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Charity Matters Inspiration July 30, 2014

Special Delivery

I am sad to say that it isn’t very often that I turn on the evening news anymore, it is simply too depressing. However, on Monday evening I did and imagine my surprise to find this amazing story. It is the story of a six year old boy, named Danny Nickerson’s birthday wish. Even if you happened to catch it, it is worth a double take.

As the reporter said, “This is what love and hope look like. You just wish there was more to go around.” I think those cards prove, there is more than enough.

Charity Matters.

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Cancer June 30, 2014

Brides Who Make a Difference

We simply could not end the month of June without some sort of wedding post. All those beautiful June brides, who are just returning from their honeymoons and now wondering what do I with their big white dress? Chances are pretty good that you won’t be wearing it again anytime soon.

Here are a few suggestions whether you are a bride new or old, know a bride or happen to have a big white dress stashed somewhere in your closet. That special dress that made your day will brighten someone else’s and help support these amazing causes.

1. The Bride Project Wedding dresses are donated to The Brides Project from all across the country. Some are “pre-loved” donated by brides who want to see them dance another day. Many are donated directly from bridal salons, so they are brand new. The best part of all is that the money raised from the sale of gowns supports families touched by cancer through the Cancer Support Community in Ann Arbor, MI.

2. Brides Against Cancer Wedding gown sales are an important fund-raising event for Brides Against Breast Cancer. The thousands of generous donations received from designers, manufactures, bridal shops, and individuals worldwide, enables Brides Against Breast Cancer to contribute to wellness and educational services to those impacted by cancer.

3. The Bridal Garden The Bridal Garden, has a collection of one-of-a-kind wedding gowns for sale at up to 75% off the original retail price. Their vast network includes; couture designers, exclusive retailers, and individuals who generously donate their gowns. The Bridal Garden is not only a bridal boutique, but also a not-for-profit charitable organization whose proceeds benefit education for disadvantaged children.

4. Brides for a Cause a bridal store that raises funds for charity. Brides for a Cause is partnered with Wish Upon a Wedding, a non-profit organization dedicated to granting weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and serious life-altering situations. Brides for a Cause will accept your wedding dress on their behalf, sell it and send 50% of the proceeds to the charity.

So the next time you receive a wedding invitation, think about sharing this info with the future bride. Since weddings are all about love it seems to be a match made in heaven. Who knew that cleaning out your closet could raise funds, change a life and spread the love and joy that you felt on your wedding day to someone else?

Sounds like the best wedding gift of all.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration June 13, 2014

To all the Dads

This sunday is Father’s Day. Last week as we celebrated high school graduation my husband gave our son a copy of something he has kept in his wallet since I have known him. It was a poem. It was the most beautiful gift a father could give a son. I wanted to share it with you.

If

by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,

Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,

And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;

If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,

And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Happy Father’s Day to my Dad, my incredible husband and all of you wonderful fathers.

You teach, inspire and enrich our lives.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration June 6, 2014

This is it.

“You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.”

Tom Brokaw

Tomorrow is the big day, Graduation Day. For 18 years of guiding, homework, making lunches, driving and all of the work that goes into being a parent….this is it. Is it over? No. Is it a parental payday? Maybe. To me it is simply another milestone. His first smile, first step, learning to ride his bike, then his driver’s license and now to use those same wheels to head off to college. It is a milestone and like all great milestones it is a celebration of achievement. It is a time to be in the moment with all of the people who helped us get to this moment.

Just like the first smile, the first steps and the first pedal strokes there were more. This will not be the last milestone or celebration of achievement. Like all the wonderful accomplishments, I will cheer, smile, cry and beam with pride. Although my son has earned this moment, it is one for all of us to celebrate.

He can change the world tomorrow. Today his smile is more than enough.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration June 4, 2014

To the graduate

Since I have brought all of you along for this journey, it seems only fitting that we have inspiring closing remarks, as all graduations do. Charity Matters has nothing to do with graduation you say? Yes, you have a point. However, Charity Matters is about making a difference, food for thought, a little nourishment for the soul. In looking for that, I came across this. A graduation speech viewed by millions, entitled, “You are not special.”

Perhaps the title is deceiving but the message is outstanding. Like all great commencement speeches it is full of inspiring comments about “dreaming big, working hard, get up, get out, explore.” But the overall message (spoiler alert here) is that “selflessness is the best thing you can do for yourself.”

So whether or not you watched all twelve minutes, like millions have, or simply skipped to the end…congratulations. You walked away with the message that selflessness is the best thing you can do for yourself. As a result, you walked away a little bit better and wiser, than when you arrived, just like our graduates. So, congratulations to you. As our speaker so eloquently shared, “Wisdom is the chief element of happiness.”

Wiser and selflessness, I feel happier already.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration June 2, 2014

A gift.

Education is on my mind. It usually is, but this week especially. I have been thinking about how education shapes, molds and can transform a life. When this video was sent to me, I knew it was not by coincidence. It is truly one of the most inspiring beautiful stories I have ever shared. It is a story of education, hope and purpose.

