What Encourages You???

As most of you know, I recently became the manager of my company's Employee Volunteer Program, which is a year-round volunteer program, that empowers our employees to donate their time and skills to make an impact in the communities we serve.  Over the course of a year and a half, I have built the program from the ground up and it is now an official program.  But this is only the beginning.  I am excited for what this program and our employees will do in the coming year.  My hope for this program is to motivate, inspire, and empower employees to make a positive change in their community and/or in the lives of others.  Our employees have so much to offer and the sky is the limit for what we can all do to give back.

I came across this video and within minutes of watching it, I was inspired.  I was inspired by the words this little boy was saying and it made me ask myself, what encourages me?  What encourages me the amazing company I work for and the amazingly-talented employees we have there.  Our employees have big hearts, time, and talents that are going to change the world.  We work to change local commerce, and we live to change the world. 

I am also encouraged by the new people I meet.  I recently met some truly inspiring individuals from The Impact Engine at Demo Day.  (Founders of Azadi and the Founder of Collaborative Group).   These are individuals who are working hard to change the lives of young girls and artisans, and they are just a few people who are changing the world and lives.   I love meeting people that are inspiring, innovative and energized.  I think it is important to expose yourself to people like this, because if we didn't, we would stay static and complacent.  I don't ever want to be complacent or uninspired. 

It's time to DO something.  So my question to you readers.  What encourages you?  What will you create to make the world awesome?  This is our time and we can make everyday better together. 

Eye Opening Documentary- Half the Sky

In the past year, I have become a documentary and TedTalks nerd-aholic (if there is such a word).  As I continue to explore, learn and watch thought provoking documentaries (thanks to my Netflix account).

I recently watched this amazing documentary called Half the Sky when it was aired for the first time on PBS.  The documentary showcases what life is like for women across the world and how women are overcoming oppression.

The film is based off the widely acclaimed book by two renowned journalists who also happen to be husband and wife, Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.   Through these stories within the book and film, Kristof and WuDunn help you see that the key to economic progress and change lies in the unleashing of every women's potential.   This film highlights how many people have helped do just that, even to the extent of risking their own lives, and conveying how we can each do our own part in helping women across the world be released from oppression.

I will admit that some scenes of this documentary were almost too hard for me to watch and I felt every emotion.  There were moments when I felt angry, sad, horror, fear, and completely disgusted.  Then there were moments when I felt motivated, empowered, and excitement for the progress women are making around the world against issues that are having an impact on their wellbeing.

One of the key takeaways I took from this film was how fortunate I am for the life I am living.  Sometimes it is easy for us to want to turn and look the other way or want to "ignore" what is really happening in the world we live in.  This film opened my eyes and has made me grow as not only as an individual but as a woman.

Learn about how you can help the Half the Sky Movement by visiting http://www.halftheskymovement.org/.  You can volunteer or donate to any of the wonderful nonprofit organizations that are helping women overcome oppression.

A Daily Reminder

I received an email from a past community partner the other day.  I did a campaign with the Arthritis Foundation in Pittsburgh to raise money for heat therapy bears for children with juvenile arthritis.   The campaign was intended to raise awareness that children are being diagnosed with arthritis and that isn't just an "old person" disease.   In the email I received from my community partner, was a link to a blog post from a mother whose child recently received one of the SAK packages. 

The email from the community partner and the blog post are a great reminder for why my job is important.   Sometimes it can be hard to have a tangible connection to the campaign projects I am running, but this blog post is a great reminder to why me and my team continue to do what we do and that we are helping organizations receive funding for items, projects, and initiatives that don't really have a way to otherwise.  Our platform enables organizations to offer individuals a chance to make a meaningful and tangible contribution to them. 

This Mom's story is a daily reminder that I am making an impact and in the lives of others; even if it is as small as providing a heat therapy teddy bear to a little boy. 

How do you remind yourself that you are making a difference?  What keeps you motivated to keep working hard?

For the Love of the Game & Charitable Organizations

Sports have been a big part of my life ever since I was little.  Throughout my life I have played a number of sports and on a number of sports teams.  Sports include: soccer, gymnastics, diving, swimming, golf, tennis, basketball, softball, indoor volleyball, and beach volleyball.   Even now in my adulthood, my passion for sports still exists and I continue to play in a sports league each summer.  Chicago is an amazing city for so many reasons and I especially love how active this city is with club sports and sports leagues.

When you are an athlete,  whether you played in grade school, high school, or a collegiate sport,  your love for sports stays with you and nestles inside your heart.  I know this to be true, and I have always had the love for sports whether I am playing or watching sports, but my love for playing sports was taken to a whole new level after I met Mark Biery, co-founder of LTS (Live to Support) Chicago.

LTS (Live to Support) Chicago was founded on the notion that young professionals are the key platform to raise awareness to support to Chicago charities. LTS forms sports leagues so people can participate in active sporting and social events which, in turn, help Chicago charities through donations and awareness.

