The Best Day Out of 26 Years at GM: Paying it Forward at SOBCon 2011
By: Connie Burke
May 3, 2011 4:04 pm CT
When “they” ask me at my retirement party (they, meaning the swarms of paparazzi) about my all-time favorite memories in my illustrious 85-year General Motors career (I plan ahead, and I’m in good health), I’ve already got it covered.
It will be extremely hard to top the honor I had to represent GMC at SOBCon (Successful Online Business) Chicago 2011, when I handed over a set of keys to a beautiful new GMC Terrain to a very deserving and very surprised Mark Horvath of InvisiblePeople.tv. Mark has dedicated himself tirelessly to the cause of helping those who aren’t in a position to help themselves: the homeless. Having once been homeless himself and fearing that he might be again one day, Mark is on a mission to help the homeless “scream as loud as they can” about the plight.
Armed with a camera, an open heart and open mind, Mark travels the country for speaking engagements, attending conferences and seeking out those in tent cities and in homeless shelters to help them tell their own story. He also teaches some how to use social media tools to better their situation – it’s hard to apply for a job when you don’t have an address, but it’s easier if you have email. For this, he won the Pepsi Refresh Challenge Grant last year at SXSW, one of the largest interactive conferences in the nation.
So here’s a guy who, when he’s invited to conferences, will choose to seek out people on the street and help them find housing for the night, rather than attend the social events such as dinners and parties. He’s given his rent money to strangers, and has no qualms about handing over his last dollar on a cold, rainy night. He hands out supplies such as socks and toiletries, and braves sub-zero temps as well as 114 degree heat in the summer, because that’s what some homeless people are dealing with, full-time.
As a major sponsor of SOBCon, an elite annual gathering and “think tank” of the top 150 practitioners of social media, GMC wanted to do something meaningful. Since GMC’s theme has been “Never Say Never” and Mark Horvath embodies the spirit of determination and the perseverance of the Road Warrior, it seemed fitting to provide him with his mobile office for 2011 in the form of a GMC Terrain, equipped with WiFi and premium OnStar services.
The fact that we cram-packed the back of the Terrain (which has segment-leading cargo space, by the way) full of individual snacks and supplies for Mark to hand out as he makes his way across the country was simply icing on the icing – it’s what really moved him. He’s a humble guy who feels that it’s not so much about the brands behind him but rather the relationships – he seemed very touched that GMC would go the extra mile and start him off with all the provisions he would need.
But wait, there’s more: Murphy USA stepped up, and is providing Mark with a year’s worth of free fuel. McDonald’s threw in some free food certificates for him to hand out as well. As SOBCon co-founders Liz Strauss and Terry St. Marie noted, “This is what community is truly all about.”
To donate or to follow Mark’s progress as he spreads hope and support, log on to http://invisiblepeople.tv/blog/.
I happily handed over the keys to Mark Horvath!
It all sinks in, and Mark is speechless.
Tags: gm, GMC, heroes, Illinois, local hero, mobile office, SOBCon
This was an incredible gesture Connie, and one I was glad to be able to witness. Thanks to you, to GMC, to Liz and Terry and all of SOBCon. What a great surprise it was for all of us.
I'm grateful that I got to be a part of something so amazing. Thank you, GMC. Thank you, Connie. Thank you, Mark. It was trust and hard work that came together to make this happen. Terry and I both are wowwed that a major brand could do something so spectacular and so giving on every level. I'm proud to know you and to pass on this story.
Mark is a truly special person making a difference in the world. Watching this happen was extraordinary and something I'll never forget. Thank you to all involved, especially Connie, GMC, Liz, Terry and all those behind the scenes.
Thanks Sean and Liz – I was truly grateful to be part of this as well. It's really Mark who is doing the heavy lifting. GMC simply saw an opportunity to make his work a little easier, and then things just naturally took off from there. Grateful also to Murphy USA, who is literally "fueling" Mark's mission. It was one of those "I'm glad to be human" moments – one I won't soon forget. Thanks for the support.
[...] The Best Day Out of 26 Years at GM: Paying it Forward at SOBCon 2011, by Connie Burke — Awesome of GMC to gift Mark Horvath of InvisiblePeople.tv with a new GMC Terrain in support of the work he does for the homeless. [...]
It was so awesome and humbling to observe this event. Kudos to GM for this great gesture that will certainly make a difference. It is so easy to love the work that Mark is doing, go Mark!
[...] week I faced another fear and sold my car. Yes, I have this awesome GMC Terrain, but it’s only a loan for a period of time. Not having a vehicle in Southern California is [...]
I love seeing the giving back efforts that GM does. What a great job to have to be able to reward others like this!!!!
very cool
Hi Rebecah – We are currently recognizing local Illinois residents who are making a difference in their communities and inspiring others to do good. We would love to hear about some of your local "heroes" and have them nominated for the Our Town, Our Heroes program.
[...] was really only going to travel around Canada, then GMC lent me this AWESOME Terran to cruise in style, Murphy Oil has offered gas while traveling in the states, and McDonolds provided gift cards (We [...]
[...] the possibility. Then, without revealing the secret, I contacted Casey and ask that he speak with Connie Burke from GMC. I asked him to trust that MurphyUSA had the chance to do something really good for an amazing man [...]
[...] support not only helps to validate the fight to end homelessness it saves money and resources. General Motors, Delta Hotels, Petro-Canada (Canada) , Murphy Oil (United States), Hanes, TubeMogul, Pitch Engine, [...]
[...] 2011 – his third in as many years – MurphyUSA will be providing his gasoline and GMC provided him his GMC Terrain “Mobile Office.” But as you can imagine, there are other costs that need to be [...]
[...] sponsors, GMC. Connie Burke of GMC provided Mark with a new GMC Terrain. As she writes in her post, The Best Day Out of 26 Years at GM: Paying it Forward at SOBCon 2011, “Since GMC’s theme has been “Never Say Never” and Mark Horvath embodies the spirit of [...]