This Verbum Dei graduate from Watts, Caylin Moore, shares his journey from poverty to college and now as the recipient of the Fulbright scholarship. If ever the expression dream big fits, it is here. I was only going to watch 2 minutes but was so enthralled by this young man’s message of hope I watched it all. Caylin, his story and message are a gift.

Caylin’s message of who he plays football for, his purpose, his struggles and his faith are humbling. This young man is a walking example of what the gift of an education and dreaming big can accomplish…..anything.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration May 12, 2014

Back on My Feet

I like to run. A few days a week, I throw on my tired sneakers and just go. It clears my mind, takes away the stress and centers me in a way that few things do. There are millions of other people who feel the exact same way about their runs, however, very few have the running story that Anne Mahlum has.

In May 2007, Anne was on her regular early morning run through the streets of Philadelphia and became friends with some of the men from the local Rescue Mission. She had an ephifany, what if running could help these men deal with their own challenges, the way it had helped her deal with her own?

By July 4th, a few shorts months later, Anne had nine men beginning their own version of Independence Day. It began by signing a Dedication Contract that committed them to arrive on time at 5:30am, have a great attitude and commit to running 3 days a week with her. That first run was the beginning of Back on My Feet. Six months later Charlie Gibson featured Anne as ABC’s person of the week and the donations, interest and program began to gain traction. By January 2008 Back on My Feet had its non-profit status and was up and running….literally.

Today, Back on My Feet has a $6.5 million dollar budget, 45 employees and has expanded to more than 10 cities from coast to coast. Since its inception in 2008, 743 of their members have obtained employment and 519 have housing. What began as a morning run has turned into a game changer one step at a time.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration May 7, 2014

Build it and they will come

Ten years has gone by in a flash! Where it has gone? Somedays I honestly don’t know. A decade ago a group of us got together and founded a non-profit called The Spiritual Care Guild of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Our goal was to provide chaplains 24 hours a day 7 days a week for the children, families and staff at CHLA. We knew then if we simply could help one life, then we had succeeded. That was the beginning of the motto, “One Spirit, One Soul, One Child at a Time” and of our non-profit.

I am happy to report that we have exceeded our wildest dreams. Dreams are exactly what started this in the first place. Our friend, Father John Sigler was a chaplain at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and he had a dream of chaplains of all faith traditions at CHLA and reached out to us for help. Our first event was appropriately called, “Field of Dreams.” A benefit held in a stunning backyard that had a regulation baseball field. That in itself was an almost impossible feat!

Guest walked in thru turnstiles, strolled throw rows of fresh corn, met Dodgers and Angels baseball players and then at the twilight hour set up their blankets and watched the movie Field of Dreams on a 30 ‘outdoor screen. It was a magical night that changed everything.

This Saturday, May 10th, the 10 founders will once again return to the baseball field and revisit our very own Field of Dreams. What started a decade ago was much bigger than a cornfield, it was bigger than each of us and continues to continues to impact thousands of patients and families. I know that 10 years ago I could not have imagined what has been accomplished today. The one thing I will know for sure when I walk onto that field this Saturday night. I will know that dreams do come true if you just Go The Distance.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration April 29, 2014

Operation Gratitude

Don’t you love it when you get introduced to someone incredible? It always makes my day! Last week, my business call turned into much more….an hour and a half call with the most amazing woman and non-profit founder. Her story touched and inspired me and I hope it does the same for you.

Her name is Carolyn Blashek and on September 11th, 2001 she was a young mother of two watching what was happening in her hometown of NYC and sure that her parents were in the Trade Center. They were not, but the events of that day drove her straight to every recruiting office in her suburban neighborhood trying to join the military. Thankfully, she was deemed “too old.”

Her backup plan was the USO, which at the time was sleepy at best. One day alone in the office, a soldier walked in asking for a chaplain, there was no one there. He asked if she would listen, she did. He had come home to bury his mother, his infant child had died and his wife had left him. He told Carolyn that if he didn’t come home from this war, no one would care and she told him she did. That was the beginning of Operation Gratitude. It was March 2003.

The war was just beginning and so was Carolyn. Like most non-profits they started from her living room, writing letters and sending care packages to the troops. At the time there were no other military support organizations and her children were 10 and 12.

Carolyn’s daughter now grown, lives in New York City and her son is returning home this summer after four and half years in the Marines. A Princeton undergrad who will be heading off to Stanford and Yale to complete his MBA and law degrees. Carolyn said,” She had addressed thousands of care packages thinking she knew what mother’s and families went through until she addressed her own sons, when she truly understood.”

Today, Operation Gratitude annually sends 150,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment, hygiene and hand-made items, plus personal letters of appreciation, to Veterans, First Responders, Wounded Warriors, Care Givers and to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed overseas. Their mission is to lift the spirits and meet the evolving needs of our Active Duty and Veteran communities, and provide volunteer opportunities for all Americans to express their appreciation to members of our Military.

Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than One Million Care Packages. The beauty, love and simplicity in simply saying thank you is pure inspiration.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration April 28, 2014

Because I’m Happy…

I have to confess, I adore Pharrell Williams song, “Because I’m happy” and when I saw these 25 insightful thoughts from Gurbaksh Chahal about being happy via Linkedin, I simply had to share them with you. I do not make a habit of sharing other people’s material but this was more than worth sharing.

