A great idea emanating from a dream is a familiar theme. Erik Jorgensen, 32, can trace his current project, and what he describes as "the best experience of his life" to just this. Although the idea was his, the dream was his mom's. In early 2000, Jorgensen was visiting home from college. During that visit, his mom, Gale, woke up one morning unusually happy. Jorgensen inquired about her mood and she said that she had just had the best dream about him. Jorgensen's mom said that in her dream he was helping a lot of people. When he asked what he was doing, she told him that she wasn't going to tell him, but wanted him to know that this is what she wanted from him, that this is what makes her happy.

Jorgensen's mom passed away in 2006. Going through her belongings last winter brought up many wonderful memories, one of which was that conversation. Her dream stayed in the back of Jorgensen's mind this year, and would often creep to the front, which is when Jorgensen would find himself pondering what he could do to fulfill it. Late one night in early November, he was lying in bed when it hit him: 20 causes, 20 days. That was it. So he established three goals: helping people, working outside of his comfort zone and honoring his mom's dream.

Jorgensen's project entailed volunteering at 20 charities/organizations over the span of 20 days. This was a time-intensive endeavor, but Jorgensen's career allowed for the commitment. He runs his own ad agency and is able to work really hard for a few days and then spend his time elsewhere. So he began coordinating his causes and established a website, Facebook and Twitter page devoted to his project. On Dec. 1, Jorgensen dove into his first volunteer experience, delivering dinners to needy families via Two Moms Catering.

After day two or three, Jorgensen began to doubt himself. He said he felt that he had gotten in way over his head and questioned his ability to complete the project. Now that he is closing in on the end, he says that he has no worries about finishing. And the project has meant he has no problem sleeping at night. He is exhausted.

Jorgensen is not only physically exhausted, but emotionally as well. His mom's birthday falls on Dec. 13, so this season is a time he misses her immensely. He wears a blue wristband on his left arm when he volunteers to symbolize his commitment to his mom. Her favorite color was blue, as were her eyes, and she was left-handed. Whenever there's a lull during a volunteer event, Jorgensen reminds himself why he is there. Instead of dwelling on the sadness of him mom's death, he focuses on what she inspired him to do --help people while growing personally.

Jorgensen didn't anticipate that he would inspire others to volunteer their time to causes about which they feel passionate. He had wanted to reach a lot of people, which is why he focused on a wide variety of causes. "It's been great to see the feedback," he said. "People are telling me, 'I've called a couple of places to volunteer,' so the viral aspect of it is blowing up. It's just great."

Jorgensen says that he is passionate about all of the causes because they help him accomplish his goal of getting out his comfort zone. But there is one cause that is more personal than the others, the American Diabetes Association. Jorgensen's mom died of complications from type 2 diabetes. Jorgensen volunteered at the association on what would have been his mom's 59th birthday.

One of the many benefits of this project for Jorgensen is that he is learning about Sacramento and the region. He grew up in the Bay Area, and at age 12 moved to Beaverton, Ore., where he attended high school and junior college. He finished college in San Diego. His mom had relocated to Sacramento, where the rest of her family lived, and he joined her about five years ago while she was undergoing some health problems. Jorgensen was able to spend a year with her before she passed away.

When asked which volunteer experience was the most profound for him, Jorgensen said, "Everyone I have talked to has asked me this question, 'Which one do you like the most?' And it's like asking a parent, 'Which child is your favorite?' " However, one experience that stuck with him was working at the Children's Receiving Home, a safe place for abused and neglected children. On that evening, he spent 45 minutes with five boys ages 6 to 8 building a gingerbread house. Talking with the staff afterward, they emphasized how important having Jorgensen there was because the receiving home rarely gets male volunteers. And that's what these boys need, staffers said.

Jorgensen was deeply affected by what one staff member said: "Only a man can show a boy how to be a man." Growing up with a single mom, he understood this idea. But he also could appreciate his mother, who performed the roles of mom and dad. Spending time with the boys made Jorgensen want to be a role model to people who especially need it.

When asked if this was going to become an annual tradition, Jorgensen thought for a moment, then said, "Yes. I am thinking about it. Who knows where I'll be in a year, but just the momentum generated and the ideas that have come from it have made me think that I would regret it if I didn't do it next year. A lot of people are starting to say, 'I want to join you!'"

Jorgensen will be wrapping up his 20-day volunteer marathon tomorrow.

He has blogged about each of his volunteer experiences, and you find them, and learn about his causes at 20causes20days.com

Photos come from Jorgensen's blog, and feature him at the Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, and the River City Food Bank.