Rowing for a Cause
(Photo courtesy habitatcrew.com)
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Read all 'charity' posts in Couric & Co.
August 20, 2009 4:41 PM Tom Kotula and Jon Hauserman are rowing down the East Coast, building houses at 12 Habitat for Humanity sites along the way.
August 18, 2009 5:01 PM 
A friend of mine heard Scott Harrison speak at an event in Los Angeles. She called me immediately afterwards to say that she’d met Scott and that he was well spoken and had an amazing story to tell.
As I looked into Scott’s story and his non-profit Charity:Water. I thought that it was a great story for CBS News and that it’d be fantastic to get to work along with producer Karen Raffensperger to tell.
Having lived in India while working for CNN and having spent quite a bit of time overseas in developing countries; the issue of fresh drinking water was one that resonated with me. Karen got excited about the story too as there are a number of innovative ways that Scott is using technology to track the water projects he builds and finds interesting ways to engage donors.
He raises money to cover the administrative costs of "Charity:Water" separately so that all of the funds can go directly to the water projects. Scott loves the grassroots effort seems to take particular pride in connecting with lots of donors who can give a modest amount (instead of engaging the multi-million dollar donors - though he made it clear he’d hardly turn those big-ticket donors away). Starting this fall, he plans to unveil a system that will let folks track even the smallest of donations.
He feels that one should give out of the excitement of trying to make a difference rather than the "guilt" that can go along with donating to a charity. Though after Karen and I spent some time with Scott we turned to each other and thought (aloud) "Well, what are WE doing with our lives"?
I hope you check out our story on the Evening News as it’s the tale of one guy who was on a very different life path until he saw a problem that he decided he wouldn’t ignore.
Charity: Water
(CBS)
As I looked into Scott’s story and his non-profit Charity:Water. I thought that it was a great story for CBS News and that it’d be fantastic to get to work along with producer Karen Raffensperger to tell.
Having lived in India while working for CNN and having spent quite a bit of time overseas in developing countries; the issue of fresh drinking water was one that resonated with me. Karen got excited about the story too as there are a number of innovative ways that Scott is using technology to track the water projects he builds and finds interesting ways to engage donors.
He raises money to cover the administrative costs of "Charity:Water" separately so that all of the funds can go directly to the water projects. Scott loves the grassroots effort seems to take particular pride in connecting with lots of donors who can give a modest amount (instead of engaging the multi-million dollar donors - though he made it clear he’d hardly turn those big-ticket donors away). Starting this fall, he plans to unveil a system that will let folks track even the smallest of donations.
He feels that one should give out of the excitement of trying to make a difference rather than the "guilt" that can go along with donating to a charity. Though after Karen and I spent some time with Scott we turned to each other and thought (aloud) "Well, what are WE doing with our lives"?
I hope you check out our story on the Evening News as it’s the tale of one guy who was on a very different life path until he saw a problem that he decided he wouldn’t ignore.
July 30, 2009 5:37 PM
Katie Couric's Notebook: Volunteers
They are the backbone of our communities: Americans who donate their time to help feed the hungry or coach Little League, organize the church clothing drive or serve as a volunteer firefighter - and their numbers are growing.
The Corporation for National and Community Service says almost 62 million Americans volunteered last year. That's the highest number since 2005, with 16 to 25-year-olds making up half the increase. This comes at a time when charities and community groups are really struggling. The sour economy means donations are down while requests for help are up.
So, if you roll up your sleeves to do your part, thank you. But if you're among the almost three-quarters of adults who don't pitch in, here's your chance. I bet there's a nearby hospital that wants your help or a neighborhood child who needs a tutor. Whatever the cause, try giving your time. You'll be amazed at how much you get back.
That's a page from my notebook.
The Corporation for National and Community Service says almost 62 million Americans volunteered last year. That's the highest number since 2005, with 16 to 25-year-olds making up half the increase. This comes at a time when charities and community groups are really struggling. The sour economy means donations are down while requests for help are up.
So, if you roll up your sleeves to do your part, thank you. But if you're among the almost three-quarters of adults who don't pitch in, here's your chance. I bet there's a nearby hospital that wants your help or a neighborhood child who needs a tutor. Whatever the cause, try giving your time. You'll be amazed at how much you get back.
That's a page from my notebook.
December 26, 2007 4:45 PM
For more on wise giving this holiday season, just click on the monitor.
Katie Couric's Notebook: Giving Wisely
For some, the holidays mean giving to charity. But experts advise that before you give, it’s best to check out the charity you’re helping. See exactly how much of your donation will go to those in need.
Video: For more on wise giving this holiday season, just click on the monitor.
September 15, 2006 2:37 PM
It turns out that what he did off the court may be his greatest legacy.
Just click the monitor to see the commentary.
Katie Couric's Notebook: Andre the Giant
In today's Notebook, Katie looks back at the amazing career of Andre Agassi.
It turns out that what he did off the court may be his greatest legacy.
Just click the monitor to see the commentary.
