Ways to make a difference Archives - Page 25 of 28

Childrens' Causes September 3, 2014

Philanthrophy for kids

It seems that since this month is all about back to school and starting the new year off on the right foot, that it is a good time to talk about ways to incorporate philanthropy into the school year. This is the perfect time of year for goal settings and planning ahead, especially for young students.

A few years ago, it became very clear to me that todays students are incredibly busy. As a result, it is very hard for them to find time to give back and yet they have so much to give. My middle son is a high school football player and has very few hours in the day but wanted to make a difference. I was involved at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and wondered if there was a way to bring busy students and a great cause together? The answer was yes. The hospital had been thinking the same thought and when a few of us got together we helped create something called the Junior Ambassadors for CHLA.

What they do is simply have the kids use their skills, whatever they are, to help another child. My son is a quarterback so he throws touchdowns for sponsorship and has raised thousands of dollars for the hospital. He calls it Scoring for CHLA. Another Junior Ambassador is a gifted photographer who sells her work to help CHLA. Some ambassadors have lemonade stands, others throw parties and everyone pitches in to use their talents for an amazing cause.

September is a perfect time to continue or start the conversation with your children about giving back. You will be amazed and surprised of what they have to offer. Beginning to discover their talents and learning to share them with the world is a beautiful gift for everyone.

Charity Matters.

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Education August 27, 2014

Back to school: Philanthrophy

Today was my sons first day back to school. Along with the traditional photo-op on the front porch, the new shoes and sharpened pencils comes another opportunity. One more year to think about how to plant the seeds of compassion in my sons. What are a few ways to get them thinking this school year about ways to help another?

1. The first suggestion is to ask your children what they think they can do. You will be shocked and inspired by their ideas. When I asked my high school son his plans for philanthropy this year, he responded that he was going to continue reading to low-income students who struggle at Reading Partners, his adopted cause. It is a wonderful organization where you commit to one or two students a couple of times a week and make real one and one impact.

2. For my younger son, he prefers the team approach. Like all good ideas, especially involving kids, they are usually best involving friends. Get a group together and make a plan. It can be as big as adopting a low-income school with your school or as small as creating a back to school backpack stuffing party for the local family homeless shelter in your neighborhood. He will do anything if it involves a team effort.

3. Find out what the school has planned and encourage your kids to get involved. If the school doesn’t have a philanthropy, suggest one. One of my favorites is Grades of Green. Grades of Green is an amazing organization that teaches children how to make their schools greener and be environmentally aware of simple things that make a universal impact. In addition to being a great organization for any school or team, they also have a new Youth Corp for future environmental leaders.

There are so many ways to plant the seed of compassion in your student. Once that seeds takes root, it is up to us to nurture and develop all the wonderful possibilities that go along with new pencils and a new year of possibilities.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration August 20, 2014

Where does a movement begin? The Ice Bucket Challenge

How do trends start? What was the impetus to all of us dumping buckets of ice water on our heads? Who was the inspiration behind this chilly trend?

The answer is simple. His name is Pete Frates and this is his story.

So the next time you are looking at Facebook and/or pouring a bucket of ice on your head, remember why you are doing and for who. You are doing it for Pete Frates and everyone else who has ALS. The trend that is changing the face of ALS belongs to one face only and that is of Pete Frates…. an inspiration to us all.

Charity Matters.

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Cancer August 13, 2014

TCU Frogs for the Cure

I never ceased to be amazed by the way that the right people always enter my life at just the right time. As you all know, this week I have been prepping for my first-born to leave the nest and head off to Texas and TCU. In all the craziness I received a phone call from a friend who wanted to introduce me to an incredible woman named Ann Louden, who helped start and drive a non-profit at TCU.

The organization is called TCU Frogs for the Cure and is dedicated to supporting those with breast cancer and helping to find a cure. Ann, a breast cancer survivor, called to chat about her organization’s new video that is being filmed this weekend at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl. She said the organization began in 2005 when TCU athletics partnered with the Susan G. Komen® Greater Fort Worth to sponsor a first-ever pink out halftime presentation at a university….which has now become a national trend.

