Bill Phillip's | Transformation

Paul Newnman was a great man. Like yourself Bill, he truely wanted to help others! Thanks to the both of you! Mike Team Stoney

Sorry I accidentally hit post before I finished. Thanks for yet another wonderful assignment. Gave me something I am passionate about to really think more in depth on. I have definetly included the reservation with my HHC but I want to think of something I can do for these individuals all year round. Love and Light to you always Bill! Joan

No doubt about it, I would donate the money to the Pine Ridge Indian reservation in hopes of improving the quality of life. I live 80 miles from the reservation and have recently become educated on the third world conditions these individuals live in. Seriously my heart aches for these people and their children. Here are a few of the statistics of the reservation: median income is 2-3000 a year, life expectancy for men is 47 and women 52, the diabetes rate is 800% of the US national average, on average 17 people live in a home made for 6, sleep on dirt floors, infant mortality rate is 300% of the US national average, teen suicide rate is 150% of national average, and 97% of population live below poverty levels. These are just a few tiny atrocities occuring just an hour from my cozy, warm, safe home. These people deserve to be warm, to feel loved and not forgotten, to have quality health care and access to food to improve their health conditions. Everytime I think of it my heart hurts and I cry for these people. I pray for guidance and love and protection for these people. This just isn't right.

Although I came from a poor first generation Hispanic family, my life has been blessed with many individuals who have helped my family and I through financial roadblocks. For instance, after my first successful year in a tuition based private high school, I received a 3 year scholarship from a unanimous individual. While in college, the Lord also placed in my path many grants and small scholarships; even my father’s boss would help by purchasing my expensive pre-medical science books every semester. More recently, after my father’s passing, I’ve even had various medical mentors assist me with small out of pocket help. As I look back, I feel very blessed to have been surrounded by so many “generously giving” individuals; however, I know that there are many other talented, hard working Hispanics with big dreams that are limited by difficult financial hardships. If I had to donate my $10,000 to a particular foundation, it would go to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. This is a foundation that provides many high achieving college bound Hispanics with financial scholarship support. Latinos are America's largest racial/ethnic minority, and the fastest-growing demographic of the young work force. Unfortunately, Latinos also have the lowest high school and college completion rates of any racial or ethnic group. I’d love to be part of a foundation whose core goal is to help support very motivated Hispanics finish college and professional schools alike!

My original purpose, for doing the competition was to get myself in the best physical and mental state that I could, so that I would have more confidence in myself; and encourage others to get in shape. I knew I wanted to somehow help other women under

I would choose Hillside Children's Center because it's local and because they have a solid history of positively impacting the lives of children. They have a high graduation rate among kids who are high risk for not graduating due to addictions, being raised in an abusive home, dealing with mental illness and/or with criminal records. I'm proud to be a Hillside volunteer! Vickib

I have given a lot of thought to this exercise and decide that I would split my winnings between 2 organizations - The make A Wish Foundation and Animal Protection. The Make A Wish Foundation because there are so many children out there with life threatening conditions that haven't even begun to live the full life that most of us take for granted and because we are the animals voice. It sickens me that there are those out there that abuse animals. The animals are like kids with four legs. It is such a great feeling to come from "selflessness". Thanks Bill.

In my last A13, I said I needed to be healed spiritually to learn to give back more and viola' Denver changed me truly from the inside out and I will forever be grateful. Thank you Bill. Love Thia

This is an excellent reminder to give back. I would give half of the $10K to St Jude and half to The Boys and Girls' Harbor in LaPorte, TX.

Hi Bill! I'd love to give away ten thousand dollars to: Operation Baghdad Pups. This organization reunites soldiers and the pets they befriended while in Iraq and Afghanistan. "These animals not only help our heroes in the war zone, but they also help them readjust to life back home after combat." I LOVE the idea of reuniting these canine healers with the men and women who loved them --and who need them still. If I were so blessed as to be able to present a ten thousand dollar check to this organization, I would also like to present one of the dogs to her beloved soldier-friend. I would be utterly delighted to participate in such a beautiful moment! This was fun thinking about! Gratefully, Elizabeth

Before I answer the main question set forth in this assignment, I would like to talk about everything written in this assignment and how this whole aspect has touched my life. When I finally became healthy and functional again, I vigorously started exercising again, I reconnected with this site and made instant, drastic changes in my life. I was sick for over two years and became disconnected from so many aspects of my life, the main one being my church and my choir. Once I felt better, I reconnected with my church and choir and that aspect of my life really centered me as a person. This gives me such a humble, peaceful, respectful feeling about of being of service you cannot imagine. I believe I was given a gift about 15 years ago to sing. I was not born with this nor did I learn it in high school or anywhere. One day it was like-“I am joining the choir.” I did and my life has been changed forever. But getting involved in t-com has even brought me closer to God and my spiritual life. I meditate often. This was not the case even when I was singing before. My faith has grown tremendously to serve others in any way I can. Being this way has given me an appreciation of this community and of humanity. We are interconnected in one form or another, and anyway I can help one person, helps a whole group of other people as well, directly or indirectly, and exponentially. I am running in Denver but live in Pennsylvania. Why don’t I help someone in my own area? It doesn’t matter, helping someone in Denver will have ramifications for others in different places somehow and in some way. I am truly blessed and I have been given so many good things in life. It is incumbent of me to share and help others and not be so self centered. I really have changed my focus about life. Even in singing, at times it was about me, how I sang and what I sounded like. Wrong attitude – it is about who I touched and how I may have changed someone’s day. Singing is a gift that needs to be shared for someone else’s good and not mine. But that is why you did ask this question. Initially I had to choose what charity was near and dear to my heart when I created my main page at t-com. I chose the American Cancer Society, which is a far reaching organization. We are all touched in some way with someone who has delt with this disease. The help that this organization gives is immeasurable and far reaching. Secondly I chose The Children’s Home of Easton. This is a place 2 miles from my home, a place where unwanted children go and stay until they are old enough to be on their own. Being unwanted is a terrible feeling that no one should ever face or deal with. Being neglected or abused by parents is not what a childhood should be like in this country. Parents may have issues with drugs or are in prison and these children have to be cared for in some manner. I sympathize for these children and have helped this organization in the past.

Thank you Bill, once again for your generosity of heart, mind and funds to your champions. It isn't enought that you are giving from your heart, but you are also letting others choose where your donations are being giving, and that takes it to another level. Without a doubt, I plan to give your generous donation to AUTISM SPEAKS. Two of my nephews live with Autism daily.. and their are millions more just like them. 6 1/2 years ago, Charlie, at one year old, stopped talking, stopped communicaiton in any way, and sat in the corner by himself, bobbing his head, and spinning the wheels of his thomas train engine for hours. Just the day before he was saying "Mommy". Overnight Autism wiped the smile from his face and a blank stare was all that was there. Intense therapies and months of testing diagnoside him very high on the Autism Spectrum. My sister and her family greived for their son, and for the dreams they had for him. Months would go by and still nothing. How could God do this to him. My sister quit her job and focused everything on him, even though he had an older sister and another on the way. If you could do something for your child you do. She didn't have much to go by, as a nurse she researched on her own, therapies both occupational, food, vitamin, and phsyical. At 7, Charlie has been mainstreamed into public school, is now in 1st grade, and is one of the most loving and caring children I have ever had the priviledge to know. Every day is a struggle and even though so much has changed due to hours of therapies, it will be something he fights FOREVER. 3 years ago, my godson Spencer, one of twins, was also diagnosed with Autism. Why does it run in families? Why do boys versus girls predominetly have this disorder. So many questions, yet noone knows the answers. There isn't even a test that can be done to see if your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is why I choose Autism Speaks. Their research and support for my two sisters and their families while they struggle daily with meeting the needs of their boys has been continuous and wonderful. They are now hopeful that their son's too can excel, like average children, in life.. but it was hard to feel that way at the beginning of their struggles. Volunteering for walks, fundraising, etc. is great, but it will be nice to give more to their cause.. FOR CHARLIE AND SPENCER! I love you, Aunt Mary

The charity/ organization of my choice would be The Morgan Center of Plainview, NY. It is a preschool for children who are undergoing treatment for cancer. My cousin's daughter is a graduate and a survivor of Leukemia. She is now 7 years old and absolutely perfect. I come from a close nit family and my cousin is as close to me as one of my 5 other siblings. Her daughter was diagnosed with leukemia at 2 years old and came off chemo after she was 4. Our children often play with each other and basically spend the whole summer together. When my cousin's daughter was undergoing chemo she couldn't play with her cousins because they could get her sick. The Mogan Center gave my niece fiends and playmates when her family couldn't and for that I will always be grateful.

$10,000 is alot to give, but so much more is needed to help so many charities. I would give $10,000 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in my home town of memphis Tennessee. I get to hear so much about what St. Jude does because I have lived here my whole life. The money that goes to St. Jude helps to fund cancer research, mostly in the case of childhood leukemia. Please listen. We are close to curing cancer. We may even see the cure in our lifetime. We do know that the path to the cure has to do with blasting the body with healthy cells that the mutated cells think are cancer. We are so close. It saddens me that the U.S. Government spends so much money on wars, trying to save the environment, and other things, yet its up to us, the people, to fund cancer research. Another good Charity is The Ronald McDonald house, Target House, and Grizzlies House. What these charities do is they provide housing for cancer patients and their families. It is hard enough for a family to find out their child has cancer. It is even more difficult for them to pack up everything and leave everyone to move to Memphis so their child can be treated. What these charities do is offer a very comfortable place for the family to live while the child is being treated. These places are so nice and understand how difficult it is on traveling families of sick children. They provide food and comfort to these families and its so nice to see how they operate. They need money too. So, if you can't think of a charity to donate too, those places would be great. But, if I were so graciously given $10,000 to give to any charity, it would be St. Jude Children's research hospital, here in Memphis, Tennessee.

Without a doubt I would donate my $10K to The Susan G. Komen Foundation. There are so many groups that I wish I could donate to, but this cause is close to my heart and my small circle of family and friends. Each year I walk in the race...this year I will be running! There is nothing better than getting out of your own head and reaching out to others...sometimes I think that is the best medicine there is, for both parties.

This is an easy one for me. I will give my $10,000 to St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, Tn. Ever since high school I have felt such a strong connection with that place. It's weird how life has its crazy twists and turns. I've always felt compelled to help those afflicted with Leukemia...yes, I was always that specific about it. I KNEW somehow one way or the other Leukemia would affect my life. In 1986 my Dad was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 49. I was in college and felt such sadness. I watched him live with it for 10 years. Most days he felt just fine. It wasn't until the last year he really went downhill. My Dad died Father's Day weekend of 1996. 3 years later I ran the Mayor's MIdnight Sun Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska in memory of my Dad as part of Team in Training. I raised $4,000 for the Leukemia Society. Shortly after my Dad died we were passing through Memphis and we went right by St. Jude's. I wanted to stop, go in and HELP. What I would do? Something like Denise does on her Wacky Wednesdays...be silly, make the kids laugh and forget how sick they are for awhile. One of my motivators for winning this Challenge is that I want to personally meet Marlo Thomas and give her the check along with you, Bill. I want to say how amazing I think her and her father are for founding such a place. We have a sweet little girl in our town that stayed in St. Judes and was healed. I want to give and hope one day I will be able to do this.

Being named a “Special Honors” Champion after my first round and then receiving $1,000.00 to go towards my favorite charity was definitely one of those life moments that rank right up there with the best of them. It gave me such pride and a great sense of accomplishment to contact my charity (ALS Association) with the news. Some of you may remember the first round story about my good friend Joanie who lost her daughter to ALS on January 13th, 2008 at the young age of 29. She had just recently married and became pregnant when she began to develop the first signs and symptoms of ALS. Against her doctors advice Keri decided against aborting the pregnancy (which can speed up the disease) and gave birth to a healthy baby girl. By the time the baby was born Keri was confined to a wheel chair. She managed to live another 10 months and spent most of that time getting to know her daughter and preparing birthday videos for Kellyn’s next 18 years. Keri had video camera’s set up throughout the house so she could watch her daughter from a television by her bed. In light of unsurmountable odds, Keri’s strength and bravery was unbelievable. Her struggle with this deadly disease touched my heart to the core. I knew I had to do something to help raise research funds and awareness to help find a cure for this devastating disease. So as I continue on my journey of transformation I will hold steadfast in my decision to help the ALS Association raise funding for research. Some of you may also remember that during Keri’s ordeal her mother Joanie developed lung cancer. She had never smoked and had always enjoyed exercise and good health. She bravely fought two battles over the course of several years and lost one of them. Her cancer is now in remission and she is doing well. I pray each day that she will soon be declared “cancer free”. Joanie was totally unaware that I had selected her cause for my charity money. She and I cried when I phoned her with the news about the donation. I now understand first hand what Bill means about giving from the heart. It is truly a powerful and rewarding experience. If I am elected as a future champion I will donate $10,000 to the Keri B. Still Fund (ALS – Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter) for further research and awareness on ALS or better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Thanks Bill for allowing me this awesome experience and lesson in giving from the heart! Love ya buddy, Greg :)

When I was a kid, my best friend and I would pour over the Sears Wish Book and pick out all the stuff we wanted. This assignment reminds me of that experience - of opening up to what is possible- and daring to have big wishes about making life better - for others. My grandma taught me about Heifer International, a 60 year old organization that has supported over 8.5 million people to lift themselves and their communities out of poverty. You can find Heifer International in Africa, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and the US. I am a community organizer in Oakland, CA and while I witness poverty and hunger right here in my own community, I am deeply touched by the interconnectedness of all of us around the globe. Heifer International is a model of intelligent design- that incorporates so much of what makes humans GOOD. If I got to choose, I'd give the $10,000 to their "Women in Livestock Development" program. This is an exerpt from Heifer's website: "Heifer International's goal is to end poverty. It's a simple goal but requires serious commitment. In our effort to do this we recognize that women make up 70% of the world's poor. Women produce 80% of developing world's food yet own less than 1% of the earth's land. By focusing on women we also help struggling families and communities. Overlooked by government programs and often denied education, rural women face a cycle of poverty, hunger and despair. Without help, many toil endlessly yet watch, helpless, as death, too often steals their children. But there is a way out. In a world where too many women feel powerless you have the power through a simple gift to help them to change their circumstances. You can become a helpful participant by making a donation to help out the women who are looking for a way out not a hand-out. Through training from Heifer International and our model of Passing on the Gift, women and their entire communities overcome social and cultural barriers." HOW COOL IS THAT?!!!

My mission and chariity that I would first give back to is my precious church that I attend Salisbury in Charleston Illinois. Its a non denominational church and they have been such a GO BE THE CHURCH CHURCH. They just dont speak about LOVE they ACT IN LOVE! Actions speak lourder than words and well my church lives LOVE outloud! They ministered so deeply to me when My mother passed away and they have given me such a wonderful church family! I would also love to start a mission called OUR FATHERS HOUSE for my son Nathanael to do. It would be really awesome for the two of us to hand out BIBLES and Ragamuffin gospel and to share the LOVE OF JESUS with those who are ragamuffins of the world..me being the chief. I have FOUND such incredible Unconditional love and I would LOVE to share this on to others. I feel such a desire to pass that on to others. So I would spit the money half to my church and half to set up a mission to bring forth some missions work for Nathan to do my precious son who is on the autism spectrem mildly. Thats my hearts desire! Blessings Shari!

At this point in time I would choose to donate the same three charities daughter Stephanie Flynn has selected to share equal portion of the $10,000 she won as a Champion. Truly the time is short before we as a collective experience our oneness fully. Oh Happy Day!

All I can say is WOW!!! I want to be "there" in every moment of every day! Truly, this has been my life's goal. Yet I lacked the practical applications to most fully get me "there." Living this transformation has been one of the best things I have ever done. With all my heart I praise GOD, for the direction of getting here- receiving the gift you have give on "transformation." My heart gives GOD the glory for using you Bill. Thank you Jesus!! I commit to myself and others: "...through this transformation process, we’re learning that we really have the ability to change, but even with our best efforts, we make mistakes, we have setbacks, we succumb to adversity, temporarily. When we can accept that in ourselves, we can accept that in others." and "Keep on helping, keep on giving, and don’t hold back.”

"Unconditional attention of compassion towards others" means to me that I remove all judgments of others and accept them as they at any given moment. That's the person I strive to be. I want to look at anyone and feel compassion for them, no matter what they've done, not done, or am at that moment. I want to feel compassion for the Mom whose child is screaming in the store, instead of judgmental irritation. I want to give back to others, because I believe that is something God wishes for all of us to do. Diane

After spending a lot of time thinking about the biggest and most “fantastic” ministry to which I could donate money, I remained unsettled and perplexed. As wonderful as many of these organizations are, sometimes I wonder what the real impact is on specific individuals in need. Without first-hand knowledge, it’s all theory to me. Looking deeper, I went back to your notes about this assignment, and was struck by the words, “authentic intention.” Authentic...meaning, not trying to be something or someone I am not...meaning, as true to my real self as possible. I was reminded about my paramedic work in the ghetto areas of south central Los Angeles, where I witnessed not only gang warfare, but generational hopeless among people who sincerely believed nothing would ever change. It seemed as if people were waiting for someone else to change the world, and the entire culture there seemed to perpetuate that belief system. It appeared, literally, impossible for the people with whom I came into contact with to believe that anything would ever, ever, change in their “‘hood.” Thus the helplessness, the anger, the downright rage continued, in a cyclical matter. This brought me to my “authentic intentions,” which is aligned with the strong belief that we, as individuals, are each incredibly capable of transforming the world! I do not believe the answers for our challenges are necessarily found at the corporate level, or only in the minds of those with higher educations. I do not believe that the world will begin to change only if and when someone else changes it. I do believe things can - and will - change at the grassroots level, in the individual efforts of millions of people worldwide. When one person makes a difference in the live of one other person, the whole world can literally transform! As I witnessed the daily scenes of brutality and senseless violence, it was obvious that individuals can have extremely negative influences in the lives of those around them. Yet, I knew in my heart, that one person, acting alone, could also positively affect others, if they believe that they can. Then, that newly empowered person could positively influence one more person...and the effects of the positive influence could effectively change a ‘hood, a culture, a society, and a world. I believe that with all of my heart! During this time of introspection, my mind drifted back to a letter I wrote about a year ago, to the board of elders at my local church. Just over a year ago, they did a simple thing, a personal thing, a one-to-one thing -- all without the machinery of a large charitable organization behind it. They did exactly what I mentioned above -- influenced one person for good. After re-reading my letter, and due to the reasons I have mentioned above, it became very clear to me that any money I might receive needs to be given to my local church. (The original letter is in today's blog, for assignment #13.) Although there are so many worthwhile organizations, this particular one made so much difference in my life. It would be my humble privilege to follow through with an intention written in 2008, and donate any money I might receive to the church who showed God “in action” during one of the darkest times in my life. You may have seen or heard the illustration: One night a small little voice was heard from the bedroom across the hall. “Daddy, I'm scared!" The response came quick: "Honey, don't be afraid, Daddy's right across the hall." After a very brief pause the little voice is heard again, "I'm still scared!" Again a response: "You don't need to be afraid. God is watching over you." This time the pause is longer ... but the voice returns, "Daddy, I want someone with skin on!" Over the years, I have found that some can promise to “be there” in another’s time of need. It is another thing entirely to really do it. I was shown absolute mercy and unmerited favor. They showed God’s love first, and never asked for any proof of my story. They never asked what I did with the money, didn’t demand receipts, and there was no red tape. They just helped me, no questions asked. They showed me God’s grace. God’s “skin,” if you will. Their decision changed my life, and the lives of my children. If they received $10,000, how many other people would be blessed in their times of suffering? It feels like the least I could do. They make a real difference, one life at a time. They deserve my support. In my search for the grandiose King of Charities, I almost overlooked the obvious -- give back to the people who so graciously made a significant impact in my life.

10,000 to choose what charity etc to give too. Well I would want to use it a whole different way. i love kids and there are so many kids that are over weight and need the help and the familes cannot afford it and don't know what to do or where to begin.. So my passion with the money would be, being able to find one and even two stories of a young child, Highschool, even middle school that I feel really wants to change and needs assistance. I would take that Money and find the right trainer or program for them and use that for there training and nutritional needs so they can be the change. This is something I feel will help them make that change and get the help they need because children need that extra push to get started. To take two childrens lives and make them for the better would be an ultimate gift. To see a smile on there face and full of pride is a gift never forgotten. That would be my first choice. My 2nd choice would be any charity that is helping the aid of children. They are our future. That is my passion. 10,000 to give is a big gift.

I originally chose to give a portion of the $10,000 won to Overeaters Anonymous and a portion to Nareshwadi, a comprehensive school health project for orphans/tribal children affected or infected with Aids in India. Another place that is very close to my heart is The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. This is where I started volunteering last summer and experienced the rewards of altruism, then I was given the opportunity to intern there as a fitness instructor for disabled people. The Center is a place where people with disabilities can go to participate in group fitness classes, exercise in the fitness center, use the art studio and horticulture room, take practical living classes, cooking classes and more. It gives many the opportunities to enrich their live with social activities and learning opportunities when they might otherwise be isolated at home because of their disabilities. I did not think of The Center until after I was announced champion, and I've decided since then that I will now split the $10,000 evenly between OA, The Center and Nareshwadi. The money will go far to help each organization improve and change the lives of those they serve. =)

I love animals, so the ASPCA is of interest to me. To save an animal is deep in these peoples hearts so I would love to help these people do so. Big Brother, Big Sister is another organization I believe in. I know what I could share now, with a teenager. I am not a parent, and so to be able to offer guidance to a young person that has no-one to mentor them is a wonderful gift to pass forward. LPJ, Cat

While I like to support my country and all our own needs I’m motivated to contribute my energies to an organization that brings "hope" and more importantly "Global Awareness" to dire health issues usually associated with atrocities due to politics and greed. While I feel there are many in need within our own borders I've seen lands where our poor look like their rich thus I choose to do something for OUR global presence as a nation of unbelievable wealth compared to ¾’s of the world, kind of a cleaning up of our image and our national Karma if you will. I am speaking of Doctors without Borders as my choice in charities.

I have had a couple friends that have dealt with breast cancer and a good friend that passed away 2 years ago from cancer. So i would give to the breast cancer awareness but would also like to give to my church and children with lychemia. Thanks Bill

My church supports a variety of projects outside the U.S. Nigeria and Haiti are two places that really need help just for people to survive. I would love to split the donation between these two places because I cannot choose one set of needy folks over another. In Africa the support is for medical help of the poor. In Haiti, an orphanage provides a healthy environment for the poorest kids in the western hemisphere. While there are many needs in America, people in other parts of the world are TREMENDOUSLY disadvantaged compared to even the most poverty stricken here. Four people in my family work in social work. Despite the needs they see each day, nothing compares to the needs of the poorest of the poor in third world nations.

This is a true transformative assignment as it deals more with what's inside than out. By this time we hopefully have all experienced major changes in our outward appearance. I have to ask myself: Am I changing equally on the inside - the spiritual transformation? Is giving of myself getting easier? There are so many organizations that represent so many worthy causes. I was thinking: where can I get the most bang for my (Bill's) buck? What if I could give a gift that never ran out? So I decided on The Perpetual Education Fund, which is a humanitarian foundation which "loans" education funds to needy youth in Latin America so they can obtain an advanced education. Once educated and gainfully employed, they pay back the loan (no interest) so that another youth can have the same opportunity. The gift lives on forever. Eventually my wife and I will go back to Latin America and personally support the foundation as volunteers. By then I'll be ready both inside and out! Thanks Bill.

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for famlies that are in need, expecially single parent households. There are a lot of famlies in my community that struggle to buy their kids school clothes and school supplies so every year I try to help at least one family buy the things that they need. I have a big passion for helping youth expecially youth in Urban areas, I believe that all kids should have a chance to suceed in life and I would love to help a program that helps with activities and mentoring kids in Urban areas. If I am chosen to be a champion I would donate $5000 to the boys and girls club of Sacramento and $5000 to $5000 to the YMCA of superior California. I feel that these are two orginizations that makes differences in the life of children.

I always thought that I was basically a giving person, until transformation. Through transformation, I have realized that there are so many ways we can give, even if we don't have a lot of money to give. Visiting an elderly neighbor who doesn't have much family and could really use a friend, or even visiting with people in a nursing home who may not get many if any visitors. I believe that being kind to someone who has treated you badly is a form of giving. Its giving forgiveness! If I am blessed enough to ever become a champion, I would give $5000 to hand of hope. Hand of hope is a charity started by Joyce Meyer ministry. They help provide food and most importantly they minister spiritually to people in poverty stricken nations. I would give the other $5000 to Last Days Ministries. It is an organization started by Melody Green, Keith Greens wife to help spread the message of Jesus Christs love all over the world!

I have given this alot of thought and I would split my donations between two foundations. The first is the American Cancer Society. This is close to my heart because I lost my wonderful dad to cancer. Also, my mom, when she was only 13, lost her mother to breast cancer. The second half of the donation would go to the Make a Wish foundation to help enrich the lives of children with life threatening medical conditions to give them hope for their future.

There are so many worthy charities to donate to but I think that if I won the $10,000 I would have to give it to The Make A Wish Foundation. This summer my daughter had the unique experience of working at a dialysis camp sponsored by them. The camp allowed young children who have experienced renal failure and possibly organ transplant to enjoy themselves as other children might. This week long event profoundly changed my daughter's life too. Providing quality experiences for children who have suffered renal failure due to diabetes is near and dear to my heart because my brother also suffered from this and later succumbed to the disease.

New Beginnings Women's Center is dedicated to helping meet the needs of those who are faced with an unplanned pregnancy. New Beginnings is a free service run by caring volunteers who are on call 24/7. It is an awesome resource supported by many individuals and churches in our community. Many of the women who seek out help are in a situation of desperation and they find caring help regardless of their situation. While there are many wonderful organizations, this one has brought help and stability into the lives of many women in turmoil. I wholeheartedly support this group and would love to present it with a $10,000 gift!

back in the day, bill phillips and his companies would send out a free video by the name of "body of work" and i remember a little note saying that if this video helps you in any way, don't pay us, make a donation to the make-a-wish foundation and i did way back in 1999, and i have continued to give to that organization and learn what they do...the video still helps me and i still help the foundation so that will always be a charity in my heart... i also like to give to the "crazy horse monument foundation" for the construction of a large monument near mount rushmore of crazy horse... i also like to give to the mill dog rescue mission in colorado springs, they save dogs from the horror camps of dog mills and give them homes...i would also like to give some to my local libraries, our national parks, and autism awareness...

There are too many organizations I'd like to give $10,000.00 to.I love my church and other thriving organizations that support the vision for taking the gospel to people, but I really feel in my heart I would give it to an organization that needs it.Like a small organization that has a huge vision, but small cash flow. An organization that is overlooked. A place where hurting,broken, homeless and poverty stricken families are welcomed. An organization with a unique vision...one like no other. One that isn;t sure how it will thrive, but is moving forward on the basis that God told them to do so. I will be searching for that organization...while I wait for my $10,000.00. LOL

I would give first to my church and also to my local union missions. There are so many opportunities to give, and what a blessing it is to do so. God Bless

There is never a shortage of organisations requiring assistance & over the years I've found it increasingly difficult to chose, so mine would be split 3 ways (1) I've come to a place where orphans, specifically those affected by HIV, find a place near & dear to my heart (2) the lighthouse which has a moses basket & rescues 5-10 babies a week from a fate that would otherwise be death in a trash can, bushels, rivers etc (3) and parentless homes in soweto - Hundreds of homes where the 'parent' of several siblings is no older than 12 .... how could i chose just one ?!

This is the one area that I want to start including in my life. I've always been told that I was a humanitarian...a helper. After my first marriage ended in divorce, I know I lost that part of my soul. I gave everything I had to that relationship and it sucked the life of giving right out of me. Now, i so desparately want that part of me back. I'm struggling to figure out how. I know I want to get involved at my church with our giving missions for the homeless here in Indy. I WILL finally sign up. My reason for choosing M.A.D.D. is due to a car I saw a few years ago. On the back window there was a message in vinyl lettering stating the birth and death of the drivers daughter...underneath this in smaller lettering was "she was taken from us by a drunk driver". That touched me enough to have M.A.D.D. be the first charity I thought of when filling out my t.com profile. Mel

When I first accepted the challenge and had the daunting task of filing in all my profile information I had NO idea what charity I would choose to support. A few weeks in I saw a commercial on tv about a fundraiser for Primary Children''s Hospital in Salt Lake City. I knew immediatly that would be the institution I would to LOVE to donate to. I am from Utah, and if I ever had a gravely sick, or hurt child of my own, and they needed more care than the hospital in my town could give that is where they would go. I know children who have to had to spend time there. I have a sister in law who is a nurse there. Most importantly I LOVE children, and think that every sick child deserves to have the very best care possible. No matter their financial situation. Primary Children's puts the child first no matter what. I love that! It's definitley a charity I can get behind, and holds a special place in my heart. 10,000 dollars for myself would be great, but being able to donate that much to my charity would be 10x more exciting for me. The thought alone just about brings me to tears. Yes I'm a boob, and I'm okay with that! ;)

I am changing my plan on this assignment. Last time I put my granddaughter's school as the recipient. I wanted so bad to donate $10,000 to the school, so I have figured out a way to do that anyway. Not in one big check but over time in a 12 month period. I am really happy to be collecting pledges for MAW in Colorado and am really happy that we are giving back to the hosting community for the Denver Event. I am shooting for a 10,000 contribution to Colorado's Make A Wish through pledges. Soooo...to make a short story long, I would like my charity to be Make A Wish Nebraska, I would like to match the contribution that I am making to Colorado. It would be so cool to ...in one year contribute the money that I want to Kora's school, grant 2 wishes to children in CO ++++ grant 2 wishes to children in NE and be able to give back to my community and two children here. I would consider this a pretty darn good year. I want to be a wish maker. http://nebraska.wish.org/ My next challenge is going to be to work with or set up an organization to set up healthy physical activity for elementary school age children in order to prevent childhood obesity. I am thinking school and neighborhood walking and running goals. That is next time though.

Assignment 13 I took a long time thinking about my answer on this assignment. I think there are many wonderful and deserving organizations. I kept rereading the part Bill wrote “one of the most important aspects of being of service is connecting with something that is near and dear to your heart and soul. And so keeping that in mind….” I realize to connect with my heart and soul, ie. “my service heart”, I had to dig deeper and change my perspective. I believe strongly in “Make a Wish” and “Feed the Children”. However, I have lost from cancer, many of my closest friends, family and 2 past fiancées. I find that St. Jude’s hits my inner heart and soul. The fact that they turn no children away for cancer treatment, due to lack of money, is very touching. That place is wonderful. I have contributed small amounts to them, but feel badly, that I can’t help them more. If I were to be fortunate enough to be named a champion of this transformation challenge, I would give the $10,000 to St. Judes.

I have been taught, through example and by my own experience, that giving from the heart, holding nothing back, expecting nothing in return, is a Christlike love. I try to live by this, and do all I can to see a need and act upon it. If I was lucky enough to be chosen as a Champion, I would donate 1/2 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and half to KIVA. KIVA is a wonderful organization that distributes microloans to entrepreneurs in third world countries. These loans help individuals build small businesses and schools, provide needed equipment or seeds to plant more crops. It is essentially following the "teach a man to fish" principle. As the loans are payed back, we reinvest the money over and over again. So, it is the gift that keeps on giving. . . I can only imagine what good $5000 could do for this program. My children, 11 & 6, have donated some of their money (as little as $25) and they select who they want to help. They even receive updates on their entrepreneurs. It is a truly inspired program, and I love reaching beyond our borders. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is near and dear to me, as I lost my birth mother to breast cancer when I was 2 years old. Several aunts and friends have died from or are fighting the disease. I am at high risk as well, and want to do all I can to fight back! I would gladly donate $5000 to help fund research to find a cure. Because "Everyone Deserves A Lifetime!"

