Hey friends...I thoght I'd put up a final note about our recent fund drive with the "Make-a-Wish Foundation" that ended on August 31st.
Although our goal was to raise $5300 to provide the wish for one child, we were unable to meet that goal at this time. Disappointed? Sure. Defeated? NO WAY!
Here's what we DID accomplish... $2044 !!!!
AMAZING! AWESOME! POWERFUL!
Carissa, fromt the "Make-a-Wish Foundation" told me that this figure was enough to provide plane tickets for 5 young people to go to Disney World --- SO WE DID GOOD!
Thank you to ANYONE and EVERYONE that donated to this very worthy cause! Thank you for caring enough to make the sacrifice to help.
I have to mention donations on "both ends of the spectrum" :
1. A young couple donated $1,000 toward this effort all on their own! Why? Because they have healthy children and wanted to be a part of helping out families that were going through the struggles with their ill children! THANK YOU for this powerful show of love and commitment!
2. An unemployed friend of mine out in California donated a total of $60 during the two month effort. He didn't have the money but FOUND a way to make donations! THANK you for your powerful show of love and commitment as well!
Whoever you are - whatever amount you donated - THANK YOU!Lives have been touched and changed and I hope yours has been as well in the process.
Showing posts with label Make-a-Wish Foundation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Make-a-Wish Foundation. Show all posts
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Walk the Walk - A Special Video Message from Mike
Yeah, Mike is about to take a seat in this video - sorry, couldn't change the "thumbnail" on this one! Click "play" and listen to his special message just for you!
This will serve as his message for Monday - it goes right along with his podcast message for Monday. Be sure to listen to it as well!
Monday, August 3, 2009
The VALUE of LOVE
As I type this, it is another WONDERFUL MONDAY - the start of another FANTASTIC week! Many times I refer to Monday as "magical" on my podcast because it is, indeed, just that. Why? (This is for those that have never really listened to or heard my podcast). It is "magical" because you have the ability, the POWER to determine what your day will be. And, this being Monday, for most it is also the first day of the work week which means that, by determining the direction of your Monday, you also determine the direction of this work week! That is MAGICAL, my friend!
So, what will YOU do with your Monday? (This actually applies to every day!).
Lately I have also been referring to Monday as "Make-a-Wish Monday" because of the fund raising effort that I am involved in through F.Y.U. This goes through the end of this month with the goal of $5300 - the amount needed to fulfill the wish of one child.
Where are we in this goal? A dismal $300. No, that's not a typo...that's the correct figure. The whole month of July we raised $300.
SO...that means that we are headed for an UNBELIEVABLE finish to this effort and that it will be EXCITING when you finally decide to take action! Again, to raise the other $5,000 all we need is 166 people to donate $30 - that's all there is to it!
$30????? Some may be thinking that they cannot do that - and that's o.k. If you can't donate the $30 then what CAN you do and what WILL you do? For many - and I do mean many - $30 is but a drop in the bucket which means that those in that position can donate more than the $30. Will you?
Remember, organizations such as this CONTINUE with their task regardless of the economy! They STILL have wishes that need to be filled even in a "depressed" economy - so it is up to people like you and me to CONTINUE to support their efforts.
So, let's look at that $30 and consider it's VALUE. On today's podcast I discuss this and ask how many of you spent $30 over the weekend. Think about it. My guess is that the majority of you reading this did, indeed, spent $30 (and then some) at some point over the past weekend. Wow, some of you as you read this - depending on what time of the day you read this - may have spent that today already.
Did you spend it on a meal? Was it good? Even if it was the BEST MEAL EVER, it's now gone and but a memory. It was food. Now, don't place the value on the "experience" of the time spent with family and/or friends. Just the food itself. Think about it, you didn't pay your friends to spend time with you, did you? (If you did, we need to talk!). So, what was the VALUE of the money that you spent on that meal.
For most of us - if not all of us - it costs more than $30 to fill up our gas tanks. Sure, it gets us to where we are going, but have you considered the VALUE of that $30+?
