9 TEN 11

IN HONOR OF THE TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11

Today, we gather to be reassured that God hears the lamenting and bitter weeping of Mother America because so many of her children are no more. Let us now seek that assurance in prayer for the healing of our grief stricken hearts, for the souls and sacred memory of those who have been lost.
~Rev. Nathan Baxter, Dean of Washington National, September 14, 2001

On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was up very early which for a non morning person always proved a challenge.  It was 5:50 A.M. PST, half dressed and with wet hair, I turned on Good Morning America and heard Charlie Gibson reporting that a plane had hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center.  I paused and thought how tragic but, the clock was ticking so, I dashed around making coffee, feeding the dog, pressing my blouse when at 6:03 A.M. PST the second plane hit.  I sat down on the couch and was transfixed for the remainder of day and for many days and weeks to follow. Our world would never be the same.

I know each of us intensely remembers where we were when this tragedy occurred and the emotions run deep.  Today is for remembering and honoring those lost in this tragic event that is so vividly told through numbers:

Total time of attacks:  102 minutes
Total number killed in attacks:  2 985 people (including the 19 terrorists)
Number of children who died:  8, the youngest child was only 2 years old, and the oldest child was 11
Estimated number of children who lost a parent: 3,051
Percentage of Americans who knew someone hurt or killed in the attacks: 20
Number of firefighters and paramedics killed: 343
Number of NYPD officers: 23
Number of Port Authority police officers: 37
Number of WTC companies that lost people: 60
Number of employees who died in Tower One: 1,402
Number of employees who died in Tower Two: 614
Number of people who died on Flight 93:  44
Number of people who died at the Pentagon:  184
Number of days international flights were banned:  3
Number of days NY Stock Exchange was closed:  6
Number of days fires continued to burn after the attack:  99
Number of months it took to clear debris at WTC:  9
Tons of debris removed from WTC site: 1,506,124
Jobs lost in New York owing to the attacks: 146,100
Estimated amount donated to 9/11 charities: $1.4 billion
Estimated number of New Yorkers suffering from post-traumatic-stress disorder as a result of 9/11: 422,000
Sources:  New York Magazine; 9/11 Memorial Site; wave3.com

SIMPLE WAYS TO HONOR AND SUPPORT:

VISIT the National 9/11 Memorial website or the actual site which opens to the public on September 12.  My husband, George, and I will be in NY next month and plan to visit the site to honor two friends that he lost ten years ago today:  Jude Moussa, 35, who worked for Cantor Fitzgerald and Raymond Metz, 37, who worked for Euro Brokers.  Both were vibrant men that died far too young.

POST A PRAYER at Prayers for Peace.org: On the memorial wall, you are invited to post memories, prayers, and words of encouragement on a special page created for each person.

TAKE PART in the 9/11 Video Quilt hosted by PBS NewsHour: you are invited to submit a 90-second video of how the events on Sept. 11, 2001 impacted your life.

GIVE $11 to help build VOICES of September 11th’s Living Memorial.  This online interactive tribute commemorates the lives and stories of 9/11 and will preserve them in perpetuity for future generations of Americans.

LIGHT A VIRTUAL CANDLE at Gratefulness.org to honor the families and friends of those lost

WRITE A TRIBUTE at Project 2996 blog

LIKE THE FACEBOOK APP at  Remembering 9/11:  Where Were You?

HEARTBREAKING BEAUTY:
A friend recently shared that one of the vivid memories she holds on that fateful day was all the paper fluttering about.  Out of context, the image is quite beautiful…confetti dancing against a blue sky…so light and carefree….then reality shakes you and the millions of pieces of paper becomes overwhelming and heart breaking knowing that we can never put the pieces back together again.  Our hearts will never forget.

Sharing An Unleashed Perspective

Today, I wanted to share a recent blog post about an outstanding organization, Kidsave, dedicated “to create change – so forgotten orphanage and foster kids grow up in families and connected to caring adults.” The blog was written by two talented and inspiring women, Nancy Nyman and Heather McNama, “two chicks just trying to build a family.”  They have been on a journey to foster/adopt a child/children and have chronicled this emotionally difficult process sprinkling it with gentle and side splitting humor.  My heart races with each post and I marvel at how their hope and humor remain strongly in tact within the bureaucracy of the process. You can read their remarkable blog at TwoGirls Unleashed.

Kidsave  – Posted June 28, 2011 by TwoGirls Unleashed

Note: the names/identities/details of the foster children, foster parents and social workers have been changed to protect their identities

Emilio was getting close to aging out of the foster care system.  Having been taken from his family at 10 months old, he’d lived in over 25 foster homes.  Some treated him like family, some merely met his basic needs, and none wanted to adopt him.  Six months before his 18^th birthday, he sat down with his social worker and learned about the grim realities confronting him.  Once 18, he’d be on his own (Note:  the age for termination of foster care services has since been changed to 21).

Having moved so many times and with no steady help from an adult, Emilio had fallen behind in school.  So college wasn’t really in the cards.  He would need to find a job and a place to live.  He’d have to rely on the staff of his current group home to help him coordinate after-school rides to Social Services in order to take advantage of the meager resources available to him, to work on his resume, and to fill out job and housing applications.

