In a rare moment of reflection -- I have no rear view mirror -- I recently dialed back through the PARTNERS+simons pro bono portfolio. I had no objective. I wasn't interested in calculating how much we've given away, or in celebrating the creativity. I was just looking back.

What did I see?

A lot of work for United Way of Massachusetts Bay -- campaigns that show the organization's transition from fundraising intermediary to social-change driver.

There's that wonderful campaign for Leeway that features some remarkable photography, captured by our own Creative Director, Anthony Henriques.

The Beantown Jazz Festival brand identity and the Executive Sessions promotion are testimony to our expanding relationship with Berklee College of Music.

I like the heart in The Schwartz Center creative. (And I look forward to Co-Chairing the organization’s Fall gala in November.)

The more recent campaigns for The Freedom Trail and The Mothers' Walk in The Rose Kennedy Greenway are standouts as well.

And that's just some of the work.

But I was struck, during said rare retrospective moment, that this portfolio is representative of our attachment to, and engagement with, our community. This body of work is not a part of a grand strategy, or to curry favor with potential clients. It is simply the result of seeing the occasional opportunity to contribute our time and talent locally, and doing that.

As a creative guy, I find an exuberance and a positive energy in the work. And that makes me smile. I'm proud of that.

For the past month, Kristen Schimek and I have assembled most of our pro bono work and organized it elegantly. And while this is wildly (and perhaps unattractively) self-referential, we invite you to take a look at Your Money's No Good Here.

In any event, I encourage you to involve your company in your community. What with the uncertain economy, unfortunate war and the stresses of the day to day, this is may be the perfect time.