Who Really Gives?

It is one thing to talk about giving to charity. In fact, it is quite a chic thing to do. It is another thing altogether to actually GIVE to charity. Who really gives? People who want to live a fuller, richer, healthier life. People who have huge, open and generous hearts. I don't really like the word "charity." I rather use the word "cause" or "mission" or "opportunity." To me, charity implies that we are looking for a handout. People rarely give to "needs." People do give to a dream, to a purpose that is much bigger and more bold than they could create on their own. People give to what stirs their heart. Interestingly, people who believe fervently in government entitlement programs give far less than those who reject the notion that the government should engage in income redistribution. Why do YOU give? You believe in and trust the person who is asking. You see where your money is going. Giving to your favorite "cause" just plain feels good. When I set out to raise money or forge corporate partnerships, it is all about providing the giver an opportunity to get on board with where I (and my cause) are going. At Team Donate Life, we dream BIG. The people who founded TDL have big hearts, big eyes and big plans for TDL to become a powerful presence in both the endurance cycling world and in the organ donation community. 15 years ago, Team in Training had NO idea what they would become. Susan G. Komen started out of someone's spare bedroom. Hmm...kinda like TDL. But that doesn't matter. What really matters is being a catalyst to get 40,000,000 more americans to sign the donor registry by April of 2008. What matters is showing off to the world that there really is life after transplantation. So, before you ask anyone else to give, do a self-check on why YOU give. Then, give!