Organization: California State Science Fair

Activity: Exhibit Approver

Wow, it’s day thirty and what a journey this has been. I have learned so much about myself, my city and it’s residents. But, I will get into all of that in another post. First, let’s talk about my final day of service.

As you’ve seen over the past 29 days, each act of service brings something different. Sometimes its a great memory, sometimes a profound lesson, sometimes sweat, sometimes fun, etc. And, always a feeling of pride and accomplishment. Well, today brought with it something very unique — a life-affirming message.

Now, this was not a life-changing day for me, but I now know for sure that at least some of the decisions I have made in life where the right ones. Specifically, that I made the right decision to not pursue science for a living! I served at the California State Science Fair and was surrounded by really smart kids who did projects that I couldn’t even understand — well, some I couldn’t. And, honestly, I didn’t have a huge desire to understand them. That lack of interest reassured me that I made the right college and career choices.

That said, I am so thankful there are people who love science! Without them we wouldn’t have all the advances that save lives, protect our planet and make our daily lives a little bit easier. I applaud all of the kids who had entries in the Science Fair and hope that today was life-changing and life-affirming for them!

Now, here is Day Thirty…

Organization: CageFree K-9 Rescue

Activity: Dog Adoption Assistance

You know from Day twenty six that I love dogs. And, I was fortunate enough today to get to spend time with some adorable furry friends that are up for adoption. For dog lovers, an event like today’s was tons of fun, as it was a huge adoption event, so there were dogs everywhere. Dogs from dozens of different shelters and rescues were being shown there in hopes of finding new homes.

I am such a supporter of adopting dogs and I will never pay for one. There are thousands of dogs out there that need loving homes and no matter what kind of dog you like, you can find one at a shelter that will suit you. Both of our dogs, Molly and Mason, are rescues and couldn’t be any better. So, if you are in the market for a pup, please strongly consider adoption!

If you insist on a purebred and can’t find one up for adoption, make sure you go to a reputable breeder and not a puppy mill. And, make sure you get your four legged friend spayed or neutered.

Enjoy today’s video and come back tomorrow for my final day of service…

Organization: KaBOOM!

Activity: Playground Build

Back on Day Two I talked about how lucky I was to grow up attending well-maintained schools with wide open fields. Well, in that same town, I was fortunate enough to have great parks with fun, safe playgrounds to play on. In fact, thinking back, I am somewhat amazed at how many playgrounds there were, not to mention the swing sets at my house and those of many relatives.

Unfortunately, that is not the case in so many communities. Hundreds, if not thousands, of playgrounds around the country are simply outdated and no longer safe. And, schools and communities lack the funds to repair or replace them. But, there is good news — KaBOOM!

KaBoom! is one of my all time favorite non-profits. They bring together communities along with the private and public sectors to provide kids with safe places to play. What’s cooler than that? So, KaBOOM! was on my short list or organizations I really wanted to work with during my thirty days and fortunately they had a playground build that worked with my schedule.

It was a strenuous day of hard work, but fun at the same time. I was one of more than 200 volunteers who came out to build the kids of Pico Rivera a new, safe place to play. I just wish I could have been there to play on this incredible new playground with them (but, the concrete needs three days to dry).

I have written before about how important play is for kids, as well as for us adults. So, if you ever get a chance to go work with KaBOOM!, do it — the results of your hard work will live on for generations!

Off to play!

Organization: Venice Family Clinic

Activity: Fundraiser Prep

I am no skateboarder! In fact, the things scare the crap out of me. I remember as a kid we had one in the garage and I tried getting on it a few times, but didn’t have much luck. I wasn’t much of a daredevil as a kid, not that I am now — although I am far more willing to try things now than back in the day. But, I have to say I have always been fascinated by the skills so many people demonstrate when they are on those four wheels.

Well, those four wheels and the “deck” that sits on top of them gave me a reason to volunteer today. I helped set up a fundraiser at which decks were being auctioned off to raise money for the Venice Family Clinic, the largest free clinic in the country. But, these weren’t just any skateboard decks, these were works of art! They were transformed from decks to art by a large number of skateboarders, tattoo artists and other artists and they were really amazing. So, whether you have ever ridden a skateboard or not, you can appreciate the talent that these artists have. And, how cool that they got to do this to help raise money for an amazing organization.

I was reminded of an auction I went to many year ago to benefit an AIDS organization in NYC. But, instead of auctioning off decks they were auctioning off plates that had been painted by all different notable people. That night I bought one of my first pieces at a charity auction, a plate painted by Gayle King! And, I am proud to say that fifteen years later, her beautiful plate still hangs in my kitchen.

Back to today, over the course of the day, I got to help transform a vacant gallery space into a full-fledged art gallery. It was a great experience and something completely unique. I got to meet some great folks and from what I hear the auction was a big success. Very glad I had a hand in that and in making sure those in need can get the vital help they need.