After learning about LTS, I reached out to Mark about getting some teams formed and playing in a summer softball league.  It didn't take long for me to form a team and decide on a charity that we would represent.

Since July 10th, my team: Team Knockdown, has been venturing out to Stanton Park to play against fellow Groupon employees and other 600 West Chicago companies in a 16 inch softball league on Tuesday night's through Live to Support Chicago.  Companies that participated include: ConAgra Foods, Wrigley, InnerWorkings, and of course, Groupon.

My team played for the Chicago Lights Urban Farm, an urban farm I have grown to hold near and dear to my heart and have become an advocate for the great work they do in the Chicagoland community.  Chicago Lights has taught me how to farm, the importance of composting, and that farming is an education tool in the sense that it is a way to teach life skills to low-income children and families.

One thing I love about LTS's program is that before the start of each game, competing teams circle around home plate to give a brief speech on what charity they are playing for and a little background about their work.   This also allows you to be educated about different charitable organizations that are doing great work in your community.  We all know sports are competitive and sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the emotions and competitive edge sports can bring out in you.  LTS gives athletes a reason to direct their energy of the game to play for selfless reasons, a charity.  When you play for a charitable organization, your love for the game changes.  You aren't playing for you anymore, you are playing for the mission-driven work that the charity does each and every day.   Losing a game even feels different, because you know that the team you lost to is playing for a charity that is making a difference and could really use the funding.  However losing makes you more determined to win the next game, so you can be one step closer to being in the championship round.

Before the start of each season, LTS automatically awards each participating team $100 to give to the charity they are representing.  I love this because even if your specific team doesn't win the championship, you still played to raise awareness about the charity you are representing and the organization gets $100, and a $100 can make an impact for any charitable organization.

So you may be wondering, how did my team, Team Knockdown finish their season?  In short, last night, my team played in the championship and won.  We came back in the 6th inning when we were down 5 runs, to tie up the game.  We could not believe it.  The 7th inning was the final inning and with the score tied, we managed to hold the competing team at 8 runs and we managed to bring in a 9th run to win the game!  It was a remarkable moment.  Seeing my team of fellow colleagues, not only make such an amazing come back but to see the excitement on each of their faces because they knew our victory meant that the Chicago Lights Urban Farm would be receiving a check for $1,000.

It was a priceless moment and a moment I will treasure forever.  My love of the game has been completely changed because of my experience playing with Live to Support and I cannot wait to play for a charity again.

A big congratulations to Groupon's very own Team Knockdown for beating InnerWorking's: Here Comes the Runs team in Live to Support's Softball Championship.

Be sure to check out photos from the season and a highlight video of the league.  You can see the schedule, team rankings, and what charity each team played for here.

It was inspiring to see passionate individuals who have love for the game of softball but also it was even more inspiring to see individuals who are passionate about the charity their team was representing and played every play for them.

What do you play for?  What charity would you want to represent in a sports league & why?

One Nation. Underfed.

One of the cool parts about my job at Groupon Grassroots is that I am inspired on a daily basis.  Inspired by the people I talk to, the success each Grassroots campaign has on our site, and the issues individuals are addressing and how their work is making an impact everyday.    

Before I came to Groupon, I felt like I knew about the major issues that our country and world faces, but I have found that I was naive in thinking that.

Everyday I find my eyes being opened a little bit wider by the knowledge I am absorbing.   There is a lot of great work being done by individuals in our country and the world to help make an impact in the issues and challenges happening here.

Today was one of those eye opening experiences.   My team had the unique opportunity to see a sneak peak of a documentary called "Finding North."  This documentary is about the hunger issue children, families, and individuals face across the United States.   The film shows you what hunger really looks like today in our country.   They also talk about the stereotypes we as a society have formed on what hunger really looks like and how child obesity is linked to food insecurity.

Finding North, showcases three individuals: a 5th graders named Rosie, a single-working mom with two children named Barbie, and a 2nd grader named Tremonica who is obese.  In addition to their stories the film focuses on the challenges they each face in the issue of hunger. (Learn more about their stories at http://www.takepart.com/findingnorth)

The music throughout the film is by the renowned musicians, The Civil Wars', Joy Williams and John Paul White, who are big advocates on the fight against hunger in the U.S.

Amongst the many influential spokespeople throughout the film, Jeff Bridges (actor and founder of End Hunger Network) and Tom Colicchio from Top Chef are two of the key spokespeople and public eye figures who are helping raise awareness of this issue and taking a stand in the fight for those who don't have a voice.

The statistics shared throughout the film was what shocking and almost hard to digest.  I found myself constantly shaking my head side to side in disbelief.   I don't want to give them all away but here are a few that really caught my attention.

Did you know that there are 49 million people in the U.S. and that 1 in 4 children, don't know where their next meal is coming from?  This is called food insecurity, which is when you don't know where your next meal is coming from and when you will have it. (this is something I cannot even begin to fathom and that thousands of people experience this everyday).

