Blog

An evening with Scott Harrison of charity: water

2010-03-12T13:53:06Z

Lately I've noticed this new wave of rockstars in our culture. I like to call them the Rockstars of Giving. They've got success, they've got lots of fans, they mingle with celebs, but most importantly they've got the most inspiring Living by Giving stories, which in my world is what gives them rockstar status. A couple of weeks ago, I got to meet one rockstar, Blake MyCoskie, of TOMS Shoes. Continuing on my tour, last night I got a chance to spend an evening with Scott Harrison, founder of charity: water. (Thanks to two of my fav Rockstars of Giving: Dan and Garrett!)

Ten years ago, you would have found Scott Harrison hanging out with the uber-wealthy and the uber-celebrity as one of New York's top club promoters. A decision to take a year of his life and dedicate it to helping others overseas, changed the course of his future for good. No longer drinking the finest Cristal, Scott embarked on a mission around clean water for all. Three years ago, he formalized his concept and started charity: water.

After this small gathering with friends, I came away entertained, inspired, and newly informed of just how vital his business and the movement following him is to our global community. The guy is as passionate about water, as rockstars are about their music. Almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water. That’s one in eight of us! charity:water is a solution to the crisis through its mission to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations.

What makes Scott a unique social entrepreneur is that as he launched his socially-driven business model, he knew he wanted to build a charitable company that answered all of the speculation and criticism often thrown around by his friends..."How much of my donation goes to the project vs. overhead costs?" " How do I know my donation is making a difference?" Scott's answer was two-fold: he would guarantee that 100% of public donations would go to his projects, and his non-profit would be as transparent as possible. (You can find his financial statements visibly posted on the website.)

In three years, he has not only stuck to his word, but he has reached unimanigable success. Here are some of my favorite things I learned:

-- With five weeks of operating $$ in the bank, Scott's dream was almost over after its first year. But thanks to a $1m gift from the Founder of Bebo, instead of closing the door, his venture took off at an amazing pace. (Can you imagine receiving that email? I dream of it.)

-- I love their Birthday campaign. They have developed a tool on their website that allows people to set-up pages for their birthday and ask friends and family to donate in honor of the big day. Celebs such as Alyssa Milano have even participated. You can start your page here: http://mycharitywater.org/p/signin

-- Since 2006, get this...charity: water has funded the construction of more than 2,321 projects that, when completed, will provide clean drinking water to over 1,000,000 people. $20 can give a person in Africa clean, safe drinking water for 20 years.

Check out this cool PSA with Jennifer Connelly:

Charity IN the City: Helping Families and Individuals Give Back

2010-03-03T14:12:56Z

My latest column from Atlanta INtown Paper. Enjoy!

Since the devastating earthquake in Haiti this past January, I have participated in many conversations regarding the security and strategy for making cash donations to the relief efforts. It’s completely understandable: When contributing money, we want to make sure it gets into the best hands.

Often times, just making that decision can be overwhelming enough to deter people from supporting a charity. What causes are most important to support? Which organizations do we give our money to? How much do we give? How do we know it’s being used as we would like?

With this conversation in mind, I wanted this month’s column to highlight a resource here in Atlanta that can help private citizens feel more confident making financial contributions.

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta has been providing educational and support services for Atlanta’s donors since 1951. You may be familiar with the Foundation from the great work they do providing funding for our local non-profit and charitable organizations. What you may not know is the Foundation offers great support services to Atlantans who want to give back and have an impact.

Today, donor-advised funds – which the Foundation helps individuals create – are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the United States. These funds allow private citizens to do more than just write check; they allow givers to become fully engaged in the philanthropic process.

Currently, the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta works with more than 650 individual and families who have come to them with one common goal: wanting to give back. They have programs that service individuals and families that allow givers to be truly integrated into the experience of helping causes that are closest to them. The Foundation’s Center for Family Philanthropy is a great resource that helps local families engage in all aspects of giving, beyond just money.

Audrey Jacobs, director of the Center for Family Philanthropy at the Foundation states, “Philanthropy doesn’t require a significant amount of money, and many nonprofit organizations find great value in your human and intellectual investments as well. It’s about understanding what you’re passionate about and then connecting that passion to a greater purpose.”

