Behind the Button

Buttonguy Riding the Ride to Fight cancer.

 

With your help this little cycling team Rhonda and I started in 2005 has raised over $290,000 for charity! MojoRiding has turned the amateur cycling/fundraising world on it's ear and we even got to meet and ride with a very special person because of it (more on that below)

So now we are at it again Rhonda, myself & fifty MojoRiders will be taking to the tree-lined streets of Myers Park in the 24 Hours of Booty << (watch the video it's amazing) to benefit LIVESTRONG and Charlotte cancer charities July 25-26.

And now you can add a LIVESTRONG yellow bracelet to Twitter @buttonguy very cool...

Like so many of my Buttons of Hope customers I will be walking the walk OK riding the ride and fundraising for a great cause. We'll be riding for our cousins Dale and Janie who passed away too young from cancer. And will also be riding for Robin Perkins wife of Dave Perkins our good friend and fellow Mojo. Robin was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is battling through surgery and treatments. We'll also be out there in honor of our dear friend Brandon Elam who passed away, and to support little Ellie Potvin who is battling a rare cancer BUT after a year of chemo is winning her fight! Robin and Ellie are examples of the promise of research, early detection and treatment that is funded by your donation to our efforts!

Rhonda and I are going to ride a combined 300+ miles (20 hours) in the 24 hour period (through the night and summer heat)....

We realize there are a number of ways to give and some remarkable causes - we hope you'll consider our physical effort and commitment should you decide to contribute - maybe you have someone you'd like us to honor - for every $50 donation we'll wear a button of your loved on our jersey (one for you too) and ride in their honor! It's very easy to donate** online simply click on the link below to make a donation.

http://budurl.com/BootyForMichael 

Any size donation is greatly appreciated - Thank you for your generous donation!

OK so back to the "mystery person" - because of the generosity of our donors and the hard work of the Mojoriding team last fall Rhonda and I were invited to Austin where we both got to meet Lance Armstrong and I had the dream of a lifetime honor of riding with Lance.

 

You Can't Move On, So You Try to Move Forward

Mary and John Kelker are moving forward ~ and it's a big deal! I think often of the Kelkers and of course of their daughter Janine who is such a big part of what Buttons of Hope (and I) have become. If it's true (and it is) that you can tell a lot about a person from there friends and family ~ well then Janine Kelker must have been some kind of wonderful person.

This past Saturday morning I walked with Janine's family & friends in the Charlotte Walk Like MADD walkathon to end the scourge of drunk driving. It was a beautiful morning and it was so good to see Janine's Mom Mary truly smile ~ I have seen Mary smile a few times before in he three years I have known her but this time was different ~ she seemed more at peace and while never forgetting, never moving on Mary seemed like she was starting to move forward. We walked a good part of the walk together talking about kids, jobs, the economy, life and of course Janine - knowing full well that the world would be a wondrously better place with Janine walking beside us.

You might ask why someone I never met means so much to me? If I've learned one thing from the hundreds of tragic stories I have embraced the past three years it is this ~ as many gifts as a person has to give in life, there are also gifts that can only be given in death. This is not to say that by any measure death is better than life ~ just that I have seen such strength and purpose in the people who have lost loved ones ~ that the only explanation is those who have gone help us, nurture us all to move forward in peace.

I am glad to have cone to know the Kelkers, proud to call them my friends and I only wish I could have met Janine ~ who inspires me everyday.     

Something(s) to Believe In - Hugh Mcleod & Buttons of Hope

"the market for something to believe in is infinite" ~ Hugh MacLeod

The image above was originally drawn on he back of a business card. I am pretty sure Hugh Macleod does not think of himself as an artist per se. His work is funny, provocative, sometimes petulant and always remarkable - he is collaborating with his good friend Seth Godin to offer limited edition prints of his "back of the business card art" -- very cool check it out here & here. 

So why am I writing about this in Behind the Button? Because "something to believe in is [indeed] infinite" and I'll add [increasingly rare] and as Hugh says...

