I received a phone call a couple days ago from the Albion College phonathon - a job I used to work when I was a student. Current students call alumni during a 12-week calling period to raise funds for the college's Annual Fund, used to fund the majority of the college's strategic plans for the year. As I chatted with the student and got caught up on everything going on at Albion, I thought it would also be a good opportunity to share my annual giving plans and history with all of you!

Giving back is one of the best parts of being an entrepreneur. Having the opportunity to share what you've gained with others is one of life's greatest blessings! Christina Scalera sponsors two children in South America. Jenna Kutcher travels to help in person where she can. Reina Pomeroy supports Pencils of Promise. Me? I have three causes that are near and dear to my heart that I support annually with a portion of the revenue I generate in my business. 

GSUSA

The Girl Scouts of America is an organization that I believe in so much. I was a Girl Scout from 1999-2013 (nearly 15 years). In 2008, I earned my Girl Scout Gold Award (after earning both my Bronze and Silver Awards as well). The Girl Scout Gold Award is the equivalent to the Boy Scout Eagle Award - Boy Scouting's highest honor. I also served five consecutive summers in the Mackinac Island Honor Guard as a part of Girl Scouts and experienced my first taste of entrepreneurial success through selling Girl Scout cookies. Girl Scouts equips girls of all ages with invaluable skills as women and we are all forever changed as a result.

CIVIL AIR PATROL

The Civil Air Patrol is the auxiliary of the United States Air Force and was born one week prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. I served from 2005-2013 in the Civil Air Patrol, soloing an airplane and earning my scuba diver certification as a result of my membership. I also had the opportunity to refuel an F-16 from the belly of a C-130 Hercules refueling aircraft, lobby in Washington on behalf of Civil Air Patrol, visit the  Capitol, Supreme Court, State Department, Pentagon and CIA buildings (receiving tours and meeting with individuals throughout), and experience so many other life changing opportunities. CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and occupations. It performs three Congressionally-assigned key missions: emergency services, which includes search and rescue (by air and ground) and disaster relief operations; aerospace education for youth and the general public; and cadet programs for teenage youth. CAP is most well known for capturing the first aerial photos of 9/11 and is responsible for 90% of the USA's inland homeland defense missions. CAP is credited with saving 69 lives and completing 863 Search and Rescue missions in 2015. 

ALBION COLLEGE

Albion College is a small private liberal arts college located in Albion, MI and is also my undergraduate alma mater. Albion College was originally founded to meet the educational needs of the children of Native Americans and settlers in the area. Always on the leading edge, Albion became one of the first schools in the Midwest to introduce coeducation. Albion College was fully authorized by the state legislature to award four-year college degrees to both men and women on February 25, 1861.

Albion was founded on core principles that remain the same today. It's emphasis on excellence in liberal arts education is evident throughout the College. The College's commitment to a broad, rigorous foundation is complemented by it's students' work ethic. The College puts students in the real world and asks them to research, participate, and lead. They expect students to do it well, to take it further, and to be more, because Albion is where you turn thought into action. Where you learn how to live at the leading edge of who you are. Where you become your best self, ready to live a life of impact.

I donate 10% of my profits annually to these organizations and am grateful for the opportunity to give back in my business. To stay updated on my giving, feel free to click here to view updates throughout the year.