If I were blessed to have the opportunity to offer $10,000 to charity, I would prefer to divide the money among two organizations that are near and dear to my heart. I would love to give $5,000 to The Patient Housing Fund at The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington. My husband received a bone marrow transplant there in 1984. After living in a plastic bubble for three months, he and his younger brother, who was the bone marrow donor, moved into an apartment in Seattle several miles away from the hospital for three months. They were from Charlotte, NC and they were all the way across the country facing the prospect of death. My husband has shared with me vivid stories about that scary and transformative time in his life and often expresses how wonderful the doctors and nurses at The Hutch treated him. People continue to travel to The Hutch for treatment from all 50 states and 60 different countries. In 1999, a group of dedicated volunteers raised money to purchase an apartment building near the hospital to host out-of-state patients and their families during treatment. My husband has without a doubt been the greatest blessing in my life. We met several years after his recovery from Aplastic Anemia. He has supported and enthusiastically encouraged me in everything that I’ve done in our fourteen years of marriage, including my transformation! He has sacrificed tremendously for me to attend seminary at Vanderbilt and to serve in ministry for the past ten years. He fully supported my decision to leave my job in February to work on my own health. Due to these sacrifices, he has never had a lot of extra cash to send to The Hutch. It would mean a great deal to both of us if we could help other patients receive necessary treatment without excessive financial hardship. The second organization that I would like to support with a $5,000 contribution is Puppies Behind Bars. This organization brings puppies into prisons in the NY area for prisoners to train as service dogs. The dogs are trained to assist disabled people and veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. After an extensive training period with the prisoner, the service dogs are then offered to people in need throughout the country. To me it’s a travesty that our soldiers are returning from these wars to face unprecedented levels of unemployment for soldiers after risking their lives to serve. Moreover, families are breaking up due to the mental health issues and stressors experienced by these veterans. Both of my grandfathers served in World War II and my uncle is a Vietnam vet. I also wrote a master’s thesis entitled The Practical and Moral Implications of Prison Overcrowding in 1994, and I am keenly aware that the lack of rehabilitation of prisoners leads to recidivism and further violence in our society when prisoners are released. The prisoners learn responsibility and are able to be productive contributing members of society while they are incarcerated. I firmly believe that a person can experience the unconditional love of God through the love of a pet. Christine

I would love to support Anaphlaxis Canada. I feel that the work they do to further research and education for people living with life threatening allergies is truly exceptional. They have been a valuable resource to me as I tried to learn more about my son's allergies.

One of my favorite charities is The American Red Cross. In times of tragedy, they are ready to go. This is a charity I pledge money to on my own when there are fund raising drives for specific tragecies that have occurred. They provide services for our military, and of course the regular blood drives. We can't imagine how many lives have been saved by this.

My favorite charity is the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

www.sharelife.org, to help the marginalized in our Toronto community

I would give to Young Life/Wyldlife in my town. This ministry focuses on building authentic relationships with kids to be able to introduce them to Christ and help them grow in their faith. They function off of volunteers who give up their time to hang out with middle and high school kids. I want to give to them because it is the best organization I have seen in being able to reach kids.

EXERCISE 13: Also on my blog. Oh, this is sooooooooo good. If I were to win the $10,000 gift check, I would gratefully present it to INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S CARE, "Working Around the World to Bring Orphans New Life." It has grown from a small campus in South American to children's homes all around the world. We get a news letter (Que Pasa)each month and it is thrilling to see how these young lives are being touched. Yes, Bill, I have found great joy in sharing with others. I am so blessed, and there is no greater blessing than blessing someone else by sharing what God has given me. Thanks for reminding me of another step in finding peace and contentment. P.S. Two days ago as I headed home from volunteer work, I turned on my radio and the speaker said "Try a one week fast from your TV and see what changes come into your life!" Yesterday, I put a towel over my TV screen. I already feel a growing peace from having time to do more what I want and need to do and to study and read beneficial material.

A few days ago I looked at my printed version of this assignment for the first time. I was so amazed (but I'm used to this) to see how divinely orchestrated the timing was! I had just (FINALLY) got myself up-to-date with the last 2 posts by Bill - which really are on that topic of GIVING and compassion. So, I got a triple dose all in a couple days! It didn't take me long to prayerfully settle in on what I now KNOW to be GOD's choice for my $10,000 philanthropic gift - should I get the honor of making it as a result of my transformation! I chose an unconditional Love-filled compassionate community on the West Coast that labors to express God's heart in Isaiah 58 - especially verses 6 thru 12: feeding the hungry, clothing those who need it, sheltering homeless, lessening burdens of the oppressed, freeing wrongly imprisoned, helping those in trouble, you get the point. But, ALSO they are a 'renaissance' community of the ARTS. They seek to equip people to function in their callings in all areas of society - not just 'religious' service. I share more of my heart about this in my Assignment #13 in my ASSIGNMENT Blog.

After talking with Dennis tonight, I had the wrong charity listed. It should read Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivors and Supporters. I have updated it on my profile as well as my Blog Assignment page.

I gave more thought to this assignment this time around and I value it a lot more. I love the blessings of giving. My favorite charity is Make A WIsh because I would love helping those children make their dreams come true! What a joy it is for them and us!

Bill - you are truly inspired. I feel so blessed for this next assignment and I am excited that I actually implemented it before knowing it was an assignment. So much has changed for me in just a short week. I reconnected with an old friend from High School and things have started making a little more sense in so many ways. My friend, Dennis, just started a profile on Facebook and I found him online last week so I decided to start up a conversion. They all start the same. How have you been? What’s New? Work, family, kids, etc.? He mentioned his recent conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, my same faith, and I was so happy for him and his family. Then we got to talking about him and it was like a punch in the gut. He has been diagnosed with Stage 4, B Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and the doctors have given him 6 to 8 months to live. My mind went into overdrive. Here is someone I knew in Jr. High and High School; someone I really admired and is just a year older than me. Now, we reconnect for the first time in 17 years and he is dying. How fair is that? We talked for a while and I got to know him so much better. He made a comment to me that the hardest part of all this is leaving his kids and how he thinks his youngest son (almost three years old) will never remember him. My heart ached as I knew his fear is valid. My mother died when she was only 29 years old of Breast Cancer. My twin sister and I were only 2 ½ years old and I do not remember her at all. I immediately offered to put together some digital scrapbook DVD’s of Dennis and his family. We are working together with his wife and mom to gather photos and video so I can get started on this project. As I told him, it will be a labor of love from me to him and his family. So, this is my service I will be focusing on for at least the last 6 weeks of my Transformation if not longer. My drive to be selected as one of the three champions has found new meaning and purpose. I am switching my charity selection from Susan G. Komen for Breast Cancer to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I want to win this $10,000 to make any kind of contribution I can that could possibly save Dennis and so many others like him. I’m picking up the pace and searching my heart and soul for reason and meaning in my Transformation. Finding Dennis is another way to kick-start my spiritual self and focus on what truly matters in this life. I want to live for my family. I want to be there for them and I am going to do everything in my power to make sure my body is strong and healthy, my mind is alert and focused, my spirit is in tune with my divine purpose and my life is worth everything to those I love. I am so grateful for this journey, for a loving family, tremendous friends and a Father in Heaven who loves me!

I would plan to give the money to my church's humanitarian program. Also, if I were to win I would take my portion and give it directly to individuals in need. One person comes to mind that is fighting cancer and has very little income to live on. I do tithe to my church and also give monetary offerings, but I think giving directly to someone I know that is in need would be personally gratifying.

I thought Paul Newman was great also! What a wonderful example he set and what a giving man he was!! : D I give my blood to the American Red Cross and volunteer time! I don't have money to spare since I am poor trying to raise my daughter on my own but I do what I can. I have helped build a Habitat House-that was so much fun! I met really neat people I would have never met otherwise and I learned how to chalk a roof(and many more things)!!! I will continue to give my time and when I DO become stable financially I will give my offering (10%) like my father does to our church! I've decided though that if I won the Transformation money or a large amount playing the lottery (I only play 1- $1 ticket a week)that I would like to find individuals and disperse the money to different families directly! Like- buy them stuff that is needed &/or pay some medical bills for someone who can't- just something DIRECT! So many people need our help and don't even know how or where to go! Or furnish a "Battered Women's" safe house....you get my drift! Well, I do LOVE helping others so I'm glad you brought up this topic, Bill! Love your T-friend, Angie "Butterfly"

After considering this assignment for quite some time now I have decided I'd like to donate the money to a group in my home town, Meals on Wheels. I am a driver here in Williamsburg. This program provides two meals a day (one hot and one cold, five days a week) to anyone in the area, regardless of age or income, who needs a hand with meals. There are 10 routes, each with about 12-15 clients and volunteers deliver the meals each day. But it's about so much more than meals - it's about companionship and caring. Some of these people don't get out much, and they really look forward to seeing us pull up in the driveway. This summer I've been bringing my daughter along with me and the people on our route love telling her stories about when they were young, about the boys they had crushes on, the wars they fought, the people they loved who are no longer here. Mr. Perkinson lights up when he shows us pictures of his grandson, Miss Tyree just likes us to sit and chat for awhile, and Mrs. West likes to jokingly offer up her dog Pooh for adoption each week (at least I think she's joking. ) And true to any kind of volunteering we get even more out of it than the people receiving the meals. I so look forward to seeing the men and women on my route. I think of all they have contributed in their lives and it is an honor to be able to help them anyway I can. And I am so happy that my daughter has developed such an appreciation for older people (most of our clients are in their 80's). She doesn't see them as just "old people" - she appreciates that they were 14 once, that they were newlyweds, and young mothers nursing sick kids, soldiers stationed far from home, people who once had many friends and active social lives - definitely not "just" old people. We have been truly blessed to be a part of The Meals on Wheels program here in Williamsburg. This organization would greatly benefit from $10,000. That amount of money would subsidize a lot of meals, and knowing that I could contribute in that way would make me truly happy.

My favorite charity for years has been St. Jude..I always felt bad only being able to send them small donations, on my vision board in my gym I have a doantion request from them and I wrote in $10,000.00 I would love to be able to mail that in to them!!!!!! I just wish they had a hospital here so I could donate my time as well.

This is another great topic and no matter where you are in your life, even as rough as things might be.. lending a hand to someone else can sure make you feel better. I'm a little torn who I'd donate to if I was chosen as a winner. My father was in the hospital with a heart condition back in May.... and what they are able to do with modern medicine is a miracle. So I am concidering the American Heart Association for reasearch, without the Doctor and current medicine available he could have very well been on the brink to a stroke and I thank God everyday that he caught the sypmtoms my Dad had. I'm also concidering the American Lung Association, my Mother has struggle with Asthma all of her life, growing up as a teenager she really had some rought times with her breathing... she was always there for us and struggled thru it. So I may have to come back and choose or possibly split it between the two organizations. I may be going thru some challenges in life these past few years, but at the very least I wake up every morning and I have my health. Another great topic!

If I were chosen as a tcom champ I would donate my $10K to my church, River of Love Ministries. We are a body of believers that are committed to restoring the hearts of people wounded by everyday life. We have the tools to restore their spirits and souls. Now with tcom we also now have the resources and principles to teach them how to restore their bodies as well. We are getting ready to start building a community center where all will have access to complete wholeness and restoration, body, soul, and spirit. Of course there will be a full gym along with many other resources! I will be donating my money to that!

I would choose to give the $10,000 to my local church....Harvest Baptist Temple. Though we are small, we are strong. We have an amazing leader that cares deeply for the people in the community & I can honestly say that I have not seen a church with a bigger heart.

ASSIGNMENT # 13 - June 6, 2009 Last fall 2008 when I joined my Sunday School class, my Sunday school teacher, sent me two videos he showed us in class. I was so moved by the videos I had to have them. I didn't remember the videos until last night when I was on T.......this one is about forgiveness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhVA2tsZnN4 ...and this one, (which really shocks me when I think of God's perfect plan for my life), is about the Hoyts! When I saw the Denver guest line-up (the Hoyts)...I KNEW I had seen them somewhere! This is an absolutely beautiful video of them. PLEASE PLEASE watch it: http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513 Not long after that, we had a visitor come to our Sunday school class to speak with us for the hour. Her name is Joy. She talked about a group home she manages (called the Brooks home) for eight women, handicapped at different levels and illnesses from birth (Downs Syndrome, etc.). Joy is the house mother. She and her husband John, and assistant Laurie work with the "family" of eight girls as a team. The Brooks home for women is totally funded by the Tennessee Baptist Convention. They exist and are supported by donations only. If they receive even $1 from the state, they have to be governed at the state level and follow their rules and regulations. When Joy came to speak for us that day, she described her life-long work and passion of working with the mentally handicapped. Joy said she had a dream about doing something musical with them. When she said the word "music", ...my mind began to drift and dream. I felt very compelled by God to act upon what she had said at that moment. As I drifted off in prayer, I thought of a book called Musicophilia I had recently purchased. The book was written by Dr. Oliver Sacks, the real-life doctor from the movie "Awakenings". Oliver Sacks is a neurologist is NYC. The book discusses the power of music and neurology. Music is a universal language that crosses all barriers, and is used in Music Therapy to treat patients (with Parkinson's Disease and other illnesses) and improve their quality of life. My mind began to put all of this together in that Sunday School room. I had thought for years about continuing my music education and going back to school to study Music Therapy. I have all but my MAT testing and scores submitted to GCSU, but due to our financial crisis this year, and "life", that particular dream is on the shelf for now. I kept thinking...maybe there is a way my husband Joe and I can do our "own" Music Therapy without sending me back to school for another degree. We are both musicians, and music is a HUGE part of our entire family life. About the same time, Joe was working on some children's songs. So I thought, I wonder if "the House of Joy girls" would even "like" music? Over the next weeks and months, our Sunday School class "adopted" the Brooks home for women, and became more involved with helping them out. They donated time and money to help them purchase items they needed. I spoke with my Sunday School teacher, about the idea of Joe and I going in and having him sing and play for them. He thought they would love it. Months passed, and we couldn't get together to play due to the Christmas holiday, travel, and illnesses. Finally in March 2009, we made an appointment to go for a visit and have Joe sing and play guitar for the girls. We picked out the songs, and we went together one Thursday evening. He had a mixture of songs ready, some of his own, and some standard gospel songs. Well, Joe played a song by Johnny Cash, and then another. The girls seemed to enjoy the music. They were just kind of sitting in a circle tapping their feet and smiling. I whispered to Joe, "Why do you play, I'll Fly Away". it's one of my favorite songs~ Well, the minute he played the intro, Marcy got up and started singing and dancing around the room! They were all clapping and singing, and I was just laughing and smiling from ear to ear. They LOVED it! They came ALIVE! It was like a breakthrough and the rest of the night was just plain old crazy FUN! Needless to say, we went over to the Brooks home to bless the girls with a little music and friendship, and I think WE were the ones that got the real blessing! Joe and I talked about that night for weeks! We made arrangements for him to play again at our Sunday School picnic a few weeks ago. It was another blessed day. Marcy sat right up front next to Joe. She loves music, and sings every word right along with Joe. The girls will be attending Special Friends Camp in Linden, TN in July. They invited us to come and have Joe play for the campers at the camp. I think there are 75 men and 75 women campers attending. We are still waiting for a confirmation from the camp director, and I hope we get to go and play some music for them. We should know something soon. After I watched the video on T. last night about the Hoyts being invited as guest speakers at the T-Denver convention-marathon, all of this confirmed my wish of where I would donate my charity money, if I were ever chosen as a Transformation Champion. I realized the importance of what Joe and I were doing with our music. When I saw Ricky Hoyt's computer expressing what the "eye" cannot visibly see...it reminded me again of the "Inside-Out thread" that has run so deeply parallel to my heart throughout this Round 1 Transformation. It is FAITH in action. And so we must always "remember" to move with caution to judge others from the "outside" because we cannot see the heart of God working in the mind of His children. With all of that said, I would donate $10,000 to help our eight special friends attend Special Friends Camp every year: Marcy, Lynn, Emily, Becky, Sharon, Sandra, Susan, and Ruth. The joy of the anticipation of them going to camp is something you have to witness live. They are looking so FORWARD~ I think it is one of the highlights of their year. Most of the "girls" at the Brooks home no longer have family living. Many of them are in their late 40's - early 60's. They are a "family", so they work together as a family to create a safe and warm, consistent enviroment. I feel so blessed and honored to be a very small part of their life.

My Charity of choice is my local fire department, the risks they take are unbelievable no matter how many tv shows or movies are made about them. Everyone hopes the fireman will save them, and every time they can, they do. Here in California where fire season is just as much a season as any other they work tirelessly in the hot sun to save homes and lives. I would love to give back to them. Especially to say, "thanks guys for lifting my 300 plus body into the ambulance so many times"

Wow! To put in words as to why I would give the reward to my favorite charity is interesting. My favorite Charity is the First Baptist Church in Orange Texas. I have attended this church from the time I was a young boy. My parents brought me there to be exposed to the Love of Christ. I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savoir when I was around 10 years old. I left the area and never really found another church home and when I returned to the area in 1990, I was married there. We attended the church and both of us were a little involved in the activities. However, in 1994 we moved to Vegas. We did not even search for a church home there. The work seemed to consume me and my interest in God seemed to have disappeared. We moved back to Orange, Texas in 1998 and we began to get involved in the church activiities again. I volunteered to Coach Upward Basketball for a season and then the next season I decided to be the Commissioner of the League. I try to remember the year, but it all seem to roll together. I am still the Commissioner of the League and this summer we are putting on a Summer Camp from July 6 to the 10th. I am taking a week off from work to spend the time with Kids and introduce the Word of God and the Love of Jesus to them and hopefully learn a little basketball at the same time. I was Ordained as a Deacon of the Church in 2002 and I spend some time at the church helping out with projects. I also have been teaching Jr. High Sunday School as well for about 8 years. In 2008 a Hurricane by the name of Ike hit our area and devasted the Church. We did not have flood insurance and had not had for 50 plus years. Water soaked most of the Church and the basement area underneath the Sanctuary. We decided that our best move was to find a temporary place for Worship and begin rebuilding only a part of the church to reoccupy. Our ultimate goal is to move to 117 acres of land we purchased almost 10 years ago. Recently we finished the remodeling of our existing facility and are now "Back in Our Church" . We are in the process of putting together plans for the new building out on the land and beginning the finance campaign to raise the money to move. At this time of financial uncertainity it will be up to God to provide the means to get there. This move is bigger than any one of us. Being able to donate the money to the Church for the move would be a huge step in the process. This is where we are building a Tool to Reach People for Christ. Our motto at our church is "Connecting Our Community to a Complete Life in Christ" . This is our mission. We want everyone to experience the Love of God. I can't think of a better place for the money to go than to increase the exposure of God to our community (which is everywhere not just our local community). As it states in the Bible "Go and make Disciples of all nations". What better purpose for the money than that. Thanks for encouraging me to put that in writing as to Why the Church.

My favorite charity is my church Powell United Methodist Church (PUMC) in Powell, Tennessee. PUMC supports a non-profit childcare and afterschool program The caring staff have helped rear my children as well as the children in our community with their love, teachings, comfort and constructive discipline when needed. My children have attended this non-profit childcare facility since the age of 3 months. For the past five years, I along with other parents from my church have and continue to raise money for a toddler playground and a school-age playground. To help raise funds for the two playgrounds, each year we have a semi-annual children’s consignment sale. By 2008 we reach our first goal and raised the first $50,000 and were delighted when the toddler playground was constructed. Our goal now is to raise another $50,000 ($8,000 in the bank so far) for the school-age playground. Currently, the children only have asphalt as their area to play. Our goal is to teach and influence children at a young age that exercise is a key component of a healthy active adult lifestyle. If I’m fortunate to become a Transformation Champion I would want the $10,000 donation to be given for the sole purpose to help fund a school-age playground at Powell United Methodist Church.

This one will take some thought. I love and believe in the work my church is doing: Living Word Christian Center based in Chicago with Pastor Bill Winston. I also believe in Campus Crusade for Christ. Make a Wish foundation is also deserving. So I will pray and think through this some more.

I’ve been thinking about and researching charities since I first set up my profile on t.com. At work, we believe strongly in corporate citizenship and we work actively with the United Way and the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. I donate money weekly to both. In researching both, I was surprised to see how much $ is spent on administrative expenses for the United Way. I’m not discounting any of their work, and I think they’re a great organization; it was just surprising to see how little money actually makes it to where it should go (in my humble opinion). The Mid-Ohio food bank is much leaner. And aside from money that we donate, we also work shifts at the food bank itself. This IS rewarding work. The first time we did it, I thought it would be drudgery, but I really was energized by the experience. And they do a good job of breaking it down in terms of what each shift means… 1 shift (2hrs) = 33 meals. That’s a good feeling to know that your time can mean so much. The other non-profit I donate to is IMBA – International Mountain Bike Association. They work to provide trail access and bicycle advocacy. As a cyclist, I get passionate about IMBA, but there are certainly other charities and non-profits that do much more important work. Which leads me to Save Darfur. The situation in Darfur is truly horrific. And it’s gone on for years, and I continue to be shocked at how little attention it gets. The Darfuri people fight against genocide daily. The atrocities that are committed are nightmarish, and yet there is little if any media/political attention paid to it. Save Darfur works to lobby politicians to take action. They also provide humanitarian relief. When I think of charities that I would like to donate $10,000 to, honestly I am torn. The situation in Darfur is the one that moves me the most, and yet, $10,000 in the world of political lobbying is really not even a drop in the bucket. And for the other charities I work with, $10,000 would do a lot, very quickly. Still, I believe I would donate the $10,000 to Save Darfur, with the idea that the attention garnered from the t.com community would also help to spur action. The situation in Darfur is grave. The Darfuri people are attacked daily in the most horrifically atrocious ways. The suffering there is epic. I pray every day for resolution. Today, I ran for health. In Darfur, they run to survive. Act local, think global.

My husband Spencer and I have discussed and decided to choose the same Charity because it is so close to our heart. Spencers nephews have Cystic Fibrosis and his brother is fighting to find a cure. If I was chosen to be a Transformation Champion, I would choose the Utah Valley Institute of Cysic Fibrosis. This is a non profit organization that was created for the research and cure for this genitic disease. This organization is dear to Spencer and I because it was created by Spencers brother and wife. It would be a reall blessing for Spencer and I to deliver a check to this special Insitute.

Celebration Covenant Church in Frisco, Texas. They have an awesome ministry, with core values of loving, learning and leading. It is a growing church with a new building being built as we speak. I know that my transformation was not accidental that I started attending this church at the same time. It has helped me grow spiritually as well. This will be a great way for me to give back.

if i was awarded a 10000 dollars i would donate to the make a wish foundation i had an aportunity to cook for one of the events and it touch my heart the kids our future and some of this kids are robbed of it but what was more touching is to hear some of those kids speak how humble and how respectfull they are to people and the world

If I were awarded $10,000 to donate to a charity of my choice, I would choose Compassion International. Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. Compassion currently serves over 1 million children in 25 different countries. What I love about Compassion is that they reach out to children in so many ways. They strive to meet their needs physically, financially, emotionally and spiritually. People who choose to become sponsors are given the opportunity to personally become involved in the lives of the children. Two years ago I began sponsoring a child named Valentina Heraldo Perez. She is a beautiful nine year old girl from Columbia. Becoming Valentina's sponsor has been a great blessing for me as well as my family. While she benefits from all that Compassion has to offer, We benefit from getting to know her and watching her grow in all aspects of her life. She regularly writes to us and sends us drawings and photos. She shares with us about her family, school, faith and culture. Despite the hardships she faces she is always full of joy and hope. It makes me smile just thinking about her! Having the opportunity to see first hand what a difference Compassion International makes in the lives of these children has been such a privelege and pleasure. They would be very deserving of the $10,000 donation. Thank you so much for the opportunity to share!

An organization near and dear to my heart and soul is Fudacion Esperanza de Mexico (FEM). I truly believe in the concept of sustainable development and how individual empowerment leads to community-building beyond expectations. FEM exists for the purpose of empowering families to lift themselves out of hardship through solidarity, trust, dignity, and effort. Families work alongside other families to build homes and communities. The families save money, construct homes, and assist one another in making other families dreams realities. I believe this organization is so special to me because it reminds me of the importance of working together and "fighting the fight" alongside one another regardless of color, creed, or country.

This was the easiest assignment I've done so far... Assignment # 13 One of the charities that is near and dear to my heart is the groups who work to rescue animals from the south. I’ve always felt that as a society we are quick to remember our fellow humans but fail our animals. When we wanted another Golden after we had lost ours Christmas 07, I started to look for a rescue dog. We ended up finding Christian on the internet and hooked up with a local rescue group here in Maine. We had no history on Christian but his gorgeous face sold us immediately and we were in love. Christian would not be alive today if it was not for the efforts of the rescue groups who work together. True story…the woman who works in the South and communicates with the local rescue up here spotted Christian in the shelter 5 minutes before he was headed into the gas chamber. I never realized how bad it was until I began to communicate with the rescue group. Can you imagine if she walked in 5 minutes later?? I can’t. Due to the fact the Southern shelters are so over run with cats and dogs, even the best and healthiest pests are euthanized each week. Sometimes shelters are euthanizing up to 800 animals (PER SHELTER), each week. I would want my $10k to go to helping get those animals out of those shelters and into the lives of people who would care and respect them. All they’ve ever asked for is a loving home where they will be cared for and where they can return the love that is given to them. We could all take a lesson from our pets on how to pay it forward. If anyone is interested, I have a photo on my profile page of Christian and my other dog Honey (who are best friends!).

How long does it take to start your own Non-Profit Charity? What do I need? How do I start? What will be my mission? I have sooo many? Where to start? These thoughts have been haunting me since I signed on for this challenge, and so many before with Body-for-Life. I have always pondered on these very thoughts, because I have always wanted to BE MORE, DO MORE, GIVE MORE. I always admired the example Bill Phillips teaches us evry day in his life. I am indecided at this point...eventhough in my profile I wrote that my favorite charities are Make-a-Wish and St. Judes Research Hospital, two of the charities I have helped raise money for in the past. My dream was and still is to make SIZABLE contributions like Bill and become known as the most GENEROUS FEMALE on the planet! lol I am at heart, that i know to be true! It just hasn't transformed into monetary terms yet! But, maybe it's better to be known as the "Mother Theresa Act Alike" (as opposed to look-alike) Just an attempt to get you to laugh. I'd much rather be known for my acts of kindness, goodness, generosity and HEALING than anything else. But then again, God knows best what I should be most remembered for...so I trust that He will lead me precisely to the path, the well or the journey that will lead me to my destiny....further down the path of my destiny. I'm lovn' the one I'm on right now...kinda feels like the yellow brick road, and along the way I keep finding people that need fixing, helping, loving, and I invite them to join me too, with my red shoes and cute little pig-tails I skip through life, so naively and innocently offering to help people....saving the startfish, just like the starfish story tells about a llittle boy on the shore. This is mynature...this is what I do....I save the starfish along the way. I want a Starfish Foundation of my own where I can save the struggling starish that need my help. I have encountered so many already, surely God will lead me to many more now that i am healthier and stronger and well-equipped to help! Children of all ages! I dream of having an aquarium back yard or a place of my own to call "home" like the gardens at the Mirage where the dolphins live. I want to bring autistic and terminally ill children there each and every day, so that all my dolphins can share their innate healing abilities and help me work miracles on these children along with all my other healing powers (ie: supplementation, nutrition, exercise, meditation program). I want this habittat to be a boarding school for these "starfish" that need to be saved! Where all of these healing therapies can be administered, FREE OF CHARGE to the recipient! Yes, I have BIG DREAMS.....and I'm well aware that BIG RESPONSIBILITIES come along for the ride. And I know and trust that God would not infuse me with these dreams, if He did not have a plan of preparing me for these respponsibiloities!. I accept His journey, His purpose for me....I SURRENDER to His higher purpose for me. I trust that when the time has come, He will guide me through the process of starting my own charity! And so it is! And to think, I was going to write here that I will have my answers by hte end of my next challenge when i will be ready to explore this territory more...and low and behold....it too started pouring out of me as I started to express my true feelings....HOLDING NOTHING BACK as Paul advised Bill. Why mention my self-contained limitations of the safe approach, the path already travelled, the mediocre ways i can impact other organizations when my real dream is to become even BIGGER than them....help even more than they.....save even more children.....be actively involved in every process! Wheeeeeew! There I said it. I better click send before I press delete! Have a wonderful journey....I'll see you at the top! For all good things come from above! Look up....here I come! Demi sending HUGS of LOVE from California...xoxoxoxoxoxo

There are a few different organizations that I would like to donate money to and they are, The Lupus Foundation, Dare to Care, Aids Delaware, and Cancer Research. First and foremost I would donate to the Lupus Foundation because, my sister, who is my last surviving sibling of five, battles daily with Multiple Auto Immune Disease. i.e. Lupus, Scleroderma, Vasculitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Wegners Granulomatosis Disease and more. The only medication keeping her alive costs in upwards of $10,000 per infusion. She receives one infusion every 5 months not to mention her daily medications. If for some reason she loses her job, she would also lose her insurance and would be rejected by any other insurance company for a pre-existing condition. Clearly if she loses her job, she could also inevitably lose her life as well, as she surely could not afford 20 - 30 thousand dollars per year just for infusions. Like I stated above, She is the last of five of my siblings. My two oldest brothers, Jimmy and Marc, along with my oldest cousin, Jay, were killed by a train while playing on the tracks when I was only 9 days old. My little sister Crystal, died about an hour after she was born when I was 5 years old and was buried in Bermuda, because my Dad was stationed there while in the Navy. My third brother Sean died in 2005 of a massive heart attack just four short months after my 2nd oldest cousin Cathy died of Breast Cancer. Second, I would donate to "Dare to Care" because they are an organization that was started and fully funded by my Father's Surgeon at John's Hopkins in MD, to give those with heart disease and who are less fortunate the opportunity to be diagnosed and cared for before having heart attacks, strokes or at worst, losing their life. This organization would have benefited my brother Sean greatly as he was one without insurance and was lacking the funds to seek preventative medical care. Third I would donate to "The Cancer Society", because there have been numerous family members who have died from cancer. My Grandfather from lung cancer, my second cousin at 32 with breast cancer, my cousin Cathy from breast cancer that metastasized and spread to her hip and several friends that have had to have mastectomy's. The last but not least is "Aids Delaware". The father of my oldest son Marc, died just one year ago, April 12, 2008 from Aids. If he had known he had the HIV virus, he would still be alive today. He would have been treated early enough to prevent full blown Aids. My husbands oldest uncle, Larry also died of Aids as well. He died in the early 80's when there wasn't much information about it and unfortunately though, there still isn't enough information and a lot of guilt associated with Aids, because people still think that it is a disease that only affects homosexual males.

After some careful thought, if I was to be so fortunate to become a transformation champion, I would give any and all money back to Bill and T-town. This endeavor is not about money to me and to be honest I wouldn’t want to specify just one charity as all are so desirving. One thing I am 100% sure of is that this community is life changing for any person that wants to invest the time to care about themselves and lives of others. What a great cause to donate to! Getting to take my wife to Hawaii and surrounding ourselves with other champions is a true reward in itself. Thank you Bill for everything that you are and for everything that you continue to be. You have created something so truly special here at T-town. The greatest gift to me would be giving back to the hands that have helped me transform my life and the lives of others.

