Every week I come across a nonprofit or not-for-profit that is spreading the word about a cause or event to raise donations. It’s tough to stand out among the competition, and I always love finding an organization that does something creative to differentiate itself. That’s why when my pal Ryan Doyle, founder of the Live to Give Foundation (I’m linking to the Twitter page because L2G is in the process of getting a new website), told me about a new and unique initiative he’s involved in, I was more than happy to help share the news.
Ryan and the rest of his L2G team have partnered with University of Michigan football player Mike Martin to change the world one tackle at a time. Mike has been fortunate enough to find athletic success, and he’s using that success to do good in his community. Mike has been an active volunteer with C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and other organizations, but his partnership with L2G is his first large-scale philanthropic effort.
Ryan started L2G to make charity more personal by connecting donors, recipients and the community to their efforts through video documentaries, live streaming, social media outreach and much more. In less than three years, this team of 15 students and young professionals (all under the age of 24) has raised more than $50,000 to help 10 Michigan families in their time of need.
Mike and L2G will be raising awareness for each other’s efforts for the remainder of 2010, which will include a launch party in Novi on October 22 to celebrate the next evolution of L2G, as well as several other unique fundraisers on the University of Michigan campus. Their goal is to raise $15,000 to $20,000 for a cause (yet to be determined) that will benefit communities of southeast Michigan. Most importantly, 100 percent of every single dollar donated will directly benefit the state of Michigan.
Check out Mike’s promo video for the L2G partnership (bonus, it includes some funny outtakes at the end).
So, how can you help support Mike and L2G’s efforts to do some good and help those who are less fortunate? You can check out, and if you’re so inclined, “like” Mike and L2G’s Facebook pages. You can rally some friends and attend the launch party. You can spread the word about this initiative on your social networks, through a blog post and via any other way you deem appropriate. And of course, you can donate to help Mike and L2G reach their goal (it’s tax deductible!).
Thanks to Mike, Ryan and the entire L2G team for being agents for change!