2.26 Margo Watson and Ann Takasaki discuss the Model of Powerful Impact and the Power of Charitable Giving

Currents: the Big Ocean Women Podcast

Margo Watson and Ann Takasaki are joined by Kathie Horman, LaReita Berky, and Dennis Lifferth to discuss the Model of Powerful Impact and the power of charitable giving.

“Charity, being charitable, is critical to our well being, our soul, who we are as people, and being part of the human race.” - Margo Watson

“I have MS, and I struggle with it, but I’m doing great. And I thought I can give what I can while I still can. And so it’s been a real joy to me… I just love doing it, is what it boils down to.” - Kathie Horman

“When you meet these people who come in with different objectives, some are providing for others and some are picking them (computers) up, and you see the spark of hope and happiness in their lives, it just makes you want to do it again. … And so I’m grateful for this idea, that within each person is this spark of divinity. And if we can see that and help them feel better when they leave, with a little more confidence, it makes this effort well worthwhile.” - Dennis Lifferth

“I know we have a duty. That’s true. We all have a duty to help one another. But there’s more to it than just a duty. There’s the feeling that comes when we’re of service to somebody else.” - Dennis Lifferth

“It takes a lot of people to make a system work, and they all make a very important contribution.” - Dennis Lifferth

“This is an actual part of our family mode. This is what we do. We help. We help where we can help, when we can help, with what we can help with.” - LaReita Berky

“Some people are able to give large donations. Some give small, some just give monthly, and some just give frequent flier miles. I mean, there’s all kinds of ways to donate.” - Margo Watson

“I’ve given a lot of time. And when I developed MS, I could no longer play my violin … so I donated it to a student who didn’t have one. And she’s been so thrilled. … There are definitely ways you can help. Sometimes it’s just a pat on the back or a hug.” - Kathie Horman

“The main body of human beings on this earth are so grateful to be tied to each other through family.” - Ann Takasaki

“When people think, “donation,” the immediate thought is cash, right? Card, cash, check. But there’s so many other types of donations. There’s the in-kind donations, which is what Dennis is doing with the laptops. There’s, for our organization, we receive book donations because our focus is literacy, because we believe that when a woman is empowered and knows how to read, then that changes her life and her family’s trajectory, of what’s going to become of them. You know, reading opens up a world of possibilities.” - LaReita Berky

“Receiving donations for what an organization is needing, not just cash, cash is always appreciated, but for what specifically an organization needs, not just what you think they need, but ask, “What do you need?” That’s one of the greatest things.” - LaReita Berky

“Other ways that people can donate besides the money … is time. Is there something that you can do to help the organization with donating an hour or two a week or more if you are able?” - LaReita Berky

“I think one of the fears people have in donating their time is they don’t feel like they’re qualified, when in fact, the one on one is very simple, just to listen, just to help. Most people are grateful for any attention they may receive. … To volunteer doesn’t take money, doesn’t take thing, but sometimes it’s just your time and your interest in that person.” - Dennis Lifferth

“It combats depression when you see that you can help somebody else. It combats self absorption. It just makes you a better person when you can help somebody else realize their dreams.” - Margo Watson

Margo Watson is the Director of Outreach Marketing and Fundraising for Big Ocean Women. Her background is quite diverse. She has a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications and Music. Her dynamic talents led her first to critically acclaimed performances in countless Theater and Concert stages around the country as a soprano soloist and lead actress which included musicals, opera, operetta, orchestral works, comedies, movies, commercials and on-camera TV host. These experiences helped prepare her later as a young widow to work in the fields of in-house public relations and marketing for high tech, retail, medical industries and promotion for celebrities, so she could support her young family. Margo has had extensive experience as an on-camera talent, marketing, advertising, public relations-internal and external, public speaking, production, diverse writing for magazines, commercials, press releases, infomercials, books, press kits, speeches and such. She hopes her skills will be useful to help Big Ocean Women spread their mission of empowering women worldwide, through education, training and support, to recognize their divine worth, abilities and capabilities to change their homes, their communities and the world. Margo has six adult children and 9 grandchildren which are the most precious gifts to her. She also loves her dear husband Jay D Blades, her dog Toby and two horses, Noche and Goldie.

Ann Takasaki and her husband, Roman are Japanese Americans with three adopted children, also Japanese Americans. This Japanese heritage is not the most important piece of Ann's identity, but it is valued and preserved. Ann also values faith, immediate and extended family relationships, and friendships. Big Ocean Women provides meaningful and important experiences for all of these. Ann strives to give her time to God's work, and sees Big Ocean Women as an important vehicle to do that work.

Dennis Lifferth is a Co-founder of Applied Technology Foundation a non-profit doing business as TechCharities. He is the Former Managing Director of LDS Welfare and Humanitarian Services of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President of LDS Charities, and a former secretary to the LDS Presiding Bishopric. He has a PhD in Economics from Iowa State University and is an Assistant Professor at Cornell University. He is married to Margaret R. Lifferth. They are parents of 7 children and 34 grandchildren.

LaReita Berky, Vice President of Operations for Families Mentoring Families, is a wife of an entrepreneur, and mother of 6 sons. She graduated 22 years ago from San Francisco Conservatory of Music with a Bachelors of Music in Cello Performance. She had a private studio, performed as principal cellist with the Utah Valley Symphony, Utah Baroque Ensemble, and was the chair for the Utah Valley String Festival for 17 years. All of that changed when in 2016 she started talking with Becky Rogers about Africa and humanitarian work. LaReita has been to Ghana 9 times (as of 2023), each time taking some family members with her. She recently sustained an irreversible ear injury which altered her life course. LaReita now has a Masters of Social Work. She is credentialed as a CSW and works in a clinical setting as a counselor/therapist to help clients embrace their strengths. Then utilizing various research-based methods, including EMDR, LaReita assists clients in moving through their trauma or other difficult life experiences. Her social work education, training, and hands-on experience bring a unique perspective to Families Mentoring Families to achieve their goals.

Kathie K. Horman was raised in St. Louis, Missouri and is married to Charles H. Horman. They have four children and thirteen grandchildren. Kathie Graduated from University of Utah with a B.A. in Music with an emphasis in Piano Performance, she earned her teaching certificate in elementary education from the University of Utah and is a member of Chi Omega Sorority. Her life has been filled with public service as a president, chairman, board member, leader, or contributing member to over 40 organizations. She is a dedicated supporter of the arts and has performed in various capacities. Beyond the performing arts, she enjoys creating beauty in many mediums, experiencing life through travel and adventure, and reading. She has been honored by many organizations and received many awards including the Hands and Heart Award twice, Certificate of Recognition for Service and Volunteerism from the State of Utah, and the George Washington Medal of Honor from the Freedoms Foundation.