Tomorrow is “Giving Tuesday” where – after several days of giving thanks, and officially beginning the holiday shopping season – we take some time to “give back” and focus on helping others during this most magical time of the year.
There’s no question that this year has been tough in so many ways for so many folks. Countless families have dealt with COVID-related health issues, and many have tragically lost a loved one as a result of the pandemic. Economic hardships are also widespread with lines for food banks stretching for miles in some cases, as families deal try to cope with having lost income. Many businesses continue to struggle with loss of business and have closed or are close to it. If there was ever a year that we need to give back, it is this year.
As this season of giving always coincides with the “birthday” of The Affordable Mouse, it’s been my tradition for the past 11 years to celebrate by “paying it forward”. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to share the love and passion that I have for Disney and travel with so many, and even more blessed to have had the honor to help my wonderful clients over the past 11 years create magical memories with their own families.
The best way that I know to celebrate is to give back.
With this in mind, I’m launching my annual “Pay it Forward” birthday celebration, with a focus on some special charities that are near to my heart. It is my hope that as you consider your charitable giving this season, you will consider supporting one of the following very worthwhile organizations.
- Alzheimer’s Association: In memory of my wonderful mother who lived with this terrible disease for nearly a decade before passing in 2009. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading, global voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care and support, and the largest private, nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research. The Alzheimer’s Association works on a global, national and local level to enhance care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias. As the largest, private non-profit funder of Alzheimer’s research, the Association is committed to accelerating progress of new treatments, preventions and ultimately, a cure. The Association is the leading voice for Alzheimer’s disease advocacy, fighting for critical Alzheimer’s research, prevention and care initiatives at the state and federal level. http://www.alz.org
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: In memory of my dear father who was diagnosed with leukemia on December 26, 2003, and passed away on January 16, 2004. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. http://www.lls.org/
- St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital: Leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases, the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay. Unlike any other hospital, the majority of their funding comes from individual contributions. And thanks to generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude. https://www.stjude.org/
Beyond your direct support, there is another way that you can help me to pay it forward: if you plan to book a vacation this month, we can pay the magic forward together! Between today and December 31, if you book a vacation package with me, I will donate a portion of my commission to your choice of one of these charities. Contact me to learn more!
Thank you for taking the time to read through these special charities, and if you are able to consider any of them for your holiday donations, I would be honored and very appreciative! May the Holiday Season be one of magic and joy for you and your families!
