How Small Acts Create Lasting Impact
/by Kelly Doyle
Shelley and I recently attended the Schwab IMPACT Conference in Denver, Colorado, where we spent three days learning from industry leaders about topics ranging from economic trends to the importance of human connection. One presentation stayed with me, and with the season of giving upon us, I wanted to share its message with you.
The session, The Giving Advantage: Creating a Strategic Giving Program, was led by Gideon Bernstein, Chief Investment Officer at Leisure Capital Management, and Carole Anne Hardy, President of The Advisors Voice.
Bernstein spoke about how giving has shaped his life and the lives of his clients, creating greater connection, clarity, and happiness. He also shared the heartbreaking story of losing his 19-year-old son, who went missing while home from college during Thanksgiving break.
Tragically, the family later learned that their son had been murdered in a hate crime. The case drew national attention in part because it happened in an otherwise safe town in Orange County, California. Both 20/20 and 48 Hours later dedicated episodes to the story.
During this time, Bernstein was surrounded by support. Friends, members of his temple, and people throughout the community regularly asked him, “How can I help?”
His response was simple: do something kind for someone else. That simple idea became the foundation of the #BlazeItForward movement, an effort to turn personal tragedy into a ripple of kindness.
Bernstein first tested the concept by giving $20 to the next person he encountered leaving a beach restroom. The man happened to be homeless and explained that the money meant he wouldn’t need to beg for food for several days. Instead, he could simply go about his life. That moment reinforced how even small acts of generosity can make a meaningful impact.
Gideon later wrote The Workbook for Giving: A Handbook to Happiness for the Modern Philanthropist, designed to help people build a more intentional giving practice. I decided to complete the workbook myself, and it prompted me to reflect on my own motivations and habits around giving. I’ve shared a few of my responses below in the hope that they inspire your own reflection this holiday season.
Reflections on Giving
1. What motivates you to give?
I give because it makes me feel more connected, hopeful, and grounded. I love the feeling of brightening someone’s day, even in a small way.
At times, I overthink whether my contribution is “enough.” During the recent government shutdown, I gathered canned goods from our pantry to donate to the local food bank—only to realize our options were limited to sauerkraut, garbanzo beans, and leftover pumpkin from the previous Thanksgiving. I bagged the items, felt embarrassed that this was all I had to give, and hesitated.
That moment reflects how I sometimes approach giving in other areas of life. I get stuck worrying that what I offer isn’t sufficient.
By applying Gideon’s advice to just start somewhere, I’m reminding myself that any amount helps—not only through the donation itself, but through the connection that comes from showing up. Giving doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be sincere.
2. What life experiences have shaped your desire to give your time or money?
Two parts of my upbringing shaped my desire to give:
My high school experience. School staff often reminded us of our privilege and encouraged service through volunteering. While participation was sometimes required, exposure to different parts of our community was deeply impactful.
Growing up in Hawaii. From an early age, I was taught to care for the land (āina). Spending my childhood in the ocean paddling, swimming, exploring reefs—and now sharing that with my children—made environmental stewardship especially meaningful to me.
Over the years, I’ve tried many volunteer opportunities, from beach cleanups to serving meals. With a busy work and family schedule, however, I often struggled to find consistency or a deeper sense of connection during these one-off experiences.
Bernstein’s message—just do something—was a helpful reminder that impact grows through regular, imperfect action. As a result, my goal for 2026 is to choose one organization and support it consistently throughout the year.
3. What moments have made you feel like you made an impact?
One of my most meaningful experiences was volunteering with Girls on the Run. Growing up, some of my most memorable moments were spent running and talking with my dad.
Through the program, I met with young girls after school to train for a race at the end of the season. I loved spending time with them, hearing their stories, and learning what motivated them to participate.
While I aimed to be a positive role model, I quickly realized how much the experience enriched my own life. The sense of connection and shared purpose stayed with me.
That feeling—the connection that comes from giving—is more powerful than anything I’ve gained from a workout, bottle, or book. It brings hope, meaning, and a reminder that small actions can make the world feel a little better.
If you’ve had meaningful experiences giving your time or resources, we’d love to hear them. Wishing you and your family all the best this holiday season!
To learn more about the Blaze It Forward movement, visit blazebernstein.org or search for the #BlazeItForward hashtag online.
