May 2009

If I may, allow me to indulge in a little anniversary reflection.
While the dates may come and go for some, I am respectfully aware of the fact that it was 1999, ten years ago, that I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Dennis Webb and compare visions of the future when it came to helping kids. As that "notion" of Operation Kids began to take shape, it prompted me to leave a 25-year career to focus on this vision; I knew we were on to something important. I also knew that to do it right, the process would require patience and hard work. The fruits of that labor and patience are in view like never before.

In 10 years, Operation Kids has:

• created an internal self-funding mechanism to offset administrative operating costs; this allows 100% of every dollar designated for OK-approved charities and programs goes to support those programs.
• worked with some of the great corporate brands across the nation
• refined a process of vetting charities and their efficiency
• worked with some of the most effective and efficient charities in the world, run by some of the most dedicated and caring people on the planet
• delivered aid in some of the most challenged and disadvantaged parts of the world as well as in our own backyard
• advised world-class athletes and entertainers in their charitable endeavors, and
• participated in raising and dispersing over $9 million to more than 80 effective partner charities and programs, serving all areas of the Whole Child.

Within these summary points are hundreds of thousands of children whose lives are better because of your support and your insistence on giving smarter.

Despite the obvious economic challenges all around, the last few months have been among the most gratifying for me of the last decade. We are on the threshold of taking our "managed giving" concept to an entirely new level and to a much larger client base.

It has been a thrill and an honor to earn the early confidence of donors like Ron Gunnell, whose large gift at an early stage meant everything to our survival. It was life-changing to spend time in Thailand with Gordon Morton and our friends at XanGo, making sure their donations made it to the people in need. Then there are the "quiet" donors, like Ed and Yvonne Johnson of Texas, whose monthly donations have collectively made it possible for us to impact more children's lives every year.

It remains exciting to be able to attract partners like the Allstate Foundation and as well as an immensely talented staff, which helps us continue to make great strides while remaining lean and effective. Our development of online marketing and fundraising along with an ability to now develop sponsorships and private-giving clients, are among the "next-steps" we have anticipated for years.

Who could have known that a tough economy would actually bring into focus the importance of what we strive to do. When faced with possibly giving less based on other demands, the question of "where is my donation going?" becomes even more important. It has always been important to us and it always will be.

I look forward to the next ten years with more optimism, confidence and excitement than ever. We now know what we can do for donors and charities alike - transform the way the world looks at charitable giving. My thanks to each and every one who has given of their time and talent in assisting us along this incredible path.

-Rick