March 2014 – Charity Matters

Raising Philanthropic Children March 31, 2014

My gift to the world

“You don’t raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they’ll turn out to be heroes, even if it’s just in your own eyes.”

~Walter M. Schirra, Sr.

Yesterday was my first-born’s birthday. He will be heading off to college in a few months and some days its just so hard to believe that it is really happening. All these years of pouring blood sweat and tears into your children and just when they turn into super interesting, creative, fun and amazing people…well its time for them to leave.

I remember when my oldest was a toddler, a wise woman said to me, “He doesn’t belong to you, he belongs to the world.” I have truly never forgotten those words.

Our first-born was a “man for others” before he even knew what his school motto meant. I have watched him spend his summers and free time doing service, not by demand but by choice. I hope that wherever he lands his service to others never stops but continues to grow and evolve with him.

I know that this is his time and he is ready, but am I? Each week I talk about giving and now it is time to give my first born his wings. A ritual that mothers have done with their sons since the beginning of time and a heart wrenching right of passage. This is my ultimate gift.

I know a mother’s work is never done but as I reflect on how quickly the time has passed, I am reminded that he never belonged to me in the first place, but rather to world which he is about to enter.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Quotes March 28, 2014

Charity Matters Quotes

“Nothing is worth more than this day. “

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

A few years back I was invited to a birthday party where we were asked to bring a quote as a gift. The Goethe quote above is the one I chose. The reason being, the birthday girl was a cancer survivor, and if there was one take away from her journey, it was “to be in the moment.”

It has been over a decade since I went to that party and I have always loved this quote. I must confess, that this is one of the first times in my life that I have had this intention.

As we enter the weekend, remember to savor the joy, the love and the fun of each and every moment.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Profile March 26, 2014

Project ALS

The other night at dinner I was discussing my heroes, people who take a bad situation and make them better for others…or in most cases, non-profit founders. My friend asked me if I had ever heard of woman named Jennifer Estes? I said,”No.” My dinner guest said, look her up, she sounds like your type of hero. How right she was.

Jennifer Estes and her sisters founded the non-profit, Project ALS. I had heard of ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease but I wasn’t clear about the impact that one woman’s life could have on this disease. Simply extraordinary.

Since 1998, Project A.L.S. has raised over $67 million and changed the paradigm for medical research. Jennifer lost her battle to this insidious disease on December 23, 2003 but her legacy lives on through her sister’s tireless efforts to find a cure for ALS. Jennifer Estes was not only a hero but a reminder to each of us to treasure each moment, the power of voice and a shining example of what one person can accomplish.

Charity Matters.

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What Matters? March 24, 2014

Being in the moment

Last year I shared my Lenten resolution, which was to perform 40 random acts of kindness. I have to say that it was probably one of the most difficult challenges I have ever put myself through….mainly due to the word “random.” So, this year I thought I would focus on something simpler….or so I thought. My resolution for the next 29 days is to be present, in the moment.

I am a planner and planners are always looking ahead to whats next….who has time for the moment? The problem with that is that you are never in the now, as they say. Somehow my life is all about getting ready for whats coming. In this crazy world we live in, where jumbo jets go missing and life changes on a dime how can I deny myself being here right now?

Ten days into my resolution, I now get off the cell phone when picking up my son at school and I am there with him..in the moment. I am trying to walk away from my computer at night to be present with my family. At the end of my life, I want to go out with no regrets. Many lessons learned from a lifetime of mistakes and missteps, but no regrets.

A life not being lived in the present is simply not living. When my time comes, I want to know that I lived every day to the fullest, did my best and leave this earth with a lifetime of moments.

Charity Matters.

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Ways to make a difference March 21, 2014

A laugh

There is nothing better than a laugh to get a point across. This Do Gooder award winning video, just cracked me up. I hope it gives you a chuckle and a little food for thought.

Have a great weekend!

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration March 19, 2014

Happy Hearts

Today, I was part of an upcoming 10 year anniversary photo shoot for The Spiritual Care Guild. Not by coincidence, my sister sent along info on another non-profit that is also celebrating its 10 year anniversary, The Happy Hearts Fund. While, its founder is a Sports Illustrated swim-suit model, who is no stranger to photo shoots….she is someone who took her tragedy and made something so inspirational… that I had to share.

