I’m no stranger to working with Eric Newman, owner and “Chief Play Officer” of Roc Solid Foundation. I have had the pleasure of knowing him in various capacities: as a client while I photograph builds for his organization, as a guest during an interview for Anti-Marketing Podcast, and – most importantly – as a friend. If you know Eric, you know how impossible it is not to be drawn to him. He is refreshingly himself and holds a humble confidence that is born from challenging experiences and honest growth. At the risk of writing the cheesiest (but most accurate) statement of my career, Eric is the best of humanity. Maybe that’s why I agreed to help with the book launch for What Hope Looks Like.
How in the world could I tell him “No” when I understand just how powerful his story could be in the hands of others?
Eric is a self-proclaimed dreamer. He recognizes that his audience isn’t always in a place to receive those big ideas, but he doesn’t interpret that as defeat. That “crazy” idea today might seem totally doable next year. His dedication to touching the lives of every pediatric cancer patient – every child with cancer – seemed far away at one time. Projections that once said certain goals could be accomplished in 35 years, are now giving predictions of ten years. His ability to dream is also part of the reason why he isn’t afraid to challenge – to challenge the non-profit industry and the methods that are deemed traditional and appropriate.
He’s willing to go against those ideals so that he can reach more children, and feels it is his burden to do so.
It’s his burden to say the dreams out loud and to do things that haven’t been done so that over 16,000 children each year have access to more hope. Parents and families can have one less thing to worry about when they receive a ready bag. Children have access to playsets and the opportunity to simply be a child, rather than a child with cancer. It is ambitious. It is lofty. And it is so incredibly needed.
His book – What Hope Looks Like – isn’t just about how he used his personal experiences to build a nonprofit. This book is also about how you can use your story to find your passion and create change. It’s not just how you can theoretically do these things. He is offering concrete advice, things that he used within his own life and business. Eric is prepared to tackle the parts of the world that fire him up, but there are many other areas for hope and joy. Maybe that’s where you step in. There are other issues that deserve passionate attention, and that is exactly what Eric is hoping to achieve with What Hope Looks Like.
His book is available for purchase NOW! You can find it on Amazon (and make sure Roc Solid Foundation is your charity of choice for Amazon Smile), and discover for yourself how pain and passion can be utilized to create your own nonprofit. Having the chance to be part of the book launch for What Hope Looks Like was such an incredible opportunity. It wasn’t without stress or worry, but that’s because I truly believe in Eric and what he is going to accomplish. If ever there was a person with the ability to make the world better, it’s him. Hell, he’s already doing it.
Eric, you did it. You freaking did it. Cheers to an incredible launch day!
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