Every once in a while you meet someone who truly touches your heart in ways not too many people can. A couple months ago, Jon and I traveled to Dallas, TX to receive a business award presented by SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives). We were incredibly humbled to receive this honor.
Receiving the award was wonderful, but the true highlight of my trip was meeting a woman who impacted me in such a powerful way that changed how I view myself and how I view myself in my business. Mary Wong, President of The Office Depot Foundation introduced herself to me and Jon and began to share how much she loved the Dog is Good brand. A true fan, she explained with warmth and passion how the Dog is Good messages resonated so deeply with her. As she told us about her dogs, one of which is her service dog, and her love of the product line, I was moved to tears.
As a business person, there are times when you wonder if you are on track with what you set out to do – that you are reaching the intended audience in the way you envision. Talking with Mary reinforced my belief that building Dog is Good with Jon was the right thing to do, and in that moment I could see how we really touched someone.
Bolo and Gila inside Office Depot
I’ve always been driven to make a difference in the world around me. Jon often tells me that as we continue to build and grow Dog is Good, we will be able to do more philanthropic work in many different way. Seeing how our business had positively effected one person, the reality of Jon’s words suddenly hit me.
As Mary and I talked, I told her about The Bolo Project and how, through Leader Dogs for the Blind, it provided Jon and me an opportunity to do something much greater than ourselves – raise a puppy to become a future guide dog. Mary immediately wanted to jump in to help, and The Office Depot Foundation became The Bolo Project’s first major sponsor.
The Office Depot Foundation strives to enhance quality of life for children, strengthen communities, encourage local and international economic growth, and empower schools and non-profit organizations. They are renowned world-wide as as a company with a heart, and Mary’s empathy, kindness, and enthusiasm to help others embodies the Foundation’s principles. Their involvement in The Bolo Project has allowed Dog is Good to build a solid start in a year-long fundraising effort. We set a goal of raising $50K over the next year. That’s about what it cost Leader Dogs for the Blind to get one fully-trained guide dog to someone who is blind or visually impaired.
Thank you, Office Depot Foundation, for your contribution and participation, and thank you Mary for reminding me that we all can make a difference. Bolo is looking forward to a visit to The Office Depot Foundation headquarters in January so she can personally provide her own special thank you – nothing better than puppy kisses!
Bolo at the Pumpkin Patch
