Why do they do it? Why do volunteers help and give?
My experience is that it is usually a pivotal personal situation or hearing the right person on the right day that opens our hearts and minds to having a fresh perspective about the world around us.
I recently enjoyed lunch with local independent AFLAC Insurance agent Anne Phoenix and Innovative Fundraising founder Angela Woodman to discuss their exciting new joint venture Ripple Effect - Cleveland (Anne's brainstorm title came from thinking of themselves as stones causing ripples) which combines networking & fundraising opportunities for local N.E. Ohio women.
Angela Woodman's personal story bought tears to her eyes (and mine) as she shared it. Within a period of 48 days several years ago, her sweet grandmother experienced a horrible disfiguration from her neck down at an nursing home, then her best friend was murdered in downtown Cleveland. All this while her father was battling cancer in Florida. Having grown up witnessing her mother's selflessness in helping and giving to others, the impression left with Angela was one of "what can I do to help" rather than "why is the happening to me" as many might think first. She hopped into action as the murdered friend's family had been dealing with cancer in the family and had no resources to bury their son. Angela and her friends launched a five day fundraising effort and raised about $15,000 for the family. Even years earlier in grade school & high school, she raised money for many school programs and for those in need. Angela also formed her business model based on helping others: Innovative Fundraising sells luxury 1500 thread count sheets to support non-profits. Ripple Effect is a natural next step for this compassionate, intelligent beautiful young woman. Attend a Ripple Effect event and you may win a set of sheets.
Anne Phoenix's story is a bit different. Having been very protected in her upbringing she wasn't aware of such pain and suffering. She did service hours in high school, her beginning in service. What she did have was an inner knowing that she was here to help others in anyway she could. Being a young single mom that was struggling herself to provide the necessities in life for her son Brandon, Anne's strength was in connecting people. If you needed a plumber, web designer, photographer Anne was the one to know who, where and how to find the right person to fit the bill. A natural networker, she showed up at every free or low cost event - to make a connection and find out what others needed. If she found business for herself in her growing AFLAC business it was the cherry on the top, but never the only reason she attended events. Anne has prided herself on this strength that has helped many local women.
Having met Anne about three years ago at a Bain Park Cabin networking event while I was promoting my very first fundraiser for Dress for Success, I struck a cord in Anne as she had never even heard of DFS. She said "I can't afford to give money right now - but I will work the event and help in any way I can'. She certainly did that, and later befriended Traci Felder, the director of DFS. She took on the task of getting donations for the yearly gala that same year and hasn't stopped helping. She has continued to connect people to the charity in many ways. Although she is expanding to help as many charities as possible, she always has a soft spot for her first, DFS.
Fast forward a few years to when Meet-up.com sent out an automated email saying an administrator of a on-line networking group was no longer able to continue with almost three hundred women in the database. Angela jumped on the opportunity that just fell into her lap and organized the first event at a Perkins in Steelyard Commons. I happened to be there myself and witnessed the first time Angela and Anne met, of course not realizing that in just a few short weeks these two seemly different women would have the same passion that would create Ripple Effect-Cleveland. Anne had for at least the few years I had known her wanted a networking group and she wanted to be a part of this group in a leadership way. Lucky for us and local charity that has comes to fruition.
Now just months later these two are a powerhouse of activities, and are filling up their calendars (see events box) with fun, exciting events to support local women in business, but with a huge benefit to women in need right here in our own backyard. At lunch Anne said "We all eat and we all shop while buying things to feel good." Now we can do it while supporting local charities!
Using one of Anne's "ah-ha" moments, where do you want to be in 500 years? Long after you're gone what impact would you want to leave behind? Are you ready to step out of the box and support others while promoting your passion? Have a charity you support or perhaps you are looking for a charity to get involved in - call Anne & Angela.
The Ripple Effect-Cleveland and Innovative Fundraising, LLC founder Angela Woodman has always loved people and helping people, which has fueled ideas for a fundraising company as well as incorporating fundraising into the social networking arena. A former commercial sales consultant for twelve years with ADT Fire & Security, she combines her corporate skills, experience, and passion into her entrepreneurial ventures. In her spare time, Angela works on projects at home, spending time with family and friends, boating/fishing and playing sports. Angela believes the definition of success and the best action we can do for ourselves is to give to others. Everything else will fall in place.
Anne Phoenix comes transplanted to Cleveland from Toledo in 1998. She worked for 13 years as a pharmacy technician at both the Clinic and UH and in retail. She taught pharmacy techs at Remington College West for about a year, then took her medical knowledge with her and is now working for AFLAC as an agent, where she has been for 3 years in March. She is divorced and has one son. Having been a single parent most of her son's life. she had been given so much......now says it's her time to give back in ways that are fun, educational, and fulfilling. Anne is so grateful for the opportunities that Ripple Effect-Cleveland has given to her! One person can make a change, but more people together can move mountains!
Summer sales started in July and will continue to get better and better as August burns off. When taking part in these awesome deals, be mindful of getting the biggest bang for your buck. How? Here are some tips to keep in mind.
color from summer into fall. Patent leather has been and will continue to be popular into the next season. 
4. Mix-Ability: Do yourself a favor and only invest your money in bargains if you can wear each purchase with a large majority of your entire wardrobe by transitioning, layering and mixing it up. 
Recently I worked with Adrienne on 'cruise wear' which can be a challenge for many travelers - but Adrienne, being a Travel Agent, had a special need to not only be comfortable and weather appropriate while also communicating her expertise by being polished and professional.
I'm sending you positive energy to manifest exactly what you want in your life, while being heard by everyone around you. I value being heard and believe it is a basic human need. Please consider contacting the lovely, giving ladies Angela & Anne to see how you can help hear what other women have to share.
Molly
