Idaho Statesman

UNITED WAY D.I.R.T. - D.I.R.T. BALL

Most days they blend in with the rest of us, looking like every other busy professional enjoying a normal lunch hour. Little do we realize that, when community needs arise, this group quickly doffs their business suits and springs into action emerging in their superhero gear: worn jeans, old shirts, and gloves. They are the United Way Direct Impact Response Team. They have banned together to be a force for good in the community and they are doing it during a lunch hour.

Started in 2006, D.I.R.T. is a grassroots approach to real community engagement and change. Once a month, this group of busy professionals powers through a volunteer project over their lunch hour. With superhuman strength and efficiency, they tackle the get-your-hands-dirty-you're-really-going-to-work kind of projects.

A couple of past projects include scrubbing out the Diaper Dumpster at the Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Center and clearing out a -acre back lot at The Idaho Foodbank to prepare it for planting.

"They moved rocks, pulled out barbed wire and other debris, and then leveled the field for planting trees. It was quite a job," said Cindy Fenn, The Idaho Foodbank volunteer coordinator.

According to Joe deVera, United Way D.I.R.T. chair, "We take on the worst of the worst volunteer projects. We don't do it to bloat our resumes; we do because it's the right thing to do. This is absolutely not glamorous work but if someone doesn't do it, it won't get done."

Efficiency and focus are paramount for this busy group. Volunteers, called D.I.R.T. "clods," receive e-mails called "bat signals" giving information about the next "DIRTy Deed" assignment. They spring into action with the call "We can make a difference. We WILL make a difference."

On Friday, you can support their mission by attending the D.I.R.T. Ball at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Starting at 5:30 p.m., it will feature live music by Steve Fulton and Smooth Old Fashioned High. The event also will include prison yard games, tattoo artists and good karma. Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

For information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.dirtclods.com or http://www.unitedwaytv.org/default__4cc.aspx.

Meanwhile, our community can rest better knowing that this group of local action heroes are out there conquering community needs one project at a time.