"...the idea that products were not just functional things to be mass produced and foisted upon consumers, really began to take on meaning for me. We human beings are here to find meaning, not just to consume stuff - and that has informed my philosophy ever since." Mine too!

Helping people find meaning, making a product that is so much more than a combo of paper, metal and plastic is what Buttons of Hope is all about. Just yesterday I was telling a friend about a post I did on behalf of Michele Kwok and her Dad. He said "she must have been a big customer" - no not really she ordered one button (and I made another for free) - see for me it's not all about the money, it's about the project, it's about making a really, really big change in the way people view causes, raise money and in how they view themselves. My friend Will said "(I) was much more about making a difference than a profit" ~ I like that he said that!

I think for most of my customers their buttons are simply a tangible expression of "something to believe in and hope for"

"My Dad will be running with me the whole way" - Michele is going to to fly!

On occasion I make buttons for runners, but much like cyclists runners can be a little different from walkers. I had one runner recently who did not want to wear a button ~ he said it might "weigh him down"! (the buttons are about 1.5 oz!) Well here's a story about a runner who is most certainly going to be lifted up by her button - Michele Kwok is going to fly at the 2009 Chicago Rock & Roll Half Marathon ~ in part because of this button of her Dad!

"I will wear this button on the day of my race, my Dad will be running with me the whole way, he is my inspiration to finish these 13.1 miles without stopping." ~ Michele Kwok

I am no longer surprised by people like Michele BUT I am still in awe of the strength people muster in the most heart-rending of circumstances. Michele lost her dad to cancer less than a year ago and now with the support and motivation of The leukemia and lymphoma Society's awesome Team in Training Michele has the courage to run further than ever before in honor of her Dad. Please take a minute to read Michele's story and if you are touched by her story please consider donating to her cause click here so that in the future people like Michele's dad will be there to run beside her in more than spirit!

From Michele Kwok....

"It has always been a goal of mine to participate in the Chicago Marathon. I have participated in a few 5K races during the past few years and finally this year I decided to take it a notch up towards my goal. I ran in the 2009 Shamrock Shuffle 8K this March even though it was snowing and there were puddles everywhere, as long as it wasn't cancelled, I didn't care, I was going to run it. I finished with a great time and it was a great experience. The next step is at the end of May when I run the 15K at Soldier Field. When I was researching the Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon, I saw that the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society were offering their training services for this event and I thought that if I could conquer the 1/2 marathon then eventually I could do the full. I signed up right away and I knew that I wouldn't be able to train for this big event by myself and I also wanted to help fundraise for the society. This event means a lot to me, I'm running in memory of my Dad who lost his battle with Leukemia last September.

My Dad was a kind, loving, genuine, loving, and hardworking man. He was diagnosed with Leukemia right after Christmas in 2007. He went through 2 rounds of Chemo and throughout the whole time, he had the greatest spirit and positive outlook even through all the pain. He had found an article in the newspaper and the title read "I Will Survive!" He clipped it out and posted it next to his bed. He always loved to make jokes and had a unique sense of humor, his cheerfulness always made everyone smile. His chemo sessions resulted well and he was feeling good. He was able to make it to my Commencement and see me walk across the stage, I was so thankful for that.

Damn the Lemons! Buttons of Hope a Finalist

Sometimes when you lose you win! A couple of weeks ago Buttons of Hope was a finalist at the Charlotte Research Institute's  Five Ventures Entrepreneurial Competition. It was truly an honor to be part of this prestigious competition ~ to make it through the semi-finals and then the finals.

It was tough and in the end I faced a real challenge having to do a mock sales pitch: Buttons of Hope to a fictionalized retailer Tall-Mart (yes that retailer). So I did what so many of my customers and friends in the non profit/fundraising world do every day I did my best to turn lemons into lemonade! My pitch...encourage Walmart to put a face on their corporate giving by having their two million associates wear photo buttons -- bold idea (see lemons above) I did not win came out third in a category of three...yikes!

As my sweetest daughter Emily cautioned me...
Dad, good luck with that!

