I’ve never been prouder of my association with our firm than I was yesterday at the dedication of Sophie’s Playground at Breckinridge Elementary. For those that may not know, the playground at the school was in disrepair (possibly condemned) and had been for a while. During 2008, a teacher at the school, Mrs. Routt, lost an infant daughter, Sophie. The death was not at birth but soon thereafter. The grief stricken Mrs. Routt wanted to do something to memorialize her daughter’s life and when asked what, she decided that a playground for the children at Breckinridge would be a fitting memorial. She told a close friend/college roommate of her desire but also shared that she just didn’t have the heart/energy to take it on herself. Unbeknownst to Mrs. Routt, her friend consulted with the school’s principal and started a “secret” fund drive for the playground. As secrets so often do, it didn’t stay secret for long. By the time Mrs. Routt learned of the drive, $4,000 had been raised and her desire to memorialize her daughter’s life had strengthened. She began to help “lead the charge” for “Sophie’s Playground”. Through bake sales, a golf tournament, a multitude of prayers and the generosity of many, the group raised about $25K of the needed $35K for the playground…but they had squeezed about all they could from their contacts/resources…and were about to believe their dream couldn’t be fully funded. While all this fund raising was going on, DDF was searching for a way to commemorate our 30th anniversary. We had decided that trying to give back to the community was more desirable than throwing a party for ourselves. A committee of our employees was put together to evaluate possible ways of giving back. After considering a few options, a tentative decision was made to try to Adopt a School. Martha Jones contacted the chairperson of Fayette County’s school board wondering if our desire was feasible. On that same day and within 10 minutes of completing a telephone call regarding the “plight” of the fund drive for Sophie’s Playground, Fayette County’s school superintendent, Mr. Silberman, received an email from the board chairperson inquiring about our desire. And Voila! (it wasn’t really quite that easy) we were able to complete the funding for the playground. It is impossible for me to describe the level of genuine gratitude that I/we have received from so many regarding our participation in this project. Some even calling it “divine”. We won’t know anytime soon about it’s divinity but it really is a remarkable set of circumstances. The emotional attachment to this endeavor was/is beyond anything we imagined and it makes me very proud to be associated with a firm who really did help make a “dream come true”. Hunter Stout continues to represent us so well in this endeavor including his presentation during the program yesterday (along with Mr. Silberman and 5th district council women Feigel…pretty “high cotton”). The Breckinridge school family is most appreciative of all we’ve done so far. I think we’re truly making a difference in the lives of these children.
Richard Dorton, CEO & President