Path to change requires a first step

Anne Mahlum, founder of the nonprofit Back on My Feet, described how she first helped a group of homeless men change their lives through running for exercise — and in the process, found her own life’s purpose.

“We helped them believe in themselves, that’s how you make change,” she said during her keynote address at the eighth annual Community Leadership Awards dinner Sept. 18. About 400 financial professionals and guests attended the event at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.

Ms. Mahlum created the charity in 2007 after convincing nine homeless men to come on a run with her in Philadelphia during a period in her own life when she was between jobs.

Now a national program with 11 chapters and a $6.5 million budget, homeless men and women who participate in a month of regular runs qualify for education and job-training assistance.

“You can’t force anyone to want to substantially change their life,” Ms. Mahlum said. “As human beings we all want the same thing: We want to be appreciated, valued and loved.”

She reminded advisers that they make a difference in people’s lives with their work and their charitable acts.

“What you do matters. Your words matter. Your money matters,” she said.

COMMITMENT TO PHILANTHROPY

The Invest in Others Charitable Foundation and InvestmentNews recognized five financial advisers for their commitment to philanthropy.

Their charitable works range from battles against poverty in the United States and abroad to supporting families of those stricken with a rare disease. Each has made a difference in their community and the world.

The five honorees will receive between $20,000 and $25,000 for their charities. Ten finalists will receive donations of $5,000 each.

“We had a truly wonderful experience celebrating their philanthropy through the Community Leadership Awards and are so pleased to have been able to showcase their great work,” said Megan McAuley, executive director of the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation. “Each year, we see how financial advisers demonstrate their commitment to changing the lives of others.”

The Invest in Others Charitable Foundation and InvestmentNews received more than 200 nominations for the 2014 awards.