The U.S. has food deserts throughout the U.S. and amongst these food deserts, 80% of them are in urban areas.  80%.   Food Deserts: can be described as any area where residents' access to affordable, healthy food options (especially fresh fruits and vegetables) is restricted or nonexistent. (i.e. absence of grocery stores within convenient traveling distance)

Did you know that the cost of fresh produce has gone up 40% since 1980 and the cost of processed food has gone down 40% since 1980?  Commodity crops, like soy, wheat, and corn are highest food crops produced, and only 1% of our crops are fruits and vegetables.  Hence why fruits and vegetables costs are so high.

Or that in the year 2000, there were only 200 foodbanks in the U.S., and today there are now over 40,000 foodbanks across the country?

You can learn more about current food insecurity data and what the local face of hunger looks like at Feeding America.

After watching this film, my eyes and heart have grown wider and bigger.  The three featured stories have touched my heart and completely changed my view on hunger in America.   I am angry, disturbed, shocked, but motivated and inspired.   Motivated and inspired to want to help any way I can in helping raise awareness about this issue and empower the charities out there that are helping feed the hunger in the U.S.

My challenge to you readers is to help take part in educating yourself not only about the real hunger issue our country faces but how you as an individual can help make an impact.

Here are a few ways you can help:

1.  Volunteer at a local foodbank or food pantry in your community (Foodbank locator: http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx and food pantry locator: http://www.pantrynet.org/)
2.  Help be a voice and help advocate. Learn more at http://frac.org/
3.  Donate to charities like Feeding America and Share Our Strength, that help provide food to the hungry.
4.  Spread the word and talk about the issue of hunger in the U.S.


"Public charities, foodbanks and church pantries are doing more than ever before, but they can't keep up with the need. We can never end hunger only through the wonderful work of local charities. Like other Western democracies, we must end our national problem of hunger through national and political leadership. Charity is nice for some things, but not as a way to feed a nation. We don't protect our national security through charity, and we shouldn't protect our families and children that way either."  -- Jeff Bridges

Simple Ways You Can Give Back

Sometimes, it might seem like giving back takes too much work or that your help wouldn’t make an impact. Fortunately, both of those assumptions are incorrect. Here are some simple ways you can give back to your local and global communities:

Volunteer at a Food Bank:  Feeding America combats hunger throughout the country. Click here to locate a food bank near you.

Recycle Clothing:  Check your city for Goodwill, Second Time Around, or other second-hand stores. Take in clean, gently used clothes for donation or consignment.  Here's a fine example of what's possible when you recycle clothes, Good Karma Clothing for Kids.

Aid Your Environment:  Click here for beach cleanups, park restorations, youth outreach events, and other eco-friendly efforts you can join.

Join Zealous Good:  Zealous Good—a Chicago-based social enterprise—connects those with excess goods to local charities, matching donations to specific needs and reducing the cost and effort of charitable giving.

Upcycle Prom Dresses:  DonateMyDress.org encourages girls across the country to donate gently used prom and special occasion dresses for those who cannot afford to buy their own.

Declutter Your Life:  Donate old cell phones to soldiers or great organizations like the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Recycling for Charities. Electronics, books, and more can also be given to charities in your community.

Buy local:  Find a farmer’s market and support local producers.

Nurture Mother Nature:  Recycle, start a garden, or plant something beautiful in your backyard.

Give Greenly:  On holidays and special occasions, try to give gifts that benefit the environment.

Educate Your Co-Workers:  Put up an Earth Day bulletin board at work to offer energy-saving tips, such as:

1. Use Blackle for Internet searches.
2. Turn off your computer and monitor before you leave work.
3. Bring lunch in a reusable bag or Tupperware. Plastic shopping bags can take anywhere from 15 to 1000 years to decompose.
4. Go paperless as much as possible and print double-sided when necessary. Currently, each American uses more than 700 pounds of paper per year on average.

These are just a few simple tips to get you started. Everything each of us does makes a difference—even if it’s a small one. If we all pitch in and make a few easy changes, they’ll add up to amazing results we couldn’t have accomplished alone.

Groupon Honors Earth Day with Launch of Groupon Grassroots

So many exciting things have been happening for me and my company.   Unfortunately the exciting things have caused me to go very very M.I.A. from blogging, spending time with friends, and doing things for me.

Now that the hard work is over, I am finally able to take the time to celebrate the hard work myself and my colleagues have been doing for the past two months.   Enter, Groupon Grassroots.

Groupon Grassroots is the latest step in the evolution of Groupon's social giving, inhabiting the charitable exoskeleton once worn by The Point and, more recently, G-Team—which saw more than 100,000 people raise more than $3 million for 500+ projects.  Groupon Grassroots is a new way to discover local causes, rally together, and lend a helping hand.

To commemorate Earth Day and the program’s rebranding, Groupon Grassroots will host 50 environmental campaigns and kick off each project with a $1,000 grant—a total of $50,000 of support.  (be sure to check out my video about LAND Studio and their really cool campaign about Park(ing) Day.  PARK(ing) Day is an annual, worldwide event designed to spark conversation about public spaces in urban environments and how they can best be used.  Organizers of the event pay for metered parking spaces, and then transform them into miniature parks, complete with grass, benches, plants, and trees for passersby to enjoy for a few hours.)