I wished I had the opportunity to pitch Buttons of Hope to a Susan Komen, American cancer Society or March of Dimes. I had a great presentation at the ready talking about how custom photo buttons are a way to personalize a cause and a way to engage both fundraisers and donors alike. About how colored ribbons, wristbands and names scribbled on placards become anonymous and pale in comparison to the picture of a loved one or a friend! About how Non-Profits need to embrace bold, unique approaches...right now! (sorry couldn't resist)

Those of you (me) who have made buttons know what I am talking about ~ how the very act of choosing the picture, holding and pinning on the button makes such a huge difference - the button becomes a tangible expression of your pride, honor and love!

If you like...the Charlotte Observer's Kirsten Valle did a really nice job in her story about the competition and Buttons of Hope.

But, I'd still like to give that preferred presentation ~ so if you're a non-profit looking for a new way to engage motivate and inspire your grassroots fundraisers and donors well we need to meet. I am ready to talk. And to all my awesome customers if you know a fundraising event/cause that could use a little (or giant) push please tell them about Buttons of Hope!

One picture shows what Susan Komen Race for the Cure is all about.

> I received this note today from a fiend Diana who made buttons for her own breast cancer walk read her story here..I just thought this was so moving..."I am so sorry for their loss. Do you think it would be okay with Jennifer's friends and family if I bought a button and wore it in my Avon breast cancer walk? I know I did not know her but I read the blog and would be honored if they said okay!!!" Diana, I'm going to say it would be more than just OK!

_________________________________________________________________

I suppose I've seen Jennifer Goncalves face a few hundred times between making, packing and shipping 100 buttons for her friends and family to wear in the April 26 Susan Komen Race for the Cure in Newark, NJ. Much like Janine Kelker I feel like I know Jen ~ I wish I could have known her.

Jen's button is one a few I've made without any words and once you see Jen's eyes and smile ~ I think you'll see why words, logos, colored ribbons and wristbands pale in comparison to the powerfully simple message of a face on a button. Jen only 26 passed away from cancer two weeks before her wedding day.

Please check out the Jen's Breast Friends team page and consider making a donation ~ you might want to read this first from Jen and then from her Aunt Lucy Piccininni...

"Cancer took away my hair, my boobs, and my energy...
But it never took away my hope and courage to fight this horrible disease!"
-Jennifer Goncalves

My beloved niece Jennifer Goncalves was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, at the age of 26, in January 2008. After 14 months of battling this disease she passed away on March 20, 2009, 2 weeks before her wedding!

She was unlike any other person on this earth. She was the very essence of compassion, strength, courage, beauty, happiness, intelligence and the list can go on and on. From the time Jennifer was a little girl she had a certain appreciation for the simple things that life had to offer. Her joy for life was clearly demonstrated through her beautiful smile and the sparkle in those unforgettable green eyes.

Jennifer was more than just a daughter, fiancé, sister, niece, best friend, etc.  She was everything to everyone that knew her and all of our lives are a million times better just because we had the privilege of having her in it.  Her time with us was short, but she managed to impact and touch more people than most do in an entire lifetime.   We will always feel cheated that she was taken from us so young and yet we must learn to be grateful that she came along at all.

Even during her most difficult moments, she kept a positive attitude. The strength and courage that she possessed this past year is beyond what anyone could've ever imagined and it shows what a truly remarkable woman she was. Jennifer had the most contagious laugh that could be heard miles away and she had the wonderful ability to brighten up any room that you walked into. (continued...)

Dogs get cancer too! American cancer Society DOGsWALK 2009

A good friend of mine Blake Garvin thought she had an unusual request - could I make a couple of buttons with the picture of a dog! Blake will be walking with her friend Taja in the American cancer Society's Dogswalk this Saturday here in Charlotte NC ~ one of many nationwide ~ for more info click on the red dog>

Blake and Taja will no doubt join hundreds here and thousands across the country walking in honor of their best friends ~ in this case Molli Blue. Taja tells us what this cause and her beloved Molli Blue mean to her...

