Just do it...

I'm not one to give motivational pep talks, but something about writing my first blog entry has me inspired.  "Why?" you might ask. Because I think Inspired Wining is on to something. And I want to share it with you.

One of our missions is to motivate women to raise funds and awareness for the charities of their choice -- while we raise money for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.  Whether it is fighting homelessness, raising breast cancer awareness, preventing animal cruelty or saving the whales, there are so many causes out there to connect to and so many ways to make a difference. And we believe that you can. 

I know we’re all busy.  Super busy.  Just juggling work, home, family and other responsibilities can leave even the most organized of us wishing we had 48 hours in a day.  It’s easy to convince ourselves that we’ll get involved and make a difference when things settle down at home or after we get through the next big project at work.  

But we all know there is never a perfect time to take a leap into the unknown. And that "unknown" just might be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Some fundraising and awareness efforts are time consuming.  Some take committees and months of planning and a small army of volunteers to pull off.  But sometimes you can make a big impact with minimal effort and just a little organization.  Plan a Girl’s Night Out at a local establishment and ask the owners in advance if they’ll consider donating a portion of the sales to your charity.  Host a birthday party for a friend or loved one and ask everyone to bring a donation for your charity instead of a gift. Contact your charity of choice and see if they need someone to stuff envelopes, put together informational packets or help out with one of their already planned fundraising events.  

The great thing about joining Inspired Wining is that we have the resources and ideas to help make fundraising seem far less daunting. So if you've had that nagging thought that you want to get involved, but you aren't sure where to start, turn to Inspired Wining. Or if you're already a fundraiser and you want to learn how to increase awareness and create fun, successful events, we're your girls. Let us support and inspire you the way we have each other.

Some my most meaningful experiences have involved fundraising for the cause that I share with Alexis, Allison, Andrea, Lisa and Tiffany.  The friendships we've forged and the accomplishments we share are some of the things I am most thankful for in my life.  

Just do it.  Nike was on to something when they developed that tagline. It's good advice for anyone who has the desire and the drive, but just needs to take the first step. So, I encourage you: Take the leap and get involved. Go for it. That's a true Inspired Winer, someone who is willing to take a step of faith for the benefit of another and then raise her glass and celebrate a job well done.

You know we'll be "cheering" you on.

Michelle Gauffreau is a customer service consultant for Broadcast 1 Source and  a founding member of Inspired Wining. She is also a wife, a mother of two and an active volunteer in her community.