One of my basic tenants is to not judge people or events – who am I to know what the souls involved are learning. When I first completed my profile the section on “Charity” gave me a bit of a challenge. To me (way back then) charity had more to do with one person or group determining that another was not living up to the appropriate standard – way too much judgment in that scenario for me. Now that I know myself better and have actually read the meaning of Assignment #13, I understand it to be more about exchanging than about judging. My energy has always gone to anyone who asks – they get all I have at that moment. Kiva is a micro-financing organization that captured my interest several years ago. The people who benefit from this organization are people who have set a path for themselves and need just a bit of help to get to their goal. They take the time to explain their goal and clearly state what will be done with the energy – thoughts, money and support – that is given to them. When I can read through the requests (online) I always find one or two people who are doing something I understand and can support. It will be great when I can give the organization that makes this possible a $10,000 check to support the business of micro-financing.

What a great feeling to give when YOU want to and you have the resources this assignment has made me realize that I want to give, even when it hurts!! Let me clarify...ie..your low on money and someone deserving asks for money; a friend needs you, but you have plans (fun ones). I want to grow to have a giving spirit and not think twice about giving under any circumstance. My charity will be with an addiction disorder organization. I have been really researching but have not been led to a particular one YET....give it up....Renee'

Laradon, http://www.laradon.org/ . Cut and past the address and the site says it all. This organization helps adults and children who have developmental disabilities "realize their full potential and maximize self-sufficiency." It has been the Colorado Elks Major Project since 1950 and as a Colorado Elks member, I would be extremely proud to be able to help them with a $10,000 gift.

I will donate the 10,000 to the Ruiz Family Ministry in El Paso TX. This family dedicates their lives in gathering and cooking food for hundreds of kids and folks in Juarez Mexico. On a daily basis they wake up, cook and deliver the food personally to starving families in Juarez. They are truly a blessing from GOD. They have been doing this mission for yrs now and continue to do so dispite all the murders and violence in Juarez Mexico caused by the drug cartels at war. They risk their lives daily to feed empty stomachs. This assignment has just unocked an even more deep down desire to complete this transformation and place in the top 3. This family was recently blessed by Extreme Home Make over in case anybody wants to google and see this family's story.

Bill, I would gift Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation here in Paso Robles, Ca. Through generous donations PRYAF has brought the Arts to children whose families cannot afford the expense of music, dance and art classes. It is truly a beautiful thing and has blessed my little family a hundred fold...A MILLION FOLD! Not only does it nurture the talent of all children, but it instills in them the spirit of "I CAN!"

Bill, This one is easy for me I'd give 10,000 to the American Cancer society ! I lost my Dad at a young age of 54 due to a rare Cancer called Multiple Myeloma. The American Cancer Society was the only one that offered help to my parnets my brother & I did what we could but, we had family's who relayed on us. I thank God they helped as much as they did. I worked for a company I donated to over 10 years the United Way , my brother & sister also donated to them. When I called the phone # 's given I really got the run around no phone # they gave me was part of United Way. I'm so thankful to the American Cancer Societyhpeing for a cure.This would be my way of paying it FOWARD for my Dad.

I work as an RN and there is a fund running low at my hospital called the Mary Potter Foundation for Human Dignity which helps assist low income patients with prescriptions/home health nurses and Hospice care. I would give my winning to that foundation to help the sick and dying poor in my community.

Bill, Thank you so much for this oppurtunity to share our thoughts and begin to think about what we can do when we are chosen as a champion. My donation is and always has been Make-A-Wish foundation because of the kids. However, that being said, I have lost a grandfather, an aunt, and recently discovered that my cousin has been diagnosed with cancer. So therefor if there is a way, I would like to make donations in their honor to Make-A-Wish for children with cancer, My cousin has been told that she has about 6 months to live and to just live it out and have fun. I pray for her daily and find comfort knowing that she knows God. Thanks again Bill. Scott

There are so many charities to give to but I do hold close to my heart "Compassion". Compassion's Mission Statement is "In response to the Great Commission, Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults". I currently support a young girl in Northern Kenya and it is amazing was $40 a month will give her. Her heartfelt letters have blessed me in return as she shares her gratitude and heart with me on a regularly basis. I can not even imagine what thousands of dollars would do for a multitude of young children living on maize, beans, bread, rice and potatoes. Their common health problems in this area include respiratory illnesses, eye problems, viral infections, HIV/AIDS, abdominal pains, malaria, flue and pneumonia. Currently my sponsorship provides this young girl with bible teaching, sports, medication, nutritious food, first aid, story telling, home visits, retreats, skills development and reading and writing reinforcement. The center staff will also provide counseling and guidance for her parents or guardians. Thank you Bill for making it possible for more people to have opportunity to give in such a way as this!!

For me, there is no question as to which group of people I would give this prize to; it is our fighting men and women serving of the US Armed Forces. They, and many that have fallen before them, are the very reason we are able to freely celebrate transformation. If it were up to me, I would split the prize between "Wounded Warriors" and the USO. I can't tell you just how much my heart swells with pride and gratitude when I know that there are still men and women who throw politics aside, leave their families- and risk their lives in defense of this country. In my opinion, this nation cannot possibly thank them enough.

I have two charities that are close to my heart. One is Special Olympics. My oldest child was born mentally retarded with mild cerebal palsy but also at the age of 16 in had a mental break down from being abused by a neighbor and is now also paranoid scyzophrenic. Special Olympics is a place where he can excel in sports and feel normal. There are no people calling him retard and much worse names. He loves downhill skiing, swimming, bowling etc. There is nothing better then to see him laugh, to see him win, or even lose because they are all winners. There motto is, " let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt! They are all champions and they are all winners and we are so very lucky to have these olympians in our lives and in our hearts! The second charity is Lifeline Christian MIssions. It is run by a beautiful couple who gave up their lucrative jobs to serve the needy in other countries, bringing them food, clothing, shelter, etc for many years now. I have been on two mission trips with these people, Bob and Gretchen Devoe. I have been to Haiti and to Honduras, they have recentyl opened up schools in El Salvador and also in Cuba. The provide schooling, a free health clinic, medical etc. I have seen the poverty, the desolation of these places and their work is truly God Breathed. To hold a baby near death, or to give a layette to a baby without clothing and food from the pantry to help feed and nourish them and once fed to share the word of God with them and pray over them. It is so much more than anyone could ever imagine. Haiti is less than a third world country that many years ago was dedicated to the devil. Voodoo is very high in this society. There is so much more work to be done and sadly it takes $ to do it. So there you have the charities I love. They both are so deserving.

If I'm selected as the transformation challenge winner, I would give equally to the following: My church charity "Grateful Hearts". This is a charity that helps local people struggling. They give out food and clothing. I would also give to the Diabetes and Lupus foundation. I have a nephew and other relatives that have been struggling with this disease Diabetes. I had a sister that died of Lupus in her early 20's and recently my nephew that was diagnosed with diabetes, his father has the same disease Lupus that tragically ended my sister's life. So I want to give to further the research for cures. Lastly, I would like to give to "Make a Wish" foundation in Bill Phillips honor. It is awe inspiring, a self-less act Bill does by giving to this organization that he holds so dear to his heart. I would like to thank him by giving back. Thanks, Bill.

What an amazing assignment - thank you, Bill! My favorite charity is Uplift Business Alliance. Uplift builds the capacity of low-income Kenyan urban entrepreneurs through peer-to-peer mentoring, one-to-one business coaching, and administrative support. Uplift works with entrepreneurs who have attended some type of business training; and have a product or service targeted toward for-profit or non-profit enterprises, rather than one focused on consumers. http://www.upliftproject.org/ This effort is near and dear to my heart, as I have been a struggling entrepreneur and I want so much to help these men and women succeed. They are so brave to create these businesses to help their families survive and have a positive impact on their community! Their average annual income is $1200 and they are struggling with how to expand their products, services and earning potential. If I were to be named a champion my $10,000 donation would go to Uplift Alliance, as it would be a powerful way to help my amazing coachees in Africa. I would also use $5,000 of the personal prize money to go to Africa to spend 10 days coaching in person and offering business classes to the entrepreneurs. Just thinking about these things brings my level of consciousness up! To glean one more quote from Bill, “Love transforms people -- the ones who give it and the ones who receive it.”

My husband and I were in a mega church. We decided to join a smaller church that was struggling because there were more opportunities to serve. There were also many in the mega church who were not serving and we freed up some places for them to step up. Our small church has almost doubled in size since we joined it last summer. Half the church is involved in an alternative service. My husband and I are involved in the worship aspect. It is a tool that draws the younger generation in.I run sound. My husband plays and teaches worship music,guitar and drums. We also are strong in the food pantry and giving to the community aspect. The time has come to build or add on because we are bursting at the seams. We decided against adding on. We are a little country church out of town. We decided to plant a church using an old existing building in a poorer area in town. We will be opening a food pantry and having a neighborhood block party to introduce ourselves. We want to serve the community instead of ourselves. When we grow, instead of building another larger building, we will plant another partner church in another area of town or close town and work together to establish them. Thinking about this assignment has changed my attitude toward giving. I ran sound and thought that it was enough. Now I feel like I can never give enough. I am excited for the new church plant. We have several months of planning before we can move. We need to find a building and we are praying for God to lead us in that. We hope to be a light in a community that draws others to God. We can do that though serving that community. Thank you Bill and all who have come her before me for setting an example by your love and your giving. You have enabled me to step up and get involved on more than a superficial level. I want to make a difference in the lives of others where it really matters. So in turn they can make a difference. God bless you and keep you,Lynn

I have 3 that I selected at the onset of my Transformation…the American Heart Association, The Surfrider Foundation, and the Palm Harbor Community Church (my church). How I’d love to grant the $10,000 to all three of them, but I can’t do that. This is an assignment that I’m struggling with, and I have deep reasons that have me leaning towards all three. American Heart Association: My brother in law was born with a congenital heart defect – Transposition of the Great Artery. Essentially the blood flow in his heart flows in the opposite direction from a normal heart. He had to have surgery a few days after he was born, and when he was a teenager he needed to get a pacemaker. Every few years he has to go in and have his scar opened back up to replace the pacemaker or make adjustments. The cool thing is that he is now 30, and his Dr’s feel that he is a miracle for being able to lead the normal life that he does! What worries me is that at some point in time he’ll need a transplant, and I know that it will be rough on him…and tough on the family to go thru it with him. I feel a desire to make my contribution to the AHA in hopes that somehow, some way, it would not only help my brother in law, but also the thousands of others that are in need. The Surfrider Foundation: For as long as I can remember, I have been in love with the ocean. The ocean was my love affair…my drug of choice in middle and high school. I began surfing at the age of 12, and from that point on the ocean was all I needed. I failed my senior year of school and had to repeat it over again due to missing too many days for surfing. I never touched drugs and rarely drank…but being in the water was a different story. The ocean rewards us in so many ways…it is full of life, and is so giving of its fruits…yet so powerful and unforgiving when she wants to be. She is to be respected…not destroyed. I feel that the ocean and surfing have been there for me throughout so many uncertain times in my life, and feel that I am forever indebted to her. I would love to give back to her for all that she has given me, my family, and my friends. The waves we surf, the fish we eat, the sand beneath our toes. We have so much to be thankful for, and she deserves a lot more respect than she’s given. It is time to pay her back…to keep her clean…to respect her. The Surfrider Foundation provides an awesome means for keeping our oceans and beaches clean and protected. Palm Harbor Community Church: My church! I have thought about this assignment for quite some time, and my heart is truly struggling with where I want the money to go…but it is time. I feel so blessed to finally be a man of God, and to finally have a working, breathing, living relationship with Him. I have been a member of PHCC since 2003, and I’m embarrassed to say that we haven’t been good with giving back to our church. It saddens me to finally realize that all this time I’ve been going thru the motions, and hadn’t really opened myself up to Him until a few weeks prior to starting my Transformation. What I find so rewarding, however, is that the light finally went off. I finally get it. I finally trust it. I finally feel His presence in my life, and have finally and truly given my life to Him. Never have I felt my life filled with more purpose. Never have I been able to live my life without truly feeling that I was in control of EVERYTHING! That is, until now. I feel like I’ve missed out on so much, and yet I’ve finally arrived in my faith and I’m HUNGRY! I have so much more to learn, and have a long way to go in my walk with Christ…but the good news is that I finally understand what it means to be a follower of God. My Church is an awesome little community church, and is made up of so many beautiful, amazing people. I feel so blessed to be able to walk with them, and I truly feel that they are family. Lately we have been in a bit of a budget crunch, and the church has scaled back on several activities. We’ve had to let a few Elders go due to the fact that there just isn’t enough money to pay them right now. I feel like I’ve taken so much more than I’ve given to my Church and its members, and have a lot of giving to do…not just monetarily, but giving of my time and God-given talents (i.e. music). So this is my choice…as hard as it would be to look beyond the other 2, the money would go to my church. I can’t imagine how amazing that would feel… ---Eric

My charity is St Judes childrens hospital. I have a nefew with cancer. They help children in ways that I can't even explain. And for me to be able to help them, would bring such joy to my life. And to my family.

My current charity is Marion & Polk Food Share. Oregon is one of the states hit the hardest by the economic down turn, and even in the best of times we have had huge numbers of people who are simply always hungry. Now it's much, much worse. First, I want to feed people, and then move forward from there.

Monetarily, I would give my $10,000 to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana. This hospital is world-renowned for the impeccable and unparalleled medical services it provides. But, perhaps more than anything else, it is known greatest for the people who serve and treat the children who are under its care. The doctors, nurses, and specialists - all staff members at Riley - are known for their own "unconditional intention of compassion towards others..." and these people have impacted my life as well. My daughter, Katy (7 years old), was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, over four years ago. The doctor who has specialized in treating Katy's disease has brought an eternal amount of joy, comfort, and peace into our lives simply by giving compassion, empathy, and genuine love to our daughter and our family. She treats the child, not only the disease. Giving money to Riley would be just one simple way to pay her back for all the greatness she has shone upon those of us who have been so blessed as to be under her care or a part of her life. - Ronnie

The charity I choose is The Humane Society of Harris County ( Ga.). I live in a rural Georgia county that needs an Animal Shelter building. Most of the great work done by some really loving volunteers is done by foster owners in their own homes. The residents of the county need to be aware of pet ownership issues such as spaying and nuetering, parasite control, responsible pet ownership and humane practices. An education building within this shelter could be used to teach young children the basics of caring for a pet.I have given to this charity in the past and I believe that this gift would go a long way in order to help those animals that need us to care. I have changed my selection of charities in this Challenge. I choose this charity because I believe that this money would be the seed of other donations to the Humane Society of Harris County.

I would give to Doctors without Borders. Here is a description from a web search entry "doctors and nurses volunteer to provide urgent medical care in countries to victims of war and disaster regardless of race, religion, or politics." I feel that these people have incredible courage and selflessness to help people in dangerous settings. It also breaks my heart to think of people who have been victims of war, violence or disasters and are in desperate need of medical help. Beth

Assignment 13 The Power of Giving One of the blessings AND curses of Planet Earth is that there is never a lack of need for help. I could list at least a hundred charities or persons in need of money or assistance in a matter of a few minutes. In fact, the need for assistance is so plentiful, I have difficulty picking just one in which to devote my help. A year ago I read a book entitled, “Three Cups of Tea:One Man's Mission to Promote Peace One School at a Time,” by Gregory Mortenson. It is a true story of the heroic efforts and miraculous work accomplished by Greg and members of an isolated and poor village high up in the mountains of Afghanistan that he happened to stumble into while trying to make his way back to base camp from a Mountain climb. Over a short one-year period, Mortenson raised enough money to build a school in this tiny village that provided a place to study away from the harsh cold of the outdoor makeshift school they had been attending. The completion of one school led to the building of several schools over time. What makes this project meaningful to me is that while learning about the culture of this village, I also learned about the culture of Afghanistan, which illuminated an underlying root cause of terrorism within these Muslim communities. The government neglected its responsibility to provide schools and teachers which resulted in thousands of children being left vulnerable to the fundamentalist indoctrinations of the Islamic terrorists. Mortenson argues that extremism in the region can be deterred through collaborative efforts to alleviate poverty and improve access to education, especially for girls. Formerly, schooling focused on the boys, but educated boys tend to move to the cities to find jobs, and seldom return. By contrast, educated girls tend to remain in the community, and pass their enhanced knowledge to the next generation. Thus educating girls has more of a lasting benefit for the community. As of 2008, Central Asia Institute has successfully established 78 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, which provide (or have provided) education to over 28,000 students, with a emphasis on girls’ education. Over the first decade of CAI’s evolution, programs and projects expanded to several regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan with an emphasis on education, health issues, environment and cultural preservation. Central Asia Institute community projects continue to focus primarily in remote, undeserved regions where few organizations serve. The little bit of money I donate monthly to CAI goes a very long way. $10,000 would help immensely. In my view, the work happening there will be bringing us all closer to peace in the future generations. ~Brooke

I am volunteering foe the first time at my daughters school starting next week, to teach the kids art. I am very excited & I hear so are the kids. I am also putting together another project to help me support another cause. I will announce it when i have everything together. I am very excited to help others!

I would give to breast cancer awareness and research. I have very powerful and nurturing women in my life. They are the pillars of my sprituality and my confidence and my self worth. I am sorry to say that I have been touched by breast cancer although I have thankfully never been personally afflicted. So many mystical, brave, stunning women in my life have suffered, and the cure is something I pray for.

I have quite a few research and/or charities I have always said if I had the extra money to give I would love to donate. One of the charities I would love to help is to be able to transplant retinas. I have 5 reasons all in my family; I was born with one retina undeveloped due to my birth defect and I’m legally blind in the left eye. My Mother-in-law had macular degeneration and was totally blind by the time she passed away at 83 years old. My brother-in-law that lives with us since Katrina has also developed the diseases and is really struggling. My husband was recently diagnosed with the beginning stages of it. My 7-year-old granddaughter wears glasses due to a retina problem. When My husband Bill came down with re-occuring kidney cancer and left with only ¾ of one kidney I thought I would want to donate to a charity for the research of kidney cancer. The Autism Society of America is another charity I love to donate to. I have three very good dear and close friends plus my own daughter that all have sons with mild to severe autism. I have watched and experienced the pain, struggles and special attention these children need. Special care special diets, and all hearth aches knowing they can do nothing but love them even more. There are so many charities yet after much thought I think I would have to go with donating to helping children with Autism.

I have volunteered for several charities during my life, most of them associated with companion animals. Before I found T.com, I usually felt closer to animals than people. I try to volunteer/donate to charities that have low overhead/high percentage to charitable services. Two charities that I support are the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in UT, and Cancer Research charities.Best Friends has many programs, some to rehabilitate animals, but also others to help rehabilitate people by working with animals. They started the campaign for "no more homeless pets". Hopefully we will live to see the day when every pet has a loving, forever home. Supporting charities that help fund cancer research is also very important to me. Cancer is a terrible disease that can impact anyone - it doesn't discriminate. Hopefully someone will find the root cause of cancer in our lifetime - as until they find the root cause, they won't be able to find a cure. Margaret

I would donate my $10,000 check to the Susan G. Koman Foundation. Breast cancer is a huge epidemic in this nation, in the world and it is affecting many women from many walks of life and in many stages of their lives. My cousin was the young mother of two young children and died of breast cancer a few years ago...last year my aunt and my cousin (another young mother of young children) were diagnosed with breast cancer and have both had to endure chemotherapy and radiation. It breaks my heart to see these strong beautiful women have to experience this horrific event, and yet there is no known reason why or a way to prevent or even cure it. There are so many beautiful causes, but right now this one is close to my heart.

I have never had the opportunity of being involved with a charity. I have given of myself to others my whole life when there is someone in need. I guess if there has ever been something to his close to home, it might be a battered women's shelter that I would give to. But, that isn't where my heart has been. I have been hearing a lot about the Children's Merical network lately and feel that they are doing so much for children who need costly medical treatments or surgery.

This was a no brainer for me, I live in South Louisiana and one of the biggest health problems facing this area are heart related. The charity I would give the $10,000 to would be the American Heart Association. I have been profoundly affected by this disease. I have lost two aunts, my mother, both of my grandmothers, and a grandfather to heart related illnesses. I also have another aunt who has had open heart surgery due to this illness. If I could split the $10,000 between two charities the other charity would be the American Lung Association, because my father and my uncle both suffer with emphysema. Both of these illnesses are devastating to the people who have it and to the people who are left behind.

I spent a lot of time kicking this one around. One organization I admire is racingforrecovery.org. Todd Crandell is a recovering addict/alcoholic living in Ohio who turned his life around and dedicated himself to competing in trathlons By doing this and spreading the word he has shown that "With sobriety, anything is possible". He married, had children, earned his Master's degree in counseling, and works with local youth and other R4R franchises. I also admire Bill's favorite charity - Make a Wish Foundation. There is another organization I've been directly and indirectly involved with is the one my daughters belong to. Girl Scouts of America. Both of my girls have done work for the elderly, the underprivilleged and the disabled. They have learned that by giving their time, enthusiasm, care and smiles that they can make a difference in peoples' lives. The more recent projects their troops and my wife and I have been involved in have been the International Special Olympics Winter Games held here in Idaho, and they are currently working with The Hunger Coalition. The wonderful thing about Girll Scouts is the girls learn to be curious, confident, collaborative, caring, etc. I could come up with a lot more "c" words! GSA is about so much more than cookies (another "c" word!). One organization I almost forgot to mention is The Walker Center of Gooding, Id. They saved my life 3 years ago. I've been trying to pay that gift forward in my everyday life, so it doesn't stand out in my mind all the time. This step has brought the memories of what they did for me to the forefront of my thoughts. steve

Make a wish foundation... for some reason children’s wellbeing strikes a chord with me. The vulnerability of a sick or dying child is beyond compare… I appreciate that adults and older folk have real needs and deserving cases also – many are hearth breaking, I have seen and worked in this space many times – however for me there is something more poignant and heart shattering in the eyes of a child in pain, or the bravery that they face their situation - while we adults understand the scope of the missed potential and lament what will never be (but the kids just smile bravely and get on with the life that they have!!). Then there is the love and joy that children share and give in such abundance…. All cases and charities are deserving and needy, but my personal choice is to try to help the youngest and most innocent in our societies… a personal choice.

Assignment #13-The Power of Giving I learned like many of you as a youngster that it is better to give than to receive. Sometimes, if I can't give monetarily, I know I can give of my time through service. If I were able to choose a charity to give $10,000.00 to, I would choose the Children's Miracle Network. I would choose them because they raise money for hospitals to help children that are very sick and need the help. As a mother, I can not think of anything more horrific than seeing your child hurting and with a deadly disease. I can't imagine what that must do to parents hearts let alone their pocketbooks. I would love to give that kind of money to hopefully help families during one of the hardest times in thier lives.

Assignment # 13 the sweet power of giving Well if you know anything about me you know that I love children my own very much but I also have a great love and passion for the sweet little people in Africa my heart hurts for these children , since I was about 11 years old and started planning my life getting all of those motherly feelings I have so badly wanted to go to Africa and save and that is were my heart is I would love to start with the sweet gift of clean water there is a charity called world visions that the woman of faith are a part of and I will give my 10,000,00 to the drilling of a well for these sweet children and then when my opportunity opens up I want to adopt a little boy from there, there are so many and very few will ever get the opportunity of knowing how sweet life is because of the circumstance they have been born into but my dream is to help as much as I can and give back to god for allowing me to live were I live and to be able to have( 7 ) happy healthy children of my own and I do know the sad feeling of not having good clean water for my children and not having enough and I will never take this blessing for granted I would love very much to give back for the blessing of having enough water now and being enrich with the sweet blessings that so many take for garnet. Love and light and I will always remember what god told me (When you are willing to give your blessings I will be willing to bless your giving’s) *****************love Karla

This is such a sweet and positive step that I am so looking forward to making my life more complete. I have been thinking about volunteering. I want to share myself in a loving and selfless way to my fellowmen. I am searching as I write this for that special something, But, I definately am going to find the perfect act of giving for me. So, I am going to volunteer in my community. Also my hubby and I have recently talked about how we want to GIVE to others more. Helping someone who is financially struggling, or just reaching out to someone we see we could make smile. This is something that is heavy on my heart. I love the feeling that is created and the energy that I feel when I selflessly give unto others.. The charity of my choice will be the Dream Factory of Montana. Although we have been struggling to find a child to give a dream to here, we have recommitted to our dream to grant a dream and are actively searching a child through our media at this time. I would love to make some children who are struggling with their health happy through granting a magical dream to them. Oh what a Beautiful and satisfing feeling this will be..I cant wait!! :)

This is a really hard one for me. There are so many different places that I would love to donate money - I will need to make up my mind at the very end I know but I feel strongly towards two different recipients #1 I would love to donate to our local Humane Society with the do not kill policy. Or #2- it's not a charity - but the most joy that I have dancing is performing at local nursing homes. I would love to donate for an activity fund. I feel so many are forgotten in the nursing homes, and it is so rewarding for me when I get the opportunity to perform there and interact with the folks. This has really been on my mind a lot lately.

I will give to the Hydrocephalous Association. Its time for a better treatment or even a cure.

The Charity that I would love to give 10,000 dollars to would be www.Ldsphilanthropies.org Wheelchair foundation. ( There is a video on my Blog "Assignment #13" That shows more about the wheelchair foundation.) This foundation became very dear to my heart when I realised how many people, around the world, that are crippled and disabled, have no way of getting around except to scoot themselves, crawl or be carried. I saw a clip of a Mother who was cripple and how she had to carry her little one on her back as she crawled to get around. As they placed this Mother in her new wheelchair and her cute little one on her lap...It brought me to tears thinking...What a blessing this is to her!! This simple act of giving, will change this Mothers Whole life!! We really have no idea how good we have it..and how blessed we are! "Only about one percent of the roughly 100 million disabled people worldwide own or have access to a wheelchair.* Many have lost the use of one or both legs due to war, birth defects, or disease. In most developing countries, there are few social supports to help the disabled. They are highly dependent on family members for support and 24-hour care. For the adults, being without mobility often means being without work." God has givin me the gift of Mobility...I have taken it for granted so many times in my life. AS a way to show my gratitude to my father in heaven for that amazing gift...I would love to be able to help give somebody else that gift...That would be an amazing and priceless experience.

I've always known, since I signed up for Transformation, the charity I'd like to see get $10K in cash...Pullman Food Bank. I live in a small community, a college town that has almost twice its population when school is in session. Most people who live here see it as a utopia of nice homes, maintained streets and no indigent population. We don't even have a shelter! (Anyone showing up with no place to live is either given one or taken to the nearest big city with a shelter program). Yet, even in our little "slice of Palouse Paradise" there is hunger. I've seen first hand families who, thanks to the charity of local churches, have a roof over their heads but no food. Their children eat at school for breakfast and lunch and often go without dinner. When school is closed...these kids go without basic nutrition and so do their parents. It doesn't matter how they came to their circumstance I just know they are in need. So, my family has instituted our "weight" match food drive. We did this last year to challange others to give more food to our local food bank (I believe you have to give locally to really impact globally). Basically, we weigh ourselves and give that amount of weight in food. Now, with my husband 30 pounds lighter and me, 20 pounds lighter, we see the challenge as still good but diminishing just like the giving by others. So, our new challenge for this year....weigh the family and then double the total. We haven't approached anyone with the challenge yet...but we are hoping that in these economically hard times we can make a difference in our little community. Since we are a University town we always hope too that dropping that one small pebble of help will ripple out and show others how they can step up.

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to have two beautiful greyhounds come into my life from a rescue group called Greyhound Guardians. I am emotional writing this because unfortunately they are no longer in my life....but will forever be in my heart. I came across this wonderful organization right before I turned 40 and KNEW that's all I wanted for my birthday....and Razz was my beautiful gift. Well, as most greyhound rescuers know, they're like potato chips...you can't have just one. And that's when I got my beloved Lucy. Unfortunately, both of these gorgeous creatures lived a life of neglect and terror (as many greyhounds do when their racing "time" is over....and some for all of their lives) before being rescued by the Greyhound Guardians. This selfless group gives hours of their time performing rescues, providing medical needs, creating foster homes, performing "meet and greets" to inform the public and find adoption families....hours and hours of their own time and money...all for the love of these animals. In honor of all the love and wonderful memories I received from my beautiful, beautiful greyhounds, I would happily give back to this loving group.

Assignment 13 The Charity of my choice would be the Enoch City Recreation Complex Enoch city is a small city in Southern Utah that has appox. 6,500 residents. It is a sister city to Cedar City that has around 35,000 residents and there is not one regulation size soccer field in the entire area. Enoch city alone has over 150 grade school age children that play soccer and there is not an adequate field for them to play on. Enoch city is in the early development phase of building a recreation complex that will have the areas first full sized field, a pavilion, restrooms, park, and walking path. The city does not currently have the funding to complete this project and is asking for citizens to volunteer their time, money, and talents in the developing and building of a project that will be a blessing to thousands of children who want to play soccer. To date the bathrooms, masonry walls, concession stand, dirt work, goals, and grass seed have been donated. They are still in need of funds to furnish stands, a playground, trees, and the paving for the parking lot. I would love to be able to donate $10,000 to see a portion of this project become a reality. I was blessed to be reared in an area that had beautiful soccer fields and spent many hours playing and learning the sport growing up. It was a bright spot in my youth and I would love to be able to help other children have the experience.

I have 2 charities that I feel me the basic needs of us all. Without these two things, people have a very hard time transforming other areas in their life. In our life, My wife and I have spent many a sleepless night worrying and wondering how we were going to come up with the very basic things of human existence... food and shelter... The Charities I am happy to support are Cache County Community Food Bank Food Bank serving Box Elder, Cache and Rich counties 359 S. Main Logan, UT 84321 Phone: (435) 753-7140...... Habatat For Humanity of Cache Valley 55 E 100 N Suite 104, Logan, UT 84321 Phone: (435) 752-8419

I have chosen to charities to give to: Breast Cancer Society and Girls on the Run program for AGWSR. I believe strongly in both of these charities. I have not personally been affected with breast cancer but have had close family, friends and co-workers who have. I want to show my support and love to all of those people and hope that my small contribution will add to the research to find a cure. I also chose AGWSR schools to receive $5,000 for the Girls on the Run program because I wanted to bring this program to our school last year and didn't have the funds to do so. This program is one that introduces running to girls while working on self-esteem through various activities. It all ends with a 5K event. I thought it was the perfect way to bring a smaller version of transformation and running all together and what a better place to start than in upper elementary and middle school girls where they need that boost the most?

My charity that I would give the $10,000 prize money would be to the church that I attend for the many outreach ministry projects that we do each year. West Side Church of God, affiliated with the Church of God from Anderson, IN, has been a wonderful family to me since I've been going there for over 10 years now. They serve the community and are constantly striving to bring others to the Family of God. This is the place that helps me fill my spiritual cup, so to speak. They are very deserving of a gift of $10,000 as a result of my Transformation, so that they can continue to transform others to be more like Jesus. - Chad

What a way to think about the things dear to your heart and the various ways to give. I have spent years working in a Title 1 school, so working with underprivlidged children is so important to me. I see so many children full of energy and life. Children that have so much potential just needing the resources to allow it to shine. The Learning Foundation and Performing Arts School allows children to participate in lessons during the school day that most families could not afford on their own. It gives children he opportunity to develop their talents within themselves. I also have my sister, my best friend that has had her own life transformed with the help of Thunderbird Family Village. I would like to repay them and help other women and children that have been in my sisters shoes. Women having to start life over again on their own due to various adversities-dug addiction, domestic violence, etc... Being able to pay it forward is such a wonderful feeling and honor. The thought of genuniely helping others fills my heart with joy. I am also trying o teach my daughter that you can give unconditionally even without monitary donations. Just volunteering time to organizations is such a wonderful feeling.

This phrase is sticking with me! "..actually holding an unconditional intention of compassion towards others and yourself, in all circumstances." I have been seriously contemplating this all day, and i seriously want this... I am working toward this, and it is amazing to see how much closer i am now that i was 16 weeks ago... I generally feel much compassion for others, and have struggled a lot with allowing myself the same compassion. This is something that i am improving on, and it feels great! Thank you so much for sharing your heart, insite, and Love with all of us!

