(Oakland, California)
As I travel the country this year covering the presidential election, I have listened to countless speeches from politicians and others about what the government can do and needs to do to make the nation a better place. The problem is, and let's be honest here, the government can't do everything. In fact, in many cases, it can't do a fraction of what politicians promise, nor should it.
The nation's private sector can, and does a lot of good charitable work that goes widely unnoticed. Take, for example, the Habitat for Humanity homebuilding I attended this morning in Oakland, California. 
The event was sponsored by Roger and Judy Haughton, a couple I have known for quite some years now. Roger is the retired CEO of the PMI Group, Inc., a huge insurance company. The Haughtons decided to make a personal gift of $50,000, which was matched by a corporate gift from PMI, Roger's former employer. "We are so thankful that we are able to have family here, business associates, people who have touched our lives," said Roger Haughton. The Haughtons are kind and generous people, with whom I have worked on various charity events in the past. Roger rose to be one of the top insurance executives in the nation (and, I am sure, was well compensated for it). But instead of keeping it all to himself, he, with his wife and children, has spent a lifetime of sharing and giving back to the community. Let's face it, a lot of other big-shot business executives would have spent the fifty grand on cars, vacations, art work, or wine collections. But not so the Haughtons. "When I saw this, I said, 'How can I pass up a sponsorship opportunity?'" Roger said.
Today, dozens of family, friends, and former co-workers showed up to pound nails, saw wood, cut insulation and do just about everything else needed to build a new home. 
The house is part of a "Habitat for Humanity" development in Oakland, that will eventually include 54 new homes. This is a tough part of town. Oakland is one of the most violent cities its size in America. Murders are common; and, sad to say, they happen not far from this Edes Avenue location. But this new neighborhood offers new hope.
The house is part of a "Habitat for Humanity" development in Oakland, that will eventually include 54 new homes. This is a tough part of town. Oakland is one of the most violent cities its size in America. Murders are common; and, sad to say, they happen not far from this Edes Avenue location. But this new neighborhood offers new hope.
"This is profound change," said Janice Jensen, Executive Director of Habit for Humanity-East Bay, "taking a blight and completely changing it to revitalize a neighborhood." Earlier, when I was being critical of politicians who promise a "government-do-all" solution to everything, I was not suggesting government has no role. Government can be a great (and necessary) partner in private ventures such as this. For example, the Edes Avenue site was built where a former petroleum company once existed, and money was needed from the federal EPA and the state of California to clean up the site. So, the government cleans and clears the site; and civic minded people and companies come in with a well-known national charity, and partner to make the sun rise again for some families in need.
"You leave with the heart knowledge that this is really something you can do to permanently change the life of a family," said Judy Haughton, as she choked back tears. She also spoke of the young kids who grow up in the violent and economically depressed neighborhoods nearby. The new home becomes key not only to their family, but to their education as well. "They have a place to go home and study with a desk and a room," says Judy. To be sure, she says, the people pounding the nails today also benefit from doing a good deed. "Sometime I think it's the volunteers who comes away with more," she says.
But ultimately, says Roger Haughton, it is the family that moves in that receives the greatest benefit. "We build a house; they are going to build a home," says Haughton. I was thrilled to be a part of today's event. As part of my new business venture, I have promised to showcase and promote good causes in our communities, such as Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity. In this political season, I think it's important to realize that our government can't do everything; and it's critical for private individuals like the Haughtons and corporations such as PMI, to step in and help our communities in need. If you want to help, check the local Habitat web site at www.habitatEB.org.
Sunday it's back on the campaign trail, as I head to South Dakota and Montana for the final two primaries on Tuesday. Check in at www.MarkCurtisMedia.blogspot.com.Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.
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