Kevin Burke

In this episode, we talk with Kevin Bjerke who makes time for supporting the Leukemia &amp; Lymphoma Society and as a Big Brother. He is a proud father of two girls and has been married 31 years to his high school sweetheart. Kevin also served in the first Gulf War with the United State Marine Corp. He shares the way he stays positive as he is currently battling stage IV Bile Duct Cancer. He is currently writing a book about his life, which will be released in January 2023. Listen to this inspiring episode to learn how you can make a difference no matter what your circumstances are!

Episode 26: Philanthropist Kevin Bjerke, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man of the Year Nominee

Host Jenn Klein is excited to start a new season of the "You Are A Philanthropist" Podcast and shares what she's been up to since the end of season 2.

Episode 25: Philanthropist Jenn Klein, Life Updates

In this episode, we talk with MaryFran Mitrano who has spent a 30-year career in nonprofits. She spent many years at Harvard in fundraising then transitioned to her local arts nonprofit in her town. We chat about the challenges and ups-and-downs of fundraising and nonprofits. She gives insight into why we shouldn’t be afraid to fund-raise. We discuss the generosity of Americans and how heart-warming it is about our tradition of philanthropy, unlike any country in the world.

Episode 24: Philanthropist MaryFran Mitrano, From Harvard to the Arts

In this episode, we learn from the life lessons of Evy Amato. Evy is a spiritual alignment coach for women to reconnect with their truest selves so they can live a life on purpose. She is also a Board Certified Music Therapist, who helped people in hospice care for their end of life journey. We talk about how women need support in listening to their inner selves in order to both take care of themselves and others. Evy’s heart for supporting women and their spiritual care abounds. She invites us to listen to our intuition in order to lead a life of intention. This episode will guide you on your journey to your best self.

Episode 23: Philanthropist Evy Amato, A Woman’s Guide

Erin Morrissey

Erin has a passion for The Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Elks Lodges bring so much more to their communities than just a building, golf course or pool. They are places where neighbors come together, families share meals, and children grow up. Erin has been running charity programs for years for her local lodge and it brings her great joy. Particularly at the end of the year, when she can provide warm winter clothing to children for the holidays raised from the tremendous support of the community. Erin encourages us to be involved in The Elks to meet friends, plug into our communities, and to serve others. Often times, Elks Lodges have bars to add jovial fun to the community-building and advocacy of the members. Listen in to hear how rewarding it is to volunteer.

Episode 22: Philanthropist Erin Morrissey, Volunteer for The Elks

In this episode, we talk with Jessi Znoski who is a biologist, administrator and the event coordinate for a Women in Philanthropy Summit at Longwood University. Jessi naturally has a positive attitude and that spills into her work life. The Women in Philanthropy Summit was a way for alumni to encourage students to pursue their passions to make the world a better place. Each student created their own mission statement and brainstormed what their passions are that they can do. Jessi credits her upbringing for giving her empathy for the local public school system, of which she is a part of a group of parents improving their community. Her best advice is to listen to people, be open-minded and listen to your inner voice. She also doesn’t want to you neglect your own mental health, because this world is a struggle especially in a pandemic! Listen more to what she advises us to do.

Episode 21: Philanthropist Jessi Znoski, Women in Philanthropy

In this episode, we talk with Howie Hutchison who is the Executive Director at HopeKids Colorado. HopeKids in a nonprofit started originally in Arizona to create community for families with a child with a life-threatening condition. Howie has a small staff, but a huge volunteer base. He loves the power of a team and seeing people passionate about helping the hundreds of families he serves. Not originally a fan of fundraising, he has learned to be an advocate for what he calls “activating generosity.” Howie has a personal upcoming 30-mile run/walk that you can follow him on Instagram and Facebook to raise awareness of his nonprofit on October 22. Follow his journey on social media and consider what you can do to support this great organization!

