When Motivated People Get Together To Do Good!

Making Good Things Happen…

‘Karen and Jay share the excitement of coming together with a group of highly motivated people to do good – focused on helping people be healthy and fit’

There’s something special that happens when people unite in common cause to do something good. To change the world in a positive way. Perhaps even in a small way. There is a bond that gets created. A synergy that is hard to describe – but truly does exist. Creating a positive energy – where things get achieved that seem implausible.

For example, during the past week Karen and I have been involved as leaders in a conference in Washington, DC. Helping to convene a large group of like-minded people who care deeply about bringing health and wellness to people throughout our country and beyond. Overall, a group of approximately 700 people – dedicated to the cause. And very magically, there is a vibe – that you can actually feel. Not only because people are united – but also because of a shared belief that the cause is ‘good’ and unquestionably worth working and fighting for.

You can sense this energy the moment you step into a gathering like this. Conversations seem to flow effortlessly, and barriers that would normally separate people—such as job titles, backgrounds, or geographic distance—simply fade away. Instead, a spirit of collaboration fills the air, fueled by the certainty that everyone is working toward something meaningful. In these moments, countless new connections are formed, and people find themselves not just belonging to a group, but actively participating in a community with purpose. That shared enthusiasm becomes contagious, lifting everyone up and pushing the group to accomplish more than any individual ever could alone.

Moreover, this collective drive often leads to sudden sparks of creativity and innovation. When driven people share their ideas and expertise, the group rapidly gains momentum. Problems are approached from fresh perspectives, and solutions emerge that might never have materialized in isolation. Each person’s unique contribution amplifies the impact, and together the group finds itself tackling challenges that had once seemed overwhelming. There’s a kind of magic in watching a roomful of passionate people turn hope into plans and plans into action.

But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of being part of such a united effort is the sense of belonging it creates. Beyond the accomplishments and breakthroughs, there is a deep feeling of solidarity—the knowledge that you are part of something bigger than yourself. People leave these gatherings with a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger commitment to their cause. They return to their day-to-day lives inspired and energized, carrying with them the infectious positivity and support that comes from having stood together for something good. It is in these moments that you realize: true community is built not just through shared goals, but through the spirit of working side by side to make a difference.

Community-Owned Grocery: Baldwin, FL

When Baldwin, Florida’s only grocery store shut its doors in 2018, the town faced a harsh reality: residents, many of whom had no easy access to transportation, were now forced to drive miles to buy basic groceries. In a town of just over 1,600 people, this wasn’t just inconvenient—it was a crisis. But rather than letting the situation worsen, local leaders and citizens took action. Baldwin didn’t wait for a corporate solution. Instead, they made history.

Town officials voted to open a municipally owned grocery store—the first of its kind in Florida. It was a bold move, one driven by necessity and powered by local determination. With funding approved and the community’s blessing, the Baldwin Market opened in 2019. Stocked with fresh produce, meat, and everyday essentials, it served as more than a market—it was a lifeline, particularly for elderly and lower-income residents.

The store ran successfully for over five years. Volunteers helped stock shelves, local vendors supplied goods, and the town used tax revenue to keep it afloat. Though it closed in early 2024 due to rising costs and supply chain challenges, the Baldwin Market is still hailed as a shining example of what’s possible when everyday people work together to meet a shared need.

More than just a business, the market became a symbol of resilience and unity. It proved that public solutions, powered by community motivation, can thrive—even in the most unlikely places. Baldwin’s story reminds us that with the right mindset and a little courage, local governments and citizens can solve local problems.

In an era where rural America often feels left behind, Baldwin, Florida shows that no one needs to wait for outside help. When motivated people come together with purpose, even a small town can accomplish something groundbreaking.

Rebuilding Paradise

The 2018 Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history. Nearly 19,000 structures were lost, and the town of Paradise was almost completely leveled. What followed was devastation, grief, and widespread displacement. But out of the ashes came something powerful: a wave of motivated citizens determined not only to rebuild but to reimagine their hometown.

Former local officials, nonprofit leaders, and residents formed the Rebuild Paradise Foundation, a grassroots effort to coordinate recovery. They focused on long-term housing solutions, fire-resistant construction, land use planning, and advocacy for fair insurance coverage. These weren’t just bureaucratic efforts—they were community-led projects, run by people with deep roots in the town.

