From Lauren Weissberg:

Last Saturday, September 9th, was Do it for Dave Day. I was part of a group of 10 people who love Dave who volunteered together with Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County to renovate an apartment. All of the apartments in the building will eventually be sold to low-income families in exchange for a very low mortgage and hours of “sweat time”.

I organized the group in an effort to channel my feelings connected with losing Dave. I felt so confused, angry, devastated…the same way you probably feel about his loss if you are reading this message. It was extremely empowering to get a group together and to do something positive in Dave’s honor with some of the people who share my feelings. I knew it wouldn’t make the hurt go away, but I hoped that it would make Dave’s death easier to handle, if only for a day.

Do it for Dave Day went beyond everything I had wished it could be. I can’t express how therapeutic it felt to be with old and new friends of Dave’s who all love him and who all feel his loss like I do. Not only was it gratifying to volunteer our time for families in need, but spending the day smashing down walls and beams was an energy release that we all needed. We worked hard, got dirty, shared stories, caught up, laughed and cried together. Dave would have treasured every minute of it and he would have been proud of our efforts (as well as our t-shirts!).

We would like to make Do it for Dave Day an annual event. We also encourage others who love Dave to start projects like this one–it really helps.

Dave–wherever you were watching us from, I’m sure you had a good laugh watching me, Peter, Rosanne, Krissy, Erin, Rachel, Dusty, Ken, Dan, and your Mom kicking ass. We love you.