We could go on and on with examples, but I hope you can follow through now with this thought process and apply it to yourself and your situation.
Now, what about the $30 that you COULD donate to this special effort? Oh, by itself, it really isn't able to accomplish much in fulfilling the dream of an ill child. BUT, when you combine with others all across the United States (and perhaps the world), you have LEVERAGE! And that LEVERAGE allows your efforts combined with others the ability to have a much greater IMPACT on the lives of these children! Think about that!
Now...what is the VALUE of that $30? For me, it is far greater than the value for any meal, for gas in my tank or whatever else I mindlessly spend $30 on over the course of a day or weekend. What about you?
When you consider this, we indeed are asking the question, "What is the VALUE of LOVE?" How do you put a "price tag" on that? YOU CAN'T!
Please, your help is NEEDED TODAY!! Not tomorrow (although we'll take it then too!). Here's the fact - and you know it's true - if you put off until tomorrow something that you can do TODAY, the odds of you doing it then are greatly diminished.
So, please, I beg you - DONATE TODAY!
Go to http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com and click on the "Make-a-Wish" banner on the home page.
NOTE: When you go to the donation page - indicate the amount you wish to donate but DO NOT PUT IN YOUR ZIP CODE or change the "chapter"!!! THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Simply indicate the amount you wish to donate and then fill out your personal information.
IF YOU WOULD- after this is done you have the opportunity to leave a message for everyone else. If you donated the $30 - please leave a note that simply says, "I'm one of the $30" or something along that line. OR if you donated a different amount, please indicate that you are, indeed one that cares!
Too, if you would, leave some sort of indication of how you have come across this information. Perhaps it is from morningcoach. com - if so, perhaps put an MC beside that information. Are you accessing this from theworldneedsmorehappy.com ? Then maybe something to indicate that as well. And, for all of you accessing this through Future You University, how 'bout "F.Y.U."?
Thanks again. We have our work cut out for us for sure. BUT if we will understand the POWER OF LEVERAGE as well as the POWER (and VALUE) of LOVE then we WILL reach this goal!
As always, "Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
So, what will YOU do with your Monday? (This actually applies to every day!).
Lately I have also been referring to Monday as "Make-a-Wish Monday" because of the fund raising effort that I am involved in through F.Y.U. This goes through the end of this month with the goal of $5300 - the amount needed to fulfill the wish of one child.
Where are we in this goal? A dismal $300. No, that's not a typo...that's the correct figure. The whole month of July we raised $300.
SO...that means that we are headed for an UNBELIEVABLE finish to this effort and that it will be EXCITING when you finally decide to take action! Again, to raise the other $5,000 all we need is 166 people to donate $30 - that's all there is to it!
$30????? Some may be thinking that they cannot do that - and that's o.k. If you can't donate the $30 then what CAN you do and what WILL you do? For many - and I do mean many - $30 is but a drop in the bucket which means that those in that position can donate more than the $30. Will you?
Remember, organizations such as this CONTINUE with their task regardless of the economy! They STILL have wishes that need to be filled even in a "depressed" economy - so it is up to people like you and me to CONTINUE to support their efforts.
So, let's look at that $30 and consider it's VALUE. On today's podcast I discuss this and ask how many of you spent $30 over the weekend. Think about it. My guess is that the majority of you reading this did, indeed, spent $30 (and then some) at some point over the past weekend. Wow, some of you as you read this - depending on what time of the day you read this - may have spent that today already.
Did you spend it on a meal? Was it good? Even if it was the BEST MEAL EVER, it's now gone and but a memory. It was food. Now, don't place the value on the "experience" of the time spent with family and/or friends. Just the food itself. Think about it, you didn't pay your friends to spend time with you, did you? (If you did, we need to talk!). So, what was the VALUE of the money that you spent on that meal.
For most of us - if not all of us - it costs more than $30 to fill up our gas tanks. Sure, it gets us to where we are going, but have you considered the VALUE of that $30+?