Organization: Pet Orphans of Southern California

Activity: Caring for Dogs

Today was pure joy!

You don’t know this about me, but I LOVE dogs and have my entire life. I remember getting my first dog as a kid. When I was around 8, a man came driving down our street in a station wagon and said he had some puppies he was giving away. I immediately fell in love with one and I basically begged and pleaded with my parents to let my sister Tammy and I have her. My dad wasn’t a “dog person” back then, although he has since seen the light, so it wasn’t easy getting a “yes,” but we did. And, Jamie (a play off Jamison) became our first dog. She was a sweet mutt, who spent most of her time outside in a nice pen that included a dog house I built with my dad. But, sadly she wasn’t a great fit for the family and we eventually found her a new home.

Years later, when I was a teenager, we got dog number two, Casey. She was a beautiful, all white Samoyed. While she wasn’t the best behaved dog in the world, I loved her so much. And, she put up with a lot — I have pictures of her in sunglasses, Hawaiian leis and more. Then, as the daily lives of a single mom and two teenage kids got more and more hectic, we all decided it was best to give Casey to a family with younger kids who could give her the time and attention she deserved. It was a sad day, but best for my sweet girl Casey.

Then, when I was home for a college break, my mom and I talked about her and my stepdad getting a dog. With her almost convinced it was a good idea, we went looking and I witnessed mutual love at first sight for the first time ever. My mom picked up a Corgie that was just a few months old — tiny legs, oversized ears that weren’t strong enough to stand upright and just the cutest thing you could imagine. And, the look she gave my mom sealed her fate and Mom and Corky were best buddies for many years to come. And, since I spent most of my college breaks, as well as my first post-college year, at my mom’s, I got lots of quality time with Corky and just adored her.

Once I was out on my own, I contemplated getting a dog at least once a month. There was even a time I knew what I wanted to name my dog and Tammy gave me a dog collar with the name on it as a gift. But, the timing was never right. Then, when I was 30 I met my now partner Greg and two dogs entered my life — Molly and Mason. They are the greatest gifts in the world. To say I am madly in love with them, would be an understatement. They are great companions, stress relievers, playmates and confidants. And, they love Greg and I unconditionally (as long as we keep the food coming).

So, why all this talk of my love of dogs? Well, today’s service was at a great organization called Pet Orphans. And, my job was to care for dogs, hence the day was pure joy.

Pet Orphans is a no-kill shelter that rescues unwanted and abused dogs, rehabilitates them and finds new families for them. While I certainly don’t condone violence among humans, I can understand it. But, I can’t understand how people can be cruel to animals and I am so thankful for all of the organizations out there dedicated to saving animals.

Have a look at today’s video and meet some adorable dogs…and you’ll see how just when I thought my day couldn’t get any better, it did! Oh, you’ll get to see my loves Molly and Mason too!

Organization: Playworks

Activity: Coaching Kids

You may recall that on Day Sixteen I did skills-based volunteering in which I shared my knowledge on the entertainment industry with various non-profits. Well, it was on that day that I learned about Playworks and was invited to volunteer for a day with them. And, it was so fun and among my most rewarding days.

Essentially, I got to play like a kid all day, which I love! But, more importantly I got to meet some great kids who are the future leaders of their communities. These kids were so polite and welcoming. They taught me new games and were very patient with me when I would forget the rules. They gave me great hope for the future.

I also got to meet Mr. Green, the Playworks coach that works at the school I visited. He is an inspiration in his own right. He has truly transformed playtime for these kids. When he arrived at the school, recess and class game time were unorganized and unproductive. To handle the kids, they were assigned what to do at recess instead of being able to choose. But now, they get to do what they want and it’s organized chaos — it is recess, so chaos is a given. It is now an environment where kids can try different things and discover what they like and don’t like.

I think it’s so important that we encourage kids to be active and to learn early the importance of sportsmanlike conduct. Many of life’s lessons are learned on the playground and I am thrilled that these kids, and kids at other Playworks schools, have an opportunity to learn those lessons in a safe and supportive environment. For the kids, it might seem like it’s just playtime, but we adults know it’s much more than that.

Go grab a kid and play — it feels great!

Organization: The Saban Free Clinic

Activity: Data Entry

So, not all volunteering is sexy, but it’s all important. Today, I spent my day doing data entry — not so sexy, I think you’ll agree. But, it is what they needed done at The Saban Free Clinic, a fantastic organization serving the LA area.

You can watch the video to hear about what I learned today, which was actually very insightful. But, the point I want to make here is that all service is important. Whether you are doing backbreaking work or sitting at a computer screen doing data entry, it all matters. The data I was entering today will help the Clinic fine tune a great program they have at the Hollywood High School. That will then lead to healthier, happier, more productive kids, which benefits all of us.

