I am humbled and honored to announce my induction into the Caring Hall of Fame as 2010’s International Caring Award Recipient. On October 5th, in Dallas, myself and fellow recipient of the Domestic Caring Award, Laura Bush, will be honored as outstanding members who give back to those in need.

The Caring Institute was established in 1985 with Mother Teresa in mind — the ultimate example of giving to others.  The institute honors those who live by her example through doing good works and demonstrating selfless behavior.  Other notable recipients of the Caring Award include the late John Wooden and last year’s winner, Colin Powell.  I heartedly support their mission and am grateful and speechless that my efforts are being awarded for doing something I love.  My award only re-enforces my desire and commitment to continuing to give to others that I learned so many years ago from my mum.

My motto has always been, “first you learn, then you earn, then you return.”  I was taught no matter what your circumstance, you have something to give to others. I now have the ability to give financially, but what I teach is there is always something of value you can give and money is not always the answer. I credit this passion to serve to my mother, who instilled in me strong values and a need to think beyond myself from an early age.

As a successful serial entrepreneur turned social entrepreneur, I didn’t always have an easy road. I lost millions in 1982 with the first real estate crash and in 2000, personal tragedy struck with the suicide of my only son Todd, at age 36.  Not sure how to move on, I turned to one of my mentors and his words, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort…but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.” It was this year that I turned my efforts to honoring the life of his son by founding The Todd Thomas Foundation to help raise awareness around mental illness and support research into effective treatments.  I then went on to develop the Todd Thomas Institute for Values-Based Leadership, and in 2002, I galvanized my method of values-based goal setting and shared it with others through LifePilot – a British Columbia based non-profit organization that provides programs that empower and teach people from all walks of life to live in alignment with their values.

My most recent endeavor is in conjunction with the launch of his newest book, Be Great – The Five Foundations to an Extraordinary Life. I have already embarked on a 10-City Be Great America Book Tour , that began in Phoenix with proceeds from book sales and speaking engagements to benefit the local chapters of Boys & Girls Club. This book is being used by Childhelp, The Alfredo Molina Foundation and The Bonnie Addario Lung Foundation as an incentive/gift to donors to raise additional funds for their organization.

I love sharing what I’ve learned from my journey in my new book. . . it’s important for me to re-enforce that we always need to be grateful for what we have, always pursue our inner greatness and always share with others be it knowledge, time or monies. I am delighted that I am at a place in my life that I can do all three.

Thank you to my family, friends and followers for all of your support along this journey that has lead to this wonderful moment and recognition of my life—I couldn’t hav