John D. Rockefeller once said, “Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.”

I am blessed to do what I love and for me giving back has never been an option. Every year since I started my firm, I’ve found organizations to give my time and talents to. Most folks give with the motive to get something back, but when you give simply with the intent of doing good for people and sharing your gifts – that’s when you get the most in return.  The feeling at the end of the day that you have affected someone’s life for the better is all you need in return.

I know it sounds like a crock, but I firmly believe if you don’t give back you won’t be blessed in your business.

In this post I want to share with you some of the experiences and organizations I’ve been apart of. Please check them out and if any of them speak to you, I can put you in contact with a representative and we can figure out how you can benefit them however you feel is best.

My first organization to be apart of was The Bell Center for Early Intervention. The Bell Center offers a number of programs and services to children with special needs and their families. I jumped on board to plan and design their annual dinner gala, which was hosted by The Service Guild of Birmingham. I brought numerous vendors on board, and even reached out to media to spread the word about their cause. A year after I worked on the event for them, I was surprised to learn that a local leading lifestyle publication based in Birmingham had chosen to run the article as a feature and chose an image of my work for the cover of their entertainment issue. It was my first cover as a designer and I’ll never forget that moment. I’ve designed several of the galas as the years have gone by, and every year I look forward to working with The Bell Center again.

The second organization I want to highlight I was introduced to through a dear friend in the wedding industry. Angela Karen, of Angela Karen Photography & Birmingham Bombshells, has a place in her heart for other women dealing ovarian cancer. The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation is an organization devoted to saving the lives of women dealing with this disease. I was honored when Angela asked me to design the “A Picture of Health” event she worked tirelessly put on. Through this event I met some of the most beautiful women who touched my life. To see what these ladies go through and they still stay positive and strong… it’s inspiring.

The most recent event I worked on was a massive collaborative effort. Bridal designer Heidi Elnora debuted her 2010 collection and threw one heck of a fundraiser at the same time. The White Wedding was conceived to gain awareness and support to Camp Smile-a-Mile, founded by by Lynn Thompson. Camp Smile-A-Mile’s mission is to provide year round recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients, their families at no cost. This is a cause that is near and dear to our hearts having a close friend in the wedding industry having survived cancer as a child. Please take time to check them out.

For this event I was asked to design the VIP area where select generous patrons were treated to something a little special. Celebrity guest, Melissa Rycroft, from The Bachelor and Dancing with the Stars was present to mix and mingle with folks. Such a cute girl! Alex Garmon of AG Lighting came up with the coolest bar constructed from pieces of lighting truss and plexiglass. It was superb!

On the main level, more than 50 of Birmingham’s top industry professionals came together to produce a fabulous event. It was wonderful to see so many people work together for one great cause.

Through all this, I hope you were inspired to find a charity or organization to be apart of and take close to heart.  Better than John D. Rockefeller could ever put it, Luke 6 : 38 says :

“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure– pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

Amen.

Until next time, cheers!