The Center for Family Philanthropy is a great way to connect your family, even young children to the power and rewards of giving. If you are looking to build confidence in your philanthropic efforts, the Foundation can help. Its professionals understand the complexity of today’s charity landscape and are true advocates for turning ordinary people into extraordinary philanthropists.

For more information about the programs and services offered at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta visit the website www.cfgreateratlanta.org.

Kate Meets Blake: Founder of TOMS Shoes

2010-02-26T13:32:27Z

It was an exciting moment this week when I got a chance to meet Blake Mycoskie, Founder of TOMS Shoes. (You may recall my earlier blog where I shyly confessed my Living by Giving crush on Blake.)

Blake spoke to the students at Vanderbilt University and we got a backdoor pass to get some inspirational time with the social entrepreneur and some of the students.

He is modest, yes, but also very proud of what he has created - and able to deliver a message to young adults of how fulfilling work and life can be, if you make the bottom line about more than just money. His business model is simple: One for one. Every time you buy a pair of TOMS Shoes, TOMS gives a pair away to a child in need. Inspiring. Impactful. And sustainable.

We asked Blake how someone can start "living by giving", you may be surprised by his answer. Check out our first clip from our interview with Blake.

Stay tuned for more clips and our interview with a very charming student who is also Living by Giving. (To purchase your very own pair of TOMS visit www.TOMSshoes.com)

Did you know that Blake and his sister were on Season 2 of the Amazing Race? He and his sister Paige lost the million dollar prize by 4 minutes...because Blake didn't want to stop for directions. I guess we are all given second chances. Blake's came when he revisited Argentina to volunteer in a small village and saw how many people, especially children, didn't have shoes.

Everybody Lives. Everybody Gives.

2010-02-17T02:01:46Z

So here’s the deal. I’ve seen and studied many lists on “why to give back” - these lists are numerous because the reasons are numerous, most often resonating best with the people who are already giving. So why would I attempt my own?

As I see it, everyone living means everyone giving, which means we all have to experience it for ourselves...that "aha" moment that gets your engine going just enough to take that first step. Because if I know anything, it's that after that first step, you are hooked. (For proof: www.katesclub.org)

Social good is just that…it’s social. And like anything social, the first step is always the hardest. It’s the only one you have to take where you feel alone. Think about it: First date. First day at work. First day joining a gym. First day of volunteering. But it can be made a little bit easier if a friend is there with you. So, as your friend, here is a list I’ve created as the TOP reasons I believe we all should be Living by Giving. I’m not saying these are the only reasons, but they are some pretty convincing ones:

1.) It's good for your health. To know me is to know that if I connect to something emotionally, I’m sold. But I respect that not all of you may be such softies. For those of you who are looking for a little more scientific proof, here it is. Medical and clinical support shows that volunteering does provide physical and mental rewards. Experts report that when you focus on someone other than yourself, it interrupts usual tension-producing patterns. Moods derived from volunteerism: such as optimism and joy boost actually boost your immune system. This is clinical stuff that I can’t make up.

2.) Are you looking for a job? Volunteering is a great opportunity to learn some new skills, boost up your resume and network with people who could be your future colleague or boss. This works two-fold: You may be volunteering with a group and your new friendships connect you with a potential job. Or you may even find yourself enjoying working for a non-profit as a volunteer and end up getting paid for your work. It happens. Non-profits often look within its volunteer base when hiring.

3.) Or perhaps you are looking for that someone special? I’ve seen this happen at Kate’s Club. Two volunteers, meeting at a fundraiser event, volunteering with our kids and now two years later they are married. And still two of our best volunteers today. I’m just sayin’….it can happen.

4.) It’s fun and social. Rarely are you volunteering alone. Plus, research shows that more and more people are doing it. Even during tough times, the number of volunteers has increased by about one million. This is one time it’s good to follow the crowd.

5.) It saves resources. Non-profit organizations have the constant challenge of getting the work done in the most efficient manner with the most restricted use of funds. We may not all have a million dollars to give, be we all do have something to give and often the biggest gift is time. Did you know that in 2008, 61.8 million Americans (26.4% of the population) contributed 8 billion hours of volunteer service worth an estimated 162 billion dollars? By the way, the estimated dollar value of an hour of volunteer time is $20.25.

