Ways to make a difference Archives - Page 26 of 29

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.

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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 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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Ways to make a difference February 19, 2014

I Do Foundation

After Valentine’s Day last Friday and the long holiday on Monday, I have a sneaky suspicion that maybe a few thousand people got engaged over the long holiday weekend. With all of those newly engaged couples in mind, I heard about the most incredible foundation that “helps couples celebrate generously.” The I Do Foundation is the country’s first wedding-focused nonprofit, that makes charity a part of weddings. How beautiful is that?

The I Do Foundation was founded on Valentine’s Day in 2002, with the goals of changing the culture of the bridal industry and raising funds for a couples charity of choice. The purpose is to encourage couples to select a cause and charity they care about and encourage guests to make a donation as a wedding gift. In 2009, The I Do Foundation partnered with Just Give, which is a huge online platform for charitable giving.

Here are some beautiful results that the I Do Foundation has accomplished:

In the past 10 years, more than 75,000 couples have sent over $6.5 million to charity through the I Do Foundation and its partners.
Couples have made charitable donations totaling more than $650,000 in lieu of traditional favors.
Over 5,500 charities have received donations from I Do Foundation couples.

So, if you know someone who might have recently gotten engaged and is planning a wedding, share the I Do Foundation with them. I can think of no better way to celebrate love than to share with so many.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration February 12, 2014

Is it really all about chocolate?

I love Valentines Day because I love chocolate. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I love all of the good things about Valentines Day…cards, candy, love…really what could possibly be better? Well, I started thinking about it and realized that perhaps Valentines Day should perhaps be about a little bit more.

Especially since this week is Random Acts of Kindness week there are so many ways to make Valentines Day more meaningful. Here are just a few ideas:

1. Instead of giving a Valentine gift, why not give to a cause you or your Valentine cares about? What better way to show your love?

2. If you don’t have a cause you can always buy something from the RED Campaign, a fun way to make a difference and support a great hip cause. Who doesn’t love anything that Bono supports?

3. When you are buying Valentines Cards, think about taking some by a homeless shelter, home for the elderly, a children’s hospital. Share the love.

4. The couple that volunteers together…..you get the idea. Make a date to volunteer together instead of a fancy dinner. I guarantee you, your heart will never feel more full and isn’t that more important than your stomach?

So, as you begin to panic about a gift, a reservation or a card…..remember this is a holiday simply about love and not just about chocolate. What could be sweeter?

Charity Matters.

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Childrens' Causes January 24, 2014

Lacrosse making a difference

Today I am heading to a lacrosse match in support of my youngest son. They say lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in America and if you have ever been to one of these tournaments you would believe it. Well, like most everything our family is involved with, I like to find a philanthropic twist to things that my children are interested in. I love to see how people combine their passion to improve lives. In my search I came across this wonderful group in Harlem called HarlemLacrosse.org.

Harlem and lacrosse sound like an unusual combination, until you take a look at how providing a few sticks, training and a little round ball can transform lives.

I am surprised when people say they want to get involved with something but really don’t know how to start. My advice is find something you love and start there. Changing lives and making someone else’s life better really begins with where your passion lies. What is it that you love to do?

I know that once you answer that question you will know the next step from there….for my son this just might be that step.

Charity Matters.

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Technology that Matters January 22, 2014

LinkedIn and Volunteering, a perfect match

Everyday it seems there is a new technological way to get involved and it looks like today is no exception. Last week LinkedIn announced their latest tool, called Volunteer.linkedin.com, as a platform for volunteers to search for a volunteer fit by a variety of keywords such as; non-profits name, location,field of interest, etc…..For those of you not familiar with LinkedIn, it is best known as a corporate job networking site. In the past few years, I have to say it has become so much more and this is a perfect example.

I went to take a peak at some of the opportunities on LinkedIn and I immediately saw something for my husband. A non-profit organization called Bike and Build is looking for a board member who can help them 5-10 hours a month with marketing. My husband is a triathlete, avid cyclist, MBA and has been a VP of Marketing and is currently launching a product for the cycling/athletic market….so this seemed like a great fit.

What makes LinkedIn’s platform different from others is that LinkedIn realizes that your volunteering enhances your employment in a multitude of ways and that by volunteering in an industry that you area already involved with, such as cycling….you only enhance your resume, contacts and do the same for the organization that you are trying to help.

LinkedIn claims that,”41% of hiring managers consider volunteer work equally as valuable as paid work experience when evaluating candidates and unemployed people who volunteer are 27 % more likely to be hired than people who do not volunteer.”

So whether you are looking for a job or a way to use your skills to help someone else, this just might be the place to go to find that connection to make your life and someone else’s that much better.

Charity Matters.

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Homelessness and Hunger January 15, 2014

FEED

I promise I am not really the jealous type. That being said, every once in a while I come across a person that really seems to have it all going on and perhaps I get a small pang. Its human right? From the outside their life looks perfect. The person I’m talking about was a super model, the president’s granddaughter and niece and is now married to Ralph Lauren’s son and her name is Lauren Bush. Doesn’t sound too bad does it?

When you look a little closer, you realize that with all of that, it would be easy to simply be beautiful. However, that is exactly what makes Lauren Bush Lauren so striking. Her beauty comes from what she has done for others.

In 2004, Lauren started her work as an Honorary spokesperson for the World Food Program, when she helped to launch their Universities Fighting Hunger initiative. Inspired by her travels all over the globe she began to learn about the realities of hunger and poverty firsthand. In 2005, she created the first FEED 1 bag, which feeds one child in school for one year through the World Food Program. The following year she graduated from Princeton and then in 2007, she started FEED Projects. By 2008, Lauren co-founded the FEED Foundation to increase FEED’s impact in the fight against hunger.

To date, FEED has partnered with companies like Whole Foods Market, Barnes & Noble, the Gap, Lord & Taylor, Pottery Barn, Harrods, and many more. Since its beginnings, FEED has donated over $6 million dollars to the World Food Program through the sale of their FEED bags and with their FEED Foundation. That donation works out to be over 60 million meals to school children.

Now that is something to be jealous of….just a little.

Charity Matters.

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