Archive for Charity

Da Bomb Bath – Caroline and Isabel Bercaw

Two young girls, Caroline and Isabel, grew up loving bath bombs. They were a fun mix of colors and made a regular bath a little more exciting. But, when the bath bomb dissolved, they were left with just some discolored water. Just like that, the bath bomb was gone. The Bercaw sisters wanted to make a bath bomb with lasting fun, even after it was long dissolved. Guided by the belief that everyone loves surprises, they created a line of bath bombs, experimenting with fizz, fragrance, and fun with a gift in the center of the ball like a toy, charm, message, piece of jewelry, and more.

These girls started making their product in their basement at the ages of 11 and 12 in 2012. Their business first started when they sold a few balls at their local fair in Minneapolis. By 2015, their product was in 30 shops in their area, and in 2016, after a business trip to Atlanta for an international trade show, they had stores across the country sell their product. At this point they were still producing in their basement – over 20,000 bath bombs a month!

Soon enough, Target wanted to sell their product in 1,800 stores all over the U.S. This prompted them to move their production to a warehouse near them. Their school allowed them time in school to work on their business, supporting them in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Today, this family business generates over $20 million in revenue per year and remains self-funded!

Da Bomb also seeks to give back to people around the globe, focusing their donations on The Water Project which provides rural communities in Africa clean drinking water. With every purchase of an “Earth Bomb”, contributions are made to this cause. So far, the business has helped to provide “clean drinking water and rainwater containment systems that serve over 10,000 people in 20 communities” (Da Bomb, 2024).

The Bercaw sisters have an inspiring entrepreneurial story. They saw a problem, they innovated, found a solution, and provided value to consumers across the country. And, because of their hard work and generous hearts, thousands of people now have access to clean water where they did not before.

 

Da Bomb Bath Fizzers: Handmade Bath Bombs With A Surprise Inside! (dabombfizzers.com)

In Pursuit of the MVP – The Tim Tebow Foundation

If you thought MVP meant Most Valuable Player, you would be wrong.  When Tim Tebow uses MVP, he means Most Vulnerable Person.

Years ago I was able to hear Pam Tebow speaking at a fall fundraiser for AbbaCare Crisis Pregnancy Center in Winchester, Virginia.  This connection has prompted me enjoy a glimpse or two of what her son Tim Tebow is up to.  Pam was encouraged to abort him, and told her story at that fall fundraiser.  Knowing that Tim’s life was disposable, and seeing how he has such a heart for the Lord is inspirational!

During his college years, he played football and won the Heisman trophy as an undergrad.  Tim’s life has been full of changes and pivoting.  He had planned to play NFL football for years but God had other plans for his life.  After playing in the NFL for several years, he played professional baseball for a time, and was a college football analyst with ESPN.  He was well known for his Christian faith and his willingness to be unashamed to be a witness for it both on and off the field.

Please read Tim’s story ! Tim’s love for the Lord drives him.  He has been through a lot after college in terms of a hopeful career in football that never transpired as he thought it would.  (A Romans 8:28 example to be sure.) However, Tim not getting discouraged or down caused more good to so many. He took the focus away from his own disappointments in life and focused on others, the MVP’s, with an entrepreneurial idea!

He began an organization called the Tim Tebow Foundation in 2010.  His founding of the Tim Tebow Foundation has giving hope to so many people.  The TTF’s mission is:

“Our Mission is to bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.”

The TTF accomplishes this in many ways.  They have worked in over 86 countries.  They are involved in caring for orphans, saving children from trafficking and also helping children with disabilities.  One wonderful event is called Night to Shine. This entrepreneurial event is hosted by volunteer churches.  “Night to Shine” is for people over the age of 14 who have disabilities.  From the website “Night to Shine is an unforgettable celebration event, centered on God’s love, honoring and valuing people with special needs.”

When we go through rough times in life, so often we tend to feel sorry for ourselves and can easily give in to despair.  Tim Tebow is a good example for everyone, in that when things didn’t work out like he dreamed they would, he took the focus off of himself and served others!

Romania Reborn – A Family is Possible

Under communism, the country of Romania, and in particular the Gypsy people group, severely suffered.  Children of certain groups in the country suffered more than others, causing them to be abandoned and also neglected.

God was at work when Jayme Metzgar’s mission trip brought her to Romania and also to the apartment of Corina Caba.  At that time Corina, right our of college, was caring for seven abandoned babies and working toward placing them in adoptive families.  After Jayme returned home, Romania Reborn was founded with the goal of supporting the work of Corina both financially and in prayer.  I should add here that I recall that Jayme was right out of high school when she went to Romania and her life intersected with Corina’s. (So we see Jayme, right out of high school and Corina right out of college.)

Since its inception, Romania Reborn has remained solidly focused on the children of Romania.  They are able to find safe homes for abandoned and neglected children and assist families in adopting these children as their own.  Romania Reborn also has foster families who are willing to care for children for the long term who are unable to be adopted due to legal and cultural issues.   Romanian law dictates that only Romanian citizens can adopt Romanian children, which is why children can only be adopted by Romanian families.

