Church was out in the Community This Past Weekend

Please forgive me for being a bit preachy today…but, in addition to presenting posts about the public relations industry I do like from time to time to write about things in my life that make me a better person. And this past weekend was one of those examples.  And it’s best described in the first two paragraphs of the national best-seller by Pastor Rick Warren, “A Purpose Driven Life.”

If you are reading this post and want to stop, please don’t.  I promise that the message will benefit you no matter your religious views or what you think of Pastor Rick.  But, his opening salvo, is right on for everyone.

“It’s not about you.

The purpose of your life if far greater that your own personal fulfillment, your peace of  mind, or even your happiness.  It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions.  If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God.  You were born by his purpose and for his purpose.”

What really gets me is the first line- “It’s not about me.” And here’s why.

For those of you who personally know me, you are aware that I am in transition.  My career has been interrupted and I believe it has for a reason.  Due to this break in the action, I am becoming a “richer” person by being able to receive additional training and being able to devote more time to others.  I am learning “it’s not about me.”  The stuff that I am learning for me, I now want to share with you, my loyal readers.  I am learning that my education, skills, talents and experiences are not only intended for me, but they are meant to be shared with others who in turn will do the same and continue to help others.

If you happened to catch Bret Michaels (The Celebrity Apprentice, Lead Singer of Poison) on “Oprah” last week you heard him talk about the only things that mattered to him while he was in the hospital with a potentially life threatening brain hemorrhage. He said the only thoughts he had in his mind were of his family and loved ones.  That’s who he wanted nearby.  At that crucial time, he wasn’t focusing on his accolades or how much stuff that he owns or how big a celebrity he is….at the core…all that mattered was his family and that thought became real to me just this morning.

Bret Michaels understands life's true precious gifts. He's holding one in his arms - his daughter Raine.

For you see, for the last five years my church (Whittier Area Community Church ) “kicks” us out – yes it actually closes its doors and offers us volunteer projects to sign-up for to help the community. These projects cover a wide range of objectives from landscaping public playgrounds, feeding the firefighters, painting teacher’s lounges, fixing up a pregnancy clinic, repairing computers to helping single moms with odds and ends.  There’s something for everyone.  And my projects this year were not my typical – it was a great feeling stepping out of my comfort zone.

Thanks to my mom’s prodding I joined her for a project that scares me to death – we visited the neighborhood hospice homes and provided singing to the patients there who literally come to this wonderful home/hospital for their last breaths. Everyday the staff there deals with how to make people’s lives the most comfortable as possible as their lives on earth end.  They are there for the patient and the caretakers. They are angels.  So, a group of volunteers gathered in the living room of this house and we sang.  It’s well documented that the last sense to go is hearing and I know that to be true for I experienced it with my father.  So as we sang songs like “Amazing Grace,” one particular family member of a patient came out and told us that our singing made her unconscious family member smile.  And that smile was the best gift to the caregiver as well for who doesn’t want the best for the people whom you love who are in pain.

The point I really want to make is — I received much more than that patient did in return. That smile made me feel like I was born for a purpose and my life has purpose. All it took was me spending one hour out of  the year when it wasn’t about me.  I shed so many tears during this project for I sensed how precious life really is and at these times, when someone we love is passing that everything else in life is so unimportant.  Things like the economy, unemployment, the oil spill, bills, etc.  What matters is exactly what Bret Michaels said-it’s our loved ones.  You want them close, they are all that matter and if you can bring a smile to their last moments….is there anything better?

After we concluded with visiting those patients we then stopped by a local transitional housing facility and meant some more incredible people.  Although we all come from different walks of life and circumstances, we all face obstacles and hurdles and trials.  And it’s far easier going through them with others by your side offering support than alone.  We sat in a circle and supported one another and we just talked. We shared our concerns and prodded each other on, providing encouragement and a dose of hope.  It was great medicine for everyone.

I’m going to be extremely honest here now and say…my biggest worry about getting my next job is that I don’t want it to consume my life like it has before. I was recently reminded of this when I attended my industry’s convention last week. The entire time I was there I listened to those walking the floor and all I could hear non-stop was everything about work, work, work-I don’t mind talking business, but I also like to talk about things in life too.  Don’t get me wrong-one should put in a the work required for the job….but, for me, in my next job I don’t want to loose the power behind making someone smile alongside the work.  For “it’s not about me.”  It’s about making a difference in others lives…even if I only do it once a year when my church closes its doors.

