Here I did stuff
I used to think that philanthropy was something I’d do “when I made it.” When I had the money and access it takes to “really” make a difference. You know? Like Bill Gates. But then I realized life just keeps getting busier and busier. And the fantasy of giving back in the future would never happen unless I started right now.
Guiding clients toward cause marketing campaigns is extremely rewarding for all involved. Especially when the causes align with a brand’s core values.
While volunteering on the board of the Denver Ad Club I started NEXT. It was a portfolio development program for junior creatives that exposed them to top creative directors from CP+B, TDA and other local agencies doing top national work.
At the end of the inaugural year, one of the teams got a job. And since then the program has grown and gotten more creatives work. It’s now headed up by the first copywriter who landed a job through Next.
Throughout the year I carve out time to spend at Zen Mountain Monastery. It’s a Zen center in the Catskills where I’m a formal student.
When I have free time on the weekends, I’ll just go up and help in garden. It’s a wonderful break from the city.