The Be Foundation

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world" -Gandhi
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June 06

And that's what's up
This last month I was fortunate enough to be able to partner with the West Seattle YMCA to offer the $250 give-a-way. I am very thankful to have been afforded that opportunity and while I did find a great recipient, I also came to the realization that I really prefer offering the money through Craig's List. It's amazing the variety of people that respond to the ad and because of that I am reminded of the complexity of people's needs.
 
As human beings we have basic needs of food, shelter, clothing, then secondary needs of community and human interaction. I am lucky enough to have my basic needs met and to have great friends and family that help to meet my secondary needs. However, I find I must push myself to pursue the secondary needs and that I am often at odds with doing so. Yeah, sometimes I just want to stay home and not talk to anyone. Yet, when I loose the sense of community in my life, I am unhappy. But what really is "community"? For me, community is knowing that someone really gives a #$&% about you. I mean after all, don't we all want to feel like we matter?
 
Thank you for taking this journey with me as I try to figure out where this foundation is going and how I can create a sense of community in this ever changing world.


11:47 AM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

May 24

The Meeting

"Leslie's" simple but frank words she used to nominate "John" struck me as appropriate for the times we are living in.

 

"John" is a 19 year old single father who just gained custody of his 3 year old daughter. Due to the economy, he was forced to move out of his mother’s home and into his own apartment where he must maintain all of the bills. He is in a pre-apprenticeship program and is working hard to build a stable foundation for his daughter."

 

We are all living in a time of uncertainty; a time when many of us struggle with difficult predicaments every day. Questions like: Will I find another job? How will I pay the rent this month? Can I provide dinner for my family tonight? While I can't answers these questions, I do know that we are not the first generation to struggle with high unemployment, let alone raising families. However, because we are in a different time I believe our struggles have unique qualities. And somewhere within this unique time I've found meaning through giving to others. It is my small way of helping to answer just a few of these questions and I hope to be able to continue to do so for many years.

 

With the challenges I face in moving forward, I empathize with the challenges of others and I find solace in the perseverance and hard work of those who forged difficult roads before us. Many great men have risen from humble beginnings to achieve our nation's highest honor, President of the United States to include our 30th president who is quite famous for the following words: 

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race” --John Calvin Coolidge, Jr. 

I only spoke with "John" for a few minutes during our meeting. However, I can see he is on the road of perseverance. His hard work will enable him to achieve great things. He has already started and is on his way to achieving one of the most important honor’s in any nation: an inspiring role model for his daughter. 



9:16 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

March 09

The Meeting

 

"That could've been me." We've all watched a TV show, a movie or even just read an article and thought, "with just a slight change in that story, that could've been me." And that's exactly what I felt when I met "Vivien". I had no idea I would feel this way when I read the submission sent in about her family.

 

Late January, “Mike” emailed The Be Foundation about Vivien's family. Vivien's husband, “Clark”, had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer.  An excerpt from the submission describes the situation best:

 

"He always seemed to be in good health, even during the time I spent with them. Unfortunately, as of last week, I heard his health is now failing.  Clark is no longer able to work, and not able to walk very well.  He has lost his medical insurance, and Vivien is unable to work as she now cares for Clark and their two young daughters."

 

The Be Foundation committee read this submission and decided we wanted to help Vivien's family. Sadly, we later learned that Clark passed away the very morning after we had made our decision. With this surprising news the committee felt even stronger that the right choice had been made.

 

I met Vivien on a chilly Sunday afternoon. She approached me first, remembering the description I had given her over the phone and I immediately felt at ease due to her outgoing and genuine nature. She was inquisitive, as many are, not having heard of The Be Foundation. After a brief discussion of The Be Foundation the conversation shifted and we began to talk about her. She had an unusual ease about her as she spoke which I found astonishing given the recent and devastating loss of her husband. Vivien summarized her situation succinctly, said she takes it one day at a time. How simple yet profound, her philosophy.

 

I spent more time talking with Vivien than I have with any other recipient, because I just couldn't stop imagining that "this could be me." Vivien and I share so many similarities and yet she has gone through a struggle that I can't even imagine. She gave me a hug that I will never forget and her words stay with me, "We had a good run of it."

 

Vivien takes the reins in her life and I can't wait to hear more about her amazing achievements.



1:09 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

February 23

Just when you start to wonder
The Be Foundation has existed as an official non-profit for less than six months, but the idea has been with me for many years. I've always known I wanted to give back to my community in some way, I just wasn't sure how it would come to be.
 
Now that I have put into action what I believe is a meaningful way to give to others, I still often wonder if this is the right direction. How much change am I really making? Is there a better way to find those in need?
 
Recently, I was fortunate enough to hear from our first recipient, "Sarah." Sarah thanked me for many things of which I am not worthy, but I wanted to share a few of the meaningful words she wrote, "...You gave me hope when there was none."
 
The purpose of The Be Foundation is not to change lives, but simply to help others. I hope that this foundation will help others who may not ask for it and perhaps inspire them to pay it forward. It is Sarah's words that inspire me to continue to look for ways to help others and I am thankful to have touched another's life in this way.


