by Lorie Lewis Ham

I recently read Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie, the founder of Toms Shoes. It was a book about how his business came to be, along with some great advice on starting a business of your own. A business whose foundation is built on giving back…making a difference.

I found the book filled with great advice and information, and very inspiring. I took notes all the way through and have a long list of things I want to implement with Kings River Life over time. The thing that most stuck with me was the theme evident in the title-Start Something That Matters. For anyone who doesn’t know the story of Toms Shoes–in a nutshell, for every pair of shoes they sell another pair will go to a child in need. You can learn more by reading the book and by checking out their website.

From the very beginning I wanted to do something that mattered with KRL and I hope I have managed to do so with our articles on animal rescue, our adoptable pet of the week, supporting the arts, literature, mental health, going green, and local charities–but this book inspired me to do more–to reach beyond myself. I immediately knew what that something would be and I’m here to share it with you our readers.

Rattie Ratz rat

From here forward for any ads that someone buys from KRL we will give 10% to animal rescue. Here’s how it works–you buy an ad from KRL and we will give 10% to one of three rescues: Animal Compassion Team in Fresno, Cat House On The Kings in Parlier, or Rattie Ratz Rescue in the bay area of California.

You can either choose which rescue you want the money to go to, or it will go to the featured rescue of the month–which will rotate on a monthly basis beginning in September. This may be small to begin with but every little bit counts and this will remain our policy from here on so hopefully someday it will be a big amount and we can take part in saving the lives of many animals!

Cats at Cat House On The Kings

As time goes along, I have other ideas I would like to implement–ones that will benefit the arts and literacy and perhaps even mental health awareness groups. But this is step one and I am so excited about it!

Sarah, one of the many dogs saved by ACT

And if you’re looking for an inspiring book whether you run a business or not, I highly recommend Start Something That Matters.

Click here to buy this book & you help support Kings River Life & Indie Booksellers

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and an enthusiastic contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.