We could go on and on with examples, but I hope you can follow through now with this thought process and apply it to yourself and your situation.
Now, what about the $30 that you COULD donate to this special effort? Oh, by itself, it really isn't able to accomplish much in fulfilling the dream of an ill child. BUT, when you combine with others all across the United States (and perhaps the world), you have LEVERAGE! And that LEVERAGE allows your efforts combined with others the ability to have a much greater IMPACT on the lives of these children! Think about that!
Now...what is the VALUE of that $30? For me, it is far greater than the value for any meal, for gas in my tank or whatever else I mindlessly spend $30 on over the course of a day or weekend. What about you?
When you consider this, we indeed are asking the question, "What is the VALUE of LOVE?" How do you put a "price tag" on that? YOU CAN'T!
Please, your help is NEEDED TODAY!! Not tomorrow (although we'll take it then too!). Here's the fact - and you know it's true - if you put off until tomorrow something that you can do TODAY, the odds of you doing it then are greatly diminished.
So, please, I beg you - DONATE TODAY!
Go to http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com and click on the "Make-a-Wish" banner on the home page.
NOTE: When you go to the donation page - indicate the amount you wish to donate but DO NOT PUT IN YOUR ZIP CODE or change the "chapter"!!! THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Simply indicate the amount you wish to donate and then fill out your personal information.
IF YOU WOULD- after this is done you have the opportunity to leave a message for everyone else. If you donated the $30 - please leave a note that simply says, "I'm one of the $30" or something along that line. OR if you donated a different amount, please indicate that you are, indeed one that cares!
Too, if you would, leave some sort of indication of how you have come across this information. Perhaps it is from morningcoach. com - if so, perhaps put an MC beside that information. Are you accessing this from theworldneedsmorehappy.com ? Then maybe something to indicate that as well. And, for all of you accessing this through Future You University, how 'bout "F.Y.U."?
Thanks again. We have our work cut out for us for sure. BUT if we will understand the POWER OF LEVERAGE as well as the POWER (and VALUE) of LOVE then we WILL reach this goal!
As always, "Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Monday, July 13, 2009
The CHALLENGE Has Been Made!
Hello friends - if you listen (or have listened) to my podcast today you will find that today - MONDAY (and every Monday between now and the end of August) is "Make-a-Wish Monday"!
I will be spending time each Monday talking about our current fundraiser and about this great organization and also trying to spur you on to take ACTION with this effort.
Here are some challenges I set out in today's podcast (where do YOU fit in?):
1. GET YOUR OFFICE INVOLVED! (Why not see if you can't get your co-workers involved in donating to this cause? Why not? Most people will help out and, again, it's the LEVERAGE that makes this thing possible!
2. SET THE EXAMPLE! (Don't just encourage your co-workers to get involved but make sure that YOU are involved and that you are "blazing the trail" with your example.)
3. SPECIFIC CHALLENGE #1: (I'm not saying this to "pat myself on the back" with this - I'm really not. But I do want you to know that I'm "putting my money where my mouth is" and I want to challenge others in this very specific way. I have donated $100 for the month of July and I plan to do so again for the month of August. I CHALLENGE 20 other people that are able to do so to commit to the same thing. Yes, I know that many - if not most - of you are unable to do so, but I KNOW that there are those of you out there that CAN! And, so - I CHALLENGE YOU TO DO SO!
4. SPECIFIC CHALLENGE #2 - MORNING COACH: (If you don't know what "morning coach" is, go to www.MorningCoach.com - it's a GREAT community of people that I have been associated with for about that past 9 months or so. There are over 10,000 members of that community and I challenge J.B. (founder) and the rest of the community there - COMBINED - to contribute $1,000 to this cause. I have no way to keep up with it, to determine what has come from the M.C. community - but there is the challenge. THIS IS AN EASY CHALLENGE FOR THIS LARGE GROUP!