For Earth Day, we’re also partnering with Edward Norton’s Crowdrise (the Crowdrise site is a unique blend of online fundraising, crowdsourcing, social networking, contests, and other nice stuff) to empower individual activism through the Groupon Challenge. The campaign that raises the most money will receive an additional $25,000 from Groupon, with the second- and third-highest fundraising drives taking home $15,000 and $10,000, respectively.  So be sure to check out ALL the amazing campaigns being featured on both sites this week!  You can help make a difference in this amazing planet we live on and see what organizations are doing to help protect, restore, and improve our environment and planet.

My team has been AMAZING in building this new site and scheduling Earth Day themed campaigns to run in our opening week.   One thing that I have learned from working so hard and diligently on building a microsite with my team is the importance of focusing on one task at a time.   When we first got started on preparing for our relaunch, seeing our "to-do" list and all the steps we needed to do, it would have been so easy to get overwhelmed by it all if we keep focusing on the big picture instead of each aspect of the big picture.   It was a lot of late nights, galloons of espresso and diet cokes and the collective effort of employees from a variety of Groupon departments to make our relaunch possible.   It has been a great experience seeing something from "thought" to visualization.

So check out the campaigns, our new microsite and help spread the seed of your city's philanthropy!  Let me know what you think!

In-Kind Donating Made Easy in a Big City

There is a hot new charity in town and it is zealously good!   ZealousGood.com makes it easier, faster, and more meaningful to donate items to local charities. 

I became a fan of Zealous Good upon discovering the organization via Twitter.   After starting my job at Groupon as a G-Team Coordinator, I received a tweet from the Founder, Brittany Graunke saying how big of a fan she was of the G-Team.  (This is why I love Twitter so much.  Twitter is the gateway to engaging and meeting some of the most influential, creative and ambitious leaders throughout the world).    Having a fan like Brittany of the work the G-Team does, really inspired me and I was eager to get to know more about Brittany and her organization.  

Brittany Graunke

After a few months of getting to know Brittany through Twitter, I wanted to meet her in person to learn more about Zealous Good and see how Groupon and her organization could potentially partner together.  Brittany was the exact same way in person as she is on the web.  Kind, sweet, brilliant, ambitious- the whole package.   Her ideas inspired me and I already cannot wait to help her in any way I can to make Zealous Good unstoppable.

So what is Zealous Good?   In short, Zealous Good connects people with excess goods to local charities in need.  By matching specific donations to specific needs, Zealous Good reduces the cost and effort of getting goods to charities.

Zealous Good is a Chicago based social enterprise.  They make the donation process so easy and meaningful by helping people who want to donate goods and/or services and match them with specific charities in need of their donations.   It is ingenious and fantastic!   Zealous Good's strategy is to harness the power of the internet to change the way people donate in-kind goods for the better.   Since it's founding in March of 2011, Zealous Good has matched over $100,000 of goods and services to over 35 local Chicago charities.

I know a lot of individuals have items that they aren't sure where to donate them.   When you move is a perfect example of when you discover items that you A. no longer use or B. won't have a place for at your next place.  

Prior to moving into my new apartment this Fall, I no longer needed my sofa and wanted to donate it to charity.   The only place I knew of at the time was the White Elephant Resale Shop in Lincoln Park, that resells donated in-kind items and all the proceeds of sales directly benefit Children's Memorial Hospital.   Nothing beats the feeling of doing something good for others.   On top of the great feeling donating gives you, White Elephant will even send a pick-up truck to your home to pick up your donated item(s).    Donating in-kind items could not be easier than that.   You also can get a tax receipt every time you donate.

Another resale shop in Chicago is The Brown Elephant Resale Shop.   Except all proceeds from sold items go to the Howard Brown Health Center.

We all have items that we hold onto but really don't have a need for.   Instead of holding onto those items, give them another life by donating them to charity.   Zealous Good and the Elephant Resale stores have taken in-kind donating to a whole new level.

Chicago is not the only city out there that is doing this.  I challenge you to look for organizations that offer services like these.    Almost every charity out there has a "wish list" of items they need and getting funding to purchase these items can be extremely tough.  That is why Zealous Good has helped be the matchmaker for local charities here in Chicago.   My dream for Zealous Good is that they will be able to expand to other cities throughout the U.S. so they can help be the matchmaker for charities everywhere!

After doing a quick research, I found a number of organizations in the U.S. that are doing this.

Children's Hospital Oakland- Oakland CA 
San Francisco- SPCA
American Red Cross Boston
United Way of Buffalo NY- lists organizations throughout the area of items each charity needs
Caritas of Austin- Austin Texas


So I challenge you to find local charities in your community that are in need of household items and clothing.   Even if you don't have any items right now, to have that knowledge will allow you to tell others who do have items they aren't sure what to do with.    I try to tell people about Zealous Good and the Elephant resale shops every chance I get because I know that there will always be a need for in-kind donations.


