Causes

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35

Everyone possess the ability to give back in their own unique way. You can contribute financially, share your knowledge, and/or use talents and skills to make the world a better place.

Giving back to causes I care about offers me an ever-evolving perspective on life. For example, volunteering my time in underserved areas provides a reminder of how incredibly fulfilled a person can be, regardless of the absence of the luxuries we take for granted in America, such as clean water. The people I’ve met, who have little-to-no material possessions, are the wealthiest people I know.

It’s important to know your contributions to non-profit organizations are being optimized to improve the quality of life for others. Before contributing your dollars, talents and time, spend time researching the organization. I strongly suggest researching the charity through Charity Navigator.

Americans won the lottery in terms of where we were born, we were indeed lucky. Sharing our good fortune with others, who happen to be born in an environment with less opportunities available, can help lead others to a more prosperous life for all.

Haiti

What do you do when you go to Haiti?

The important focus of my work abroad is based on sustainability, creating an environment of “Train the Trainer”, to promote eventual self-sustainability. By focusing on building relationships through partnerships with health care professionals in various countries we can create avenues to eventual self-sufficiency. This process comes with time through a phased approach of providing education and eventually teaching our healthcare counterparts to teach one another.

What is it like in Haiti?

It’s hard to formulate the experiences I’ve had in Haiti into words but the first few thoughts that come to mind are the caring and compassionate mannerisms of Haitians. Haitians believe in God with all their heart and would give the shirt off their back if you asked for it, even if it was the only shirt they owned. Their smiles light up a room and each time I visit I feel as though I’ve been given more love from them than the education I’ve provided in return.

Giving

It is important to partner with non-profit organizations to assure the causes you care about will prosper. Partnering with transparent, accountable, and financially-stable organizations is an important step for successful partnerships and positive outcomes.

Many people ask me which causes I support. I’ve included a list of charities I’ve been contributing to during the past several years.

Fundraising

Fundraising is an important tool for propelling initiatives forward due to the fact that most organizations require outside support to keep running.

Looking for some ideas to get started? Here are a few projects I’ve been involved with in the past. I hope they inspire you to donate to a cause you feel passionate about or start your own fundraising initiative.

Potbelly’s Fundraiser

Ice Bucket Challenge

United Way Advocate

St Luke Hospital

Education

Education is a big part of who I am and what I enjoy doing. For example, speaking at a national conference or precepting pharmacy residents provides the opportunity to pay forward the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my training and education.