6.) You DO make a difference. One of the biggest rewards is being a part of something that is bigger than you. Connecting to a cause brings perspective and balance into your own life by fostering empathy and self-efficacy. I just read a great testimonial by John Travolta and Kelly Preston, whose young son died a year ago. They shared that one of the best things that has helped them cope with their own loss has been their investment in helping others, including the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

7.) It taps into your altruistic core. I have yet to meet a “used-car salesman-type” philanthropist…never one. People who give back talk about it with such authenticity and sincerity. It’s a very contagious conversation to have with someone who is passionate about their giving life. Try it out. Ask someone you know who volunteers. Have them tell you “why.”

8.) Maya Angelou puts it best: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I trust these words and live by them every day. As I figure it, you never get to see your own smile (mirrors and photos don’t count), so why not make someone else smile and see the real thing.

One of the keys to Living by Giving is to understand it is ok for the action to be mutually beneficial; it doesn’t have to be sacrificial. In fact, the more you are able to connect to the benefits for yourself, the more you are likely to commit to a cause that benefits others. Everybody lives, everybody gives.

If you were making a list for your friends, what would be on your list?

Charity IN the City: Bert's Big Adventure

2010-02-11T01:14:15Z

My latest article from Atlanta INtown Paper. Enjoy!

As published in Atlanta INtown Paper

Valentine’s Day is ceremoniously one of the biggest days of giving during the year. In fact, the U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making this day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year.

This Valentine’s Day, 13 families from Georgia will be holding a different kind of card; one filled with love and the opportunity of a lifetime. These families are the selected VIPs to be a part of Bert’s Big Adventure, an annual trip that takes terminally or chronically ill children and their families on their first trip to the best place on earth: Walt Disney World.

The trip is a vision brought to reality by Atlanta’s Bert Weiss, of All the Hits Q100’s The Bert Show and his wife Stacy. There are only three other trips in the country similar to this one, making it an experience unique to our community and the special families that get to be a part of it.

I got a chance to attend the kick-off party and meet the Alexander’s, an Intown family that is holding one of these golden tickets.

“I’m excited to meet Mickey Mouse,” blurted Dominic, just 5-years-old. With his excitement and energy, it’s hard to comprehend that Dominic has spent most of his life on dialysis, a result of his being born with cystic kidney disease. But thanks to Dominic’s mom, Cara, he now has a new kidney and is able to run and play as any child should.

Dominic and his mom, along with his Dad and three siblings, will all board the private plane provided by Atlanta’s based ASA, on Feb. 18 for a trip they are sure to never forget. “I’m just excited to see Dominic and his sisters go on the rides and not have to worry about anything,” said Cara.

Being a part of the trip is just the beginning of the big adventure for these children and their families. As Bert stated, “We take a lot of pride in getting to know these families. From here on, we have each other’s back.”

Bert’s Big Adventure allows these families to get away from the daily routine of stress, and for a few days, turn their focus from their child’s illness to having fun. As one mom put it, “it’s a chance to just let go.”

This month will mark the eighth trip for Bert’s Big Adventure; you can help keep this magical moment alive for more families in our area by visiting the website http://bertsbigadventure.org.

The Alexanders Getting Excited for Disney World

Why Give?...'Cause the Doc Says So

2010-01-28T14:04:44Z

Check out this interview from the Today Show with NBC’s chief medical editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman.

Amongst "awakening your spiritual core", Dr. Snyderman talks about how giving back can improve your mental and physical health. As I've been saying...get giving and get living a happier, healthier life.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Kim's Story: Connecting her Company, Client, and Giving

2010-01-24T15:26:00Z

I love when I find a new recipe of success for Living by Giving. Just like chocolate chip cookies, there are many unique recipes, and I get excited when I find a good one.

I first met Kim when she was living here in Atlanta and had just started her k101 Agency specializing in public relations and marketing. Kim was already a professional player on the Atlanta scene, very well-known and well-respected, and I was just a rookie who had started a non-profit and needed some guidance in branding and awareness. Kim, without hesitation and without pay, helped me immensely. I still remember that feeling of empowerment she gave me, just by merely giving me her attention and wisdom, when I'm sure she could have been doing much more "profitable" tasks. (She's a true giver.)