Her name is Petra Nemcova and she was in Thailand when the Indian Ocean Tsunami struck on December 26, 2004. After recovering from her injuries, she returned to Thailand to see how to be of the best help. When she witnessed families without homes, children without parents, and entire communities swept away, she knew she had to act. Petra was most affected by the children who were not getting any help five months after the disaster.

So in 2005 Petra was determined to restore hope and opportunity to the children affected by the Tsunami with a vision to rebuild schools and children’s’ lives following natural disasters. It was the first time she experienced the “gap period” which occurs after first response and before governments step in after a natural disaster. For this reason Happy Hearts Fund concentrated its mission in the gap period by building “Happy Self Sustaining Schools.”

Happy Hearts Fund was structured so all administrative costs would be underwritten, thereby ensuring 100 percent of all donations received would be directed to children’s programming. Since inception, Happy Hearts Fund has worked in a total of 14 countries and is currently active in six countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Haiti. They have built or re-built 85 schools and kindergartens. Since their inception The Happy Hearts Fund has benefited more than 46,000 children and 490,000 community members.

Now, that is something that makes this heart very happy!

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Quotes March 17, 2014

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

“For each petal on the shamrock, this brings a wish your way.

Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and everyday.”

Irish Blessing

As a girl, I was always told that I was “as Irish as Paddy’s pig” and St. Patrick’s Day was a big deal in our house. Today, everyone is Irish so enjoy your celebration, big or small.

I can think of no better way to start a week, these Irish eyes are smiling!

Charity Matters.

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What Matters? March 14, 2014

Finding the voice

It is almost impossible to believe that this is my 400th post! I sat down two and a half years ago to share stories of amazing people who make our world better every day through their philanthropy. In the process, I think I found myself and more importantly my voice.

I remember the first day, the first post… trying to find that voice, my voice, my tone, my soul to share. I was excited, scared and determined. It was a little bit like starting The Spiritual Care Guild, our motto at SCG was if we could just impact “one spirit, one soul, one child at a time” we would be a success. I think I approached Charity Matters the same way. If just one person was inspired or touched or moved to action than my time was well spent. Sometimes low expectations are easier….

Here we are 400 posts later, wonderful new friends, old friends, friends of friends all of who feed and inspire my voice. If there is one gift I have become abundantly aware in these last few years it is that…the power of voice. We all have one and they are all equal…..when was the last time you used your voice for something you care about?

I know….trust me…we are all tired. We are. We do so much, our plates are so full and sometimes it is just more energy than we have to speak up. But what happens when we don’t? Where does our power go? You don’t have to be Erin Brockovitch or Martin Luther King but if something is happening in your community, your school, your church, your Girl Scout troop….whatever it is, you have a voice. Use it.

So think about using that beautiful gift you were given. The energy you put out will come back, it is a magical renewable source. Thank you for being here and listening to mine. There are not words to express my gratitude for all you have done to enrich my life…..and most importantly to help me find myself and my voice.

Charity Matters.

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Childrens' Causes March 12, 2014

Credit Do

I sometimes wonder if being amazing is a genetic thing? Have you ever noticed that exceptional people sometimes come from the same family? That is definitely the case with non-profit founder, Chris Avila Hubschmann. I say this only because I have met a few of her amazing siblings, all of which make our world better. Genetics or not Chris is an inspiration.

Chris comes a great family of hard-working Texans. She had her first job in 7th grade and never looked back. A few financial bumps between college and her career as a business manager for The History Channel, reshaped the direction of her life and inspired her to start an incredible non-profit called Credit Do.

Chris got her first credit card the beginning of freshman year of college, to use for textbooks. However, she didn’t really understand how credit worked and learned her lesson the hard way. As a result, she was determined to “redefine what credit means and was concerned that our society is addicted to a broken credit system.” After researching micro-loan programs, she had an epiphany: what if our credit was representative of what we do—in other words, what we’ve earned—and based on our merit?

In essence, Chris wanted to provide a financial education and credit in exchange for social productivity for middle school students.

That is exactly what she did in 2010. Credit Do partnered with financial literacy organizations to teach the basics of managing money starting in a low-income school in New York City. They then encouraged and empowered these children to work for what they need through partnerships that Credit Do had established. Once the students learned the value of work for credit, they receive a savings account to continue their financial growth.