The irony:  society expected Emilio to create permanency for himself, despite the fact that the system had failed to provide him with any semblance of permanency in 17+ years.

Emilio had seen plenty of his foster brothers and sisters age out.  He’d witnessed the anxiety and stress and worry of having no place to go.  Upwards of 40% of foster children will end up homeless, which means former foster children have now overtaken veterans as the single largest population in our state’s homeless shelters.

Emilio could see his future.  He’d  heard about how groups of former foster kids would huddle up in the dried-up bed of the L.A. River to sleep, taking turns keeping watch; how many of them turned to crime and prostitution for money; and how some of them just disappeared.

Photo courtesy of Alejandra Reyes @ www.fillingtheframe.com

The foster care system, originally built on good intentions, removes children from their biological families in situations of abuse and neglect.  But so often the solution – the foster experience – is just as bad (and sometimes worse) than the original problem.

Statistics show that once a child turns six, his chances of getting adopted drop dramatically.  At 12 or 13, adoption is nearly impossible.  When a child reaches 16, who cares? 

These are the forgotten children.  They live in foster and group homes, and they attend school.   But their journey from foster care to the streets is hidden from view:  an exit paycheck from the state; a list of housing they may or may not be able to afford; a draft of a resume.  But no home base, other than a shelter.  No place to go at Thanksgiving or Christmas.  No social worker to call.  And no one to celebrate their birthday.

Enter Kidsave.  Specializing in ages 9 and up, Kidsave serves to create connections for older children in the foster care system.  With adoption as the ultimate goal, the organization strives to match each child in its program with a caring adult who will provide mentorship and advocacy and a steady relationship.

It works like this…  We start attending Kidsave monthly events (next one is July 10^th) and meet the Kidsave kids (and maybe make a connection).  We go through a brief training that includes mentorship and advocacy, and when we are ready, Kidsave will work to match us with a child.

But wait!  This is different than the agency we worked with before in that Kidsave is NOT a foster/adoptive agency.  They are a nonprofit org that works to create long-lasting connections for kids.  So when we’re matched, we’ll hang out with our Kidsave kid twice a month – help with homework, introduce her/him to our peeps (all of you!), advocate for permanency, and basically serve as a strong, consistent, hopefully-lifelong connection.  If there’s a prospective family interested in adopting our Kidsave kid, we’ll help wherever needed.    But the point is to be a connection.  If WE’RE interested in adopting our Kidsave kid, and if our Kidsave kid is interested in being adopted by us (older kids actually have a say), we’ll get our foster/adoptive license through the county and adopt the child.

So…  We don’t typically include a call to action in our blog as this is a journey we’ve chosen to take.  But if you’re looking for a way make your personal difference in the world, please consider getting involved with Kidsave – whether it’s a donation or sharing their link or volunteering for an event, this org is crazy-awesome.

Sadly, Emilio’s social worker never referred him to Kidsave.  Instead, he aged out of the system without an adult role model, without a positive connection, without a mentor.  Determined to create a life for himself despite his circumstances, he applied to job after job after job, but with no experience and poor grades, he never made the final cut.  Unable to afford a place to live, and with shelters full, Emilio began to sleep on the street.  He had no place to shower, no way to keep his interview clothes clean, thus his dream of creating permanency for himself faded away.

Desperate to survive, Emilio took the only job he could get – he became a runner for a local drug dealer.  Emilio is currently serving time for possession with intent to sell. 

Joplin – After the Storm

When I woke early last Monday morning, the sunshine streaming into the bedroom promised that the day was filled with possibility.  Still nestled under the covers, I sat up to high five my husband, George, and kiss him goodbye as he left for his second week at his new job after being unemployed for an entire year.  It had been a difficult year as we were both among the unemployed with only sporadic work for me.  During this time, we tried hard not to lose hope and to keep our spirits up.  Fortunately, we were surrounded by amazing family and friends who generously and continuously gave us their love and support.  We have been in a state of giddiness since learning George had secured a good job and feel truly blessed that we were able to weather this difficult storm without losing our home, which was our biggest fear. Yet, a home, without warning can be lost in a moment… 

I turned on the TV to catch the beginning of Good Morning America, sipped my coffee, checked my blackberry as my foot rubbed the tummy of German Shepherd I heard that a horrible tornado had hit Joplin, Missouri on Sunday night. This hit home because I knew that one of my dearest friends, Cindy Yantis, has family living in this charming community.  I called her and was happy to learn that her family was safe however, the impact of the storm has been truly devastating to all who live and work in Joplin.  Images on my TV screen illustrated her words. She was breathless as she shared that her beloved 98 year old grandmother had just two days prior been in the St. John’s Regional Medical Center hospital in a room on the sixth floor…a floor that no longer exists.

