Giving Back

I've seen a bunch of ALS ice bucket challenge videos over the past month and they've been fun to watch and cool (cold) to know that awareness and money are being generated to help combat a horrible disease.  It's amazing how the internet will allow one person's idea to go "viral" and the whole world can join in.  That's a lot of power.  If reminds me that we can be inspiring to each other and do anything we set our minds to which can be both scary and challenging to dream big.

The challenge got me thinking about giving back in general and what I can do.  With a new school season beginning I took the challenge to fill a backpack for a 7 year old boy, Lorenzo.  I took his wishlist with me to Target and carefully picked out every single item on it including the "optionals".  That one small act of kindness was so uplifting and reminded me of a paperweight on my desk. 

Sometimes one thing leads to another . . . I was driving down the street and saw a girl at an intersection holding a sign.  This is not an uncommon sight in Houston but there was something about her, she was young and it was so sunny and hot out and she was crying and embarrassed.  I imaged how easily that could have been me 40 years ago.  I couldn't just keep driving.  I stopped to give her whatever money I had on me, something I normally wouldn't do, but wishing I had more to give.

A business man friend of mine wears a bunch of ragtag bracelets (with his suit) often, as he's a proponent of the Random Acts of Kindness organization.  The sight always makes me smile so whenever I need a lift I log into http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/ for kindness.

I felt truly honored a couple of years ago when the National Association of Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA) asked me to join their Charitable Foundation Board.  I've never been a board member of anything so it felt really important, but the point is to manage a budget of donations contributed, and then ensure they are distributed to the nominated charities supported by the members.  I like the process and love to see an entire organization pulling together to make this happen every year.

United Way began their fundraising campaign in Houston this week and I'm hooked on helping.  I've personally toured their facilities and several of the organizations they support and I'm just so proud of what they do and how they do it that I can't help but want to be a part of it.  

And just because one thing leads to another I'm now signed up for the Susan G Kuomen Houston 5k (10/4) and American Heart Walk 5k (11/8).  I'm glad to work for a company that provides a 100% match of contributions (up to $5,000) knowing that leverage can work on the up side too.   And a final thought to the people at Spectrum a Youth and Family Services in Burlington, VT - a truly fine organization that I've been introduced to and so admire the work of their Executive Director.  

There are so many worthwhile ways to help I'm glad I've had the opportunity to Give Back.