5. SPECIFIC CHALLENGE #3 - THE WORLD NEEDS MORE HAPPY: (Again, if you don't know, go to www.TheWorldNeedsMoreHappy.com - this is another GREAT community of people headed up by my friend, Angie Strader. I also challenge Angie and the rest of the community there - COMBINED - to contribute $1,000 to this cause. Again, I have no way to keep up with it specifically from this group - but there, again, is the challenge. YOU CAN DO IT, HAPPY PEOPLE!
It's time we kicked this into "high gear" so that we can be sure to reach the goal of providing the funds to grant the wish of one special child!
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Thanks in advance and, as always...
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
I will be spending time each Monday talking about our current fundraiser and about this great organization and also trying to spur you on to take ACTION with this effort.
Here are some challenges I set out in today's podcast (where do YOU fit in?):
1. GET YOUR OFFICE INVOLVED! (Why not see if you can't get your co-workers involved in donating to this cause? Why not? Most people will help out and, again, it's the LEVERAGE that makes this thing possible!
2. SET THE EXAMPLE! (Don't just encourage your co-workers to get involved but make sure that YOU are involved and that you are "blazing the trail" with your example.)
3. SPECIFIC CHALLENGE #1: (I'm not saying this to "pat myself on the back" with this - I'm really not. But I do want you to know that I'm "putting my money where my mouth is" and I want to challenge others in this very specific way. I have donated $100 for the month of July and I plan to do so again for the month of August. I CHALLENGE 20 other people that are able to do so to commit to the same thing. Yes, I know that many - if not most - of you are unable to do so, but I KNOW that there are those of you out there that CAN! And, so - I CHALLENGE YOU TO DO SO!
4. SPECIFIC CHALLENGE #2 - MORNING COACH: (If you don't know what "morning coach" is, go to www.MorningCoach.com - it's a GREAT community of people that I have been associated with for about that past 9 months or so. There are over 10,000 members of that community and I challenge J.B. (founder) and the rest of the community there - COMBINED - to contribute $1,000 to this cause. I have no way to keep up with it, to determine what has come from the M.C. community - but there is the challenge. THIS IS AN EASY CHALLENGE FOR THIS LARGE GROUP!
5. SPECIFIC CHALLENGE #3 - THE WORLD NEEDS MORE HAPPY: (Again, if you don't know, go to www.TheWorldNeedsMoreHappy.com - this is another GREAT community of people headed up by my friend, Angie Strader. I also challenge Angie and the rest of the community there - COMBINED - to contribute $1,000 to this cause. Again, I have no way to keep up with it specifically from this group - but there, again, is the challenge. YOU CAN DO IT, HAPPY PEOPLE!
It's time we kicked this into "high gear" so that we can be sure to reach the goal of providing the funds to grant the wish of one special child!
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Thanks in advance and, as always...
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Seeing the NEED Around Us
Hey friends - again I want to encourage you to take a moment and DONATE to the "Make-a-Wish Foundation" fundraising effort that I am involved in through my website http://www.futureyouuniversity.com/
It is SO easy for us to get caught up in our daily activities, problems, etc. and not realize that we CAN and SHOULD be turning some of this focus to others.
"I can't donate!"
Really consider that. Tear it down and look at it closely and then ask yourself the question, "Why?"
Usually we say something like that without really putting much thought behind it. Yet, at the same time we'll go out and spend several dollars on a fancy cup of coffee or a pack of cigarettes or on colas throughout the day without giving that much thought.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!!!!!
Do you realize the impact that WE can have TOGETHER in raising enough money to provide ONE WISH for a child in this awesome program?
PLEASE - take a moment and really consider this and then DONATE what you can.
In advance, I once again say, "THANK YOU!"
It is SO easy for us to get caught up in our daily activities, problems, etc. and not realize that we CAN and SHOULD be turning some of this focus to others.
"I can't donate!"
Really consider that. Tear it down and look at it closely and then ask yourself the question, "Why?"
Usually we say something like that without really putting much thought behind it. Yet, at the same time we'll go out and spend several dollars on a fancy cup of coffee or a pack of cigarettes or on colas throughout the day without giving that much thought.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!!!!!