" Philanthropy is giving something of yourself to others in need."  - Belinda Alston

Dining Out for a Good Cause

After giving a helping hand to Inspiration Corporation's Holiday Party last week Thursday, my colleagues and our significant others wanted to grab dinner before our all staff Holiday Party and my boss suggested that to keep the spirit of giving back for the holiday's, we should dine at one of Inspiration Corporation's restaurant's here in Chicago.    


Inspiration Kitchens is what you call a Social Enterprise.  According to SE Alliance, a social enterprise is an organization or venture that achieves its primary social or environmental mission using business methods.  Social enterprises apply business strategies to achieve philanthropic goals and can be structured as a for-profit or non-profit.  

A lot of you may know of some more "well-known" social enterprises like Tom's Shoes, Bright Endeavors, Clean-Slate, amongst many more.   These social enterprises are product driven where you buy a product and the proceeds support the philanthropic aspect of their work.   


There are a lot of social enterprises in every city throughout the U.S. and by you making a point to find them is one step you can take to help make an impact.   Supporting social enterprises helps your local community but also helps them continue doing their mission-driven work.  It is like double karma for one good deed!!!  


So what is Inspiration Kitchens?  Inspiration Kitchens is a 13-week restaurant skills training program designed to provide students with the tools they need to secure and retain entry-level jobs in the food service industry.   The intensive training focuses on basic culinary skills and concepts, following and taking direction, teamwork, food sanitation and safety, and restaurant service.

Inspiration Cafe, located in Uptown, and The Living Room Cafe in Woodlawn, serve meals in a restaurant-style setting and provide supportive services in a therapeutic community designed to help individuals on their journey toward self-sufficiency.   

An employment specialist helps students develop job-readiness skills, and each student is tested to receive a City of Chicago food service sanitation management certificate. Trainees gain hands-on experience preparing and serving meals to the paying public at our Inspiration Kitchens–Uptown restaurant during the internship period of the program. 

Uptown Inspiration Cafe

The internship gives students real-life work experience and, when successfully completed, a reference for future employers. Job placement assistance expedites their entry into employment, where students can immediately apply and develop their newly acquired skills. Finally, post-placement services ensure that graduates are meeting employers’ expectations, receiving assistance in dealing with conflicts, and accessing retention incentives such as education opportunities.

On top of giving back to the community by dining at Inspiration Cafe, the food was AMAZING!!  We ate one of every dish (they are all small plates) and every dish we tried was fantastic!  You would never know unless someone told you that the people who had prepared your food were once homeless.   Powerful stuff right?

This is why I love about social enterprises such as these.   They are helping individuals in their community in addition to producing jobs.  Inspiration Corporation helps people get back onto their feet and provide services for them every step of the way.   Who knew that dinning out could be so rewarding.   I already cannot wait to dine at the restaurant again.

So my assignment for you is to see what social enterprises are in your local community and pick one that you will check out.   Whether it is dining in at a restaurant, buying a product, or giving up some of your time.   I think you will find that the experience will make an impression on you.

Giving Back this Holiday Season with a Helping Hand

The holiday season is really a time for reflection of what you are thankful for in your life.   The holiday season is also a time when people like to help those less fortunate.    Being on the philanthropic team at Groupon, called The G-Team, we decided to spend our team holiday party not at a restaurant or bar, but giving back to those less fortunate. 

Our holiday party was spent at Inspiration Corporation's Holiday Party where we all volunteered to help serve food to the people Inspiration Corporation serves in Chicago.   Each one of us was assigned a dish to serve to the attendees.   Unfortunately my dish was not a favorite (lentil soup) but nevertheless, the smiles on the individuals faces were priceless!  It truly was a wonderful experience and my team had a blast.   

While I served food to over 400 individuals, I found myself in awe of how friendly, nice, warm, and appreciative the people were to us as we served them hot food.   I found myself overwhelmed halfway through the party when I saw kids eyes light up when Santa Claus made a guest appearance at the party. Santa came early with gifts that had been donated by volunteers and community partners of the organization.   At that moment I realized how truly lucky I am.  Lucky to be able to eat food whenever I want, take trips, have a roof over my head, purchase clothing, and able to provide gifts for others.  I admit, I forget how lucky I really am and I am so glad that I was reminded because of this experience.   It is easy to get caught up in the craziness of life and I appreciate this experiences that bring me back down to the ground leaving me humbled once again.    

One thing I love most about volunteering is the joy volunteering brings to others.   There is no medicine, food, or product that can give you the same feeling you receive after you have brightened someone's day.   That is my drug and I am so glad I was able to see firsthand how Inspiration Corporation is making a difference in Chicago to help bring people out of homelessness.    