As I come to this assignment for the second time I sit back and reflect on the year I have had. All I can really think about is the year many others have had. With the negative impact the economy has had on so many others I feel very blessed in my life and am in want of only one thing. To share the wealth. When I become a champion i will give the $10,000 for charity to The Rainbow House in San Antonio. This is a place where 12 lucky individuals get to live in a resident type surroundings as they live their lives dealing with brain disease or severe irreversible brain injuries. The second $10,000 award would also go to charity,probably the Rainbow House and some to food banks and our local churches that hand out food to those less fortunate. I have everything I need and more so that's what I plan to do with the prize money Troy

The charity I would like to give the $10,000 to is the Canadian Cancer Society. As we are all aware, Cancer has killed millions of people and continues to do the same. There is no cure and anything I can do to help is important to me. My interest in this specific charity has a personal reason attached. As I was in the early stages of dating my wife I quickly became aware of how deadly this disease is. My wife's cousin was battling the disease and lost his life to it while we were still dating. I attended the funeral and got to see first hand how devastating this was to her family. To see his parents's grief up close left a huge impact on me.If this contribution could help spare others the grief it caused her family that would be something I would want to be a part of. He died in hie early twenties while his life was just starting and I can still see the impact his death has caused to this day. His parents are such good people and how they remain positive in light of the hardship they have endured is so inspirational.

Okay, First of all, reading through these responses and seeing what charities etc are important to people. That has been amazing. It's nice to even hear that there are so many great organizations out there... Second.. It's so cool reading what some of the champions wrote 200 days ago! and to think... seriously less than a year ago they were doing the same thing I’m doing now... That's powerful! All right... Finally on to the actual assignment. It's funny.. At first I miss-read something, and was thinking it was pointing out that there will be 10000 for charity, and 10000 for ourselves, and somehow when I read it I got to thinking of some charitable things I’d do with the 10000 that is actually for me.. Of course there is the inclination to pay off debt, and bills etc... and I’d like to do that... and I’d like to do some nice things for myself.. Get those dog training videos I want and can't afford... Or buy that pack of camp gear I want to have for my motorcycle road trip... Things that are not really practical to spend money I don't really have on... But I was thinking, honestly considering how could I share the 10000 that is for me, with the people that have been so supportive to me... I listed off my co-workers, and some family and friends, and did a calculation to see how much I could share with them each... and how cool that would be for them... Then I was thinking about how it might be more memorable to take those people who have been so awesome, on some kind of vacation.. or have a party at my expense or something really fun! I re-read the assignment and realized that it was just asking us about our charity we want to give the 10k to... I decided mine a long time ago, and it’s no question, hands down… And I know there are a lot of great charities out there… but this one is super dear to my heart. A friend of mine introduced me to them a while back.. My charity of choice is: "To Write Love On Her Arms" It's a non profit organization that is Christian based and puts on concerts and events, and does lots of work to help teens who suffer from depression, addiction, and who cut themselves. The are trying to help them find hope. I never really cut myself or anything like that, but I had been known to injure myself.. mostly by recklessness… but seriously.. the statistics on self-injury, depression, and teen suicide are startling. Horrifying really. I have suffered from depression. I have suffered from not feeling like there was much hope, or much to live for... I think that this organization helping young people is absolutely deserving of the contribution. It is the charity I always imagined I’d give the 10k to. There really are so many charities, but this one is so special to me. I had some training a little while back at work, about youth suicide prevention… In our state 4 teens kill them selves a week. Gut wrenching.. The trainer was a wonderfully inspirational and compassionate gal… she said “It’s not a mental health issue, it’s a public health issue” It’s so sad that so many young people feel that there is no option other than killing themselves. Honestly, Bill… Reading your message about unconditionally giving from the heart and holding nothing back… I want that. Desperately. I want to have health and balance in my own life, and share it with others. I want help other people know that they can have hope for their future, because it is such a beautiful feeling!

This is such a fun part of Transformation!! I would give my $10,000 to my church which is starting an orphanage in India. That money would pay to feed, clothe, educate, and house about 50 kids for 7 months. There are so many orphans in that part of the world, especially since the recent cyclones an other natural disasters. These children are so vulnerable because no one is looking after them and they often fall prey to human trafficers. My spirit soars just thinking about it.

This is not a hard decisiton for me to make. Because of my own life and my past I would take the 10,000 and split it into three parts. One part of 2000 for my Church. One part 4000 to go to Make A Wish Foundation, as a very young child I had polio and rickets and was not suspected to make it to my teen years. The last but not least to go to a home that is taking care of Orphan children. For the first part of my life I was in and out of orphanages until God blessed me with a wonderful family.

Bill....I would have my Donation given to "The Steps house of Recovery" Located in Knoxville, Tenn.......I have now been alcohol and Drug free for more than 8 Years....When I had reached my bottom....loosing my career job (and Health Insurance,) my home, my family, and myself......The founder of Steps House of Recovery (Mr. Patrick White) Welcomed me with wide open arms to what he called...The house of unconditional love.....That is where I found shelter, support. structure, and an environment that allowed me to begin my journey in recovery....Patrick; as it turned out, has devoted his life to this cause and has over the years established several of these houses which welcome men seeking help to recover from alcohol and drug addiction all located in knoxville Tenn......He has been promised assistence from our government many times, but has never recieved it.....He has many times over the years "Had to depend totally on God" to survive from month to month......There are many more Men out there that need this service to continue to be available to them....I don't know where I would be now if the unconditional love had not been there....I would be so very proud to be able to make this donation to "The Steps House".

I will be transforming lifes through the gift of mobility. My charity is The Free WheelChair Mission.

I have put some thought into this assignment this week and although I am so grateful for hospice and what they did for me and my family in my fathers time of departure I believe I would like to donate $10,000 to "The Hippie Kitchen" in Los Angeles. I was lucky enough to spend a morning along with this great group last weekend preparing and serving 1,000 meals to homeless and low income families. Also known as the Los Angeles Catholic Worker. My son had a project he had worked on all semester in school about a polotical cause he beleived in. He did his report on the homeless and so, Kyle his good friend Chad and I headed downtown in the central ghetto of LA known as skid row to do his volunteer hours. Right away we were greeted with smiles and words of welcome. We washed our hands, put on some caps (me in my chef hat..lol...my son was mortified) and started chopping and buttering bread. The location has a beautiful garden where the homeless come 3 days a week and eat untill the food runs out. I was amazed at the friendliness and genuine appreciation of all that ate and worked there. The regular workers live in a house a few miles away and work in 6 week blocks for food and board and $15 a week. Being a single mom in tough times right now...I know the stress of feeding myself and my son daily and what that must feel like to these thousands of people who live on the streets in LA alone. I have just covered what I experienced...I know they do so much more... free aids testing, hospice and even take in 9 people at a time off the streets. So, that is who I would like to benefit from $10,000 from Bill. Thanks! Jennifer

Assignment #13 I think one of the hardest things to do if I were to ever win a challenge, was to decide who to give the money to. It's so hard, because you wish you could give to everyone. I guess the most importang thing to remember is that even if you don't win the money, doesn't mean you can't still help give. Give your time or donate blood or sign up to be a bone marrow donor. I actually was called almost a year ago saying I was a match for a woman in washington dc, but they ended up finding someone closer. I never imagined I would ever be a match for someone..so you just never know, YOU could save someone's life. YOU could brighten someone's day. Honestly, I've always thought it would so awesome to be able to make a sick child's wish come true. I can't imagine how wonderful that would feel inside to know that you brightened up someone's life so much and gave such a tremendous gift. I don't know if that is selfish or not, to long to be able to do that..because I feel like it would make me feel just as good as it would to be the one receiving the gift. At the same time since this is all about transforming mind, body, and spirit, I think it would be nice to help fund a program that works with overweight children and their families and teaches them proper nutrition and exercise skills so that they can have happier and healthier lives. I know that schools are in dire need of a major nutritional overhaul when it comes to the options in the lunch room. When I was in highschool I brought my lunch, but other kids would make a meal out of a carton of french fries, a fried apple pie and a soda. Yikes! And these were kids that played sports..so while they may have stayed slim during that time, they were not fueling their bodies the correct way. As soon as highschool ended and the real world started, it caught up with quite a few of them. I think i'd end up splitting it up between two charities.

I would be so honored to give the check to our area Boys & Girls club, they helped me keep 3 energerized boys on the straight and narrow with fun activities and a well balanced staff and now they are doing the same for my grandchildren. which I'm so grateful for their guidance past, present and into the future. Thank you Bill for giving me the opportunity to give back. Hugs and Love. Kathi

If I were given this wonderful opportunity to serve someone with $10K I would make sure that it goes to Christian Services of Oklahoma, an adoption agency. I want to grant someone the ability to afford adopting a most wanted child. When my husband and I went through this process it was extremely expensive and emotionally draining because of the financial needs involved in the process. I want a family to have the privilege to focus on the beauty and wonder of their precious child and not on the financial burden that may come with it.

I will be giving the $10K to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes the body to produce a faulty protein that leads to abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and can result in fatal lung infections. The mucus also obstructs the pancreas, causing difficulty for a person to absorb nutrients in food and can block the bile duct in the liver, eventually causing permanent damage in approximately six percent of people with CF. Georgia is one of the few states that tests every newborn for CF. I first became involved with fund raising for the CFF in 2006 when an Atlanta bellydancer set up a weekend event and offered workshops and a show to raise money. It is such a wonderful event. Now we have not only the area bellydancers involved but local area businesses as well. It's such a wonderful weekend to see so many people get together to raise money for this cause. I always get doubly excited because this fabulous event falls on my birthday or near it and is one of my annual gifts to myself. http://shimmyathon.com/index.html

I fully embrace the power of generosity and giving. The Holy Spirit gives back to us 100x more than we could ever give. He always outgives us. I would like to use the $10,000 to start a memorial fund for a young woman that was brutally murdered in my city on February 4, 2009. Her name was Teagan Klein, and she left behind a beautiful 3 year old boy. I did not know her, or her family, however this tragic and senseless crime touched my heart and my life. By continually showing love and support to her family and friends, my hopes are they will be inspired to life freely with her memory, and not trapped by saddness and mourning. The memorial fund would honour her with an annual candlight vigil on Family Day. The funds would be available to grant burserys and financial aid to women and children affected by, or overcoming domestic violence. The fund will also support the Central Alberta Women's Shelter. http://www.canada.com/Technology/Child+Alta+house+with+slain+mother+hours/1262372/story.html

I chose the ASPCA. There were many organizations that I thought about, but the ASPCA to me does an incredible job to try and help abused and abandoned animals along with enforcing animal cruelty laws. As what happens sometimes with these assignments, I have to go back to a hurt to explain. For as long as I can remember I have connected with animals. I love them and the empathy I feel for them is so powerful and strong. I don't grasp how someone can abuse their animal or abandon them. My animals are like family. They always bring a smile to my face. I can be out and see someone's cat, dog, bird, or whatever furbaby they chose and there is an immediate smile. When I was a child, I remember having several dogs. I also remember that my mother would get tired of them, take them to the canyon, and leave them. It pains me to say that and to know in my heart what happened to those animals. I think that I even knew then, even though I was young. I have a memory of my mother taking me to a dog pound. I walked in and remember seeing all of these dogs with sad faces, seeing dogs who needed to be loved and taken care of, dogs who were excited to see people. I was so completely overwhelmed that I started to bawl. I couldn't see to get to the door, I had to be carried out. I think that part of me knew what would happen to a dog if we brought it home. So, when I read that as part of our prize that we could choose a charity I was so excited. I knew that it was going to be the ASPCA. That it would be a big opportunity to not right a wrong, but for me to in a small part make up for what my mother did to those animals when I was a child. Not only that, but I just love animals and I want to help in any way that I can.

WOW! There are so many organizations I would want to give to, but the one that is nearest and dearest to my heart is the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. I have seen family members suffer with this disease, particularly my grandfather, and I remember how helpless he and my family felt over the years of his suffering. I want to be able to contribute to the foundation in the hope that the contribution will help others and lead to improving treatments so those with the disease can live a more productive and happy life.

In some ways this assignment is both easy and difficult. The easy part is that both my wife and I believe strongly in “community.” That we not only need to have a sense of community, but that we also have responsibilities to help better our community. To that end, we give what and when we can both of time and our money to local charities. No excuses though, we can probably give more. >>> As posted on my profile page, we have three main charities which receive most of our charitable giving, The Santa Ynez Cottage Hospital Foundation, The Santa Ynez Valley YMCA, and the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church. We fell in love with the Santa Ynez Valley five years ago, and though we had never visited it prior to house hunting, we felt like we came home. Like the weather, the people here are warm and friendly and care for each other. There’s a real sense of community. I like to tell my friends that I moved home to Mayberry RFD. We derive so much joy from giving back to this community we hold so dearly in our hearts, and we wish to instill the same values on our children.>>> Though comparatively speaking, this small rural community is blessed with resources, and most people live comfortable lives, there are still many that struggle. Our three favorite charities all share our commitment to the local community and provide valuable resources to help those in need. Choosing one charity to receive extra funding is difficult. I’ve struggled with this for quite some time. However, in the end, one of the three charities stands out, not because they do any more than the others, or because they need it any more than the others, but because the assistance they provide is consistent with the Transformation.com Community philosophy of building healthy bodies and minds, the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA.>>> Though there will be no strings attached to the gift, I’d like to propose to (and work with) the YMCA in establishing a new community outreach program to start a local Transformation Special Interest Group. What better way is there to give back to the community that I love so much, than by helping its members to achieve the same body and mind transformation that I have experienced?>>> All the best in your Transformation,>>> WorkoutGuy

Assignment #13 When I began my transformation more than thirteen weeks ago my initial choice for a donation to charity was to the American Cancer Society and the other half to my mom. Since I had lost my Dad to lung cancer and I had also been a victim to prostate cancer it seemed only fitting that part of the money be donated to ACS. I also felt it would do my heart good to surprise my mom with a little pay back surprise for all the sacrifices she endured throughout her lifetime raising four kids on her own while working two jobs. I wasn’t even sure if the money could be split up and distributed in that fashion but I place it on my profile page just the same. Recently during one of my long weekend transformation discussions with my wife Holly, I had a change of heart as to where I feel the money would be the most useful and have the most impact. Although there is still no complete cure for cancer, there has been a great advance in cancer treatments over the last 20 years that give us greater hope a cure is just around the corner. As far as my wonderful and generous mom goes, I truly believe in my heart she would just turn right around and give the money to some charity anyway. So in saying that I have had a change of heart and have decided that the ALS Association (better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) would be a wiser choice. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a disease with no known cause, treatment or cure. Despite the fact that little is known about the reason people get ALS, much is being done to promote awareness and understanding of the disease, and to find a cure, but much more research and testing is needed. It’s believed that as many as 30,000 Americans currently have ALS. In fact, the incidence of ALS is approximately 2 out of 100,000 people. Statistically speaking, nearly 5,600 people each year in the United States alone are diagnosed with ALS, which is five times higher than Huntington’s disease and about equal to Multiple Sclerosis. It is hard to explain in words just how horrible the effects of ALS can be on an individual diagnosed with the disease not to mention how stressful it can be for the patient’s family and loved one’s. Several years ago I experienced first hand just how terrible this disease can really be. I will do my best in the next few paragraphs below, to explain how this horrible disease has touched my heart and affected the life of a dear and close friend. The story begins way back in 1985 when I took a job working for AT&T Network. The first day on the job I was greeted by Joanie Brown, a friendly and energetic lady, who took me under her wing to help acclimate me to the department and it’s processes. Joanie reminded me a lot of my oldest sister and we hit it off from the get-go. As it turned out, Joanie and I both enjoyed exercising and lifting weights. We soon became gym mates and worked out together at a local gym after work for over five years. Often, Joanie would bring her daughter Keri with her to the gym during our workouts. Keri was only 7 or 8 years old at the time but was one of the cutest, smartest and sweetest little girls I knew. Joanie was so proud of Keri and you could tell she loved her more than life itself. Keri and I got to know one another pretty well and I enjoyed following her progress as the years went by. Keri grew up to be a beautiful young woman full of life and energy and was always smiling and happy whenever I saw her. I eventually left AT&T to start my own business and Keri went off to college, so our encounters were few and far between. Over the years I kept track of Keri’s accomplishments and whereabouts through her mom. During her college years Keri earned a BS and 2 MBA’s. She went on to be a philanthropist, marketing director, entrepreneur, artist and health & sports enthusiast. Keri met and married the love of her life on August 26, 2005 and soon made plans to begin building a family of her own. Shortly after Keri’s wedding, she began experiencing a strange numbness & pain in her right foot. It was first diagnosed as nerve damage, perhaps from a virus. The numbness & pain slowly started working it's way up into her ankle. It was at this time that Keri became pregnant with their first child. During the early part of the pregnancy the numbness took over her lower body and spread along her entire leg and soon started working it’s way into her other leg. 
In December of 2006, and after much exhaustive research, the doctors finally diagnosed Keri with ALS or commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It was during this time that Keri was put on constant bed-rest for the remainder of her pregnancy and never returned to work. Keri gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on March 10, 2007. She named her daughter Kellyn. By the time Keri had given birth to Kellyn, she was unable to use either of her legs and was completely dependent on her husband and family for mobility. Keri managed to live another 10 months and spent most of that time getting to know her daughter and preparing birthday videos for Kellyn’s next 18 years. Keri had video camera’s set up throughout the house so she could watch her daughter from a television by her bed. The only contact I had with Keri during those 10 months was by a weekly e-mail. She eventually lost all ability to talk and could only communicate with her eyes which are usually unaffected by the disease. Keri fought hard and valiantly against the disease that had invaded her body but it soon became more than she could handle and she passed away on January 13th, 2008 at the young age of 29. Keri was Joanie’s and Harold’s only child and it has devastated their life to say the least. I must also add that during this entire ordeal Joanie was battling lung cancer as well. She was diagnosed about a year before finding out about Keri’s illness and had never in her life smoked one cigarette. Her cancer is now in remission. It has been so hard for me to even imagine what they have been through over the last couple of years. Shortly after Keri’s death Joanie decided to form an annual conference in honor of her daughter and to help raise awareness and funds needed for further research on ALS. It has also been very helpful in keeping her busy and involved so she could find a purpose to continue living. The conference was appropriately named the Keri B. Still Conference on ALS, which is a non-profit organization directly affiliated with the national ALS Association. Now with that said, let me say this. I am not a rich man and live on a very tight budget. I do however manage to support different causes throughout the year with small donations, as I believe it is good for the soul to help when you can, even if it is in small amounts. I’ve also been known to say on occasion that if my financial ship ever came in I will be the first to help a needed cause with a large donation. So today, I have decided when (notice I said when) I am selected the next Transformation Champion I will be donating $10,000 to ALS. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to surprise my good friend Joanie, with a check for $10,000 to be used for further research on ALS. I can’t think of anyone more deserving to receive such a generous gift. I can’t wait to see the look on her face when Bill makes the announcement during the conference! For more information on Keri and ALS you can visit her official website at www.keribstill.com. I loved this assignment by the way; the power of giving is a true lesson for all mankind. Thanks Bill! Greg

Assignment 13-The Power of Giving I have long admired the work that Habitat for Humanity does. I have never actually been involved with volunteering with them, but I support them by donating items to them and buying what home improvement items I can from their local home renovation center. I have seen first hand how HH transforms lives. Almost twenty years ago my wife’s sister fell on hard times. She had two little girls and a husband who was injured in an auto accident. As a result of the accident, he was a paraplegic. My sister-in-law was the sole financial supporter. I’m not really sure how she became connected with Habitat for Humanity, but they became a Habitat family. At that time, our local chapter was remodeling older homes instead of building new homes. My sister-in-law first helped work on other HH homes and then she put in sweat hours on her own house. My wife also helped by accruing sweat hours on behalf of her sister. My sister-in-law’s family was given the keys to a newly remodeled home. The payments were affordable and the mortgage was at no-interest. Shortly after moving in, my brother-in-law passed away. The Habitat staff treated my sister-in-law and nieces like family. They took care of them for many, many months. The staff also made sure that my nieces had a fantastic Christmas. My sister-in-law was eventually able to get on her feet. She was able to get a good paying job and provide a good life for her daughters. It was a great blessing that she never had to worry about having a roof over her head. Now my nieces are grown and my sister-in-law’s house has been paid off for a couple of years. An added blessing to the story is that my sister-in-law’s neighborhood has been certified as a Historic District. The area has been revitalized and the value of her house has increased more than she would have ever dreamed.

Assignment #13- The Power of Giving Christian is my oldest son. He is 5 and a half years old. I love the kid soooo much. He was originally my stepson, but I adopted him after Lauren and I married. When my wife Lauren and I met, Christian and I took a liking to each other immediately. His biological father was not much of an entity in his life, and considered Christian more of an “investment” as he would put it. I felt that Christian needed a father. So I asked his birth father if he would sign over parental rights so he would no longer be financially responsible. A win-win situation in my opinion… Christian got a father who is present and involved in his life, and I got an awesome son! Myself being adopted at birth, this was a huge deal to me. A while later Lauren and I realized that Christian was a little different than other kids. His speech was very much delayed, and he was very sensitive to different things… simple things like getting a haircut or his picture taken. So, we took him to a pediatrician, and the doctor said he very well could be PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified). Defined medically, it “is a condition on the spectrum that has those with it exhibiting some, but not all, of the symptoms associated with classic autism. That can include difficulty socializing with others, repetitive behaviors, and heightened sensitivities to certain stimuli.” This explained many things… like his delayed speech, sensitivity to certain textures, his issues with personal space, aggression, etc. It has a serious effect on his interaction with other children. It kills us to see him struggle like that. Myself being bullied as a youngster, this really hits me hard. I know it is not about me, but still… you can’t help but identify. For example, he will come up to a group of kids and pretend to be a monster. Then, the kids run from him to get away because they are bothered by his behavior, but he chases them thinking they are playing. It kills me to see that. But he is having fun… that is what matters to me. His brain is wired differently, and he just doesn’t know any better. One night he even asked me, “Dad, why don’t the kids like me?” It was really painful to hear that. I am actually crying right now writing this… Today we took him to a friend’s birthday party, and it was the last straw. He got picked on quite a bit to the point someone pushed him into a mud puddle. Needless to say, we left the party, and came to a decision. We are going to set up play dates with other parents who have kids he can identify with- Period. He needs to be social in a positive light. He does not deserve to be picked on because he is different and doesn’t know any better. Lauren even mentioned that she wanted to possibly start some sort of informal group in our area that organizes those types of play date arrangements. I love the idea! I love my son to the point it hurts. After being torn for quite some time, I have decided to choose the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) for my charity to donate to my $10,000 to. They are a local resource center that supports children and families affected by autism and helps discover the answers to the mysteries of the disorder. Many people have been swept under the carpet by insurance companies because PDD-NOS in particular was not considered an “official” diagnosis since it did not fall along the spectrum of “named” autism disorders. Arizona legislation in particular, now requires insurance companies to recognize PDD-NOS and requires them to authorize coverage of its treatment. Even further, depending on the severity, people can now receive state assistance for treatment as well. I think that there were many people left behind prior to this change in law. I think that they deserve to know what living is like, while not being left at the mercy of the current of the legal system. That is where they were left, and by no choice of theirs. So, my $10,000 goes to the one facility I know that will help those kids, who are now young adults, the chance to play some “catch up”. Progress, not perfection… right? Learning, Living and Loving every day… Geoff A.K.A. “Alexandboogsdad”

I decided this some time ago but I'm just not getting around to posting it for my Assignment 13. HEALTHY MIND BODY AND SPIRIT HEALTHY MIND BODY AND SPIRIT INC 3859 EVERGREEN ST IRVING, TX 75061-3947 (registered 5013C non profit) religious organization Will be the recipient of the 10,000 from the "Be The Change Challenge" if I were to win. It is an organization started by Bonnie Nixon, a powerful Christian woman that has a passion for helping Gods kids, particularly the ones that are suffering and have lost hope. Years ago Bonnie did her best to help me when I was in and out of my active drug addiction. Her organization is dedicated to two different areas. 1. They carry a message of hope to offenders. Like myself, Ms. Nixon was an offender that spent time in prison and has since then became a liscensed alcohol and drug counselor. She has a heart for people that struggle with reintegrating theirselves back into society after being released from prison. 2. They carry a message of hope and an awareness program to suffering drug addicts and alcoholics. This includes adolecents as well as adult drug addicts. The organizations message of hope is two fold, in that it offers the traditional-clinical based teachings that counselors often practice as well as spiritual based teachings that focus on God and spiritual teachings. Her organization supports many ministries that work with suffering alcoholics and drug addicts as well as people that have just given up on life in general. I feel in my heart that the effort of this organization is selfless and worthy of supporting with money.

The charity I choose to donate my 10K prize winnings is my church. I love my church and everything that it does. The reason I want to give it to my church is because my church is not a large church about medium sized... about 100 members, we don’t have a nice building, we actually just rent one from another church, my pastor doesn’t even get paid, he chooses not to so we can give more to missions! I want to donate it to my church because I know without a doubt that it will be put to good use. Our church donates over 90% of all the money that comes into our church, it goes to over 30 missions and missionaries around the world, that literally have changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, and will continue to do so every day. So when I say I want to donate my 10K prize winnings to my church. Really I’m donating it to thousands of people around the world so they can also have a transformation. The most amazing transformation and gift that any one person could ever have, and that is to know Christ. About once a month, sometimes more, we have missionaries come and visit our church, ones that we support and they love to show us videos and pictures of how they are making an impact on this world. It is so rewarding to see people come to Christ, change there lives eternally, and that I’m a part of it!! I also volunteered my time for a long at my local hospital; it was such a rewarding experience! I volunteered in the gift shop. The most amazing part about it is that every penny that is earned they donated to the auxiliary fund. Which does a lot of amazing things, it gives 10 scholarships a year for students to get into nursing school that cant afford it: it is a scholarship that gets them a full ride, it helps a lot women that cant afford to get a baby car seat, they also work in part with Children’s Miracle Network. It is such a great program and I loved to volunteer there. But as of right now I’ve become to busy to volunteer there, with the hours and everything it was hard. But the time I spent doing it was so rewarding. When my schedule allows, I would love to do it again!!!

Hi Bill, Okay I have given it some thought and I have decided I would give the money to The Spiritual Enrichment Center in my city (Kamloops, B.C. Canada)....this center is new to the city, 4 years, I have been attending and studying there for training in Ministerial, I will be an ordained Minister through this teaching in 3 years or so. I believe this Center (church) is an excellent place to give money to. I would give it as a *building fund* to start so they could start saving for their own building. This center is a *giving* center, it tithes 10% of it's income back into the community, it provides services in the forms of soup lines, feeding, Christmas Dinners, adopt a road (environmental cleaning) and all sorts of fundraising for the betterment of the community, it adopts famiies in need during Christmas time. This Center honors all paths of Faith, all are welcome, each Sunday morning we light candles to honor the paths of all the worlds religions, we bless all, love all. This Center teaches people alot of what you teach here Bill, changing thoughts to positive, being giving from within, teaches people responsiblity and empowerment....it is a definite asset to society, helping people to grow spiritually and helping those who need to be lifted up. This center has changed me from the inside out and has assited me in being a more loving individual, non-judgemental, accepting of all people no matter what. It is an honorable and worthy cause. Thanks Love Thia

I grew up volunteering. My younger sister has Down Syndrome so from a very young age I was a helper with outings, at Summer School, Swimming classes, Special Olympics and with the ARC. I loved it and felt appreciated as a young child, as well as having learned to be open to people through the example of my sister and her friends. I have continued volunteering with many organizations and want to impart giving and serving to my children. I have more I want to do and will continue to do to truly help people; one on one. I believe I have a lot to learn to be the kind of giver Bill is and Paul was. As far as my choice of charity to give to; the one I have found that has touched my heart as I watched lives changed and watched the heart of the staff is Teen Challenge, New Hope House. This program helps troubled teens head down a better path and encourages a life of service and giving to those in need. This organization takes broken lives and helps them heal so these girls can become strong, giving, loving adults. Thanks Bill for all you give!

wow Bill, you bring tears to my eyes, I can learn so much from you and your spirit....I hold back, I have fear, I know I need to transform this in order to give from my heart, you *get it* you understand that it is about giving not getting and this is something I need to transform in my soul and it is like I understand yet hold back anyway, it is one thing to say you know and another to live it....I want to live it....I want to release whatever it is inside me that is causing me to hold back in fear, to live as the source and supply, I do have compassion and love for all people, I do accept, yet there is still something that has fear inside me that I need to release in order to fully live...thank you for being here, for being a great teacher, for being the light and I am here at t.com for a reason, I have been reaffirming that I can transform these things from within....inside/out. Love Thia

From a very young age I was taught to share and to be generous. I learned to serve from my parents; a nurse and a teacher. As a citizen warrior (Coast Guard Reservist) for almost 26 years, I felt privileged to serve this great nation. I’ve volunteered my time to the church, youth organizations, Guide Dogs of America and most recently Toastmasters International, a public speaking organization. From public service to private citizen, I have been involved as a leader, follower and volunteer for most of my life. Yet, I still feel that I should be doing more. As a result of completing this challenge and being selected as a transformation champion, I intend to donate $10,000 to the following organizations: St Kilian’s Church, USO and Guide Dogs of America (GDA). For St. Kilian’s to support the parish youth; for USO to support our military personnel and for GDA to support their program of giving sightless people their independence. Thank you Bill for giving me this opportunity to do more for others.

There are so many worth organizations and causes it is very difficult to narrow down the choices. For me the $10,000 would go to Dana Farber Institute earmarked for activities that make cancer patients feel better...it could be wigs, hats, hair...it could be a makeover...it could be anything focused on uplifting the spirit of these brave fighters. I have personally experience the joyful spirit that permeates the halls of this institution and I would like to contribute to its ability to continue those practices.

Take-A-Hike is an all-volunteer fundraiser to cure breast cancer through research. These hikes run in several cities through an organization called Expedition Inspiration (E.I.). E.I.’s history began with mountain climbs for breast cancer survivors to meet yet another challenge while honoring those who have not survived. While directing the Seattle Take-A-Hike, I saw that when times are tough, people show their best sides. It’s truly amazing what we can give to others and how it makes such a positive difference. Expedition Inspiration is an organization that promotes the physical and mental well being of breast cancer survivors, and raises money for a cure through their walking and mountain climbing activities. Donating $10,000 to Expedition Inspiration would have a meaningful impact on the organization and add to the good work directed through their Medical Advisory Board. I would love to be a part of helping the World in this way. http://www.expeditioninspiration.org/purpose.html

I have chosen the American Red Cross, because of the wonderful service they provide to families during times of crisis. I am also thinking of one other organization, but I have to wait until I research it more. Thank you!

I've always loved the intentions of the Make A Wish Foundation. I believe one of the greatest joys in life is making our dreams come true and I would love to have a part in contributing to these children making their dreams come true!!

There are so many worthy causes that would benefit from this $10K. In my profile I have indicated Make a Wish foundation, but I have also thought about the Lupus foundation (my brother got diagnosed last year) or my local animal shelter where my son picked out his two cats. I am still going to stay with Make a Wish, because making a difference in a child's life is priceless.

This assignment found me just at the right time. I knew this year was going ot be different as far as me stepping up to the plate of giving. I have always struggled with just sticking with one charity. I like to give when it enters my heart and not because it is that time of the month to write a check. The problem with this is that sometimes months pass and I realised that I have not given to anyone in a while. 8 months ago, I found the church I had been searching for and I trully love the people who serve, nurture, and help everyone who walks through those doors. I was blessed in so many ways when I found Antioch Church. I also know that this church does so much for others that I do not have to think about what happens to my money. I love finding the joy in dropping money in their mission box knowing that it is going to help someone somewhere who needs it. I would feel so confident to hand them a $10,000.00 check to keep their dreams and missions alive because they know where it would be needed and it would bring so much joy to so many in this awesome community of people.