The tornado that struck Joplin was the single deadliest to strike our country in over 60 years.  The twister was a mile wide, traveled 190-mph for six miles destroying one-third of the city and leaving 132 dead and hundreds of search parties seeking the missing. Joplin’s population is 49,024 which bustles to 270,000 during the work day.  I am struck with the city motto: “Proud of our Past…Shaping our Future.”  The pride and resilience of this community shines in all the survivors.  Hope is ever present. “It’s only a house. We will get through this and we will rebuild.”  It’s only a house. I wish upon them all the wonderful support George and I received this past year.

After the Joplin tornado, a man grabbed his video camera to capture a rare site.  A double rainbow could be seen above the crumbled community – a beautiful sign that with love, support and determination, this community and others will have brighter days in the future.

Helping A Community

Below are some sites and information on how you can help.  I know it can seem overwhelming as with each hour more reports of tornadoes and destruction are being reported.  One small action, be it posting words of support on the Joplin Facebook page or texting a $10 donation and sharing with your friends the action you have taken to help this community rebuild, WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

As always in times of tragedy in our nation and around the world, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way and World Vision among hundreds of other community and grassroot agencies are on the ground providing shelter, delivering emergency kits, food, water and medical care/supplies and hugs to those that have experienced loss. What would we do without these extraordinary organizations?!

SUPPORT	CONNECT
OZARKSFIRST.COM This site shares info about how you can help the victims by text, by phone, by internet and by mail.  Numerous other information as well including emergency shelters, hotlines, FEMA, etc	FACEBOOK Recovery Survivors Lost Pets
The City of Joplin in partnership with Community Foundation of Southwest Missouri has established a Joplin Tornado First Response Fund.You can donate online (click here). Be sure to note “Joplin Tornado First Response Fund” in the fund/program box.You can also send a check to: Joplin Tornado First Response Fund c/o Community Foundation of the Ozarks, P.O. Box 8960, Springfield, MO 65801.	TWITTER Relief Spark – a non-profit’s whose mission is to remodel schools, has turned their Twitter into a feed of valuable information for tornado survivors. Tweets are directing first responders to meeting places and posting when shelters have opened their doors to victims. Mercy Joplin – serving and supporting patients, co-workers and community affected by the Joplin MO tornado
American Red Cross Call: 1-800-RED-CROSS Text:”REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation Mail: American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243 Washington, D.C. 20013	State of MissouriJoplin Tornado Information
The Salvation ArmyText: “JOPLIN” to 80888 to make a $10 donationCall: 1-800-SAL-ARMY Online:  www.donate.salvatoinarmyusa.org Mail: Joplin Tornado Relief, The Salvation Army, 3637 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo. 64111
World Vision Call:  888-56-CHILD Text:  “TORNADO” to 20222
The Heart of Missouri United Way Call:  573-443-4523 Text: JOPLIN to 864833
Feeding America Helping the hungry in this tornado-striken region.	JOPLIN – DOWN NOT OUT!

A Fresh Approach To Change The World

Over the last two decades, I have had the pleasure of working closely with corporations, not-for-profit agencies and hundreds of donors and volunteers in finding unique ways in which to connect them for the benefit of all.  I have worked on several sides of this equation – as a Community Relations Leader at one of the world’s largest professional services firms, as the Vice President of Major Gifts at one of the largest and oldest not-for-profit organizations in Los Angeles and as a member of the board of directors of an agency dedicated to mobilizing volunteers in my community.  I am also proud to call myself an actor and have spent many an hour over the years raising funds for several theatre companies.  In my experience, I have learned that there are four key elements that bring extraordinary results when inspired to help:

THE KEYS

1.       identify your passion

2.       keep focused

3.       keep it simple and

4.       have fun!

With that said, I am really excited to share with you a new website that has captured this winning formula!

Recently, a gift arrived in my email in the form of a message from Stefani Beckerman.  Although I had not met her in person, we both belong to the same networking group.  The group is comprised of amazing woman and we often reach out to each other to ask for support and to share and celebrate successes.  The message Stefani sent was an announcement of a website that she and her two partners, Bryan Edwards and Ben Scharlin, were launching.  My interest was piqued and I wanted to learn more so, she arranged a meeting for us to get together.  We met early one evening at a popular coffee shop on the Westside.  I was greeted with warm handshakes and after we got comfortable on the patio with the traffic serenading us, they shared their story.

THE HITCH

In August 2010, Bryan and Ben were searching in earnest for alternative and inspired ways to help the community, for cool forums to connect with friends, family and like-minded strangers around common charitable goals and for websites that were aesthetically pleasing and easy to maneuver.  They were greeted with tired, apathetic sites spouting statistics that did not pique their imagination nor motivate them to get involved.  What they wanted to find were sites that made them want to stop and stay awhile, that instilled a desire to jump in, sites that offered things like after-school programs that used the sport of skateboarding as an effective and fun teaching tool or programs that connected troubled teens with troubled horses that bond and heal together or programs that taught students in the inner-city to paint beautiful murals.  They wanted to find charities they could trust that offered social networking, continuous updates, online videos and special speakers sharing the impact of their involvement.  Jokingly, Ben tossed out the question… “So what do we do, search for…fresh charities?!”  Silence. It seemed almost too simple when the answer came.  Yes!  And thus, the idea for Fresh Charities was unleashed!

