Now that we’ve all survived countless pounds of turkey and sugar comas, and our Black Friday bruises are healing… it’s time to talk about giving back and putting our money where our mouths are.

Sure… I may have taken advantage of a sale or thirteen, but today #GivingTuesday I’m goin to take the time to pay it forward.

The most important thing to remember today – is that it’s not how much you give, or even how you give it (time, money, services, goods – all are equally helpful to the organizations that receive them)… what is important is that you take a minute today to think of those less fortunate than you.

And if you need some ideas… based on where I’ve given my dollars today!

The SAMFund – Helping young adult cancer survivors

California Fire Foundation – Provides critical support to victims, firefighters, and communities affected by wildfire throughout California. (Hey, I live in CA, I don’t want to see it burnt to the roots.)

ACM Lifting Lives –  The philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music.

Los Angeles Food Bank – Mission = No one goes hungry in Los Angeles County.

Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica – To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Dogs Without Borders – DWB rescues stray and abandoned dogs from local shelters and as far away as Taiwan and Mexico. Dogs Without Borders does not have a facility and relies solely on foster volunteers to house and care for their rescue dogs until they are adopted. 

Planned Parenthood – Because every woman deserves access affordable, high-quality reproductive health care. And information about all of her options.

GLAAD – GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.

World Pride – Heritage of Pride is a nonprofit organization that plans and produces New York City’s official LGBTQIA+ Pride events each year to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969 — the beginning of the modern Gay Rights movement.

Tour Support – Light Hope Life – Tour Support is a new program to provide mental health tools & training to touring professionals. Tour Support has formed a partnership with BetterHelp called BetterHelp: Tour Support for tours and vendors to purchase counseling services for artists & their teams.

And, again, it’s about giving and helping another no matter what their circumstances are. You don’t have to agree with my choices, but I do encourage you to support the organizations that mean something to you, your family, and your chosen family! #GivingTuesday