For some, when it comes to charity, the sky's the limit. Even fewer, though, take it literally. That's where Derek Naylor, president of Storage Marketing Solutions, steps in, or should I say, steps out ...?
Each year, Naylor says, he tries to do his part for the country by contributing to his favorite charity for the families of fallen soldiers, The Fallen Patriot Fund. This year he's taking it a step further, and it's a doozy: For every dollar Naylor collects for the charity, he'll jump one foot higher out of a plane, putting a new twist on fundraising and turning this into something of a "skydiving for soldiers" campai
The fund was established by billionaire, businessman, philanthropist Mark Cuban to help families of U.S. military persons killed or injured during the Iraq War. Cuban personally matched the first $1 million in contributions with funds from his own foundation. Naylor, on the other hand, will match each with a foot in elevation.
With a goal of $30,000, he plans to top out at 30,000 feet. "I'm doing this to make things fun, but I also know a good chunk of people in this industry would love to see me from jump from a plane!" he jokes.
Naylor conducted a fundraising campaign for the charity last year, gifting a specially created report, "14 Stealth Strategies for Self-Storage Operators," to those contributing to the cause. He'll do the same this year, in addition to the skydive.
Says Naylor: "Whether you agree with the current wars we are fighting or not, I"m certain you appreciate the soldiers and their families who've put their lives on the line every single day."
Care to contribute to the families of fallen soldiers or just like to entertain the thought of Naylor sailing through the sky? Then send a check made payable to "The Fallen Patriot Fund," Storage Marketing Solutions, P.O. Box 13569, Ogden, UT 84412-3569.