Paying it forward...

I think I've lived in a little cocoon for the past few years. At least as far as charitable giving is concerned.

Don't get me wrong ... Keith and I have made donations to various organizations over the years, on a random basis (mostly for personal or tax reasons). We have been blessed with the fortunate circumstance that no one very close to us has been touched personally by something tragic. But being personally involved in raising money for a non-profit organization (i.e., the Susan G Komen 3-day for the Cure) has really raised my awareness of just how much is going on in my personal community, to raise money and/or awareness for various organizations.

This past Friday, Stefanie, Kraig and I attended a Relay for Life bowling fundraiser for our camping pals Nancy & Gary Cece. It was a lot of fun, and they raised a lot of money for the Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Good friends of ours, Chad & Kyersten Helsel, are also involved in the Relay for Life. .. Kyer and their two daughters, Lyndsey & Allison, are participating in the Harrison Township Relay for Life.

My sister-in-law, Nicole Schoeny-Carbary, is doing the MS Walk; Jaime Stebbeds and her beautiful daughter Morgan are participating in the Komen Race for the Cure. At work, my friend and colleague Maureen Elliott is our "team captain" for the Heart Walk. And I'm sure I'm overlooking at least a half dozen friend I don't even know about ...

There are so many wonderful events and activities going on this time of year... and so many people are involved in raising money for great causes.

Please think about what you can do, and what is important to you. Whether it's finding a cure for breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, juvenile diabetes, or something else that is important to you -- consider what you can do to make a difference.

Because every dollar donated DOES make a difference. It makes a difference for the organization sponsoring an event. And more importantly, it makes a difference to the champions -- the people like Maureen, Nicole, Kyersten, Stefanie and I .... the people who are inspired by your support to continue beating the drum to raise money to advance medical research, education and awareness.

Regardless of which cause or "disease" is important to you, please give ... because it's important. It does make a difference.  Whether you donate to an organization, an event or a champion, your financial support is more than just a dollar on the thermometer of "how much has been raised"... It is how we, as an organized society, show each other that we "get it." We understand that there is more to life than just us. We support one another, and we have faith in one another. And together, we can do whatever we are able to do to make a difference.

Make a difference. Today. Make a donation to something important to you.