Charity
Here's an update to my list of things to-do in 2010, specifically for donating more. Every month, I set a budget to donate to charity. I've been good so far and still have one day left in March to settle this month. Here's what I've been up to:
Smitten by Kittens: This is the local pet rescue where Moody came from. These people are incredible and do way more than you could ever imagine. Since Moody is such an awesome cat, we've tried to give back once in a while. In case you didn't know, Moody came from a hoarder that had ~18 cats in her house. Most of them were very ill and had lost eyesight or eyes. Moody is a pirate kitty and spent months at the vet before he was cleared for adoption. He is by far the sweetest, friendliest cat I have ever had.
Doctors without borders: What a fantastic organization! After the Haiti earthquake, I decided that this was the best place to donate for the relief effort. I'm amazed at how little overhead they use to keep services going.
National Bone Marrow Registry: Andrew and I both decided to register to become bone marrow donors. We weighed the pros and cons and decided that we could take the pain of donating if it meant saving someone's life.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: I cannot describe how many people I know that have been affected by these diseases. Just look at how far we've come in the last 20 years in terms of treatments and survival.
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America: Again, these diseases affect so many people and I bet that you know at least one person.
New York Blood Center: This organization comes to work 4 times a year. I've been a poor donor in the past, but I hope to donate at all four sessions this year. So far I'm 1 and 1 for not passing out!
Cookies from home: Just a few dollars spent to send some delicious Girl Scout cookies to our troops.
And the latest one, the reason I'm posting: American Diabetes Association. Andrew, Tobin, and I have decided to register for the Tour de Cure, a bicycle event to fund raise for the ADA. It is a 30-mile ride, so we will have to train a bit before it occurs. The ride is on June 6th. We each need to raise $175 minimum to participate. So, I'm actively looking for donations. Frankly, I'm very lucky not to be diabetic. It runs in my family and I've been overweight (and therefore at risk) for a long time. This has always been something close to my heart because my grandmother lived with my family when her diabetes started to kill her. After she had her leg amputated....well, I just can't finish that statement. This is another disease that affects more people than you realize. Please click here to sponsor me in the Tour de Cure. You'll probably see more updates about this one. Even though I have a target of $200 raised, I hope to raise the bar.
And on that note, I welcome any suggestions for other charities. I also would like to know if you are participating in any fund raising events yourself. I'm very partial to the Team in Training (LLS) events, but I'm sure there are many more going on. Just let me know and I'll try to do my part.
Smitten by Kittens: This is the local pet rescue where Moody came from. These people are incredible and do way more than you could ever imagine. Since Moody is such an awesome cat, we've tried to give back once in a while. In case you didn't know, Moody came from a hoarder that had ~18 cats in her house. Most of them were very ill and had lost eyesight or eyes. Moody is a pirate kitty and spent months at the vet before he was cleared for adoption. He is by far the sweetest, friendliest cat I have ever had.
Doctors without borders: What a fantastic organization! After the Haiti earthquake, I decided that this was the best place to donate for the relief effort. I'm amazed at how little overhead they use to keep services going.
National Bone Marrow Registry: Andrew and I both decided to register to become bone marrow donors. We weighed the pros and cons and decided that we could take the pain of donating if it meant saving someone's life.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: I cannot describe how many people I know that have been affected by these diseases. Just look at how far we've come in the last 20 years in terms of treatments and survival.
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America: Again, these diseases affect so many people and I bet that you know at least one person.
New York Blood Center: This organization comes to work 4 times a year. I've been a poor donor in the past, but I hope to donate at all four sessions this year. So far I'm 1 and 1 for not passing out!
Cookies from home: Just a few dollars spent to send some delicious Girl Scout cookies to our troops.
And the latest one, the reason I'm posting: American Diabetes Association. Andrew, Tobin, and I have decided to register for the Tour de Cure, a bicycle event to fund raise for the ADA. It is a 30-mile ride, so we will have to train a bit before it occurs. The ride is on June 6th. We each need to raise $175 minimum to participate. So, I'm actively looking for donations. Frankly, I'm very lucky not to be diabetic. It runs in my family and I've been overweight (and therefore at risk) for a long time. This has always been something close to my heart because my grandmother lived with my family when her diabetes started to kill her. After she had her leg amputated....well, I just can't finish that statement. This is another disease that affects more people than you realize. Please click here to sponsor me in the Tour de Cure. You'll probably see more updates about this one. Even though I have a target of $200 raised, I hope to raise the bar.
And on that note, I welcome any suggestions for other charities. I also would like to know if you are participating in any fund raising events yourself. I'm very partial to the Team in Training (LLS) events, but I'm sure there are many more going on. Just let me know and I'll try to do my part.