Earlier this month the KCE team gathered in Houston for our annual meeting and holiday party. We also spent a morning volunteering at the Houston Food Bank and building bikes for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. From our entire team, we hope everyone has a great holiday season with loved ones!
Friends and Colleagues,
As many of you know, I am a passionate Board Member for Dallas Pets Alive! One of the biggest fundraising events for us is TODAY, North Texas Giving Day. Our goal today is to raise $115,000 so we can continue our amazing life-saving work!
If you’re looking to give back, please consider donating to Dallas Pets Alive. Every bit helps and makes a big impact! ❤️
Thank you for your support! 🙏
https://lnkd.in/gsZdDbjw
More about Dallas Pets Alive:
Your support during North Texas Giving Day is not just a donation; it's a lifeline. Every gift you make goes directly to programs that are transforming the lives of animals and their humans. Our Foster and Adoption program is a beacon of hope for the most at-risk animals in our partner shelters, while our preventative programs—like PASS, Dogs Matter, and Bark Dorm—work tirelessly to keep pets out of shelters and in loving homes. These initiatives are not just about rescue; they're about building healthier, stronger communities where animals and people thrive together.
The need is urgent. Many of the pets that come into our care have medical conditions so severe that shelters simply can't provide the care they need. Over a third of the animals we help are Major Medical Cases, requiring $1,000 or more in medical expenses. In 2023 alone, we spent more than $400,000 on treatments ranging from basic vaccinations to heartworm treatment and life-saving surgeries.
This year, as we've taken on the incredible work of Dogs Matter and face the overwhelming overcrowding in North Texas shelters, the number of animals in our care has more than doubled. For the first time, we have more than 500 animals relying on our programs. While we've made strides in fundraising, the financial demands have outpaced our resources.
So proud of Patricia Cameron and what she's achieving with Blackpackers !
"the nonprofit Blackpackers aims to serve underrepresented communities by teaching outdoor skills like wilderness first aid, providing low-cost or free gear and excursions, and creating networking opportunities in the outdoor industry.
Among its programs, the group has partnered with Arapahoe Basin for four years to extend free lift tickets, half-day lessons, gear and clothing to participants in ski and ride days. Between 300 and 400 people sign up every year, though Blackpackers can take only up to 70 per day."
https://lnkd.in/ge475fY2
As a parent, you always hope to see your children grow into individuals who make a positive difference. Seeing Arden recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards is, of course, a proud moment. But what’s even more fulfilling is watching the impact of his nonprofit, Sports4Kids-CA, unfold. For two years, he’s worked tirelessly to bring sports opportunities to kids who might not otherwise have access. 🏀⚽
Just yesterday, I stopped by one of his sessions at a local elementary school. Watching 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders—whom don’t have regular PE classes in their schools—get their only physical activity for the week was both heartwarming and eye-opening. It’s easy to overlook how something as simple as a weekly soccer or basketball session can make a difference, but the science backs it up. 📊
According to a study published (https://lnkd.in/g2FymJ3H ) in PLOS ONE (with over 11,000 children aged 9-13), participation in team sports leads to:
🔵 10% lower anxiety and depression scores
🔵 19% lower withdrawal and depression scores
🔵 17% lower social problems
🔵 12% fewer attention problems
🔵 20% fewer instances of rule-breaking behavior
In a world where mental health challenges are rising at an alarming rate, especially among youth, providing access to sports may seem like a small thing. But over time, these small, consistent efforts can change lives—physically, mentally, and emotionally. 🌱
What might start as just a game can evolve into something much more: a foundation for resilience, confidence, and long-term well-being.
When you consider the percentages from the study—those 10%, 20% reductions in mental health challenges—applied across schools, communities, and generations, the potential impact is enormous. These small actions, when repeated over time, can accumulate and create lifelong benefits for children and, ultimately, healthier, stronger communities. 💪
Thank you to everyone who has supported Arden—and to all who work tirelessly to make a difference in young lives. 🙏
#Sports4MentalHealth#PhysicalEducation#PhysicalHealth
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been recognized as the Volunteer of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards. Volunteering has always been a passion of mine, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to give back to our community through initiatives that support and uplift others.
A big thank you to everyone who’s supported me along the way, especially the incredible teams and organizations I’ve had the privilege to work with. This award isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a reflection of the collective effort and dedication of everyone involved.
Special thanks to Drew Moser, Greg Anglea, Serhat Pala, and Zeynep Ilgaz.
Excited to keep making a positive impact!
🌲 What I learned Volunteering at Scout Camp 🌲
During the past weekend, I had the opportunity to reflect on my summer.
I volunteered as an adult leader at Camp Royaneh, a scout camp nestled deep in the Redwoods. At the closing campfire, the adult leaders were recognized. 🔥
But I took away something even more meaningful.
