Blessings, Friends and Great Days
August 2008

By Dan Shine, Vice President, 50x15 Initiative

Some days are better than others. Some days we refer to as "great." In early June of this year I had one of my "best." Ever. Really. Read on.

On June 4th, 2008, the center of the Universe shifted to a schoolroom in the town of Gugulethu, on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. In that room were the people that have made 50x15 the catalyst for change that it is today. As you'll read, we had government dignitaries, banking executives, professional educators, physicians, and of course children, all present to celebrate success and to commit to doing more. Most importantly, I had the honor of being with my entire senior team and our partners, including those partners that have been with us from the very beginning (when no-one knew what the "bottom of the pyramid" referred to!).

I have never been so proud to be associated with such a dynamic, diverse group of people, all singularly committed to changing the world, making it better. They work tirelessly to educate, to heal, to enable. The community that has emerged over time is tight, yet inclusive, driven, yet flexible. There is a blessing that goes, "May your home always be too small to hold all your friends." It is my hope that the 50x15 community will always be overflowing with friends dedicated to making a difference, just as that school in Gugulethu was spilling over with my team, my partners and my friends on June 4th, one of my best days. Ever.