Charity? Seriously?

I'm going to list headlines first of the different sections so you can determine which, if any, you want to read. I know most people don't have time to read everything, so you pick:

• * Tait? Getting Involved in Charity? Why? (My story of how I got involved)
• * Charities we support (What are they and what's their story)
• * Items I'm asking for (specifically what I'd like your help with)
• * How the money is split up (for our big charity event, what happens to the money - what goes where?)
• * Links (links to things listed in this blog)
• * Closing Thoughts (thoughts of closing)

Tait? Getting Involved in Charity? Why? (My story of how I got involved)

I started working for Kaye/Bassman International which is a premier executive search firm headquartered in the Dallas, TX area. Kaye/Bassman was named the best mid-sized company to work for in the state of Texas for many reasons, but one of those reasons definitely must be its involvement in charities and helping the community. I recall during my interview, hearing of the charities and how joining the Kaye/Bassman family means signing on for involvement in them, and it appealed to me. Even so, when time rolls around to actually involve myself, it's easy to find excuses. Yet this year, a unique opportunity to see what our foundation helps fund came along and I jumped at it.

First, CITYHouse (which you can read more about in the next section) sent a representative to our office to discuss the new house for kids right here in the metroplex that was built from the ground up to provide housing and a place to truly "live" for kids that otherwise wouldn't have a place. The stories and pictures were compelling and that led to me taking them up on an offer to tour the new facility before they started admitting kids. It was fascinating to see how a house built from the ground up with that purpose differed from most re-appropriated housing. Every detail was thought of, and the stories were compelling from CPS workers being able to get work done to process in a child while keeping an eye on the child in a safe play area, to the only facility North of Austin in Texas that can accept special needs children, I learned a lot and recognized that on my worst day, there are kids - KIDS - that are in more precarious position. It was truly touching to see first hand how the money is used to not only provide shelter, but work with kids to provide stability and a way to experience childhood in a safe, friendly environment while also learning life skills to further their education. This is a very well run organization staffed with people that truly love children. What shocked me the most was that it's right here in Plano, TX which has one of the highest per-capita income levels in the US. I had no idea that we had kids in true dire need right here in our back yard.

So I decided to get involved - to volunteer to help raise awareness and funds because what these groups do is important and impactful. It means that I divert some of my energies towards it and don't get paid for it, so those of you that know me know it's a big deal to me. Hopefully, that'll mean something in of itself ;-)

Charities we support (What are they and what's their story)

MDA - The Muscular Dystrophy Association: MDA is a voluntary health agency comprised of scientists and concerned citizens aimed at combating neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors. MDA seeks no government grants, United Way funding or fees from those it serves.
Their Mission: MDA works in your community to combat neuromuscular diseases through (1) basic and applied scientific investigation, (2) local comprehensive programs of medical services and clinical care, and (3) widespread professional and public health education.

Darius Goes West (in conjunction with MDA): In conjunction with our support of the MDA, we welcome the cast and crew of the multi-award-winning documentary “Darius Goes West.” Recording their journey in the summer of 2005, this film follows the then 15-year-old Darius (with the help of eleven closest friends) as they set off on a road trip across the US in hopes of getting Darius’ wheelchair featured on MTV’s hit show Pimp My Ride. This film has garnered worldwide acclaim and has inspired a nationwide grassroots movement to raise money for, and awareness of, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

CITY House: Founded in 1988, CITY House is celebrating their 20th year of protecting children and strengthening families. CITY House provides a complementary suite of intervention and prevention services at no cost to our clients. For children ages 10-17, there is an Emergency Teen Shelter. The Family Counseling Center offers free short-term counseling for families in the community. For young adults 16-24, they offer a TRIPS Center: Transitional Resources Intake and Placement Services Center that helps prepare individuals for independent living. Upcoming in 2009 is their newest initiative, My Friend’s House, which provides emergency shelter for young children, newborn to age 9. These services are provided for over 3,000 children and families in Collin County, Texas and the surrounding counties of Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, Kauffman, and Rockwall.
Their Mission: The mission of CITY House is to protect children and strengthen families. Our vision of success is that every child, youth and young adult develops the skills and confidence he or she needs to succeed in life, especially

Items I'm asking for (specifically what I'd like your help with)

Items with a tangible value that can be auctioned off. Yes, your donations can be used for tax purposes and a receipt will be provided. Keep this in mind: every dollar spent on an auction item goes directly to these charities. That's huge. Your donations can provide exposure to a company and its services as one example. They can be "odd ball" things like package trips to other states, or sporting events. They can be restaurant gift certificates or autographed memorabilia. Here are some examples of items donated in the past, but feel free to be creative:

• * 10 days / 10 night Hunting Safari
• * 2 Male Alpacas (yes, alpacas)
• * 3 day / 2 night stay, breakfast and wine tasting
• * 6 days in a Tahoe Ski Condo
• * 4 Platinum Level Dallas Mavericks tickets
• * Acer Notebook Computer
• * Dallas Stars team autographed hockey stick
• * Package of 21 Gift Certificates for mani pedi’s
• * HD Radios
• * Boxing Gloves

Contact me directly to discuss potential donations - email me, call me, IM me, whatever it takes. There are also sponsorships available that come with advertisement, etc. I'd be glad to talk to you more in depth about those options as well.

How the money is split up (for our big charity event, what happens to the money - what goes where?)

The large fundraiser in October at the Frontiers of Flight Museum costs a lot of money to hold even with donations, so a bulk of the ticket price for the event pays for the space and food. But, we at Kaye/Bassman completely volunteer our time and energies so we receive absolutely no compensation for our efforts. When we go on the hunt for auction items, we do so at our own expense. The auction items themselves that are donated are where the charities benefit the most because 100% of the funds raised from these items are given to the charities.

Links (links to things listed in this blog)

• * Kaye/Bassman International - www.kbic.com
• * Kaye/Bassman Foundation - www.kbiccharities.com
• * MDA - www.mdausa.org
• * CITYHouse - www.cityhouse.org
• * Darius Goes West - www.dariusgoeswest.org
• * Robin Meade - http://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/meade.robin.html
• * Frontiers of Flight Museum - http://www.flightmuseum.com
• * Runway of Hope Charity Event brochure - (email me and I'll send it to you)

Closing Thoughts

Thank you for your help and heart - I think for me personally it's easy to focus on so many things that are going on in my life that this came along at a good time to remind me of what's important. Kids without homes, or coming from broken homes touches me. Perhaps it's something else for you but my encouragement is that, even when you're scared or don't know how to be involved, do it anyway. If you don't know how, ask, but all that's really needed is to show up. Obviously, I'm asking for help here for a specific purpose but I still want to encourage you to be involved outside of my personal efforts. Thanks, Tait Lifto