2:57 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

February 14

A Slight Delay
Thank you to everyone who emailed The Be Foundation for this quarter's give-a-way.  We were touched by the many stories and inspiring people you wrote in about.
 
The good news is we have chosen a most worthy recipient. The bad news is that hardship will cause a delay in our meeting. My goal is to share the meeting with you by March 1, 2010.
 
Please stay tuned and come back and visit us often as The Be Foundation will continue with it's giving throughout this year.
 
 


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January 20

Be Worthy of Imitation
I read a great email today that asked me to question if I was "worthy of imitation." To be honest, my driving is not always worthy of imitation nor is my parenting at times, however today I'm going to be mindful of my words and actions.
 
"You must be careful how you walk and where you go, for there are those following you who will set their feet where yours are set." -Rober E. Lee, Civil War General
 
Be worthy of imitation today and email thebefounation@live.com and describe in 50 words or less why you or someone you know deserves $250.
 
The only requirements are as follows:
Deadline for all emails is February 7th, 2010.
Open to greater Seattle area residents only.
Recipient must be available to receive funds in Seattle on February 14th, 2010.


1:34 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

January 16

1 in 3
As of today you've got a 1 in 3 chance of being chosen to receive $250. So email thebefoundation@live.com and describe in 50 words or less why you or someone you know deserves something special this Valentine's Day.
 
Looking for ideas?
- An acquaitence at work was just laid off
- A friend of mine just had a baby
- Our mailman is sick
- My neighbor could really use a new mailbox
 
Whatever the story, email thebefoundation@live.com today.
 
The only requirements are as follows:
Deadline for all emails is February 7th, 2010.
Open to Seattle area residents only.
Recipient must be available to receive funds on February 14th, 2010.


2:25 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

January 14

It's that time again!
Our next give-a-way will be on February 14, 2010. I can't think of a better way to celebrate with someone you love than to give them $250 from The Be Foundation.
 
All you have to do is email thebefoundation@live.com and describe in 50 words or less why you our someone you know deserves $250. It could be a thank you. It could be someone who just deserves a little good this Valentine's Day. There are very few requirements, but they are as follows:
 
Deadline for all emails is February 7th, 2010.
Open to Seattle area residents only.
Recipient must be available to receive funds on February 14th, 2010.
 
So don't delay! Email thebefoundation@live.com now!
 
I leave you with these words:
"Move forward. Be better today. But most importantly, be proud of yourself."


3:33 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

December 26

The Meeting

To be honest, I had mixed feelings on selecting a recipient this time. For some reason I couldn’t see a clear choice and despite consultation with close friends and family, the final decision was very difficult.

 

From helping to feed homeless pets to supporting a dedicated girl scout troop leader, each email equally justified $250. I say equally justified because there are no strings attached to this money. There are no requirements for the recipient of this money. All one must do to be considered is email thebefoundation@live.com during the open dates and that’s just what “Rosemary” did.

 

Rosemary wrote in about helping the homeless in Seattle. But this was not just about sharing food, it was about honoring loss. It was about honoring the memory of serving her afflicted sister and the surrounding less fortunate on the streets. It was about honoring the loss of her sister as Rosemary was never able to convince her late sibling to come home.

 

Rosemary has lost many she cared deeply for and to cope with her loss she wanted to use the $250 to hand out meals to those currently living outside during these cold and lonely months.

 

As I approached the meeting place I watched her small frame, still and peaceful. Rosemary was waiting outside on a park bench near a place she often lends her helping hands. She mentioned on the phone that the weather was ‘quite nice.’ I guess for Seattle the gray minus a downpour of rain sufficed. This was just the beginning of Rosemary’s silver lining. From the moment she looked up her kind smiling eyes told me that she was the right choice. 

 

Rosemary has struggled through hardships and through it all has only become more giving of her time and of herself. Her heart overflows with the kindness she shares with others.

 

I can only wish for the grace to see life as Rosemary does; “I have been grieving over the loss of my mom, but God has given me something to do to, help others….This is the best Christmas ever.”

 

Merry Christmas indeed.



3:16 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

Welcome to my new blog!
I've relocated my blog to my own website. Welcome. I hope you come back for our next give-a-way.


3:42 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

 

December 21 2009 

 

A Recipient Was Chosen…

but the story is not yet complete. I apologize for the delay. The full story will be available on Christmas.

 

December 15 2009 

 

No Excuses

Today’s the last day to send in your email to thebefoundation@live.com! Just describe in 100 words or less what you would do with $250 to spread a little holiday cheer.

 

Take this oppurtunity to make someone’s day just a little bit brighter.

Deadline…TODAY!
Seattle area residents only.
Chosen recipient will be notified by December 20, 2009.

 

December 1 2009 

 

That’s the spirit!

