Everyone Can Make a Difference, Will You?

As summer comes to a close, the ALS ice-bucket challenge is heating up again. Thinking back to last summer, my mind turns to what seemed like an explosion of sensational YouTube videos. Maybe you remember a few or, perhaps you try to forget them if you were featured in one.

Last summer the “Ice Bucket Challenge” took the stage in what proved to be one of the most powerful and fun campaigns that succeeded to promote awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). The challenge encouraged nominated participants to be filmed while having ice water poured on their heads and then nominating others to do the same. If you were nominated, and didn’t complete the challenge within 24 hours, you were asked to donate money to the ALS Association. The challenge spread rapidly through social media; capturing former presidents, corporate leaders and celebrities.

As a result of the campaign, over $220 million was donated to the ALS Association, and awareness rapidly spread. This was a financial tidal wave that will hopefully have a profound impact on changing the course of a horrible progressive and degenerative disease.

When it comes to charitable contributions, there was something very different about being publicly challenged. We all receive those frequent e-mails, phone calls or letters to help raise charitable funds, but this summer; I encourage you to make a difference by picking a cause you personally care about.

My intent with these words is simple – you pick it! Choose a cause and give some of your time and talents to help make a change. Not only do my family and I volunteer time outside of work to non-profit organizations, but I am proud to be on a team that seeks to make a difference as well. At OneDigital Farmington, we have an ongoing mission to connect with, and give back to the charitable establishments in the community. Whether we host a service day at a non-profit organization, participate in a Lupus Walk, donate to a food bank, or raise funds for cancer research, we all support a cause together.

Before the summer officially ends, please think about the difference you can make to a charitable organization in your community. Make a financial contribution if you are able, walk, golf, ride a bike, or get drenched. Whatever you choose to do, make your final days of summer great!