When I visit other places, I don't really care about architecture or landmarks. I want to meet people. I yawned through the Louvre, but I had quite a thrill participating in a worker's rally in the middle of Paris. I'm not sure what we were protesting, but it was fun anyway. People are what make the place, at least for me.

That's why I love Moore County. We have some really cool people, and I want to introduce you to a few of them. None of these people have any idea that I'm writing about them, so please feel free to tell them I did. That would be fun to watch. In separate blogs, I will introduce one or two people at a time.

Charlie McWilliams

Charlie is one of my heroes. Born in the New Jersey/New York area, Charlie has known both privilege and poverty. We met through the Moore County Leadership Institute (MCLI) when he was a banker with First Bank. Charlie is one of those guys that you want to have around if you're ever in a burning building. He's not particularly assertive or physically imposing, but if he said, "Follow me," you would. He has such a quiet strength and calm demeanor. Both traits are polar opposites of myself, which is probably why I like him. Charlie has always been the guy I go to for business advice, not just because he's knowledgeable, but because he cares enough to tell the truth. I haven't always followed his advice, but I later wished I did. The great thing about Charlie, though, was he was there for me with a pat on the back, a kick in the rump and a story of one of his own failures. We all have failures. Some of us more than others. The goal in life is not to avoid failure, but to grow past them into success.

Thanks, Charlie, for leading the way.

When Dan isn't busy telling Charlie about a crazy new business idea, he sells real estate with Fore Properties. He can be reached at 910-528-7003 or Dan@DanAskins.com.

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The Sandhills Rotary Club, of which I am a member, will be coordinating an event to help alleviate worldwide hunger. Using a nutrient-rich mixture of dry goods, we plan to pack 20,000 meals in one day for hungry people around the world. Our club is part of a regional effort to pack 1,000,000 meals.

On Packing Day, scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2008, we will need many volunteers-parents, teachers, even children-to help with a variety of tasks, from bagging to labeling to loading the truck.

The meals will cost about 20 cents each. Our club is raising the money to pay for all the meals. If you would like to support us with your donations, please make a check payable to Sandhills Rotary Club. We are a qualified charity and will be happy to give a tax receipt.

The  mailing address is:

P.O. Box 807

Southern Pines, 28388

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at Dan@DanAskins.com or by phone 910-528-7003.

Thanks,

Dan.

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