Since then, Kim has moved away from Atlanta. But I was excited to chat with her recently and to learn that her business is booming and she still has that giving touch. In fact, she is a heroic example of how professionals can bring together their own philanthropic passion and their corporate client, all to give back to the community...and make a difference. Her story involves volunteering, inspiring, and "a case of identity" for young girls, provided by Caboodles.

Kim shared with me exclusively, "I feel so lucky to be able to work with clients who care about their community and attach to causes that align with their brand and company culture. k101 Agency has allowed me to cross-pollinate my work life with my passion for teaching kids/teens in underserved communities. The opportunities are infinite and I encourage everyone to consider possible resources in their “work” life that can help worthy causes, it’s just a matter of putting the puzzle pieces together and making sure both sides are benefiting."

To take a line from her own campaign, in her case Kim has created a cause-marketing campaign that elevates her clients' exposure amongst its target audience while championing the spirit of young girls by encouraging creativity and self confidence.

Did you know that over 80% of consumers say they choose brands that support good causes?

Check out Kim in the Caboodles' new campaign video:

Haiti: Finding the silver lining

2010-01-17T17:19:16Z

This week we have seen images and been told stories coming out of Haiti that are incomprehensible to most of us settled comfy in our homes in the United States. If you are like me, you even experienced some discomfort in your own bed at night, simply out of guilt for the luxuries we take for granted. This awareness of the differences between having and not having is what is able to drive us to exercise compassion. For me, compassion is one of the brightest stars to shine when humans suffer. It is a trait I look to carry every day and one that I cherish when I see it amongst so many others.

In the midst of any tragedy, it is hard to find the good, but I carry a philosophy in life that it’s vital to do just that. While we must remain vigilant in our support to the efforts in Haiti, I’m taking a moment to point out a few silver linings from this past week:

People: rich and poor, old and young, come together and share. Whether giving $10 via text message or $100,000 via stock sale, it is comforting to see so many Americans step in to help. While some still remain skeptics of micro-donations through text messaging and the internet, this crisis has broken down a lot of those barriers. The American Red Cross has raised more than $60 million in donations since the earthquake, about half of which was given over the Internet. About $12 million came via text message, a record amount of funds to be raised using this mode of giving.

Politicians become human. One of the images we saw for the first time this week was the two former presidents and one sitting president all standing together, united in a mission to help motivate citizens to get involved in the relief effort. Yes, even Republicans and Democrats share a common thread of compassion. President Clinton and President George W Bush are leading the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund to help raise money for aid. The fund's site is www.clintonbushhaitifund.org, and is a good place to send cash donations. In addressing the pundits who are seeking to politicize the initiative, President Bush shared, “we should keep politics out of Haiti.” President Clinton piggy-backed saying he hoped people “keep their differences of conviction [in politics], but treat their neighbors as friends.” He added, “I hope it [the relief effort] will humanize us all.”

Unsung heroes emerge. Finally, the spotlight is shifted to people that really deserve attention and praise. While our entertainment paradigm today seems cloudy with “reality-based” programming, it’s times like these that the confusion surrounding “reality” becomes crystal clear. With medical aid being such a huge part of the Haiti relief initiative, I have found myself very drawn to the international agency called Doctors without Borders, also known as Medecins Sans Frontieres. These volunteer teams are doing their best in terms of administering first aid, but surgery needs are huge. You can learn more about helping these doctors’ efforts by visiting www.doctorswithoutborders.org.

Haiti is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, even prior to the earthquake. Their infrastructure and government was already shaky, but what people don’t know is that there was great progress coming out of the region. Unfortunately, this progress just wasn’t making the headlines. Though the devastation right now can seem hopeless, it is the impact around which our aid will play in the years to come that you should create a feeling of hope.

Americans always emerge at times of need with great vigor and great passion. It is during these times that I recognize just how defined our culture is: by great people, great leaders, and the greatest givers.

