As you may know, MAY is Melanoma Awareness month. Each May, I put on my clergy rob and become the “Minister of Melanoma”. You might too if you lost your best friend to this disease as I did ten years ago. Although losing your best friend is about as bad as it gets in relationships, I ferverently believe that on the other side of adversity is always something better. The something better is his death is that many lives have been saved and many people educated about the dangers of too much sun exposure. Our melanoma foundation has cosponsored symposiums with leading melanoma researchers from all over the world attending. An association of melanoma researchers has been formed AND people are getting it.

In the last few weeks, I have traveled to Daytona Beach, FL where we held the 11th annual Rayz Awareness run. I have also traveled to Fort Collins, CO where I ran in the Bill Walter Melanoma Research 5K that was held at the school Bill’s son attends. It was cool to see his son up on stage talking, registering runners, and finishing 8th out of 200 runners (I surprised myself and finished 24th - not bad for a VERY occasional runner). If you happen to be local and want to help, please let me know. We are having a 5K and 10K run June 14th at the Rush Fitness Center. Soon details will be up on Rayz Awareness website.  

I saw a clip this am on FOX News about super model Cindy Crawford and an organization called Thirsty for Change. Click on video of Cindy Crawford if you like to watch Cindy in action (and no, it’s NOT a Sports Illustrated Swim Suit video). It never ceases to amaze me how many cool things people are doing to help others.

I am sitting in the dark using only battery power from my laptop. Though I am a few minutes tardy, I am doing it for Earth Hour.  Earlier this week, I had read either in USA Today or Readers Digest about Earth Hour - an hour where everyone turns off their lights for one hour. I had forgotten about it until I received an email from professional speaker friend Karyn Buxman. I was reminded again when I signed unto to Google  as they were even dark (an all black background).

Often when I walk, I pick up trash in my neighborhood or the woods near my house. I most confess, I have often questioned what difference picking up a few pieces of trash makes. I thought the same thing when I first heard about Earth Watch. Watch the You Tube and you can see what difference one person can make. Someone had this idea after all. Let there be light, but only when we need it. I kind of like doing it (writing that is) in the dark.

Tim Richardson is an inspirational speaker who speaks about how giving increases employee morale, lowers employee turnover, increases customer loyalty and creates higher profits for Fortune 500 companies, associations, and national conventions. He is the founder of the The Worlds Biggest Blog Party an event which will connect bloggers from all over the world to raise money for charity. He is also founder and president of the Bill Walter Melanoma Research Fund and co-founder of the Jeffrey Roth Cycling Foundation. Click here for more information on professional speaker Tim Richardson.

(I got this today … more later)

Dear Tim and family:

We want to welcome you to the Heartfelt Connections pilot program that we are currently launching with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, San Diego Chapter and Hallmark Cards.

Heartfelt Connections is a simple, fast, and loving way to connect patients-in-need with people who care—one greeting card at a time. It is a unique blend of technology and heartfelt compassion that allows anyone to share supportive, kind, and encouraging words with someone facing the challenges of blood-related cancers. It was created by Compassionate Communications, in a unique partnership with Hallmark Cards, to bring messages of hope to those who need them most.

In addition to reaching out to individual patients-in-need, you’ll also be supporting the financial well being of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, San Diego Chapter.

If you go to our website, you can view our, “frequently asked questions”, Sign-Up form and press release. Please share with your family, friends and co-workers.

We welcome your feedback, ideas, and support. Feel free to contact me or my assistant, Jennifer Godbout, to discuss our program. Thank you.

In Spirit,

Greg Voisen
Heartfelt Connections
greg@eluminate.net

760-631-2631

888-337-6416

When I am in a big city, as I was last week, I am a magnet for homeless people. I hadn’t been outside my rental car in downtown Memphis for one minute this week when “Andrew” approached me. His story sounded legit (as they all do). He was wearing a hospital band indicating that at some point he’d been in the hospital. He could name names and addresses of places he needed to go and gave great detail. If he wasn’t really in need, he went to a lot of trouble to make it look that way, so I broke. I violated a policy I set years ago to NEVER give homeless people money. I gave him five bucks to pay what he owed a shelter (apparently they charge homeless people in Memphis. I DID check that out). 