This weekend was life changing, in a good way.  My hope is that it inspires you to do volunteer as well.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on volunteering.  So many people do remarkable work as volunteers and I’d love for you to share.

Thank you for allowing me to tell you how “Serve Weekend” impacted me, making me a better person.

Cindy

*The Cable Executives Are Coming! If you’re noticing more signage about cable TV shows this week around town – don’t fear that your rates will soon be rising…For it’s all being purposely done by those “said” networks to show off their wares before their competitors who are in town for the national convention – The Cable Show starts tomorrow. If each network was like a peacock – it’s their way of showing off their feathers to impress others.

A Public Affairs Program to Help Fight Against Hunger - The Sportsman Channel

*Year Round Attention – There are some cool things happening in conjunction with the NCTA.  For instance, The Sportsman Channel is busing a load full of cable conventioneers to the Union Rescue Mission tomorrow afternoon to feed the homeless through a special event called Hunt. Fish. Feed.  I was hoping to attend, but I had a conflict in my schedule.  Then tomorrow night a group of cable executives are organizing a fund-raising event in honor of Will Flannery, a wonderful cable executive and family man who passed away suddenly last year at the age of 38.  They are raising money to help his family – its an incredible gesture and I applaud those who are behind it – this is how cable makes a difference.

*Money Men - Well cable has “Mad Men” and it also has “Money Men.”  Kudos to LA Times Reporter Meg James for her story today based on the results of a Los Angeles Times survey that listed compensation packages doled out to C-level media and entertainment executives. The figures these heads of entertainment corporations received was eye-opening and it also was perfectly timed to make an impact as the cable convention begins this week in LA. A majority of the men making these incredible salaries will be here in town, earning their money.

I have included a chart that the LA TIMES featured with the story for you to see for yourself the obscene sums of money these men, not women, earned last year.

If I get a chance I’d like to ask Meg James, a fantastic TV business reporter, if she could follow up this story with another article on this subject for I am curious about two things – (1) How much money did these suits devote to charity last year? And (2) how many people were laid off from their respective corporations last year?

I mean, not to point fingers at Greg Maffei, the CEO of Liberty Media – but he brought home $87 million last year. What in the world can you do with $87 million!!!! My hope is that he is using it to re-invest it back into America by either – giving it back to his company so they can keep employees, handling some back to our U.S. Government so it can cancel a small portion of its national debt, donating some to those less fortunate like earthquake survivors in Haiti or Mexico or doing something other than buying more homes or cars. That is my wish for all of them and to be fair-I know most of these men are generous with their contributions.  My favorite wish would  be that would give it all back to their companies to keep employees on their jobs!!!!!!!!!!! They can make a huge difference in the world and I hope that they follow in Bill Gates’ footsteps in this area – his Foundation with is wife Melinda is amazing. What huge opportunities these “money men” have and so many worthy causes to choose from. I wish I had that dilemma, don’t you?  What would you do with $87 mill?

Chart: Compensation for media executives

So that’s it for today…I’ve got to pack up all my stuff and get ready for the convention tomorrow. I’ll be getting my credentials in the afternoon and start reporting as soon as I can.  I’ve got a lot of people to say hi to first though at the NCTA – I am so looking forward to seeing all my colleagues again and learning about the future of cable.

Stay tuned.

All My Best,

Cindy

Can Nancy Dubuc make 'History' At Lifetime

Today, Lifetime Networks announced that Nancy Dubuc has been named President and General Manager of Lifetime Television. She succeeds Andrea Wong, who recently departed the company.  (In full disclosure, I was employed by Lifetime in its corporate communications department from Jan. 09 to Nov. 09, however, my position became redundant due to AETN’s acquisition late last year.)  The announcement of Dubuc today in the LA Times by Joe Flint, wasn’t really a surprise to those in the industry for her name has been speculated in the press since Wong announced her plans.

