About

Giving back is the new black

Part of a series of portraits promoting the Gary Blair Golf Tournament benefiting the Special Olympics.

A couple of years ago I was given the opportunity to meet some very special people — Special Olympians. I photographed these athletes for a series of promotional ads to benefit the Special Olympics. As journalists, we always want to give a voice to those who need to be heard. This was different, I was not looking for a story but still making a difference through photography. Usually, I hope my photos change people’s lives but it was the people I photographed who changed mine instead.

Everyone of those athletes had the most amazing spirit and attitude towards life. Inspired, I continue to work with nonprofit groups, schools and organizations I feel make a difference.

Recently, my wife and I came up with an idea to not only give back but to invite others to join in as well. Hence the Z Project — an initiative to advance the work of the people we are photographing.

While our intent is to spur a sense of community involvement, just forwarding information to the right people can make a difference. That is the reasoning behind the project, enlightening others by spreading the word.

Everyday, we make a decision to step in and help or step aside believing it is someone else’s responsibility to take action. Those that choose to lend a hand, do so in their own way — either by donating money, time or skills.

So this is our invitation to you, when the time comes, what will you do?

A special thanks goes out to our friends Jeff and Bevin Shaw who designed the Z Project logo.