Things have that crazy, breathless feeling as we close in on BuildingEnergy, with only 4 weeks to go until showtime. But I wanted to share with you a spontaneous outpouring of generosity that occurred within the NESEA community within the past week.

A group of NESEA emerging professionals, led by Ryan Lacey, LEED AP, of Petersen Engineering, and Bernice Radle, of Buffalo Energy, were working hard to make the NESEA student design competition, which culminates at BE11, a success. Part of their work entailed securing sponsorships and/or donations for prizes for the winners – something they had hoped to be able to offer, but that wasn’t in the budget. The put out a call for help on Basecamp, NESEA’s project planning forum.

What followed was a stunning online fund drive that would make even National Public Radio affiliates green with envy. During the course of the next 3-4 hours, individual NESEA members pledged anywhere from $50 to $250.01, and in no time, they had raised the $2000 they sought. But more importantly, they established their credibility within the NESEA community such that these donors really felt it a privilege to help them.

Kudos to these young leaders. They’re already doing great things, and with their engagement, our future looks bright indeed!