For Jason Daiger, VP of Product, Events at Momentive, leadership extends beyond the office. Based in Frederick, Maryland, Jason has spent years helping drive Momentive’s event product lines, but his passion for giving back has deep roots in the city where he was born and raised. After volunteering for several years with Color on the Creek, Jason now serves as President of the Board, helping to guide the organization’s mission to transform Frederick’s Carroll Creek Linear Park into a vibrant, year-round community destination.
A Personal Connection to Community
Color on the Creek began in 2012 as an all-volunteer effort to revitalize the algae-plagued waters of Carroll Creek. Over the years, volunteers have planted more than 2,500 tropical plants and lilies, creating what Jason calls “the largest free planted water garden in the world.” For Jason, getting involved wasn’t just about beautifying the city — it was personal.
“I got involved in Color on the Creek as somebody who was jumping in the creek because I wanted to help the city where I was born and raised. It felt natural to give back to a place that’s given me so much,” Jason says.
Whether planting in the garden during the spring and summer or coordinating events in the colder months, Jason thrives behind the scenes, quietly ensuring the creek and its gardens bring joy to visitors.
Transforming the Creek: Boats and Community Impact
In addition to the water garden, the organization hosts Sailing Through the Winter Solstice, an annual event that transforms Carroll Creek into a magical, light-filled wonderland. A fleet of boats — from pirate ships to three-masted schooners — is adorned with lights and creative details, floating in the creek from November to March. Each boat represents a local charity, and the event has raised over $1 million for local organizations over the past 10 years.
“An added benefit of the event is that it brings millions of dollars in revenue to the city,” Jason explains. “It helps local shops and restaurants. I remember one year, just after we put the boats in, a small ice cream shop said they sold ten times their normal revenue for the day. For a small business, that’s huge.”
With more than 28 charities supported each year, including Splash Point, Blue-Collar Project, and Days End Horse Rescue, the event has become a cornerstone of downtown Frederick’s cultural and economic vitality.
Leadership Lessons from the Creek
Jason’s approach to volunteering has influenced his professional leadership style. Reflecting on advice from his father, he says:
“Smile and be of good humor. Whether a person volunteers for 15 minutes or three hours, be appreciative of their support. A smile or laugh goes a long way. It might be hard work, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun too.”
For Jason, fostering a positive, engaging environment is key — whether he’s coordinating volunteers in waders or leading a team at Momentive.
Empowering People, Communities, and the GiveSmart Connection
At Momentive, one of the core values is empowering people and communities. For Jason, working at a company that actively supports nonprofits and encourages employees to volunteer has been deeply gratifying.
“This is more than just encouraging volunteerism — Momentive backs it up with paid time off for volunteering,” he says. “It’s rewarding to see how our technology can directly impact organizations like Color on the Creek.”
In fact, Jason has leveraged Momentive’s GiveSmart platform to amplify his personal philanthropic work. Since becoming a GiveSmart customer in 2024, Color on the Creek has raised over $140,000 in its first year using the team fundraising system, a 20% increase over the prior year. Jason sees this as an inspiring blend of his personal and professional life — using solutions from his career to help a cause he’s passionate about thrive.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Volunteers
Jason encourages anyone looking to get involved in their community to take the leap:
“Sign up, show up, and just do it. Some of the most interesting, caring, and selfless people I’ve ever met are involved with the creek. If I hadn’t said ‘yes,’ I wouldn’t have been introduced to such an amazing group of people.”
If He Could Volunteer Anywhere in the World
When asked where he would spend a day volunteering with no limits, Jason doesn’t hesitate:
“Easy… in Carroll Creek, cleaning, planting, fertilizing, and tending to the water garden. It’s calm, rewarding work, and interacting with visitors reminds me how even small actions can have a big impact on the community.”
For Jason, Color on the Creek is more than a volunteer opportunity — it’s a chance to bring joy, beauty, and vitality to the city he loves, proving that leadership and community impact truly go hand in hand.