Through fundraising, education, and sheer willpower, the foundation helped thousands return and rebuild. New zoning standards were introduced to make homes more fire-resistant, and grants were offered to families struggling to afford construction. They even commissioned murals and art installations to honor what was lost and celebrate the spirit of renewal.

Rebuilding Paradise wasn’t easy. It took years of sustained effort, and the trauma of the fire still lingers. But today, hundreds of new homes have been built, and Paradise is rising once again. More than 6,000 people have returned. Stores are reopening, schools are filling back up, and hope is being restored.

Tiny Town Bounces Back After Flood

In October 2024, Hurricane Helene brought devastating floods to the small mountain town of Marshall, North Carolina. With a population of just 800, it would have been understandable for residents to feel overwhelmed or wait for outside help. But that’s not what happened. Instead, the people of Marshall rolled up their sleeves and got to work—together.

Homes were damaged, businesses inundated, and public spaces left in ruin. Yet within hours of the waters receding, neighbors were checking in on each other, forming impromptu cleanup crews, and offering hot meals to those displaced. Local shop owners worked tirelessly to reopen within days, not weeks. Volunteers—many of whom had also suffered damage—stepped up to clear debris, fix infrastructure, and restore a sense of normalcy.

What was most inspiring wasn’t just the speed of the response, but the spirit behind it. There were no grandstanding leaders or national headlines—just ordinary people acting out of love for their town and each other. Local churches coordinated shelter and supplies, while students helped elderly residents repair their homes. It was grassroots recovery at its finest.

Months later, Marshall’s streets are clean, its businesses are buzzing, and its people are closer than ever. The town didn’t just survive the storm—it came out stronger. In a world where disaster often leads to disconnection, Marshall’s example reminds us that tragedy can bring out the very best in a community.

Coal Country Revival

St. Paul, Virginia once depended on coal mining as its economic engine. But as the industry declined, this Appalachian town of 830 was left searching for a future. Rather than wait for a corporate savior, local leaders and residents imagined something new: ecotourism. It was a long shot, but their motivation and unity turned that vision into a lifeline.

Through collaboration with The Nature Conservancy and support from the Central Appalachian Project, the town invested in outdoor recreation. They built the Spearhead Trails, expanded access to nearby natural attractions, and encouraged small businesses to support visiting hikers, bikers, and off-roaders. Once-empty storefronts transformed into cafes, outfitters, and lodging options.

The shift wasn’t just economic—it was cultural. St. Paul embraced its identity as a place for nature lovers and adventurers. Local high school students joined conservation clubs. Retired miners became trail guides. What started as an economic pivot grew into a full-blown movement.

Today, tourism supports nearly 20% of the town’s economy. St. Paul is now a model for other rural communities navigating the post-coal economy. It shows that with the right motivation, small towns can rewrite their own story.

In the face of economic decline, the people of St. Paul chose not to shrink but to evolve—and in doing so, they’ve lit a path forward for others.

Positive Profile of the Week: Wanda Tucker

In the close-knit town of Panhandle, Texas, the local school was more than just a place of learning—it was the heart of the community. But by 2021, declining enrollment threatened its closure. For Wanda Tucker, a veteran educator and Panhandle native, letting the school disappear was not an option.

Rather than accept defeat, Wanda rallied the community. She reached out to alumni, gathered support from families, and partnered with local officials to create a plan of action. Her goal wasn’t just to keep the school open—it was to reimagine it as a hub of growth and opportunity.

Under her leadership, the school introduced new programs that attracted students from neighboring areas. Vocational training, arts initiatives, and enhanced academic tracks gave the institution fresh appeal. Enrollment began to climb. So did morale. Parents who had once considered leaving town chose to stay.

Wanda’s efforts went beyond the school walls. She helped foster a renewed sense of pride in Panhandle—reminding residents of the power of collective action. The school now stands not only as a center of education but as a symbol of what one person’s vision can ignite when embraced by an entire town.

Her story is a shining example of this week’s theme: when motivated people come together to do good, they don’t just change outcomes—they change entire communities.

Positive Quote of the Week: Coming Together To Do Good!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

― Margaret Mead