SUCCESS SECRETS
Successful Leaders and Visionaries embody similar character traits and behaviours. ‘Success Secrets’ profiles an individual who embodies the traits that naturally lead to success and impact in their lives and in community.
How One Man Turned Ashes into Hope
It’s not surprising to long-time friends of Northumberland resident Bill Fulton that he pulled off the seemly impossible – organizing a 6 hour benefit concert in 3 days that raised over 20k in donations. And, for the 23 families of Thursday’s devastating apartment fire on Wellington Street in Port Hope, raising funds was just one benefit of what would bring a community together in kindness, generosity and care.
Trust Your Gut
Bill was devastated as he stood and watched the fire rip through people’s homes a short distance from where he lived. As firefighters worked to battle the blaze, Bill knew in his heart what he needed to do. “Many of the victims of the blaze have grown to be my friends. Some I have known for over 30 years, and some I know just by a wave hello. But, it was never a decision to do something to help. I just did it.”, Bill remarked with a shrug of his shoulders when I asked him what sparked the idea. Quite simply, Bill followed followed his gut and immediately started reaching out to the greater musician family of Northumberland trusting that they would join forces with him to create an event help those affected.
Hold a Clear Vision & Gather the Troops
For three days straight Bill hit the phones organizing an event that 800 people from across Northumberland would attend. “People like York Bell-Smith jumped on board without hesitation. People just came out of the woodwork to offer help in whatever way they could. I was inundated with so many offers that I had to turn people away in order to stay focused. I even had to turn away a couple of bands because we already had a 6 hour concert!,” Bill said with amazement, “I knew that in order to pull this off in just 3 days from ‘fire to concert’ I had to form a tight team that could execute the plan. And, execute it we did on little sleep.”
Be Generous
It is obvious to many that generosity and kindness run in the blood of Bill Fulton. Cynthia Greer, a victim of the fire, said that she and her family have known Bill for over 30 years. “Bill is genuine. What you see is what you get. We just can’t express the enormous amount of gratitude we hold in our hearts for Bill and what he has done for all of us. He’s got a heart of gold.” And, it seems that this trait of generosity is nothing new for Bill. Edna Greer, who was treated for smoke inhalation following the fire, stopped what she was doing when I asked about Bill. And, with a shake of her head she reflected that, “Bill is something else. He’s been kind to my family through the many years we have known him. What Bill has done with this concert, well that is just who Bill is.”. It becomes obvious as I talk and hear the stories of the day that when generosity and gratitude come together, lives are changed. Hope is restored. And, the ripple effect takes hold.
Cultivate Connection
“Bill has restored my faith in humanity. Look at all of these people. They are all here for us”, said Christine Hodge, a volunteer at the event. “And, look at all of this money coming in. Everything from huge cheques to kids putting change in donation buckets. And, clothes, furniture, silent auction items and the generosity of Gus’ Grill to Go. It’s amazing.”
Green Wood Coalition Community Director, David Sheffield might say that what Bill did was create an ‘ecosystem’ of sorts where much was accomplished not only in practical ways such as necessary funds being collected, but very human ones too, with victims and attendees feeling supported and valued in community. There is great power both collectively and individually in such a gathering. Lifting a community in ways that create lasting impact long after such an event.
As I stood at the edge of the concert grounds taking it all in, it struck me that the space was awash in a collective open-hearted energy – joy, hope and gratitude for each other and the world. The trees looked a little brighter and the families lifted their babies a little higher into the sky as the sounds of Garage Dog filled the early evening air. Thank you Bill. The world is better for you being in it.
To help the 23 families displaced by the May 17, 2018 fire that ripped through a Wellington St. apartment building contact Bill Fulton at scubadivindj99@hotmail.com Even in the days following the concert significant funds have been rolling in. “Every bit helps so much. I am just blown away by the generosity.” remarked Bill the day after the concert. In addition, Bill suggests contacting Sue Graham at the Port Hope Salvation Army at (905) 885-2323. Families, children, the elderly – all needing places to live, clothes, food and other essentials. This is an issue that will require many resources of various kinds in the days and months ahead.
Pictured in photo: Wellington Street Fire Benefit Concert Organizer, Bill Fulton
