Remembering Mom

Today marked 21 years since my mom passed away of breast cancer. The years seem to go by faster and certainly the grief has become easier. I find myself rallying around this day more as a "call to remember" for her, rather than a day to stop and recognize my own sadness.

This is mostly what I want to share: That the sadness does become a celebration. That the sting is dulled by a peace that warms your soul with appreciation that this person graced your life. That's how I remember my mom on this day.  And with outlets like Facebook, it really warms my soul to know how much love that still lives in others for my mom. See below. Wow!

Most things in life are uncertain, but love is one thing that is certain, and it is ironically through death that the certainty of love is most often found. I feel lucky to know that kind of love. Thanks Mom!

Why I'm staying in this Saturday evening

What I have learned in the past year as the ED of the Arby’s Foundation has really opened my eyes to a current crisis in our nation that is not being talked about enough…until now.

1 in 5 children in our very own backyard, struggles with hunger every day. Let me put it to you a different way: 20 million kids in the U.S. rely on free or reduced-price lunches each school day in the school year, yet fewer than three million participate in free summer meals programs. With summer around the corner, while kids should be planning for sun and fun, the reality for millions of kids begins creeping in – where will I eat?  Last summer in Arkansas, I had a little boy tell me directly that he didn’t like summer because he didn’t get lunch every day. In school, he did! Can you imagine?  

And whether you want to blame it on a failed institution or a failed parent, it doesn’t matter! I think you will watch this documentary and agree: In the end we will all have failed our kids if we don’t do something about this now, together.

So whether this fact surprises you or enrages you or emboldens you, I want you to take time this weekend and watch Hunger Hits Home on the Food Network. I had the great opportunity to attend this premiere in NYC a couple of weeks ago and it is a must-see. Even if you have plans for Saturday evening, set your DVRs. I will be staying in to watch it again.

The first step to change is always awareness. Please watch and become aware.

Food Network – “Hunger Hits Home” - Saturday, April 14^th, 8pm ET/PT

Jessica Alba: An honest giver

I will be honest and admit that I have missed most movies starring Jessica Alba, although her films have grossed billions for Hollywood in the past decade.  However, she always has caught my attention for her great style, poise and admirable beauty.

None of which is why I am such a huge fan today!

These days, you’ll find Jessica less around movies sets and more at her desk, on a playground or lobbying on Capitol Hill. She is truly Living by Giving. She is a CEO, activist for many causes and most importantly to her, a mom.   

For all you moms out there, if you have not heard about The Honest Company, you gotta check out www.honest.com.  This is Jessica's new company, alongside co-founder Christopher Gavigan that provides a marketplace for safe and healthy baby products – which are also very cute. (I'll admit it's pretty scary to learn about the dangerous chemicals that go into making baby products.) The business model is simple and involves customers creating a bundle of offerings, from diapers to cleaning products, and then having them delivered monthly. A noble and smart business idea! (p.s. they do offer a free trial.)

What makes this business idea even greater is its heart for social good.  Jessica and her team understand that the unfortunate irony of providing customers with these safer options is the reality that some families can’t afford any of the necessary baby products, too often having to choose between formula and diapers.  So, The Honest Company partners with Baby2Baby – a non-profit organization that supplies families in need with essential baby products and gear.  With every purchase, the company makes a product or financial donation to this cause.  So you too can help other families have access to safer baby products by purchasing safe ones for your own. That’s a Living by Giving win-win.

“I created The Honest Company to help moms and to give all children a better, safer start." – Jessica Alba

Do you want give back and help all babies have access to the basic necessities they need?

Here are 2 ways to do so:

1. Purchase your baby products from The Honest Company and know that a donation will be made to Baby2Baby in honor of each transaction.

2. Help Baby2Baby (or similar organization in your area) when hosting your next baby shower for a friend. Check it out: http://www.baby2baby.org/content/page/getinvolved

The Sport of Giving Back

April is often rated the best month for sports. Best or not, it certainly is one of the busiest.  From college basketball’s Final Four to professional golf’s Masters Tournament to Major League Baseball’s opening day, sports fan have the best weeks ahead this month.

