Uncategorized Archives - Charity Matters

Uncategorized June 27, 2024

Running towards the finish line!

I have never run a marathon or even a 5k. I have, however, been a runner for most of my life. Maybe a jogger, I’m not sure of the difference but I have always liked to run. For decades I would run a few miles a few times a week. In recent years, I have done much more hiking and walking and a lot less running. I have to say that writing this book feels like running.

Getting started my legs felt like cement and the writing process was painfully slow. Whether you are running or writing, starting is always the hardest part of anything new we take on. Starting the book in January was daunting and filled with self doubt, stress, and deadlines that I was unsure I would make. Each new page felt uncertain and tentative. I have never heard my “negative Nancy” so loud in my head before. Usually I can keep her quiet but when the book began Nancy really ran on about how I couldn’t do this. Half of my energy was used silencing her never ending loop in my head.

After a while, my footing became steady and that negative voice slowly drifted away. Little by little my pace picked up, my confidence increased and I was keeping pace with the publisher’s deadlines. There were moments when I felt like a real runner again hitting my stride. Never fast but slowly and steadily making each mark, until I didn’t. I missed two deadlines. Not by too much, but it felt like a huge personal setback. The mental piece of starting again when you feel like you have fallen was much harder than I anticipated. Picking yourself up again and taking just one step forward was not easy, but I did. Each time I was proud of myself for moving ahead.

Now, as I am rounding the corner and see the finish line after literally just completing Chapter 11! I am on the home stretch, one chapter to go. So close to the finish I can practically see it! It is so crazy to fathom that when I began I didn’t know how long it was going to take me to get to my destination. Making the time to fit this book into my life has been a huge challenge. I’m so grateful to all of you with your patience as I have juggled the nonprofit, the podcast, this blog and the book in addition to life. It hasn’t been easy but like all challenges the reward comes from the hard work put into it.

Instead of sharing the final podcast for Season Seven, I am going to keep running towards that finish line and Chapter 12. My goal is to finish before the 4th of July and then finish Season Seven of the podcast the week after. Then another week of camp and a little break to catch my breath. Hoping to launch Season 8 of the podcast in August. Whew! So much to do and to look forward too. Thank you all for standing on the sidelines and cheering me on. So grateful for each of you and the movement we are creating together in making our world a better place.

CHARITY MATTERS.

YOUR REFERRAL IS THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT, IF YOU ARE SO MOVED OR INSPIRED, WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO SHARE AND INSPIRE ANOTHER. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please connect with us:

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Causes August 17, 2022

The wait is almost over

The days are long and the years are short. That is exactly how I feel about summer. There are moments that the long hot days feel never ending and yet in the blink of an eye summer is practically gone. Some schools are actually back in session! It truly is a wonder.

Summer is a crazy time for me, especially with TACSC. Our summer youth leadership programs are the pinnacle of our year. As a result, Charity Matters takes a brief vacation. So thank you all for your patience. We are excited to launch Season Four of our Podcast next week and we have been busy these past few weeks gathering some amazing stories for you.

It’s hard to believe that we already have four seasons under our belt. We are so grateful for all of you who have subscribed and left reviews, we are grateful for every last one! We had thought about launching Season Four today because it is National Nonprofit Day.

What is National Nonprofit Day? It is a day set aside to recognize the immense effort nonprofits put into impacting their communities across the globe. We decided to give everyone another week to get settled and back to school. New episodes of Charity Matters celebrating all the incredible humans who work tirelessly everyday to make your world better through the nonprofit organizations they create. It is all cause for celebration. So happy end of summer, happy back to school and Happy National Nonprofit Day!

CHARITY MATTERS.

YOUR REFERRAL IS THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT, IF YOU ARE SO MOVED OR INSPIRED, WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO SHARE AND INSPIRE ANOTHER.

www.Charity-Matters.com
On IG @Charitymatters
Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag me @heidijohnsonoffical and @Charitymatters so we can repost you.
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Subscribe to new episodes each week!

