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Charity Matters Quotes August 18, 2014

Charity Matters quotes

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

Dr. Seuss

The Band-Aid is off and the pain is searing and yet I am at peace. The goodbye is the hardest, today is the big send off. I am smiling because it happened, he is where he is supposed to be.

Waiting for the next hello.

Charity Matters.

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Raising Philanthropic Children August 15, 2014

Time to go

It is finally here and time to say goodbye. My son is officially leaving and there is so much to say before he goes…it has all been said and our job is done.

I knew he was unlike anyone I had ever met since the moment I first held him, he stared right through me as if he had already lived a thousand lives and was wiser than I may ever be. His red hair was a true red flag warning, that what they say about red heads is true, fiery is an understatement! Yet, as an infant, my son knew who he was before anyone else had figured it out.

As a toddler he had no interest in fire trucks, balls or legos but rather collected vacuums and irons. He was who he was and really didn’t care, sadly at the time I did. He taught me not too….but I was a slow learner. Eventually, his interest turned to vegetable oil fueled cars and technology. We learned that to support him, we needed to support his passion and so we did, although baseball would have been so much easier.

Time came for the first cell phone, then computer and finally car. We told him he had to pay for half and each time he figured it out….somehow we had raised a little Alec P. Keaton and had no clue….but he did. While his love of vacuums and irons had diminished long ago, his passion for photography, cars and service to others grew. He grew externally and internally.

Now that wise old infant has become a wise and compassionate soul. Sure he is still a snarky teenager and all that comes with it but the lessons he has taught me about believing in yourself, being passionate about what you love and serving others are some of the greatest gifts I have ever been given.

It is time for him to show the world who he is …..just as he always has.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Quotes August 11, 2014

Charity Matters Quotes

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

Carol Sobieski and Thomas Meehan, Annie

This is the week we pack up and begin the process of letting go. Everyone keeps saying that the anticipation is worse than the actual goodbye. I keep thinking that like a band-aid, I just wish we could rip it off quickly so the pain won’t linger. Sadly, the process of packing, editing, shipping and goodbyes is a slow peeling off and not the quick rip I long for.

Each day the pain simply gets worse as the inevitable approaches. He is ready, I am ready and yet my heart breaks as part of me is simply flying away. I think I’m going to need a really big band-aid for this one.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration August 4, 2014

The language of kindness is universal

Seeing random acts of kindness fills our hearts and brings us joy. This video simply doesn’t need words because it speaks the universal language of kindness.

There is no better way to begin a week than with a little smile and some kindness.

Charity Matters.

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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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What Matters? July 28, 2014

All good endings are beginnings

Just like summer, all good things must come to an end. Endings are inevitable and a part of life. This year my ending is also my beginning, inheriting a 32-year-old non-profit leadership camp, I understand just how sad our campers are when camp is over. Like our students who cling to their counselors crying the last day, I find myself feeling the same way. So sad that it has come to an end.

What is it about summer and giving so freely of yourself that brings out the nostalgia in all of us? Having never attended camp as a child I didn’t really “get it” but now I do. Camp is not about the new environment or friends. Rather, it is about being who you really are and who you are meant to be. The discovery of self and soul happens at camp. That island you are placed upon called “camp” isn’t about the location of where you are but more about being removed from your place and people and having to survive as yourself.

This is not a bad reality show, this is life. Camp is a mirror, where you start fresh, see yourself anew thru others eyes that have never seen “you” before. Seeing your true self is a gift, regardless of age. That mirror is always full of beauty, if you are willing to look.

Like life, all good things must come to an end. This year for me, the ending of leadership camp, like all good endings, is also a beginning…and I so love beginnings.

Charity Matters.

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What Matters? July 21, 2014

Age of Philanthrophy

One of summer’s guilty pleasures is sitting by a body of water with a magazine, which is exactly what I was doing this past weekend. As I sat on the dock reading this month’s issue of Town & Country, a magazine notorius for covering the lifestyles of the rich and famous…I was thrilled and delighted by the editor’s letter and comments.

I must confess that I enjoy reading this as the best form of pure escapism but when Editor, wrote about a recent philanthropic summit that the magazine hosted, I found myself inspired.

The editor said, “Philanthrophy is already the fastest growing segment of the United States economy. Its contribution to the gross domestic product is, in fact, larger than that of the Armed Forces.”

