By DOROTHY HARDEE
Tis the Season of giving and giving back. For healthcare professionals, you may feel you give of yourself through a rigorous clinical schedule, but experts and clinical assessment have shown that giving back and volunteering helps improve the body and mind, simply making you feel good. Sean Alemi, MD, shared that “the residual effects of good acts have been found to improve employee resilience.” He feels strongly that when you apply this to the field of medicine, “volunteering has the power to make a serious impact in improving physician burnout.”
According to a study conducted by the University of California, physician burnout has increased from 45 percent to 54 percent in the past 3 years. A multitude of factors contribute to this rise in burnout, including the rising operating costs, burdensome administrative requirements, demands from patients, to name a few. Taking a step back to see and fulfill the needs of those in need can help provide a new perspective and offer a renewed sense of being with countless rewards.
Julia Malanka, Marketing Manager at Rendia, shared that helping in the community can help doctors attract new patients, by volunteering among your target audience. It not only gets your name in the community but positions you as an expert. Event sponsorship also illuminates you and your practice combating negative doctor stereotypes.
Millennials are also very attracted to those who are philanthropic. In a recent poll conducted by Morning Consult for Fortune, nearly two-thirds of millennials preferred companies that made cash contributions to charity or have other philanthropic programs. Believe it or not, one doctor discovered that despite taking on more patients volunteering to help the underserved, his passion for medicine was revived.
Need more evidence that it is simply the right thing to do? Robert Emmons, PhD, and leading researcher on the science of gratitude says, “When you give, it is more than giving your time and resources; fundamentally, it is about giving of your whole self. Become of this, gratitude is healing.”
In addition to literally making the brain “light up” when expressing gratitude, which associates with pleasure, reward and connecting with others, it also has health benefits including:
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved immune function
- More efficient sleep
- Reduced stress
- Increased HDL and decreased LDL, among others
With all this evidence, are you ready to put a little spring in your step and song in your heart this holiday season? The East Orlando Chamber hosts the Annual Local Charities luncheon November 13th at the Holiday Inn East UCF Area, showcasing the good work and immediate needs of six local non-profit organizations. Adam Pickett, Founder and President of Accelergy Consulting will offer an inspirational message encouraging support for each cause. This year, our highlighted charities and needs include:
Alzheimer’s Association Central and North Florida Chapter: They need $75 Gift Cards to provide a 10 x 10 tent; 2- New Costco 3 in 1 Convertible Hand Trucks; Paper, frames and watercolor paints for their Early Onset Paint Program. They also hope an organization will consider a $2,000 gift towards a New Stage Backdrops for their annual Walk.
Food For The Poor: They need $25 to provide 20 chicks; $30 for the purchase of school supplies and a soccer ball; $31 for clothing and shoes for orphaned and abandoned children; $40 for 100 lbs. of rice and beans and $73 to help feed one child for the year. For organizations seeking a larger impact, become a $1,200 Impact Partner Sponsor for their 2020 Celebration of Hope Gala.
Kiwanis of Avalon Park: They are asking for Diapers, Canned food, Formal dresses, Kids meal certificates, Gift cards for Teacher of the Month.
Orlando Sports Foundation Cure Bowl: They hope you can help them with $75 Gift Cards for an iPad Pro Cover; 2- Office Depot Gift Cards and for U.S. Postage. Also, a $100 Gift Card toward their Board Lunch. They also hope an organization will consider the purchase of an iPad Pro. Your generosity would be greatly appreciated.
Scott Coopersmith Stroke Foundation: They need multiple $75 Uber Ride and Uber Eats Gift Cards for the survivors they support. Also asking your organization to support them as a Silver Sponsor during their annual gala valued at $1,000.
Wycliffe Bible Translators: are committed to seeing a Bible translation program in every language still needing one by 2025. They are asking for $50 to offer translated materials in print, audio and through a Scripture app; $25 to upload Scripture videos on to social media & video platforms; $65 to provide the Old Testament Children’s Bible stories as well as impact two communities in Samo Matya and Samo Maya; $35 to translate chapters from Mark & Corinthians for the deaf community in Columbia. They also hope an organization will consider a $1,000 gift to finish the Book of Acts, the script for the “JESUS” film and 19 foundational Old Testament Stories from Genesis and Exodus to be shared in the Congo.
Interested in supporting one of our featured Charities? Join us for the Local Charities Luncheon, November 13th from 11:00 AM – 1:15 PM at the Holiday Inn East UCF Area. Learn more about their organizations, take one of their “Wish Ornaments” fulfilling a smaller need or “adopt” one of their larger projects supporting them as an organization. It’s the best way to kick off the holiday season. Not able to attend the luncheon? Drop by the East Orlando Chamber office between November 14th and December 2nd to fulfill any remaining needs. Call for more information at 407-277-5951 or visit eocc.org. Do it for them and do it for your health.
Dorothy Hardee is the administrator of East Orlando Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at DorothyH@eocc.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
Kyle Davis (Integrity Financial) presents College Education: Cracking the Financial Aid Code
Thursday, November 21, 2019
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Bonefish Grill Orlando Gateway
5463 Orlando Gateway Vlg. Cir
Orlando, FL 32812
Connecting Property Professionals & Ancillary Services
Featuring Andy Tolbert, the SaferAgent on Realtor Safety
Thursday, November 21, 2019
4:30 – 6:00 PM
Bonefish Grill
12301 Lake Underhill Road
Orlando, FL 32828
Please visit www.EOCC.org for a complete listing of November’s events