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Health February 9, 2022

Having a heart

February is here and with it comes Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day, and of course heart month. In the past decade, we have talked to a number of organizations that focus on the heart. For good reason, one out of for deaths each year is from heart disease. The translation is that over 659,000 people die in the United alone each year from heart disease. These are not just statistics but real people. To visualize this number that is over six huge football stadiums full of people each year. One person every 36 seconds, not to mention the 40,000 children will be born with congenital heart disease this year. So what do we do when are our hearts are broken?

Luckily for us, there are a multitude of amazing organizations working tirelessly to solve and tend to this problem. I thought before the month jumped into high gear we could take a moment to revisit some of the great organizations we have met who are working to reduce those numbers. Some of these go back so far that I felt like I was looking at old friends, I hope you feel the same.

Hopeful Hearts Foundation

A decade ago we talked to the Chez family about their organization, The Hopeful Hearts Foundation. The Chez family had three children all born with Congenital Heart Disease. Tragically they lost their daughter Gracie suddenly at the age of three and created the Hopeful Hearts Foundation in 2008 to keep her memory alive and to help other children suffering from CHD. The Hopeful Hearts Foundation supports families whose children have CHD and also raises funds to provide research for Congenital Heart Disease.

Camp Del Corazon

Some of you may remember Lisa Knight, a registered nurse and nonprofit founder of Camp Del Corazon. The camp is a place for children with heart-related health challenges to have fun, make friends and find fellow children going through similar health issues.

Lisa said, ” I get so filled up by it all. These kids have survived death, there are no camps for these types of kids due to their medical conditions. It transforms them. You see them show each other their scars. The most rewarding thing is when you hear children call you by your camp name when you see them years later not at camp. This year our first camper is coming back as a counselor, so to see not only these children grow up and give back but to watch my own 29-year-old daughter getting even more involved as she takes on more responsibility with her role at Camp del Corazon, is so rewarding. “

Mended Hearts

In 2017, we talked to our friends the Page family about their experience with Congenital Heart Disease in our post The Heart of the Matter. In that conversation, we learned about Max Page’s support of the organization Mended Hearts. A nonprofit that was created in 1951 to give peer support to those dealing with heart disease. Dr. Harken asked four of the first four people to ever have open heart surgery to help others facing the same experience. In 2004, Mended Hearts realized that families with children suffering from CHD also needed that same peer-to-peer support and created Mended Little Hearts.

There are hundreds of organizations working tirelessly to do research to cure Congenital Heart Disease. These are just a few of the amazing people working to heal broken hearts. Next week we will continue our look back with Francie Paul from Saving Tiny Hearts in our podcast. I’m so excited to share our conversation about the incredible work she and her team have been doing to help find a cure. Until then, wishing you all a wonderful heart month full of love.

CHARITY MATTERS.

YOUR REFERRAL IS THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT, IF YOU ARE SO MOVED OR INSPIRED, WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO SHARE AND INSPIRE ANOTHER.

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Uncategorized June 25, 2020

COVID, Caterpillars and Courage

“Courage is knowing what not to fear.”

Plato

As the world opens and we all slowly come back out of our cocoons like caterpillars who turned to butterflies navigating life from a somewhat different perspective than ninety days ago…I find myself flying above my former self in search of my mojo. The metamorphosis has happened to us all. A mere three months ago I was high functioning, multi-tasking, get it done sort of person. I could be on a conference call while emptying the dishwasher, texting, and juggle a multitude of tasks all of which made me feel successful, productive, and most importantly busy. Always busy.

COVID

Every pre-COVID moment from the 5:45 am wake up until 11 pm at night was scheduled, programed, crammed full of tasks, meetings, calls, and to-dos. Then after March 13th all of that changed. The first few weeks of quarantine were rainy, cozy, and almost felt like a holiday break with everyone home. I have always worked from home so that wasn’t anything new to me.

However, having the whole family at home working and going to school remotely was new. Making fifteen meals a day again was new. No early mornings at the gym and navigating new ways to manage exercise and stress were different. And as each little piece of my previously scheduled life eroded so did my mojo. Like sand in my hand, it just slipped away one grain at a time.

