Lotto Fever

Tonight's Mega Millions jackpot is $310,000,000 which is the largest jackpot in New York State history. I've got my ticket and my dreams.

While I was dreaming about what I'd do with my millions one organization popped into my head. It's the Bowery Mission. The Bowery Mission has been helping folks since 1879. From their website... " Three times a day, the Mission swings open its doors to offer meals, shelter, showers and clothing to desperate people living on the street. Homeless men are then challenged to enter a six-to-nine month residential program to experience the beginning of permanent change. Seminars, computer classes, job training and Bible studies help up to 62 men at a time break destructive habits and prepare to rejoin society. The Bowery Mission Career Center offers each man complete services from remedial reading to GED certification, to MS Office certificates, and from skills assessment to career planning." They're definitely a group I'd be donating to right after I cash my Mega Millions check.

Why the Bowery Mission? Because they're realistic. Every year I get lots requests for donations to all sorts of organizations. Most ask for at least $100. (Now I don't know about you, but $100 is a little steep for my budget) The Bowery Mission asked for $1.59. That's right ONE dollar and fifty nine cents. It's their cost to feed one person on Thanksgiving. $1.59. I don't know how they do it, I can't feed a member of my family for that. I'm impressed. I send them a check every year.

Think about this for a second. For FIFTEEN dollars and ninety cents, you can buy 10 people dinner. 10 PEOPLE. Amazing. I really like the idea of buying 10 people dinner. Taking them out for the holiday.

So, take the time and reflect on this for a minute. This season, when you donate to your charities, think about the Bowery Mission. You can donate here.