Episode 20: Philanthropist Howie Hutchison, HopeKids Colorado

In this episode, we talk with Ken Holderman who is a pastor to missionaries mainly in Latin America and the Canary Islands. He credits his wife for his focus on giving back to others as well as his faith in Jesus Christ. Ken and his wife, Becky, were missionaries in Venezuela and the Canary Islands. When they came home, they realized there was so much struggles with being a missionary. Not only was it hard economically, but it was hard emotionally due to the distance from a support system and cross-cultural differences. They are passionate about the mental health of the missionaries they serve through Globe International. Listen to this episode to learn how difficult it can be to live a life of service to others.

Episode 19: Philanthropist Ken Holderman, Serving Missionaries

Chris Gilbert

In this episode, we talk with Chris Gilbert who pursues his passion of helping others start their own health and beauty business. Chris inspires his team by working on himself relentlessly. He is a voracious reader, reflective, and focuses on having a growth mindset. He credits his wife, parents, and Jesus as inspiration for his career which brought him from a teacher, to a lacrosse coach, to a youth minister, and now serving his network marketing team as a husband-and-wife duo. Chris is honest that it’s a fight within all of us to chose to give. He believes if we all desired to give to others and acted on those desires then we would solve the worlds problems.

Episode 18: Philanthropist Chris Gilbert, Fighting to Flourish

In this episode, we talk with Marc Rosenblum who has raised thousands of dollars running for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Marc is passionate about finding a cure for cancer. Running the Boston Marathon as a charity runner allows him to raise awareness of the good work of Dana-Farber and the urgency to support such a great charity. The impact his fundraising efforts are having on others and the legacy he realizes he is leaving as a result is invaluable. As he reflects on his 50th birthday this year, he’s made an aspirational goal  to raise $50,000 by the start of the race on October 11th. Listen to this episode to help him reach his goal.

Episode 17: Philanthropist Marc Rosenblum, Running for a Cure

Philanthropist. If we do hear this word, it is usually associated with Bill and Melinda Gates or Warren Buffet. The description in the dictionary says nothing about millions of dollars. It begs the question: shouldn’t anyone who gives to charity in some way be described as a philanthropist? It’s a commitment to humanity. It’s altruistic—going above and beyond ourselves. THIS is what the world needs.Jenn Klein is starting a global conversation about how every-day pleasantries, eco-friendly decisions, and any type of giving to others is not only what's best for the recipient, but also for you!

In this season finale, Jenn recaps her favorite clips from season 1 of the "You Are A Philanthropist" Podcast. Tune in for Jenn's countdown of her top 5 favorite lessons from season 1.

Episode 16: Season Recap & Lessons

Jay Foss is radio and podcast host of Raising Your Inner Voice. His show highlights people doing exceptional work in the world through work, volunteerism, activism, and even simple self-reflection. Jay is passionate about having better conversations, seeing the good in others, and actively listening to those with different opinions. His career in radio has positioned him to grow where he is planted and sow seeds of good in the best way he knows how. He is a self-proclaimed cheerleader and typically his work as a wedding DJ and radio show producer puts him in support roles; however his new show brings him into the spotlight where he gets to facilitate conversations that cut through the noise of the negative news cycle.

Episode 15: Philanthropist Jay Foss, Radio Talk Show Host who Listens

Jason Dobbs-Hyer shares his joy of finding Christ many years go, enduring trials, and continuing to look for the good in all things. He has a passion for lifting others up through servant leadership. His source of joy and strength come from Jesus and he is intentional with the words he uses to lift others up, especially on social media. He practices being nonjudgmental, taking care of himself through proper nutrition and exercise, and sharing his love of Jesus with everyone he meets. Jason is filled with positive energy, which he undeniably explains is a result of the power of God through communion in prayer, worship, and reading the Bible. He talks about how power, control, and money are leading the world but servant leadership, like what Jesus did, is a way to “park the ego” and you indescribably benefit from seeing others shine and putting others first. He explains that it’s an act of power to be humble, which is not easy, but it allows God to transform your own heart. As he says, "You become who you are in servant leadership, and you become more comfortable and at peace with who you are, and that allows you to lift others up.”