Do you realize the impact that WE can have TOGETHER in raising enough money to provide ONE WISH for a child in this awesome program?
PLEASE - take a moment and really consider this and then DONATE what you can.
In advance, I once again say, "THANK YOU!"
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Sixth Sense
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you read or hear that phrase, "The Sixth Sense"? As I mention on today's podcast, perhaps it's the phrase, "I see dead people!". (If you have no idea what I'm talking about, it's o.k....just move along.)
Just like our last chapter study on the brain, you - like me - might be tempted to just "write this off" as some weird talk that can't be true or even possible. But again, let me remind you that, just because we don't understand it or have experience with it does not make it false.
Here's the kicker, "WHAT IF?" - - What IF it's true? What IF it is, indeed, a reality?
So, as you read this last chapter of the steps to riches in Napoleon Hill's classic, "Think & Grow Rich", keep an open mind and try to imagine the possibilities IF you (and I) would allow yourself the option of following the guidelines set within this great book.
Mr. Hill himself - near the end of this chapter - says that you can still benefit from reading this book even if you don't quite grasp the principle discussed in this chapter!
Have you benefited from reading this book? I know I have! However, I'd suggest to you that, in order to get the MAXIMUM benefit from this book, you not set this book back up on the bookshelf. Rather, read it again...and again...and again. I know that, for myself, the second reading opened up new thoughts, ideas and even understandings that were not there the first time.
I am so thankful that Napoleon Hill took the time (over 20 years) to put these thoughts down on paper so that people like us could still benefit from his thoughts these many years later. Aren't you?
---------
The last part of this book will now discuss a powerful topic that we all face - FEAR! On Monday I will begin on this chapter and will approach it - for the most part - as a separate discussion and study than what we have just completed.
As always I thank you for sharing these thoughts with me and I invite you to continue on the journey with me as we all move FORWARD into our FUTURE!
Don't forget to donate to the "Make-A-Wish Foundation" fundraiser today if you have not already done so. Simply go to my website, http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com and click on the banner at the top of the page to be taken to the donation page. You might want to read my previous article with some specific instructions about that donation page before you do.
Thank you!
And, as always....
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Just like our last chapter study on the brain, you - like me - might be tempted to just "write this off" as some weird talk that can't be true or even possible. But again, let me remind you that, just because we don't understand it or have experience with it does not make it false.
Here's the kicker, "WHAT IF?" - - What IF it's true? What IF it is, indeed, a reality?
So, as you read this last chapter of the steps to riches in Napoleon Hill's classic, "Think & Grow Rich", keep an open mind and try to imagine the possibilities IF you (and I) would allow yourself the option of following the guidelines set within this great book.
Mr. Hill himself - near the end of this chapter - says that you can still benefit from reading this book even if you don't quite grasp the principle discussed in this chapter!
Have you benefited from reading this book? I know I have! However, I'd suggest to you that, in order to get the MAXIMUM benefit from this book, you not set this book back up on the bookshelf. Rather, read it again...and again...and again. I know that, for myself, the second reading opened up new thoughts, ideas and even understandings that were not there the first time.
I am so thankful that Napoleon Hill took the time (over 20 years) to put these thoughts down on paper so that people like us could still benefit from his thoughts these many years later. Aren't you?
---------
The last part of this book will now discuss a powerful topic that we all face - FEAR! On Monday I will begin on this chapter and will approach it - for the most part - as a separate discussion and study than what we have just completed.
As always I thank you for sharing these thoughts with me and I invite you to continue on the journey with me as we all move FORWARD into our FUTURE!
Don't forget to donate to the "Make-A-Wish Foundation" fundraiser today if you have not already done so. Simply go to my website, http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com and click on the banner at the top of the page to be taken to the donation page. You might want to read my previous article with some specific instructions about that donation page before you do.
Thank you!
And, as always....