Assignment #13-Given the choice of an established charity I would choose make a wish. I love the smiles they elicit, I love the changes they make in little lives, I love the fact that they manage their money to make the absolute most out of their donations and use volunteers as much as possible to help the largest number of kids possible. But if I had my druthers I would actually like to use the money to start a charity that I think is a bit under represented. I would like it to be called "single's night out" and be for under financed single parents. I have known one too many single moms in the veterinary community who can't have a day off. They love their kids, but they don't have money for a babysitter, they don't have a trustworthy person to ask to babysit or their pride would never allow it if one was available. Wouldn't it be perfect to give them a night out. We would ask restaurants and movie theaters to donate dinners and tickets. We would have maids come in to straighten the house while mom or dad is out. We would fix things like toilets or sinks as necessary. We would have a licensed child care person taking care of the kids. The kids would get a few hours of fun and single minded attention that they would normally miss out on because single moms and dads have a lot on their plate each night. God gives us no more than we can handle in a night, but I know many single parents who feel that he is overestimating them. I think domestic violence could be reduced if people just felt a little less pressure. I think parents can be better parents if they have a brake once in a while. I would love to see this get off the ground and perhaps transformation means working on this project......

Assignment13 My entire life I have been blessed with good health! I have never spent one day in a hospital, never been on workeman's compensation for an occupational accident and I have worked in the most hazardous occupations since childhood. Construction, Deep Sea Diver, Shipyard Worker, and Firefighter(18 years). I don't know what I would do if I couldn't lead a normal life. I am hopeful that I would have the attitude of a couragious kid that has Lymphoma, or the courage of a soldier that had lost a limb. But until that happens I will never know how I would handle it. My heart goes out to the kids waiting for a wish to be granted (Make a Wish). My soal is forever with the military personell that come home after losing a limb, strive to compete in the sports they love, and maintain a honorable athletic lifestyle. The Challenged Athlete Foundation helps aquire equipment needed. (CAF) So I would donate $10,000 to these charities. I will be running the Denver Half Marathon in October to support the Make a Wish Foundation. I will be competing in the Muddy Buddy in December for the Challenged Athletic Foundation.(CAF) It would be nice to be able to donate the $ at those events. I am forever greatful for my health! HopCool

This assignment is a good one. It makes me feel good to consider how my transformation could affect the lives of others in a positive way. How incredible and how my heart will melt with joy. I have thought about this throughout my journey and there are so many charities and people that are in need and so many that have touched my life. So I have decided I will just follow my heart on this one. My mother has end stage kidney disease and has to go to dialysis 3 times a week she has suffered and been such a trooper thrughout the process. Just recently as of about a week ago she is finalizing the final steps and evaluations to finally get on the list for a kidney. She has really had a rough road with diabetes, and foot ulcers as well as extensive surgery from infection on her calves. So with all of this in mind I really do feel the need to give $5000.00 of charity money to the Kidney foundation. I want to help someone with an embarrassing anxiety disorder called trichotillimania. It is a form of OCD that causes hair pulling, just since this process I have had some recovery since joining this site and reached out and shared this with my Accountability group. If I have the chance to help someone else then it is what God wants and intends for me to do. There is so much research that needs to be done. I still not have decided on the exact recipient or organization and it may be just one or two families that have a child with this disorder, so that they may seek advanced care through seminars, books or specialists and get the latest treatments or products available without a financial burdon. Your friend in Transformation Liz

I would definitely give my 10000 to my church Kingdom Worship Center in Tampa, FL. This would be a good choice for me because they teach individuals how to go out and make a rue difference in the world through servant leadership. This concept not only empowers the individual to become leaders of themselves, but also the importance of inspiring others to become leaders of themselves and have servant hearts towards others whereby we can make an impact on this world. This organization is at its beginning stages but holds true to what Bill discussed in this blog- showing compassion with no strings attached!!!!

I would give $10,000 to Freedom Ride. They teach therapeutic horseback riding to people with disabilities. I would give the other "personal" amount of $10,000 to Mission through my church so that we can share Christ with the world because how will they know unless someone goes? Beverly :D

...i havent changed my giving perspective of T1. I am still giving ALL of the winnings away...all 20K. I have been impacted by a new cause that i would like to give to... International Justice Mission and the NotForSale Campaign would get my winnings this time at 10,000 each. yes...the 10,000 for Charity would go for one of them and my "personal winnings" would go to the other. i have everythign i need and to give is my greatest delight. both of these organizations fight slavery that is going on world wide. from families indebted to rice farmwork or brick amkers...to sex slave industries...these organizations are thorough in their investigations of the crimes and the legal prosecution of the criminals and eventually the rehab of the victims into a free lifestyle and earning potential . no one should be a slave..no one should have their dignity taken from them. no one should have to watch their family members raped, beaten or tortured in order to make more products... the horrors of this somewhat hidden and dark underworld are incredible...but these two organizations are beacons of light and hope and justice in those arenas...bring freedom to the captives and new life and hope for their futures

Hey Bill this is one of the greatest monetary rewards in the whole challenge!! The thought of being able to give this kind of donation from ME is just the most heart warming feeling to have in my life. The changes you can make in others lives is what this is all about and I have really struggled with the opportunity to share this kind of gift with those in need of a hand up. I was a little torn about whether to give it to my church and pray that others directed the money in the direction that it should go or to just give it directly to the outreach charities that we as a church support and volunteer our efforts to. Once again I found the answer to my question by asking Marty how he decided to make the donation that he did and why he chose to give the direction he gave. Marty guided me through the process he went through and it all clicked. Donate the gift to My church with the stipulation of it being used for only outreach ministry.The best of both worlds the Church gets recognition for giving to the ministries and the organizations benefit from the gift and I can worry about more important matters like training for the Denver marathon! lol.Thank you Bill for this opportunity to "Give It Away" so that others may have benefit from my good fortune.You are quite a good man and I am happy to "know" you. Blessings, ~Dave

While I have never been and hopefully never will be the victim of a disaster, I know many who have. From 911 to hurricane Katrina to the tsunamis that killed so many and left so many more homeless, the American Red Cross was there to help. The American Red Cross helps victims of disaster here in our communities and also around the world. They act as a lifeline for our troops, allowing them to communicate with loved ones back home during emergencies and they provide social services, emergency travel, financial assistance and mental health support for our returning troops and their families. They also organize and staff blood drives to collect much needed blood for various conditions and illnesses. Some people need regular transfusions simply to survive. I came to know about the American Red Cross through my mother. She was the director of a chapter of the American Red Cross for many years. Every year we’d have conversations about their struggle to gather the funds needed to provide these services. They are funded almost exclusively through private donations. I will give my $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross.

What charity or cause would you give your $10,000 to? I would give $10,000 to Teen Challenge of the Dakotas located in Brookings, South Dakota. Teen Challenge is an international program highly successful in helping men, women and teens radically change their lives and gain freedom from addictions. From the beginning Teen Challenge has operated under the concept that a person with life controlling problems can change - If that person wants to change. Teen Challenge of the Dakotas offers a residential program for adult males 18 years, and older. The 16 month program consists of five phases of induction, training and re-entry. The first 11 months include the four phases of induction and training. The fifth and final phase of re-entry is five months in length. It consists of discipleship and assistance in transitioning back into the "real" world. Many of the students come from broken homes. Several have been involved with gangs and criminal activity. Some may be court ordered to complete the program. With nearly 50 years of history in helping drug and criminal offenders, Teen Challenge has earned a reputation as one of America's most successful rehabilitation programs. Teen Challenge of the Dakotas is one of approximately 300 centers worldwide and is accredited through Teen Challenge International USA located in Springfield, Missouri. Teen Challenge of the Dakotas is dear to me and my family because it was the tool God used to change my brother’s life. We grew up with a father who was an alcoholic and was abusive. Our parents divorced when we were very young and as young children we were caught between the ugly relationship between my mother and father. My father moved 500 miles away and we saw him once a year if even that much. Although he loved us dearly, he couldn’t surrender his own life issues enough to gain freedom. When I was 11 my dad killed himself by putting a gun to his mouth and pulling the trigger. The turmoil from a broken family and trauma and grief brought on by our dad’s suicide was obviously very difficult for my older sister, younger brother and I. Although we each handled these issues differently, my brother followed the path of my dad’s family line and got involved in alcohol, drugs, smoking, violence, gangs, depression and suicidal thoughts. He hit of point of rock bottom and was soon to be facing the possibility of 7 years in prison for various charges. Through a series of events orchestrated by God, he was allowed to enter Teen Challenge in Brookings, SD, 45 minutes from where I live in Sioux Falls. He spent the next 11 months in this program learning the truth about himself and about God’s truth and purpose for his life. God took away his smoking, alcohol and drug addiction while releasing him from the chains of depression, anger and hate. Due to the nature of the program, Dustin was only allowed visits from family once a month and I was the closest family to him. I got to experience this journey with him watching him grow and change each month, learning to leave the lower life and reach for the higher life that God promised for him. A life full of purpose. I am so elated and proud to tell you that today, my baby brother is giving back by being a counselor on staff at Teen Challenge of the Dakotas, the very program that helped him change his life. Every day, Dustin along with so many others like him are giving back, Being the Change, and investing their lives in the lives of others by teaching them truth and how to be free. I am so proud of my brother and I thank God every day for saving his life and for saving my family. Teen Challenge of the Dakotas is the real deal. The staff members are for real and give their lives for the lives of others. TC of Dakotas is currently meeting in a building that used to be an old hotel and is over 100 years old. They have purchased land to build a new facility to be able to better house and provide for more men to come and experience freedom but they have been at a standstill on their building project because the funds are not there. I would feel so honored to be able to present a $10,000 check to Mike Gilmartin, director of TC of Dakotas as a small thank you for the investment they made in my brother and in my family.If you would like to learn more about Teen Challenge of the Dakotas (and see pictures of my brotherJ) or Teen Challenge International please visit www.teenchallengeofthedakotas.com Thank you. Devin

It took me a long time to scroll down to the place to add a comment because I got so distracted by the descriptions of the various service organizations being supported by our members! Mostly I felt our members heartfelt desire to give. I am so proud to be a part of this community! I, too, am a servant of my fellow man. It has been so since I have been a little kid. I can’t help it – I just see and feel others suffering and I can’t stand it. I have to do something about it. I give whatever is needed – time, talent, treasure…as much as I have. I’m not trying to be “good.” I think I get more out of it than I give. At one time I worried that my giving was “abnormal,” but then a Jyotish astrologer said I was born under the star Revati and that my life should be dedicated to service and so I felt OK again. That show called “the Millionaire” was on TV when I was little – you know the one where a check for a million dollars is given away anonymously to somebody every week? That’s what I wanted to be when I grew up! A millionaire so I could give people what they needed. I am not a millionaire (yet!) but I have been blessed with “enough” and I share whatever I have. I really just want people to experience their fullest potential. Everyone has such great, unique gifts, but sometimes finances or disease or war get in the way of their expression. I do what I can every day in any opportunity that comes to me. It’s how I participate as what Coach Stoney calls “being one of God’s kids.” If an extra $10,000 comes my way, I will divide it between the Center for Survivor’s of Torture and War Trauma in St. Louis Missouri and The Blackfeet Buffalo Horse Coalition on the Blackfeet Reservation in Browning, Montana. I currently work (75% pro bono) at the Center, a small mental health organization that provides culturally appropriate treatment for war refugees suffering from severe PTSD. I formerly served on the Board of the BBHC in Montana. It is a 501c3 that develops self esteem in Native American Youth by keeping the traditional skills of their horse culture alive. My further plan is that my own increased ability to “tackle anything” because of my successful transformation will lead me to become more powerful in fundraising so that I can make an ever greater impact on serving the peoples of the world.

If I am able to give such a great award to a charity, I would choose between two. First, I would give half of the award to the Make-a-Wish Foundation -- bringing a wish to a child would be one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. The other half would go to a Christian television show that my daughter loves, and that I loved growing up. It's called Jean's Story Time. Here is the history -- Jean’s Storytime was started in 1956 by the late Norm Williams, a director at KMTV (now Action 3 News), in Omaha, Nebraska. He had a call from God to produce a television program that would plant the seeds of God’s love in the hearts of all children, especially unchurched children. He was guided by God’s plan to encourage children to go to church and Sunday school, pray, read the Bible, sing hymns of praise and to share their love of God with friends and family. For 38 years, Jean Kelley Schnase, known to thousands as "Miss Jean", taught this "television Sunday School". Miss Jean had been an unchurched child and understood the joy of knowing God’s love. The program format was simple — use puppets to draw the children’s attention and tell stories with a moral lesson using pictures the children had drawn. Each week names of storyboard helpers and prayer helpers were displayed on the "Who’s Who Roll Call" to thank them for telling about God’s love. Even though Miss Jean has retired from the program, the message remains the same — learn all you can about God’s love. Continuing this message is Fred Schnase, Jr., Miss Jean’s son, who is the puppeteer. He has been with the program since 1966. His wife, Maribeth, is the program hostess. Be able to give to both of this two wonderful programs would be a true blessing. Great posts everyone......brett

When I first heard of the Transformation Challenge I understood what the monetary rewards were, and when I filled out my profile for the website I had no trouble at all deciding what to put in the “My Favorite Charity” spot. Since being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis last year, I’ve met so many wonderful people who daily overcome the physical and mental difficulties this disease brings. I’ve seen what these people have to do to cope with a body that is working against them…people who can no longer hold a job doing what they love, or walk across the room without severe pain, or do simple things we take for granted every day. I’ve seen first-hand the strain it puts on their loved ones…children who can’t have a piggy-back ride anymore, spouses that have to take on chores that can no longer be done, and the barriers to intimacy that are created by physical symptoms and emotional stresses. I’ve experienced what it’s like to suddenly be helpless…unable to control your body, fighting to learn to do things again you could do with ease just days before, and wondering every day when and how your body will start going haywire again. There are many life-changing diseases out there. There are many people who have it “easier” than those with Multiple Sclerosis, just as there are many who have it “harder.” A part of my Transformation purpose is to “prove that a disease can neither define who I am nor rob my of my potential.” Moreover, I want this Transformation to be one more way I fight back against it, and that’s why the cause I would like to give the $10,000 to is the National MS Society. With it, they can work that much more to help those struggling with the disease and continue to work towards a cure.

What a great carrot to dangle in front of us...but so many places to put money...the list is endless. I can tell you now that I have decided, after reading made2scrap's response, I would split the money. When I first joined the Transformation Community and filled out my profile, I orignally chose Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. After being here for awhile and seeing all the needs out there, I thought, well let me see if something really touches me and changed my profile to reflect 'To Be Determined". After all these weeks I have decided that CHOP is still close to my heart just because I am a mom. I cannot imagine what families go through when their children are sick. I would hope and pray that my children never need to be there but I would like to help families that need this facility. Then as I was reading the responses to this assignment, I came across made2scrape. Growing up I had so many problems and I wish I had someone in my corner. It would have made a huge difference in my life. Our children and teenagers of today are our future. We need to take care of them, nurture them and guide them. What a wonderful organization Teen Challenge International seems to be. I would like to donate half of my money to them also. Good luck to all of you and your organizations. I am sure Bill wishes he could give money to everyone and every group. Love and prayers.

I will give $10,000 to my father’s church Memorial United Methodist Church in Franklin, NC. In 2000 I went on a mission with them to the coast of North Carolina to help rebuild houses that were damaged during a flood. During that week I felt like I made a difference in several people’s lives, not only by rebuilding their homes, but by being compassionate and listening to them. I was the youngest of the ten men that went, and for some reason the people really looked at me and thanked me more. They wanted to take pictures with me and really wanted to get to know me. Maybe it was because I was 22 years old at the time, and I guess they just weren’t used to seeing young people give a helping hand. I remember this one guy’s house that we were working on. The man was outside in the back yard playing with a pit-bull. He was an older African American man, and I needed a break from the work, so I told the guys I was going to go and speak with him. They all told me that he wouldn’t talk to me. I went anyway, and started talking to him about his dog. We were making small talk about the weather and his dog. Then he turned to me and said, “I’ve marched with African Leaders all over the US in civil rights marches, and when my house was damaged they were no where to be found. The only people that have helped me were white people” He was extremely grateful, but it almost seemed as if he was embarrassed for having certain feelings towards me, or my race. We talked about it some, he had tears in his eyes, and as my father looked out the back window of the house he saw the man giving me a hug. I’ll never forget the experience I had during that week. I got a lot of hugs that week from a lot of different people. They were all so grateful, and it made me feel so good to be able to be apart of rebuilding, not only people’s houses, but people’s lives. With the $10,000 that I will give to the church I would want a stipulation that it can only be used to sponsor men to go to various places to improve people’s lives. I know that the money won’t be used for more than transportation, food, and housing for the men serving God. I know that the money will be in good hands in that church and that it will open the eyes of a young man just like I was back then. I’ve always wanted to do something like that again.

Bill, the charities that I would like to donate to are both about giving a hand up, the first is World Vision. They are mainly helping children through sponsoring and their communities with fresh water, good food, and education. The second is The Saint Vincent De Paul, of my church community. They help in our local area with the daily things that just allow my neighbors to keep going. Thanks for allowing me to share what is close to my heart. Terry

HI BILL, I WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO THE NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE IN PORT WASHINGTON NEW YORK. THIS IS A NO KILL ANIMAL SHELTER AND I FOUND MY WONDERFUL DOG SHEBA THERE. ANIMALS BRING SO MUCH JOY INTO YOUR LIFE!

The Charity I choose: IMPS Min Pin Rescue The Power of Giving The charity I choose to donate $ 10,000 to is IMPS-Internet Miniature Pinscher Services, Rescue Group. In 2005 I adopted my first Min Pin, Rocky Balboa from this organization and my life changed in such a positive way! Rocky taught me that I could trust and love someTHING (even though I wasn't ready at that time to love or trust someONE) again. Rocky (and animals in general) show UNCONDITIONAL love and acceptance-what a fabulous lesson we can learn from them! I can't imagine my life without the love, companionship & happiness that my dogs bring to me every single day. There have been so many times that I felt I had nothing: My life was literally falling apart in front of me. My son was gone (even when he was there-he was "gone"), I was at the lowest low of my life, but I had my dogs to show me that I was needed and loved. Loved unconditionally. When I lost Rocky to heart failure, I never thought I could love another dog....UNTIL...I seen Gracie Lynn's picture online! I fell in love with her the second I layed my eyes on her: Her tiny 5 lb body was supporting a huge blue cast on her front leg. (She had been thrown in a box with her brother, dumped off & abandoned in the night drop box at the local pound with a severely broken leg!) Gracie immediately filled the emptiness in my life and heart that I had felt since Rocky's passing...and has blessed my life daily! I love that little "gremlin!" Again..I cant imagine life without my little angels & I thank God Above for IMPS. They saved Rocky and Gracie from being euthanized & have brought joy, love and peace to me every day:) I started volunteering with IMPS in November 2008, doing transport & rescuing Min Pins from shelters and pounds. These dogs are already scheduled to die...and 99% of the time its because small dogs dont do well in a shelter environment. They are scared, shaking, intimidated and fearful...so most of the time, the shelters are so overcrowded, they just schedule them to be killed. That's where IMPS steps in, rescues them, takes them into foster homes, medically treats any medical issues (even major surgeries), teaches the Min Pin manners & obedience, and then screen prospective adopters to find the perfect FOREVER HOME for these little bundles of joy. So far, I have participated in rescuing 16 dogs..and its one of the BEST, most AMAZING feelings in the world! Being able to see first hand a scared, shaking, nervous, "mean" dog sitting in the pound TRANSFORM into a cuddly, sweet, loving, happy, playful family pet is PRICELESS! It makes me cry (tears of pure joy) to see these dogs FINALLY live the life they so deserve. Dogs can teach us soo much! They don't hold grudges as to what has happened in their past. They "forgive" and MOVE ON...even after severe abuse, they TRUST again when given a positive environment. They live in the HERE AND NOW! They are love...simple, and true. :) By donating $10,000 to our NoCAL/NV Chapter of IMPS I will be able to help continue the rescues, and in turn will continue to bless each and every family that opens their hearts & homes to this little dogs

I have done much work in domestic abuse and helping the homeless. Right now we are working to create a homeless shelter in River Falls, WI and I am creating a yoga dvd from one of the classes that I teach that the proceeds will be given to the homeless project. If I was able to designate some money to a cause- it would go to this much needed project.

I would, without a doubt, give them to Doctors Without Borders. They do an amazing job.

Teen Challenge International is a highly successful life-changing program for men, women and young people all across the world ministering to those with life-controlling addictions, but I am focusing on Teen Challenge of the Dakotas in Brookings, SD, because it is this center that saved my son’s life. After my son’s father committed suicide, the impact of that on my son Dustin’s life, drug him down into a deep, dark pit comprised of drugs, sex, violence, bitterness, hate, and suicidal desires. Once he began doing drugs, he dropped out of school, he became a gang member, he was selling drugs, he was stealing stuff to sell to buy drugs, he was in fights, the police were at my door or calling me trying to find Dustin … the wonderful, happy, very motivated, very athletic son that I had previous to his father’s suicide was a complete change from the person Dustin became after the suicide. I nearly lost him. However, God is faithful to honor his Word, and one day Dustin came to me and told me he was sick and tired of his life, that this was nothing like the life he had planned for himself (to go to college on a sports scholarship and then to become a youth pastor). He knew he had failed God, himself and all of us. He turned himself over to me and asked me to decide what he should do to get his life straightened out. I told him God would forgive him if he would pray and ask, but he said he was so rotten and full of sin that God wouldn’t listen. I assured him that wasn’t the case, but I spent the next few days in earnest prayer about what God wanted him to do to clean up his life. Within three days, 3 people had suggested Teen Challenge. Teen Challenge believes that a person is never too far gone in their life to be saved by Jesus Christ. My son not only completed the Teen Challenge program but he went on to school to become a counselor at Teen Challenge. He has returned to Teen Challenge of Dakotas that saved his life and has now been on staff there for 3 years reaching out in love to discipline and counsel many, many more lives that are so desperate in sin as his was. Teen Challenge of the Dakotas is all about giving a person an opportunity to redirect his/her life and replace their wrongful habits with good and responsible habits. The people who enter Teen Challenge and succeed there are finding a faith in God they had not known before. That faith has afforded them the hope and belief that their lives are of value and that life can be better. For many who come to Teen Challenge, this is their last opportunity to remain out of the prison system or to stay alive and not succumb to suicide… It is not about doing time but an opportunity to change one's way of life. From the beginning Teen Challenge has operated under the concept that a person with life controlling problems can change - If that person wants to change. (Same concept as Transformation!!) Teen Challenge of the Dakotas offers a residential program for adult males 18 years, and older. The 16 month program consists of five phases of induction, training and re-entry. The first 11 months include the four phases of induction and training. The fifth and final phase of re-entry is five months in length. It consists of discipleship and assistance in transitioning back into the "real" world. Many of the students come from broken homes, others come from good homes but circumstances and victimization that has occurred in their life has prevented them from seeing their worth and has stolen the desire for a dream or goal for their life. Several have been involved with gangs and many forms of criminal activity (stealing, selling drugs, pornography, murder, physical and mental abuse, and the list goes on… some have already served prison time while others may be court ordered to complete the program. With nearly 50 years of history in helping drug and criminal offenders, Teen Challenge has earned a reputation as one of America's most successful rehabilitation programs. Teen Challenge of the Dakotas is one of approximately 300 centers worldwide and is accredited through Teen Challenge International USA located in Springfield, Missouri. Spiritual Emphasis is a major aspect that sets Teen Challenge apart from the clinical or secular approach. Teen Challenge goes beyond the "twelve steps" and addresses GOD Himself as being the HIGHER POWER. They teach that in many cases, God is the ONLY alternative to receive power and assistance to change from the failure they have been to a contributing member of society. When the urge to sin is taken out of a person’s life, the desire for drugs, alcohol, and all manner of deviant behavior is also removed. When the root problem is dealt with, the symptoms also disappear. In many cases drug and alcohol addiction is more of a symptom than a root cause. Many institutions are very successful in treating and "drying out" an individual; but to resolve the root cause is an entirely different matter. These causes are more often issues of the heart rather than issues of addiction. (Sounds like Transformation thinking to me) The bruises of divorce, physical abuse, sexual abuse, dysfunctional family relationships and unforgiveness require long term attention. Until the root cause has been dealt with, and the individual has "worked through" this trauma; the addiction will often reoccur. The reason that this program is at least sixteen months long is this: with time, the TC staff is enabled to work through the root causes of each individual's problem. In light of God's Word, an environment is created in which God can heal the memory. Personal Studies are formatted to allow the student to set personal goals in his studies that will help him learn to apply God's word to his everyday life. This is a flexible course of study which runs the entire length of the first four phases of the program. Subjects of study will be determined by counseling and upon mutual agreement. These courses will cover areas of weakness, dysfunctional personalities and behavioral problems, both past and present. Group Studies are a lecture class format which runs the entire length of the first four phases of the program. Students are able to interact by asking questions, which prompt classroom discussion. Each of these studies teach biblical principles for daily living, such as developing Godly character, maintaining emotional stability, identifying negative behaviors, taking responsibility and believing God in order to live an overcoming Christian life. Work Study is an integral part of the program, because it's an important part of a man's life. General work experience allows students to achieve an identity and personal dignity within the work realm. Students are assigned to work under the supervision of staff members. This hands on training provides the opportunity for the students to derive healthy self-esteem, and develop overall character. Counseling is a major aspect of the success of the program. Each student is assigned a member of the staff for counseling sessions. This is in addition to the "one on one" sessions designed into the personal studies curriculum.

I have several charities that are near and dear to me and I will either split up the money or decide on one in the next several weeks. My first choice is Oxfam, a charity that helps people to fish. In addition to disaster relief in the U..S. and all over the world, they provide training and microeconomic loans for people to start their own businesses and to become more self sufficient. My second choice is the MS Society. My niece has MS and I really want to support the research for a cure. This and other autoimmune diseases are so mysterious and the research money can help with better understanding and finding therapies to reduce the impact of MS. My third choice for help is my school, which had a major fire a year ago and which now faces cutbacks with the fiscal crisis. Since that directly benefits me I am not sure if that is a good one.

It is powerful and it is a blessing to be able to give. I would like to contribute to a second stage shelter for women and children who have experienced family violence. It is an incredible place where women have the support they need to start a new healthy life for themselves as well as for their children. They are transforming their lives and are going stronger, but they need a lot of support---physically, emotionally and spiritually. I would love to contribute in a way that would make things easier for them. Thank you Bill for being such a great example of someone with a wide open heart. My appreciation for you and all that you do is beyond what words I can find to express it!!! InJoy, Dianne

Over the past few years I've been privileged to serve two amazing organizations. They are both near and dear to my heart, and there is no way I could decide between them. The St. Baldricks Foundation is one of the largest and most successful fund-raising organizations benefitting children's cancer research. Generally held on or near St. Patrick's Day, St. Baldrick's participants gather sponserships and then shave their heads as a sign of unity with childhood cancer patients. At the first St. Baldricks event that I attended, I met the gentleman who had organized that particular event, along with his daughter who at that point had been in remission for 3 years. My heart was immediately handed over to this cause. Anything I could do to help reach a cure for these terrible diseases was something I had to do. I've participated 3 of the last 5 years, generally growing my hair all winter so that there would be a noticible difference. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 2006, 36 year old firefighter Bill Craddock suffered a heart attack while operating at the scene of a house fire, his third in less than 24 hours. After being resuscitated from a cardiac arrest he was transferred to Emory University Hospital on a ventilator. While on the ventilator he also suffered a stroke. One thing led to another and eventually he entered multiple organ disfunction. After spending his 37th birthday in the ICU, life support was withdrawn in June, and Firefighter Bill Craddock joined the 86 other firefighters lost in the line of duty in 2006. Bill was a friend and a mentor to me. The sad news is that having only 87 firefighters lost was considered a good year. Not counting the 343 lost in the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. still averages 110 firefighters killed in the line of duty each year. As of today, April 2, there have already been 23 firefighters killed in the line of duty this year. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation leads a nationwide effort to remember the heroes that have fallen in service to their communities and our nation. They provide services for the families and coworkers of fallen firefighters, with counseling and memorial services. Each October, each of the fallen for the previous year are memorialized at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland (co-located with the National Fire Academy). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Asking me to choose between childrens' cancer research and the families of fallen firefighters is like asking me to choose between my own kids. There is no way I could choose.

The charity that I choose is a split for me. On the one hand there is Hospice: an organization that is devoted to helping those in the final stages of this life find comfort, dignity and peace. Not just for those with the affliction but also the families as well. These people were a great comfort for my father and those who love him too. I plan on doing volunteer work for them already but what a gesture of appreciation giving this organization 10,000 dollars. I know that somewhere my father is nodding his approval. The other organization would be autism awareness. I work in a group home that is designed for individuals with autism. I have had the chance to work with autisms hurdles and advantages. I think that the more we know about this condition the more we can reach these unique and beautiful people. If you know someone with autism you know what I mean by the window of opportunity to communicate. It is important to humanity that we not forget these people and what they have to offer.

For most of my life I have know deep inside that my Lord placed unique traits and values within me for a reason. There have been many times that I have wondered why I feel so giving, compassionate for others, and empathetic to people when other people around me don't even know what those words mean. I use to feel I was so different and honestly femine feeling. I use to look down on myself because I had these traits of helping others when no one else would and then get teased because I helped. I eventually started listening to these teasing and harassing sessions from people and started to get callused inside my heart. I started getting so callused that I would stop and think of helping someone because I didn't want to be used or teased. Once I started pausing, I felt horrible inside and second guessed myself for years after that. Sometimes I would help people but I started even becoming selfish and seeking reason to help to benefit me. This is NO WAY of thinking. But now I have started breaking that wall down and crumbling it up into minute pebbles. This brings me to a great day in the realm of helping people. I just want to share it with everyone! There was a day here in Wyoming this past January when a neighbor, which I have never met nor seen before, was stuck close to the curb and was trying to drive away. Now it had snowed the night before and the plow came through and shoveled snow off to the side. The neighbor was driving a front wheel low rider type of car and I just knew in my mind he wouln't be able to get out. As I was walking back from informing somone not to park in the road and leave their vehicle going, I stopped and yelled if he needed help. He said no and I started walking home. After about 30 feet of walking, I stop again and decide to help. I come up to him and his tires were spinning all around and his car kept sliding back into the curb due to the snow and ice. I pick up a snow shovel and take as much snow away as possible and start pushing with all my might to help the car away from the curb. Many times it failed and I believe we were there for about 10 minutes. Now, I was pushing with all my might and we were rocking the car. Finally, we caught some patch of road without ice or snow and pushed the car a complete 180 degrees around to ensure it didn't slip anymore. He didn't come to thank me but just waived. I was panting and waived back, snow all over me from it being thrown on me from the tires and I just had a great smile on my face and walked home. The entire time, I didn't want anything in return but help my fellow neighbor out of his jam. That next hour and day were great and I don't go home without looking at that guy's car and where he's parked. What a selfless feeling I had and you know what... I happened spontaneously. I felt God tugging me over there to help. Now, knowing the feeling of selflessness and gratitude in helping others, I want all to know that I will give my $10,000.00 charity money to "The Fisher House Foundation". The Fisher house is a place, "comfort home", that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times of their lives when injured due to a major illness, disease, or injury. These houses are at the military medical facilities and helps by decreasing the stresses the families have with housing needs and the expenses that arise when being away from home. I have seen these used in so many positve ways while working as a Physical Therapy Technician while in the Navy. They give the injured military member the reassurance that their families will not be far away and give them a home away from the medical center temporarily to help their mental state. It gives the families their own privacy to connect again and be a family... not just be in a medical hospital. I prasie those that keep these maintained and want more to be built if at all possible. With the battle injuries that have come from our wars in Iraq and Afganistan, these Fisher houses have been in need more than ever. I serve by brothers in arms by helping as much as I can. Thank you.