In 2010, the G-Team featured Inspiration Corporation on Groupon for subscriber's to donate money to build their social enterprise training program and restaurant in Garfield Park.   Read more about their campaign http://www.groupon.com/deals/inspiration-corporation.   Their campaign was a success and we still keep in touch with them.Inspiration Cafe Holiday Party truly special for our participants

Each year, Inspiration Corporation helps hundreds of homeless and low-income individuals gain the skills to succeed in the workforce and increase self sufficiency. We provide career services, employment preparation training, food service training, tuition subsidies, job placement and retention support, free voice mail and more.  In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation provides restaurant-style meals, individualized case management, support groups and other resources that help individuals address the root causes of their homelessness and poverty and build greater self-reliance, stability and quality of life.   By providing permanent supportive housing, Inspiration Corporation helps homeless individuals and families regain stability and rebuild their lives.  Learn more about how they end homelessness.

Photo from Inspiration Corporation

Sometimes it is important for you to give back to those less fortunate, whether it is through monetary means, time, or resources.   If we all contribute in some way, an impact can be made.   My team chose to save the money we would spend on our holiday party and gave our time to help make a holiday party happen for our community partner.

How are you giving back this Holiday Season?   Have you ever heard of Inspiration Corporation?

Superheroes

Last week the Young Associates Board, held a Halloween party for children receiving treatment at Children's Memorial Hospital.    The children pick the theme of the party every year and this year they chose Superheroes as the theme.   The theme could not have been more fitting since they are after all, the real superheroes.   

For three days, YAB Board Members and volunteers transformed the 4th floor at Children's Memorial Hospital into a floor full of fun and excitement.  Patients were given their own YAB super hero capes, head bandana's and Superhero goodie bags with candy and a Teddy Bear.    While patients waited to see their doctor, they would take turns playing games like Tick Tack Toe and Bozo the Clown Bucket Game.   If they weren't playing the games, they were coloring their bandana's and YAB Superhero pictures. 

This was my first hospital party that I was able to help with and it truly was a memorable experience.   Seeing the faces light up on the children when they step off the elevator to see their doctor's waiting room full of excitement, laughter and people dressed up like superheroes!   The patients couldn't help but smile especially when they put on their special YAB super hero capes.   

I found myself in awe of these brave little kids.   Despite the obstacles they face each and every day, they still enjoy life and have the most positive outlook on life.   They try to not let their battle get in the way of their happiness.   The families of the children were smiling ear to ear because their child was.   That is what YAB is all about.    Helping provide care and services to the patients with pediatric brain tumors and their families.   This annual Halloween Hospital party is just one way we give back. 

Photo by Jody, Jody Kmetz Photography

The biggest takeaway I learned from this experience is humility.   When you can put a name and a face to something, it automatically becomes personal.   Sometimes it takes us to know someone who has a disease or been affected by a disaster for that issue to become personal.   After meeting and spending hours with the same kids each day, I found myself leaving the hospital much more humbled and grateful than I was before I walked through the hospital doors.   Each and everyone of the kids that I have met have a very special place in my heart.   They are MY superheroes and I made sure they knew that before I left.   

The children also reminded me of my good friend Reid VanGelderen.   Reid passed from a long battle with cancer and he spent so much of his battle at the DeVos Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Oncology ward.   Reid was a kind, genuine, compassionate and a true friend.   His spirit lives within me and is my inspiration in leading me to join YAB.  Now when things seem to be incredibly stressful, overwhelming, or unfair, I take a moment to allow myself to recoup and remember how small of a thing it is compared to what others are dealing with.

I think we all lose sight of this.   We are all busy and can let things get to us.   I am 100% guilty of this, but that is why I love philanthropy and the act of charity.   To me philanthropy is what keeps my feet rooted to the ground and my head on straight.    Volunteering and giving my time to help others is my way of being a real life superhero.    I know I don't have super powers like Superman or boat loads of money like Bill Gates or Warren Buffett, but I have my time and my knowledge.   Two of the greatest powers anyone can use to help those in need.    I love being on the Young Associates Board because I get to help a cause that is close to me and put my skills to do good.    

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."  ~ Christopher Reeve

Philanthropy and Social Media

So many exciting things are happening with philanthropy and social media.  Already, businesses are combining the power of philanthropy with social media and the web to create philanthropic platforms that are user friendly.   Here are some of the top web corporations doing social good.

Twitter:  Who knew 150 character tweets could become such a powerful vehicle to the nonprofit sector?   One of the leaders behind this is Claire Diaz Ortiz, leader of social innovation at Twitter and helps with Hope 140.   She is best known for her development of the TWEET model- a framework to help organization's and individuals excel on Twitter and get the most out of it.   This model has helped nonprofits throughout the country use the power of Twitter in their social media plan so their voice can be heard in the Twitter-sphere.

LinkedIn:  LinkedIn for Good program to support the valuable work of nonprofit organizations. LinkedIn for Good will leverage our network's unique assets to make a difference, and will likely encourage members to use their skills to change the world.  This idea was founded back in May of 2007 and announced by Mario Sundar on LinkedIn's blog. They are working on the program, but be on the look out for when the program is LIVE again. 

