Monday, January 25, 2010

Starting a business and giving back at the same time

I believe that what goes around, comes around. So when I launched my business, I wanted to build in a way to give back to charities that are important to me and my wife.

Years ago, I made custom wooden rocking horses and doll cradles to donate to pediatric cancer patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center. It was so wonderful to see the children's faces light up! Many who receive treatment at this facility were from other states, and didn't have their own toys.

So now I make custom signs (such as the popular man cave signs), business signs, custom furniture and all sorts of dog-related items. A portion of all of my sales of everything but the pet items is donated back to An Orphan's Bright Star, a 501(3)(c) charity that my daughter founded to help the children living in orphanages in the Ukraine. Two of our granddaughters were adopted from the Ukraine and we want to help give those remaining a better life.

The pet items including ornaments, bed steps, signs (all customizable) all benefit Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue. My wife and I are volunteers for this group, which saves the lives of some 200 Goldens each year.

It's not easy starting a new business especially in this economy. I figure God has given me a special gift. I can create just about anything out of wood. So I'm returning the favor by turning my passion into a means for helping other really worthy causes!

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