The Big Payback Paid Off for Progress Inc.!

The BigPayback - a 24-hour day of online giving - paid off for Progress!

525

$1.4 million

The power of numbers were evident on May 6. On that day, 525 small and large nonprofits supporting everything from elephants to theater raised more than $1.4 million during the BigPayback, an online day of giving sponsored by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and the Kharis Foundation. Progress had the great fortune of drawing in more than $2,100 in just a matter of hours.  We are so thankful for the support given that will help us to continue to keep people with disabilities and seniors healthy, happy and safe.

In addition to the financial gain, the day gave Progress a platform to tell our story to an increased number of potential supporters. More than 1,000 people were engaged on our Facebook and Twitter pages. In those many social media moments, our friend Tim from the Nashville Airport Marriott helped tell the story of just how important it is for Bea to have a meaningful workday and bring smiles to the faces of Marriott employees and customers. Our Board President David Cannady also shared why he loves and supports Progress. 

We just can't say thank you enough to each and every one of you for making sure the Big Payback paid off for Progress.

A Happy Holidays Thank You from Progress Inc.

SLIDESHOW: HCA CARING COMMUNITY DAY AT PROGRESS

We cannot thank David Cannady and his crew of HCA employees enough for all their help during the HCA Caring Community Day 2012.  The annual event has helped Progress in so many ways. This year, the employees moved furniture, filed documents, helped assemble emergency kits that will be used at the homes of our clients, gardened and spent time decorating pumpkins with our day program clients. Please view our slideshow dedicated to the day of volunteering.

Progress Inc. 4-miler Coming to East Nashville Nov. 3

Progress Inc. is gearing up for the inaugural E.N.D. East Nash Dash - a 4-miler and bash that will benefit the programs that support seniors and adults with disabilities. There will be free food, drinks and music from East Nashville's favorites.

Please learn more and register for the 4-miler at www.eastnashdash.org and take a peek at the video from our PSA shot in the heart of Five Points last week.

Vote for Robert Page in the TN Employment Idol Video Contest

YouTube Video on What Makes Robert Page a TN Employment Idol.

Robert Page doesn't sing or play the guitar, but he is hoping to win your vote as an "idol" - Tennessee's Employment Idol that is.

The Tennessee Disability MegaConference called for video submissions earlier this month that highlight the employment success of an individual with intellectual disabilities. Online voting began Tuesday, and it ends today. During Thursday morning's MegaConference, a studio audience will also vote on the seven Employment Idol videos.

How to Vote for Robert's Video:

1. Sign into your Gmail, YouTube or Google+ account
2. Open this link in another tab.
3. Watch the video on Robert
4. Click the like button on the video

Robert has been a dedicated employee at Harris-Hillman for 15 years. He began as a volunteer at the school, but soon became a paid employee. When budget cuts threaten his employment, the school principal and Metro School Board fought to keep his position paid.

He loves earning his own money, but, most of all, he loves interacting with the students. He shows the students at Harris-Hillman, who also have disabilities, that there can be a full and prosperous life as an adult with disabilities.

He lives out the Progress mission of "moving forward with abilities."

Please take a few moments to view his video story and vote for Robert!

Check back here to see if Robert nabs the title.

YouTube VIDEO: Charles & Bill on the set of Fox17 commercial

In Friday's Pressing Forward with Progress blogpost, we told you about Progress Inc. companion Charles and client Bill Lipscomb being featured in an upcoming commercial about the service and care at Creative Dentistry, where Bill has been a client for several years. Here's some footage from the commercial shoot at Creative Dentistry. The commercial producer asked Charles some questions. Some of his answers will be featured in a commercial that will run on Fox17. Check out the video!