Gary Rixson has over 20 years of experience in technology. Gary Rixson is an advocate for economic empowerment and supports Christmas in October.

1. Gary Rixson

2. Introduction
 A regional vice president of business development at
Balance Innovations, Gary Rixson has over 20 years of
experience in technology. Gary Rixson is an advocate for
economic empowerment and supports Christmas in
October.
For 30 years Christmas in October (CIO) has rebuilt houses
and neighborhoods in Kansas City. CIO brings together
volunteers to improve the homes and lives of the elderly
and disabled, as well as veterans and low-income
homeowners. The big project day is in October of each
year. Thousands of volunteers come from all over the metro
area to paint, build, clean, and plant in and around houses
and churches in the city.

3. Christmas In October
 It takes about $1,000 in donations to repair the typical home of
those requesting help. Corporations donate materials, funds, and
volunteer teams, and individuals and families also volunteer and
spend the day working on houses and community buildings. CIO
can use the labor of anyone willing to help. Specific tradespeople
are needed, like electricians and plumbers, for example, but
hands are also needed for feeding the volunteers, caulking,
painting, and cleaning.
Last year Christmas in October drew 5,000 volunteers and
helped 450 homeowners make improvements to their properties.
Christmas in October uses 100 percent of the funds donated to
help with the building and restoration projects.