A few years later they created a music video that combined inspirational music and hundreds of survivors and supporters. Each year since, the music video has gotten more elaborate and included more students, survivors and community leaders. This year, the video is being filmed in 5 cities, including my own hometown Pasadena, this Saturday August 16th from 1-5pm.

So grab your friends and register here to be a part of this epic celebrity filled music video to inspire others to find a cure. It is events like this, started at TCU, that have influenced and inspired thousands to adopt a cause and come together to make a difference.

I know I’m inspired and so grateful my son is heading to TCU. Whether pink or purple is your color, it doesn’t really matter but what does, is that you care to give of yourself to help another.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Quotes August 8, 2014

CM Quote

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

Kahil Gibran

I can honestly say that after just finishing my third week of Leadership Camp this summer and watching our staff volunteers, this quote truly spoke to me. To see high school and college students give up their summertime to show, teach and inspire leadership to 6th, 7th and 8th graders is inspiring. It reminded me that the greatest gift we give another is a piece of ourselves and our time.

We all have it to share and inspire the magic.

Charity Matters.

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Ways to make a difference July 18, 2014

I too had a dream….

Three years ago I had a dream about a television show that highlighted all of the amazing people in our world who make a difference. Today that dream is celebrating its third birthday. Charity Matters is still a mere toddler, trying to run but still waddling despite the urge to speed ahead at full sprint.

I knew nothing about television or TV shows but despite that, I also knew nothing about blogging. What I did know was how to turn a thought into action. So that is what I did. I wrote a show, registered it and then thought if I can write about this same concept for a few months I might actually be onto something.

What I didn’t know was if anyone else cared or would be here to listen. You do care and you are here…thousands of you. You start your day here, inspire me and share what inspires you. I am beyond grateful. And while three years has zipped by in a flash, my passion for bringing inspiring stories and people to you has only become stronger in that small amount of time.

Charity Matters is not so much about me or even you, it is about what inspires us to be our best. People, stories, quotes. We are human, compassionate, amazing, capable people and the goal is simply to remember that. More than that, to realize how many amazing gifts you have to share with the world.

Whether you love yoga, sports, medicine, fashion, the military or anything I promise you there is a non-profit to match your interest. My hope is that you find something that speaks to you, your soul and urges you to action. Life is short, live it well, share your gifts and thank you for sharing your time here with me for these past three years. My life is richer because of you.

Don’t forget to keep dreaming.

Charity Matters.

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Health July 9, 2014

Doctors without Borders

A few weeks back my husband and I were sitting at a sushi bar and had the most interesting conversation with the gentleman sitting next to us. It turns out that he was a pilot, as a hobby, and used his free time and resources to fly U.S. doctors to remote areas of Mexico to provide medical treatment. Our conversation got me thinking about the well-known organization Doctors Without Borders or Medicine Sans Fronteriers (MSF), as it was named by its French founders.

Doctors Without Borders all began when Raymond Borel and Philippe Bernier, journalists from a medical review, issued an appeal to establish a group of doctors to help people suffering in the midst and wake of major disasters. On December 22, 1971, 300 volunteers made up the organization: doctors, nurses, and other staff, including the 13 founding doctors and journalists.

“It’s simple really: go where the patients are. It seems obvious, but at the time it was a revolutionary concept because borders got in the way. It’s no coincidence that we called it ‘Médecins Sans Frontières.’” MSF was created on the belief that all people have the right to medical care regardless of gender, race, religion, creed or political affiliation, and that the needs of these people outweigh respect for national boundaries.

What began with two journalists need to bring attention to suffering around the world and those who had both the compassion and skills to ease it has now grown into an international organization that we can not remember a time without. Today, Doctors without Borders is in 28 countries and since its founding, this incredible organization has treated over a hundred million patients!

It is an age-old story that continues to inspire, people who use their voice, passion and compassion to change the lives of others……change our world. And you never know who might be sitting next to you at a sushi bar.

Charity Matters.

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Military July 7, 2014

Homecoming Thank You

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July, truly one of my favorite holidays. Since most of us are still in a patriotic mood I thought I would follow-up on a post I shared a few weeks back.

Last week we had Operation Gratitude come and speak at our leadership camp and tell the students just how important the two words, “thank you” really are. Our students wrote thank you letters to the troops, that brought tears to my eyes.

