Last week, I attended the funeral of a beloved member of our extended family – a lovely man who died at the age of 93, with his mind almost fully intact until the day he died. He was a kind, gentle soul who loved the theater, adored his children and grandchildren, treasured his many friendships, and was a masterful lawyer.
He and his family lived a few minutes away, and I grew up going to their house often, particularly for holidays and family gatherings. I remember him always being kind, genuinely interested in what was going on with me, and quick with a warm smile or a hearty laugh.
Several family members and close friends spoke at the service. As I listened to them speak, I realized those were the same qualities everyone else remembered, too.
Story after story painted the picture of a man who made everyone feel important. Even restaurant waiters would become his friends because he took the time to listen. He made you feel like he cared because he truly did.
I found myself thinking not only about what a shame it was that he never captured his own story, but also about what a shame it was that he wasn’t there to hear all of these tributes himself.
That thought reminded me of a project we recently completed for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Every two years, the Federation creates a video for its annual meeting that celebrates the outgoing president’s contributions and impact. Colleagues, friends, and community members share stories and reflections – many of the same kinds of heartfelt sentiments we often hear at memorial services.
The difference is that the person being honored is sitting in the audience.
They get to hear the gratitude. They get to see the impact they’ve had on others. They get to experience the appreciation while they are still actively engaged in the work and in the relationships they have spent years building.
That’s what I love about tribute videos. Yes, they can help tell the story of an organization and highlight the values of a leader, volunteer, or staff member. But perhaps more importantly, they create an opportunity to celebrate people while they’re here to enjoy it.
As you think about content for your next annual meeting, gala, milestone celebration, or social media campaign, consider creating a tribute video. Not simply because it’s engaging content, but because it gives your community a chance to express appreciation—and allows someone special to hear those words when they matter most.