I liked my time at Lifetime, but I often scratched my head a bit about the network’s choice of programming.  The network labels itself – a network for women – but, I’m a woman and I never watched it until they acquired Project Runway.  I know that I am an anomaly for I am single business woman, however, many of my friends are married with children and I hear what they say.  You see, most of the women that I hang around have big concerns about marriage, parenting and finances, especially during this economy. But, I never saw that resonate on-air.  We were charged with promoting “women in peril” programming, because, sadly to say – that’s what got the higher ratings. And ratings are the heroine (drug of choice) at every network. I don’t know what drives women in mass amounts to tune into stories about murder, mayhem and betrayal. I will never figure that out!

Lifetime May Get Some Changes

But with every The Capture of the Green River Killer and Natalee Holloway, the Network did try and provide a more contemporary view of womanhood with the likes of Army Wives and the new comedy Sherri. Also, Drop Dead Diva, a popular comedic drama, attempts to tackle self-worth and self-esteem issues weekly – so the network does try. But, it really needs to do more.

With Dubac, I hope comes a breath of fresh air in ideas and none too soon.  The Lifetime viewers are on life-support at the moment  and with added competition coming from OWN next year–they should “energize” their brand as soon as possible. And I believe she has the chops to do it.  Her scorecard proves that she can invigorate oldish brands as she re-invented the stodgy History Channel.  So, if I was a betting woman, I’d put money down that she will turn this network around – well all their networks around (Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Channel and Lifetime Real Women).

Lifetime Hit A Home Run With Drop Dead Diva

So in case she doesn’t have a clear game plan already, I’d like to present a few suggestions for topical programming.

Idea #1 – Instead of supporting breast cancer year-long on the mylifetime.com website – why not produce a reality show following those going through breast cancer in real life.  I know that breast cancer doesn’t only effect those with it, but the family hurts as well, especially the husbands. It would be fantastic to depict those issues in a supportive series.

Idea #2 – Pick up where Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution left off – America banded around this Brit to ensure that the children of tomorrow stand a chance to live healthy long lives by eating right.  Find another chef and take off after another fatty town and school district.  Made a difference in others lives.

Idea #3 – Go inside troubled homes and bring in a counselor to help them deal with non-communicative husbands and/or stubborn kids.  Produce a show that provides practical tips to running your home without losing your mind. And I’m not talking Wife Swap here, something more real.

Idea #4 – Give the top Mommy bloggers their own show. Heck, I’d watch it.  They could point out great discounts on the web and sweepstakes to die for.  Also, they could highlight great non-profit efforts.

Idea #5 – Women entrepreneurs – I have been meeting some dynamic women executives who are running incredible companies that they have started up.  I’d like to see women portrayed positively in the workplace as opposed to the stereotype we’re most presented with…let’s showcase these gals!

That’s just a few of my thoughts and I’ve got a bunch more…but, I’ll leave it at that.   I am excited about Dubuc’s appointment and I wish her tremendous success.  She now has inherited a wonderful opportunity to influence millions of women – please don’t let us down.

Best,

Cindy

Newport Beach Public Library Foundation Supports the Need for Books

The other week I ran across an idea which I just loved!  I was conversing with some Foundation members from the Newport Beach Public Library and marveled how they could afford to produce a top-notch speaker’s series and other such programs.  And what I found out was incredible.  They are able to produce their special events because of funds raised through the used bookstore in the library. The used bookstore is run by volunteers and it brings in up to $200,000 in extra revenue for the library each year.  I know that Newport Beach is an affluent area, but other public libraries are ascribing to this as well. There’s money in used books, even when you only charge 50 cents to a couple a bucks for good books.

Then today, as I sit in a local hospital’s waiting room – I noticed that they were selling used books as well – a novel idea for those enduring the wait for a loved one to finish a surgery or procedure.  If one forgot to bring a book or something to pass the time – they can pick up a book for two bits.  And the money goes back to the hospital volunteer program – excellent! Bravo to all out there involved in the used book process for public gain!

I didn’t bring a book with me since I’m always touting my laptop – but I got a treat too.  I was able to hook up to the hospital’s wi-fi for free and they even brought us danish and coffee to help us endure our wait. Now that’s customer service and a wonderful touch. They truly understand that it’s harder to wait for a loved one to have a procedure than have the procedure done to you! I asked that question on my Facebook status today and hands down that’s how people felt.

