Charity, Philanthropy, Giving, Volunteerism

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Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, charity, giving, Livestrong, Philanthropy, Susan Komen

I believe that one of the greatest gifts we have is the giving.

Either through our time, treasures, words or volunteerism.

What I often wonder is how much my time, words and treasures impact those that I am helping.  I never stop to look and see what the impact was but sometimes catch myself wondering such.  I think I do this because in the world of “Mega Philanthropy” with groups like LiveStrong, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Susan Komen, you always have some sort of measurable.  In personal giving the measurable is usually minimal and or difficult to gauge.

So when you give…who do you give to?

What are your favorite charities outside of your church?  How do you think what you have given has impacted others?

A Great Mentor Is Priceless

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business, Faith, mentor, Philanthropy, success

I am at a point in my life where I am in need of a great mentor.

I many eyes I am successful in the business world.  I have a strong marriage and great family.  I have solid philanthropic ties and for the most part have a really incredible life.

But now I am faced with a big challenge.  Finding a great mentor.

Why?  Because I think we all need mentors.  People who can guide us to the next level, challenge us when we become complacent and high five us when we achieve the next goal.  People who can challenge our faith and beliefs with new views or more advanced views and help us link our faith journey and business/personal lives.

So, how does one find a new mentor?  I am struggling with this right now and am open to suggestions. 

I have had someone for years and ironically have fallen in a position now of being the mentor instead of being mentored…

But enough about me…here is what I would like to know from you… who mentors you?  Why do you have this special person and how has it changed your life?

How Do You Make A Difference?

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Bellevue Community Church, Philanthropy, Religion, Shoes, Soles For Souls

Today at BCC (Bellevue Community Church) we were lucky to once again be part of 1000 shoe weekend. This is when we wear a pair of slightly worn shoes to church, and at the end of the service, we leave them on stage, walk out barefoot, and the shoes are donated to Soles for Souls.
If you are not aware of Sole for Souls the brief overview is that it is an organization that gathers and/or purchases shoes which it then delivers to the needy all over the world. The shoes go to the homeless, abuse victims in shelters, third world countries etc. If I heard it correctly, a pair is placed on someones foot every 20 seconds.
What is cool about this story to me is that the fellow who started the organization is not only a member of our church, but is also a former CEO who had the idea after watching a shoe wash up during a broadcast of the tsunami in Sri Lanka. He used his background in the shoe industry to help out victims from that, then Katrina and realized that people needed help all year long. Hence, Soles for Souls.

I see how he has made an absolute difference but now I am wondering how can I?

I also pose the question to you…How do you make a difference?

I think it can be as simple as buying someone a cup of coffee or opening the door but let me know…what are we doing as people and a community to change the world?

After walking out barefoot today, in the rain, I also wonder..Am I doing enough?

Please let me hear from you.

Also, check out http://www.soles4souls.org/