MakeMusic Habitat Crew, Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Back row, L to R: Beth, Scott, Julie, Kate, J. G., Ryan, Steve, and Kent.
Front row, L to R: Joy, Karen, Deb, and Mike.

This past August, MakeMusic employees participated in a Habitat for Humanity build through the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. If you’re unfamiliar with Habitat, their mission is to “build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with those who lack adequate shelter,” and this goal resonates with the people of MakeMusic.

Twenty three co-workers from all levels of our company helped renovate a foreclosed property in North Minneapolis. Our Habitat foreman was great at quickly assessing skill levels and assigning appropriate duties. Our group focused on exterior work, installing roofing, fascia, and siding.

Many of us learned new tasks or were entrusted with aspects of the project we might not have tackled on our own at home: As a result we left with a newfound confidence. It’s a great feeling when you set out to do something for others, then discover you’ve received an unanticipated benefit in the process.

To see more MakeMusic participants from this year’s Habitat project, visit the SmartMusic blog where I’ve recycled this blog text with a photo of our Friday crew. I’d like to thank everyone who participated, MakeMusic management for the opportunity, and especially those coworkers who made the project possible by working twice as hard in our absence!

Click here for additional information about this project and the other companies that contributed.