National Philanthropy Day

According to Wikipedia: One who practices philanthropy may be called a philanthropist. Although such individuals are often rich, people may perform philanthropic acts without possessing great wealth.
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I gave this speech this morning with the help of my fantastic BNI Group, the Buckhead Business Network International (10/28/2008):

Good Morning, I'm Ray Macon. Today we have no paragraphs of wisdom. Nothing to refer-to, or look-at, or read. We all know this stuff already! The Founder of BNI, Ivan Misner, is probably somewhere giving this same wisdom today, a lesson about the Rubber Chicken Network.

Today is one of those "Nationally Recognized Days" can anyone tell me what its themed? Today is a very big day for a very big industry in the USA. I'll give you a hint: fundraisers will benefit on this day.

Today is National Philanthropy Day. Fundraising is a big business in the United States. These people who spearhead such Non Profits are great salesmen and women and have no problem walking into the biggest skyscraper and asking the Biggest Company "Whose In Charge? We need..."

Today the Atlanta Kiwanis Club is sponsoring the event at the Georgia World Congress Center.
I'm going. I've volunteered. Why? Well, for starters, a group of great people like that, who are always planning events to help other people, need programs. They need posters, sandwich boards, thank-you notes. They need to know a printer who can save them money. More than anything, they need good hearted volunteers.

Ivan Misner, the Founder of BNI, recognized that some of his Inner Circle Friends were involved in some difficult professions---who did he know who could use their services? Referrals were hard to give to some of these friends! So he got out there, to the small clubs, worked with others in charity events, and raised money for causes.

He got invited to speak at a local business club, similar to the Kiwanis. This led to other opportunities. Many of these organizations are looking for speakers to fill their calendars.
Misner seized the opportunity, and so today we are doing an experiment for him.

Each of us are involved in Service Organizations, and I'd like us to list them. These are the Boy Scouts, the Atlanta Fundraising Professionals, what are the others?

(KIM BRINKMAN writes on Dry Erase Board)

Cub Scouts/ Boy & Girl Scouts/

These are great because you're sitting around watching them instruct your kids. You've tied that knot before. I tell you, men & women can get business this way, sharing the burden of boredom. Why not talk business? Ask "...what do you do for a living, Bob?"

Men & Women Against Domestic Violence

Volunteer at a place like this, and you'll make some friends. People are moved to "give up their stories". But when you hear about a person's struggle and really listen---they remember. What a better way to break through the 7 layers of trust, mention your business. These people have a compassion to help others. And they will help you.

Breast Cancer Walk

Last year I staked a place at the middle of the Finish Line on the Susan Komen Foundation 3-Day Walk from Athens to Atlanta. I clapped until my hands hurt. Women would hug me, and kiss me on the cheek. I didn't know who they were, but some of them gave me a set of tears.
By appreciating a struggle we become a part of it.

(BNI Group lists some other non-profits)

So you see, opportunity awaits each of us. I'd like to close today with a story:

Just two weeks ago I volunteered to hand-out water at a race/walk for charity. I worked shoulder-to-shoulder with a man who let me bid on his Organization's printing last season, but he didn't pick me to do his printing.

After our volunteer work was finished, he promised to let me bid again. I think this time I have a better chance.

I'm Ray Macon. Enjoy National Philanthropy Day.