Give big

I know a lot of people who like to say they hate "stuff," they don't need material things to be happy, they have learned to appreciate the people and memories in life. Etc, etc, etc.

I agree with it all. People are more important than things and happiness isn't found on a shelf. But there's still no denying - I love to shop.

I disagree that the ideas are mutually exclusive. A person can love to shop and still appreciate all that she has.

I spent some money on Black Friday, Cyber Monday...and all the surrounding days. On stuff for other people, and yes, on stuff for myself.

Today is Giving Tuesday. I will spend a little today, too - just not on stuff. Today I will support the causes that mean so much to me. Causes that help boost the lives and spirits and self-esteem for kids in my area. Organizations that make a difference in my community.

If you have an organization that you love, today is a great day to carve out some of your holiday-spending budget and give back. Or, volunteer your time - or just do a random act of kindness for someone.

The littlest things will make a big difference.

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." ~ Dr. Seuss

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region

Girls Incorporated of the Greater Capital Region

Paying it forward

I enjoy volunteering, and working on fundraising efforts. Planning can be a little stressful, but it is very rewarding to see something come together, whether it be an event, a campaign, or whatever.

Which is why I enjoy supporting my friends in their fundraising efforts...because I get the reward without all the stress.

My friends Paige (who finally managed to talk me into starting my own Stella & Dot business - giving up one of her own best customers) and Abby are hosting Fashion Night Out - Albany on Thursday, September 12, from 7-10 PM at Taste in Albany.

This exciting night filled with fashion and fun is all to benefit the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York. Tickets for Fashion Night Out are $50, or $75 for a VIP ticket, which gets you a little extra swag. Advanced tickets can be purchased at Albany Style. Come join us on the purple carpet!

From fashion to a 5K....

On Sunday, September 15, my friend Baking Suit invites everyone to participate in Run for Kohl 5K. Hosted by Mohawk Battalion on behalf of 1LT Jon Kohl, who was wounded in a helicopter crash while deployed in Afghanistan earlier this year. The race is being held in his honor, with proceeds benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit whose mission is to honor and empower wounded soldiers.

I'm not a runner, but I'll be helping somehow. First up - letting you all know how to get involved. Visit Run for Kohl for more information.


Do I have cool friends or what?

Friday Five - Reasons to donate

Happy Friday! It's been a great week. Monday was my birthday, and I enjoyed a lovely lunch, a short day at work, good news from the vet, a great sushi dinner, and the Home Run Derby. I followed that up with three days off from work - and now it's Friday and I am looking forward to a great weekend!

But, there is some business to handle, first.

My 25 x 25 Campaign for Big Brothers Big Sisters is in full swing. My goal is to raise $625 - by getting a $25 donation from 25 different people. That's where the name 25 x 25 comes from; but the truth is, I just want to reach beat obliterate that goal - I don't much care how we get there!

Some people might feel compelled to donate because BBBS benefits children, or the community. Maybe they themselves were impacted by a mentor as a child, and they want to help the organization that leads in one-to-one mentoring for kids.

But in case you're looking for a reason...I just happen to have a few.

• You can donate securely and easily online. Fundabilities has generously donated its platform to this campaign, so all proceeds from online donations will go to BBBS. Click here to donate securely.
• Donations are tax deductible. 
• The money will benefit BBBS programs which, as a Big, I can tell you are quite helpful. Not only the activities, but the professional support matches receive, particularly in the first year. 
• If you don't want to donate online, you can write a check to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, and write 25x25 Rock on the memo line, and mail to: BBBS of the Capital Region, 1698 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12205. If that's not easy enough, you can even hand me cash and I'll make sure BBBS receives the donation, and you receive credit for your support. 
• One more reason to donate? Because I asked nicely? 

Please and thank you - and Happy Friday!

Big Brothers Big Sister 25 x 25 Campaign

Most of you know that I am a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region. I became a Big just about a year ago, following an incredibly difficult breakup. I was trying to move past the depression and the anxiety, and thought volunteering would be a great distraction. I asked a trusted friend where she thought I could focus my volunteering energy. She immediately responded that I would make a great mentor. "Well, maybe not right now," she laughed. "But get the process started."

So I did. I went into BBBS thinking I would distract myself, and possibly help a kid. I never imagined

all of the other benefits I would personally reap.

As a mentor, I have to be strong and lead, and put someone else's needs ahead of my own. This has made me more confident and out-going. Being a mentor puts my good fortune in a much clearer perspective, offers me opportunities I did not have before, and has helped me make more friends I may not have met otherwise. This has made me more grateful for all that I have. Most of all, mentoring helps me see myself though the eyes of a young girl, and it makes me want to be a woman worthy of her admiration and respect.

So when Big Brothers Big Sisters asked me to participate in its 25 x 25 Campaign, I was excited to say yes. The 25 is an "elite group of 25 current and alumni Bigs (and one alumni, adult Little) who are going above and beyond.' We've been challenged with raising $625 by asking at least 25 people to donate at least $25 each, between now and September 18.

If all 25 of us achieve that $625 goal, we will raise $15,000 - enough to put 15 more kids on the path to success.

I'm not sure why I was asked. Perhaps BBBS feels I have a large, untapped network. Or perhaps they have seen how determined I can be when it comes to fundraising. No matter the reason, I'm honored to participate, and determined to not let them down.

I am not going to jump out of a plane, or repel down a building. I will not be running a marathon, or a 5K. (Let's be real - I won't even be running to the end of my driveway). I am not biking, swimming, walking, bowling, collecting, baking, or doing anything else for you to "sponsor."

I'm simply asking you - my friends, family, and colleagues - to donate to a worthy cause. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is "to provide children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever."

I have personally heard stories from adult Littles, who say their Bigs helped reshape their lives in a truly positive way. Some go to college, others find a trade, but all find opportunities they would not have had otherwise.

These kids are future leaders, decision-makers, parents, teachers, and mentors. I am asking you, as a personal favor to me, to help support this worthwhile organization and its vision to help all children achieve success.

To donate, please visit my campaign page.