Wake the World, what is that all about? I asked Ryan Caroll (founder of Wake the World Texas).  Apparently, the question was very common, and Ryan needed the help of Creative Link to show people the difference this organization is making in children’s lives.  Ryan is filled with passion when he explains what Wake the World does for the kids at St. Jude’s Ranch Children’s home, “We will give these kids a memory they would otherwise never have the chance to have… A fun day at the lake.” It seems so simple, take a bunch of kids out to the lake on a boat and go home, but it’s much more than that.  There is a lot of planning and funding that goes into getting top notch boats, drivers, safety experts, youth experts, pro chefs, food, swim gear... all in one place for an entire day.  Why so much effort?  The answer: Joy. “Most of the kids have never been on a boat, let alone a wakeboard” Ryan explains.  I believe Ryan has found a beautiful way to fill the kids hearts with authentic joy, a powerful emotion.  With what these kids are going through in their personal lives, it puts a huge weight on them that can rob them of joy. When you see these kids light up and laugh because they are experiencing something that they have never done before, you can’t help but be inspired.  

So we set out to make a video that would give a small glimpse of what Wake the World looks like in action.  Billy Snider put in a full day of camera work as he followed the crew and the kids from the pier to wakes on Canyon lake.  After we gathered some amazing footage, we began the post production process.  I then took the footage and cut some great scenes of kids and crew with a beautiful music track.  Speaking of music-- several people have told me how great the music on this spot is.  That would be because it was created by a great Brazilian musician that goes by the name Pazes (donated by Exponential Records http://exponential.bandcamp.com/album/the-southpaw-ep).  

By writing this blog, I wanted to give a little bit of a snap shot of the production that went into making this video, but the really amazing stuff is happening in front of the camera.  There are so many people giving their time, resources and talent for these events, it hardly seems fair to take the spot light off of them.  So on behalf of Creative Link, thank you to everyone involved with Wake the World, as you are putting some really big smiles on some really great kids.