This Giving Tuesday was extra special. I had the opportunity to join the WEGOTTHIS.ORG GIVE-A-THON, and it was truly inspiring to witness the outpouring of generosity and support for such a worthy cause. For those who don't know, WEGOTTHIS.ORG creates personalized gift registries for people undergoing cancer treatment, helping to provide comfort and support during a challenging time. It started with Elissa’s cancer journey where she received blankets from people offering comfort.
She thought ‘what if there’s a way to tell people what I want during treatment?’ And she proceeded to do her research to shortly find out that no gift registry of its kind existed.
The rest, after ~3 years, is history.
How Elissa & I were connected
Thank you, Adina!
My connection with WEGOTTHIS.ORG began when I had the pleasure of hosting Elissa Kalver, the founder, on the podcast. During that conversation, Elissa mentioned that Squishmallows were the most popular item on We Got This.org gift registries, but they hadn't yet partnered with Jazwares, the company behind these cuddly companions. Seeing an opportunity to make a difference, I reached out to my network and, thanks to a mutual connection, I was able to connect Elissa with a key executive at Jazwares.
The Power of Networking in Action
Within a week of that initial conversation, Elissa had secured a meeting with Jazwares, and the results were incredible! Jazwares generously donated 100 Squishmallows to WEGOTTHIS.ORG, which they'll be distributing to cancer patients and survivors. This experience perfectly illustrates the power of networking and the impact we can have when we leverage our connections for good.
Giving Back and Making an Impact
The GIVE-A-THON was a testament to the incredible work WEGOTTHIS.ORG is doing. They set an ambitious goal of raising $100,000, and with the help of Charitybuzz (check out these amazing auctions for a great cause), they hosted an online auction featuring amazing items like trips to Fiji, signed memorabilia, and even a cue card from Saturday Night Live donated by Bobby Moynihan. It was heartwarming to see the donations rolling in and the thermometer climbing towards their goal.
Key Takeaways from the Day
Networking is Key: Whether in business or in life, building strong relationships and connecting with the right people can open doors to incredible opportunities.
Doing Good is Easier Than You Think: Even small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect and make a real difference in someone's life.
Mission-Driven Companies Make a Difference: Consumers and employees are increasingly drawn to companies that prioritize social impact and give back to their communities.
How You Can Get Involved
If you're feeling inspired to support WEGOTTHIS.ORG, here's how you can help:
Donate: Text "WEGOTTHIS" to 50155 to contribute to their fundraising efforts.
Spread the Word: Share information about WEGOTTHIS.ORG with your network and help them reach even more people in need.
Volunteer: Reach out to WEGOTTHIS.ORG to explore volunteer opportunities and contribute your time and talents.
Let's continue to support WEGOTTHIS.ORG in their mission to bring comfort and joy to those affected by cancer. Together, #WEGOTTHIS!