Not Your Average Workweek

BBD, LLP, a certified public accounting firm in Philadelphia, today announced that more than 20 members of the BBD family, including partners, staff and family members, served disadvantaged communities in Johnson, Magoffin and Martin Counties in Eastern Kentucky during the week of May 31.

Inspired by managing partner Mike Boyle’s commitment to an extended service opportunity as well as the ABC News 20/20 special “A Hidden America: Children of the Mountains,” the group traveled to one of the most impoverished regions of the country to work with the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP), one of the largest not-for-profit organizations serving the people of this region.

 “We have been very fortunate at BBD,” said managing partner Mike Boyle.  “Our business continues to grow, despite the economic downturn.  Because we have been so fortunate, it is our responsibility to reach out where help is needed, not just with monetary support but also with our hands and hearts.”

 While the firm had planned for an extended service opportunity for some time, the decision to travel the 10 hours from Philadelphia to Kentucky was made after ABC News aired the 20/20 special “A Hidden America:  Children of the Mountains” in February.

 While in Kentucky, BBD’s group was divided into four teams that each served a different family in need.  Projects included construction of wooden wheelchair ramps as well as extensive home renovations.

The groups also spent time visiting with their adopted families and learning more about the enormous challenges facing Eastern Kentucky from representatives of the Christian Appalachian Project. 

Together, the group worked approximately 650 hours throughout the week in service to disadvantaged families.

“Our trip to Kentucky was the most challenging, rewarding, and humbling experience I have ever had,” said Barbara Kelly, BBD’s Recruiting & Human Resources Director.  ”I hope we do it again next year!”