When I saw the video below, another example of saying thank you in a very big way, I simply had to share.

Just another reminder of the power of gratitude and saying thank you. A great way to start our week and remember that we all hold the power to make the world better…..simply by saying thank you.

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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Education May 15, 2014

Teacher Appreciation Week

Do you remember a teacher that changed your life? Did you ever tell them the impact they had? Sometimes we don’t realize until it’s too late. Truth be told, it’s never too late to say thank you and your appreciated. I think most schools celebrated teacher appreciation week last week, our school is a little behind….so we will be saying our thank you later but the impact is still the same.

Since my son is at a new school, I thought I would go straight to the experts on the topic of Teacher Appreciation. Those experts are none other than the nonprofit PTA., otherwise known as the Parent Teacher Association.

Here are a few ideas from the PTA ‘s website, just in case you didn’t remember to thank your teacher or your child’s teacher:

Write letters and cards of appreciation to your students’ teachers throughout the week and ask you students’ teachers how you can support them throughout the year.
Show your support for the tremendous work teachers do by volunteering in your students’ classrooms.
Nominate your students’ teachers for local and national awards.
Pick up the April/May edition of Our Children magazine, which is devoted to teachers’ perspectives and offers parents great advice for building a strong relationship with their students’ educators.
Give the gift of PTA membership to a teacher in your life.

Thank you may seem insignificant but just the simplest kindness and acknowledgement can go a very long way in the life of a teacher. I may not have told all my teachers what they meant to me but I am sure my sons will tell theirs. Since it is never too late….to all my teachers, Thank You!!

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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Ways to make a difference April 4, 2014

National Volunteer Week is next week

Guess what? Yep, your right, National Volunteer Week is next week April 6-12th. I know its friday and you are thinking about your weekend, the fun, the plans, the friends and I think adding a little volunteering just might be a perfect fit.

National Volunteer Week, a program of Points of Light was established in 1974 and has grown each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled for next week.

The week is all about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It’s about showing that by working together, we can do anything. National Volunteer Week is about taking action and encouraging people to be at the center of social change – discovering and demonstrating their power to make a difference.

If you’re not feeling creative about what you can do, I came across this video that might just get you thinking.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of National Volunteer Week, demonstrating the importance of recognizing our country’s volunteers for all they do to make our communities and our country great. So, grab some friends, your kids and get involved . Nothing feels better than making a difference.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Profile April 2, 2014

Girls on the Run

Last week social media was all a flutter over a tutu, a photo and a very inappropriate comment from a magazine. While the story of Monika Allen was interesting, the real story was about supporting a non-profit, called Girls on the Run. A story that is just as impressive and with an amazing founder behind it all, Molly Barker.

In 1993, Molly Barker was on a run and had an epiphany that changed everything. A four-time winning Ironman competitor, Molly had life-long struggles with issues of self-worth. On that fateful run, she began to plan a program to provide preadolescent girls with the tools to embrace their strengths and navigate life’s challenges. In 1996 that is exactly what Molly did with the help of thirteen brave girls. Twenty-six girls came the next season, then seventy-five and by 2000, Girls on the Run International, a 501c3 organization was born, when Molly realized that so many girls could not pay for the program.

Girls on The Run’s mission is to create a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.They meet twice a week in small teams of 8-20 girls, teaching life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games. The girls learn understanding themselves, valuing relationships, teamwork and understanding how to connect with and shape the world at large.

Today with the help of over 55,000 volunteers, the Girls on the Run program currently serves over 130,000 girls in 200+ cities across North America each year. They have served 713,855 girls since inception.

I came across this quote from President, Elizabeth Kunz in regards to the tutu story, which I think sums up what makes this organization so inspirational.

“At Girls on the Run, we believe that girls have the power to change the world. While it is easy to silence or ignore the voice of one person, the voices of many united in purpose has power! Amazing transformation is possible when we embrace and live our core values of joy, gratitude, empowerment, connectedness, responsibility and intentionality. By celebrating one another, connecting with one another and coming together as one powerful movement, we can create healthy dialogue, elevate thought and, indeed, change the world.”

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.

Copyright © 2014 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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