I have been blessed over the past several months to be able to engage in many wonderful conversations with some very talented people who have dedicated their lives to helping others. These conversations inspire me to pursue more great stories about people in our communities that are walking the talk in their own way doing great things to help those in need.
Last Friday, I had a great conversation with an old friend from our home town of Shawnee, Oklahoma. The interesting part of this story is that I had not seen or talked to John in over 40 years. As I wrote the first newsletters about some very worthy charities in Michigan he responded with several encouraging emails about my efforts to shine a spotlight on people making a difference.
As we began corresponding through email over the past several weeks I quickly realized he would be a great podcast guest. We could reminisce about our friends and events from college that helped shape his life and the efforts he and his wife, Marsha, are making to help others in Oklahoma. So, I called him up and we started talking about topics for the podcast that we thought others might find interesting.
I knew after taking six pages of notes that this would be a difficult editing job condensing the podcast to less than 30 minutes. As you will hear, we had a few technical issues with our connection in Colorado, but the stories and memories are great. Hats off to my podcast producer Joe Woolworth in North Carolina who did a great job pulling the podcast together.
New Episode with John Waldo available now!
After you listen to the podcast, please watch two videos John has provided.
I promise both videos are inspiring and give testimony to good works being rewarded. One is with our fraternity brother, Clark Millspaugh, about his transition to giving back to others in Tulsa. Clark Millspaugh turned his life around with the help of The Halftime Institute and is an excellent example of turning Success into Significance.
Please enjoy Clark’s video and mission.
And, a second video is about a young military doctor, Peyton Johnson, who received financial support from many thoughtful donors as he was fighting off Leukemia during his youth. This video from Peyton Johnson is exactly what you want to hear if you have donated to a cause and ever wondered what became of your contributions. I promise this elegant thank you from Peyton will encourage you to not think twice about your act of kindness in the future.
If you were inspired by one of the stories this week and want to Act, here are a few ways to get involved.
Halftime.org
For anyone interested in contacting Halftime.org,
check out their website and don’t hesitate to
call or email Rhonda Kehlbeck.
4th Quarter
Importantly, John mentioned during the podcast the important work Bruce Stover and 4th Quarter are doing in Oklahoma City.
His contact information is:
Bruce Stoverbruce.stover@gmail.com,
Cell: 832-298-6102
Head Ball Coach Champions Foundation
Finally, to help John’s and Marsha’s efforts to provide scholarships in partnership with former OU football coach Bob Stoops, visit the website for
Head Ball Coach Champions Foundation.
and designate your donation to the Stoops-Everest Scholarship
Some inspiration for the weekend ahead...
I was sent this quote by my friends Rand and Donna Harder. It's a great one.
Thank you for sharing, Rand & Donna.
“When someone steals another's clothes, we call them a thief. Should we not give the same name to one who could clothe the naked and does not? The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat unused in your closet belongs to the one who needs it; the shoes rotting in your closet belong to the one who has no shoes; the money which you hoard up belongs to the poor.”
― Basil the Great