On most Monday mornings, I am running around and getting ready to shoot my Crime Stoppers Segment for KTLA.  However, this Monday morning, I was exposed to someone amazing, who during our short time together gave me a gift and a lesson at the same time.  The message from the meeting, and the authenticity in which it was delivered, is so powerful, that I have been excited all week about putting together this entry and sharing this wisdom. 

As with all interesting stories, this one has a back story.  When not on camera, I spend much time and energy supporting charities, helping those with special needs and others that want to overcome life challenges.  In furtherance of this effort, I have worked with a friend – Bradley P. Boyer – an entertainment lawyer and special needs advocate.  He and I have attended a number of charity events together and have written about these experiences. 

Brad shared with me that he is on the Board of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles.  This charity has several events each year – the main two which are the Care and Cure Dinner and the Walk to End Epilepsy (which is being held on October 16, 2011 at the Rose Bowl).  I learned that the honorees of this Care and Cure Dinner for the past several years have been a number of heavy hitters in Hollywood.  These busy executives have dedicated time, effort and contacts to make this event such that over One Million Dollars is raised in one night.  I was inspired by this and pondered the question: “If busy Hollywood Executives can and do make time to help others, why shouldn’t we all do so?” 

Brad put me in touch with Andrew Gumpert (who co-chairs the Care and Cure dinner, along with Mark Borman).  Andrew is an amazing father and person, who also happens to be the President of Worldwide Business Affairs and Operations for Columbia Pictures.  Andrew talked with me about this event and my idea and was kind enough to put me in touch with the honorees.  The first honoree that I met with is who I am referring to above. 

This honoree is one of the most powerful women in Hollywood.  She heads a major studio and I was shocked she would dedicate so much time to sit down with me and talk about charity.  I am referring to Sony Co-Chairman Amy Pascal. 

Amy invited me into her spacious and warm office on the Sony lot in Culver City.  While my intention was to obtain information from her for an article, I was amazed at what I actually received – sage advise and wisdom – all conveyed to me with complete candor. 

We talked about work, love, and philanthropy.  During the entire experience, Amy was very down to earth and friendly.  We talked about life struggles and she told me that whatever you do “don’t compete with anyone else.  Be yourself, be the best you and figure out what you are really good at and do that."  She gave me a number of interesting quotes, which I will include in my ultimate article – however what I want to share now are her powerful comments regarding giving back. 

Amy told me that she tries to help others when she can, and has learned that by helping others you immensely help yourself.  However, she does not help others to get a benefit – she does so because she believes that “when you are blessed with so much you must give back as much.”  She believes that this is the rhythm of the universe.  I absolutely agree!

 Even though God gives us talent and we pour our hard work and energy into working towards our goal, we can't take all the credit for our success.  In truth, there have been many people who have paved the way and those who have helped us get there!  The same is true with Amy – as I ponder all of the people that she helped by becoming involved with the EFGLA and their Care and Cure Dinner.  Through her involvement, the Epilepsy Foundation has raised in excess of $1 million dollars – money which will ultimately benefit those with epilepsy and others in our community.

Amy was able to make the time to help this charity – and she runs a major studio and is a mom!  If she can make time for what is important, so should we!

Cheers :) EE