Sometimes monster-large charitable organizations –
the good-doing groups that benefit from 5K runs, black-tie balls and pledge
drives - can honestly become kind of anonymous in your mind.
You feel great about writing a check, donating an
item for auction, or getting your sweat on with friends for 60 miles in 3 days
for a great cause.
Absolutely.
But does it hit your heart? Maybe not that hard.
I think it’s often because we can’t clearly envision
the process of those funds being used –
or we don’t personally know people being helped by a particular organization.
Then something happens that causes that non-profit
to become a very important element in
your life. And you want to hug every living soul on their payroll.
That was me and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. I
knew they were doing good in the world in a general sense.
But I had certainly never opened their doors in Houston and walked in about something very important to me. Or someone.
Then a few years ago, the amazing people and
resources at M.D. Anderson significantly extended the life of my wonderful aunt
during her battle with terminal cancer.
I had the privilege of staying with Aunt Billie at
M.D. Anderson one weekend during her treatment, and was so moved by the
incredible care she received, and the facility around us. It planted in me a
very grateful heart toward this exceptional organization.
There is no ‘quit’ in M.D. Anderson. They are so, so
determined to save the people you love. Period.
Recently, Super Much Love had the opportunity be a
sponsor of the 23rd annual MD Anderson A Conversation With A Living Legend® luncheon and fundraiser in Dallas.
The event honored Tony Blair, former British Prime
Minister, as this year’s Living Legend.
Mr. Blair was interviewed during the luncheon by FOX News’ Greta Van Susteren.
Mr. Blair is a believer in the life-saving work of MD Anderson, and was so gracious to both the organization and the United States in his comments.
To be frank, the former PM rocked the house. Witty, brilliant and full of political and human
insight, he had the room of 1000 completely engaged and, often, laughing.
This fundraiser was Super Much Love’s first
involvement with a non-profit, and, we hope, one of many more to come.
We were tickled pink to be joined at our table by
some long-time advocates of SML, as well as a number of the wonderful folks who work
directly on the brand – from the fantastic designers at SWOON The Studio, to
our legal counsel, Dyan House, and social media consultant, Hendrik de Vries of SplashMedia.
Right outside the event hall was a table displaying
a number of gorgeous, inspiring items created by young patients at M.D.
Anderson as part of the Children’s Art Project ™.
Seriously great stuff.
We found a sweet iPhone cover, and some
ridiculously cool, over-sized floral magnets that had to come home with us. Each features fabulous artwork created by
young patients at M.D. Anderson.
You can find these and many other goodies for a
good cause at www.childrensart.org.
Use discount code UCM10 for $5 off your purchase of $50 or more. Proceeds
benefit programs that enhance the lives of pediatric patients and their families,
both during and after treatment.
What better reason to shop early for a birthday,
host or thank-you gift – or maybe nab new fun magnets for displaying your own babies’ artwork on the fridge?
Art and love are the great communicators and healers
of our hearts, you know?
If you haven't already, I encourage you to seek out and jump in with the cause that resonates
with you.
And know that whatever you do will make a difference. Because your
heart is in it, love.
Love,
-Melinda
Illustration Credit: 'Umbrella' - Minimil/Vetta/Getty Images
