How Do You Keep Score In Life?

I had the opportunity and privilege to participate with an organization by the name of Cornerstone Schools last month December of 2008. An acquaintance of mine suggested I go. I was intrigued by the invitation, so I didn't ask any questions and just scheduled it in my calendar. The truth of the matter was I had no idea what I was getting myself in to.

I pull up to Cornerstone school and parked my car. There was this buzz of excitement in the air that chilly Detroit morning and I had no idea what to expect. I enter the building and it is literally packed with adults in their winter coats, in this elementary school? There was some fruit available on a table and I could hardly get around - there was so many people. It reminded me of the good old days...high school dances; but this was nothing of the sort.

The other bizarre observation I made was everybody was so happy, hand shaking, hugging, laughing and calling each other by name as if they had known each other for years. I thought to myself, "Who are these people and what is going on here?"

What I came to realize after asking a few questions was that I was getting involved with the Cornerstone Partner Program. Well first let me briefly explain that Cornerstone School is a private charter school. As we all know Detroit's public school system is suffering. So what Cornerstone has arranged is a Partner Program, meaning adults are assigned students. You go to school every quarter and spend about a hour or so of your time with your student. Its almost like a mentorship. I could provide much more details about the program but I want to take this in a more profound direction...

Cornerstone accepts donations but to me it seemed that was not their top priority. Of course donations keep the private charter going, but what is really going to change and impact a child's life in this community facing so many challenges? The reason I do what I am doing in real estate in Detroit is because I want to fix a problem, I want to give my part in shaping the future of a city who needs it. Now, what if money was not an issue and we were able to buy every vacant foreclosure in the city of Detroit, rehabilitate it and occupy it with a family, would the city be cured from its problems?

Perhaps, but I doubt it. I feel that in order to help a community I need to help the people but even better...help the children, they are the future.

So my question for you today is, "When winning at life, how do you keep score?"

Is it the amount of money you make each year? Or is it the time you invest in a community, family or child?

Which will have the greatest Return On Investment?