A Business Card Isn't Just for Business

We love having a crazy amount of fun, but we also recognize that there are many people less fortunate than ourselves who may have lost their way. As soon as we step out of our office in downtown Chicago, we're confronted with countless homeless men and women asking for a bit of spare change or leftovers from lunch.

We made a commitment to help them, help themselves. 

Instead of cash or food, we give them our business cards with our address and cell phone numbers.  "Call us, we'll help you find a job.", we say.  In return we see a flash of shock cross their face, almost as if no one has given them the time of day in years. Last night, a man said to me, "Oh wow, seriously? This is exactly what I need!" 

It's pretty shocking to see the reactions.  What if your brother, sister, mother, father lost their job, their car, their home, and even their will to live or to have a dream?  Would you turn the other way?  Would you throw money at the problem?  Or would you do something about it?

We're trying to do something about it.  Unfortunately, no one has yet to stop by or call us, but we're not giving up.

Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime...

On that note, a new technology startup just launched called Joinable that gives the homeless free voicemail, email, and text messaging. We highly recommend these folks and their technology. :)

evolyfe.

This isn't the only evolyfe initiative we're involved in, we have a few others:

• Harley Helping Hands -- a Chicagoland nonprofit providing financial support for adults with brain cancer.  Buy tickets to the April 29th event.
• Chicago Youth Centers -- a Chicagoland nonprofit investing in youth in underserved Chicago neighborhoods to help them discover and realize their full potential--from early childhood education to and through college.  Buy tickets to the May 19th event.
• Bear Necessities -- a national nonprofit focused on eliminating brain cancer.  Vote on pictures or donate here.
• Siouxland Cares (United Way) -- What kind of an Iowan would we be if we didn’t give back to the community that helped raise and educate us (FINE:  First in the Nation in Education)?

These are the nonprofits we've been focused on lately, and have helped a few others over the years. If you need help with your nonprofit, or just want to chat, give us a shout, we'd love to lend a helping hand. Or an ear.

:)