When you're starting a company there are many things you have to think about - your product, branding, operational logistics, cash flow, long and short terms goals - these and many others are just the basics.  But you also have to think about a couple of others that often go under the radar - your core values and your mission.  These represent who you are and what your company is about - what you stand for!  Everything you do in the course of operating your business must point back to your core values.

For Course & Club, our core values are:

• Classic Design
• Delighting Our Customers
• Giving Back

Today I want to talk about why GIVING BACK is a core value of Course & Club.

I've heard it said that if you're ever in a funk, the best way to get out of it is to go out and do something for someone else.  It's true- doing something nice for someone else will definitely make you feel better.  But it goes beyond that - it has the potential to change someone's life.  It takes the focus off "ME" and puts it on "YOU".  Don't you agree that our world would be a better place if we all thought about ourselves and our agendas a little less, and thought about serving others a little more?

Maybe it's taking a meal to a friend who just had surgery, or paying for the person behind you in line at Starbucks.  It could be giving your time at your church, or a shelter, or at your children's school. Or it could be something as simple as picking up a piece of trash or handing a dollar to that woman standing on the corner with a sign in her hands.  Something you may think is small or inconsequential could be just what someone needs to see, hear or receive.

Just last week, my husband and I were grabbing an ice cream cone at our favorite local ice cream shop and the teenage boy in front of us in line paid for our cones. We couldn't believe it!  We were blown away by the boys' random act of kindness and I made it a point to do something similar for someone that I didn't know the next day.  Giving back or paying it forward is a great way to make another persons day!

At Course & Club, we've chosen to give our time, talents and financial support to a few organizations because we value their mission and the work they are doing to change lives!

First, we support Eagle Mount.  Eagle Mount is a non-profit organization based in Bozeman, MT.  Their mission is to provide therapeutic recreation for children and adults with disabilities and cancer so that they may "rise up on wings like eagles" (Is 40:31) - and they do a great job at it!  We've spent many hours in the pool or on the slopes with these precious participants and it is life changing to be a part of this organization!

Second, we support The Miracle League. Upon relocating to the Dallas area, we quickly sought out an organization that we could jump into and get involved in.  The Miracle League removes the barriers that keep children with mental and physical disabilities off the field and helps them experience the joys of America's greatest pastime - baseball!  Getting to work with these children and seeing the joy on their faces when they score a homerun or run the bases is such a gift. Miracle Leagues are all over the US and they are always looking for buddies!

Lastly, we support Els for Autism.  While we've never been able to volunteer with this organization, we support them by sending a portion of our sales because we value the work they do.  Professional golfer, Ernie Els and his wife started this organization out of a need they experienced within their own family. This world-class organization hosts leading edge programs and services for families and caregivers who are impacted by Autism.  If you want to see something inspiring - check out the video below video featuring Joshua Deer.

There are so many worthy causes and organizations to get involved in.  These are the ones that we as a company are supporting and want to make a difference in.  Whatever it is that your heart is drawn to, we encourage you to get out and be a part of it!  There are so many ways - big and small - that we can make a difference in this world!