I think homeless people see me and see the word “sucker” written on my forehead. I can unequivocally say that 100% of the time I walk in a city, I am accosted by several. SO this week while in Memphis, I decided to come armed. I brought food with me and made sure I had SOMETHING any time I walked outside the Peabody Hotel. Interestingly, on one of my walks, I had food to give away yet I couldn’t find a homeless person anywhere (I even made up a parody to the tune of “Where have all the flowers gone?” called “Where have all the homeless gone?”).  After walking around for awhile and eating a great dinner at Rendevouz, (I then had leftover BBQ to go with the ham sandwich), to give away. I walked several blocks in the cold wearing only a long sleeve t-shirt, and finally a homeless man approached me (I had never been so excited to see a homeless person in my life!). He noticed that I was shivering and he offered me his coat. I declined politely and unloaded my lunch bag (ham sandwich, apple, cookie and chips). He may not have gotten what he wanted from me but at least he didn’t go hungry.

While in Washington, DC when I was 21 years old, I was approached by a homeless man who said he was hungry. I noticed a store that sold lots of “beverages” but no food nearby. I am guessing he wasn’t REALLY hungry just perhaps thirsty for something that in the long run may have hurt him more than helped him. So on that muggy August day, I initiated the HPNCR (The Homeless Person No Cash Rule)and until December 4th 2007, I followed the HPNCR rule faithfully. Over the years, I have bought many lunches, bus fares, taxi rides, clothes and even a night or two of hotel. I have even “employed” a few people who had needs and were willing to work. Once I picked up a homeless man and drove him two hours to Tallahassee, FL. I even let him play my guitar at night and met him by Lake Ella near St.Paul’s United Methodist Church to hear him play. He attracted a small crowd of people as he played that night. He had been a backup guitarist for Eric Clapton. I think he was telling the truth as he did “rock” on the guitar.

Now that I am married, I have a new rule to follow. It was sent down from the Richardson family domestic CEO. I have sworn to follow it and it’s inscribed inside of my wedding band. It’s a much more safe and sane rule called HP(S)NCIYC or the Homeless Persons (Shall) Never Come Inside Your Car rule. I will still help ANYONE who legitimately needs help but until this week, not with cash.So Andrew got me. Initially I had told him I was going to check out his story (which I delegated to The Peabody Concierge). My thought was that I would find out if he was telling the truth and then go back to help him to pay for his night at the shelter. As I started walking away I realized that this was going to take more time than I had, so I decided to trust him and give him the money (later he was waiting by my car with a new story…the cops had seen me give him the money and taken it away because he was pan handling….hmmmm).

So how do we solve this problem readers? I admit it, I don’t understand homelessness. It’s beyond me to imagine living on the street. I just can’t imagine how it would feel. I know most people would exhaust every possibility before turning to street life, obviously not everyone does. I’ll never understand why people who are smart enough to con people daily into giving them a “free lunch” can’t use those skills to live productive (if not even) rich lives. Perhaps I should walk in their shoes for a day like activist, author, and Richest People in America nominee Shane Claibourne does. Maybe it’s wearing (and following) the initials written in white on blue bracelets - WWJD. 

After interviewing Craig Kielberger this year, I vividily remember his description of his parents helping others. He said his mother always helped those less fortunate. Craig told me that she looked into their eyes and honored their humanity. It left an indellible impression on Craig and may be a big part of the reason Craig and his brother Marc are changing the world through their Free the Children philanthropy. I think part of my job as a parent is to do the same, even when no one is watching.

I am writing this post from the lobby of the Peabody Hotel in Memphis. I am awaiting the arrival of the famous Peabody ducks. As you MAY know, every day the ducks come down the elevator from the top floor penthouse where they live to swim in the lobby fountain for the day. When I arrived on Tuesday, I was sitting near where I am sitting now listening to the piano player play a variety of Broadway show tunes, Christmas Carols and classical music. As I looked around at the ornate and festive surroundings, I reflected on a conversation I had with the rental car shuttle bus driver (June) who took me to pick up my car. On the way to the lot she asked me where I was staying. I told her and quoted the ridiculously low price I was paying for a Four Star/Four Diamond Hotel. She responded with “that is more than I make in a day.” Wow! She truly thought I was wealthy…if she only knew howI defined “rich” and how “rich” I really am. Further conversation revealed that June was born in Memphis and that she had never been to the Peabody. Never stepped inside one of the south’s most historic and celebrated hotels. I couldn’t believe it.

My travels have take me to Memphis many times and I have had the pleasure of staying at the Peabody both here and in Orlando several times. I have also seen, or stayed in many historic and luxury hotels including; The Breakers in Palm Beach, The Phoenician in Scottsdale, The Homestead in Virginia, several Ritz Carlton Hotels, The Four Seasons Palm Beach, The Biltmore Miami and Asheville, The Grand Hotel on Macinac Island, The Warwick Hotel in New York and many others. I have also worked for the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club, a beautiful ocean front Five Diamond property. These experiences have helped me experience thifestyle of the rich and famous without being either.

