Today is #GivingTuesday! What an awesome campaign with such an important message!
Every day thousands of nonprofit organization provide a myriad of services to men, women and children around the world with much needed services and goods. These organizations address real need where it is found and have a real and direct, often life changing impact on the people they serve.
As I’ve shared before, I support several organizations, some financially, some with my time, some with both. And no matter how much I give I always receive so much more in return!
One of the organization I support is FOCUSFish. You might remember how moved I was after participating in an event in partnership with CoachArt, during which we introduced chronically and terminally ill children and their families to the joy of flying.
Last month I had the privilege of sharing yet another magical afternoon with 15 children with autism through a partnership between FOCUSFish and YACHAD. I can not even begin to tell you how awe inspiring those few hours were. I have a couple of autistic children in one of the classes I teach but to be surrounded with these special children all at once was profoundly moving. By the end of the day I was physically spent but elated and fulfilled.
These partnerships are just one of the ways in which FOCUSFish touches the lives of families with their unique approach to fitness, fitness that is available to people of all ages and abilities. Among other things, they also provide PE classes to several thousands children in Title 1 schools who would otherwise have no physical education whatsoever.
I have been a fan of FOCUSFish since I discovered them 12 years ago. This year I was deeply honored to have been invited to serve on their board of directors, and subsequently elected as board president. Nothing gives me greater joy than furthering the mission of this amazing organization.
Rather than ramble on about the amazing work that FOCUSFish does I’ll let the pictures below from our latest YACHAD event, give you a little glimpse into the magic of this very special world…
I cannot tell enough how much sunshine FOCUSFish has brought in to my life and how proud I am to serve and support them and their vision to grown and touch even more lives. If you would like to support FOCUSFish in bringing their unique approach to family fitness to many more deserving families, you may make a donation here;
I’m sure you too have an organization or two that is near to your heart and I would love to hear more about them.
What a fabulous organization! I’m a softie when it comes to any causes that help children. Since 90% of the giving back we do is for kids, I love knowing it’s making them a little happier!
Oh me too Kecia! I can’t stand the thoughts of kids hurting in any way and love to do whatever little part I can to bring a little happiness or relief. Truly I am blessed to be able to serve in such a way.
I’m finding out about so many great charities this week. I’m loving FOCUSfish, the kids probably love it too!
Oh they do love it Liz! It’s amazing to see the joy that fills them when they accomplish something that seems so challenging.. like climbing on a piece of fabric or hanging upside down from a trapeze… I never get tired of watching the wonder in their eyes when they experience the magic!
How wonderful that you were invited to serve on their board of directors!!! What an amazing cause!
It is such an honor to serve this organization Kim! I am so excited to spread the word about all the amazing things they do and really look forward to spreading the wealth a little more.
You can tell by the smiles on the faces of the instructors and kids what a meaningful day this was for everyone! I can also tell you’re very passionate about the organization! Thanks for sharing it with me!
You are most welcome NJ! I am passionate about FOCUSFish! It has been such a Godsend for me and my girls and keeps me young, fit and fulfilled 🙂
Great cause. Looks like they are all having fun too. Thank you for sharing.
You are most welcome Digna. Yes we all had a rewarding time together, priceless!
What a great cause! I mostly donate with my time – at my kids’ school, our church and other local charities/causes.
Time is such a precious gift Sara and something we have so little of. Your children are blessed 🙂
It looks like everyone had a blast!!
We all did Stephanie. It was a truly spectacular day!
How wonderful! It’s so great that you are helping create a lifetime of health for those children by allowing them to incorporate physical activity into their lives. I know that I am forever grateful for the healthy start I was given in life.
I wish I could give EVERY child a healthy start Crystal! It is so important and so life transforming! I am so grateful I grew up in France with parents who knew the importance of healthy habits that I can now pass on to my girls.
The expressions on the faces of the children is mind-blowingly awesome! You must get so much out of seeing that. I think this is an awesome organization to be part of and I’m so glad you shared it.
We try to switch things up every few months when it comes to our giving habits, and we really encourage our daughter to develop her own ideas about ways she can give and pay it forward.
It is such a gift to be a part of FOCUSFish Audrey! I am blessed beyond compare! And I love that you are getting your daughter involved in your giving. I was raised that way with my parents and my girls are a part of most of our giving activities as well. My oldest and youngest were with me that day, my oldest took all the beautiful pictures while my youngest shared her love of flying! It is so rewarding to do this as a family!!
What a great activity! Is this at a set location? Or do they ever travel? I attend a Family Camp for children and their families with Metabolic Conditions like PKU. This would be a pretty amazing activity to take to them.
This particular one is a set location Andrea, but FOCUSFish brings programs to different areas and to some extent they do travel. There does need to be some sound structure in place for hanging the aerial equipment. Make sure to inquire on our website at http://www.FOCUSFish.com
What a fantastic program! The kids look like they are elated with joy!
Those kids were beaming Jennifer and their joy so contagious!
Yesterday, was my first time hearing about this. I’m sad I’m late to the party but plan on making it up.
It is a neat idea isn’t Raijean… but don’t worry I think it is always the time to give 😉
My daughter is autistic and these are just the sorts of things she loves to do. What a great program.
Thank you Robin. It is an amazing program and I absolutely cherish the time I spend with the children we serve. It bring ME sooo much!
My best friend’s son is Autistic. This sounds like a really great program and something he’d love to do!
I have gained such an awareness of these special children Emily and I LOVE sharing this special art and fitness with them. Where is your friend? FOCUSFish has programs throughout the LA area and we are trying to expand into new areas as well.