On Friday, October 27th I hosted the 2nd Annual North Van Cares Foundation Gala here in North Vancouver at the Pipeshop Venue, Shipyards.
The gala was the culmination of a huge effort by my gala planning committee team that have been my go to people since last year's first charity ball. It always seems inadequate to say "thank you" to these wonderful people. The work they do in the months and weeks leading up to the event is nothing short of remarkable and I love each of them for their dedication to North Van Cares.
Why, on earth, do we spend so much time in the service of others when all of us have jobs and businesses to run? Valid question.
It's certainly not for the money since none of us make any money from this event.
It's not the recognition since only I really get the glory in the press and from our beneficiaries.
I'll tell you why...
Only by being in the service of others can you find true happiness in this world. Whether that service is through philanthropy or by using your knowledge to help other people, that feeling you get when you help to solve a problem is a big, old hit of oxytocin and some dopamine!
According to a professor at Cedars Sinai, "Dr. IsHak says studies have also linked random acts of kindness to releasing dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that can give us a feeling of euphoria. This feel-good brain chemical is credited with causing what's known as a "helper's high." (link to article)
As a kid my mom taught me that helping others really is a way to help yourself. I have spent most of my life looking for ways to help. Whether that be with the North Van Cares Foundation or within my real estate business, I just know that, for myself, being of service makes me feel better.
When a friend or client randomly chooses to work with another Realtor® because it was "convenient" or "they forgot" I was an agent, it feels terrible (nature of the business) but I can mitigate that terrible feeling with an act of kindness.
Not everyone is going to be so naive as to start a foundation (especially during a pandemic!) Ignorance is bliss in this case. But that doesn't mean that you can't weave acts of kindness into your everyday life and your business practices. Most of us are so very fortunate to be in a position to bring about positive action.
I am currently putting together a speech about how you can incorporate giving into any business model. I plan to do some speaking engagements in 2024 around that theme and will be taking inquiries in January. If you have an event that needs the oxitocin/dopamine hit, message me and I'll try to help...because that's what I like to do :)
But also, I'm always here to give you real estate info. Even if you just have a "quick question" I'm either going to know the answer or I will be able to find the answer. Either way, ask me. I've got you.
As I wind down from this year's gala (and start thinking about next year, right away ;) I finally have a moment to think of the folks this money will help and the community of North Vancouver that came together to help them. I could not be more proud of what we are doing and I could not have this impact without the help of so may people. So, THANK YOU!
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