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Important Instructions on the DONATE Page for "Make-A-Wish"
Hey friend - just a quick note to help clear up any confusion that you may have when you go to the donation page for this special "Make-A-Wish Foundation" fundraiser that I am putting together.
Go to my home page - www.FutureYouUniversity.com
- click on the special banner at the top of my page for this effort
- once there you can read a personal message from me...when you are ready, click on the blue "donate" button
Once at the donation page, please PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING!!
- you can use one of the amounts already designated OR put in ANY amount that you'd like to donate (please consider a MINIMUM of $10 and do more if you are able)
- THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!! ---- Do NOT change ANY of the information concerning the local chapter - do NOT fill in your zip code....just leave this section alone and leave it as it is (the TN - Mid-South Chapter should already be listed - that's what we want)........so, skip all of this and go on down to your own personal information.
Fill in your information along with your credit card info. and then, when done, click "submit" and you will be taken to a printable receipt. You will also receive this receipt in your email.
IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE donating on-line, please look at the article below this one and read how you can do it through the mail OR over the phone. Either way, just please make sure that you "earmark" Future You University so that they will be sure to add your donation to our total.
Again, THANKS IN ADVANCE for your help in this important effort - - - it's all about the POWER of LOVE!
Mike
Go to my home page - www.FutureYouUniversity.co
- click on the special banner at the top of my page for this effort
- once there you can read a personal message from me...when you are ready, click on the blue "donate" button
Once at the donation page, please PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING!!
- you can use one of the amounts already designated OR put in ANY amount that you'd like to donate (please consider a MINIMUM of $10 and do more if you are able)
- THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!! ---- Do NOT change ANY of the information concerning the local chapter - do NOT fill in your zip code....just leave this section alone and leave it as it is (the TN - Mid-South Chapter should already be listed - that's what we want)........so, skip all of this and go on down to your own personal information.
Fill in your information along with your credit card info. and then, when done, click "submit" and you will be taken to a printable receipt. You will also receive this receipt in your email.
IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE donating on-line, please look at the article below this one and read how you can do it through the mail OR over the phone. Either way, just please make sure that you "earmark" Future You University so that they will be sure to add your donation to our total.
Again, THANKS IN ADVANCE for your help in this important effort - - - it's all about the POWER of LOVE!
Mike
Monday, June 29, 2009
My "WHY" in Choosing the "Make-A-Wish Foundation"
I encourage you to listen to my podcast for today as I discuss why I chose the "Make-a-Wish Foundation" as my focus for this current fundraiser.
However, I'll still share it with you here in hopes that it will spur you on in a decision to donate and be a part of this great opportunity to help make a wish come true in the life of a deserving child.
You know, the recent deaths of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Billy Mays have really brought into focus the brevity of life. The fact that these people were "famous" brought their deaths to the forefront.
However, people die every single day without notice outside of a few friends and their family. To me, even more heart breaking is the fact that children die every single day leaving a gaping hole in the core of that family. Some of these children die of incurable diseases and their families struggle with them through the course of this illness reaching out for anything good that they can bring to their child during those difficult days.
In 1998 I was a youth minister in Mountain Home, Arkansas and had been so for about four years. I have always enjoyed working with and being around young people! Their energy and enthusiasm about so many things and their eagerness to share their joy simply made it a joy for me for many years.
(Again, as I mention on the podcast, I may not have all of the facts completely right, but they are close enough to make the point.)
There was one young man by the name of Russell Woods that made a profound impact on my life during this time. He was 13 years old and full of life! You could look into his eyes and see a spark of mischievousness that brought a smile to your face just wondering what he was up to. During this time Russell began to experience headaches and would often get up in the middle of the night to throw up. He knew something wasn't right as did his parents. In the summer of 1998 it was discovered that Russell had a tumor on his brain stem and, at first, was told that it was a slow growing tumor and that with medication and possible surgery, it should be able to be handled.
That was the news as I sat with the family on that particular morning. What joy! How happy everyone was! Tears of joy filled the room as we all hugged each other. However, after I made the four hour drive back home I received a phone call that told me that just the opposite was true... it was actually a fast growing tumor and there was nothing that could be done.
