Guest Post: ‘Diary of Ed’ – Birmingham Education Foundation’s Family Game Night

On Thursday, Sept. 26, Christian & Small was proud to support the Birmingham Education Foundation by being a Bay Sponsor for its 2019 Family Game Night at TopGolf. The firm fielded a team that consisted of Partners Rachel J. Moore and Jack J. Kubiszyn, Associate Jordan C. Loper, and Director of Business Development Leslie C. Scarborough. We played on behalf of two students, one of whom, Deana Williams, is quoted below. Kudos to the Birmingham Ed Foundation for hosting a fun, engaging, well-run event; we had an incredible time getting to know our students and supporting a very worthy cause.

What follows is a guest blog post from Brad Jennings, Birmingham Ed’s Development Manager. Brad was in charge of Family Game Night and originally shared his thoughts about the event in the non-profit’s “We are Ed.” newsletter. We have shared his post with his permission:

Guest Post: ‘Diary of Ed’ – Birmingham Education Foundation’s Family Game Night

by Brad Jennings, Birmingham Education Foundation Development Manager

“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” – Brené Brown

Each packed hitting bay on TopGolf‘s first floor emanated an exhilarating energy as seniors from seven Birmingham City high schools networked with local partners. Departing from Game Night’s recent “Family Feud” tradition, Development Manager Brad Jennings organized the annual fundraiser at TopGolf, creating a relaxed, engaging environment for relationships new and old to grow through community and competition. “Every time someone came down here, you could feel the energy,” exclaimed a TopGolf worker.

Golfers young and old, experienced and novice, teed off together with a common purpose to invest in Birmingham and its students through education and community. Deana Williams, a senior at Huffman High School, had never golfed before, but enjoyed “trying something new with new people,” and discovering unforeseen commonalities. After two hours of golfing and talking, the players crowded around the high-topped tables, erupting into thunderous drum rolls and applause as Executive Director J.W. Carpenter announced the afternoon’s winners. Raising more money at this event than ever before, Ed received enough donations to provide each student in attendance with $250. Jocelyn May, first place runner-up and Jackson-Olin High School student, shares that her favorite part of the afternoon was learning how to play golf, and she looks forward to Ed’s different field trips for the upcoming year. First place winner Cameron Calvin, enrolled at Huffman High School, enjoyed the experience and appreciates how Ed “opens people’s eyes to what they might want to do.” As the evening came to its close with last-minute photo ops and celebrations, a contented calm fell over the floor. Whether people stayed for the full time or only a few moments, Ed Family Game Night ensured that each person walked away feeling seen, heard, and valued.

TopGolf Winners:

• 4^TH Place: Kaleb Long – Ramsey ($1,000)
• 3^RD Place: Davon Young – Parker ($1,500)
• 2^ND Place: Jocelyn May – Jackson-Olin ($2,500)
• 1^ST Place: Cameron Calvin – Huffman ($5,000)

To support Birmingham Ed’s mission to empower students by improving educational opportunities, maximizing impact, and unifying the city’s diverse network, and to increase the number of scholarships it gives, visit: edgamenight.swell.gives.