New Year Message
As the year comes to a close, I am reflecting back on the many new and exciting developments the year has brought and the very special people who continue to be part of this amazingly exciting adventure. I am truly grateful for all. It’s a privilege for me to share with you where life’s journey continues to lead me.
Professionally, I continue to make major changes in my life and personal mission, reinforcing the commitment as a dedicated and full-time volunteer for charity, in particular The Foundation For Sight & Sound. I feel fortunate to be joined in this mission by a growing and committed Board of Directors and a strong core of talented and hard-working volunteers. Together, we’ve increased our network of generous supporters who help us help the many men, women & children with vision and/or hearing challenges.
Each board member and volunteer plays a crucial role in the future of Foundation For Sight & Sound. Everyone brings something to the organization. It is a pleasure to have each one of you as part of the growth and success we all work hard to achieve.
Behind the scenes our staff is working hard to find new resources of revenue and sponsorships for our variety of events. You may be unaware of the many other daily components of the daily grind. There are many phone calls, coming and going, research, updating of our website and social media, letters to prospects, database upkeep and the list goes on and on; yes it’s like any other business!
Our volunteer base is slowly growing again. Volunteers assist in an array of tasks. This includes but is not limited to design of marketing materials, public relations/awareness, helping with mailings, data entry, writing grants to obtain funds, joining event committees and spreading the word of the good work the Foundation For Sight & Sound does. Volunteers are an important part of the organization.
Listed below are some Foundation For Sight & Sound highlights and milestones worthy of being proud of!
Help America Hear continues to grow by leaps and bounds. There are many oganizations & agencies that have recognized us as a reputable source for people who lack financial resources and are seeking help in obtaining hearing aids. Help America Hear
since it’s inception on January 2009, has fitted over 220 people with hearing aids.
The Foundation did 4 Day of Giving Hearing Aid Missions. One each in Denver & Pueblo Colorado and the Bronx & Riverhead NY. A total of 58 men, women & children received the gift of two hearing aids each.
The Middle Country Library in Centereach, New York received an Inductive Loop System for their conference room. This will enable hearing and cochlear users to participate in seminars and other activities with more direct hearing capabilities.
The Library Program outfitted five Long Island Libraries with assistive technologies for their visually impaired patrons. Since 2004 at least 30 libraries have benefitted from our donations.
A formidable partnership was formed with GN ReSound, a manufacturer of high quality hearing aids. Through this partnership the Help America Hear Program is able to provide the Gift of Sound through special arrangements.
Help America Hear launched Tier II for people with a gross household income of
$35,000 or less. This fills a gap of people who are ‘caught in the middle’ and still have financial difficulties.
The Foundation has some wonderful fundraising events; two golf outings in Denver & Long Island. We had our Art of Giving event, Friends & Family Summer Bash, Baseball Card Show Raffle and of course the Denver Wine/Beer Festival and Culinary Competition.
We have a host of new events to take place in 2012!
The Foundation For Sight & Sound’s website traffic and ratings have prospered through
the generosity of a donation by Google Ad Words Campaign. We have also revamped
the site to make it easier to navigate. We are listed on GuideStar where anyone can validate our credibility. This site is used by grant givers.
Our new video showcases our 3rd Hearing Aid Mission at Montefiore in the Bronx. This video truly captures the essence of our Help America Hear Program and how it impacts the lives we change.
All in all, despite the slow economy, I believe the Foundation For Sight & Sound is fairing OK and holding its own. Of course, to expand our programs, more donations must be raised. We are positioned perfectly to make a n even bigger difference in the community.
On the personal/professional side of things, I plan to spend some time working on developing and expanding my Public Speaking career. It has always been my heart’s desire to inspire and empower people to take action in reaching their full personal
potential and hitting their goals for the future. I know I am capable of enabling participants to better confront the challenges that life inevitably brings to our doorsteps. I look forward to sharing this experience with many audiences in 2012.
Briefly, I’d like to discuss “Giving”. It comes in all shapes and sizes, but mostly it comes from the heart. It isn’t always about financial commitment; it is about offering your time, expertise, resources and energy to help make the world a better place.
For me, the satisfaction of knowing I’ve made some kind of dent in this crazy world we all live in is extremely fulfilling. If you aren’t already passionately involved in a charitable endeavor of your choice, I urge you to do that! It’s worth it to find the time.
Remember, what you give of yourself comes back in many forms. My dad always taught me it’s great when you are a giver, it is then you can receive. Time has proven again and again that things come back. How great it feels to have the ability to keep ‘Paying it forward’ to yet another person who needs that lift!
It’s a great time of the year to take inventory of your life. It’s time to reflect on where you
have been and where you choose to be. It’s also a good time to ask yourself if you are truly committed to giving 125% of yourself to everything you do. Are you passionate about the things you are involved in? Is your life fulfilling?
I guess …in a nutshell…life continues to be a wonderful experience! On a personal level, this includes the love and support of a wonderful family, network of friends and of
course the many people I come in contact with every day.
I have spent many a moment reflecting on how, for me, life in the fast lane is no longer appealing and I’ve started to rediscover many of the everyday things so often overlooked. Truly, a good balance of work, combined with a healthy lifestyle, mixed with family and friends along with a wonderful relationship are what is most important. Another important element is taking some time out to have FUN! A short list of activities
included obtaining a tandem bike and doing a few ‘marathon’ bike rides…..42 & 100 miles. Of course I used this as a vehicle to raise money for the Foundation. Not to forget the fun rappelling down a 12 story building! What’s next? I hope you are taking advantage and giving yourself permission to spend a little Fun Time in your life as well.
I have also come to realize how important it is to be myself, as a person, despite the challenges faced with a world without sight or sound. I am committed to continuing to stay “out there,” enjoying my life as much as anyone else(and probably more than
many!). I lead life each day forgetting the fact my vision is disappearing and the sounds I hear have diminished. I know there’s much I am missing, but truthfully, am I? (Chuckle)
With all this being said, as we start the New Year 2012, remember this:
Enjoy each day for what it is, take it moment by moment. Appreciate what you have in your life, what you don’t have doesn’t exist and is irrelevant at the moment. Be generous in spreading good positive influence to everyone and anyone you come in contact with, it adds sunshine and smiles. It costs nothing and makes a difference all around.
Last but not least…Each and every day is a new and exciting experience, make
every moment count!
Thank you again for being a part of the bigger picture of all good things to come.
Wishing you a healthy prosperous, productive, abundant, exhilarating, wonderful, exciting & loving Happy New Year!!
Mitch