Every Friday on Twitter you can find 140 characters of other Twitter handles ending with an #FF. Because I'm not young anymore, it took a little Google search for me to figure out what was going on, but have since taken quite the liking to the idea of 'Follow Friday'. Assuming I remember on Fridays, I try to publicize Tweeps that are doing great things and are worth the follow.
Work has been grueling lately. We have an insane about of activity and the fatigued look is shared by every HR Business Partner in my office. Long days and endless work seems to get worse by the day. There is an end, but it's barely in sight. It makes me long miss my days of trying to be a Princess. However, I try to stop at least once a day to remind myself that outside of here, there are fantastic things going on. There are amazing organizations, phenomenal people and events that showcase both so wonderfully. So, in an effort to beat the work blues, this post will be dedicated to everyone that I feel deserves a follow, not just on Twitter but any way you can to support their efforts.
Let's start with my ever popular, @BoMFphilly. That's Back on My Feet, Philadelphia for those of you that aren't familiar. I've mentioned them previously and will continue to promote this amazing organization forever. There is a piece of BoMF that touches us all. No, I wasn't homeless, but it doesn't mean that witnessing the success of these men and women who are doesn't warm my soul. I've watched men climb a steep ladder to find their way from addiction and homelessness to stable income from a consistent job and the proper knowledge about money management to ensure that they will be able to pay the rent on their new apartment going forward. These same men have committed themselves to training plans, 5K's, half marathons and marathons along the way. Mornings with Back on My Feet are a time where everyone feels at home, even those who are still working to find the brick and mortar version.
In a close second is @RedemptionIMLP. Okay, okay, the hands behind the keyboard are my boyfriends, but it doesn't make him any less worth the follow. As you know from previous posts, the man-friend set out to take on IRONMAN Lake Placid in July 2013 and while it didn't end as we had planned, the experience has driven him to create his blog, Redemption (redemption2014.blogspot.com) which will detail the training process and emotions behind the path back to Lake Placid for 2014. It promises to be a long and arduous road....for both of us. Along the same token, this year's race will be raising money for the IRONMAN Foundation (@IMF_Foundation). The IRONMAN Foundation uses volunteerism, grant-making and philanthropy to leave behind a little piece of the IRONMAN in the communities in which host these massive triathlons.
Speaking of Foundations, check out @ibxfdn while you're perusing your Twitter. This is another one that is near and dear since the BFF (@GoodOneFalck) is over there kicking [healthy] ass and taking [healthy] names. The Independence Blue Cross Foundation is focused transforming health care through the communities in which they serve.
Talk about serving the community...(Thanks for the wonderful transition IBC)
Check out @TeamRWBPhilly! A good friend introduced me to Team Red, White & Blue over the summer and I've become more enamored by their efforts as I learn more. Team RWB works to enrich the lives of veterans by connecting them to their communities using social and physical activity. They have joined Back on My Feet for our Thursday Night Runs, and personally I think we make a pretty powerful combination! BTW, if you're looking for a late season 5K or 10K, make sure to check out http://rivalryraces.com/ for the Nation's Race on December 14th!
Last year at the Eagles Community Champion dinner, I learned of an organization called the Great Guys Group, who has since changed their name to Bringing Hope Home. This organization, @BHHPhilly, provides emotional and financial support to families that have been impacted by cancer. The organization started with just one family who was rocked by the news of Stage IV cancer during pregnancy with their second child. The amazing story of this family has turned into an amazing organization that has most certainly impacted the lives of almost 1500 local families.
All of the above reminds me of how many things that I am thankful for. Isn't that what happens in November? Thanksgiving is a pretty amazing holiday when you think of all of the influence that it has on people. It also has an influence on my waistline!! Which reminds me, have you gotten your Thanksgiving pies yet? If not, head on over to http://www.mannapies.org/thomsonreuters and stock up for the family!! At Thomson Reuters, we love @MANNANourishes for that and more! MANNA prepares and delivers nourishing meals to individuals who are battling illness.
My final plug for amazing follows is @THON. Most people who know me know that I attended Penn State University, and know how passionate I am about the research and fundraising that happens on campus. Dance Marathon started in 1977 and has since raised more than $101 million dollars to benefit The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. The Four Diamonds Fund picks up where insurance leaves off, enabling families to focus solely on care for their children. The Fund also provides research dollars with the intention of one day conquering pediatric cancer. Its the largest student-run philanthropy in the nation, and gets stronger each year. If you see a THON canner in your town, consider passing some change their way. Together, we can find the cure for cancer.
Together we can do a lot of things, and by sharing these amazing organizations I hope to bring more people into the fight. These are organizations that I'm passionate about, but am certain that there are many MANY more out there. So, while you're giving thanks this season, consider giving back as well. Sometimes it only takes one hug, one quarter or one pie to make a considerable difference.
#FF
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