Meet Ken Driscoll: Our 2018 Keeper of the Hope Award Recipient
Each year the Board of Directors of IMPACT Melanoma presents the Keeper of the Hope Award to a member of our IMPACT community whose generosity, vision and commitment to the organization over time is unwavering. This award is named after Suzanne Donahue, a young woman who lost her battle with melanoma at age 37. Suzanne was gracious, giving and reminded us all about the power of giving-back no matter what your circumstance.
We’re thrilled to announce that the 2018 Keeper of the Hope Award Winner is Ken Driscoll, President and CEO of Solect Energy. Ken will be presented with his award at our 2018 Shades of Hope Gala on Friday, November 16, 2018 at the Four Seasons Boston.
Ken came to IMPACT from a different route than many of our supporters, beginning his relationship with us as a host to our 2013 Boston Marathon team. We were impressed right from the start with Ken’s warmth, generosity, and depth of spirit. With graciousness and true hospitality, Ken opened the doors to his Solect offices, and made us feel right at home as we transformed the space into our marathon headquarters. We are fortunate to say that Ken has never let us down, spreading his goodwill to our running teams for five consecutive years and counting.
Ken is also a member of our Golf Committee – continually bringing new ideas, great advice and a positive energy to this highly successful annual fundraising event.
As a business owner, Ken is dedicated to protecting his outdoor workers from the dangers of UV exposure that they encounter throughout their work days. His work with IMPACT to provide sun awareness education for his staff helped generate the model for our National Workers Initiative. Ken understands the need to add sun protection to Solect’s workers’ personal safety plan, which is making a great IMPACT not only on his own company’s culture, but to countless others around the country whose leaders are taking note of these important health and safety initiatives.
Ken sat down with us for a brief Q&A on what being selected as the 2018 Keeper of the Hope recipient means to him on a personal level and how his work with IMPACT has only just begun.
First things first, what do you appreciate about being named the recipient of the annual “Keeper of the Hope Award.” What does this honor mean to you?
It was “shock and awe” in a very positive way! I didn’t see it coming and it was truly humbling! Now that I’ve had a chance to digest it, my thoughts are this: At first, I felt I was a bit unworthy. But as I was reflecting on what I have given over the years, I’ve come to see that every little bit matters. At first I think I down-played my contributions. But now that I see what I have done as more of a “body of work,” I see that this recognition is as much about the journey as it is about any single action.
Tell us a bit about how you initially got involved with IMPACT Melanoma. Why did you get involved?
My initial engagement was purely coincidental but as soon as I understood the mission, and paralleled it with our work in the solar industry, it just seemed natural and easy to help out in any way that I could.
What keeps you engaged with the organization?
It’s easy, as I see all the great things that Deb and her team do day in and day out! And for me, it only seems appropriate to help out in any way that I can!
What is the importance of an organization like this?
Advocacy, awareness and support. The Impact Melanoma team has done an unbelievable job of sticking to this mission!
Tell us about the events you assist in – from the Boston Marathon to being a member of the Golf committee (and everything in between)… What do you enjoy about pitching in and lending a helping hand? Are there events you look forward to on an annual basis?
As you mentioned, I am glad that we can help out the runners for the Marathon by hosting them, and I am so fortunate to work with some great guys on the Golf Committee (they are truly unbelievable). I also feel fortunate that our company is able to be a sponsor for “Shades of Hope.” What has also been rewarding, is to work with Deb and the team on the “worker awareness” campaign. All of these are unique and rewarding in their own way, so I am not sure I would highlight one above the rest… although I do enjoy golfing!
You’re a pioneer in the movement to provide sunscreen to/for your team of outdoor workers at Solect. This is huge and has helped define the nationwide program that IMPACT is about to launch. What’s your battle cry to other organizations with regard to getting involved with this type of initiative?
It was one of those “ah-ha” moments where we were trying to help support the great efforts of the Melanoma team, and internally we were very focused on safety. We then realized that we were sending our workers into the sun every day and really not giving them the education, tools and supplies to protect themselves… It was then that we talked to Deb and team and asked if they could help us communicate/educate, and help build the tools to help protect our workers. It really became fairly straightforward to educate, provide protective clothing and sun screen and put up job site reminders about the “power of the sun.” So my counsel to others is this: Don’t forget to add sun protection awareness to your safety programs and materials!
Why do YOU use sunscreen and protect the skin you’re in?
For my family and myself so that I can enjoy as much time as I possibly can with them! And living at the Cape, it is important for all of us to remember how powerful the sun is!
Anything else you’d like to share?
While this is such a tremendous honor to be recognized, I want to point all the credit to Deb and the IMPACT team, all of the volunteers who support Impact Melanoma, and to all of the folks who have been affected by this tough disease! I am just grateful that my company and myself are in a position to help out as best we can!
Join us at the Gala to help recognize and cheer on the efforts of Mr. Ken Driscoll. For tickets and more information click here.
