The Gift of Service

Tuesday evening I had the honor of being the MC for the Annual Salvation Army Award Dinner in Monessen, Pennsylvania. It was a lovely evening filled with a lot of positive energy and amazing people. One of the distinguished guest and honorees was Albert Lexie. I have known Albert for years and am humbled each time I am in his presence. Albert has spent the last 20 years shining shoes for charity. He travels daily to Oakland where he sets up shop at Children's Hospital and goes to work, donating all of his tips to the Patient Care Fund. Known as "Albert's Kid's," he has raised over $100,000 for this amazing cause. But there is a bigger story here. Albert is developmentally challenged and lives on only $10,000 per year....and he is such a happy man! His smile will melt your heart if you ever get the opportunity to meet him. It reminds me of when I was young and money really didn't mean all that much. Remember when your family, friends, and perhaps a trip to the Dairy Queen were all you needed to have a great day? That's how Albert lives his life, except the Dairy Queen trip is replaced with service to the less fortunate. Albert's efforts have not gone unnoticed...he was honored b Oprah Winfrey a few years ago for his incredible passion to serve the profoundly ill at Children's Hospital. Congratulations, Albert! Thank you for being a fantastic role model and inspiration to us all. May all of your dreams come true!