Assignment #13 When I AM crowned a CHAMPION I will be donating my $10,000 to the Great Pyrenees Rescue Society (http://www.gprescuesociety.org/). I have been an animal lover all of my life. I have also had the experience of being a rescuer of the breed that is most near and dear to my heart – Great Pyrenees. The organization I’ve chosen to receive the donation works tirelessly to find good homes for such a wonderful breed of dog. They are known as the ‘gentle giants’ in the dog world. Their size and stature often intimidate people; however their beauty and personalities also captivate those who come into contact with the breed. I currently have three, and recently at Thanksgiving lost my best friend La-Kai at age 14. He was a rescue that I rescued from another rescue organization back in 2001 that was going to put him down because he was a large breed animal and had been placed in five separate homes with individuals who were not well educated as to the care and attention the breed required. Great Pyrenees Rescue society takes the time and effort to screen all applicants who are interested in a dog they may have available, and educate the future owner. More importantly the organization is run solely on donations, volunteers who house the animals until a good home is found, and veterinarians who donate time and discounts to the care of the animals. We are so honored to have been able to bring our special Lily (a mix breed great Pyrenees/Rottweiler) home from the Great Pyrenees Rescue Society and look forward to many more animals in the future to fill our home and hearts with the joy and love each one of the animals brings to my life. I would be so appreciative and honored to be able to make such a generous donation to an organization that inspires me to be a better and more responsible pet owner.

Unconditional intentioin of compassion towards others and yourself in all circumstances: Assignement 13 Ok this is like my FAVORITE assignment EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WOW! I was sitting in church today and this assignment kept coming back to me. If I were to be HONORED with 10,000 to GIVE AWAY I would FIRST give my CHURCH where we attend 5,000 because they have been SO WONDERFUL and such a support and love to me and my family with the death of my mother and I want to GIVE BACK to them! So HONORED TO HAVE THEM..my pastor and my church family. Then GOD put on my heart that I would want to see if my church would ALLOW us to set up a MISSION for my SON and I to do called " MY FATHERS HOUSE" MISSION. My son Nathanael has wanted to be a minister since he was 7 and I think it would be WONDERFUL for him and I to do missionary and advocacy work to those who have been lightly touched by aspieness or autism or on the spect in anyway and to minister the message of LOVE of GODS grace to the poor broken hurting ragamuffins of the world. I would love for Nathanael and I to be able to give out BIBLES and cross necklaces and to share GODS GRACE. I believe Nathanael and I both were (LIGHTLY touched )with aspieness however YOU WOULD never know it its VERY VERY SUBTLE yet in our early years it was more evident. Nevertheless our hearts feel compelled to REACH to ALL with the compassionate LOVE of JESUS. When I was 17 I remember going to a church and my mom and she was a single parent at that time(my parents are divorced) and my mom was having a hard time financially. She asked one of th elders for some help. He told her that they were not a welfare agency. My mom was so heartbroken by that and I AM TOO! She was struggling yet that church was not operating in LOVE. I believe if GOD afforded me the opportunity I would REACH out to those that are hurting...broken...bruised...poor...and share the LOVE OF JESUS that with GOD HE can restore...Heal...and mend anything! IN HONOR of my MOTHER! A woman who like the widow with two mites gave ALL that she had. Like the story in the Bible I mean. She was HAPPY to GIVE ALL! What a PEARL SHE TRULY IS! Thats whats been on my heart too! To edify and build those up on the spectrem...and to Reach out to ALL the GRACE OF GOD! SO saying all that I would see if my church would set up a FUND (mission)MINISTRY called " OUR FATHERS HOUSE" for Nathanael and myself to go forth and MINISTER and share GODS GRACE and giving out Bibles and a cross necklace a reminder of THEIR WORTH in GODS LOVE!!!!!!!! Thats my heart! In my Fathers House there are many many rooms...filled with LOVE for ALL TO COME! The door is OPEN WIDE! Love is awaiting there to be experienced! Desiring to OPEN MY HAND TO ALL ...so that YOUR CUP MAY BE FILLED with GOD and HIS LOVE! Blessings! Shari!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is such a powerful reminder of the power of helping others. I would like the $10,000 to go to my Pop. He recently had a heart transplant and we are blessed to have him around. I feared that my children would never know who their grandpa was. Unfortunately, he has a lot of expensive medicines that he must take so I would like my $10,000 to go to Butch Hershey's heart fund. This would help with purchasing the medicine's he is going to need for the rest of his life. Having my Pop around is very important to me. He has been very inspirational in my transformation and this is one way I can think of to help him and my children enjoy the gift of life.

It's easy for me to know what charity I choose first. It's difficult to tell you why. My stepsister, Caren, had juvenile diabetes and lost both of her legs, as well as her eyesight, she had glasses, but was legally blind. She had had a kidney and pancreas transplant. Still, she was studying healthcare administration so that she could make a difference in the world by making the hospital system more compassionate to patients. When Caren had her second amputation, I went to her hospital room. When I saw the horrific reality of her leg without bandages, I immediately started to cry. She said to me, "I'm okay. I'm choosing this!" I said, "What, you've got to be crazy! Who would choose this?" She said, "WHAT'S THE ALTERNATIVE! POOR ME? I'M CHOOSING THIS IN THE PRESENT MOMENT BECAUSE I CHOOSE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD BECAUSE OF MY ILLNESS!" Wow... I was floored. Caren went through physical therapy, recovered, walked down the aisle at her wedding on prosthetic legs smiling and happy, then died three weeks later at 34 years old when she collapsed at Thanksgiving dinner. The University of Houston was so touched by her spirit that there is a scholarship in perpetuity in Caren's name for outstanding students with disabilities: The Caren Colley-Shaum Memorial Scholarship Fund. Caren inspired so many people, especially me. She is my hero, and I want to give back to her dream.

I know that my answer to this is probably not going to be the norm - but it is something that I feel deep inside. I would really, really, like the £10,000 to be used to create an exercise video for people with health problems. Now initially I thought about just exercises for people with Osteoporosis - as weight bearing exercise helps with this condition. But now I would prefer for it to be inclusive - not exclusive. On January 1st 2009 I was hardly able to get out of bed on some days. In fact I kept my mobile phone on the bed with me so that I could ring my son (upstairs) to come and help me sit up. The pain was bad and I had given in to it. Part of me thought why even start the Transformation - surely I was not a candidate this time round. Come on I did not send my pack in the last time round because I had let myself wollow in the pain and what I couldn't do - not what I could do. I would have loved to have found somewhere or something that showed me a whole series of simple exercises, starting points, steps on the journey. How many people just give up because they think they can't do it? This site is awesome, everyone is supportive - but I felt like I shouldn't be here because I could not hit a '10' like I had in the past. But Denise talked me into it and Boy am I pleased she did. I really did start slow - one step at a time - but I had no real guide line - so I would love for the T.com community to create a video/dvd of simple 'baby steps' exercise - heck I don't know - but there are enough amazing people here on this site for us to be able to pull this off and help even more people - a bit like a safety net to catch those who think their illnesses, disabilities, whatever, may exclude them from this community - So Bill - I would ask you nicely, very nicely to please use the £10,000 to create - with the T.com family - something that can reach out to even more people. My initial aim a year ago was to strengthen my bones and avoid medication, then poor health made me just want to gain any movement back. Had I not known how amazing this community was already I would have written this challenge off without starting! So I would love to win - to be able to give back - open and honest.

The $10,000 I win will be split between 2 charities - The Ronald McDonald House of Eastern North Carolina and the Children's Miracle Network. I have always felt compelled to give to these charities, and having the opportunity to bless them with $5000 donations moves me beyond words. Nothing would make me happier than to know that such a small act would have profound meaning in the life of a child. When our local news station holds its annual CMN telethon, I will also be bowling for the children. My personal goal will be 12 continuous hours of bowling for donations to benefit the CMN children in our local hospital. Be well!

I plan to give the $10,000 to the HCMA - Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association. This is a genetic heart disease which my Father, 2 brothers and nephew have been diagnosed. It is the disease which teenage sports playing kids drop dead on the basket ball court or football field. I currently don't volunteer - but something in me wants to start a yearly 5K race for the HCMA. God has put that bug in my ear and I'm exploring how to make that happen.

I would give the the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The global cancer campaign to help fight cancer around the world. I've been close to many cancer victims. Some have beat it and many have lost the fight. It's a terrible painful disease.

This is tough. So many worthy charities. My first thought is to give the money to my school and the fire fund for the school. I don't know if that is really selfless, however. I am still deciding, but some of the charities of which I am thinking are: Oxfam which provides people with the skills to help better support themselves while also providing emergency relief in disasters, The Southern Poverty law Center which provides support to education on tolerance, and monitors civil rights and racial justice, Centro Presente, a local organization that supports immigrant rights, and the MS Society for research on the cure. I will narrow it down to 2 in the next few weeks.

I would donate my money to New Zealand Mental Health - an organisation that provides support and services to those with mental illness (in my country). I believe that often-times mental illnesses can be more difficult to face and overcome than physical illnesses. I believe those who are trying to recover require a transformation of sorts, and I would like to provide whatever resources I can to help this happen.

C&S Patient Education Foundation. When my daughter was 6 years old she was having numbness and other bodily malfunctions. She was always active and at the time involved in gymnastics. She went to get an MRI and it was found that she had fluid "alot" filling up her spinal column. Dr.'s were in astonishment in the fact she was able to even walk let alone be actively involved in sports......She was than seen by a Neurosurgeon and it was found that she had Chiari 1 Malformation. It effects so many aspects of a persons body it would be difficult to list all here. It was decided to stem the fluid from completely filling her spine that surgery was needed. It required 6 hours of brain surgery and the day I had to stop at a yellow line as they carted my baby girl into an operating room for brain surgery will be a day forever etched. The wonderful skills of the Dr.'s helped my little girl become an active overacheiving young woman. She still suffers from many symptoms, but she does not complain nor let it hold her back from doing what she wants. This summer she is leaving for Tonga on a humantiarian/educational trip. She is 16 yrs old and instead of being a selfish self centered teenager she is going to provide service to some people in Tonga. The epitome of this assignment Bill has presented. A father can be no more proud than I am of her. Thank you Bill for giving back to us and I will promise you this. I will be privileged and willing to give back to others whether in money or time.........~~Derek

I will choose the New Hope Foundation in Carroll, Iowa. The New Hope Fondation helps the Handicap live normal lives. When I say normal lives I mean having jobs and living on there own. To me a people with these serious handicaps are true HERO'S.

Assignment # 13 I have been faced with a few devastating losses due to cancer this past year with two friends, and I lost my sister-in-law Cathie (God rest her soul) a few years back due to cancer. I have always known cancer to be a horrible thing, and I applaude those who have had it an are still fighting the battle and winning!! I have never understood the concept of cancer in children and it literally puts me to tears watching these children who have these diseases that can effect their lives in such a dramatic way, or even end in death. To be a child is difficult enough, and to be a child with a disease is just devastating for me to watch. But I pray for these children and their families as they live their lives every day wondering what the next day has in store for them. If I become the next Transformation Champion I will give the money to the charity of my choice which is: ST. Judes Children's Research Hospital. Here is an article written about my favorite Charity. I love the hope and help they give the children, and the care goes above and beyond for the children from the staff at St. Judes. St. Jude ranked No. 1 pediatric oncology hospital Parents magazine has named St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as the No. 1 pediatric cancer care hospital in the country. The results, based on the magazine’s survey of more than 100 children’s hospitals, appear in the February 2009 issue on newsstands nationwide January 13, 2009. All hospitals surveyed are members of the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions, an organization of children’s hospitals that promotes the health and well-being of all children and their families through support of children’s hospitals and health systems that are committed to excellence in providing health care to children. “This is wonderful recognition of what goes on every day at St. Jude,” said Dr. William E. Evans, St. Jude director and CEO. “One thing that distinguishes St. Jude is how we seamlessly blend quality, innovation and compassion for patients and families. It also reflects the culture of collaboration that allows St. Jude to translate discoveries into better patient care in an incredibly effective manner.” In the fall of 2008, St. Jude faculty and staff completed Parents magazine’s extensive survey. The hospitals that completed surveys were ranked on their responses to detailed questions in the following areas: covering survival rates for childhood cancer, pediatric heart disease and other critical conditions; experience in performing certain complex procedures; the depth of the research program; safeguards to prevent medical errors; staffing ratios and quality; waiting times in the emergency department; community outreach; and services that address the emotional needs of sick children and their families. “It is great not only to know that we are the best but also to be recognized as such by a publication that benefits the parents of our patients,” said Joseph Laver, M.D., St. Jude clinical director and executive vice president. The magazine also chose the top five hospitals for pediatric emergency care, heart care, neonatal care, orthopedic care and pulmonary care. A complete list of the best children’s hospitals by specialty can be found at www.parentsmag.com. “I believe that the intricate link between broad-based research efforts and patient care is what makes St. Jude stand out among its peers,” said Michael Kastan, M.D., Ph.D., St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center director. “It is satisfying to see these efforts recognized in this way.” St. Jude Children's Research Hospital St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. Thank you, Brian

Giving is so important to me and I want an opportunity to give back. The charity I have chosen is the American Diabetes Association. This charity I hold near and dear to my heart because my Grandfather and Father both had Diabetes. My grandfather died when he was 79 and my father died when he was 67 both had complications due to Diabetes. I know that there will be a cure for this disease sometime and I would love to help out this association out. There are so many people adults and children are impacted by this and I would love to be able to do my part to help out this association. -John

Giving is already such an importamt part of my life. I learned a long time ago it is better to give than to receive. The ministry of my choice is called Shiloh Place Ministries. They have played an important role in my own healing and wholeness I could never give back to them enough. They go all over the world sharing their story of how God revealed himself to them as a loveing Father and healed them of their own personal wounds. They tell the world of Father God's loving heart and they are tools used by God to transform 1000s all across the world,

If I had to choose one recipient I would choose the Ronald McDonald of Rochester, NY. This organization does so much with so little and allows families to be close to their children during traumatic times. Last year, a second "house" was established inside Strong Memorial Hospital (for families of children with cancer) so now the local organization supports even more families. When my friend was young and living in Africa with her parents who chose to teach there, she was diagnosed with leukemia. The family came to Rochester, NY for her treatment and lived at the House for months. They never left Rochester, NY due to their connection with the Ronald McDonald House. The House that Love Built offers some peace of mind to families who are living a nightmare.

Service and gratitude go hand in hand. I have always been greatful for a loving Heavenly Father. I have always felt that to show that gratitude, I needed to serve others. I feel it was just something I was born with. Part of my problem was that I felt bad about my weight, and knew I could serve others more, if I felt better about myself. Part of my daily prayers, for a long time, has been to ask Heavenly Father to send me to someone that needed ME that day. I am so greatful to know the gospel of Jesus Christ, I just want everyone to feel that same joy. I am now able to transfer that knowledge to my transformation experience. I am feeling better about myself, more so than I can ever remember! I just want to share that same joy and transformation with others. To tell them, YOU CAN DO THIS!... I would give the $10,000 to a local group called Turning Point This is a group who exemplifies Jesus Christ. They are concerned with the ONE. They know they can't help everyone, but they know they can help someone. Turning Point is a group home for battered women. They help supply women and their children a place to go, when they feel they have no other option. A place to go when women know that they need to just get away from the abuser. They have done so much good for the women in the tri-state area of UT/WY/ID. They will go and rescue women and their children anytime, day or night. They also help women obtain job skills, permanant shelter, legal services, contact with family, daycare arrangements, food, clothing, and abuse counseling. Since they are so remote, they don't get as much support as the national charities. I know this money will be greatly appreciated, and will do much to help the ONE. xoxo, Terri

I am compassionate abbot helping people with eating disorders and addictions because I have personal experience with successfully dealing with compulsive eating, bulimia, alcoholism, and substance abuse. I already get to help members on t.com with their eating problems by sharing tools that have helped me like getting connected and the importance of planning, among many others. When I first joined the site, Clarissa helped me with a meal plan and she taught me some valuable information about nutrition and controlling cravings through a proper meal plan, and I am now able to pass that on. It feels great to pass on this knowledge, because when I teach others, I get to re examine what has worked for me, so it makes me stronger. Overeaters Anonymous has helped me very much in my recovery, so I might help them with the money that I get. Helping others with eating disorders is closest to my heart, so I would definitely help an organization that has a mission to bring relief to the epidemic of eating disorders in our world like OA or NEDA.

Utah Valley Institute of Cystic Fibrosis http://members.tripod.com/uvicf/index.htm In 1997,my older brother David, a father of six, discovered that one of their children,John had cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease that causes abnormally thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and pancreas. A few years laters, two more of their children were discovered with the disease. David and his wife, Professor Valerie M. Hudson, determine to find a cure for this genic life threatening disease, discovered a breakthrough treatment (A Mothers Fight Against CF). In 1999, they organized the Utah Valley Institute of Cystic Fibrosis. The main purpose of the Utah Valley Institute of Cystic Fibrosis is to promote and encourage additional education, research, synthesis and dissemination of research findings that relates to the amelioration of cystic fibrosis pathology. The institute desires to help fund clinical trials of promising therapies for Cystic Fibrosis and in June of 2000, the Institute received tax exempt status from the IRS and in July 2000 the Institute was registered with the Consument protection Agency of the state of Utah as a charitable fundraising organization. Their story has been on Today Show, Womans Day magazine, and various newspapers. http://members.tripod.com/uvicf/mediainfo/index.htm During my transformation, many charities have been dear to me. For one week I have worked on this assignment and I made the decision that this cause is close to my heart because I have seen firsthand the effects of Cystic Fibrosis and the toll it has on a family. If I were to have the blessing to be named a Transformation Champion, I would give $10,000 to the Utah Valley Institute of Cystic Fibrosis to fund clinical studies to help find a cure for this genetic disease so it saves the lives of my nephews and more than 30,000 Americans and 250,000+ worldwide. I am thankful for the opportunity to do this assignment and how it has positively influence my life. Because of our transformations, my wife Bobbie and I have made the decision that we will make an annual donation to the Utah Valley Institute of Cystic Fibrosis to help fund research to save the lives of my nephews Johnny, Tommy, and Jimmy and others worldwide. Sources Hudson, Valerie, M. Political Science Professor Home Page http://www.geocities.com/vmrhudson/index.html Hudson, Valerie,M. Cystic Fibrosis: How Leaders Can Help http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVOctNov02p99.html Fundamental Research of Gluathione By Valerie Hudson http://members.tripod.com/uvicf/research/glutathione.htm Hudson, Valerie M. Rethinking Cystic Fibrosis Pathology, (2001) http://members.tripod.com/uvicf/mediainfo/hudsonlong.pdf

One core value I’m learning all over again is not only humility & thinking about others, and how I can be of service to someone else in lifting she or he up emotionally to succeed. It’s the guaranteed method in staying reciprocally blessed. Throughout some of the events in my past life, my heart was left quite bitter, thus questioning myself as to if I had any love left truly inside. I’ve never thought of volunteering before in doing anything hospitable, although quite confident it’s probably satisfying to the soul, because you give of free will, without expecting in return. I guess one of the most important things about changing your life, inspiring others to make positive changes and being a shining example for others to follow is the content of your heart. In the desire to not only be the change, my hearts’ desire is to be an individual of positive character, help someone else get through their struggles in life with advice on what I would do nowadays, and most of all, counting on GOD to direct your paths and not do things of self. Although I don’t regularly attend my grandfather “Bishop James L. Drewry” ‘s church often “True Vine Holiness in Wilmington, Delaware”, I was thinking last night and in the wee hours of this morning while doing midnight cardiovascular activity in and around the city of Wilmington to donate the additional $10,000 to his church to build up GOD’s house. This assignment gives me more to think of intellectually, as far as physical, emotional and spiritual, because it helps to improve myself and character, by answering rationally with maturity. As I’ve never tithed much in church , or anyone’s church in the past “because of growing up middle class”, hopefully, I am selected a transformation winner, donating the other $10,000 would make a feel a sense of accomplishment in life and spiritually, because I felt I did something right in my heart, while struggling on trying “with baby steps” on inching y way back to a closer relationship with Christ, while making no promises or vows at all to GOD almighty. Only thing I do is live day by day and pray for change, while exercising, remaining positive and hopeful, most of all, humble and hungry. Perhaps this can be a new beginning from having adversity opening doors of spontaneous opportunity.

Unless I feel led in a new direction, I would donate $5000 to Make a Wish Foundation. My cousins daughter was given trip to Disneyland when she was diagnosed with cancer. It was a bright spot in a dark time for them. The other $5000 would go to Napa Taekwondo Academy to provide 3 local kids a one year scholarship as well as the needed protective gear. My reason for choosing this is that there are so many children out there who could greatly benefit from martial arts classes, but cannot afford it. I have worked there for 4 years and we have a program that is focused on bringing out each individual's best. We aspire to help each student realize and reach for his or her full potential. Furthermore, I have witnessed a dramatic change in ADHD kids, Autistic kids, and a variety of others with gross motor skills challenges. The students learn to first take responsibility for themselves and to be self disciplined. Then they learn the importance of giving back by passing on what they have learned and helping others. I believe in creating a better future through the children of today...empowering them to believe in themselves that they can make a difference too.

The only charity I know anything about as far as what they do with the money, is my church. They not only help out their members they help anyone in the world that needs help. So at this time I would have to say my church. I do intend to do some research to expand my knowledge in this area. Before I donate I want to know where the money goes

Bill, as I mentioned the first time I did this assignment, I would love to start a charity but don’t feel at this time I am ready to make that leap. If I was chosen to represent Transformation.com as a Champion, I would split the money between my church Lifepoint Fellowship www.lifepointfc.com and www.lifewithoutlimbs.com. If the money was enough to cover Nick (from lifewithoutlimbs) speaking in my area, I would love to have the opportunity to give that to the community. Nick is such a blessing. I don’t know if you have ever met him or heard him but he is amazing. I had the pleasure of hearing him speak and meeting him a while back and it was such an incredible experience. I would be honored to have the chance to bring him here and speak to the local high school. This year there were over 30 pregnant girls…I think this community could use a bit of direction and purpose. When I was speaking to a fourth grade group of girls about goals one of them shared her goal was to have a baby when she was 16 just like her sister did. It broke my heart! With the other $10k I would take my husband on the CFL cruise, participate in the Denver Marathon and use the remainder to further the message of Be the Change and Live on Purpose. Thank you for this chance to dream big dreams! Awakening more every day, Brenda

I chose "Sacred" a small non-profit operation in Edmonton very similar to what I attended in Australia that helps people with Eating Disorders.

Our church built and supports a feeding center in Haiti. We feed children daily who would die other wise. We also take care of 66-69 children currently in an orphanage attached to the feeding center. Our church is small...only 250 people. We do all we can.Right now we are taking sun ovens to Haiti so the women will not have to buy charcoal. Their resources are minimal and better used to buy food. The sun ovens are solar cookers that get up to 370*. It is hard to imagine living in a place with no resources. I would give it to Pastor John Claude in Haiti. He would use it to build a better orphanage and to support the street kids there.

Bill for me I chose The Children's Miracle Network. This chartity supports the childrens hospital at Baystate Medicare Center in Springfield, MA. I never really knew about this charity until after my wife gave birth to our twin boys 2 1/2 years ago. Never in my wildest dreams did I think my children would be born early and have to spend time in the NICU. This was something that only happened to other couples. Well reality hit when I received a call from my wife just as I was about to step onto the field to officiate a high school football game. She was being admitted to the hospital 6 weeks before her due date. I was about 1 hour away and during that drive a million thoughts went through my mind. I am a positive person and yet I found myself thinking the worst as I drove to the hospital. My heart ached in fear that we may lose our twins before we even got to know them. I also had feeling of fear that my wife was in danger. Anyways that was the longest drive of my life. The next day they ended up taking the babies by C-Section because of medical issues with my wife. Seeing my boys and hearing them cry for the first time was incredible. I still was in denial that they could have medical problems, until Nicholas or baby B was rushed out of the ER and taken to the NICU. My heart dropped, and it hit me that they are really early and could have problems. Everthing turned out great after they spent 2 weeks in the NICU. My wife never left the hospital, she stayed by their side until they were sent home. Being in the NICU I realized that our situation was nothing compared to many others. I remember talking with a man who said he had been coming to see his twins for the past 3 months and they still had a long way to go. What we went through was miniscule compared to what many families go through. The staff at the hospital was second to none. What they do for these babies day in and out is magnificent. I got to see babies that were smaller than my hand and that had nobody to visit them. They didn't have someone sitting by their crib like my wife did every hour of the day. What they did have were these kind hearted, wonderful people who spent their days helping baby's. I feel it was their wonderful care that kept my boys going and allowed them to come home with us. The health club where my office is raises money every year for the Children Miracle Network and I now know where this money is used and how important it is. This is why I would give to The Childrens Miracle Network. Thank you for the opportunity.

Without reservation, I choose my children and grandchildren's school, St. Bernards to receive the $10,000, they operate on tuition and have a huge gap between what the students pay and what the actual educational costs are. They teach children spiritual lessons that sometimes cannot be learned in their family homes. I heard my granddaughter telling her Dad what she learns in school (preK), she is only 5 years old, "to be kind, to be good and do good things and to honor God with our presense." This is straight from the heart and she means every word of it. This should be the kind of education that all children get.,

For me, it was an easy one. Almost 2 years ago, we found out our daughter Hailey has Hydrocephalus. The Remedy for it is to shunt the brain, and isn't a permanent fix to the problem. Our Neurosurgeon told us, she'll most likely have to have the surgery again, and maybe even one more time. So, I'm selecting The Hydrocephalus Association.

This is a real challenge Bill, there are so many "Charities" I would love to be able to give to. I still have my favorite, that is the "Make a Wish Foundation". I know that the parents of most of these children have no way or the money to give them their one wish in life. I often think of what it would be like for a child to get his or her wish, it must be awesome. I don't care about having a choice in who gets the wish, just knowing I was able to make them happy for one day out of their life would be enough. I try very hard to help anyone I can either in my job, family or just the homeless on the street. When I was out of work after my company closed due to the economy on October 10, 2008, I did not know where I was going to live or my next meal would come from. I had knee surgery on that same day and did not know how I would pay the doctor bills. I used up all of my savings to pay off as many debts I could so they would not be hanging over my head. Then the goodness started to flow. The doctors told me not to worry, pay them when I get back to work. I never recieved a bill, but paid them what I could. My friend Mary took me in and made me comfortable during my convalecence. She gave her all to make sure I was comfortable. After I was able to get around without crutches or cane, friends and family joined hands to offer me money to help, but being a proud person I told them I could not except charity, but would work for them instead. With their help and not looking for anything in return I was able to pay my bills and keep my head above water untill I started to receive my unemployment which didn't start for 8 weeks. This was a first for me and very hard to except, I thought of it as being charity. If it had not been for Transformation.com and Bills willingness to give to all of us the opportunity to "Change" at no cost, I would not have been able to lose 20lbs, look better and land my new job. Bill and the Community of T-friends gave their wishes of "success and encouragement" with no strings attached. I will always be greatful to everyone involved . My friends, family and Transformation.com.. This part of my life has made me realize that it is not charity to give if it comes form the heart, it becomes a way of life. I will continue to give my all to help others, because I know what it is like to go without the things in life that make you happy and content. I will continue to encourage friends and family to do the same. I now have a saying about Charity. "It is not charity if you are looking for something in return." Thanks John

First I have to see if the organization that I want to give to is a charitable organization. It is the Christian School in Colorado Springs CSCC. When I needed a trainer to workout due to my injuries and inability to work out alone, I met her. She is the most amazing giving person and knew that the economy had swallowed our business so she worked with me on price. It wasn't the money that was the greatest part, it was working out with her. She is amazing, has a gift of love and endless giving to God for her accomplishments and gives everything up to God. This next 8 weeks is difficult because money is so tight and we haven't recovered yet from our losses which all in the change of life for me right now. Knowing this, she e-mailed me and made it financially possible for me to continue to workout with her at an unbelievable rate that I can afford. During the course of our workout yesterday she told me that her daughter had been in the Christian school for 5 years and this past year she didn't have the tuition to pay for it. She prayed and prayed that if God had a desk for her that the money would be provided. If not, she would honor his wishes and put her in public school. The money she needed misteriously appeared from an unknown source and her daughter remained in the Christian School. She said next year she will be in the same position, but again, she will let God decide the outcome and honor him for it. I told my husband the story and he immediately knew that I was going to want to anonymously pay for her tuition and he said "there just isn't any way". I feel led to pay the tuition for her for the next year and maybe the following year because of her selfless sacrifices she makes in the training world to help people like me who need someone to help them workout to reach maximized potential without being hurt again. I would like to donate the prize money to the school and earmark it for this little girl that I have never met because her mother is commited to God and believes that God's will will be done. When I win the prize money, I know that God will allow me to win it for this purpose.

I would give to two charities. I love the work that my church does to help people around the world. I also had an aunt that died of breast cancer and would love to see advancements in medicine. These groups help others and change lives for the better. It would be my honor to keep that positive work moving forward.

God gave me the coolest idea weeks ago and I've just been turning it over in my head and imagining it coming to fruition. :) There are over a dozen charities that we actively support and initially I thought I would give any prize money to the two that work to help teens in crisis. Then this idea sprouted; it is a new thing that would be a dream to see happen and I would not, of course, do it without the blessing of the Taylor family. It would be called the Jonnae Taylor "Be the Change" Essay Contest" for high school seniors. Basically these teens would submit an essay and bio and 8-10 winners would be chosen (painstakingly) and given a "mini" version of what Bill is doing with the Transformation champs...a medal, prize for them and for their favorite charity...and be invited (with their family) to The Champions of Change Awards Dinner. It would be a beautiful evening where they receive their awards and we would celebrate the accomplishments of the winners and let them share how they are being the change in their world and what they will work toward in their future...slide shows...to include a Jonnae video from the T.com site (with permission from her family and Bill Phillips). I am passionate about the possibility of helping young adults, about to embark on their journey into the big world, to begin thinking about the impact they have in their world (for good or otherwise), among their friends, family, fellow students, etc. I'm crazy excited about this and already have the venue picked out (the country club overlooking a gorgeous old golf course and am having fun working on some of the details in my head and on paper of how to make something like this happen. I'll send contest brochures to all the high schools and clubs in the valley and LOVE the idea of finding kids who are ALREADY making a difference and celebrate them. I would love to see hundreds of students thinking beyond the "what's in it for me?" mentality. This is my dream to make a reality, should I be given the chance to do so. Jonnae's life impacted me greatly and a part of her will always live on in my heart. I would love to share her with the rest of my community in this incredible way.

This assignment was easy. I have attended several Calvary Chapel churches for the past 5 years, we have moved from FL, to TN, to NV and LA. Most of their non-denominational churches are big communities with so many opportunities for fellowship and ministries to rach out and help. But the one I personally admire is Calvary Chapel Rivergate in Goodlettsville, TN. They're probably one of the smallest churches Calvary Chapel has, however they are an example of community involvement. They reach out to help the community in every way they can, you can't help but feel God's love every time you go there. They're amodest church with a huge impact, real facts and accountability. I know ever dime donated to them is going the extra mile to further the kingdom of God and help who needs it the most in that community.

