This year, for my sister’s birthday, instead of buying a gift, I am very happy to contribute to her Cake Camp (a weekend camp to learn the magical bakery). As a talented pastry chick, this is something she really wants to go to but can’t afford herself. I mean, why should she have to pay for something so cool, by herself? So along with friends and family, we’re pitching in for her to enjoy this great camp that will further her dream. This got me thinking again about something I’ve been thinking for a while now…
As we get older, our friendships and connections become more meaningful. So how do we reflect our givings in the same light? I wanted our mindset towards gifts (we may not even want) to be as meaningful. “GIVING DREAMS, NOT STUFF”- tagline of DreamBank.org
Because we really don’t need more stuff. Go:
1. Spend a day together and get to know how you’ve grown
2. Volunteer together
3. Contribute to something meaningful, like their dream
Here is the message I wrote to my girlfriends todae.
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hey ladies,
with birthdays around the corner, i often think about gifts.
what would be a meaningful gift?
and i came across this great site (similar to my carpeDreams)
what is your ultimate dream?
what if we could support you and help you reach that dream?
(instead of giving you materialistic gifts that you may or may not want)
+ it donates a portion of that to charity!
it’s awesome!! i would love to contribute and make your dream a reality!
www.dreambank.org
love,
vanae
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V’stars, what is your ultimate dream? Sign up on dreambank.org and tell all your friends/family to support you! REMEMBER to post your dreambank link the comment section below and I’ll pick a dream to support!
Vanae’s tip of dae: Helping someone accomplish their dream will leave more of a lasting impression than any stuff you could ever buy.
I’m not sure what my dream is yet. But there’s a conference coming up that will deal with the new way businesses may be ran in the very near future. These conferences occur often as I’m well aware, but this one will have guest appearances from Steven Covey, Richard Branson (a role model for me), and The Dalai Llama. It’s a once in a lifetime chance and costs 2 G. I was pretty sure I couldn’t afford it AND a place to live for the next few months but now, maybe there’s a way….:)Good Post
hey victor,
dalai lama + richard branson = WOW
which conference is this?
is there a link?
Vanae
Yup, sounds too good to be true doesn’t it? Here’s the link and the details.
http://www.engagetoday2009.com/index3.php
The conference is 4 days long from September 30th to October 3rd and will occur in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The cost for the basic membership is $1997 roughly plus tax which for Canada kicks the cost up to roughly $2097. I’m going to pull all the strings I have and see if I can’t get up there…It’s just too good to let slip by without any fight!
Wow Vanae! That was such a thoughtful message, and I totally agree with you that we should be more aware about the needs of individuals that are disadvantaged or victims circumnstance.
I have been a regular contributor for a couple of years now at http://www.kiva.org/lender/cesar3821 and a few other Donor Networks here in Australia as it has been a passion of mine to help others globally who need our support.
Considering this, one of my “Big Dreams” is to visit one of the friends that I sponsor to see how my contribution has changed their life for the better.
To see that smile of appreciation is an experience that “Words Cannot Describe.” I remember receiving a letter from a little girl I sponsor in the Philippines which was one of the most “Moving Experiences” I’ve encountered. It actually brought tears to my eyes that I was unable to control.
BTW…It takes a lot to make me cry!!!
Now! On the subject of the upcoming birthday of your sister Vanae, make sure you hire this cute little guy to sing at her party http://tinyurl.com/b3bmyz
hey cesar,
KIVA is freakin’ awesome! love the micro-lending structure to balance out the enriches of the world.
have you contacted KIVA to find out how you can visit your sponsorees?
then figure out how much $ you’ll need to fly there.
Vanae
Wow Vanae, what a great post! We’re thrilled you’ve mentioned DreamBank, but even more so that you get what we’re about and that you’re encouraging your friends & family to think about more meaningful gift giving instead of wasting cash just for the sake of it.
Keep up the awesomeness, looking forward to checking out your Dream Gifts on the site!
Victoria
(DreamBank Online Community Manager)
hey victoria,
thanks for joining us here.
i posted my first dream gift:
http://www.dreambank.org/39072/dreams/delivering_hugs-37995.html
Vanae
Thanks for sharing about DreamBank. I love the concept..:)
I second that.
Great post