I’m playing catch for Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, so it makes sense that on day 2 I would play with their top leader. Today, I played a game of catch with Gleaners CEO, Fred Glass. He still played catch with me even though I was wearing my Cubs gear and he’s a St Louis Cardinals fan! (I mean the Cubs did smoke the Reds last night, so I had to wear my Cubs gear!)
I learned that Fred grew up right here in Indianapolis not far from a church I used to serve. A lawyer and former Athletic Director of Indiana University, he now serves an organization that offers assistance to those who are food insecure. I asked what he loved the most about working for Gleaners. He shared, “It’s great to wake up every morning and work for an organization that feeds people.” We share that passion and desire. That’s the same inspiration for my 30 days of catch too.
There’s nothing like baseball and the desire to raise funds to help those in need to bring people together. As we tossed the ball back and forth on a partially shaded lawn in front of our church, we shared a little bit about our lives with one another. I loved hearing how sports have positively influenced his life. As Athletic Director, Fred would attend not just games, but even practices. There’s energy and positivity found in young student athletes. Now Fred enjoys playing with grandkids.
There’s something about the art of play. It might be with a baseball or basketball or football. It could be swimming, walking, or running. Whatever the sport or activity, play is a joyful activity shared between people. I knew exactly what Fred meant when he shared that there’s joy in watching student athletes or aspiring student athletes like my 7-year-old and almost 4-year-old. It’s even better when you can toss the ball around for 10 or 15 minutes in a game of catch.
Special thanks to Fred for playing catch with me today and sharing the passion of feeding others and baseball!
I’ll be sharing some stories on this blog throughout the month of August. If you feel moved to share a financial donation for my Gleaners fundraiser, use the link below.
https://give.gleaners.org/fundraiser/4739257
Get outside. Play catch. Find something that brings joy and a smile to your face.
Thank you for supporting Gleaners and following my 30 days of catch!