Hello again friends,
If you've read any of the previous posts here, you're already aware of The Customer Advantage founder, John Milanoski's desire to see his company doing real good in the local communities where we operate. So one of my projects is this blog to share a little bit about the different groups TCA is helping. I'm hoping my words might inspire some of you too. :-)
Today I'd like to share something very special with you. This time it's my story. I'd like to tell you about my dream to help families through a new charitable foundation I'm creating, called The Luttig Family Foundation. Here's a short overview to give you some idea of what I'd like to accomplish. I'll definitely be sharing more in future posts and you can always check out my Facebook page here too.
I came up with the idea of a foundation several years ago. My parent were big into the concept of community service and giving. I guess some of it wore off on me too. But I didn't know what purpose it would serve or how it would be funded. Over the last year, these questions have been answered.
It started after my mom passed away back in 2009. I came to the realization that I was already the same age as my father was when I was born. Yet I had no family or even any prospects on the horizon. Who would care for me when I got to be his age? Right now? Chances are nobody. So I wondered, would I spend my final days or even years in some "facility" with no one there that truly loved me? That idea was not very pleasant to me. As I contemplated my future, a number events pointed me in the direction of adoption as a way to build my own family. So I began a journey which has been frustrating at times and inspirational at others.
One of the most significant obstacles for me was, quite honestly, money. I needed to remodel a bedroom and unfortunately, because I was doing the work myself & had to finance it on the installment plan, it took longer than I really wanted. I also needed to get a physical exam but have no insurance and was required to pay out-of-pocket for this. But even though cash flow here has been slim, I was willing to take on the extra costs as part of my quest.
These hindrances were the inspiration to answer my first question. The foundation would help adoptive & foster families with financial assistance. Specifically, my intention is to help families that want to adopt kids that are considered "special needs" cases from the U.S. foster-care system.
At any given time, there are around 125,000 kids available for adoption. Many of them have medical or other issues which make them more difficult to find permanent homes for. Yet we know that there are lots of families that would take these children but don't currently have the ability to do so. There's lots of reasons and thankfully, money can solve many of these problems!
The next question was how to provide on-going funding of the foundation without the constant need for actively raising money. I'd rather be giving it out than trying to collect it. Then I was introduced to TCA & John. That answered the second part of my question. The money that will be generated through this program should be sufficient to aid many families with their desire to adopt.
Now I'll admit, I have a lot of work to do to really get going and there's still a ways to go before I get there. But I'm looking forward to the challenge and doing something that will help bring kids home to a permanent, loving family.
If you're interested in helping, there's a number things you can do. Of course, financial donations won't be turned away. Initially, I'll use this money to help with getting all the pieces in place so we're sure we're doing everything by the books. But once we get going, it will all go to the families in need. Next, at some point in time, I'll need to set up a board of directors. This group will help in guiding the foundation. If you'd have any interest in serving, please let me know & I can get you more information as we get to that point. Finally, if you haven't already, please consider signing up for a free account here with The Customer Advantage. When you make a purchase (not required), 5% of the sale will automatically go into a fund for the foundation.
For myself, I still have yet to find a child to move into my new bedroom here. But the search continues and I'm sure it will happen soon. There's too many kids in need for my home to go unfilled.
Well thanks for taking time to read & get to know a little more about my plans. I'm very excited about what the future holds. Not only for me but for the kids we will help know what it's like to have a safe, stable home with a family that loves them.
Wishing you peace, love & cheers as always,
Tom
No comments:
Post a Comment