Devastation. Even to this day when I type that I get an empty feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Over the next year and a few months I spent quite a bit of time with Russell - he had such a wonderful sense of humor all through his illness and was such a joy to be around. I still have a picture of him in my office with a package of juice-filled wax bottles that he gave me because he heard me talk about something like that I enjoyed when I was a kid. That was Russell.
During the course of his illness the Make-A-Wish Foundation fulfilled a wish for Russell. To be honest with you, I don't remember what it was, but my wife thinks it was a trip to Disney World. Regardless of what it was, this organization was able to provide a special memory for Russell and his family.
Sadly, one day in October 1999, Russell passed away. To this day I get emotional every time I think of this special young man.
You likely have similar stories to share of some special young person that struggled like Russell. My desire is to provide enough money to help make a wish come true for one of these special young people.
Will you help?
I know times are tough. I know money is tight. But, at the same time, I want you to consider how quickly and easily you go through $10 during the course of a week.
Can you commit yourself to a minimum of $10 to help make this happen? I know some can't, but I know most can!
Hey, wouldn't it be great if we end up raising enough to provide TWO wishes?
Regardless, your help is needed! The "official" kick-off date for this special drive begins on Wednesday, July 1st. But you can begin now if you'd like.
This is a two-month drive and is scheduled to end on August 31st.
Please go to my website: http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com and click on the banner at the top of my page to read more and donate.
Reach out, in love, and touch the life of a special young person.
That's the POWER of LOVE!
Mike
However, I'll still share it with you here in hopes that it will spur you on in a decision to donate and be a part of this great opportunity to help make a wish come true in the life of a deserving child.
You know, the recent deaths of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Billy Mays have really brought into focus the brevity of life. The fact that these people were "famous" brought their deaths to the forefront.
However, people die every single day without notice outside of a few friends and their family. To me, even more heart breaking is the fact that children die every single day leaving a gaping hole in the core of that family. Some of these children die of incurable diseases and their families struggle with them through the course of this illness reaching out for anything good that they can bring to their child during those difficult days.
In 1998 I was a youth minister in Mountain Home, Arkansas and had been so for about four years. I have always enjoyed working with and being around young people! Their energy and enthusiasm about so many things and their eagerness to share their joy simply made it a joy for me for many years.
(Again, as I mention on the podcast, I may not have all of the facts completely right, but they are close enough to make the point.)
There was one young man by the name of Russell Woods that made a profound impact on my life during this time. He was 13 years old and full of life! You could look into his eyes and see a spark of mischievousness that brought a smile to your face just wondering what he was up to. During this time Russell began to experience headaches and would often get up in the middle of the night to throw up. He knew something wasn't right as did his parents. In the summer of 1998 it was discovered that Russell had a tumor on his brain stem and, at first, was told that it was a slow growing tumor and that with medication and possible surgery, it should be able to be handled.
That was the news as I sat with the family on that particular morning. What joy! How happy everyone was! Tears of joy filled the room as we all hugged each other. However, after I made the four hour drive back home I received a phone call that told me that just the opposite was true... it was actually a fast growing tumor and there was nothing that could be done.
Devastation. Even to this day when I type that I get an empty feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Over the next year and a few months I spent quite a bit of time with Russell - he had such a wonderful sense of humor all through his illness and was such a joy to be around. I still have a picture of him in my office with a package of juice-filled wax bottles that he gave me because he heard me talk about something like that I enjoyed when I was a kid. That was Russell.
During the course of his illness the Make-A-Wish Foundation fulfilled a wish for Russell. To be honest with you, I don't remember what it was, but my wife thinks it was a trip to Disney World. Regardless of what it was, this organization was able to provide a special memory for Russell and his family.
Sadly, one day in October 1999, Russell passed away. To this day I get emotional every time I think of this special young man.
You likely have similar stories to share of some special young person that struggled like Russell. My desire is to provide enough money to help make a wish come true for one of these special young people.
