Interests

Interests & affiliations

Activities:

Volleyball

Hiking & Backpacking

Beach and Water Sports

Eating Delicious Food

Groups:

Boy Scouts – Troop 2 Santa Monica

Church and Youth at Santa Monica FUMC

Contributions
I spend as much of my time as possible doing the things I love, and a lot of that involves working for causes and ideas I believe in.
I also try to contribute financially. My financial contributions mostly go to organizations in which I am involved, but I have contributed to a variety of causes and organizations. Here are a few I recommend which I know are great causes. They are also efficiently run, so you know that your donation is making an impact. I have embedded links in case you wish to contribute. I invite you to contribute to these or to others, but recommend two things: that you donate as much and as often as you are able; and that you donate to causes that are particularly dear to you. You will have the most impact and gain the most satisfaction that way.

Youth Service Project – FUMC Santa Monica. Each July about 10-15 youth and several adult leaders travel to an area in need and spend a week working, usually fixing up homes. The opportunity to serve, and to get to know those they serve, is a life-changing experience for the youth, as well as for those they meet and serve. I have gone on nine trips as a leader, and look forward to going every year.

Appalachia Service Project is one of the projects we regularly attend for the Youth Service Project. It is truly remarkable to see the passion in the site coordinators (generally college age), and to see them return year after year. This is an organization that knows how to leverage every dollar for the greatest benefit to those truly in need.

Haiti Service Project – FUMC Santa Monica has an annual adult trip to Haiti, to aid in rebuilding after the earthquake that struck several years ago.Our church sent five members in January 2012, and continues to send a team of about 10 each year to help rebuild.

Boy Scouts of America and Troop 2 Santa Monica. I am a Troop 2 Eagle Scout, and have spent the last 20+ years working with the troop to help raise the leaders of tomorrow.

UMCOR is like the Methodist version of the Red Cross. Wherever disaster strikes, all around the world, UMCOR is there. You can also specify which area or particular event you want your donation to go to. The church handles the administrative aspect of relief, so 100% of the contributions go toward relief.

Kiva is a unique organization that assists you in making microloans to people around the world, which enables them to start a business. Your loan actually gets repaid, and then you can take your money back or loan it to someone else.

One of the best resources when deciding where to contribute your hard-earned money is Charity Navigator. I recommend checking here if you have any concerns about an organization, or to find other quality organizations deserving of contributions. However, there are many deserving organizations which are not listed.