Bullseye Gives is a Win for Target

I just love corporations with compassion. Today I came across a blog regarding the Target charity promotion on Facebook, which is part of Target’s Community Outreach program.

The promotion is called Bullseye Gives and is hosted on the Target Facebook page. To participate in the challenge, everyone is invited to the Facebook page where they can help decide how Target should allocate $3 million among 10 charities. Each charity will receive a donation. The amount of the donation will be determined by the percentage of votes each charity receives.

Charities include:

• Breast Cancer Research Foundations
• Operation Gratitude
• Feeding America
• Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
• HandsOn Network
• Red Cross
• Kids In Need
• Salvation Army
• National Park Foundation
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

You can cast one vote per day until May 25. Happy voting!

Give thanks by getting involved in a charitable pursuit.

As Thanksgiving approaches, we are once again reminded of the many reasons to be thankful. Even in trying economic times such as these, it’s almost always the case that we can look around and see others who are indeed less fortunate. As always, there are a myriad of ways to give back to your community, but the best way to channel your time, energy and resources is to follow your heart. In other words, identify problems in your community or the world that are important to you. So, my challenge to you is to pick three areas where your gifts could shine. Then, seek out organizations in your community that serve at least one of your chosen areas. Go to the Web site, contact the organization and start giving your time and resources in a way that demonstrates how truly thankful you are.

Barbara Fergus, owner and partner of the automotive dealership Midwestern Auto Group (MAG), has channeled much of her energy to philanthropy. She has a special interest in the arts and culture; consequently, that’s where she has placed most of her philanthropic focus. But she doesn’t shy away from other needs when she sees them. In fact, women’s leadership is also near and dear to her heart, and she is a proponent of policy change that will bring long-lasting results in that area. No doubt Barbara is thankful for her company’s success. More important, she has channeled that success into ways she can help others in her community. That’s what giving thanks by getting involved in a charitable pursuit is all about.

During the next few days, as you sit down with family and friends for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, think about how you might turn things around and help others in the community.

To learn more about finding and following your charitable passion, read Life Lesson 21 in Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs.

There Are 1,010,400 Charities. Find Out How Your Business Can Help.

There are more than one million charities out there that could use you as a supporter, so consider pairing up with a local or national charity that fits your personality and passions—it’s a truly rewarding experience! I genuinely believe in giving back to the community, and I have a passion for the arts. This combination compelled me to become one of the founding donors for the Wexner Center for the Arts.

If you’d like to meet other like-minded women, I will be hosting a panel at the Wexner Center, in Columbus, Ohio, next Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 6-8 p.m. about how women have a unique ability to infuse philanthropy into their business. You’ll meet some of the women in the book and some new faces including Bev Bethge of Ologie, Jeni Britton of Jeni’s Ice Creams, Kim Holzer of Smith Barney, and Elizabeth Lessner of Betty’s Fine Food & Spirits, Surly Girl and Tip Top.

Come early from 5-6 p.m. to see the Andy Warhol exhibit for free! Enjoy a networking reception from 6-6:30, panel discussion and Q&A from 6:30-7:30 and then a book signing and Jeni’s Warhol-inspired ice cream and Surly Girl cupcakes at 7:30. I truly hope to meet you at the event!

Please RSVP here.

Pursue Your Charitable Passion

If you’re not engaged in a charitable pursuit, follow your heart to get there. Pay attention to the needs in your community, and when it feels right, respond.

Pick three areas where your gifts could shine. Then, seek out organizations in your community that serve at least one of your chosen areas. Write them down, and check out their Web sites. Better yet, refer to http://www.volunteermatch.org/ for more ideas.

I’m a huge believer in giving back, and I make sure it’s part of my business and personal life. One of my many loves is the arts, and that’s why I’m a founding donor of the Wexner Center for the Arts. I will be hosting a panel discussion with five other notable women from the Columbus business community, including four from the book, at the Wexner Center at a date TBA. We’ll be discussing how women business owners are in a unique position to be givers to their communities by supporting their charitable passions. The discussion will also include how women can leverage the causes they’re already passionate about as part of their overall brand presence.

The free event, which begins with a reception and concludes with a book signing, will take place in the Performance Space at the Wexner Center for the Arts, located at 1871 N. High Street, Columbus. If you’re in the Columbus area, please join us!

Get inspired! Learn how you, too, can pursue a charitable passion that is right for you!