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A successful life is not something you simply pursue, it is something that you create, moment by moment. — Bill Strickland
From a sleeping bag on the second floor of a dilapidated building, Bill Strickland has built Manchester Bidwell Corp. (MBC) into one of the nation’s most innovative non-profit organizations. Strickland’s work has brought him a MacArthur Foundation genius grant, a Grammy award, an invitation to lecture at Harvard University and a seat on the board of the National Endowment for the Arts.
GHPA is very pleased that the entrepreneur, humanitarian and author will be the guest speaker at its 2008 National Preservation Month Luncheon on Thursday, May 8. GHPA Board member Cindy Crane Garbs is chairing the event at River Oaks Country Club.
“We’re encouraging our underwriters to bring the directors and staff of other non-profit organizations to the luncheon as their guests,” said Garbs. “We really believe Mr. Strickland will energize the community and help preserve the human spirit!"
Strickland’s message is simple: give people the tools they need, treat them with respect and they will perform miraculous deeds. Through its successful Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, Bidwell Training Center and National Center for Arts and Technology, MBC has trained and placed thousands of out-of-work adults and offers after-school programs for at-risk students. MBC has expanded its programs from Strickland’s hometown, Pittsburgh, to Cincinnati, Grand Rapids and San Francisco. Several of the projects are housed in restored historic buildings that have contributed to neighborhood revitalization efforts in urban communities.
GHPA’s 2008 National Preservation Month Luncheon will be held at noon, Thursday, May 8, at the River Oaks Country Club. Reservations start at $75 for GHPA members and $100 for non-members. Invitations will be mailed closer to the event. For information or reservations, please e-mail info@ghpa.org or call 713.216.5000.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has designated May as National Preservation Month to celebrate grassroots preservation efforts. The theme of Preservation Month 2008 is “This Place Matters.” GHPA is Houston’s Local Partner of the National Trust.
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