The Fearless Blogger

I’ve lived a blessed life. My parents were both school teachers.  Their incomes may have been modest, but my brother and I never felt that we were lacking anything.  We were supported, loved, and encouraged through each and every step of our lives.  I’ve had the luxury of an education, of being able to take risks because I have a support network to fall back on; the luxury of choice.

I love my life, but even having so very many things handed to me, I wouldn’t say it’s all been easy.  What if my path had not been paved?

I passionately believe that every person deserves a chance. So does Lotay Yang, Board Director of the  Black Card Circle Foundation.

Like Robin Hood, but without the stealing

BCCF’s focus is on empowerment, achieved through the two driving principles of self-reliance and sustainability. Lotay is passionate about this: one cannot work without the other.   To use an age old metaphor: ”Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today.  Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime”.

BCCF believes that society, as a whole, rises when those who have been marginalized rise alongside. Society benefits when all its members fulfill their potential and contribute to their fullest capabilities.

Each person we empower to help themselves, is one less person left to the streets.  Think of the ripple effect. Each person who is empowered to help themselves – rely on themselves, and sustain that – becomes a powerful link in a chain of helping others to help themselves.

BCCF provides grants directly to non-profit organizations that promote self-reliance and sustainability in one of five areas:

1. Education
2. Environment
3. Healthcare
4. Community Development
5. Poverty Relief.

In addition to sharing wealth through grants, BCCF is also shares an arguably more valuable commodity – the BlackCardCircle.com network.    It’s difficult for me to describe the power of this foundation without touching briefly on the BCC, also founded by Lotay (note: although the Foundation licenses the BCC name, they are separate entities).  The BCC is an exclusive social network for “C-I-A’s” – “Connectors”, “Influencers” and “Alphas”. In other words, it’s like an insulated version of FaceBook, which requires each member to pass a rigorous screening process in order to join.

Lotay recognized the potential power of giving these CIAs an avenue to donate their money (or time) to those less fortunate – to those outside the circle of influence, those without a voice.  And so, the BCCF was born.  The Foundation’s events each benefit two charities and have two goals: to raise awareness and provide fundraising, both disguised under the veil of a prestigious affair.

Everyone benefits. BCCF events – such as the upcoming BCCF Black Tie Event – provide BCC members an evening of entertainment and networking. A night of fun, with the added bonus of an admission price that is tax deductible.  It makes giving easy and painless.  Additionally, the charities benefit from having their name along-side such brands as The Ritz Carlton.

Can you picture the potential of a fundraiser attended by an influential network of people with the power to make a difference?

You don’t need to be a “C.I.A.” to make a difference. You have the power to influence someone’s life by volunteering your time or making a donation to the BCCF.  Since everyone at BCCF is a volunteer, no one receives any payment for their time & effort – so every dollar you give will go towards helping someone in need.  Also, BCCF is a 501c3, so donations are tax-deductible.

Short on time and money?   Donate your voice to help those without.  I told you, now you tell your friends, they each tell their friends . . .  and so on and so on.  We’re all in this world together, let’s make it the best place possible for everyone.

The “Two-Minutes-or-Less List”
To make it easy for you, I’ve put together a “Two-Minute-or-Less List” (sound familiar?).

Each item on this list will help raise awareness of the BCCF and each will take two minutes (or less) of your time.

1. Join the BCCF cause on Facebook
2. Invite friends to join the BCCF cause page
3. Invite friends to donate money to the cause
4. Buy a ticket to the upcoming BCCF Black Tie Event
   (social media enthusiasts: I’ll be posting details about a discount here soon!)
   
5. Send a tweet about the BCCF Black Tie Event
6. Send a tweet about this post
7. Follow @BCCF on Twitter
8. Digg this post and/or the BCCF cause page
9. Stumble Upon this post and/or the BCCF cause page
10. Share this post with your friends and encourage them to lend their voice to spreading the word as well

Be creative!  Help make BCCF a household name.

Share ideas on other ways to spread the word in the comments below!

 Link to this page

 Link to this page

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