Happy and Success people…

They forget who they were and focus on who they want to be. If you don’t let go of your past then you won’t find your future.
They are sure of themselves and stick to their guns. Uncertainty is the key component of failure.
They are willing to admit when they are wrong. If you can’t accept that you’re wrong then there’s no room to learn.
They surround themselves with those who are worthy. Your friends make you who you are.
They allow unwarranted and hateful criticism to roll off their shoulders. You will always have haters — learn to ignore those that are just trolling.
They accept constructive criticism. You aren’t always right; others may have a clearer perspective than yourself.
They focus and act on what they believe is right and don’t act simply to please. If you’re constantly pleasing others then you won’t have time to please yourself.
They see challenges as an opportunity to learn and to grow as individuals. If you’re never challenged then you’re never going to see the world from a different perspective.
They are open-minded. There’s always another way to do it — a way that may very well be better.
They are quick to adapt. If evolution has taught us anything, it’s this: those who adapt the fastest and most efficiently are those who survive.
They do the right thing because it’s the right thing. Having moral standards and following them alleviates the chances of feeling guilt.
They don’t complain. If the situation can’t be changed and you can’t avoid doing what you have to do, then there’s no reason to complain; it only weighs on your nerves.
If they start something, they finish it. If you’re not going to finish what you started, then why bother starting in the first place?
They exercise regularly. You are an animal and animals are made to move and to push their limits.
They read regularly. It’s the quickest way to learn how the world works.
They keep a well-balanced, nutritious diet. What you eat affects your body on a chemical level.
They take risks. Fear is acceptable as long as you overcome it.
They have no problem with saying “no.” Often at times, it’s the things and opportunities that you turn down that allow for success to manifest.
They meditate and learn to control their breathing. Breathing is the link between our conscious and subconscious mind.
They focus on the moment. Life can only be lived in the moment.
They question convention. The way things are done isn’t always the best way to do things.
They care for and want to give back to human kind. We are all related and all connected.
They learn from others, their heroes and mentors. Having guidelines makes life easier.
They learn from the mistakes of others before they make the mistakes themselves. History does not need to repeat itself.
They respect others and expect respect in return. We are all equal and should all be treated kindly and respectfully.

Most importantly, they are happy. And, at the end of the day that’s what life is all about. Time. Energy. Moments. Live each breath counting those blessings.

I simply couldn’t have said it better myself! What makes you happy?

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration April 21, 2014

Boston Marathon, One Year Later

Today is the Boston Marathon. Thousands of runners will come from around the world to compete in this legendary sporting event, just as they have since 1897. Year after year, the originally named The American Marathon was always celebrated on Patriots Day. There has been much talk about this years marathon being different but upon deeper reflection, I think the age-old saying will hold true, “The more things change, the more things stay the same.”

Many things will stay the same, the marathon will continue to be hosted by the non-profit Boston Athletic Association and will raise over $12 million dollars supporting over 30 local charities, just as it always has. Over 500,000 spectators will continue to come out to watch the over 27,000 runners. Yet, this year will be different.

This year we will remember and honor the three lives that were lost last year, the lives that were shattered and the tragedy that touched us all. It is often hard to see the beauty that comes from loss and tragedy. Today that beauty will be everywhere…in every runner, every cheerleader and every Boston Strong t-shirt worn. Today, it is not The Boston Marathon but once again the American Marathon as we come together as a nation, not just a city, to celebrate our unity, pride and compassion.

As Americans, we are reminded that in this patriotic city, on Patriots Day, that our forefathers were feisty, strong, resilient, and had the ability to unite and come together in good times and in bad. While some things may change, many things will remain the same this year in Boston.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration April 14, 2014

Believe in Good.

I know I keep seeing it, am I the only one? The trend, the kindness, the shift? Good things happen around us every day and yet we somehow pass them by. I believe we collectively are beginning to take notice. If the corporate world is leveraging this “shift in goodness” to sell something, than it must really be happening.

This is one of the most beautiful ads I have ever seen….oxy moron….I don’t think so….simply proof of the shift.

And as it says, “In your life what is it that you desire most?” Believe in good.

Charity Matters.

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Autism April 9, 2014

A trash truck, a boy and a moment

One of the first words my oldest son said was, “Twas Twuck.” Every Wednesday we would sit by our big upstairs window and wait for the beloved trash man. He would waive, smile, honk and make our day. This morning I went looking for something to share with you about Autism and the story I came across simply made my day.

What has made this story so impactful, really had nothing to do with autism but rather with a beautiful act of kindness. Manuel Sanchez, the trash man, gave Daniel the toy garbage truck that he purchased with his own money and had no idea that Daniel had autism. He just knew that Daniel was always waiting for him each week.

In a recent interview Manual said, “That little boy is so special, and he will steal anybody’s heart as soon as you see him,” Manuel told his employer. “I didn’t know what he has but there’s something very special about him.”

Obviously, there is something very special about Manual Sanchez too. His kindness has gone viral and he has inadvertently become the messenger of Autism awareness month by showing the world that the more you give the more you get.

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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