 "As many of you know, I lost my incredible Molli to cancer in February. She fought a long battle but always with a smile. After suffering from two different types of cancer within three years she finally went to heaven where she could be free of any pain. Thanks to her wonderful  Oncologist Dr. McFadden and all the doctors and staff at NCSU she lived a longer life than most with her disease. I hope that her participation in the cancer study at NCSU will help save the lives of many in the future. So here is to you Molli Blue! I am walking in the American cancer Society's Dogswalk in your memory to celebrate your life!!! I LOVE YOU INFINITY!"

If I've learned one thing with Buttons of Hope is that it really is not just about the button -- the buttons are simply tools, a means for people to tangibly express their emotion, love and pride. There is however something magic (trust me) about holding and then pinning on a button with your loved one's smiling face whether that loved one be two legged or four! If you'd like to support Taja in her cause please visit her fundraising page here. And if you'd like to read another awesome story like this one please check out Every dog has a story | Balou's Babes!
 
< Oh and of course I just had to surprise Taja with this special button when I saw this picture! 

Diana Wiles is what the Avon Walk 2009 is all about!

Today this beautiful interaction between Mother and daughter on here on Facebook -- truly this is what Buttons of Hope is all about - people connecting with a cause and each other - all because of a face on a button!

 

I met Diana a few weeks ago preparing for the Avon Walk, Washington DC - actually I did not meet her in person but I'm not sure that matters because we have become fast friends. Diana stumbled upon my Buttons of Hope website and sent me an email with a pretty common request "I need Fundraising help to reach the required donation (Avon Walk) amount of $1800." I get a lot of requests like this and try to help -most times I do not hear back but Diana was different, very different. I could tell she was "one of the crazy ones". Not crazy like "funny farm" crazy but crazy with passion!

In Diana's words...

"I am sure I am not alone when I say breast cancer has greatly affected my life. Although I have not been diagnosed with the disease myself I lost my mother to it and have several survivor friends, Almost every one I know has been touched by this disease in one way or another. I decided it was time to get off my butt and do something that could really help make a difference.

This is my first big step and I am a bit worried about walking that far (39 miles!) but I know I can do it however I am more worried about reaching my fundraising goal. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I do plan on having buttons made and I will be wearing them from now thru the event I would be happy to wear a button of you so let me know if you are interested in this and I will need a photo of you or your loved one name and category (in memory, survivor, or sponsor) and I will happily wear it."

Diana is gung ho about not only walking for a great cause BUT walking for a person - in fact five of them! her Aunt Judy, Sheri, Alice, Bonnie and her Mom. you can see Diana here proudly wearing her buttons. You can find Diana on Facebook here and as I always do if you're so inclined to help out Diana's cause then please visit her Avon page. Diana is well on her way and I hope her story motivates you to get involved, to be the change - we need you!

Buttons of Hope is now on Facebook & Twitter - UUU & You!

While social media seems to be moving faster than ever - the secret to success as old as the hills.  Provide information that is UUU & You that means Unique Updated, Useful and for YOU not me! To me the whole thing is about connecting and being real --too many people start out trying to sell on Facebook or Twitter and they miss the whole point. after all you would not "sell" your friend or an acquaintance something right after you order lattes at Starbucks ...right!

So like I do here with the Behind the Button blog I am dedicated to making all our connections more like conversations. Please share with me your fundraising experiences / tips, your stories about loved ones and of course pictures of you wearing buttons! We have some great new tools and my hope is that we will build a community of people passionate about giving back - the hopepond!

Please come visit us at:

Buttons of Hope on Facebook    http://companies.to/buttonsofhope/

Buttons of Hope On Twitter    http://twitter.com/buttonsofhope

Google: Michael Gibbons Charlotte - there is no half life

My friend Seth Godin today suggests that we all have a personal brand whether we know (or like) it or not. Google* is at once powerful and scary -- the good, the bad and the dumb will show up (and stay) on Google. Google doesn't have a half life, it has not only a long tail, but a permatail. I am proud (and relieved) to say mine looks pretty good (and busy), how's yours?
* Jeff Jarvis' What Would Google Do Is a awesome book.