I am truly a shorts and flip flop or jeans and sweat shirt kind of a guy. I can be just as happy staying at a motel on the beach with sandy floors or at a mountain cabin that might have the aroma of years of visitors. BUT the place I stay that brings me the most comfort and love is the one I will stay in tonight (my home with my family). But it’s fun every now and again to stay at or visit an ornate hotel (particularly an older one).

So as result of meeting June (an African American woman in her late 50’s), I am going on a date in January. June and I have exchanged phone numbers so when I come back to Memphis, I am going to ask her to put on her Sunday best and meet her at the Peabody for dessert and coffee. We’ll watch the ducks march out of the lobby fountain and raise a glass, as they make their way to the elevator to the top floor of the hotel. Those rich, spoiled, overfed ducks…

This morning at church I heard about a pastor named Michael Slaughter. He is a very non-traditional minister in a particularly traditional denomination- The United Methodist Church. Slaughter’s church is Ginghamsburg Church and he challenged his Tipp City Ohio members to spend less on Christmas gifts and more on helping others. In particular Slaughter believes (as I happen to believe), that we spend WAY too much on gifts - about $900 on average. As we put up our tree tonight, I was stumbling over presents sent or delivered by family. My wife and I come from large families so we haven’t scratched the surface. Despite my plea to have money donated in our honor to a charitable cause, or to send money or gifts for our  local Dreams for Kids party, the presents will continue to arrive. The people who love us simply want to buy us gifts to show us that they care. Though we instituted a parent one present and stocking rule this year to cut down on excess, the kids will hardly notice a difference. Plus, I’d say that there’s a strong possibility that one of us will break under the marketing machine and buy something our kids really “need”. Americans are just programed to spend and I am, after all, a proud American!

It’s simply ridiculous how much “stuff” we give and receive during the holidays. Slaughter supports cutting whatever you spend on gifts in half and giving what you would spend on gifts to efforts like “The Sudan Project“. Check out their web address to see links and other cool ways they are making a difference. I’d like to hear other ideas that people are doing to spend less and have a bigger impact. What are you doing different this year? What traditions do you or your family have? Do you think Slaughter is off base? Do you think I am the Grinch who Stole Christmas or Mr. Potter in “It’s a Wonderful Life?” Should I be banned from Christmas? I think some in my family think so!

Tim Richardson is an inspirational speaker who speaks about how giving increases employee morale, lowers employee turnover, increases customer loyalty and creates higher profits for Fortune 500 companies, associations, and national conventions. He is the founder of the The Worlds Biggest Blog Party an event which will connect bloggers from all over the world to raise money for charity. He is also founder and president of the Bill Walter Melanoma Research Fund. For more information on Tim, go to www.TimRichardson.com

-Last week, I was traveling through the Atlanta airport and saw many US Service personnel. I told as many as I had time to tell how thankful I was for their service. One replied with respect, “It’s my pleasure to serve.” What a great response and a great motto for life.

- Recently, my son and I slept aboard the USS Yorktown, a World War II aircraft carrier. It was totally cool though I must confess seeing the beautiful bridge span across the water and smelling the familar smell of salt water made me pine for my native Florida. I spent a few hours one afternoon on the ship’s deck by myself reading and enjoying a rare quiet time thinking about life and reflecting on the lives of the men and women who have served our country. I wish I had had the courage to enlist as a young man not only for the great discipline I would have learned but to represent the USA.

- Today, my son interviewed a WWII vet. He told of eating chipped beef on toast for several weeks because the Japanese subs keep sinking the American supply ships. He said not one sailor complained (my father-in-law begs to differ!). Indeed his generation was the greatest generation.

- My speaker colleague Karyn Buxman sent me this today. It’s worth checking out.

In reflection this Veteran’s Day, I’d like to share with you a project done
by a friend and colleague of mine, Dr. Sam Bierstock. Dr. Sam is better
known for his musical medical parodies (like “You Picked a Fine Time to
Leave Me, Blue Shield”) but he also did a piece for our veterans titled,
“Before You Go.” The song was originally meant for WWII veterans, but is
appropriate to all vets.

You can listen to the song and see an accompanying slide show here. You may also download his song from iTunes, however, he is donating all proceeds-this is a project of the heart, not the wallet.

Please share it with the veterans in your life-we’re all grateful for their
service and sacrifice.

