Change starts when someone sees the next step.
                                                                                    William Drayton

Kurt Kiel, Everyday Hero

Kurt Kiel is this month’s Everyday Hero and you are about to see why. In January of 2008, Kurt started his journey through our Bravehearts Leadership Development Training program.  As the month’s passed by I saw Kurt take on a whole new life for himself. He started to step outside of his normal routines; he started looking at where all the barriers were in his life and noticed that he was the one that put them there!

Kurt has a passion for photography and has been taking photos on the side for quite some time. He started to get lit up at the possibility that he could really have his photography be something that he spends more time at. During the process of doing the Bravehearts program, Kurt took on a project that he called “Image-In”. His initial thought was that he would be traveling to Southeast Asia and while there could visit some orphanages and take pictures for them to update their websites and use for their newsletters. However, the project evolved into a more interactive and inspirational endeavor where he would teach some kids photography to document their lives, surroundings and perspective and then bring those images back here to the states and exhibit them as a documentary to raise money for the children in the orphanages.

Well, he did just that…and a whole lot more! Kurt contacted a friend that he knew was involved with an organization working with kids in that area. In-turn, he worked closely with the non-profit organization called ‘A Heart for Children International’ who provided the contacts, support and collaboration on the project. By way of their support, he started speaking to different orphanages over in Southeast Asia where he could come and do this project. Before you knew it there were many organizations that wanted to be a part of all phases of the project as well.

Before Kurt even left for the trip, he and some generous friends held a fundraiser at Salon Salon International on November 16th to provide kids haircuts and collect donations to support the project. They met the goal amount to cover the costs of nearly all the photo equipment for the kids. The hair stylists were very generous in donating their time, wages and tips for the cause.

The trip was very eventful and amazing! Kurt said that he really got to see so many different cultures and what other people have to deal with. He said that it was a humbling experience and he really got how grateful he is for the things that he has here at home.

Kurt, you went above and beyond with this project and I know that it is only the beginning. You made a difference for those kids and their families through your love and passion for photography and for that we honor you as this month’s Everyday Hero!

Please check out the blog from Kurt’s trip and his websites at the following addresses:
www.image-in-project.blogspot.com
www.evenkielprod.com
www.evenkielprod.com/galleries (which is under construction)