A couple of years ago, one of my scouts twisted his ankle on the first day! 🙀
He was slower than everyone else. Discomfort and frustration! 🙁
Faced with navigating the large camp on crutches, he considered asking his parents to pick him up. 🤕
But fellow scouts, adults, and camp staff rallied around him, offering him support and encouragement.
“We see and recognize your struggle – keep going!”
Ultimately, he chose to stay and to push through, ending the week feeling very proud. He had grown through overcoming adversity. 🙌
Can you remember something similar at work?
When faced with an unexpected setback, a new team member might decide that "this is not for me" OR that "I am going to get through this."
Peers and leaders – we all can have significant influence. But it takes effort, just like slowing down to accompany a fellow scout on crutches.
#Perseverance#Teamwork#YouthDevelopment#GrowthMindset
What better way to say thanks than to give of your time for those that need a helping hand. Registration link is below for the few slots that remain, so sign up today!
I believe WE are ALL made for impact. Whether you're revolutionizing collegiate and soon-to-be professional sports, launching a new venture (details coming soon 😎 ), or working a part-time job, we all have the opportunity to see our neighbors and contribute something meaningful. Here's to each of us improving some part of our world.
#Leadership#Kindness#Impact#Perspective
Caitlin Clark’s most impactful NIL deal hasn't paid her anything at all.
When NIL passed in 2021, the Coralville Community Food Pantry immediately turned to the Iowa basketball star for help.
They offered to pay her for her promotion, but Clark insisted that she work for free.
She’s helped raise more than $100,000 in two years.
The fifth day of Kwanzaa is celebrated as Nia, a Swahili word that means "purpose" or "intention". It's a day to reflect on how your individual goals contribute to the greater good of your community and culture.
Kwanzaa Day 5. Nia - to make our collective vocation the building and development of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
On Day 5 of our journey through the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, we explore Nia: Purpose. A collective intention to develop our communities.
What is Nia?
Nia, a Swahili word meaning “intention” or “purpose”, is celebrated on the fifth day of Kwanzaa. This principle highlights the significance of living with intention and aligning our actions with our cultural values. Nia calls for self-reflection, urging us to consider our aspirations and how they contribute to rebuilding and uplifting our communities. It encompasses an understanding of our identity, African heritage, shared destiny, and how we can work toward the greater good.
Purpose, as defined by Nia, extends beyond individual fulfillment. It is deeply rooted in a collective context, encouraging us to ensure that our personal goals align with the well-being of our families, neighbourhoods, and cultural legacy.
Practicing Nia during Kwanzaa
Here are a few ways to embrace Nia during this celebration:
Candle lighting
On the fifth day, light the first green candle placed to the immediate right of the black candle to symbolise Nia and its importance in your life.
Self-reflection
Take a moment to evaluate your personal goals and how they support your community. Ask yourself, “How can my talents and passions contribute to positive change?” This is also an excellent opportunity to set meaningful goals and plans for the year ahead.
Community building
Participate in (or organise) local initiatives that foster growth and solidarity. Whether it’s mentoring youth, volunteering, or supporting community programs, every effort helps create a stronger community.
🎁🎄 Members, we need your help spreading holiday cheer at the Kingswood Community Center Toy & Coat Giveaway!
Volunteers will assist with setting up the event space, ensuring toys and coats are neatly displayed. You’ll welcome families, guide them through registration, and help them select their items. Your efforts will ensure a smooth, positive experience for everyone. Once distribution is complete, we’ll pitch in to tidy up the space. Your support will make a meaningful difference for families in need this holiday season. ❤️
This event is limited to 10 volunteers, so sign up early to secure your spot!
📌 Attendees will receive 1 DIAD/CI event credit.
🎁🎄 Members, we need your help spreading holiday cheer at the Kingswood Community Center Toy & Coat Giveaway!
Volunteers will assist with setting up the event space, ensuring toys and coats are neatly displayed. You’ll welcome families, guide them through registration, and help them select their items. Your efforts will ensure a smooth, positive experience for everyone. Once distribution is complete, we’ll pitch in to tidy up the space. Your support will make a meaningful difference for families in need this holiday season. ❤️
This event is limited to 10 volunteers, so sign up early to secure your spot!
📌 Attendees will receive 1 DIAD/CI event credit.
#JLWilmingtonDE#JuniorLeague#CommunityImpact#Volunteer
Caitlin Clark’s most impactful NIL deal hasn't paid her anything at all.
When NIL passed in 2021, the Coralville Community Food Pantry immediately turned to the Iowa basketball star for help.
They offered to pay her for her promotion, but Clark insisted that she work for free.
She’s helped raise more than $100,000 in two years.
Employee Benefits Advisor @ The Baldwin Group
2moWell done