Giving back to the community!

Need to get your philanthropy on? You know it just FEELS GOOD! Yeah yeah... those new shoes you've been watching are cute, but will they make you feel as good as doing something for your community and others?

Maybe... BUT these are great causes that are sure to warm your heart (if nothing else... TEASER!)

To make it even easier to give back, both of these events happen to fall on the same day of Feb. 4!

Start your morning off with the 4th Annual Jean Hermsdorfer Memorial Mardi Gras 5k Run/Walk. Proceeds from the race go to breast cancer research. Early registration is $15, day of registration is $20, and kids participate for $10. Sponsored by the Notre Dame Regional High School FCCLA, the Run/Walk kicks off at 9am. You can find a map of the route here: http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=416892, and registration forms may be printed here: http://www.notredamehighschool.org/

After your brisk Walk/Run warms you up, head over to Lake Boutin for the 2012 Polar Bear Plunge supporting Missouri Special Olympics. Get a team together... or support my roller derby team CGRG (!!!!) as we brave the frigid water for a great cause! Plungers must wear shoes and some sort of clothing, but no wet suits allowed. Fun fact: did you know that a group of polar bears is called a celebration? Yeah, i didn't either, but I'm happy to be informed of it now! Did I mention that as of right this second, we are the "celebration" of "plungers" with the highest financial contributions. Do you enjoy a challenge... I DARE you to raise more money that us. No, no... I DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU. 

Now that we've warmed up your "giving" bone, here are a few other opportunities for you to share your wealth and time all year round:

The local Cape GIrardeau Library is always accepting donations in all forms, so the next time you clean out your den consider helping keep the library shelves stocked.

The Safe House for Women is a great alternative to a yard sale. Yes, you could make a few dollars off of those old housewares and clothes, but someone might need them more that you need a new iPod. They also have volunteering opportunities in house and at events. The Safe House for Women will also be hosting a fantastic event for the third year in a row, The Vintage Now Fashion Show. They already have a "save the date" for October 16th! 

These are just a few of the countless opportunities right here in Cape Girardeau for everyone to pitch in and make someone else's day a little brighter.

Do you know of other great opportunities in the Southeast Missouri area to help out? Let me know!