Alexandria Seaport Foundation: Doing Good Never Felt so Right

I love it when a plan comes together. A couple months ago I met Kathy Seifert at a fundraiser and first learned of the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, a local-non profit that does what sounded to be some pretty amazing work. The ASF is an educational development organization that strives to impart practical knowledge, skills, responsibility and vocational training upon local youths of the DC, Maryland & Virginia area and the photo ideas immediately started flowing through my mind.

The ASF is a boat repair and restoration service based in Old Towne Alexandria that offers kids from the DC area an opportunity to learn new skills through the art of wood working.

"Whoa.." I thought. "So it's a fully functioning boat yard complete with a kick ass mission and M.O.? I'm in!"

At first I thought that if anything this would be a great day out of the office and a chance to photograph something new. New environments and subjects spurs creativity, and it's always nice to stretch the legs a bit in a situation I haven't come across.

Then I met the staff and their students, and I was completely blown away by the importance of their work. 

It's amazing (and refreshing) to come across an organization that began with good intentions but employs even better execution. To hear the buy-in from the students about the opportunities presented to them, and the success stories from such a dedicated group of staff members keyed me in on what the ASF is accomplishing. 

And they are turning around some pretty beautiful boats in the process. 

Learn more about the Alexandria Seaport Foundation here: www.alexandriaseaport.org