THE BRAINWAVE

FRESH: an innovative twist on a classic idea, hip, inspiring, exciting, not boring or stale, not traditional, trend setting and bold in conviction

CHARITIES: not-for-profit organizations whose generous and creative actions are kicking butt in our communities

Excited, inspired and motivated they set out to create an online presence and supportive community for charities that are not considered mainstream and tend to operate “under-the-radar” yet have extraordinary impact every day.  A site that would offer everything they were looking for and more.

THE FORCE

The passionate leaders of this endeavor, Ben, Bryan and now Stefani, bring together a graceful combination of individual experiences and strengths that nicely complement each other.  “In sync” is the phrase that comes to mind.  It’s that camaraderie and shared vision that drives the journey, a journey that I believe will inspire and motivate many others to join them.

Ben, Stefani & Bryan

“We want to change the world – here is where we start.”

Bryan Edwards, Founder & CEO
Bryan is passionate about creating a peaceful world and protecting our environment.  He is an artist, dancer and graphic designer and is the talent behind the design of this beautiful site.

Ben Scharlin, Founder & President of Marketing
Ben is inspired to promote, protect and sustain both natural and urban environments.  He is an actor and artist and is all about connection, communication and taking action.

Stefani Beckerman, President of Operations
Stefani is a fire cracker and her enthusiasm for Fresh Charities is contagious.  She brings the gifts of structure and organization to the team

THE MISSION

In just a few short months from the spark of their idea, a mission statement was developed, a stunning site modeled after Facebook was created and in March 2011 the site went live with a “soft” launch. Official site launch will be Summer 2011.

Mission StatementFresh Charities aims to connect the charitably curious to the world of local and global organized giving by providing a place where the two can meet, communicate, connect and take action together for the well being and general improvement of our planet and everything that lives on it.

Website www.freshcharities.com

THE INVITATION

YOU are the key for the next phase.  Fresh Charities would like to extend an invitation for you to join them in building and expanding their online community by:

• Identifying charities that you would like to see benefit by joining a passionate, generous and action oriented community
• Creating your own personal profile.  It’s EASY and FUN!  You can check out my profile at: http://freshcharities.com/users/ferrellmarshall
• Sharing this invitation with your friends and family and ask that they share with family and friends and so on and so forth… let’s get “the buzz” going

THE BENEFITS

Charities Get To: POST+UPDATE+INFORM o   Create, maintain and update a charity profile o   Post updates, videos, pictures, and events o   Increase visibility, awareness, and activity o   Share essential facts about the organization o   Connect with a public excited about charitable giving

Users Get To: LEARN+SHARE+GIVE o   Find, follow, and interact with fresh charities o   Create and update a personal profile o   Share useful tips about smart and effective giving o   Get updates from charities that resonate o   Learn how to help your favorite charities

THE TIME IS NOW

At a time in our lives when ideas, tweets and videos can go viral within hours plummeting people and issues onto the world stage, a time when the power of social networking has overturned governments and hundreds of millions of dollars can be raised in minutes to help people impacted by natural disasters… I think the timing for an innovative and socially conscious website like Fresh Charities is a gift to all who want to help create a better world.

I hope to see you online at Fresh Charities soon!

Tosukete (Help!)

“Breaking News…two thousand bodies found in Miyagi.”… these words were read by my nephew last Sunday evening as he gave us an update from his iphone on the crisis in Japan.  We were in Albuquerque for a surprise 80^th birthday party and as often occurs when vacationing, the TV had remained off for several days giving us precious time to visit with family.  So, the earthquake and the devastating aftermath was not ever present in our thoughts, but now sitting in the rental car after an evening spent with new friends cheering our cousin in a robust game of volleyball, these shocking words slam us hard… we hesitate saying something for fear it will make it all the more real.

With each day, hour and moment, news updates from Japan flash on our TVs, phones, radios and computers with stories of loss, destruction, potential nuclear meltdown as well as inspiring stories of the human spirit.  I want to help, I want to comfort, I want to make a difference as I know you do.  But how?  Seeking guidance, I have researched my favorite websites and pulled together a list of agencies and information that you may find useful in making a choice on how you can make the most positive impact with your generosity of money and kindness.

GUIDANCE ON HOW TO HELP:

The Center for International Disaster Information offers the following advice:
“Financial contributions provide immediate assistance and allow professional relief organizations to purchase exactly what is most urgently needed by disaster victims. A cash donation helps relief organizations respond in a flexible, timely and cost-efficient manner – ultimately providing greater help to those in need. Cash contributions further enable responders to pay for the transportation necessary to distribute those critical supplies. Unlike in-kind donations such as clothing or canned foods, cash donations require no transportation or storage costs. In addition, cash donations allow relief supplies to be purchased at locations as close to the disaster site as possible.”

Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator, works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the financial health of over 5,500 of America’s largest charities.  Click this LINK for a helpful guide on how best to help.

