I get it. It is so easy to get caught up in the news of the day, the push and pull at work, the demands of family life, the struggle to make ends meet, just trying to stay healthy. Livin’ ain’t easy.

A Moment of Nostalgic Reflection

But for just a moment, forget about all of that and take a trip back in time. Remember what it was like to be a kid… a young boy or girl, wide-eyed and hungry – for love, for food, for friends, for straight-up fun, for education. Just hungry.

Now imagine that you were one of the less fortunate – and there are a lot of them – who don’t experience the benefit of love or food or friends or fun or education. These kids – hundreds and thousands of them – are hungry and they are vulnerable, and they are our future.

A Personal Commitment

I am forever grateful that I was blessed with an amazing childhood and loving parents, including a mom who turned 93 today and still influences my life every day. I am a lucky one. So, I have made it my responsibility to reach out to those who are less fortunate than me to share my luck.

My goal is simple: to help as many kids as I can to have a better life, to let them know they are loved and to help create a better tomorrow when these kids become adults. And thanks to organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs and Bearings Bike Works and Save the Children and dozens of other nonprofits, there are a lot of ways to easily support the cause.

Real People, Real Impact

Seriously, you can give a little money (or a lot if you have it), give a little time (or volunteer every day), provide business support, spread the word or whatever makes you happy. And know that whatever it is you decide to do, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, it will be appreciated, and it will make a difference.

Because the amazing people behind these organizations – people like Kim Cole at BGC of Northeast Ohio or Michael Bernot at West Side Catholic Center or Tim and Becky O’Mara at Bearings Bike Works – are selfless, beautiful souls whose only motivations are to create a better world. And there is no action too small that will not be valued.

Your Small Act Can Change a Life

You will be helping children by letting them know they are loved, by teaching them skills, by allowing them to enjoy life. And this tiny act of yours may just change the future. For real, for real.

Thank you in advance. And now we return to our regularly scheduled blog.