electrical safety. As our 2014 President Mark Hilbert stated in his address, “We are a family!” The generosity and caring of our members truly demonstrates the spirit of IAEI. We’re about caring; we’re about sharing; we’re about safety all the time.
So how much was raised? The final tally is not in as we are still awaiting pledges, but all accounts show we will surpass $43,000.00.
To see the IAEI ALS Challenge go to — http://youtu.be/qUSTGUbewUU
Our section meetings are now over for another year, and as in the past they have been a huge success. This year’s meetings were well attended, and as always, the education programs at all six meetings provided great learning and networking opportunities.
I would like personally to thank all those that participated and the organizing committees on a job well done. The planning for these meetings starts months in advance and individuals work many long hours, planning, organizing and running the meetings with little or no recognition for all their hard work.
I witnessed something very special during these section meetings that I always felt to be true but it was reinforced as I traveled to each meeting. It is without question; IAEI has a big heart and cares hugely for those that have and continue to contribute to the success of our association.