As the founder of a non-profit and the current Executive Director of another I can honestly say that I have seen these levels of generosity first hand. It is one of the greatest privledges of my career. At the end of the day, it is not about money but about purpose and compassion. It is not simply the Bill Gates of this world that have the ability to create these changes….each of us hold the same power. Our legacy is only as great as our willingness to act.

We may not be The Greatest Generation but I will happily be lumped into The Age of Philanthrophy any day.

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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Charity Matters Quotes July 4, 2014

Happy 4th of July

“I love my freedom. I love my America.“

Jessi Lane Adams

There is simply nothing I love better than 4th of July…..especially when it falls on a friday. Barbecues, sunshine, fireworks and smiles. I hope you are with your friends and family enjoying one another and the freedom we celebrate today.

It is a magical day for each of us to be reminded of our blessings and the gift of freedom.

Wishing you a very happy Fourth of July!

God Bless America.

Charity Matters.

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Childrens' Causes July 2, 2014

Word of Honor

A few weeks ago, a girlfriend invited me to a potluck dinner, which she called Friends with Causes. The idea was to get a group of girlfriends together for a fun casual night and learn about a non-profit in someone’s home. My friend and our hostess has been involved with a non-profit called The Word of Honor Fund, which supports the children of fallen Navy Seals.

This week being all about freedom and patriotism, I can think of no better time than to share the beautiful work that this group does to support those who gave their lives for our country. Many of those who pay the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, leave behind an unwritten, unfulfilled legacy in their children. This is where the Word of Honor Fund begins.

In recent years, two major wars have taken significant tolls on our nation and our soldiers’ families. The overwhelming loss of so many heroes has created a void in the lives of their surviving children. The brutal reality for these kids is that they will grow up without the guidance of a hero and mentor, a beloved dad and male father figure. The effect of such loss cannot be measured.

The Word of Honor Fund enables the Seal families to step in to help these kids during the intervening years that lead to adulthood. The Seal Teams provide Make a Wish like experiences as well as mentoring their fallen brothers children. It is their goal and responsibility to identify the means to honor promises made to them by their fathers, and see those promises through fruition to the best of their abilities. It is their Word of Honor.

As we begin preparing this week for our Fourth of July celebrations, remember those who have given us the ultimate sacrifice and their children who continue to live with the consequences.

Charity Matters.

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What Matters? June 20, 2014

Vacation, All I Ever Wanted….

When I was in high school I loved The Go-Gos. This week their song, “Vacation” is seriously stuck in my head and the reason being is that it is time for our family to get out of dodge for some much-needed rest and relaxation. We are not headed too far this trip but anyplace that gets you out of your routine, is more than far enough for me.

An open space with fresh air, little technology, my children and spouse without the demands of work. That is vacation. We all need them. Vacations don’t have to be to a glamorous destination or include an umbrella drink. My sons joke that we can turn any trip into a road trip whether we began in a car or fly to a foreign country….this time they just might be right.

When you look at back at your life and the memories that were created, my guess is that many of the good ones come from the trips that you took. Since we have one leaving the nest and time continues to zip by faster and faster, it becomes more important to stop, leave and just be with those you love.

When I return, I will be rested, renewed and ready to blog about amazing people who inspire me and gear up for the Youth Summer Leadership Program I run.

It is going to be an amazing summer…..once I start that vacation.

Charity Matters.

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Education June 16, 2014

Schools out for summer!

“In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.”

Tom Bodett

It’s here! It’s here! Summertime is here!

No more homework, making lunches, studying or school. Phew.

Whether a student, a teacher or a parent there is simply something wonderful that happens once school is out.

A weight is lifted, the load a little lighter and the excitement of a relaxing summer looms ahead.

A time to slow down, relax and enjoy.

Happy Summer!

Charity Matters.

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What Matters? June 11, 2014

A time for reflection

“A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip.”

Author Unknown

Today is my 48th birthday. And as the years roll by each one becomes a time for reflection. Birthdays are times to connect with those you love, celebrate all the amazing blessings in your life and a moment to pause and think about what happened last year and where you are heading next.

When I look at the past year, I see a whirlwind of events; celebrations, football games, holidays, school events, college applications and acceptance letters, proms and graduations. Oh, and my full-time job running a non-profit. More than anything, I see blessings of time spent with people I love.

So as I begin to think about what this next year will bring, with the nest a little emptier, I can only hope for a renewed sense of purpose, clarity and gratitude. Age is simply a number but the greatest gift one can give the world is a life well lived.

That is exactly what I intend to keep doing.

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.

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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