I have chosen the worship ministry and missions at Woodvale out of deep and total gratitude for the healing I have personally received since I have made worship an integral part of my life. Worship gave me back my voice, my song! And by filling me up with words of God through song, that knot of pain in my gut is gone and I have been totally released from bulimia and binge-eating (FREE as Coach would say). As a result, I have been able to share such a deep conviction with others of how big our God is!

When Lance Armstrong began the LIVESTRONG Foundation, I bought over two dozen LIVESTRONG bracelets. Of these I wore nine on my right arm, eight were for my family members that had cancer and one was for someone I would meet. Some of my family survived and others, including my mom and grandfather, did not. Once the athletes started wearing them, these bracelets became like gold...people were even selling them on e-bay and other sites for profit. Anyway, everyday, someone would ask me why I wore so many, where I got them, etc... I always answered their questions, as it was important to spread the word about what Lance had started. Then there were those moments when a stranger would start telling me the story of a loved one they had lost to cancer. No matter I was doing, there was always time to hear about their life and the void their death left. It was then that I would take off a bracelet and give it to them. Tears, hugs, gratitude always followed...the first one I gave away was to the girl in the McDonald's drive-thru...she was 17 and her dad had died three months earlier of a rare brain cancer. People were baffled as to why I was doing this when I could have sold one for $50. Although I had not thought of the phrase at that time, my reason was...I GET TO... My charity of choice is the LIVESTRONG Foundation.

i answered this one 42 days ago...and i was still in negotiating process of what i would do if i won the money. ALL of it would go to charity. i would have to split it up though, as i mentioned before, our family is built on giving to many organizations. i would give 5,000 to Iris Ministries because i believe in what they are accomplishing and the type of people that they are. for them ministry is all about stopping for the one in front of you...children and widows. was there last year in Mozambique and fell in love with the place. the second 5,000 dollars would go to Make A Wish because i believe in what they do. the kids and the families need to have good memories in amongst the trials they are enduring. the week i entered the Challenge we were actually hosting a MakeAWish dream at our condo at the beach...we donated a week and made an 8 yr old boy and his grandparents very happy. NOW THEN...there is another amount of money that i would also give away. 5,000 would go to our local SPCA because they have a wonderful facility totally dependent on donations and take hundreds and hundreds of unwanted animals and treats them and does their best to find good homes for all of them. We live in a town that is pretty low economically and with the economy as it is...there are increasing amounts of animals that are being abandoned because its a matter of feeding children or the dogs. We love what they do. That leaves a remaining 5,000 that i would GLADLY and STAR-JUMPINGLY hand over to Denise Taylor to do what she needs to do with it...pay a bill or add to her Wacky Wednesday collection or I GET TO campaign. It was her story that grabbed my heart and began the largest transformation in my heart the day i signed on to BFL and vowed to always remember that i dont ever HAVE TO do anything...its a gift, I GET TO. there...that is how i would hand over $20,000 if i had the chance. i need nothing. i have my life and its my dream life. it would bring me and my husband joy to give like that to these wonderful people and causes.

This was a difficult assignment for me. I had a hard time on choosing the charity. It is just so hard to narrow it down to just one. My charity is Make-A-Wish. The reason I would chose Make-A-Wish is because of all the charities I dealt with in my life so far. It has left the biggest impression. When I was a teenager I had the opportunity to volunteer at Make-A-Wish and see some wishes get granted. I see children as our future. I do not know how I would react if I was diagnosed with a life threatening disease at this age, so to be so young and diagnosed with a life threatening disease has to be difficult. I see it very hard for children to keep hope and stay positive. What always amazed me was how positive and full of hope some of the children were. What I love about Make-A-Wish is that shows children the power of giving. It all so shows the children that anything is possible. I have seen children that had their wishes granted and survived through their life threatening diagnoses give back and really practice the “Law of Reciprocation.”

I have 2 charities that come straight to mind.First would be The shriners Hospitals of America,my daughter Mae is a patient of theirs,and the work they do is astounding.Children get all the medical services needed,wether you have money,insurance,or nothing..My family is very grateful to them.Second would have to be Family Promise of Gallatin Valley.This is a charity that provides housing to homeless families with children.These families are going through hard times in their lives.They are not on corners holding signs,they have major medical problems that have cost them their jobs,or no affordable housing,lay offs from work,the possibilities are endless.Family Promise of Gallatin Valley holds a very special place in my familys heart.To read more on Family Promise of Gallatin Valley and some of the help they offer,read January 2008 edition,of Hallmark Magazine.Thank you all....

If I had to pick a charity, it would be the Muscular Sclerosis Association. I have a dear friend that was diagnosed with this disease, and he is so young. Too see his body go through changes, and limiting his ability to move freely breaks my heart. More so is the depression he goes through when his symptoms flair up. He is only 35 years old. So that would be my "legitimate" charity. But there is one thing that I promised myself I would do if I ever win the lottery. If I had the means, I want to go to our local gas company around christmas time, and anonymously pay the turn off notices for those families that have to choose between paying their bills, or not getting christmas presents for their families. When we were on assistance years ago, we had to make that choice a few times. For three years in a row, I went to the Salvation Army to get presents for my kids so othat I could use the little bit of cash we had to pay the outrageous gas bill. I told myself that at least it was something under the tree, but years later the kids told me how those presents made them feel even worse because it was proof that we were poor. They never let on when they were little, but as adults they shared this sentiment with me, and it made me feel like I failed. I would love to be able to help families avoid those negative feelings, and give them a little extra cheer around the holidays. Thanks for letting me share.

Really tough for some but in truth the one charity that I would give to is the CMA. I had the dream of turning all around and Riding For the Son with a great organization that does so many good things for a lot of people. Around here they have somekinda ride for a benifit almost every week. Last year I went on a toy ride for the holidays and when we pulled out the temp was 28~ pretty cool for a ride but when we met up for the ride some 70 miles away from where we started, must have been 100 or more there. What an awsome thing to know so many people give so much to kids. The greatest gift to a kid though is time and with time you can help minister to them and try to put them on a different path. Some will and some wont but if the ones who do can get one to follow then there is two who will help it grow. Thanks Bill. What a ride I'm on brother.

Bill your post made me think about all of the things I believe in and the church I attend. We are a church that believes in service and we do SO MANY things to help people all over the world. I can attest to the fact that it really does have a great impact on me personally when I am able to do something for someone else. Words can't really express the feeling I get, even when I do something small like I did last week. I made dinner and took it to a new mommy so she didn't have to cook for her family and could spend time with her new baby and resting her body so it could heal quickly and properly. Small acts are sometimes the most gratifying. I already give 10% of our household earnings to my church, so IF I was to win money, I'd like to give it to a womens/childrens shelter or organization. I have such a soft spot in my heart for women and children going through tough times where they are running away from an abusive relationship or were left to care for themselves with nothing but the clothes on their backs or for watever reason that brought them to a shelter. I have 5 kids of my own and can't imagine how hard their lives must be and how sad and hopeless they may feel. So, that would be my choice in where to give the money. To help make the shelters just that much better, to help these women in getting help with finding a job and being able to find a place to live and maybe some toys and clothes for their sweet babies and children. I know they want the world for their babies and children just like any mother does, so if I can help them in realizing that dream, I would do it in a heartbeat. Amy

Wow, this assignment really threw me for a loop. There are a bunch of wonderful charities out there, but I feel that I would like the money to go to something that has had a direct impact on my life. I thought long and hard about this, and at first I felt embarrassed about my decision. People have picked some pretty wonderful charities, make-a-wish, hospitals, churches, etc. All of them are positive, good-natured organizations. My life hasn't always been positive and good-natured! I have been in and out of treatment facilities for drug addiction since I was 15 years old. Im 25, and, believe me, I didn't stay clean for 10 years. Through my years of use and abuse, I kept ending up at the same facility. No matter what, they kept giving me another chance, another shot, believing in me when nobody else did. Almost two years ago I found myself there again, and I have been clean since. This treatment center has been through alot of struggles over the years, and I know, cause I have been there to see them first hand. Not having enough beds, not having enough staff, and just not having enough support...alot of these facilities are struggling to meet the needs of their respective communities. I can't save them all, but Stonington Institute has been instrumental in helping me and countless other addicts to begin the journey of recovery from the disease of addiction. They didn't save my life, they helped me to start a new one. I'd like to see the money go to them, and hope that it can help go to someone like it did me.

Thee are many charities that are special to each of us. To select one is a personal matter and one that has deep meaning. My choice would be the Autism Research Institute. The prevalence of this disorder hs increased dramatically over the past few years, robbing many young children of much and presenting them and their parents with many challenges. I work in the mental health field and see the long term effects of this disorder. I have a young grandson who has recently been diagnosed with autism. We are blessed in that he is high functioning, yet he faces high hurdles. I pray that science will someday soon find the cause and perhaps that will lead to a cure for this disorder.

Exercise #13 “The best exercise any of us will ever do is reaching down to lift someone else up.” “Love transforms people--the ones who give it and the ones who receive it.” “Universal Law of Reciprocation.” "My Favorite Charity", This exercise has occupied my mind every since the blog went up. I am searching. Asking daily, what can I do to make a difference? I have a tendency to dream big and then sit still. But, lately I really am asking the questions and looking for the answer. So, I start with – What is my favorite charity? Wow! Hmmm… So many to be put at the top of the list. My best friend has exhausted her options for treatment of colon cancer. So, any cancer charities are on my list. St. Jude has always been close to my heart and I want to be a part of that. My brother was in a car accident at the age of 25 that left him a quadriplegic. So, I firmly believe that a charity to help with spinal cord injury research and care is very much at the top of my list. Honoring our injured soldiers or families of fallen Hero’s is at the top of my list as well. One thing I can’t understand in our country is how people who play a sport or sing a song or act a part can be financially better off than those who serve our country with their lives. (don’t even get me started) Alzheimer's disease is so ruthless and destructive I’d love to help fund a cure or prevention. But, the one I guess that pulls at the deepest part of my heart are the people who are poor and alone. The Homeless. They are the lives I want to touch. The angels right here, in OUR own backyard, that are broken, cold, hungry, afraid and lonely. The people who have lost everything, who have fallen or been knocked down, who have given up hope and can’t seem to find their way. They are the ones I want to lift up.

I've thought of this a lot already when I first read the rules of this Challenge, actually I thought of that when I filled in my profile the very first day here and noticed the box "My Favorite Charity", I haven't seen that on any other forum and I think that is great! It makes you think about what is important to you and about the joy of giving! I think it's so hard to choose just one thing, it's so many great charitys you want to support, and there is so much you can do, even "small things" counts. I use to do volunteer work with teenagers, I think children and youths are one of the most important things to care for, if we can give them a happy life, they will pass that on to next generation, and so on.. I also think caring for people in the other part of the world is very very important, people suffering for starvation, people living in war, people who doesn't have clean water (we have cleaner water flushing our toilets, than they have to drink, that is insane I think!)...So if you asked me a month ago what charity or cause that would have my $10,000 if I won, I would definitly say either suffering children or people in the third world... But today.. I just had a big loss in my life, someone I loved took his own life, it really is braking my heart, I think about it 24/7, what could I have done to prevent this? Why? What could have eased his pain? If I had $10,000 today, I would give all of that to prevent suicides, And I would give it in his name to honor him and his life. I don't know yet what charity there is, but I am trying to find out right now. Suicide is nothing we really speak about, and some people think it's shameful, I think the only thing that is shamful is that he didn't get help when he went to the hospital asking for it. And I think it so sad that he was suffering from this great pain that he felt, that he felt that the only way out was leaving life. I just learned that there is three times more people dying from suicide, than there is killed in traffic! And we don't talk about this!?? I wish I could do something about this, something that helped people to not take this wrong decision..... Sorry for the long text, but this is really on my heart right now and I cant think about something else.

I would like to help the man I speak about in my blog-Nathen Pratt!

Thanks, Bill! This is a great post! I ENJOY GIVING to people because I ENJOY seeing people Smile! I volunteer at Wishes & More in Minnesota so I would like to have the $10,000 donated to Wishes & More. This organization grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses and it's so AWESOME to be a part of "making their wishes come true." That would really put a SMILE on the childrens (& their families faces) & it would also put a huge SMILE on my face because that would be so WONDERFUL to be able to donate that amount of money to an organization that I'm so passionate about!! : )

I'm late with this answer to this lesson because I have a lot of reserch and/or charities I have always said if I had the money I would love to give to:....like.... give to a charity to help transplant retins, since I am blind in one eye due to a birth defect my retin was not totally developed. Then When my Husband got Kidney cancer for the 2nd time I thought I would love to give to a charity for the reserch of kidneys. I didn't want to answer to quicky as I wanted time to think about the charity I would pick to be sure I was picking one that was very much needed On the drive to Tn Bill and I talked about if we had the money to give what charity would we want to pick as there are so many good ones. We decided on a Charity for Autism, maybe The Autism Society of America. We have 3 very good dear and close friends that have children born with Autism. We watched, we saw we experienced all the struggles and the special attention and special caree with special diets and all the heartaches and pain these friends have gone thru and still going thru. I've seem my friends cry and I have cried with them yet unable to help so I think my donation would have to go towards helping children with Autism. GET*HER*DONE LINDA

First Bill thank you so much for talking with me this weekend in TN! Part would go to my Church. In the small town I live in there isn't alot of money in my chruch just because it is small. Our pastor has a heart bigger than anyone I know and would give the last he had to help someone else. The rest would go to the ALS (Lou Gehrig's) Association. The disease claimed my mothers life at the age of 39 and currently there is no cure and not much is known about the cause. There is a great aritlce on alsa.org about what is currently being doing but for the people and families living with ALS, there could be more with more funding and research.

My $10,000 donation would go to the The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society..I joined TNT back in 2000. I raised money and ran the marathon in Cozumel..It was great and I had an awesome time doing it so I feel that we need to found a cure for cancer. Thanks, Vicky

I volunteered at a large hospital in the Seattle area in a program called Beauty & Cancer. This was an incredible experience for self growth, awareness of how special we all are, and a daily reminder to appreciate life. It is more than a program to help cancer patients look better. Looking in the mirror with hair loss is often a time when people face their cancer and reality hits. This program offers someone to talk with, someone to cry with or someone to confide in at a highly emotional time. Through donations patients received free wigs, hats, scarves, etc. Often people did not have the money to buy these items and this also gives a bit of comfort. I worked this program for seven years and stretched myself by doing something I never thought capable, by giving in a way I never thought possible and saw the spirit of people who are so strong and courageous that my troubles became insignificant. Honestly, I received far more than ever giving. ********************************* While volunteering in the Beauty & Cancer program I accepted a position as Program Director, for an event called Take-A-Hike. Take-A-Hike is an all-volunteer fundraiser to cure breast cancer through research. These hikes run in several cities through an organization called Expedition Inspiration (E.I.). E.I.’s history began with mountain climbs for breast cancer survivors to meet yet another challenge while honoring those who have not survived. Take-A-Hike showed me that when times are tough, people show their best sides. It’s truly amazing what we have to give others.**************************************** Expedition Inspiration is an organization that promotes the physical and mental well being of breast cancer survivors, and raises money for a cure through the walking and mountain climbing activities. Donating $10,000 to Expedition Inspiration would have a meaningful impact on the organization and add to the good work directed through their Medical Advisory Board. **************************** I would be so very proud for the opportunity to help the world in this way  ~kath***************************** http://www.expeditioninspiration.org/purpose.html

“instead of thinking of this as “random acts of kindness,”(RAK). I look at it as making the shift from being self-serving, to actually holding an unconditional intention of compassion towards others and yourself, in all circumstances”.... That’s what practicing RAK’s does – it presents us with an opportunity to create and practice a new mindset; one where we are consciously and consistently looking for opportunities to serve others in our everyday lives, at all times and in all situations – it is a precursor to living in “loving-kindness” towards others. It will get you out of your head and into your heart – it is a training ground where you will learn what you can do to be the change NOW, where you will challenge unexamined prejudices and opinions, where you have an opportunity to grow and practice unconditional love (giving with no expectation of anything in return). “Please go ahead and share your thoughts below, and include why you would give $10,000 to this cause if you are to be selected as a champion of this transformation challenge.”... I don’t think I probably qualify for this challenge – this Transformation journey has been more about developing my heart and spirit and less about developing my physique (which was the case with previous “BfL” Challenges) ... but I’ve considered this question nonetheless! As you have all ably pointed out, there are any number of worthy organisations, charities and causes; we ourselves have been fortunate enough to be involved in Paul Newman’s Barretstown Camp in Ireland, for a number of years (Barretstown improves the lives of children and their families affected by childhood cancer and other serious illness, rebuilding their confidence, trust & self-esteem - www.barretstown.org) "When I saw Barretstown Castle I knew this was where I wanted the first European [Hole in the Wall] camp to be. I imagined a kind of medieval bazaar where children from different countries could raise a little hell together." Paul Newman We’ve also been involved with the Fr. Ray Foundation in Thailand for several years and have sponsored a couple of children there. (www.fr-ray.org) But it occurred to me that with so many worthy recipients out there, it would be remiss of me to only donate to one or two of them, in a once-off donation – I’d like to help as many people as I possibly could, so here’s what I’d like to do; I want to “give the gift that keeps on giving”. It’s a two-part approach: 1. To use the money to create even more money ! To create and run regular fund-raising events every 2 months to (i) raise the profile of a cause (ii) to make people aware of the difference / contribution they can make (iii) to get people to reconnect with their heart, their soul, the Source of Divinity that lives within each and every one of us (iv) to contribute to many worthy causes regularly; year in / year out 2. To promote “Transformation” and this website, in the UK and Ireland. By encouraging others to “Be the Change”, we can benefit so many others – not just the participants at T.com but also the many, many others that their lives will touch throughout their own journeys. Who knows what chain of events and effects you will be part of, somewhere down the line ? (http://www.transformation.com/gloomraider/blog/Something-to-think-about-/Making-a-Difference/7900). Maybe I can help 5, 10. 50 or 100 people ... but how many more could be helped by 5, 10, 50 or 100 “Transformers” around the world ? For a long time I’ve been trying to live by the words of John Wesley: “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” But Paul Newman’s words to Bill, have become my new, simpler mantra: “Keep on helping, keep on giving, and don’t hold back.” I too, would like to honor the man and his work by living my life in this fashion It is my intention to devote my life to serving others by helping and healing and to spend a lot more time volunteering my time, skills, energy and love to worthy causes, as well as raising money for them. Wouldn’t you LOVE to be in a position to do this full-time ?!!

This is probably easiest of the assignments - The day that I found out that there would be $10000 to give the charity of our choice I knew immediatly. I would first see if the Taylors have all their medical expenses taken care of - If so then the money would be split between Corporate Angels and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Jonnae Taylore passed away exactly 2 years after I lost my mom. Two very special people. Corporate Angels uses corporate jets to help cancer patients get to thier treatments. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society raises money for cancer research and to help patients with medical expenses that insurance doesn't cover. I started raisiing money through Team in Training in the spring of 2005 about the same time I met my hubby to be. I didn't know anyone with blood cancers. Dave and I married in November of 2005 and just 3 weeks later my mom was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma Stage IV I have never stopped raising money for LLS - I help other TNT participants raise money for their events. I feel it is our duty to help others where we can. There are so many worthwhile organizations. I was always touched when Jamie and Meagan Bruner gave all thier winning to the Make a Wish Foundation. Leave to to Bill to give us a way to help others as we take care of ourselves and spread the message of Transformation!

As you sow you shall reap... I grew up very poor. We got our clothes and food from catholic charities. I remember my tennis shoes were red, white and blue. I really wanted converse and levis like all the other kids. There were 4 of us living in a one bedroom apt. I remember sleeping in the closet of my parents bedroom. But I sit here with a smile on my face because I was fortunate to have food, clothes and a warm place to lay my head at the end of the day. People in other countries have no support or human rights. They depend on honest charitable contributions. These people don't want free hand outs just like i didn't (its humiliating) and I don't want to enable anyone. We give to several different ministrys that support children in orphanages and that is where this donation would go if I were selected. Thanks from someone who knows what it's like to be in need.

Bill my profile indicates I’m still undecided regarding my favorite charity. That’s still true. I’ve been looking into charities that focus on children’s education by supporting better math and science skills. More recently with our ongoing financial crisis I’m looking for charities that help pay home heating bills and provide vouchers to help pay for transportation fuels to help keep families from tipping over the edge. Local churches are the most likely candidates for this. Initially I was looking for charities that fight against obesity with education and personalized assistance supporting non-surgical solutions; but I’ve yet to find a single charity doing this. Within this collection of charitable focuses I’ve yet to find an organization I’m passionate about supporting other than my local church. If anyone knows of a good charity with any of these priorities please send me a PM.

When I think about the most awesome gift I have ever received...the gift of eternal life, I think about the unselfish act God did for me and all of my sins. Giving that kind of love, compassion, and gift to others is just a drop in the bucket of my thank you to Him. I am a Tri Sigma and our motto was To give much is to receive much. The more you give, the more you receive. Bill you are awesome and what a priviledge it must have been to take a picture with two great gentlemens in our lifetime...you are like they are....the mold was put aside after you were created!!!! Love, Mona

You've lived a charmed life, Bill. And the more I ponder on such things the more I realize that GIVING is the key. Thanks for the tribute to Paul Newman and of his generousness with "The Hole in the Wall Gang." Is it a wonder why folks make a special effort at Thanksgiving?

My giving forward and helping someone would be to the Epileptic Foundation here in Chicago. I don't know how many of you are familiar with this, but I'll explain it as best I can. Imagine your standing with a group of people, you can see them hear them and your having a great time. Then a shrowd covers your ears, things become muffled and a taste of metal comes over your tongue. The next thing you know you are waking up to people starring at you in horror. Someone asking you if you know what day it is. You may not even realize time has passed. Your body feels as though it has gone through a tornado. Muscles ache, your head may hurt beyond anything you have ever felt and your tired as if you ran a marathon. While you were "out", your body hit the floor and began to convulse. Your teeth are clinched tighter than ever, eyes rolled to the back so all witnesses see are whites. It is hard to believe a body can do this on its own. You as the individual have no control. There are medicines out there that stop the seizures. Slow down the nurons that are misfiring. But I believe, just like you believe that there is a cure for everything. We have the power, we were given strong bodies and a brain smarter and more talented than any computer on this earth. I want to give my 10,000 to this charity. So that they can continue to do research. My seizures are mild in comparison to others. Mine is from a brain injury. But there are others that are born with seizures. You stop breathing during these episodes and that is the danger. What you are doing while having the seizure is a danger. It is a very scary condition to live with, especially for those who have multiple ones at a time, or a new parent who watches helplessly as their child goes through one. This is the group I want to reach out to.

Paul Newman has long been someone I admire and respect for his charitable work. My $10,000 goes to a local charity in my area -- the Child and Family Support Center of Logan. They provide resources and assistance to help all families with an emphasis on ending child abuse. They teach classes and watch children for all families, with abuse or without. They teach anger management and self esteem classes for children. And they will watch anyone kids if you need a break, which is so helpful to single parents when they get overwhelmed. Before I had my kids, I would volunteer their on weekends to watch children and (obviously, LOL) I love what they do for families and for the community. -- Lisa

This much I have learned from the last 17 weeks. I have abused food all of my life. I've eaten too much, then starved to lose weight. I've thrown food away and taken the abundance of food we have in this country for granted. In a 2004 study conducted by Colorado State University, it was estimated then that over 400,000 people were going to bed hungry every day in just Colorado alone. That was in 2004. I can only imagine what that number might be now with our current economic crisis, high unemployment, and foreclosures. Because of this transformation challenge, I have learned to respect myself and my relationship with food, and I have become so much more grateful of my many blessings. Therefore, I would donate the $10,000 to the Food Bank of the Rockies.

Bill, This was a hard challenge for me because for one, there are so many worthy charities and two, I would love to start my own charity. About five years ago I begin searching for my purpose in life and believe it is to help people especially teens see their value and find their purpose in order to make better choices in life. I am talking about middle America! Growing up in a middle class family I feel society thought I should be alright and that my parents were doing their jobs. The truth was my parents were divorced and trying to figure out who they were so while doing their best, my sister and I were easily overlooked. We had food on the table and clothes on our backs but we had no direction. College was never mentioned, we had the choice to do whatever we wanted we just didn’t have any guidance or inspiration. I want to help put a stop to teen pregnancy, the sky rocketing divorce rate, high school drop-outs or the no-college vision, and the alarming suicide rate. As you can see from my website, www.BrendaHaire.com, I am trying to make a difference. I would like to become a charity but sadly can’t afford the legal paperwork and such to get there. It seems like a process so far out of my current reach but I know that if God wants me to do this He will provide. If I remember your story correctly, you are a “self-made” man, with little or no college experience and you are changing the world because you know your purpose. I want to help others find there purpose so they can make everyday decisions based on that; filtering decisions. Living the life they were meant to live. Wow, I am starting to sound like I want to be a Minnie Bill. I guess that is why I love the work you are doing so much! Thanks for everything you are doing and even though I didn’t start in time to officially be part of this challenge, doing the work and challenging myself has been the prize! Living on purpose, Brenda

It is so true that we need to serve others in order to reach the ultimate transformation. It is so easy to be self centered and self serving. It is so important to strike a balance in life. I have enjoyed serving the students I teach. I really appreciate Bill's understanding of balance. Thanks

Great post Bill. I sincereky hope that I give something to people every day, because that is my goal. Whether it's help to a co-worker or encouragement to a family memebr. I know that I am so truly blessed that it certainly becomes a duty to give back. How can you not? My profile says my favorite charity is my church, but like many others I know my church will be ok with the programs they have going. If I win the $10,000 I would give it to a non-profit that works with poverty stricken people. Let me explain - my master's thesis was on how micro-enterprise loans can help lift people out of poverty in developing countries. Not a hand out but a hand up. They are given the opportunity to borrow as little as $200 to buy chickens or a sewing machine or a few staples to start a store in a village. Money that is pocket change to most Americans means the difference in their children's education or their ability to eat. I worked with a group that was helping a village in Ethiopia get a coffee processing plant operational. The farmers don't want food aid, they want a market to sell their product in. This group helped them use modern farming practices, ecologically sound, to get better harvests and process the beans themselves in a co-op fashion. There is also Unitus which makes micro loans to people in developing countries. There is so much need and these programs help people out of poverty. And the best part is that most of them are geared towards women. As you may know, women in developing countries have very little power and even less education. These programs recognize that many times it is the mother that determines th ehealth of a family and so the women tend to be the recipients of the loans. Not that men can't, but women tend to be concerned with the welfare of the children more so than the men. Anywya, I would donate the money to one of those types of organizations because it would multiply exponentially and continue to do good for years to come.

Hey Bill I have been buying memeberships for some people at the Ymca and have no money and who want to work out follow the program and change their lives. I also coach them as a way of giving back!! Some are feeling and looking great and are so grateful! Isnt this fun!! Marty

The Bible teaches us to a cheerful giver. I wish I had learned this fact sooner rather than later. It took a divorce and years of unhappiness to get to get to the place where I am today.Giving equals happiness for me. It's the smiles and hugs you get for the simplest gestures. Giving is not that hard.It's a matter of prayer and understanding the Gift that God has given to all us and then use this Gift to bring joy and happiness to others. If it were not for a sweet lady using her Gift, I would still be lost and unhappy. And if it were not for her, I would not have discover my Gift of kindness. I would give the $10,000 to my church to further our mission work to help orphaned children abroad.

I so totally have always felt the power of giving. My husband and I were in a serious car accident 8 years ago that should have taken both our lives. We T boned a semi. I have always been taught in my church to serve others and by serving we become truely happy, that is what Christ did. When this happened to me, my 6 children were placed in 3 different homes of my friends and my children's friends. My best friend took my 6 children into her home all weekend so that my children could be together, she had 9 children of her own. I can never repay back to these families or the countless others that physically brought food into my home for 6 months, while my husband and I recouperated. When you gave me the original challenge last Nov. I was already motivated to lose weight, but $ always brings attention. When I started reading your books, I had a hard time putting them down. They spoke to me of all the cycles of losing and gaining weight that I've played with my entire life. Now, I'm into a size 2, I look and feel better than ever before and since the beginning of it, I couldn't stop talking about your great plan of eating and exercising and feeling great. I have since reached out to friends at church. I challenged the entire staff at the school I work. My students have been watching me since I started and I've had 2 students that come up to me and asked how to do the diet. I want you to come visit these awesome people. I've challenged the district/county to get you to come to our county wide teacher inservice. I'd also love it if you could visit the students too. Wouldn't it be awesome if we could put the teachers against the students in a BFL challenge! I will never be the same. Other teachers that didn't join my first BFL school challenge are asking when the next one is. LOOK WHAT YOU'VE STARTED. THANK YOU!!!! kennie

So many givers here and so many worthwhile charities. Charities and/or causes that have touched our lives. Mine is the Susan G. Komen Foundation (Race for the Cure). I lost my wife to breast cancer in 1996 after a four year battle. She was only 39. My wife and I both became involved with the Komen Foundation while she was fighting breast cancer and I (and my kids) have continued to support them. Also I give to my church and after volunteering to be the financial secretary at the church I've seen the many ministires of the church that extend into our community. God has given me so, not necessarily materially, I can do no less than to share my time, efforts, and possessions with others.

The world system will teach people to take ,take ,take- especially if you have very little- hold on to what you have. BUT, the Bible teaches us to give unconditionally even if you have very little. Some people have time to give, others have money- but we ALL have something to give. When I actually grasped this teaching, and started giving not only my time but my money- I have come to where I am today- the most blessed woman in the world. I dont give to get, I give joyfully and willingly and always know that whatever I have to give is one reason why God put me here. The giving is not so much about us- its about others. We are here for many reasons but one thing is certain- there is a time for planting seed and a time for harvest. Dont eat your seed, plant it into others and you will harvest pleanty, hence more seed, more harvest and so on. It is a beautiful thing.!

As I write this I am a little extra weary from a busier than usual schedule from hosting two boys from Nairobi who are visiting our school. The timing to reinforce everything I am learning through the Transformation experience is a true gift. In a short time our lives have been so enriched by the relationships we are creating with them, and I have a deep desire to continue being involved in their welfare and successes. Yesterday Craig Kielburger speak at our school. He and his brother Marc, as very young teenagers, founded "Free the Children" and have done amazing things worldwide. ( metowe.org ) I didn't know my heart could hold more love, but I am learning it has capacity beyond our understanding. Our family will definatelyget involved with this organization. When I began the challenge it was for the primary opportunity to have a chance to give back to an organization that has helped me personally, as well as the work they do locally and internationally. It is called Linwood House MInistries (after the name of their home base) who "beckons the tired, the broken and the lonely to rest and discover the messages of Jesus: You are loved, you are worthy, you are beautiful." In a life changing visit, falling hopeless across the threshold of their retreat home, I had a new song put in my own heart. Officially, they take groups to various parts of the world to connect hearts and be of service in many capacities. Monthly, in their home, they host groups of streetworkers who are in the process of changing their lives. For several days they treat them royally and give them comforts that they have never experienced. The miracle stories are endless. Ongoing, hey have set up a version of their own great room in a space on the rough east side of town; a place that these women can continue to find peace, comfort and loving support. It would be such an honour to help them with some of the expenses of these endeavours. Knowing the work they put into all of these things makes my workouts seem easy by comparison.