AGENCIES OFFERING MEDICAL AID, EMERGENCY FOOD, SHELTER & SUPPLIES:

Red Cross
The nation’s premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, they distinguish themselves by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters

To aid the Red Cross efforts, you can text “REDCROSS” to 90999 and make a $10 donation to the organization. You can also keep up with Red Cross updates by following its Twitter feed and Facebook updates.  Click LINK to read “Response to Japan Earthquake Continues” article

Doctors Without Borders
DWB is an international medical humanitarian organization working in more than 60 countries to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe. They have a team on the ground who have visited over 30 evacuation centers.  One main issue identified is concern about chronic disease among the elderly.

Direct Relief International
Direct Relief International provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people affected by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest at home and throughout the world.

In response to the devastating effects of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Cost Plus World Market is supporting Direct Relief’s emergency response efforts by donating all of net proceeds of sales of products from Japan during the next six months. When shoppers purchase such brands as Kikkoman, Ramune, Sapporo, and Kirin from March 23 to the end of September 2011, Cost Plus will donate 100 percent of its net proceeds to Direct Relief. Direct Relief will in turn provide 100 percent of these funds to help the people of Japan.

International Medical Corps
IMC is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs. The corps sent a team of doctors to Sendai, where they will be delivering supplies, assessing needs and identifying communities that have not been reached. To contribute to the corps’ efforts, visit its website or text “MED” to 80888 to send the group a $10 donation.

World Vision
This humanitarian group is on the ground distributing first-relief supplies such as water, diapers, blankets and powdered milk to victims and their children.  Click LINK to read World Vision’s blog .   Text “4JAPAN” to 20222 to send a $10 donation to the group. It will show up on your next mobile phone bill.

Shelter BOX
ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity that delivers emergency shelter, warmth and dignity to people affected by disaster worldwide.They have close to 1,000 ShelterBoxes either in Japan or on their way and another 5,000 ready to move.

HELPING THE ANIMALS

Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK)
ARK is a non-profit, non-governmental private organization with the aim of forming a network of people who love animals, believe in sharing their lives with them, and who work actively to rescue them from suffering

Ultimate Loyalty: Japanese Dog Refuses to Leave Injured Friend Behind
If you have not seen this… it’s an amazing video of a dog who beckons a film crew to come help his friend who is injured.  They were both saved and are doing fine now.  Click LINK to read New York Magazine”s coverage of the story.

OTHER:
Make a difference through the power of prayer by creating a virtual prayer circle.  Join with family and friends to send healing and loving thoughts to the victims of this tragedy.

Google is helping victims touch base with friends and loved ones. Its People Finder allows users to look for victims or post information about people. It works in five languages.

Click LINK to read article:  7 High Tech Ways to Help

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A DISASTER?

Dare to Prepare:  An earthquake readiness campaign to raise earthquake awarness and encourage earthquake readiness in Southern California.

QuakeKare:We offer the highest quality emergency preparedness kits and supplies to prepare you for earthquakes, hurricanes, terrorism or any other disaster you may need to survive.

FEMA: What to Do During an Earthquake

A Day of Service

Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.

~Martin Luther King, Jr.

I’m always taken by surprise when a month comes to an end, in particular when it’s the first month of a new year!  I find myself a little panicked and want to say “WAIT!”… I’m not ready for February!  I still have items on my January “To Do” list!  Of course, my internal rants will not stop the clock ticking…so, I am taking time on this first evening of the second month of 2011 to reflect on the last 31 days.  A smile appears – overall, it was truly a lovely month!  One of the highlights of the lovely month was a simple day of service.  Not even a full day, a morning really where I stood side by side with over 1500 energized volunteers at the Rosemont Elementary School near downtown Los Angeles where we created two new literacy gardens, painted numerous murals and taught workshops for parents and students to prepare them for college.  This awesome community project was given to my community for the last six years by  LA Works.  I am proud to be a member of the board of LA Works, a not-for-profit agency dedicated to creating and mobilizing volunteers for hands-on community service projects throughout the greater Los Angeles area.

If I were to be honest and a little embarrassed to share, when I woke up on Dr. King’s birthday, the last thing I wanted to do was to get up  to spend the day to work with strangers so I tapped the snooze button a couple of times.  Then Lacey, my beautiful German Shepherd, nudged me with her cold wet nose, and her big beautiful brown eye gaze prompted me to say “You’re right, I need to get going.”  I jumped in the shower, dressed, poured coffee in my travel mug and headed downtown.  With it being a holiday, I flew to my destination arriving in 20 minutes.  I secured an awesome parking place close to the project.  As I walked to registration, numerous teams were forming and I heard lot’s of laughter. I smiled.  No sooner did I grab a yummy breakfast muffin then I heard announced an opportunity to warm up with a guest Zumba instructor.  I tossed the fattening muffin after taking a nibble and joined several hundred people doing a high energy fun “funky” dance.  I was awake, energized and excited to be a part of this special project!

The day got even better! I was assigned to paint a beautiful mural of birds and mountains.  I LOVE murals and I LOVE birds so, what could be better?!  I joined two members of the Target team and we took our bird painting very seriously.  We painted a big red bird soaring over a green mountain and when completed, I then moved on to other images and colors and when I glanced around the campus to view all the numerous murals making an otherwise dreary campus come alive with color, creativity and inspiration, I smiled again.  WOW! I was so proud to be volunteering with so many committed volunteers.  They all made the choice to serve… a choice to make a difference…a choice to not hit the snooze button one more time!

