I’m always a day late and a dollar short!  Yesterday was North Texas Giving Day, where everyone is encouraged to help donate to their favorite charity.  I was totally planning on posting at that point, but realized too late that I missed it.  So, what to do?  I walk the runway as any diva would and say, “Who’s late?  I’m just making a more memorable appearance!”

Sooooo… to go on with the show, this year I’d like to shine the spotlight on a charity I’ve mentioned before that is truly beneficial to everyone involved – Taylor’s Gift.  I’ve mentioned their story in a previous post, but their entire focus is on organ donation – a cause that is obviously near and dear to me.  It impacts us all in that you never know if and when you’ll ever be in a situation where your life is dependent on the offer of another person’s organ -whether due to a freak accident, a disease, or a random bear attack at the zoo!  Seriously, it could happen!

On the flip side, we have all been touched by a loved one who has passed, and having to make logistical decisions about what to do next while trying to grieve seems a near impossible task.  We all need the support, and this group offers that.  They offer hope for both sides of the story – for those needing life, and those who want to continue the lives of lost loved ones – while also educating everyone about the process and immediate need for donors.

I was able to volunteer at their 4th Annual Outlive Yourself Awards dinner this week, and once again, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!  I’ve met some great people via this group, and it literally gives me goosebumps to see how many people in that one room have actually had their lives changed by the donations they’ve received!  The auction raised more than $60K that night to put towards a stand-alone Organ Donation center that will be built in Dallas, and they announced a partnership with Nike to create Outlive Yourself socks!  How fun is that??  Anyway, if you are interested in donating (money- or organ-wise) please visit their site to register or give.  It’s one way you can truly outlive yourself while helping others!  I can only picture Taylor strutting her way to Madonna if she only knew how her legacy has lived on.  🙂