I know it’s trite, but I LOVE this time of year. We’ve all ready cut down our tree and visited my favorite display of lights. After Halloween, I literally begin to countdown the days until Christmas. I am so thankful for my family and friends and thought it might be nice to spread some holiday cheer. Soooo, without further delay…

 

If you or someone you know could use a little holiday cheer ($250 worth of cheer to be exact) send an email to thebefoundation@live.com. It’s easy, just describe in 50 words or less, how you or someone you know could use $250.

I’m just looking to spread a little good.  

 

Don’t delay! Scrooge or elf the deadline is December 15th, 2009.

Seattle area residents only.
Recipient must be available to recieve funds on December 20th, 2009.

 

October 16 2009 

 

The Meeting

I had the opportunity to meet two outstanding women tonight. The first woman, let’s call her “Samantha” emailed me about her friend, let’s call her “Sarah”. Sarah is young and her baby is due in November. But wait, I’m getting ahead of myself.

 

About a week ago, I met with a few friends to review the emails sent to thebefoundation@live.com in consideration for the $250. All of the submissions were uniquely qualified. That is because there were no qualifications. The point of giving away this money was just to spread a little good.

 

We read through the emails: they were all across the board. One person requested the money to stay in ”booze and hookers.” Others were down-on-their luck real estate agents. There were even requests to help pay for prescription drugs and one from an ex-convict to help make ends meet.

 

Something about Samantha’s email resonated. I can’t say for sure why, but when each of us read “… it saddens me every day that I can’t do more for her” in Samantha’s email, we related. We related to someone who was just a bit down on their luck and could use some help. 

 

Fast forward to tonight; when I met both Samantha and Sarah. Samantha did not tell Sarah where they were going tonight or why. In fact, it wasn’t until I handed the soon-to-be mother the envelope that Samantha explained what she had done for her friend. The surprised and appreciative Sarah then thanked us both. I felt honored.  

 

However, as I recapped the brief interaction with these women to my husband, who had patiently waited outside for me, he shared with me a small observation.  As I departed, Sarah and Samantha again hugged behind me and my husband thought he caught a glimpse of a tear in Samantha’s eye.

 

Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives. You have touched my heart. Best of luck to you “Sarah.”

 

September 30 2009 

 

The Final Day

Today is the last day to email thebefoundation@live.com to describe what good you would spread with $250. Send in your idea before midnight tonight and you just may get the cash!

“When written in Chinese, the word ‘crisis’ is composed of two characters – one represents danger, and the other represents opportunity.” — Saul David Alinsky

Seattle area residents only. The chosen email will be posted here on October 15, 2009.

 

September 24 2009 

 

1 Week Left

With just one week remaining until the September 30 deadline, I am excited to report that I have received two more emails. I am so greatful to those of you who are taking a chance.

 

I could donate this money to a local charity or nonprofit but I’d like to give it to someone that may not benefit from an established organization. In fact, that’s sort of the point. I’m just an average person that wants to spread a little good.

 

So if you’re a Seattle area resident, you have just one week left (September 30,2009) to send your email to thebefoundation@live.com  and describe how you would spend $250. The selected email will be posted here on October 15, 2009.

 

September 23 2009

 

This is not a promotional giveaway

Apparently Craig’s List thinks I’m a promotional giveaway and keeps deleting my ad from the “free” section. I’ve now reposted to the community section so hopefully people can read about this opportunity there.

I hope that if I keep trying, more and more people will hear about this opportunity and somehow I can help spread a little good. Or perhaps just inspire some.

 

“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.”

 

Only 8 days remain to send an email to thebefoundation@live.com and describe how you would spread a little good with $250.

Seattle area residents only. Deadline September 30, 2009. 
Selected email will be posted here on October 15, 2009.

 

September 16 2009 

 

Seriously?

I’m not sure what to write today. It’s been 3 days since I started this and I’ve had just about 50 people view my blog, but NO ONE hs submitted an essay! Maybe people are actively reviewing their masterpieces and want to make sure they are perfect before they send them in OR maybe people think this is a scam.

Well, I can assure you, this is not a scam. In fact, after realizing that I’m going to need a new refrigerator this morning, I began to really question why I wanted to give away $250….

 

But new refrigerator or not, I’ll still have this silly dream that I want to give away money. So I’m still going to give away the $250. And if you are reading this it could go to you because I have yet to receive any emails to thebefoundation@live.com.

 

Take a chance. Maybe you want to take your son on a local fishing trip or have a spa date with a friend that’s feeling down. I’m open to anything. In fact, that’s the point. I want to give the money to someone who wants to use it for something good.

 

So, don’t write me a book. Just email me (thebefoundation@live.com) a few sentences and tell me why you deserve $250, because someone in Seattle is going to receive it on October 15 and it could be you.

 

September 14 2009 
 
Looking to spread a little good…

On October 15, 2009 I’m giving away $250.

 

If you would like to be considered, it’s very simple. All you have to do is describe in 500 words or less why you or someone you know could benefit from a little good.

 

There’s only one the catch, you must be available to receive the funds in Seattle, WA on October 15th, 2009. 

 

Please send your entry to thebefoundation@live.com by September 30, 2009.

The recipient will be notified via email and the selected entry will be posted here.

I’d just like to spread a little good.