Caterpillar

The early morning dash to the gym became coffee in bed until seven. The online workouts became less about exercise and more about noticing every home improvement needed in the room. Once the “workout” was over, I stayed in my workout clothes until late in the day. Why not? There was nowhere to go.

Lip gloss and makeup were reserved for Zoom meetings only. The days to do list became shorter and shorter until they didn’t exist. Time and urgency seemed to disappear. The cocoon became a safe harbor from all of the chaos outside.

Courage

Then suddenly, the announcement came that the world would begin to reopen. Little by little our cocoons were broken open. Now that we were “free” to go, I wasn’t sure that I wanted too. My former self, the one that made the cozy and now organized cocoon, would have boldly dashed out into this new world without fear and a to-do list a mile long. However, my post-COVID self was a fragile butterfly that came out ever so slowly was not the same creature pre-quarantine. The mojo and courage were nowhere to be found. A metamorphosis had occurred.

The fear lingered and my fragile wings slowly began to flutter outside of the cocoon. Ready to explore but there was no urgency or speed. Time had dissipated, what mattered before no longer made sense. Schedules, planning, and lists all seemed like things of the past.

The courage came to be, and stay in the present. Slowly, the new butterfly saw all the beauty around, the faces of her family, and the beauty of each moment. The mojo was gone and replaced with what matters….health, family, love, security, and faith. The butterfly’s voice said, “What good are wings without the courage to fly?” Ever so slowly the butterfly fluttered out into a brave new world.

CHARITY MATTERS.

YOUR REFERRAL IS THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT, IF YOU ARE SO MOVED OR INSPIRED, WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO SHARE AND INSPIRE ANOTHER.

Copyright © 2020 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Charity Matters Quotes April 7, 2016

The ties that bind

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects.”

Herman Melville

Ties that bind

A crazy image but the perfect visual to describe the ties that bind. Each of us is uniquely bound to another, to a community, to a cause.

The ties that bind, that indescribable feeling that bonds each of us together. It is those fibers that make us feel a part of something bigger than ourselves. Ultimately, it is that same feeling of connection that empowers us to act and to help another.

We are all connected by a thousand tiny fibers and sympathetic threads, as Melville said.

The question remains, how do we turn that connection into action and the cause into an effect?

Charity Matters.

P.S. Apologies for the resend on this post and tomorrows. Due to a new web-host, the two earlier post this week were not sent to my beloved email subscribers, so here is Monday’s post and Wednesdays will come tomorrow. Thank you in advance for your understanding and continued support!

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Uncategorized January 4, 2016

Something old, something new

As many of you know we moved over the holidays. What you may not know is that prior to moving to the modern house, we made an offer on another falling down fixer upper that I had fallen hard for. A big 1920s Spanish, that was a crazy money pit. I dreamed of loving it, fixing it, giving it everything I had and making it beautiful again. Just as we had done a few times before. Love, fix, give. A pattern all too familiar.

This time fate spared me the pain and agony of the fixer and we did not get that house but instead a modern glass box that needs nothing but furniture. As I opened my eyes, the first morning in the new house, I stared across the canyon and found myself looking head on with the old Spanish. I laid there in disbelief and thought how bizarre that this fixer is what I will look at everyday.

The more I thought about the old house, I realized that it was a sign and the first gift of the New Year. That old house is a daily reminder of my old self and that I only have so much to give. I will never stop loving, fixing and giving, it is who I am. However, as I wrap up my forties and enter a New Year and decade, I find myself looking inward instead of out for projects and I’m sure there are a few…

So as we enter 2016, I will wake up each day reminded that we only have so much to give. We do what we can, but we need to take care of ourselves. Once we have, everything else simply falls into place. This year my fixer upper is a 49-year-old who is loves loving, fixing and giving.

Its going to be a great new year.

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2016 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Uncategorized September 9, 2015

Is it a mid-life crisis?

I’ve always heard about those infamous fathers who went out for a newspaper and never came back. I used to think, who does that? Lately, with responsibility after responsibility, task after task, commitment after commitment…I’m embarrassed to admit that I almost get it…almost. Some days the load is overwhelming.

