One of the keys to serving local communities effectively is supporting existing institutions that already provide valuable services. The Sacramento Food Bank is one such institution.

This past Saturday, Game Plan Academy (GPA) students assembled alongside GPA mentors, Jesuit High School alumni, teachers, students, parents, and staff as part of a GoDoGood project.  The mission of GoDoGood is to capture people's energy to 'do good' and put these passions into action in local communities. The Sacramento Food Bank provides an excellent outlet for Sacramentans who want to 'do good' for those in need in a well-organized, structured, and warm, supportive environment. GoDoGood brought a talented, diverse, and motivated group of Sacramento residents together to give back to the community that has given them so many blessings. Staff members and leaders at the Sacramento Food Bank, a long-standing Sacramento organization that does a tremendous amount of 'good', remarked that our energetic group of volunteers accomplished a significant amount of helpful work -- remarks like "Where have you been all my life?" and "This is tremendous; you guys are awesome" were made.

Then, on Sunday, building on momentum from Saturday, Game Plan Academy (GPA) participants and coaches assembled for another high impact session. Spirits were high both on the football field and in the classroom, and Dr. Rich Callahan from the University of Southern California (USC) capped off the day remarkably well with a powerful presentation on the importance of practice, self-confidence and determination, and making progress in life 'inch-by-inch' -- we should all keep our eyes open for those 'inches', the little opportunities and openings, that we can take advantage of throughout our lives.

Game Plan Academy (GPA) and the Sacramento Food Bank represent two manifestations of Sacramento natives' continuous efforts to GoDoGood, but there are many other wonderful people, groups, and organizations throughout the region 'doing good' each and every day -- that's what makes Sacramento a kindred community of 'people helping people'.

GoDoGoodSacramento.

Good.