Will you help?
I know times are tough. I know money is tight. But, at the same time, I want you to consider how quickly and easily you go through $10 during the course of a week.
Can you commit yourself to a minimum of $10 to help make this happen? I know some can't, but I know most can!
Hey, wouldn't it be great if we end up raising enough to provide TWO wishes?
Regardless, your help is needed! The "official" kick-off date for this special drive begins on Wednesday, July 1st. But you can begin now if you'd like.
This is a two-month drive and is scheduled to end on August 31st.
Please go to my website: http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com and click on the banner at the top of my page to read more and donate.
Reach out, in love, and touch the life of a special young person.
That's the POWER of LOVE!
Mike
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The "Make-A-Wish" Challenge is Set!
That's right - everything is all set up and ready to go! The "official" launch date is Wednesday, July 1st BUT you can begin even now if you'd like!
Go to the website http://www.futureyouuniversity.com/ and click on the banner on the top of the home page that talks about this special effort with the "Make-a-Wish Foundation". It will take you to an information/donation page.
HOWEVER, going to this page does not commit you to anything! So, please, feel free to go there and read the personal message from me as well as have the ability to check out a lot of other information about this organization as well.
YOU CAN ALSO DONATE AT THIS PAGE AT ANYTIME!
Think about this... 500 people donating only $10.60 will get this done! Or, let's make it even a little easier to understand....530 people donating on $10 will get this done!
How quickly do YOU go through $10 during the week - or more likely during a day?
If you would rather not donate on-line you can still participate one of the following ways:
1. You can make a check out to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and send it to 320 Executive Court, Ste. 101, Little Rock, AR 72205 - BE SURE TO PUT Future You University in the memo line so that they can add this to our total!
2. You can call Carissa Godwin at 501-376-9474 and handle this over the phone. Once again tell her (or anyone else if she is not available) that you are doing this with Future You University.
In advance - THANK YOU so much for your participation in making this possible!
SPECIAL NOTE: On Wednesday, July 1st, I will have a special podcast - very personal - sharing with you why I have chosen this organization for this special drive.
Go to the website http://www.futureyouuniversity.com/ and click on the banner on the top of the home page that talks about this special effort with the "Make-a-Wish Foundation". It will take you to an information/donation page.
HOWEVER, going to this page does not commit you to anything! So, please, feel free to go there and read the personal message from me as well as have the ability to check out a lot of other information about this organization as well.
YOU CAN ALSO DONATE AT THIS PAGE AT ANYTIME!
Think about this... 500 people donating only $10.60 will get this done! Or, let's make it even a little easier to understand....530 people donating on $10 will get this done!
How quickly do YOU go through $10 during the week - or more likely during a day?
If you would rather not donate on-line you can still participate one of the following ways:
1. You can make a check out to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and send it to 320 Executive Court, Ste. 101, Little Rock, AR 72205 - BE SURE TO PUT Future You University in the memo line so that they can add this to our total!
2. You can call Carissa Godwin at 501-376-9474 and handle this over the phone. Once again tell her (or anyone else if she is not available) that you are doing this with Future You University.
In advance - THANK YOU so much for your participation in making this possible!
SPECIAL NOTE: On Wednesday, July 1st, I will have a special podcast - very personal - sharing with you why I have chosen this organization for this special drive.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Special "Make-a-Wish" Challenge Coming July 1st!
Beginning July 1stAll of you will have the opportunity to help raise enough money to make ONE wish come true for a special child involved in the "Make-a-Wish Foundation" program!
Just think about what WE can do TOGETHER!
Be watching here and on the website www.FutureYouUniversity.com , listening to the podcast and plan to get involved!
PLEASE plan to share this information with as many people as you can to make this goal a REALITY!
Please know that I (Mike) get NOTHING by way of money by doing this - but this is something that WE can do TOGETHER for a special child - don't' you agree?
THE GOAL: Raise $5,300 between July 1st and August 31st
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