Sunday, July 12, 2009 was one of the hottest days in recent memory but there were enthusiastic smiles all around. groupSPARK employees joined with Microsoft employees and its other partners from around the world to help Habitat for Humanity rebuild homes in New Orleans’ 9th Ward.

As participants at Microsoft’s 2009 Worldwide Partner Conference, we had the unique opportunity to volunteer at the site of some of Hurricane Katrina’s worst devastation. Four years after the hurricane, rebuilding efforts continue and we were happy to arrive in New Orleans before the conference and work side by side with residents to rebuild their homes.

Hammers flew throughout the afternoon as volunteers completed the framing on two new homes in a neighborhood known as the Musicians’ Village. The Musicians’ Village was conceived by New Orleans native son’s Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis who were eager to see the musical heritage of the city return after Hurricane Katrina.