Giving has become a normal part of life. One of my favorite sayings I heard years ago was “if you’re not giving then you’re not living”. This has stuck with me in more ways than one. In the Bible we’re told that it is better to give than to receive. Being the giver and expecting nothing in return has great rewards. I personally have experienced both sides of the giving in my life. Receiving is somewhat humbling and comforting at the same time and allows you to see the love and hope others have for you. However, giving to someone in need richly blesses the soul of the giver. I can tell you everything I say here is based on my personal experiences and to truly understand the blessing of giving you have to give with an open heart. If I am blessed with the opportunity to give away $10,000 two places come to mind. The first is the Union Gospel Mission in Spokane Washington. They minister to the needs of homeless men, women and children. They are a turning point for folks who have hit rock bottom. They offer hope for the hopeless and spirit for the soul. The second organization on my heart is Life Services of Spokane. They offer options other than abortion for women with unplanned pregnancies. They provide FREE assistance and minister to the needs of those facing or have faced unplanned pregnancy. Both these organizations are there to help people of need and are a blessing to the community and mankind. The thing about giving is you don’t have to be rich—remember the story of the poor widow who gave a few coins in comparison to the rich who only gave a percentage of their wealth? She gave all that she had to give. Give of yourself so that you may become a blessing to others and you will see the “Universal Law of Reciprocation” come to life.

“Keep on helping, keep on giving, and don’t hold back.” Wow! That is so awesome! It is very energizing to give. Your heart becomes overflowing with joy. The joy fills inside of your heart as fast as water filling a bottle. The water gushes in until it begins to overflow. When you are unconditionally giving from your heart, your heart begins to overflow with kindness and compassion for others. It is an amazing feeling, but the most amazing thing is seeing someone smile or having someone say, “Thank you, that really made my day!” I have learned that sometimes the greatest gift that we can give others is our time, a hug, a simple prayer, a simple thank you note, and a great big smile. 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' Acts 20:35 As for the $10,000, I would first of all give $10,000 to Compassion International. This organization is on a mission to transform the lives of young children who live in spiritual, economic, social, and physical poverty. They seek to enable each child to become responsible, grow in their Christian faith, and later, live fulfilled adult lives. Currently, they serve over 1 million children in 24 different countries. Amazing! Rather than keeping the other $10,000 for myself, I would give donations to several charitable organizations that touch my soul (Leukemia Society in memory of Jonnae Taylor, Samaritan’s Purse, American Cancer Society in memory of loved ones who lost the battle and in honor of those who have overcome, East Leesville Baptist Church Together as One, St. Jude’s and give money to friends in need. Thank you, Bill! You have set one of the finest examples of giving from the heart. You are blessed 10 fold! Paul Newman taught a great lesson in one simple sentence! There is true beauty in simplicity!!! ~Kimberly : )

My heart goes out to children - especially those who are battling a poor self-image. The American Foundation for Childhood Obesity is working hard raising funds to build the first ever FREE facility to support children and their families who are fighting obesity and its devastating side affects... I plan on spending at least a year in Pheonix (where the facility will be located) offering my services to those who struggle with this ever growing 'disease' - I can't wait to impact the next generation! How exciting would it be to sign a check to them before their facility is even built! ...definately where I would be donating the $10,000.00 :)

Bill as we move forward through our transformations I realize that there is never an end to the growth inside and the opportunities of service to my brothers and sisters on this big earth of ours and to put into words the lessons I have learned with you would be unjust to the feelings I have in my soul. I have some major overtones to my presence now that are undeniable to me, they are that the meaning of life is to LIVE IT. Practice Compassion ALWAYS. Be the LIGHT for everyone you meet. When people experience loss, grief, or other stressful changes in their lives, there is a need for an empathetic listener. Family and close friends are often too emotionally involved to meet this need. As A trained Stephen Minister I know first hand that Stephen Ministers are trained to be caring Christian friends who can help hurting individuals sort out options. They do not provide solutions They offer a caring listener. Stephen Ministers are not professional counselors, psychologists, social workers, or experts in law, finance, church doctrine, and so on, but neither are they merely superficial visitors. God is viewed as providing the cure while Stephen Ministers provide the care. Stephen Ministers receive care themselves when they attend required, monthly peer supervision and continuing education meetings.Here, Stephen Ministers discuss their caring relationships (maintaining complete anonymity of the care receivers, and staying away from details of the care receiver's situation) and receive consultation and support from other Stephen Ministers.Confidentiality is the basis of all Stephen Ministry relationships. Anyone receiving care can be assured that his or her identity—and what is shared in a caring relationship—will remain private.We work with people in the community as a whole not just members of our congregation or even Christians for that matter. On the positive side of our ministry we also celebrate life with our care receivers. We support the Prayer Shawl ministry of our church which is led by my wonderful bride Vikkie and the group of knitters make shawls for those who may need to feel Gods arms wrapped around them when they feel lonely or afraid but also make shawls and blankets to celebrate new life and confirmations.We will be hosting wellness gatherings and swing / ballroom dancing at the church which we have already recruited members from the community to attend and we will pay for the instructor to encourage community team building and health through exercise.As a Stephen Minister I deliver day old bread from Panera to 4 local church food pantries and one half way home for wayward teens. The missions and outreach are endless with a small amount of funding and volunteers.This $10,000.00 gift will keep giving back to those in need for many years to come through training material and community outreach.With or without the gift (I pray With!) we can all continue to grow and train those around us to care for those around us.Teach a man to fish every chance you have and he will in turn teach others to fish as well. Peace, Dave

Bill, I met this little girl about 2 months ago who stole my heart with the strength of her soul. She had battled Leukemia 3 times in her little life. Yet she had the power to keep going and never give up. She told me of wanting to go school and be with her friends. I decided that day I needed to make sure other little kids did not have to fight that fight again. I joined the Team in Training with the Leukemia and Lyphoma Society. I'm running the Arizona Rock and Roll Marathon and the Ironman Wisconisn 2009 with the team. Little Micheala made me a wirst band to wear to remind me why I'm doing this. It says"Keep on Going Never Give Up" As I struggle through the mile of training I just look down at my wrist and feel renewed strength

This is a really, really tough one for me. There are so many people out there who need help, and I have to decide where I believe the charity is most needed. My first inclination is to help the children...so many of them are in situations that they have absolutely no control over. It breaks my heart to see children suffer in any way. I am starting by asking my church to give me a list of the charities they are involved with. I am also researching children's charities. I am not sure how local I want to keep this...city, state, national, international. I'll know it when I see it. I will have to turn to God on this one for some guidance. This is an important decision, in which I won't be hasty. Rich

THIS IS what Transformation is all about!! Getting healthy in all aspects of life in order to help others. This is my favorite assignment so far. From my initial physique transformation in 99, the one thing that changed me from the inside out is the power of giving. Thanks Bill, and thank you to this great community. Let's keep working to make a difference in our lives and in our world. Have a great weekend everyone!

My favorite charity is The Bridge to Hope. It is the work I do everyday, serving vicitms of domestic abuse and sexual assault. We do prevention programs teaching healthy ways of living and empowerment to young people, educate people on healthy relationships. We have an emergency shelter and do a lot of community outreach.

Being a Social Care Worker i am able to express my support to others on a daily basis. For much of my working life i tried to avoid a job which meant having to care about others, i think this stemmed from my mother having 3 terrible years of suffering with cancer and then dying when i was 19. The hurt and pain and rejection i felt deterred me from following a career i was practically designed for. To make a difference for the better to someone's day, no matter how small is trully wonderful, it doesn't cost a penny, just a little time. A good one recently was when out in the country walking my dogs. I noticed that people walking by very rarely looked up and said 'Hello' anymore, i thought that's sad, what is happeneing in this world, are we all so fearful of one another. So i thought i want to change that and so when i go walking i will be the first to say 'Hello, beautiful day we're having', it makes me feel better and hopefully the stranger walking by will think 'ah' that was nice!! That doesn't take any money to make better but i know if i had $10,000, i would give it to the 'Diabetes UK' charity. My 15 year old son has insulin dependent Diabetes, a constant worry and i wish i had it rather than him. But if their is a cure out their then this charity will help to find it and wouldn't that help thousands and thousands of people world wide. Thanks to Bill for sharing your amazing wisdom. :~) xxxx

This idea of being in service is true. It comes from Christ. As we serve and love others we serve and show love for Him. If you have ever had a "poor me" day and you bake a batch of cookies and give it to a neighbor or help an older couple with yard work or anything....you forget your own sorrows and find Joy in serving others....it works...so next time you have had a bad day -- just ask yourself what can I do to help another? Then your bad day turns into a great day!

Bill said “One of the most important aspects of being of service is connecting with something that is near and dear to your heart and soul.” I reached a personal milestone last Friday... 23 year of active duty service to our great country in the Air Force. Many have asked why I stayed past 20 years... those of you here who have been encompassed by the complete fulfillment of serving others understand. Too many bemoan the lack of great causes in our day and doubt whether people are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to meet such challenges, even if they existed. I believe they have it wrong. During the last 23 years, I’ve had the privilege of traveling the world and serving with numbers of great Americans. With energy and passion as contagious as it was inspiring, these young Americans confided their dreams and shared their aspirations, not for themselves alone, but for their country. That attitude should come as no surprise. Though today's polls show that we have little faith in politics, we are great believers in service. Indeed, we are doing volunteer work our communities in record numbers---proof that the urge to serve runs especially deep. Indeed, most Americans share this impulse, as witnessed after 9/11, when thousands of Americans lined up to give blood and assist in rescue efforts. I believe it’s time we tapped that urge for great national ends. And I believe Bill is doing an incredible job of leading this country from “worst to first” not just in health and fitness, but also with his mantra of the “Universal Law of Reciprocation.” I don’t believe it true, as the cynics suggest, that our era lacks great causes. Such causes are all around us. Thousands of schools in our poorest neighborhoods are failing their students and cry out for talented teachers. Millions of elderly Americans desperately want to stay in their homes and out of nursing facilities, but cannot do so without help with the small tasks of daily life. More and more of our communities are being devastated by natural disasters. And our men and women in uniform are stretched thin meeting the vital task of keeping the peace in places that seem more like a foreign planet than a foreign nation. Beyond such concrete needs lies a deeper spiritual crisis within our national culture, which Bill has addressed. As we’ve all seen this election season, we have witnessed an increased cynicism about our governmental institutions. We see its impact in our declining economy and apathy about our public life--but it's a mistake, I think, to believe that this apathy means Americans do not love their country and aren't motivated to fix what is wrong. The growth of local volunteerism and the outpouring of sentiment for "the greatest nation" suggest a different explanation: that Americans hunger for service, but do not see ways to personally make a difference. “When it benefits the greater good – when it helps others as much or more than it helps ourselves – then we are making a change that makes a difference. “ For me, the real draw to our all-volunteer military was the chance to have an adventure and accomplish something important. Beyond the peacekeeping and peacemaking deeds accomplished, our military has transformed the lives of young people who have participated in its ranks. They have begun to glimpse the glory of serving the cause of freedom. They have come to know the obligations and rewards of active citizenship. Unfortunately, many of them have also been killed or injured in the line of duty. American military casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan have exceeded 28,000, with over 3,500 fatalities. 80% of the wounded are in the 18-30 age range and face an entire life-time of recovery. As an enlisted family man following the Universal Law of Reciprocation I’ll give my $10,000 donation to Freedom Is Not Free -- benefiting our wounded heroes, their families and the families of the fatally wounded. Giving a little back to those who have given so much… Our Air Force Core Values are: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. I think if we are to have a resurgence of Service Before Self in this country, then programs like this Transformation must be expanded in ways that inspire the nation. Bill’s working on it! “…making the shift from being self-serving, to actually holding an unconditional intention of compassion towards others and yourself, in all circumstances.” That is how a free society remains free and achieves greatness. I think service and selflessness is a crucial means of making our personal Transformations real, to the benefit of both ourselves and our country. I’m truly humbled by the vision that Bill Phillips has for this great country, and proud to have had the opportunity to be a small part of it. I salute you Bill!

Dear Bill: When I first started with you in the beginning of this summer, you asked me to create a profile. At that time My Favorite Charity answer was “The local children’s sporting community”. But I have changed a lot since the start. In assignment #11 you said, “Half of getting what you want is knowing what you have to give up to get it.” “Again, giving up the fight means letting go of expectations, dropping the pretense, the ego, the act, the disingenuous postures, all the inauthentic stuff. Please share your insight, answers and revelations in the comments section below.” On September 5th of this year I quickly and sincerely said the following…” Winning this contest would be my first thought. I am not here for money or a trip to Hawaii. Giving up alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks and colored water is happening but most of all, what I think about all the time is growing in a different direction. I ask my self "why" everyday. At first is was to gain back control of my life and introduce to my kids what can happen if you think, plan, focus and execute. But somehow I get a felling something else is out there that I am missing and don't understand yet. I have never done anything like this before and can't believe I am opening up my heart and thoughts over the Internet. But that is something else I have given up here. I've dropped my guard and am learning a lot. My purpose is much stronger now and the "deadline" is almost not important anymore. Again, I never write like this so openly. But somehow it feels good. Hey, is there anything I can do for you Bill? I hope I can give you a gift someday. Regards, Mark”. Well it is now October 9th, Exercise #13. I truly believe you will call me to say I am one of the three who have won. I realize that sounds over confident. But there is something that has touched me here in this community that I still do not fully understand. I am being guided for a reason that is unfolding each and every moment. When my Father passed away in May, he had all his mental capabilities and I was lucky to share his thoughts. When My Father-in-law passed away in August, it was after a long fight with Alzheimer’s. This is where the donation will go. $10,000 will be given to the Alzheimer’s Association. The other $10,000 with be given to the Make a Wish foundation. A handshake from you is all I ask. Sincerely, Mark

Like many of us who commited to particpiate in your Be The Change Challenge, I have thought about this. Although I've stated that my 'favorite' charity is our church- that would not be my choice for this $10,000 donation. Our family works hard to share our time, talent & treasure with our church community, and we strive to do better in this all the time. It's so important to give of OURSELVES within this community. So.. I would give the $10,000 to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, in honor of my dad. I've watched this disease rob him of his ability to eat or drink and deal with a permanent feeding tube. He's gone from a vibrant, card-playing, pool shark to being virtually homebound. Each day brings us closer to a cure for this horrible, debilitating, self-esteem crippling, progressive disease. When it hapens it will be too late for my dad and for so many others. But, we can & will find a cure; to find that cure we need funding. ~Annie

This is such an awesome post and we are fortunate enough to share where we would donate the prize money to. If I were to win all of the prize money would go to The Rainbow House in San Antonio. This is a facility that house 12 individuals who have suffered either from brain injuries or disease. I know this place first hand as this is where my brother in law resides after suffering from two separate head injuries. Up to the point we found the Rainbow House, David's only other option was a nursing home in the Alzheimers section. This was not the place for a 40 year old man and he was quickly becoming just like the patients there. Since his 3 plus years at the Rainbow House he is starting to talk sentences, always has a smile on his face and you can tell he is happier. I have also made new friends with many of the residents there and Susan and I often help out with many of the outings that the residents are taken to. It is truly a blessing to have become a part of the Rainbow House and I am thankful for such a facility for David. I just wish all those in need of such a place had something similar.

I got to be caregiver for first my mom and then both my parents as Alzheimer's destroyed all that they were. It's an evil, beguiling disease, as the physical person looks so right while the intellectual and emotional person is so very wrong. The Alzheimer's Association gets all I have to give. Other than that, I give of my time, efforts and skills, and maybe that's why I'm so darn happy so much of the time.

I have been incredibly blessed to have made a decision to trust God with every aspect of my life - During my spiritual journey I learned that I have been called to teach. Through that experience and years of prayer I have arrived at a place where special education is my focus. Every day is a day of service. Recently my caseload of students has experienced a rise in numbers of students diagnosed with Aspergers or Autism. Federal law requires these students to have an equal education and therefore they are in general education classes. Teachers are unprepared to deal with them and it is a sad site to watch what happens to these children. I say NOT on my watch! When I had to pinpoint a service area, as I have always believed in service, I decided to pick something close to my heart and that would be, these children and their families. It is my goal to change the future for those who cross my path and struggle with autism spectrum disorders, parent and child - it is a family issue. Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. As an organziation they are dedicated to fundraising in order to meet the above goals. For me, at the beginning of the challenge I set one of my goals to walk in a 5K for Autism Speaks on November 1. I have been training for that goal since I started the transformation. Now I am in the process of the fundraising and meeting my goal of raising $1000. How great would it be to present the organization with a $10,000 check? There is SO much work to be done and these beautiful children deserve the best shot at a future that is self sustaining. I love teaching - I love these kids - sometimes we need more in order to make change! After all our goal is - to be the change we want to see in the world - our goal is CHANGE! So - that is what I would do. On another note - It is so amazing to look at everyone's posts and their amazing committments to service - the world is going to be a better place because of this transformation process - Bill Phillips you are an amazing guide along this spiritual journey!

Years ago, I started a volunteer project in Seattle - enlisting friends, family, and anyone interested - where we raised money and purchased food and gifts to be distributed to needy familes and individuals on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The first year, 1991, we helped 50 familes with $2,500 in donations. By 1997, the last year I headed this effort, we were able to help 750 with over $35,000 raised in donations. I learned that people are so good. Most human beings love the chance to serve, to give unconditionally, to contribute something valuable to others when given even the smallest opportunity. This experience forever changed they way I looked at the world and the meaning of the individual’s capacity to make the world a better place. One person’s gift does indeed make a difference. The charity organization dearest to my heart is the RSSB Hospitals, located in India. At the core of the RSSB philosophy is a belief that there is a spiritual purpose to human life – to experience the divinity of God who resides in all of us. It is through this experience that we will realize the truth of the concept that there is only one God and we are all expressions of his love. RSSB is rarely mentioned in the media because the Society does not proselytize or publicize its activities. As a responsible member of the global community, RSSB has conducted blood donation drives and operates three rural hospitals which provide all services free of charge. It has also participated in relief efforts providing assistance for earthquake and tsunami victims. The organization does not engage in any fundraising activities. The Hospitals were conceived out of love, built out of love, and function with love as the guiding force. They were created from the foundations of selfless service, compassion and man’s humanity towards man. The element of volunteer service provides a distinct identity to the hospitals making them different from others as well as their being the first in these areas totally charitable in nature. With the addition of free food and medicines, the poor receive VIP treatment, free of charge. In an area historically riddled with political strife, these hospitals are little short of a miracle to the multitudes they serve. I would feel so blessed to be able to contribute to these wonderful hospitals. Sending goodness and love to you Bill, thanks for making such a difference to so many of us with your own life-changing contributions. Debby

Yes, it really is all about what we give of ourselves...it is what makes this life worth living. I would like to split the 10,000....5.000 would go to the Church of Latter-Day Saints Perpetual Education Fund and the other half to the local Shriner's hospital here in Spokane. The Perpetual Education Fund gives college loans out to those who do not have the money to go college...usually to individuals in South America. After they get their degree the pay back the loan that goes right back into the fund to help somebody else earn a degree. My cousin oversee's this program in Peru and raves about the success. The Shriner's Hospital helped my son in a time of need. He was born with a club foot. We were just casting it at with our regular doctor, but the medical bills were mounting. He suggested that we check out Shriner's. They took on our case. I have never seen a bill, they never ask for income verification, they casted him, fitted him with a brace, perfomed surgergy, and check him yearly to make sure his foot is still functioning properly. We love Shriner's.

Good Evening Bill! When I first heard about the donation money, my first thought was Make-a-Wish Foundation, because it focuses on children. I have always, always been interested in being involved in helping children in various situations. Earlier this year, we had the extreme privilege of becoming acquainted with an amazing gentleman. He put his faith in my husband and myself and helped us through a difficult time. Not being big into sports, we were not completely sure who he even was when my husband first started doing some work for him. My husband has never in his life, until recently sat down and watched an entire football game. We Googled this genteman and we were a bit taken back. We learned of the Foundation that he established in 2000 in honor of several family members diagnosed with diabetes. It is the Donovan McNabb Foundation. It has trumpeted the awareness and prevention of Child Diabetes. Every year, partly funded by the Foundation, the American Diabetes Foundation hosts a week long resident camp held in Green Lane Pennsylvania that teaches the children awareness and care of diabetes. It teaches the children that they are not alone and there are many others just like them. It focuses on teaching the kids self reliance and respect for others and that they can live a normal life like other children. The Donavan McNabb Foundation also supports Ronald McDonald House, American Red Cross, American Diabetes Foundation, Education through Scholarships and the Police Athletic League. Watching the video of the camp, Tom & I both agreed we would love to go next year and volunteer and be part of that incredible week with the children. We also thought it would be great for our daughters to be involved and learn to appreciate their health and understand what other children are dealing with. Hopefully it will teach them further, that you need to be compassionate and kind to all people with any and all illnesses or handicaps and reach out to help them in any possible way. I want to teach them early what "giving" is all about and how rewarding it is for them to do that, either financially, or even more importantly, with their time, love and support. By just reaching out and being a friend to some of these children that the other kids might pick on at school, will mean more to that child then any other gift they could possibly give. One of my goals and something that I can see as being a true passion of mine, is to work with children with obesity. Diabetes can be a result of that obesity and if we take care of one, we may take care of both among many other issues in that childs life. I also plan on using my voice in the future to raise funds and give back, pay if forward if you will, teaching others that you can overcome anything if you believe and have faith in yourself! Bill, thank you again, you have and always will have my deepest gratitude for all that you are and all that you do. Your team and this community holds the same. Have a great weekend! See you in Tennessee! Respectfully, Carolynn

What a beautiful testimony to a life of incredible selflessness. I have said many times over the years, to anyone who will listen, that you Bill Phillips, are one of my heroes, up there with Mother Theresa, Mahātmā Ghandi and the Dali Lama. You, and they, epitomize what I strive for: a life of service, of daily living according to convictions that are bone deep, filled with love and without any fear or reservation. When I was a young girl, I wanted to be a missionary. I went to college and prepared for that challenge. But motherhood called me, and that was it's own kind of service for many years. When my children grew up I became the NJ volunteer coordinator for a group called My Sister's Keeper. We collected handmade items and toiletries for women and children in DV shelters. I expanded that into another service which collected furniture and clothing for the women and children once the DV shelters found apartments for them. II called HAT (Her Angel's Tuxedo). That's something I'd like to start up again. We already give to OneSmile.org, and my challenge award would be given to that organization, too. The Universal Law of Reciprocity is my guiding light, and my mantra is, and will always be, "Make me a channel of your peace....and abundance."

BIll- Here is the condensed version. I have thought long and really really hard about this one. I wanted to come up with a way for my $10,000 Donation to keep on giving for a long time to come and also to have it be something that would benefit a ton of peoples lives. I thought about giving it to my church organization, they have many programs throughout the world that do amazing things. But I already donate to those with my own money. I wanted it to be specific so that it will last and last and give and give for years to come. SO... finally one day it hit me one day as I was pondering. Through my volunteer efforts with the Boy Scouts Of America over the past 10 years I have become the Course Director for a training course for Adult Leaders. We started it 3 years ago and my staff has personally trained over 300 leaders in the Southern Utah Region. The purpose of the Training held twice a year is to take new Scout Masters and Other leaders that work with the boys and teach them the basic outdoor skills they need to know. Then they will in turn teach the scout boys, as well as safety, leave no trace principles to help protect the environment, as well as survival skills. We also teach them leadership skills and how to make it fun for the boys. This program gives and keeps on giving because the Boys learn these outdoor skills and leadership skills from properly trained leaders and they in turn grow up to be better adults themselves. The problem is the Boy Scouts do not ever have a budget for the training and it has to be self sustaining. I have added the positive pressure for myself by already making arrangements with the local executives and told them this is a possibility ONLY if I live up to MY commitment through Transformation and the Local Sector Leaders have agreed that I could donate the full $10,000 to a special North Star Training fund that would fund the Training for the next 15 years! Currently the training is held twice a year but they are looking at moving it to 3 times a year with a minimum of 50 New leaders in each course. NOW- The really cool thing is Not only can I donate the money to make sure this valuable training is maintained for the next 15 years but I also get to volunteer my time in working with the organization to oversee it for a while. CAN you imagine how far that $10,000 will stretch and how many lives will be touched for the better? Or how many more well trained leaders there will be working with our youth, How many more safe camp outs and hikes will be had and how many lives could be saved by proper training? I think the $10,000 donation can be used to touch Thousands of Men, women, and boys lives over the next 15 years. Just think a Scout Master who is trained this spring will go teach his boys and in 8 years those boys might become a new Scout Master himself and they can get the same training and the cycle of positive training continues making great leaders who go teach good boys to become great men and future leaders. I am stoked and I can not think of a better way to make the $10,000 touch more peoples lives. I can't wait!...I guess that wasn't so short of an explanation after all but I hope it was worth the read.............btw no one gets paid, everyone on staff is volunteer and we all work really hard to make it a major success............sincerely..............DUDE

Special Operations Warrior Foundation For more than 28 years, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation has provided full college scholarship grants, not loans, along with financial aid and educational counseling to surviving children of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel who were killed in an operational mission or training accident. For the second year in a row, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation has been awarded a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation's leading charity watchdog group. It's Charity Navigator's highest rating for financial efficiency. The Special Operations is just one of four veterans’ services and advocacy charities that have earned at least two consecutive four-star rating. The Special Operations Warrior Foundation is also the recipient of the coveted Best in America Seal through the Combined Federal Campaign. This seal of excellence is awarded to members of the Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness and cost effectiveness. The Special Operations Warrior Foundation is proud of its ability to maintain a low overhead. Last year, the administrative overhead was 5.8 percent – meaning 94.2 cent of every dollar goes directly to the programs of supporting special operations personnel and their families. The reason I have chosen this charity is because I was an active duty member of the U.S. Air Force Combat Control Teams, the Air Force’s Special Operations Unit. I am a life member of the U.S. Air Force Combat Control Association. The heroic men of our nations Special Operations Units are my brothers. This will always be. These men are operating as the point of the spear in over 155 countries every day. Their families aren’t allowed to know where they are or what they are doing in most cases. When we loose one of them it doesn’t make the news. No one could ever know what their families go through so that their loved ones might do what’s needed to keep America safe. They serve out of love of country. The risks are high and the pay is low. Education is something that can never be taken away from their children. The opportunity this charity provides may be their best hope for a bright future.

Giving has always been a part of my life. Not just in dollars, but giving in general. It has always felt good to give. However, I think it's important to note that it has never felt as good as it does now. As I think this through in my head, I am guessing this has something to do with the fact that a few things were missing back then. Things like happiness from the inside, self-awareness, self-love, understanding, forgiveness. Without these things it's difficult to find passion and purpose. Instead I think I was just going through the motions half the time not even knowing where and to whom you are giving. There is no way that I could have felt back then at the deep level that I feel now in week 15 of this challenge. When I first googled you early this year, one of the things that got my attention was your interest and support of Make-A-Wish Foundation. This has always been my favorite charity because of what they do. All children deserve to dream and should have an opportunity to have their wishes come true. I would LOVE to be able to Adopt-A-Wish someday. What an amazing feeling that would be, to know that I was able to make a difference in a child's life at that personal level. Thank you Bill for everything you do for us and for showing me the way this time for LIFE. I am forever grateful.

I've been thinking about this a lot and there are so many charities and organizations I want to support. I also did some work with Habitat for Humanity in my city. We are building a duplex for two families but there are so many more deserving families out there who need help. I've decided that if I won the Transformation Challenge that I would give $10,000 to my local Habitat chapter and I would use the other $10,000 to fund my dream of opening a yoga studio. In my business plan for the studio I include giving to charity. It is the only way I can imagine raising the revenue to give to all the charities I hold dear to my heart. Each quarter, I will give to a different organization. I'm thinking of expanding to scholarships and grants for local charitible organizations. The studio will also serve as a safe place for people to work on their personal transformations. The following is the mission statement from the draft of my business plan: YogaTree exists to provide a place in the community to de-stress, and find quiet oasis in the every day. To provide a place for learning about oneself and a place for people to craft the quiet mind. To provide a place for budding entrepreneurs to start their businesses; yoga teachers, massage therapists, etc. To provide a space for local artists to display their work. To raise revenue for charitable organizations and to cultivate the spirit of volunteerism through fundraising and providing people-power to the charities who need on-site help.

Interesting...."The majority of volunteers reported feeling happier, more energetic (more alive) right after doing their volunteer work." I felt that "high" and blogged about it on June 21st after volunteering for Habitat for Humanity! http://www.transformation.com/jan/blog/Transformation/Exhilirated/1025 I also notice that as a result of this transformation I'm ACTING more when I feel a tug on my heart. Rather than just FEELING compassion I'm HAVING compassion for others by helping those in need. There are so many opportunities to help others everyday - I'm finally seeing their need and acting on it and following God's lead. "We are the body"..... We are representing Christ in all that we do and as the Casting Crowns song goes....we are to be His arms reaching, His hands healing, His words teaching, His feet going, and His love showing them the way. I hope everyone is learning as I am during this process to explore your talents and put them to good use. Love ya! m'wah! Jan

I am a volunteer with Hospice. Hospice provides support during some of the most difficult moments of a families life. They provide hope, care and compassion in a amazing variety of ways to the individuals and their families. I am a certified massage therapist and this is the primary way I volunteer. I also speak at various organizations to present hospice and what they offer, act as a mentor to new volunteers and have assisted in intial volunteer training. This organization helps families regardless of thier ability to pay. It is a privledge to be part of the journey with the patients, their families and this wonderful organization. I have received as much as I have given as a volunteer, probably more. It would be an honor to provide a grant to cover some portion of thier ongoing budget.

I'm really learning to do this lately! I had a charity garage sale on Sunday and raised 450.. 100 for a friend's marathon fund (Leukemia and Lymphoma) 100 for ULF, 100 for Make a wish and a 100 for St. Jude's. What a cool thing to be able to do! With 10,000, it would be so hard.. I'd want to split it up.. but.. I think I would give it to Make a Wish or LLS or AIDS Help USA. What a wonderful decision to make, right?

whoops...hit the send button before i finished. I would give all of it to Rolland and Heidi Baker of Iris Ministries. Iris Ministries will always remain a giving priority for me. They never ask for money, never reveal their needs... they totally depend on God to provide for them. They are based in Mozambique in several places and they are now in several other countries as well. Their focus is on children. Street children. Unwanted children. Children that have never been loved. They are fed, medically treated, educated taught trades and most of all...loved. sincerely loved. and it shows. If God doesnt provide for them, they dont eat. seriously. they feed over 15,000 workers and children a day. they are seeing miracles of Biblical nature in many of their sites. blind eyes see, deaf ears open...they have even had food be multiplied supernaturally so that all could be fed when there wasnt enough to start with. they are the most humble and wonderful people that are so in love with God and with everyone they meet. to them, life is a gift. all of it. rain or shine. flood, drought, famine and disease doesn't stop them. Government corruption and false accusations are common...it doesnt stop them. I spent some time there in Pemba last September and fell in love with the place...the missions school...the longterm missionaries(there are no salaries...all money goes to the ministry...) We had the privilege this past January to spend a few weeks with Rolland at our condo. We gave him time to recover from some medical issues at our condo at the beach. We were thrilled to be able to give to this man...and spend time getting to know him and his beautiful heart for the poor. It was a total joy getting to serve him. There are many other causes that are close to me...MakeAWish, Humane Society, SPCA, Alzheimers, Leukemia ...AdoptAChild, Compassion International... .... but it would thrill me to no end to write a check(and we often do) to help supply the basic necessities for the beautiful Mozambicans that they love. www.irisministries.com

Great blog, Bill. I've been committed to the idea of regular giving to those who need help, usually anonymously if possible, because that makes me feel even better than just giving something to someone. If someone were to give me a gift to pass along to a worthy charity, I would place the money in the hands of Kyle and Patty Petty who founded the Victory Junction Gang camp for kids with severe physical challenges. It is a kissing cousin to Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang camps, only with a racing theme, as one would expect from the Pettys. Kyle and Patty founded the camp in the memory of their son, Adam, lost in a race practice accident several years ago. Adam is in heaven but his memory on earth lives on in this wonderful camp. I'm looking forward to seeing you in Knoxville, Bill. Thanks so much!

My $10,000 would go to the UCP(United Cerebral Palsy)Foundation.I am a victim of this disease and they have helped me by funding two successful surgeries on my righ