As Chris told me, “the journey for me was about measuring my time via my worth.” She has taken that philosophy directly to her organization. Credit Do is rooted in the belief that credit is not only a measure of someone’s financial worth, but more importantly, their positive contributions to the community and making financial independence a reality for all.

Like I said, genetics or not Chris Avila Hubschmann has taken her life lessons and turned them into a lessons for all. Pure inspiration.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Quotes March 10, 2014

Charity Matters Quotes

“One of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others.”

Lewis Carroll

The word worth has been on my mind lately. Maybe because each day we are running to the mailbox for college acceptance letters, waiting to see if our son is worthy? Or perhaps, it is because of the enlightening conversation I had about worth with non-profit founder Chris Avila Hubschmann, who you will meet on Wednesday.

Regardless of where it came from, worth is the essence of who we are and who we strive to be. So, this week I will strive to be worthy. Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead!

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Quotes March 7, 2014

Charity Matters Quotes

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.”

Charles Dickens,Great Expectations

March is upon us. For me the month is all about new life, it is the month in which all of my sons were born. A true March Madness! It is a month of renewal, spring, new flowers and more importantly a time of hope. That is what March means to me and I hope this month finds you cheering on your favorite basketball team, time in the garden and more importantly filled with hope, with what is to come.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration March 5, 2014

The Big Easy

As you all know I recently returned from my first Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Since today is Ash Wednesday and the celebration is winding down on Bourbon Street I thought it only fitting to share a little about a New Orleans non-profit today. The organization is called HandsOn New Orleans.

In the after math of Hurricane Katrina this incredible organization was formed to bring everyone together for the singular purpose of ” engaging, empowering, and transforming the community through volunteer service by connecting every passion with its purpose.” How great is that?

HandsOn New Orleans is a huge master calendar for the city bringing together all of the incredible opportunities and needs in one singular place. What I love is that this unique city and non-profit, hosts visitors from around the world, as well long time residents in the New Orleans community. Since the hospitality in New Orleans is unlike any place I have ever been, HandsOn New Orleans doesn’t care if you are a party of one or a corporate team, a local or a tourist. Either way they promise to provide you with worthwhile volunteer options.

While the hurricane has long past, the commitment to rebuild and reshape this amazing city has not gone away. Like most cities that have experienced a tragedy or natural disaster, that bond only makes them stronger. New Orleans is no different.

Since March of 2006, HandsOn New Orleans and their 35,000 volunteers have; completed 600,000 hours of service,organized 110 customized corporate projects with twenty Fortune 500 companies,impacted 19,500 underserved youth and trained 230 volunteer leaders that saved the community $13 million through volunteer time.

As many of us begin the season of Lent and the countdown to Easter, perhaps it is fitting to think of New Orleans. A city that shows us in good times and in bad that coming together is really what matters.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration March 3, 2014

Listening

The other day I was invited to attend a “listening session” for an organization that I am involved with, that is going through a transition. For those of you that know me, well….talking is more what I am known for, than listening. The beauty of this event was that it brought together people from a variety of non-profits all over Los Angeles and put us in small groups to discuss the change.

My group consisted of school principals, college professors, non-profit employees and one gentleman from Homeboy Industries, who on the surface, appeared to have had a gang past. The room was noisy and filled with conversation, some which was difficult to hear. As the night came to a close and we gathered for dinner and this gentleman began to tell me his story. He was soft-spoken, gracious and an incredibly gifted speaker.

He moved to Boyle Heights as a young boy and grew up in a home filled with addiction and abuse. Art was his passion and escape and when a teacher ripped up his art work, his anger took over, his school career ended and a life a drugs ensued. Almost a decade later he gave up hope and walked onto a freeway at night ready to end it all. His last words, “my children or mis hijos.” A gust of wind surrounded him, a truck swerved and by the grace of God this gentleman ended up alive and in rehab .

He left rehab and walked straight into Father Greg Boyle’s office at Homeboy Industries and asked for a job. Father Greg cried when he saw the change in this man and told him to start his job on monday. As I sat and listened to this incredible story, the Homeboy employee leaned in and said, “that was 8 years ago and now I have dedicated my life to helping others with their sobriety, living a life of integrity and I use my life-like the gift it is every single day.”

My eyes filled with tears, at this incredible man, his grace, the gift I was granted by his presence and the simple invitation to listen.

Charity Matters.

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