The catalyst for Girlfriends Films’ charitable donations

The catalyst for Girlfriends Films’ charitable donations program can be traced back to a single person, my sister Shelley. She was a school teacher and lived modestly, regularly giving a part of her paycheck to charities that dealt with causes she believed in. Well-traveled and highly schooled in geography and sociology, Shelley would occasionally tell me about a charitable donation she’d just made and why she made it. She was careful with her donations, vetting various charity groups via internet research including the web site, www.charitywatch.org.

While I initially admired Shelley’s generosity, I was happy to spend my money in other ways. However, the seed of giving that Shelly planted continued to grow and there became a point when I could no longer acquire discretionary goods while at the same time turning a blind eye to the problems suffered by others less fortunate than myself..
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The seeds of Shelley’s concerns and good example spawned Girlfriends Films’ charity program as well as the company’s active interest and participation in social justices such as free speech and the freedom of consumers to enjoy pornography in the privacy of their own homes. .
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After a two-year physical slide with a rare muscle disease and then a diagnosis of colon cancer this past June, Shelley died September 19. Through the example she set, her giving continues thru the Girlfriends Films’ charity program as well as our political involvement in industry matters. .
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I’ve heard that charitable donations can be more meaningful if they remain anonymous. I disagree with that. For many of us – myself included – it is too easy not to give to others without being exposed to the good examples set by others. By publicizing our giving program and industry involvement, Girlfriends Films tries to get others to see the larger picture and become involved, as well..
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Every month Girlfriends Films has one of its performers designate the recipient of a $1,000 charity donation. In Shelley’s memory I’m commandeering this month’s donation and designate that it be given to Cancer Research Institute. Why CRI? It’s hard to find a Girlfriends Films employee, customer, or anyone in our industry who hasn’t had a loved one devastated by this disease. Founded in 1953, CRI has proven itself in developing cures and bringing back health to cancer victims. .
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Dan O’Connell, President Girlfriends Films