Causes I Believe In

I’m big supporter of social causes. I think we’re living in an [pullquote_right] “Choose to be known by the problems you solve, not just the ideas you have.” -Jeff Shinabarger [/pullquote_right] era of global philanthropy like we’ve never seen before. Every-day people are finding ways to address issues across the globe. No longer are we depending on corporate giants, governments, and celebrities to change our world. It’s because of this that I have deep admiration for social entrepreneurs who’ve created solutions to some of the world’s most overlooked problems. The ideas they develop are just as revolutionary in the hands of those in need as they are in the marketplace.

Here you will find causes and socially conscious companies that I believe in and support.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]OMS Shoes™ was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. This model, also known as One for One™, uses the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good. This all began in 2006 when American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, Blake took matters into his own hands and created TOMS Shoes, a company that would address this overlooked need head-on. After launching the company, Blake returned to Argentina later that year with a group of family, friends and staff with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by TOMS customers. Today, TOMS has become a global movement, providing shoes for thousands of people around the world.

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[dropcap]C[/dropcap]harity: Water™ is a non-profit initiative based in New York City focused on bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Founded in 2006 by Scott Harrison, it has helped fund 2,906 projects in 17 countries, benefiting over 1,277,430 people. Overall, the organization has sent over $10 million to developing countries as of February, 2010. Scott Harrison, the founder, was a NYC club promoter for 10 years and found himself at the age of thirty wanting more out of his life. In 2004, Scott committed 8 months of his life to the poor and marginalized through volunteer service in Liberia with Mercy Ships. He traced problems surrounding education, safety and health back to a lack of clean water and basic sanitation systems. Scott began to tap his network in an attempt to get as many people as possible to support his cause. The organization has 12 full-time staff members, 20 interns and more than 800 volunteers.

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