Used books are worth millions!

So, I guarantee that if you follow my blog, that you are prolific reader. As such, when you have moment or two, peruse your personal library and see if you can donate some of your books to your local public library.  It’s a small way to give back – but it definitely makes a difference. It can help your library keep its doors open to the public.

You give a little, but you’re giving a lot.

Donate.

Best,

Cindy

Over 800 people worked together to provide meals to over nearly 300,000 hungry people in India.

I just left a volunteer event at my church where over 800 people gathered on a rainy day to put together food packets that are being sent to starving families in India.  As a observer of marketing trends and an watcher of philanthropic endeavors, I was extremely impressed by the way that this project was able to serve mankind through its low cost and volunteer interactivity. Yes, it was a bit of an administrative nightmare to put together, but the sponsors, Impact Lives (a division of Converge Worldwide), made the organizing turn-key.  I encourage you to read on.

In a nutshell, my church, Whittier Area Community Church, designated its entire Christmas offering toward this India project.  Basically, we needed to raise $72,000 to purchase the raw ingredients for 285,000 meals to be shipped to India. The $72K benchmark was a high goal for my community church to raise, and due to the economy, we were praying for a miracle.  Well today, WACC Senior Pastor Bill Ankerberg shared the good news with us.  We were able to raise that amount and then some.  The big man upstairs wanted these people to get meals!

This is a wonderful story, however, the point of my blog post today is to share with you the process and how successful it was integrating its purpose and driving home a  message. I hope that this information may inspire you when you are planning your next fund-raising event.

The beauty of this project was that Impact Lives, Inc. understood that the food would not only impact those hungry, but also the process of creating them would be just as impactful for the volunteers.  Brilliant marketing on their behalf.  For it was literally impossible when preparing the bag not to think about how fortunate we are to have food in our cupboards.

The Process

These packages blended together rice, soy protein, 21 essential vitamins and minerals and dehydrated vegetables.  The cost of the meal is a quarter and an entire box (36 packs) will feed an entire family for six months. So you can see that these packages were extremely valuable.

The best way for me to describe this interactive event is through photos (sorry I forgot my video camera.)

Here’s what the finished packages looked like.

Just Add to Boiling Water and Dinner is Ready in 20 minutes - Makes 6 cups

Volunteers were divided in groups of 10. Each group had a table with different tasks.  A person measured the rice, another the soy protein, another the dehydrated vegetables and yet another vitamins.

A Group Effort

After the mixture was in the bag, a person had to weigh each to make sure it was at the proper weight.

If they weighed too much, you'd take some out.

After that, it was time to seal them up – it was fun using the electric sealer as you can tell – Aleta was great at it.

After that, once you had 36 together – it was time to stuff them in a box which was then swiftly carted away.  In addition to the volunteer mixers, others kept us in stock of rice, etc.  Volunteers worked two hours shifts and it was open to everyone, no matter your age. Therefore, families could participate. Also, everyone had to wear those darling hair nets.

The final stop was transporting the cartons to the trailer which was being hauled to the Port of Los Angeles tomorrow for boarding onto a cargo ship.  The shipping container will be on its way to India this week.

Often, when you donate to a charitable cause you never see where your money goes. Well, with this project, you witnessed your work and where it was going.  It was a first class operation from start to finish.  And it was a lot of fun meeting new people.  Also, members of the community joined in as well in addition to those who attend the church.

The food that was prepared is being shipped to India’s eastern port of Vishakhapatnam, (a.k.a. Visag.)  The first cluster of villages that will receive the food is 100 miles north of this spot, the second distribution point will be a refugee camp in the northern state of Assam.

I originally had signed up for one two hour shift, but was enjoying it so much I stayed for another.  At the end of the day, I can say I felt grateful to help those who are starving.  This event has changed my life and hopefully others too.  I pray that I never complain about another meal again.  I must be grateful for whatever I have on my plate.

In this vein, it would be great to hear about a fund-raiser you have been involved with that included many volunteers. I’d love to hear about it….so please comment.

Best,

Cindy