Romania Reborn has several ways we can help.  Donors can join the Family Support Team, where their donations go directly toward adoption expenses, such as court costs, home studies, etc until a child is placed in the home of their new family.  Also, donors can become a Foster Sponsor, which enables children who are prevented from being adopted, to be cared for by a loving foster family.

From Romania Reborn’s website, “Our goal in ministry is not only to save children from abandonment, but also to share the beauty and power of the Gospel at every opportunity.”

I learned of Romania Reborn years ago, directly through Jayme as we attended the same church in West Virginia.  Her passion for the work there is evident every time I hear her speak.  Jayme and Corina were so very young when Romania Reborn began, which is a great testament that the Lord will give young people whatever tools they need when they set out to accomplish His work!

 

 

Bearbottom Clothing: Robert Felder

Robert Felder serves as a wonderful example of a young entrepreneur. On a trip to Bangladesh in 2012, Felder was faced with the devastating realities of

clothing production in India. Though still a high school student, Felder began to devise the clothing brand Bearbottom Clothing as a solution to fill the void of quality jobs and basic necessities like clothing. In 2014 Felder launched his brand and immediately gained significant traction on account of Bearbottom’s sustainability and heart-warming mission. His mission was to produce sustainable menswear that was also ethically made. He planned to create this impact by donating a school meal and clothing to children in Bangladesh for every purchase made. He was extremely successful in creating this impact as he has now donated over 700,000 meals and 100,000 pairs of shorts to Bearbottom partner communities. This is incredibly inspiring to me, as Felder used his creativity and innovative mind to love people well. Everything about Bearbottom is ultimately driven by a desire to create a positive impact in communities that are in need. What a wonderful mission and quality product.

Martinez Brothers – Are You Kidding Socks

Brandon (17) and Sebastian Martinez (15) are the founders of the sock-selling business, Are You Kidding Socks. Their business sprouted from Sebastian’s obsession with fun, patterned socks when Brandon was 8 years old and Sebastian was 6. In 2014, Sebastian started designing his own socks and, with the help of their mom, had them manufactured professionally. Their company has sold well over $1 million worth of socks and continues to grow as they reach more and more of the sock market.

Their purpose for their company now is to help grow awareness for local and national charities like Stand Up to Cancer, Autism Speaks, Amigos for Kids, and more. Their sock designs themselves raise awareness for many conditions and illnesses like pediatric cancer, autism, and breast cancer. They are now in partnership with 13 charities and work every day to make socks that help raise money for people in need.

These kids didn’t come up with a unique, problem-solving product that changes how we live day-to-day. No, their innovation was how they designed their business and their purpose behind it. What started out as just a six-year-old coloring sock designs for fun has now turned into a massive non-profit business that supports many different causes and seeks to change lives for the better. They inspire me with their passion for kids and people with illnesses, mental handicaps, special needs, etc. to look for ways I can support and give back to the community that serves me. They have also shown that you don’t have to make a life-changing technological breakthrough to have an impact on people.

Sammy Lyon – GoodRents

When one thinks of real estate in cities, the first thing that comes to mind is small, overpriced homes in bad locations. Up-and-comer Sammy Lyons is challenging and changing this notion of living in urban areas. Originally introduced to real estate by a co-worker, Sammy, who according to his website holds an “M.A. in Education, Leadership & Change from Antioch University and spent 10+ years leading innovative education programs at schools and non-profits,” became obsessed with real estate. He started by investing in out-of-state rental properties before starting his business. Sammy now runs GoodRents, a successful real estate business in Los Angeles, CA. His company set itself apart by doing what’s known in the real estate business as “house hacking.” Essentially, Sammy buys a property and rents units or apartments off said property to make it more affordable. Not only that, GoodRents also donates 5% of their revenue to various social and environmental organizations to further benefit communities. Through his business, Sammy constantly tries to prove to people that it can be possible to affordably live in expensive areas like Los Angeles.

Since founding GoodRents, Sammy has expanded his business ventures in many ways. Sammy now offers the traditional buying and selling of homes along with project management for those who want to build, instead of buy, houses (an often cheaper alternative to buying an already built home in cities like LA). He also helps people get into real estate investing, move up to their next property, and/or buy their first home. Sammy also intends to buy apartment buildings in LA for additional rental income and wants to be financially free by age 40. To read more about Sammy and his real estate ventures, visit entrepreneursherald.com and check out his website lyonideas.com.