SalesForce.com:  Salesforce.com is the enterprise cloud computing company that is helping companies connect to customers and employees like never before.  SalesForce Foundation are excited to engage with innovative people and organizations whose mission is to affect positive change in the communities in which we live, work and play.   They help nonprofits in a variety of ways, whether it is applying for a grant,  receive a discounted license on SalesForce or having their employees volunteer with your organization.    Learn more at http://www.salesforcefoundation.org/about/engage

Google+:   The Google+ project aims to make sharing on the web more like sharing in real life.  Nonprofits can now use Google+ to do good and connect with others.   Whether you use it to host an exclusive hangout to unite volunteers via a "Huddle," Google+ offers a variety of new ways you can engage and connect with individuals to your cause and mission driven work.   You can get more personal and connected to your followers than ever before.   Learn more about how Nonprofits can use Google+ and read Zoe Fox's article.

Groupon:  The crowdsourcing bargain website, has started a new project called the G-Team, to help people do something good while saving money.   G-Team integrates Groupon’s model and connects local causes and merchants to people who “want to do good, have fun, and make a real impact.” Groupon was born out of a group action and fundraising platform called The Point. By combining the strengths of The Point and Groupon, G-Team connects the causes on The Point with sponsor companies and the people on Groupon.   If you are an organization/nonprofit interested in participating in a G-Team campaign on Groupon, you can submit an application or suggest a campaign or access these sites at www.groupon.com/g-team and click on the bottom right hand corner.    Sign up and get your GROUP-ON!

Jumo:  is a new social network set that helps people find  high-quality non-profits and causes and nonprofit organizations that they care about.  This was started by Facebook Co-Founder, Chris Hughes.     Sign up and see what organizations are out there!   You never know who might tug at your heart!    

As I venture more and more into the world of social media, my addiction, appreciation and love for social media grows deeper and deeper with each passing week.   Seeing social media corporations like Twitter and LinkedIn taking their companies to the philanthropic direction is wonderful and about time!   Philanthropy has been needing more vehicles to connect, engage, fundraise and solicit not only funding but supporters, and now they can.     I have a feeling this is only the beginning of what is to come in the world of the worldwide web and fundraising.

What web companies surprised you the most about their connection to philanthropy and/or nonprofits??  Who do you think will be next in incorporating social good with their web business?   Have you ever used or checked out any of these corporations?  I would love to hear from you.

"One who dies rich, dies disgraced“ ~ Andrew Carnegie

"The measurement of accomplishment should be by how many lives you can save with a given amount of money.”  ~ Bill Gates

Groupon's G-Team

So here it is.  My official announcement of why I have been so MIA these days.   I started a new job at Groupon as a G-Team Coordinator.    You may be thinking... what is G-Team?    I have never heard of this team before.  

That is because we are fairly new and have only be "live" since September of last year.    In 2008, Groupon was born out of a group action and fundraising platform called The Point. As the Groupon community grew, our collective consumer power helped people get great deals and discover fun ways to experience their cities.

Groupon began as a group-action and fundraising platform called The Point. As The Point grew in popularity, its collective consumer power surged and it began to drive people by the thousands to discover fun things to do in their cities. G-Team, Groupon’s social-impact program, is taking Groupon back to its social-impact roots.    G-Team’s goal is to get Groupon followers involved with their communities in several ways, such as through fundraisers or civic-engagement activities.

G-Team campaigns range from ridiculous flashmobs to fundraisers that benefit local community organizations. Every G-Team campaign connects you with enough people to achieve something awesome that you couldn’t have done alone.

Here is a video that helps to explain what a G-Team campaign is and how it works! 

 

G-Team provides a platform for organizations and causes to garner the support of their local community and even solicit money for campaigns or project-based initiatives. Through the G-Team page, nonprofits, cause organizations and individuals can apply to have their campaign featured. 

Since its launch last year in September of 2010, G-Team has run 217 campaigns, ranging from funding a local after-school program, to building a community garden and collecting supplies for a local food bank.  

My biggest responsibility is to manage all of my cities that G-Team will be LIVE in.    I am really excited to have the Midwest as my region since I am a Midwest gal myself.    One city in particular that I am most excited about is Detroit, Michigan.    This city has been through so much and is still barely treading water to stay afloat during this economic depression.    Detroit is a city that has so many things being done and I can't wait to share them with the Groupon subscriber's of Detroit and Ann Arbor.     This is just one of my eight cities that I will be managing and I hope you will keep a look out G-Team campaigns in your local community.  

It is incredibly exciting that I am a part of a team who is helping local organizations make a difference in their local communities.    Finally I have a career that includes both the corporate world and the nonprofit sector.    I never thought it would be possible for me to find a job that had both worlds combined.    Every day is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding day revolved around creating fundraising campaigns for worthy causes.    I cannot wait to see where the G-Team will be by next year.    All I know is that there is a team of people who are as ambitious, determined and eager to make a difference in this world just like me and I can't wait to see what impact G-Team has in Groupon cities.