 I wrote this sitting in an auditorium at William Blount High School. I spoke for a couple of hundred high school students which can be a challenge. I think they thought I was from the Ice Age. However, I think they were from the future. Conversely to what CNN, Fox News, ABC, NBC, CBS and all the other news media might portray, the young people of today hold promise for tomorrow. In my experience with today’s young people, they think and act unlike the youth of my generation. They take a stand, voice their opinions, and act on things that they care about. Among the few I had the opportunity to meet were Grant, who told me he wants to serve our nation and our world. He’s still figuring out how. He had charisma and leadership abilities that make him destined to be a difference maker. I also met a young man named Devon, who in front of a group of his peers said, “Richness is not really defined by money but for many people it’s fulfillment and happiness. It’s having all you need and not wanting more.” He spoke of family and friends and how both made his life more rich.Then there was Jennifer, age 17, who works with the Free Masons to help with an annual Christmas party. They give clothing to the homeless and while they are there, Jennifer talks with the parents and entertains their children at the party. Alex, who is from a Hispanic heritage, told me he wanted to be a mechanic and he wanted to use his “fix it” skills to serve others. He told me after the program, “Your talk gave me the bumps (chill bumps). I realized that I can do something to make a difference and I loved hearing stories of people my age who care enough to do cool things to serve others.”  

When I asked the students what it meant to be rich, I was surprised with their answers. The answers they gave were wise beyond their years. They spoke of quality of life and helping others. Of course, I heard the usual funny answers one would expect from high school students but these were said for show. After I spoke, a local group named Black Sunshine performed what they called slam poetry – which by my definition is rap meets Maya Angelou poetry. I was glad I spoke first. I realized that as much as wanted to think I was “in” with these kids, I was so far “out” in every way - age, dress, thinking, and speech. While I could never compete with a group like Black Sunshine, I am grateful that even though the medium of communication will change with the ages, young people can still hear and act on a message. Even one presented by a middle aged man who doesn’t wear an over-sized shirt with his pants hanging halfway down his backside revealing boxer shorts. 

Tim Richardson is an inspirational speaker who speaks about how giving increases employee morale, lowers employee turnover, increases customer loyalty and creates higher profits for Fortune 500 companies, associations, and national conventions. He is the founder of the The Worlds Biggest Blog Party an event which will connect bloggers from all over the world to raise money for charity. He is also founder and president of the Bill Walter Melanoma Research Fund. For more information on Tim, go to www.TimRichardson.com

I received the email below from my professional speaker colleague Barbara Glanz . Barbara wrote the book the Simple Truths of Service with Ken Blanchard about Johnny the Bagger. Barbara seems to find great inspirational stories where ever she go including this from her pastor in a recent sermon (I have pasted her email exactly as she sent it:)

My pastor told a story this Sunday that really touched my heart. He said he
was traveling on Delta from Atlanta to Sarasota, and although usually he is
in the very back of the plane, this time his boarding pass said zone one.
Being one of the first people on the plane, he got to do some wonderful
people watching as others were coming on board.

He was in the third row of coach, when soon a young man in uniform came in,
stowed his pack in the overhead bin, and sat in the row ahead of him. Another young lady was seated in that row, and he was able to hear a bit of their conversation. The young man told her that he had just finished a tour in Iraq, was coming home on leave, and then would go back in several weeks.

As they were talking, a woman who had been seated in first class, came back
to the young man’s row, introduced herself, and asked him for his boarding
pass. A bit puzzled, he handed it to her, at which point she, in turn,
handed hers to him. She said, “I would like to trade seats with you.”

The young man immediately responded, “Oh, no, Ma’am, I couldn’t do that.”

She smiled a huge smile and said, “Oh, yes, you can, Soldier. It’s an
order!”

So, as everyone around wiped teary eyes, the young man reached up for his
backpack and went up to sit in first class.

Just a few moments later, he said another woman came out of first class,
went down the row to another young soldier and said, “I just want to thank
you for serving our country. Would you please trade seats with me?”

And the end of the story is that by the time that plane took off, EVERY
SINGLE PERSON IN UNIFORM was sitting in first class!

What a testimony this is to the difference each of us can make every single
day in every single situation when we are in touch with our hearts! That
one act started a chain of kindness that touched every single life on that
plane that day.

How can YOU reach out to someone today to thank them for the difference they
are making?

Blessings,

Barbara

The only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who will have
sought and found how to serve. Albert Schweitzer

Tim Richardson is an inspirational speaker who speaks about how giving increases employee morale, lowers employee turnover, increases customer loyalty and creates higher profits for Fortune 500 companies, associations, and national conventions. He is the founder of the The Worlds Biggest Blog Party an event which will connect bloggers from all over the world to raise money for charity. He is also founder and president of the Bill Walter Melanoma Research Fund. For more information on Tim, go to www.TimRichardson.com