So, think about how you can serve. I guarantee there is something you can do. And, if you can’t find something using the tips and tools I provide, just call a local organization you know of and care about and ask them if they can use an extra set of hands. Tell them you are willing to do whatever is needed, regardless of how sexy or not the task is.

You will feel great, just knowing you helped!

Organization: New Directions

Activity: Serving Veterans

So, since you have been reading and watching this daily, you know I think we have a few dirty little secrets in this country. One, is how many people don’t know where their next meal is coming from. Another, is how we treat our veterans.

I come from a blended military family…I have many generations who have served and I so admire each and everyone of them who fought for the freedoms enjoyed today in this country. But, even if you don’t come from a military family, you have been blessed by their service. In fact, your life wouldn’t be what it is had people not served.

So, here’s my issue, and it is not with the troops at all. We spend so much time and money recruiting, training and supporting our active duty troops — figures that even if I shared them with you are so large they can’t be comprehended. And, I understand that investment — I think our country is worth every penny spent to keep us safe.

But, where is the money when they return? We don’t spend enough getting our troops, our vets, accustomed to living back in civilian life. We just drop them back in and expect them to be alright. Well, it doesn’t work that way. They need to be deprogrammed, reintegrated. Not that they are machines, but they have been taught to respond to orders in the field, while the rest of us are taught to think on our own and decide if the direction given is appropriate, moral.

I think we all live thinking we take care of our vets, but we don’t. I had someone very well connected to vet issues tell me recently that the programs for vets are out there, but vets don’t know about them. Well, that in and of itself is an issue. If we have the programs, our government needs to do a better job of informing vets, but again, once they are home we stop paying attention.

Of all the people in need out there, we owe our vets the most. Without them, we have nothing. Do I have every freedom I deserve, no. Do I agree with every war the USA is, or has been, in no. But, I believe in our troops. I honor them, celebrate them and want them to have lives outside of service that are safe, blessed and full of all the possibilities our lives have.

God bless our troops, our vets, our military families…God Bless America.

Organization: Operation Gratitude

Activity: Care Package Assembly

Today was a very special day for two reasons. First, because I got to take part in something that honors our active duty troops. Second, my partner, Greg, was able to join me.

Greg and I, along with hundreds of other volunteers, spent the day creating care packages for our troops. Boxes filled with everything from toiletries and t-shirts to DVDs and Beanie Babies — you’ll have to watch the video to learn more about the Beanie Babies. The idea is to give the troops some of the comforts of home, while also reminded them that we support them and are grateful for their service and sacrifice.

I love doing things to support our troops and their families. I am honored to have many relatives, dead and alive, who served this great country and defended our freedoms. We owe so much to these brave men and women who give so much to us, the least I could do was spend a few hours giving back to them. I am also passionate about our veterans and how we treat them, but you will hear about that tomorrow, Day 23.

One of the most amazing things about today was the number of volunteers who showed up. Young, old, men, women, veterans, active duty military and military family members, not to mention every color of skin imaginable. It was thrilling and exhilarating to see all of these people coming together for a common goal — the result of which was more than 9,000 care packages being assembled, that means 9,000 troops with feel some love. And, in all likelihood, that room was filled with different political views, supporters of the current wars and those who don’t think we should be at war. But, none of that mattered, our mission was simple, show gratitude to those who serve.

A huge thank you to all of our troops and their families. You enable the  other 99% of us to enjoy all that we have in the United States.

Organization: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books

Activity: Book Signing Host

Today was very different from any other day, in that my service wasn’t based around helping those in need. I, along with hundreds of other volunteers, spent the day working at the LA Times Festival of Books — a multi-day celebration of all things books, which is great because it encourages everyone to pick up a book and read.

I have to say, that as a kid I wasn’t much of a reader. I always felt like I read very slowly and I would get very boarded. I can’t even count how many times I would fight with my mom about reading the books I was supposed to read for school. And, then there was my fear of reading aloud, which I discussed on Day One.

But, now I actually love to read. While I am still not the fastest reader, I like to curl up with a great thriller and get sucked into its world, or fantasize about what it’s like to live in other people’s shoes when I read their biographies. Plus, there are the half-read self-help books that line my shelves and works of non-fiction that teach me about the world. So, spending my day supporting an event that celebrates books, was fun and rewarding in its own way.

Plus, as often happens with service, there was a nice surprise. I was assigned to an area near the cooking stage, where there were cooking demos and conversations with cookbook authors. How perfect for me! And, I got to listen to and later meet one of my favorite LA-based restauranteurs! Combine that with amazing weather and you have a recipe for a great day!

Check out the video to learn more and happy reading!