Every time I volunteer, I feel energized and a part of something special. It gives me the opportunity to meet amazing people and my spirits are uplifted.  Yet, I started the day wishing I could stay in bed!  I would venture a guess that you sometimes may feel the same way.  It is my goal to volunteer at least once a month in 2011.  Would you like to join me?  Let me know.  Let’s be great together!

Some helpful volunteer sites you may enjoy and a cool video to motivate you:

Volunteering in America

Volunteer Match

United We Serve

Global Volunteer Network

The Responsibility Project

Video:

Why Volunteer?

Reflections

When I launched my blog, I never thought I would be a daily or even weekly blogger… but, I never dreamed I would let so many months pass before capturing my reflections.  This was not from lack of ideas to share as my blog file is overflowing with clippings, websites, photos and information that I think you will find interesting and inspiring.  I am blessed that I continually find myself inspired by my resilient and generous family, friends, and the charity that manifests positive change every day.  This morning, I was sparked by my dear friend Cindy Yantis (read her blog at www.cindyyantis.com) to write and post a blog in celebration of the many gifts of 2010.  So… here I sit in my cozy studio with my two dogs, a cup of hot tea and my laptop perched upon my lap…

Ready…Set…BLOG!

During the holiday season, our mailman delivered among the beautiful holiday cards, dreaded bills and hundreds of magazines and catalogs, numerous requests from not-for-profit organizations asking for support of their very worthy causes.  In that this year my husband and I are both unemployed, donations this year needed to be re-imagined.   It was never an option not to give but, we took time to determine what and how much.  My husband often makes fun of me as I’m the ideal person for agencies to send the unsolicited cards and address labels as I will send them a check, if you send me photos of animals needing love and shelter, the check book comes out, if I hear stories of how to ensure the homeless have a nice holiday meal, count me in for a donation and if a friend has a cause they are passionate about and they ask me for support, I rarely do not send something to help the cause.

My heart sank with each request that was delivered and I tried hard not to feel like a failure when the envelopes went unopened.  My holiday routine was being disrupted  and I was uncomfortable and nostalgic for the old days of abundance.   After my little pity party, I reminded myself that it does not take a checkbook to make a difference (and rarely does) and this year I could mainly give the gift of my time and talent sprinkled with a little treasure.  I sprang into action – I cleaned out every closet in my home and we donated clothes, coats, umbrellas, blankets and other assorted items to our favorite homeless shelter, Midnight Mission, in downtown LA.  I organized a giving circle of extraordinary women who “adopted” a family who are starting a new life free of abuse with the help of  the Su Casa agency.  In addition, the group supported the Los Angeles Children’s Bureau by being Secret Santa’s and making 24 foster childrens holiday wishes come true.  Do I wish I could have done more?  Of course!  Do I feel that I helped to make a brighter holiday for others?  Yes.  I also believe with all my heart that even a simple smile to someone in need is a true gift.  Here’s to embracing and sharing  our many gifts in all their varied forms.  As Cindy shared with me today… when sparked… take a moment of self-reflection and then take action whether it be a smile, sharing your time and talent or pulling out the check book.  Your action will make a difference.

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
~Dalai Lama

In 2011, I hope to blog more because there is so much I would like to share.  For now, my gift to you is to share my TOP TEN websites that spark me to action:

FERRELL’LL TOP TEN SITES:

(Click logo to go to website of each organization.)

ONE

My #1 favorite site of the year! Crowdrise is about raising money for charity and having the most fun in the world while doing it.  Identify a cause, create a site and start raising money.  It’s that simple.  Great way to get connected and have a wonderful time while making a difference
TWO:
Dirty water kills more people every year than all forms of violence, including war.
charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. 100% of public donations directly fund water projects.

THREE:

VolunteerMatch strengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect.  If you haven’t already done so… sign up today!
FOUR: Dedicated to creating comprehensive tools and services to make charitable giving a part of everyday life, JustGive is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase charitable giving by connecting people with the charities and causes they care most about.  FIVE:

WWF is  committed to reversing the degradation of our planet’s natural environment and to building a future in which human needs are met in harmony with nature.

SIX:

At this website, you can learn about social causes ranging from global warming to women’s rights. You can join a cause, take an action or donate, and recruit your friends to do the same. There is also a page for each one of the 1500 or so member nonprofits.

SEVEN:

This popular site provides an easy way for donors to give to their favorite charity, keep all their giving records in one place, and spread the word about those charities to friends. For nonprofits, it is a cost-effective way to receive donations online.

EIGHT:

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their    communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

NINE:

Kiva invites donors to make interest-free microloans to entrepreneurs in poor countries all over the world. It has been so popular that, at times, it has run out of entrepreneurs to fund. The appeal of this program is that you can directly see the impact your funds have.  Check out the KIVA c0-founder,Jessica Jackley, inspirational talk on TED.

TEN:

This site uses the power of online to get teen to do good stuff online.  Pretty cool site!

