Being a “Eulogy-Virtues” Person–Reflections on Character and “Other-Centeredness”

I’m a career-long B2B tech marketer and love it. I'm also a Mom, and that's my #1 joy and priority. I have another love too: giving back to non-profit causes where I can help change someone’s life for the better. There’s nothing more fulfilling than partnering with super smart, talented and kind humans who work tirelessly to help those who can’t help themselves. “Eulogy-Virtues” humans.

I do a lot of reading, and one of the best articles I've read on being a person of character–an “other-centered”, “Eulogy-Virtues” person who “radiates an inner light”–was penned in 2015 by NY Times Op-ed columnist and author of the book "The Road to Character", and the man who coined the term “Eulogy-Virtues”, Mr. David Brooks. In his NY Times article, “The Moral Bucket List”, Mr. Brooks elaborates on the difference between building an external career versus building internal character, which he defines by two types of virtues; "Resume-Virtues” and “Eulogy-Virtues". He challenges readers to return to a moral code, and to consider how folks will remember them at their funeral versus what folks said about them when they were alive. I know that I want to be remembered as a “Eulogy-Virtues” person.

Read David Brook's Article

Some of my favorite “Eulogy-Virtues” Humans

I’ve been reflecting on Mr. Brook’s article and got to thinking about the “Eulogy-Virtues” humans I know. So, allow me to introduce you to Project Beauty Share? and YouTube beauty influencer ThaTaylaa (Taylor); creators of a unique fund raising campaign called Beauty Wishes?. Project Beauty Share is a Spokane, Washington-based non-profit founded by Executive Director, and former professional model and makeup artist, Julie Farley. Project Beauty Share provides beauty and personal care products to non-profit women’s shelters and transitional housing agencies. Taylor is an active donor to Project Beauty Share; a very successful beauty vlogger and the creator of the #15DaysofFoundation YouTube Series (with a social following of more than 850,000 fans called the #baerittofam, across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat); and together with Project Beauty Share, is a co-creator of Beauty Wishes.

What is Beauty Wishes?

Beauty Wishes is an annual, nationwide 15-day campaign that raises critical funds to benefit non-profit agencies who support women and their families who are overcoming homelessness, addiction, poverty and abuse. Each year, five new 501c3 non-profit agencies from around the United States are selected to participate in Beauty Wishes where they have the opportunity to win $10K.

Project Beauty Share and Taylor co-created Beauty Wishes to give back with the hope of inspiring folks around the world to start a similar initiative in their community. Taylor lends her social influence every year and kicks-off Beauty Wishes with her wildly popular #15DaysofFoundation YouTube series, during which she announces the five new participating agencies, promotes Beauty Wishes throughout her series, and offers custom merch for sale on her site and on Project Beauty Share’s eBay Giving Works site (100% of the proceeds benefit the campaign). Throughout the campaign, folks can vote for the non-profit that most aligns with their values and can donate to Beauty Wishes. The agency with the most votes wins the $10K.

Because of Taylor, major beauty brand partners ColourPop, CYO, L’Oreal Paris, Maybelline, Morphe, Native, Sigma Beauty, and Wet n Wild each generously donated thousands of units of premium cosmetics and personal care products to all five of the participating non-profit agencies for the #BeautyWishes2019 campaign, which directly benefit the women and families these non-profit agencies support.

Read the Press Release

Why Would Someone in a Shelter or Transitional Living Facility Need Beauty Products?

I’m so glad you asked! Consider the last time you showered, brushed your teeth and made yourself presentable to the world. Likely this morning. The fact is, women struggling to overcome abuse and poverty lack even the most basic essentials to care for themselves. To these women, beauty and personal care items give them back their dignity as they work to rebuild their lives, and are a tangible demonstration that they matter.

Smashing Our Fund-Raising Goal!

Our fundraising goal for #BeautyWishes2019 was $25K from monetary donations and merchandise sales. It was thrilling to watch as we smashed our goal and raised a whopping $38,798.06 due to the “Eulogy-Virtues” humans in the #baerittofam and other generous donors!

In April, we’ll be in Pittsburgh to meet HEARTH—the winning agency—and to present the 10K check. I’m also excited to say that due to exceeding our #BeautyWishes2019 campaign goals, the other four participating non-profit agencies will each receive $2500!

More “Eulogy-Virtues” Humans

Throughout #BeautyWishes2019, I’ve been honored to work alongside these non-profit agencies participating in the campaign including HEARTH, Pittsburgh, Covenant House, Atlanta, Genesis Women’s Shelter, Dallas, City Impact, San Francisco, and Mary’s Place, Seattle. This collective of incredible human beings have hearts bigger than the Universe. I am in awe of the amazing work they do every day to lift #womenineed and their families out of poverty and despair, to tangibly demonstrate love, and to give the discarded and broken true hope for the future. They each personify “Eulogy-Virtues”.

Beauty is in the Giving

With all the upheaval in our world, we desperately need a return to a moral code. Other-centeredness” needs to replace “Self-centeredness”. “Eulogy-Virtues” need to replace “Resume-Virtues”. As the old adage says, “It’s in giving that we receive”. As Project Beauty Share says, “Beauty is in the Giving”.

If you are looking for a cause to support, consider Project Beauty Share, one of the participating agencies from #BeautyWishes2019, or a non-profit in your community. You don’t have to start big to make a difference. Reach out to one person, and give them hope. You can be the difference between life or death for a fellow human being. Maybe you already are a “Eulogy-Virtues” person. AWESOME! If you’re not, it’s never too late to start.

Follow these folks: @ProjBeautyShare @Thataylaa @HEARTHPGH, @CovenantHouseGA @GenesisShelter @sfcityimpact @MarysPlaceWA

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