The Journey of “All in for Greater Cause”
In a world often driven by personal gain and ambition, the essence of grace and service can sometimes feel lost. However, it is in these very values that we find the true power to make a lasting impact on our communities. My journey into social enterprise, alongside my brother Ketan, began with this belief at the forefront, leading to the creation of “All in for Greater Cause.”
The Birth of a Vision
The seeds of “All in for Greater Cause” were sown in Ohio, where Ketan and I realized the immense potential of combining creativity with philanthropy – where we donated everything we made, to Cherry Street Mission Ministries and Food Banks. What started as a simple idea grew into a full-fledged social enterprise, transcending state lines as we continued our mission here in Texas. Over the last decade, our journey has been one of art, service, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Art as a Medium of Impact
Art has always been a powerful tool for expression, and for us, it became a medium to connect with our cause. Through aluminum art, acrylic on canvas, and wood creations, we found a way to channel our creativity into something greater. These pieces were more than just art—they were symbols of hope, resilience, and the collective spirit of giving.
The Grace Gala was one of the many platforms where we had the privilege to donate our art, knowing that the proceeds would contribute to meaningful causes. Each stroke of the brush, each chisel on wood, was a reminder that art could be a bridge to service, touching lives in ways we never imagined.
Hands-On Service: Stepping Stones and Beyond
Our work with “All in for Greater Cause” has not been limited to art alone. Service is at the core of our mission, and it has taken us to places like Stepping Stones in Keller, Texas. Here, we had the opportunity to serve, learn, and grow, understanding that true service is about being present, offering our time, and making a direct impact on the lives of those we meet.
The joy of organizing fundraisers with friends has also been a significant part of our journey. These events are more than just ways to raise money—they are celebrations of community, collaboration, and the shared goal of creating a better world.
Building a Team of Changemakers
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been the people we’ve met along the way. I am fortunate to have invited a few friends with similar mindsets to join our cause. Mia and Rehaan stepped up as Vice Presidents, bringing their passion and energy to the table, while Adithi and Abhi, the dynamic twin duo, took on the roles of Secretary and Treasurer.
Together, we’ve built a team that is not only dedicated to our mission but also to each other. Our shared vision and commitment have allowed “All in for Greater Cause” to thrive, and we continue to push the boundaries of what we can achieve together.
Graceful Service: A TED-Ed Journey
The concept of “graceful service” is something I hold close to my heart, and it was an honor to share this idea through a TED-Ed talk. The talk allowed me to articulate the importance of serving with humility, kindness, and a deep sense of responsibility. Service, when done with grace, becomes more than just an act—it becomes a way of life, a guiding principle that shapes our interactions and decisions.
Inspired by this idea, I founded the TED-Ed Dragon Student Club at my school. This club aims to amplify the voices of youth, encouraging them to become instruments of positivity, service, commitment, innovation, and collaboration. By providing a platform for young people to share their ideas, we hope to inspire a new generation of changemakers who are ready to take on the challenges of the world with grace and determination.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on the journey so far, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities we’ve had to serve and the incredible people who have joined us along the way. “All in for Greater Cause” is more than just a social enterprise—it is a movement, a collective effort to bring about change through grace and service.
The road ahead is long, and there is still much work to be done. But with the support of our team, our community, and the unwavering belief in the power of giving, I am confident that we will continue to make a difference, one act of service at a time.
Thank you for being a part of this journey, and for believing in the power of grace, service, and social enterprise. Together, we are truly all in for a greater cause.
– Jay Tamirisa, Co-Founder, All in For Greater Cause (Co-Founded with my brother, Ketan Tamirisa)