Kentucky Derby Traditions & To Do's

The Kentucky Derby is this weekend and I'm definitely going to be watching as well as dressing up!   The Alyssa Pagano Foundation is hosting their 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby fundraiser in memory of Alyssa.   Alyssa was passionate about animals and children, so tomorrow all proceeds raised will be donated to the Children's Memorial Hospital and the Humane Society.

I have my outfit all picked out and I cannot WAIT to attend my first real Kentucky Derby party.   It will be a fun day with friends all celebrating and commemorating Alyssa at her favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago.  I think this is a great way to be charitable and enjoy a special event!  (Stay tuned for pictures!)  

To get you into the Kentucky Derby spirit, I thought I would share some Derby Traditions.

Derby Hats and the Fashion:  Beginning in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, affluent women arrived at the race wearing fashionable hats, gloves, and stylish dresses.  Throughout the years, the tradition of Derby hats and feminine couture has endured, and perhaps, grown more colorful and expensive with each new season.  This is really the main reason why I watch the Derby.   To see the celebrities in their outfits.   It is like a mini-fashion show and I have a feeling a lot of hats will be based off of the hats worn by the Royal Wedding attendees!

Today, women wear many styles of glamorous hats, along with a wide variety of dresses and suits.  The feminine pageantry surrounding the race has become nearly as iconic as the horses on the field.  

The Mint Julep: The Bourbon-charged “Mint Julep” is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby and is composed of sugar syrup, fresh mint, crushed ice, and Kentucky bourbon.   On race day, vendors weave through the crowds with fresh “Mint Juleps,” served in the commemorative annual Kentucky Derby glass.  Want to learn how to make mint juleps at home- here's the recipe! 

The Traditional Song: “My Old Kentucky Home.”  As the Derby contenders are paraded before the crowd prior to the race, “My Old Kentucky Home” is played by the University of Louisville Marching Band

The Derby is frequently referred to as "The Run for the Roses," because a garland of red roses is awarded to the Kentucky Derby winner each year. The tradition is as a result of New York socialite E. Berry Wall presenting roses to ladies at a post-Derby party in 1883 that was attended by Churchill Downs president, Col. M. Lewis Clark. 

Will you be watching the Kentucky Derby tomorrow?  If so, what are your plans?   Are you planning on dressing up?  I would love to see pictures and hear your plans!

Pray for Japan

On March 11, 2011, an earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, churning up a devastating tsunami that swept over cities and farmland in the northern part of the country.   The earthquake hit a 9.0 magnitude—upgraded from an original 8.9-magnitude reading by the U.S. Geological Survey.   It was the most powerful temblor to hit Japan since officials there began keeping records 140 years ago.

When I first heard of this natural disaster, my stomach dropped.  I could not take my eyes off of the news watching the live footage from the affects of the earthquake and tsunami.    In that moment, I realized again how precious each and every day is.   I can only imagine how traumatizing and scary it was and lives shook'in to the core.    Life is unpredictable and things happen we cannot control- I am saddened by this and wish I could take away the pain from everyone who has been affected by this.    I know this is impossible but I pray that God gives them the strength, comfort and peace through all of this.

My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people in Japan, the U.S. Marines and Soldiers who are bringing supplies and helping in any way they can.   So many people throughout the country are making an effort to fund raise supplies, blood, and other needs and opening up their pockets to help.   Organizations like the Red Cross, and World Vision are raising money and blood for Japan.   Donations help provide blankets, bottled water, and sanitary and hygiene supplies as well as other items, that will assist more than 6,000 people in urgent need in Minami Sanriku, where 9,600 townspeople have been displaced into 40 shelters. 

Lady Gaga (who is fabulous and I love her music and think she is incredibly talented).   Lady Gaga has taken her fame and made an effort to express her feelings on the importance to help Japan during this time.    After announcing on Twitter how important it was to help, so she designed a Japan Earthquake Relief Wristband bracelet to raise money for the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.   Within 48 hours, the bracelet has raised over $250,000.   The white "We Pray for Japan" wristband sells for $5 online, but customers can add an additional donation, which goes directly to the Japanese people.

There is nothing more inspiring than hearing stories of people who make an effort to better the lives of others. It is so a real tragedy and I continue to pray for everyone who is helping over in Japan.    I hope the families find strength during this difficult time.   To find out ways you can help in your local community or visit World Vision and Red Cross to see what you can do.


How has this nature disaster made you feel?   Have you done anything for Japan, or know of someone who has done something to help?   I would love to hear your thoughts, prayers, comments.  

 

We don't know the number of victims, but I pray that every single person can be saved.
—Japan's Emperor Akihito, addressing his nation in a rare television appearance; He expressed concern for survivors and said he was "deeply worried" about the ongoing nuclear crisis.

"Lord hear our prayers!!! Father God, we come to you with thanksgiving in our hearts for who you are and the great things you have done. We cry out now for all the people in Japan that are suffering from the earthquake and tsunami. Lord send them help, provide for them in their time of need, save them from any further harm, give them your strength, courage, comfort and peace. Lord we ask that you would protect any people that might be still in harms way of this tsunami." - Ivy C.