While running away certainly isn’t a solution, looking at what causes this feeling amongst many people in the middle of their lives is. What is it that happens in the middle of our lives that makes us feel that way? I live the life I have always dreamed of then some. Yet, there are days that going out for a newspaper doesn’t sound like a bad idea….just saying. Do we take on too much? Are moving at too fast a pace to enjoy the journey? Are we giving until we have nothing left or are we still searching for more?

As my nest is almost empty, and I see part two of my life begin to unfold ahead of me, these are the questions I find myself pondering and I don’t think I’m alone…..just the only one crazy enough to put them in ink. Until I find the answers, I will be thankful for all I have, the blessings in my life and gratitude that I don’t read the paper.

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2015 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Uncategorized August 12, 2015

Texas sendoff

On monday, I was so busy crying that I forgot to mention that this week there won’t be any additional post due to getting our son settled in his new home and state.

Thank you for all your kind words and support.

Charity Matters will be back next week. Until then enjoy these precious last days of summer!

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2015 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Uncategorized July 22, 2015

A little slice of summer

Summer has always been my favorite time of year. I love the lazy days, the beach, the sun and reading a great book. However, these days summer is the busiest time of year for me. So when my girlfriend had a big birthday to celebrate and it included all of the above…..sun, sand and fun I signed up.

As someone who has a very hard time turning work off, I am looking forward to a few days of friends and fun. There won’t be a post on friday but I will be back re-energized next week ready to begin year five of Charity Matters.

Happy Summer!

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2015 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Uncategorized July 20, 2015

Everything Needs A Beginning

Today is Charity Matter’s 4th birthday and I thought in honor of that I would repost my original words written here. 600 blog posts later, with thousands of you sharing and changing my life for the better, I want to say thank you. When I began this journey I had nothing more than faith and an idea. Thank you for following, sharing and most importantly believing in me and this work. So, take a peak at the post that began it all…..

I don’t know if it was Oprah’s last show and message that stirred my soul, or a calling, but when the question was asked to the world, ”What is your life saying to you now?” I knew my answer was MAKE a DIFFERENCE.

Little or big, it doesn’t matter, but that is the voice inside my head. That is the purpose of this blog and the goal which it will try to achieve in ways little and big because no matter how it happens a difference; a thought, an inspiration, a positive step forward to help another human on this planet by planting a seed of compassion is the purpose.

So every few days we will strive to give you a thought, a quote, an inspiring Charity Profile, someone who lives their life through actions and not words.

Charity is defined as help, aid and contribution. It is not about money, but rather it is about converting passion into change. Matter is a substance, a subject and something of importance and that is what this blog hopes to do.

So thank you for joining me at the beginning. We are each a link in the human chain that joins us all. I hope you will sign up to be a link that connects people and causes that matter. I know together we can do anything.

Heidi

Charity Matters.

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Uncategorized April 30, 2014

Hiccup

Good morning,

I hope you didn’t think I went on vacation without telling you all. I have been busy writing and posting away but somehow a WordPress upgrade blocked my post from being sent out. so forgive me for bombarding your in box but I wanted to share with you just a few of the 6 posts you seemed to have missed.

So following this email I will resend you some of the highlights. Thank you all for continuing to inspire me, share your journeys in making a difference and knowing that Charity Matters.

Heidi

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Uncategorized December 30, 2013

The year end tax deduction

Yikes, just the word itself is enough to drive everyone away, but it is a fact of life that we all have to face. Taxes. Today, is December 30th and we are getting down to the wire for those last-minute tax deductions. My father was giddy 46 years ago today when my younger sister was born, because he received an extra tax deduction that year……and of course a beautiful baby girl. Inducing labor is probably the more difficult way to receive a tax deduction, charitable giving might be an easier path.

While, I am not a financial expert I did do a little research and thought it was worth sharing for those trying to wrap up their end of year donations.

Suggested Guidelines for Financial Donations

If you are planning on deducting any charitable donation of money, regardless of amount, you must have a bank record or credit card receipt and a letter in writing from the charity you donated too. The letter must show the name of the charity and the date and amount of the contribution and the organizations 501c3 non-profit status.

