Thank you to all the volunteers at Keri’s Fairy Godmother Foundation last night for Dell’s Children Hospital Prom Fair. Without your help, this would not have been as much of a success. The time and energy these ladies gave so willingly was priceless. There were several college girls that could have been out having fun with friends, instead they brought their friends to help and I could tell they really enjoyed it! Several professional women worked all day and then came and spent another 6 hours on their feet running back & forth. Everyone interacted well each other even tho many of us didn’t know each other. And I couldn’t get over how everyone actually expressed gratitude to US for “letting” them come work with us. No ladies . . . THANK YOU!!

It was so wonderful seeing those beautiful young girls faces light up. Yet heartbreaking to know that these lovely ladies are battling an illness. They are all so brave, many of them had a quick witted sense of humor, and so refreshing to see they were not ashamed of their surgery scars, portals, and if any of them were in pain, they didn’t express so as to not to dampen the excitement of the evening for their families and other girls there participating. They were all so patient as they waited to try on gowns, pick out shoes & jewelry, and have their dress measured & pinned by the alterations lady. I especially loved watching one little sister just dote on her older sister asking “what do you think of this necklace?” “Can I get you some water?” “I really like that dress with the flowing train, you look pretty in it.” It was so sweet. Instead of being jealous of the attention her sister was getting, she was there to help too!

I honestly lost count of how many times my eyes watered up a little bit. I thought I was going to lose it when one precious girl trusted me enough to ask for my help in securing the gauze that had come loose from her insertion site. She explained to me what it was for and that she had had her therapy earlier that day. This young lady and all the others there was having to go through something no one her age should have to go through. Many of them had lost their hair, and you know how precious hair is for most woman, especially a young teen!!

So if you get a chance, want to help make a difference, find out how to be a volunteer… somewhere, if not just once but on a regular basis. Non-profits depend on those that they know will be there no matter what. It makes it so much easier to plan. I promise you will leave there a changed person!

Finding a Charity

When you are just starting it is probably best to choose one charity to work with. You should choose something that is related to your business or a cause that means something personally to you. Make sure the charity is a legitimate charity. It has to be a public charity and you should check it out completely to ensure it is legitimate and that the money really does go to the stated charitable cause. Make sure to understand all the guidelines about your donation and how it will be used so you are sure your donation is being used to help out and not just pay administrative fees.

How Much to Give

Money is probably the most common charitable gift. You can check around to see what other businesses in the area have donated to get an idea of how much you should give. These donations are usually public and you can find out by asking the charity.

Money is not the only thing you can donate. If you are just starting out in your business you may not have the money to donate. Instead you can consider donating time or merchandise. For example, if you own a bakery and are giving to a charity that does a 5k race then offer to donate pastries for the workers at the race.

Tax Breaks

The tax rules about charitable donations are rather strict. You can’t simple write off just anything as a charitable donation. It is important to discuss your donations with your accountant to see just what can be used and what can’t. Not being able to write off a donation is no reason to not give to charity, though.

Giving to charity will reflect nicely on your business. People really respect businesses who are willing to help out good causes and give back. This shows a sense of community and shows you are a business that cares about others.

Avoid the urge to “out do” other local businesses. Giving to charity is not a game or a contest. Any donation is a welcome donation. You should do what you can. Do not put your business at risk just to donate. The charity will be grateful for any donation you make, whether big or small. You can always donate when you get the chance or have the ability to. Charities accept donations all year round, not just during times when they are doing a drive. You may not get the publicity for donating at other times of the year, but you will always get the great feeling that comes with helping out those who need it.

http://americathebeautifuldoc.com

The United States of America is known for being one of the wealthiest nations on the planet with the most opportunities for its citizens. In 2004 alone, Americans spent $12.4 billion (yes, billion!) on cosmetic surgery. With such an abundance of wealth, why are Americans so discontent?

Too much television and easy access to plastic surgery are conventional answers, but they do not fully explain this national psychosis. These same images are found all over Europe and Canada, yet their citizens do not have this same obsession.

In almost 40,000 media messages a year, youthful Americas are being told that, unless you look like supermodels and rock stars, you’re not good enough for anyone to love. This is a message that too many people are buying.

Follow Darryl as he asks Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, Aisha Tyler, Anthony Kedis, Tisha Campbell, Julianne Moore, Michael Beach, Mena Suvari, Martin Short, as well as Ted Casablanca from the E! Channel and Susan Schulz, the Editor-in-Chief of CosmoGirl!, along with various other celebrities and experts in cosmetics, fashion, media, and self-esteem the major question at hand … Does America have an unhealthy obsession with beauty?

For Info Contact:
Ragen Chastain
Body Positive Dance Company
bodypositivedance@yahoo.com
512 632 6080