There are two things that need the immediate attention of those of us fortunate enough to be in a position to help.

The story dominating the headlines is the devastation in Haiti. Massive relief efforts are underway to try and provide aid and support to the Western Hemisphere’s poorest country, as it tries to dig its way out from under the rubble. Officials fear more than 100,000 people have died as a result of Tuesday’s 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti. I donated to the Red Cross today through the website they set up for Haiti relief efforts. But another way to donate is through their remarkable text message campaign, which has already raised over $800,000 dollars. You simply text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 via your cell phone bill. I donated via the website because I wanted to donate more, but I have to salute the Red Cross for the ingenuity of this campaign.

Another call for action has come from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a foundation we have supported for a long time. Tanu and I have personally witnessed the impact that this great institution can have on the life of a child with cancer. Well, it seems like St. Jude is facing a big budget shortfall, no doubt brought on by a drop in donations during this current recession. They need people to donate now so they can keep doing their work of providing care to children with cancer, where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay, and that is on all of us to support. So donate now if you can. Please.