BONUS SITE:

GrapeDish:  A new blog that I recently launched with my friends, Travis and JJ, because

life is too short to not drink wine.

 

 

Toasting you and wishing you a joyous and abundant New Year!

With love and gratitude,

Ferrell

Earth Hour

“I held a moment in my hand, brilliant as a star, fragile as a flower, a tiny sliver of one hour. I dripped it carelessly, Ah! I didn’t know, I held opportunity.”   Hazel Lee

Today the world is coming together to help our planet by doing one simple thing… turning the lights off for one hour at 8:30pm.   This day symbolizes that by working together with a common goal, we can each make a positive impact on our future.

Earth Hour was launched in Sydney, Australia, in 2007.  I remember seeing pictures on the news of the city skyline going dark and was so impressed and inspired.

The founders of this effort had a global vision and after proving it could be done, have each year invited more cities around the world to participate.  “Since its inception, Earth Hour’s non-partisan approach has captured the world’s imagination and became a global phenomenon.”  Last year, nearly one billion people, 4,100 cities in 87 countries on seven continents participated.   In the United Sates, I’m proud to share that 80 million Americans and 318 cities pledged to flip the switch.  Just imagine iconic landmarks around the world going dark… the Las Vegas strip, the Empire State Building and Golden State Bridge, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Big Ben and Houses of Parliament in London and St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City to name just of few.  Takes your breath away, doesn’t it?! Watch the official Earth Hour video: http://www.youtube.com/earthhour2009

Victoria Harbour during Earth Hour 2010

The first time I signed up and pledged to turn the lights off was the second year of this movement.  I loved the concept and it gave me a lovely excuse to bring together friends for a lovely candlelight dinner.  My husband, George, and I put tape on all the light switches to remind us not to use them because it is such an automatic action and we tied a bow around the handles of our refrigerator preventing us from opening it.  We lit over 70 eco-friendly candles around our home and garden, prepared a green themed dinner and found such joy in sitting at our table with good friends, drinking wine and sharing stories in the glow of the soft light.  Our music that evening was conversation and laughter.  Our reward was knowing that we were part of something very special and with a simple action, we were making a difference.

Tonight, at 8:30pm, I will be on stage performing in a play, The Diviners, at The Chandler Studio Theatre, and will not be able to officially participate as the lights will need to remain on so the audience can see the show!  However, at the welcome speech our producer will announce that the theatre marquee will be turned off and he will invite them to join the effort by considering spending a candle-lit hour at home after the theatre.   At our home, George has pledged to turn off all our lights and will practice his piano for an hour by candlelight ala Liberace!

What will you do?

Here is some inspiration:

The Inspiration Room -  a global effort designed to influence, affect and involve creative communities in the development of a world standard for inspiration.

Earth Hour Lights Off Video – just do it!

Earth Hour Global’s Photostream – stunning images!

Earth Hour Change.org/Take Action Video – love this video!

Change.org raises awareness about important causes and empowers people to take action.

Earth HourVideo from Brazil – you don’t have to speak the language to understand the message.

HOW TO: Support Earth Hour With Social Media – spread the word to your network!

Twitter -  get ongoing updates on this inspiring day on our planet.

"Do not disturb" signs created for placement on the street lamps as a part of Earth Hour ads campaign in Ukraine

Mr. Incredible

Recently, as I scrolled through my Blackberry searching for an email address, I paused and stared at a name that logic would say needed to be deleted but, my heart was simply not ready to make that happen.  I wanted more than anything to send a message to my friend and ask how he was and how his beautiful children and wife were doing.  But, if I sent this message, I knew it would not be received. This brought to mind a personal story that Maria Shriver shared at the Women’s Conference 2008 about journalist, Tim Russert, a very dear friend of hers.  When Maria saw his contact information as she scrolled through her phone shortly after Tim had died of a heart attack, she was compelled to press “call” and was soon connected to his voicemail message and heard his familiar voice.  Realizing this seemed anything but practical, she went ahead and left a message… “Maureen, if you are picking up this message, I’m thinking of you.  Luke, if you’re picking up the messages, I’m proud of you and thinking of you too and Tim, if you’re picking up the messages, I want you to know that I miss you and I love you.”  And with these simple words, she had said her last good-bye to her friend.

The friend whose number I find myself staring at is Doug Ashworth, who recently lost his long battle with cancer at the age of 42.  I met Doug at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) several years ago when he was a senior manager in audit and he would later become a partner at the firm.  Becoming a partner at one of the Big Four firms is one of the most difficult and demanding career journey’s anyone can take.  Doug was well respected by his fellow partners and beloved by the staff that worked with him.  I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with him on a few community projects over the years.  I learned a great deal from him about strategy, leadership, compassion for the community and most of all, the importance of having a healthy and vibrant sense of humor.

To me, Doug will forever be known as “Mr. Incredible”. 

