An upcoming event to check out!

Recently, I was asked to participate in an upcoming event!

It's called "Words of Hope."

It's a group of inspiring speakers coming together for an inspiring morning full of messages that will encourage your BIG dreams.

But here's the really cool thing:  All the proceeds are going to Cornerstone of Hope Orphanage (in Benin City, Nigeria) and the Food Bank of Iowa.

How cool is that?

Here's the skinny:

When: Saturday, October 25 from 8 am to 1 pm

Where: Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines (Click here for directions)

How much: $20, plus we're suggesting you bring a donation of non-perishable food to fill up the food banks.  (Again, all proceeds goes to the Orphanage and the Food Bank)

It sounds like the website for the event will be able to sell tickets very soon.  (I will send out an update when that function is up and running.)

By the way, I'll be talking about "Project: dream BIG."  It's the story behind the BIG dream gathering and it also includes some of the things that I've been learning about dreaming BIG. 

For more information, you can connect with the founder of the program, Richard Rowe (Richard@hoperipples.com or you can click "comments" and leave questions here too.)

We're hoping fill the auditorium and raise a ton of funds for these kids. 

So, put it on your calender... bring some friends... come... and dream BIG!

A BIG dream organization

Hey gang -

As many of you know, with everything that's been happening with Q, the BIG dream gathering and kick, I've had the honor of getting to do a lot more speaking lately.

I love it and it's a "sweet spot" thing for me. 

Actually, it's a part of my BIG dream... playing out.  So, I'm grateful, excited and humbled... all at the same time.

I just wanted to let you know about an experience that I had recently... that blew my socks off.

I was asked to speak at a retreat for an incredibly innovative marketing group called "Relationship Marketing."

They had me come in to talk with their organization about dreaming bigger and thinking bigger. 

The cool thing was that they also invited a number of non-profit organizations to attend the retreat as well.

Then... and check this out because it's so dang cool... they had their employees immediately apply what we'd talked about during my workshop... with the non-profits. 

Yeah... these ubber-creative people with huge hearts were UNLEASHED to spend the rest of the day... helping these non-profits face some of their bigger challenges.

How AMAZING is that?!?

So, one team came along side "Orchard Place" in helping a 12-year-old boy and his family through some immediate and extreme financial difficulties.

One team worked with "House of Mercy," to brainstorm through getting better attendance for their annual open house.  They were also introduced to Elizabeth (a precious 9-year-old resident of HoM). 

Another team helped Habitat for Humanity and their Women's Build program.

The solutions that each team came up with blew me away.  Plus, each had IMMEDIATE impact on the organizations and the people those organizations work with. 

So, I just wanted to pass this along because Relationship Marketing (under the freaky cool leadership of Jim Lewis and Andrea Westmeyer) is an INCREDIBLE example of organizations that DREAM BIG! 

Plus, they help those around them to DREAM BIG too!

It was an awesome day and I can't wait to see how all of these new solutions play out!

Keep dreaming BIG!

Photo credit and kudos: Danielle deLeon

Another BDG podcast with BIG dreamers Mark and Rob!

Hey gang -

We've got another inspiring podcast with BIG dreamers Marc Hollander and Rob Versteegh!  (Click here to check out the podcast or hit the Blogtalkradio player below.)

These guys have combined two very different passions to make one BIG dream!

They've taken a passion for a new form of bike racing called "CycloCross" and a passion for growing awareness about Crohn's Disease.

Listen in as you hear about Mark's story of overcoming Crohn's and how Rob has come along side him to put some freakishly cool events together... to get people out... having fun... getting muddy... and growing awareness for Crohn's!

You can check out bikeIowa.com to find out more about their upcoming event in downtown Des Moines on September 27 and 28.

You can also check out Mark and Rob's website at cyclocrossmafia.blogspot.com.

Then, join in the conversation. 

Just click comments below and let us know if you have some ideas, some inspiration or some contacts for Mark and Rob. 

Thanks for dreaming BIG!

This BIG dream is to eradicate illiteracy in Africa!

Okay... the more I learn about BIG dreams... the more I find that most start from humble beginnings.

This BIG dream is no different...

Check out this podcast interview with Laura Hecht. 

You'll hear about how this BIG-audacious-bold-borderline-scary-dream got it's start as Laura sat at the last BIG dream gathering... with dream sheet in hand... thinking... "What's my really BIG dream?" 

After about 20 minutes of thinking... it hit her... and it hit BIG!

You'll have to listen to this 15 minute podcast to catch the rest of the story... because I want you to hear it right from Laura.

You can also click here to read more about Laura's BIG dream and how you can help: Download DreamFlyer.ppt

You can also follow updates from Laura via her website: www.Laura4Literacy.com.

So... give it some thought.  If you have some connections, encouragement or support for Laura, contact her directly at Laura@Laura4Literacy.com!

Okay... have at it!

Let this story inspire you to dream BIGGER and go for it!

Keep connecting and keep dreaming BIG!

Lastly... If you want to find out more about the two amazing guys she mentioned in the podcast, just check out both their websites: Drew's and Mike's.  (These guys are so humble that they won't like it that I gave them a shout out... but I say "tough!")

Photo kudos and credit to:curlymay