I’m here to say to those fanatics, it’s not all about watching. Sports are some of the biggest philanthropic activities that exist in our communities. From running a race to rooting on your favorite team, sports is a great way to give back.  Here are a few ways you can use your affinity for athletics to help others in the community.

Play
Today, rarely do you see a sport competition that is offered in our community that doesn’t have a charitable aspect to it. From a 5K road race to golf, there is a full spectrum of activity waiting for you to sign-up to participate and donate. I’m already signed up for three this month. To register for an event or find tools to fundraise for your recreational activities, visit ActiveGiving.com.

Coach
If a sideline approach is more your style, I encourage you to think about becoming a coach at a local YMCA. With summer programs being finalized, there are many youth organizations that are looking for volunteers for coaches in all sports including baseball and swimming.  You don’t just have to watch the medal ceremonies this summer on television; you can be a part of one right here in Atlanta.  For coaching opportunities check out Metro Atlanta YMCA’s website at YMCAatlanta.org.

Cheerlead
Although our favorite teams aren’t on the court all year long, often their community outreach is. A lot of coaches and athletes from Atlanta’s own professional teams spend time in their respective off-seasons volunteering and contributing to projects in our schools and youth organizations.

In 2011, the Atlanta Hawk’s Foundation contributed $50,000 to Georgia State University for a scholarship program to support incoming first-year students. You can support these Foundations just by being a fan, by making a financial contribution or by attending one of their special events such as the Atlanta Hawk’s Foundation Casino night in April. For more information on these Foundations, visit the community section of your favorite team’s website:

• NBA.com/hawks/community
• AtlantaFalcons.com/community
• Atlanta.Braves.mlb.com/atl/community/index.jsp

Physical activity and volunteering are all things that elevate serotonin levels in your bodies, which puts you in a good mood.  Imagine combining the two together! It’s a recipe for great happiness.

Spring ahead by giving back

Spring is just around the corner. Suddenly calendars are getting a little busier with picnics, festivals and tropical trips. This seasonal change also makes it a great time to get energized about heading out into the community and giving back.  For inspiration, I thought I would share someone in our community who demonstrates how our own lives can blossom with appreciation, by firmly planting our roots into acts that help others.

You are probably most familiar with Jenny Levison’s “soup-erior” culinary skills that have inspired thousands to wait in line for the chance to dine at Souper Jenny’s in Buckhead. More recently, we’ve come to break bread with Jenny at Café Jonah, a fun eatery just around the corner that really embodies a spirit of community and comfort.

I was first introduced to Jenny through her famous soups, however I quickly came to discover that what she cooks up in the kitchen is just a piece of her contribution to the Atlanta community. Here is a chance to learn more about how Jenny is living by giving:

Her Businesses: While many businesses make donations throughout the year, Cafe Jonah, located on Paces Ferry Place, donates 10 percent of daily sales, every day, to three local charities. These charities change each quarter, which allows the efforts to cover many causes annually. Furthermore, both of her restaurants take part in several larger fundraisers each year, donating time or food.

Her Causes: Right now, Jenny is most passionate about “The Link” – a local counseling center specializing in suicide prevention and after care. Jenny had a very close friend commit suicide two years ago and it really changed her life. Jenny would like to see the stigma for people with mental health issues to change in this country and have more help readily available.

Her Living by Giving Dream: More than anything, Jenny would like to impact homelessness in the next decade. With the downturn in the economy, Jenny has recognized just how vulnerable we all are from being in big financial trouble. She has met so many homeless people over the past year with fascinating stories of what their lives were before a financial issue sent them spiraling down to where they are now.

Jenny is certain that her acts to help others have benefited her own well-being by simply making her more aware of how  fortunate she is and how grateful she is of her own life.  This spring she’ll plant more charitable roots, literally, by building a community garden in the back of Café Jonah.  It is sure to bring more joy to all of those who help nurture its growth as well as the families it feeds.

Jenny’s tips for “Living by Giving” are easy: Think about who you would like to help if money weren’t involved; what issues in your own community are important to you; and start small by doing a random act of kindness for someone…today.

And because she helps us so much around Atlanta, we can feel good about supporting Jenny. Check out her new book, Souper Jenny Does Salad, coming out this spring. For more information visit souperjennyatl.com.