I’m passionate about the world being a better place because I’m here, and I started this giving circle because I knew I could make a bigger impact with others than I could do alone. I’m not Bill Gates or Oprah Winfrey. I can’t donate a million dollars, but I can donate $25 a month. But the world’s problems were so big, could $25 really matter? It does! And I’m thrilled to be a part of this giving circle ending extreme poverty.

Because I’m also passionate about supporting veterans and pets, I founded two other giving circles to support these causes, and I founded Change Gangs, LLC which provides the support for all three giving circles.

When I’m not making the world a better place through my virtual giving circles, I’m out hiking and enjoying the amazing natural wonders of Monterey, California, volunteering, and studying for a marriage counseling certificate with Tony Robbins and Chloe Madanes.

I am dedicated to helping others find meaning, significance, and fulfillment in their lives.

I joined this giving circle because…

it feels good!

I live in Fort Collins, CO and love exploring the front range and Rocky Mountains through hiking, trail running, skiing and snowshoeing. I also love to cook and eat, so I need to make sure to work out enough to keep my eating in check 😉 I have an Australian Shepherd puppy who is just starting to join me on the adventures. The only thing I dislike about living in Fort Collins is the lack of ocean access; I love sitting on the beach with a good book, walking along the coastline, and riding the waves ashore.

I joined this giving circle because…

the idea of empowering people to improve their lives sounded really appealing. Driving home from work I often see people begging along the exit ramps of the interstate and I never donate with the idea that I would much rather donate to an organization that enables people to improve their lives themselves. This giving circle allows me to do that. I love talking with this great group of people each month and making educated choices, collectively, about where to donate our money. Because of this change gang, I know that my money is going to an organization that will use the it judiciously towards ending poverty

I am the parent of 3 doggies who are currently defining my activities at this point. We all participate in agility training and currently my two spaniels are competing. The baby (an Aussie and the biggest one) is just about ready to start competing. Both spaniels have achieved some level of success in AKC and have titles.

I’ve always been interested in animal issues and was delighted to join a group (a gang) that feels the same way. I have limited funds available and felt my small amount was hardly worth the effort. But the “gang” group pooling their resources appeals to me because then I feel like I am making a difference. I have volunteered for rescue situations, most recently a hoarding situation in Rockland County NY. I took a shift taking care of the numerous shelties that were confiscated from an older person who could no longer care for the 25 dogs she had.

I am currently the only New Jersey resident involved but hope to change that soon!!!! So if you are thinking of joining our gang, please do; it is a great way to get involved

I joined this giving circle because…

I joined the the poverty busters giving group because we have been incredibly blessed throughout my life with enough food to eat, the ability to work and earn enough to raise our two children, education them and see them blossom into wonderful caring adults. I would like to help in even a small way others to have the opportunity to succeed as well.

I am a mother of two children and I have two grandchildren who I adore. I am also blessed with an amazing extended family. I grew up with seven brothers and sisters. We were pretty poor, but we were taught to care and think about others. We had a wonderful kind Mother who taught us how to treat others. This is the greatest gift of all.

On a personal note, I like to write, paint, hike, walk, ride a bike, swim, and anything you can do outdoors. I would actually live in a tree house if I could figure that out. I would prefer to live in the jungle, although that would be rather dangerous. Maybe someday!!

I joined this giving circle because…

My niece Sharon Lipinski started Chang Gangs about a year ago, and I signed up because I believe in her mission. What a great way to belong to something you can trust with family and friends, as well as getting to know others across the pond.. It is wonderful being part of and making a difference to those less fortunate.

I am originally from New York, but have lived in Colorado for 35 years. I have 2 beautiful daughters whom I am very proud of. I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible. Also, I am very drawn to water: lakes, rivers and especially the ocean. Music is a passion of mine and I love listening to live music outdoors in the summertime. My work travels with me (gotta love the internet), so I have lots of freedom to travel.

I joined this giving circle because…

Like most, I have always given to different organizations and charities. With Change Gangs, I find that by having an organization nominated and researched by a fellow member, I am better at directing my donations to organiztions that are directly involved in breaking the cycle of poverty. As a ‘gang’ we get a chance to nominate an organization that will be the recipient of our pooled donations and as a group, decide which organization receives our quarterly donation. Doing it together has the advantage of being able to make larger donations and to make a greater impact.

A former advertising copywriter and marcom manager, I am now substitute teaching with dreams of writing. I love to hike with my camera and identify trees, wildflowers and birds. I love driving around the countryside to photograph old barns, homesteads and taverns.
More than anything, though, I love spending time with my children and grandchildren, all a source of incredible joy. In fact family…including my cousins and my Norwegian heritage, have always brought sustenance.

I joined this giving circle because…

I believe we are “our brothers’ keepers” and part of the larger world family. While I’ve never had a lot, I’ve always had more than many and believe that sharing the load and wealth is the way to live. Not incidentally, I wanted to join my creative and resourceful daughter-in-law in this important endeavor.