He received this most impressive of titles when as a new partner he was asked by the managing partner to lead the annual United Way campaign for the Los Angeles office.  I had just returned to the firm after being gone for four years and was leading the community relations efforts for the office. I knew that the campaign was no easy task and there were high expectations in meeting the aggressive goals, adding a level of stress on top of an already demanding schedule.  This did not phase Doug, he happily rolled up his sleeves and we went to work.  He believed that helping our community especially the children was one of the most important things a person could do in their life.

After many a meeting and late night, we launched the campaign on Halloween and our theme was “Treat the Community”.  We invited children from a local UW agency to come to the office to go Trick-or-Treating in the office and held a costume and pizza party for the staff.  Doug shared that for Halloween his family was dressing up as The Incredibles.  This prompted my asking him if he would be willing to don the costume in the office at our campaign launch.  Now, let me pause here for a moment.  To my knowledge, no PwC partner had to date pranced around the office in a Super Hero costume and probably for good reason!  But, for a good cause, Doug replied without pausing, “Sure, happy to wear the costume!”  Needless to say, the staff and partners got a kick out of this and I’m happy to report that we surpassed our campaign goals!  The Super Hero theme would be carried on for the next four years and more partners would graciously don costumes for the campaign and to honor Doug, our very special community hero.

The fictional Mr. Incredible is married with three children and known for his superhuman strength and strong sense of self.  Doug’s strength during his battle was courageous and throughout the horror of the disease, he held firmly to his shield of humor.  One day while we were instant messaging, I shamelessly kept asking him how he was doing…really?!  He did not go into details, only shared how joyous it was to have quality time with his wife and three beautiful daughters and that he was proud that he was able to get in touch with his inner Soccer Mom.  I thought about how wonderful to see the world through Doug’s eyes and how incredibly lucky I am to have known and worked with him.

I doubt I will be deleting Doug’s number from my Blackberry any time soon.  It will be my reminder that friends are the most precious of gifts, humor will always help you weather the storm and when in doubt, put on a Super Hero costume and brighten someone’s day!

Good-night, sweet prince, may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.  ~Shakespeare

Sealed With A Kiss

As a child, did you ever play the game that you are going to be stranded on a deserted island and you can only take one beauty product with you?  Now guys, don’t let this topic scare you away… replace “beauty product” with “power tool” and stay tuned for gift tips at the end.  I loved playing this game as a little girl, listing the pros and cons of each product and debating with my friends why my choice was the best.  The item I declared most important on the island was and still remains, lipstick. Trust me, I’m scary looking without it plus, being practical, in addition to keeping my lips moist and pretty on the island, it can also be used for blush.  This silly childhood game came to mind because I recently learned about an awesome fundraising campaign that I wanted to share with you.

Not being a M.A.C. Cosmetics girl, I’m late to discover that in 1994 this company established the M.A.C. AIDS Fund in support of men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally.  That same year they introduced VIVA GLAM lipstick and since that time have donated every cent of the selling price to the fund. To date, they have raised over $160 million!

In celebration of the indestructible idea that all girls (and boys) just wanna have fun,

Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga have joined forces to spread the word and two of this year’s VIVA GLAM lipsticks have been named after them, VIVA GLAM CYNDI (light reddish coral) and VIVA GLAM GAGA (light blue pink.)  In addition to these two fabulous colors, there are seven additional lipsticks and two ”lipglass” from which to choose.  Rarely will you find an opportunity to buy something that you need, knowing that all the money will be going to make a difference in our world! The lipstick and lipglass cost $14 each.  Visit the M.A.C. AIDS Fund website to learn more about the program.

This would be a wonderful and economical gift for your girlfriends, sisters, moms and sweethearts this Valentine’s Day!  Glam up the 14th this month by spending $14 on your gift.  You’ll put a smile on their lips and help in the fight against AIDS.  Gotta love that!

Here are some other beauty products and sites that give back in a beautiful way:

Chantecaille

“Using Beauty To Change the World” – This luxury skin care and cosmetic company donates a percentage of sales of several of their beauty collections to numerous environmental and wildlife causes.  Their compacts are gorgeous!

The Body Shop

I always enjoy pampering myself with products from this company focused on enhancing natural beauty.  The company values are to Activate Self Esteem, are Against Animal Testing, Support Community Trade, Protect Our Planet and Defend Human Rights. They donate 100% of the profits of their “Soft Hands Kind Heart Hand Cream” to their global partner ECPAT:  End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Child Trafficking.

Beauty with a Cause

This woman-owned business provides healthy and affordable cosmetics with 10% of all proceeds going towards breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and scleroderma research. This month, they celebrate Colleen as “Our Passion & Purpose Customer of the Month.”  She designated the Susan G. Komen Fund to be the recipient of their monthly 10% donation.  Great excuse to become a frequent shopper on this site?!

If you are a traditionalist and prefer giving beautiful flowers and chocolates on Valentine’s, consider ordering them from the

Gift Back Website

Their mission is to connect individuals with the non-profits of the world by providing them with innovative tools to incorporate giving into everyday activities like shopping and interacting online.  They donate 10% of your gift back to a charity of your choice!

If you would like a few more ideas, then you might enjoy this article from the Huffington Post: “Top Ten Valentine’s Gifts That Give back.”

No matter what the gift, give it with love and seal it with a kiss.