Fit Fuel

Sean Kelly had a very intriguing idea with his business Fit Fuel. He took an idea that was already invented and made it his own. Vending machines are very convenient for people to grab a quick snack or a quick drink. They even have vending machines in gyms which can defeat the purpose of a workout. When he was in college he came up with Fit Fuel. His business sold healthy foods to be put into vending machines. Eventually, by 2007, he was able to sell vending machines filled with healthy foods. This business was called H.U.M.A.N Healthy Vending. He partnered with Andy Mackensen to help fund this business along with Fit Fuel partners. Within the vending machines consisted of protein bars, yogurt, gluten-free products, and other healthy food options. Sean’s plan was to be the leading anti-obesity company in the country. To also help this cause, 10% of the proceeds are given to obesity-fighting and malnutrition charities. It is very clever how he built his idea from other ideas and that he is also giving back. He first came up with this idea by watching a women grab a coke before going on the elliptical. This shows that ideas can come from anything and anywhere. It is important to know that any idea can make a difference. In this instance, Sean just needed to observe in order to come up with something that could improve the product in this situation.

Raelynn Heath-Rae’s Materials

Raelynn Heath is a young girl who started her own business making and designing jewelry. she started making jewelry when she was just 4 years old.

Young Raelynn started making her first jewelry with plastic beads and acrylic. as she got older, she continued to create new things like jewelry out of clay and recycled pieces of soda cans and chip bags, and even her old clothes she grew out of. With her mother’s assistance, she would give donate to members of her community to those specifically lost loved ones. she plans to expand into clothing design as well.

From Raelynn’s amazing product and mission, she made it onto the 1 Million Cups to spread awareness of her product and to explain her story. 1 Million Cups is a Weekly education program that gives experiential learning opportunities to entrepreneurs of today’s world.

I find young Raelynn’s so unique with her recycled jewelry and I’m behind impressed that she made such a popular project at such a young age. I think her story is motivation to us all to commit to our ideas and make them come true.

Kenan Pala – Kids4Community

Kenan Pala is the child of two Turkish immigrants (as of 1998) and was only 11 when he got an idea for a business. On a run at the beach with his father, Kenan saw passerbys trying to help a stranded seal. When he was being driven home, Kenan saw a poverty-stricken person asking for help. No one stopped to help. Struck by the comparison, Kenan researched homelessness in his home city San Diego and found it was #4 in the nation for highest homelessness rates. Kenan wanted to do something.

His opportunity arose in 2016 when he and his friends broke the Guiness World Record for the largest cardboard mosaic to raise awareness for local homelessness. Empowered by his success, Kenan created his charity Kids4Community in 2017.

Kids4Community is a charity that seeks to aid the homeless. Volunteers do things such as make meals for shelters and create programs which educate people of all ages about homelessness and the dangers of substance abuse. Kids4Community also aided hurricane and natural disaster victims with hygiene kids, as well as sending 400 low-income elementary school kids backpacks with school supplies. The charity is also responsible for organizing the cleaning of Mission Bay and supplying a local homeless shelter with 2,000 stockings in December 2017.

Due to this, Kenan was named one of the top 10 youth volunteers in the country in 2017 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Additionally, in 2018, the mayor of San Diego named January 23rd “Kenan Pala day.”

On top of his charity and accolades, Kenan is a fantastic runner who is not easily fazed by success. In 2018, he ran in the San Diego Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon, winning the boys 15-17 age division with a mile average of 5:57. Kenan runs a shocking 40-70 miles a week, often waking up at 4:30 AM to get started. Since he loves running, it’s no surprise he would use it to fundraise for his charity. Kenan hosted a 5k event to raise money to a housing program. He hopes to raise money for Kids4Community by running in the future, as well as run for Stanford University. Kenan even hopes that one day he might run in the Olympics in the 5,000 meters.

John Rockefeller – Richest man in history

Rockefeller Center was built through his Oil fortunes to help create economic activity during the Great Depression. (Photo by David Shankbone)

John D. Rockefeller is often considered one of histories richest people. His journey to Entrepreneurial success and business fame started at an early age. He grew up with a tough childhood, his father would often leave and even had a secret second family in Canada. Rockefeller knew he could not pay for a higher education so at the young age of 16 he went to work at an accounting firm as an assistant bookkeeper. He quickly distinguished himself among his peers and teamed up with some local merchants in Cleveland to start a produce shipping company. Rockefeller achieved moderate success at a young age but quickly pivoted to what he would be famous for, the emerging Oil industry. Rockefeller was able to capitalize on his current success to shift into the new market at a perfect time. While most of the companies getting in on the oil rush at this time where rushing to drill oil in the newly discovered oil fields of Pennsylvania Rockefeller knew that the oil was useless until it had been refined so while the market had too many drillers Rockefeller put all his efforts into refining the Oil. He was very successful at this because of his focus on efficiency and chemical innovations, he despised any type of waste. His success continued as he grew older he continued to expand and bought out much of his competition offering generous stock deals to join his Oil Empire. This gave him a dream time of the best oil Entrepreneurs on his team. This company was Standard Oil which became the largest company in the U.S and was technically a monopoly. This led to it later being broken up by the U.S government though this did not effect Rockefeller much as the next years he made his biggest fortunes off of the new automobile industry. Today the Standard Oil company is the origin for almost all major U.S Oil Companies like Exxon and Chevron.