Episode 14: Philanthropist Jason Dobbs-Hyer, Inspiration Officer

Noah Chesnin shares a breadth of knowledge on ocean conservation. He’s spent time volunteering or working in several aquariums throughout the country since as a teenager in the ‘90s. He talks about his passion for ocean issues, including making individual changes, group efforts, and policies. Listeners can learn about why we all need to be supporting the ocean ranging from aesthetic purposes to public health reasons. Noah, an appropriate name for someone passionate about ocean issues, will spend a lifetime to help us all breathe easier, enjoy a dip in the ocean, and help us consume healthy protein from the ocean.

Episode 13: Philanthropist Noah Chesnin, Ocean Conservationist

Ron Dudley is a man of faith who has learned great lessons throughout life from losing his mother and a young age to living his entire life in “the ghetto.” He has been selling the Street Sense Media Newspaper on the streets of Washington D.C. for 7 years and even published a book of his poetic rap lyrics. Ron is a man with little financial means, but because of his generous heart is a man rich in wisdom and goodwill. He shares his passion for sharing a smile, being non-judgmental, and building community wherever you are planted.

Episode 12: Philanthropist Ron Dudley, Street Sense Media Newspaper Seller

Audrey Blankenship is a normal 9 year old girl who loves dance, science, and art. She creates art that she sells annually to raise money for her local food pantry. When she goes to the grocery store, she asks her mom to buy some for the people who need it. She even has made reindeer ornaments for 300 grocery store employees. Her advice is, “Follow your heart. Your heart tells you it’s the right thing; make sure it’s the right thing, and go with it.”

Episode 11: Philanthropist Audrey Blankenship, 9 Year Old Giver

Paul shares his values of smiling at everyone he meets and telling a good joke to break the ice. Paul doesn't have a mean bone in his body, is quick to lighten the mood, and never met a stranger. He cares deeply about community, bringing his neighbors to his home to enjoy, Jane, his wife of 37 years, fine home-cooked meals, or stopping at their elderly neighbor's homes to bring in their mail, start a fire, or put away groceries. He even once saved one of their lives. His favorite daily conversations are with his post office mailman and package delivery men. Paul is someone we can all learn from about mastering everyday pleasantries.

Episode 10: Philanthropist Paul Ott, Spreading Joy

Melissa Prendergast describes herself as a “professional volunteer.” She has coached soccer, served on committees in the local public schools for her four children, lead a special-needs Boy Scouts troop as a high schooler, and this year has been the “Cookie Mom” for her daughter’s Girl Scout’s troop. She believes philanthropy starts at home. She will continue volunteering for the rest of her life because it has “been a passion inside her belly.”

Episode 9: Philanthropist Melissa Prendergast, Professional Volunteer

Jenn Klein reflects on what she’s learned about philanthropy in her fundraising career over the last 15 years and in 2020, as well as her new appreciation and insights from her first six guests. She believes there’s so much to learn by listening to the stories of others. Please share what you’ve learned so far by reaching out on www.youareaphilanthropist.com/podcast.

Jenn Klein reflects on what she’s learned about philanthropy in her fundraising career over the last 15 years and in 2020, as well as her new appreciation and insights from her first six guests. She believes there’s so much to learn by listening to the stories of others. Please share what you’ve learned so far by reaching out on <a href="http://www.youareaphilanthropist.com/podcast" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.youareaphilanthropist.com/podcast</a>.

Episode 8: Host Jenn Klein, Lessons Learned

Sheri Schoch serves on three committees for Young Life Tristates, a Young Life chapter created by her father. Young Life reaches teenagers all over the world the message that they are loved, valuable, and their life matters to God. She, along with other Young Life staff and volunteers, share the love of Jesus to teens right where they are.

Episode 7: Philanthropist Sherie Schoch, Loving Local Teens

Philanthropist. If we do hear this word, it is usually associated with Bill and Melinda Gates or Warren Buffet. The description in the dictionary says nothing about millions of dollars. It begs the question: shouldn’t anyone who gives to charity in some way be described as a philanthropist? It’s a commitment to humanity. It’s altruistic—going above and beyond ourselves. THIS is what the world needs.<br/><br/>Jenn Klein is starting a global conversation about how every-day pleasantries, eco-friendly decisions, and any type of giving to others is not only what's best for the recipient, but also for you!

You Are A Philanthropist

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