The concept of family tradition is always on my mind. Our business is founded on tradition, after all. In many ways, I take great pride in continuing the tradition of honesty and integrity started by my grandmother, Helen Brett, in 1946. Now, we’re into a fourth generation of my family who is working to carry out my grandmother’s dream. Part of that dream was to honor the people with whom we have worked for these many generations and to attempt to return some of the kindness and hospitality that has been shown to us over the years.

Through our full-service tradeshow production and management company, we’ve had the opportunity to interact with exceptional people from all over the world. Furthermore, we’ve had a chance to visit some of the most gracious cities in the nation. Among our many journeys, we’ve met some truly kind-hearted people. This is certainly true of the people of Memphis who have always treated us well.

When, in May 2011, Memphis was overcome by devastating flooding, Helen Brett Enterprises wanted to return the kindness that the residents of the Tennessee city had always shown to us. The clear answer was to offer Memphis flood survivors a chance to have clean, dry clothing.

Immediately, Helen Brett Enterprises orchestrated a massive clothing drive in an effort to bring relief to those in Memphis who had been affected by the tragic flooding. Joining forces with other businesses in our area: ALG Worldwide Logistics, a supply-chain solutions company; RBK Enterprises, Ltd., a printing solutions company; and Precision Control Systems of Chicago, a Full Service Building Automation Contractor, Helen Brett Enterprises launched this inspiring initiative and quickly found that our coworkers and associates were as eager to assist the residents of Memphis as we were. With the assistance of ALG’s account executive Mike Jostes; RBK’s owners Greg Kolinek and Sanford Kolinek, and the team at Precision Control, Helen Brett Enterprises was able—in only a week—to collect over 150 lbs of clothes, packed into an impressive crate for immediate distribution to Memphis.

The lot of donated clothing was sent to Bartlett First Assembly Church in Bartlett, Tennessee where they were swiftly added to a growing “clothes closet” and quickly given to those who had lost their homes and possessions to the cruel flood. Through the generosity of our neighbors, friends and family in Illinois, Helen Brett Enterprises was able to bring aid and comfort to the people of Memphis who had always welcomed us with open arms.

Not only were we able to attempt to return some of the kindness that had always been shown to us by the gentle people of Memphis, we were able to carry out my grandmother’s dream. Family and friends united to help other families and friends. That, I’m sure, would have made my grandmother quite proud. Above all else, it’s the kindness that we show each day that makes this world all the more beautiful.