A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of shooting again for Bismarck's MSA United Way. You may have seen that I also got to work with them for their Annual Campaign Video. If you haven't, you can read about that experience here!

On Wednesday, August 13th 2014, MSA United Way hosted their annual #DayofCaring. This year was one of the best turn outs that they have had. Over 800 people of Bismarck and Mandan gathered together to better our communities to help complete more than 40 projects! Some of these projects included fixing, cleaning, organizing, and building for local organizations.

The day started early at Century High School in Bismarck. Volunteers and team leaders started to show up at 7:30 am, inside the gymnasium. Volunteers were greeted with a breakfast of fresh doughnuts from Bearscat Bakehouse and watermelon from Cash Wise. (I have to say, I am not usually one for doughnuts, but Bearscat's were fantastic!)

After getting everyone fed, registered for their projects and a short presentation by the Board of MSA United Way, the volunteers headed out to their project locations spread across Bismarck and Mandan, and as far north as Wilton, east as Menoken.

With the distance between locations, came quite a challenge to shoot as many of the 40+ locations as I could! You can see more of the photos from each location in the Behind the Scenes Gallery.

Being able to see the efforts of so many people from North Dakota, all for one cause is truly inspiring. I look forward to the next time that I work with a non-profit like MSA United Way, to help share what it is that they, and others do day in and day out within our local communities.

Currently, I am looking into working with some non-profits overseas for the opportunity to do some documentary work - cross your fingers for me! Be sure to check back for the latest updates!

Over this last weekend, I was out shooting photography with MSA United Way Bismarck, North Dakota. Every year, they produce a video/commercial that showcases services that they provide in our local community and how to join the effort.

The video isn't finished being edited yet and is due to be out, mid-August.

This years video depicts 3 stories that effect many people nationwide, not just here in Bismarck/Mandan. These stories represent real struggles, real people and real lives that have been transformed because of the support of United Way and its volunteers.

In the video, you will meet Harold, an old man struggling with his dotage. He is 85-years-old, sharp and resourceful. He is resistant to accepting assistance, but aware of the fact that he needs it. Mobility has become a major issue. His wife passed a few years ago and living alone is becoming more and more cumbersome and he fears he may be forced to say goodbye to his home.

After contacting United Way, Harold finds that they are able to assist him by having meals delivered right to his home by a United Way volunteer and provide transportation when he needs it, by working with Capital Area Transit (C.A.T.).

The C.A.T. just celebrated its 10 Year Anniversary in May of 2014 but has been serving the community since 1988.

The second story is about Patty. Patty is a middle-aged woman. She never had a strong support network, but has always worked hard to make ends meet. She had an unexpected accident, and with little resources and no support network, in short time, she found herself with nowhere to turn.

Like Harold, she also turned to the United Way.

United Way was able to coordinate the efforts of multiple community organizations in town, like Ruth Meiers Hospitality House, Inc. and Welcome House, Inc. to help shelter, get financial counseling and locate a permanent residence for Patty.

Finally, we meet Crystal, the 10-years-old daughter of a single mother. Before being linked with United Way services, she didn’t always know where her next meal would come from or where she would sleep on any given night. This instability caused her to suffer in school. Her mother tried her best to keep Crystal clothed, fed and housed, but struggled as a single parent.

After being linked with United Way, Crystal is set up to received "backpacks", containing food and other essentials that she would need. She also was assigned a tutor to assist her with catching up in school, and a role model to confide in.

Working with MSA United Way on this shoot was very humbling. Even though the people that we worked with were only actors/volunteers playing the part of their character, it still had merit and made me think about what it is that people struggle with, even in our small North Dakota community.

During a part of our shoot, we went on location to a local Senior Center. For lack in years spent here on earth, I have never been to a place like this. They offer everything from a hot meal, basic healthcare, recreational activities, and most of all, a place for seniors to come together and socialize.

While we were here, we had some time to wait before shoots. We ended up meeting a few of the men and women that frequent the Center. One man particularly, was incredibly interesting. I'll call him "Fred", as he asked to remain anonymous.

Fred is a second generation migrant, from Germany. He told us about his Father and Uncle's trip to America, and how they came across the country in a covered wagon. Once they decided to stop in North Dakota, they did what they could to establish themselves. What was even more amazing than coming cross-country in a covered wagon, is that they had to live out of it for FIVE years!

As many people don't know/realize (including myself), North Dakota had virtually NO trees in the 1800's. For Fred's family, this meant no materials for building. Once they had the resources, they had to bring lumber and other supplies from South Dakota and Southern Canada.

Fred continued on with story after story of his families journey, and then his own. Growing up during the Depression, serving in the US Army during multiple war fronts and the collapse of his small town - to end up in Bismarck, living out the rest of his days, staying close to healthcare and other services that are no longer available in most small towns of North Dakota.

Working with Bismarck's MSA United Way on this project was an amazing experience and I look forward to working on something similar. If you want to see more behind-the -scenes photos, check out the Gallery!

#DayofCaring 2014

United Way Campaign