How We Give Back

David:

Opportunity presents itself to us many times each and every day. It may be an opportunity to serve or benefit and recognizing those moments is often a challenge. I welcome any and all opportunities to contribute to worthwhile human endeavors and when I can do that while enjoying a past time or weekend with friends, it's all the better. I've enjoyed fundraising efforts such as Racing to Save Lives, MDA Lockup, supporting Susan G. Komen walkers, Juvenile Diabetes Research and many other opportunities brought to me by friends, clients and colleagues.

Having founded a boutique marketing company that has served and thrived for a decade, I am always willing to offer a hand to my fellow entrepreneurs.

Profit is simply a fuel to keep the fires of our dreams and kindness burning.

Lori:

Because I am a writer and love what I do, I've chosen to use that particular strength to help when I can, writing for organizations and people I believe in. I also support and believe strongly in St. Jude's Children's Hospital and their policy to treat every child, regardless of the family's ability to pay. Children are a gift to us all—I believe that keeping them healthy is a responsibility that rests with everyone.

My son inspired me to join him in his regular service to the residents of Heritage Club home for seniors and those with Alzheimer's. I've enjoyed this so much, I feel those I've met there have made a difference in me and not the other way around. In the end, I believe this is true of any contribution we can make—everyone benefits.

Alison:

I have the privilege of living in one of the most beautiful states in the country, a privilege I do not take for granted. Because of this, I feel a great deal of responsibility to protect the environment in my day-to-day life. I enjoy the outdoors, spending time in the mountains, or taking my dog for walks through the neighborhood, so I am always willing to take part in any program that preserves our natural surroundings.

Lex:

In addition to volunteer work that I do through my church, I have recently learned more about addiction and recovery issues. Due to that study, I have begun the process of forming a nonprofit organization that will aim to open and operate a series of sober living houses.

In many cases, people who are released from treatment facilities return to shattered lives. Many have lost their health, their jobs, their families, their driving privileges, and more. Sober living houses provide a safe residential alternative where a small group of recovery-minded individuals can find understanding from and offer support to each other as they attempt to reclaim their lives and recover their sense of purpose. While recovery rates for addiction are grim under the best of conditions, a safe and sober living environment can make all the difference for some people who are working to become whole again.

I believe supporting others on their road to recovery is the best way I can give back to my community.

Amy:

In my personal life, I believe it is important to pass along the values of appreciation and compassion to my children. One of the ways I have found to do this is to combine my passion for photography with making a difference. For me, photography can capture a perfect moment, even if it isn't pretty. We all live such busy lives and in doing so I think we overlook so much. Photography captures the moment.

The Scott Free foundation and Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep are two of my favorite charities. NILMDS offers invaluable photography sessions for families with dying infants, honoring both the child and their loved ones. Scott Free provides scholarships to at-risk children for sports and other camps so that they may discover their own unique talents. I have been privileged to be able to use photography to make a difference for the children these programs support. I also look forward to finding more ways to help in the future.

Dana:

Life is precious. I am reminded of this each and every day ~ in the smiles of my children, the love of friends and family. It is a gift we all share and a gift we are willing to fight for. For several years, my husband and I have sponsored a child in the Philippines, so that she can have a better education, medical care, clothing and supplies she needs for school. We are grateful that we have given her more opportunities to live a happy, healthy life. I also take any opportunity I can to donate to local and national charities, and provide service to our community.

I believe we all deserve a happy life, and I hope to continue to provide that for as many people as I possibly can.

Andrew:

Giving back and paying forward is what life is about. Doing this gives us time to pause and reflect on what is important. I have been fortunate enough to support friends' fundraising efforts by contributing to The Walk to Defeat ALS, The Brian Seibert Memorial Fund, the Humane Society and various other charities. During the running season, I enjoy 5K runs such as the Susan G. Komen, Erase Homelessness, Furry Scurry, and many others. It is a privilege to combine doing what I love with helping in my own way.