How I kicked-off my giving year

2010-01-14T16:28:23Z

Last week I got to kick-off my Living by Giving new year by attending the Bert’s Big Adventure Meet and Greet party. What is Bert’s Big Adventure you ask? Only one of the coolest adventures I have come across while living here in Atlanta. It’s the vision of Atlanta radio personality, Bert Weiss and his wife Stacey that takes 13 families on the trip of a lifetime, down to Walt Disney World. But these aren’t just any lucky families, in fact these are all families who have and continue to face brutal hardships in their everyday lives. These families were selected because all of them have a child who is terminally or chronically ill. Bert’s Big Adventure gives them a chance to let go, even if just for five days, at the happiest place on earth. It also gives them hope and excitement, and most of all it gives them each other. Though the trip to Disney is the highlight, it is the friendships that are bonded forever by this trip amongst these families that really create the lasting adventure.

I got to meet Dominic, just five-years old and a kidney transplant survivor. He quickly came in and out of my life: literally. Dominic today doesn’t walk anywhere; he is similar to the Road Runner cartoon, getting from one spot to another by running. But who can blame the little guy; it wasn’t until Dominic was 4 that he got a chance to run at all. His mom, Cara, who donated her kidney to her son, is just excited “to see Dominic and his sisters go on all the rides.” This event and seeing the joy on these families’ faces certainly got me fired up about a year of helping others. And seeing what Bert and Stacey Weiss, and the entire Bert’s Big Adventure team provides for these families, I’m inspired to see what others are doing in their giving lives too.

You can learn more about Bert's Big Adventure and the launch of their new magazine Magical Moments on the website: www.bertsbigadventure.org

And here's a great picture of the Alexander family who will be heading to Disney in February! Dominic is in the lower right corner...you can tell they got him to sit just long enough for the photo.

Photo by Stacey Bode Photography

Get Giving in 2010

2010-01-11T16:19:53Z

Get Giving in 2010. Why? I am increasingly impressed by the benefits of a “giving” lifestyle to both the individuals who are giving and to those who are receiving. Research shows that helping others can improve one’s own physical and mental health. Add the external benefits of helping improve the sufferings and challenges of our world, and you have a comprehensive prescription for wellness. It’s a no-brainer to me.

So how do you get started? I know the landscape of opportunity to get involved can be overwhelming; there are so many causes and so many projects. The key is finding what best suits you.

The good news is that today we live in a world that has more access to information, more connection to causes, and more resources to get involved…and I’m not just talking money. Whether donating money or goods, volunteering your time, or sharing your talents, helping others can fulfill your own life and make our world a better place.

If you are looking to get a jumpstart, here are 3 tips to Get Giving in 2010.

Really connect your interests and mind to a cause: You are going to be much more committed to a cause that you can connect to personally. Start thinking of life experiences that either created a challenge for you, for someone you loved, or for something you saw. Whether its homelessness or cancer, all of us have interacted with some type of adversity. Maybe it’s an abandoned animal that really made you notice something wasn’t right in the world. Think back on experiences that have moved you and link up to a cause that speaks to your heart. The altruistic connection will help you remain committed and feed your passion to do more.
Assess your time availability: We all live busy lives, but with thought and planning it is really easy to carve out a time for your giving life. Volunteer projects today come in all shapes and timelines. Whether giving up a few hours each week, an entire spring break, or going online every season to participate, you can find an initiative that fits your schedule best. Just like we make time for fitness, we need to make time for volunteering. Think of it as your soul on a treadmill.
- Are you a corporate executive? Carve out time for your entire team to take one Friday a quarter and go volunteer. Leadership includes giving and you can show your associates the importance of giving back to the community.
- Are you a mom? Volunteering can be a great bonding tool for you and your kids. Find a kid-friendly project on or make cards and decorations and drop them off at the hospital in your community. Kids do best with routine so make this a routine adventure for your family throughout the year.
- Are you a student? Give-up a few Saturdays or your Spring Break to find a project that gives you experience and helps your college application or your work resume. There are some really cool Volun-touring projects that give you both a cultural and philanthropic experience in one.
Contribute treasure to the cause: I know it sounds crazy; we are in a recession after all. But notice I didn’t say an amount. Today, there are ways to donate any amount of money from $1 to $1million and still understand the impact you are making with the cause. The importance of sharing your treasure with a cause is that you are more apt to feel invested in the success of the program or organization. Contributing money or goods to a cause at least once a year will help build that connection and sustain your commitment over the long-term.

To begin exploring causes and projects visit the Resource page.