You must always obtain an acknowledgment from a charitable organization for any tax-deductible donation, whether it is money or property, of $250 or more.

Rules for Charitable Contributions of Clothing and Household Items

In order to be tax-deductible, clothing and household items donated to charity, must be in good used condition or better. A clothing or household item for which a taxpayer claims a deduction of over $500 does not have to meet this standard, if a qualified appraisal of the item is included.

Donors must get a written acknowledgement from the charity for all gifts worth $250 or more that includes a description of the items contributed. Household items include furniture, furnishings, electronics, appliances and linens.

Additional Tips from the IRS

• Your donations are only deductible for the year they were made. So remember, donations that were charged to a credit card before the end of 2013 count for 2013. This is true even if the credit card bill isn’t paid until 2014. Checks count for 2013 as long as they were mailed in 2013.

• It’s sad that this even has to be said, but always check to make sure that the non-profit organization is eligible. Non-profits with 501c3 status, many religious organizations such as churches and some government organizations, are the only ones that are tax-deductible. If you are unsure, you can check using this link from the IRS, Exempt Organization Select Check.

• If the amount of a taxpayer’s deduction for all non-cash contributions is over $500, a properly completed Form 8283 must be submitted with the tax return.

• Make sure to keep good records and receipts.

• For more information from the IRS, you can go to this link Charities and Nonprofits

While there is nothing fun about taxes, remember the joy that comes with giving. At least there is a silver lining for year-end giving….oh yeah and that deduction too!

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2013 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Uncategorized July 10, 2013

Charity Starts at Home

“Charity starts at home” is a phrase often heard mumbled by my husband from under his breath. Usually as I am dashing out to a meeting or getting excited about a cause I care about. I chuckle and laugh it off, kiss his cheek and head on my way. Lately, his words are echoing in my head as many projects have been neglected at home due to someone else in greater need for my time or resources.

Yet, there comes a time when his phrase rings all too true and that time is now. What does that mean? For me, it means putting my family, our home and our “projects” at the head of the line. It means touching up chipped paint and finally gutting the original 1928 kitchen. Who still has screens in the backs of their cabinets to keep their food fresh? Answer, that would be us.

This summer I am taking my husband’s words to heart. My time and energy will be spent focusing on our family, our long forgotten projects and being filled with gratitude for all my blessings. My parents used to have a sign in their kitchen that said,”Pardon the inconvenience, while we remodel to serve you better.” The sign was up for 40 years, remodeling or not.

I am asking you to pardon the inconvenience this summer, I will still be posting three days a week but construction may delay things a bit. Thank you in advance for being patient with me and realizing that perhaps my husband is right, Charity starts at home……sometimes.

Charity Matters.

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Uncategorized June 14, 2013

Happy Father’s Day

I may have mentioned before that my Dad has died, more than a few times, and is still here to talk about it. Yes, its true. My Dad has seen the light, twice after a horrible car accident and then more recently, he died in spin class and was resuscitated. Today, he still sits behind me in spin class (no longer on the same bike) and is healthy, happy and alive.

Sometimes, Dad’s get taken for granted. They are the guys in the back round who are silently making things happen. For me, it may have taken these 3 near death experiences to truly appreciate what a remarkable guy my dad is. What makes him remarkable is probably the same things that make you remarkable. His dedication to his family, his faith and his ability to simply keep going.

I asked him once, shortly after my parents car accident, how was he coping with all the loss? His answer, “Just like everyone else, I put one foot in front of the other and simply keep going.” That may sound simple but in fact it’s not. We all have obstacles, road blocks in our way. My dad, in this moment, had lost his wife, his best friends and almost his own life and yet he just kept going.

We hear over and over to teach our children by example. My dad isn’t one to talk a lot, but teach us by example he has. He has never missed an important anything in our lives or his grandchildren’s lives. He has never missed a sunday mass or anything that has to do with family. He doesn’t talk about it he just “simply keeps going.”

So this Father’s Day, I wanted to give a special shout out to my dad and thank him for always showing us what is important. I love you Dad and hope you “simply keep going” for a very long time and until then, I’ll catch you in spin class.

Happy Father’s Day!

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2013 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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