HIGHLAND I Steve Bailey glanced at the cash register counter at Bertie's Cafe and shook his head.

"That would be an ideal location for one," he said. "We just have to get the word out."

Bailey, of Highland, and business partner Christopher Dragus, of Hammond, are founders of the Charity First Foundation Inc., a new startup nonprofit organization designed to help region charities while boosting small businesses.

Their concept: Distribute 45 "business card centers" throughout the region, each holding about three dozen business cards from mom-and-pop stores, shops and services, which would pay about $20 a month for the advertising exposure.

"Business cards are the first marketing tool for most businesses," Bailey said.

The centers, more like stand-up kiosks, would serve as a cash catalyst for the Charity First organization, which also hopes to offer job opportunities to people like Bailey and Dragus, both 34, who've had to overcome personal setbacks in their lives.

Bailey has had to deal with social prejudices against his dwarfism, and Dragus has had to overcome stuttering linked to severe social anxiety disorder.

"We wanted to design a nonprofit that could provide meaningful jobs for persons like us," Bailey said.

They also wanted to rally around small businesses in the region.

"So many that we grew up with are being lost to corporate stores," Dragus said.

"We wanted to come up with a business plan to assist these companies while helping charitable organizations as well," Bailey said. "That's how the idea for Charity First evolved."

Their goal: Generate funding for 24 local charitable causes by providing unique, affordable advertising opportunities for small businesses. All the while making enough money to cut themselves a paycheck for their families.

The earmarked charities include local agencies of the U.S. Humane Society, the Boys & Girls Clubs, the American Red Cross and American Cancer Society.

"They're ones we believe in or have a personal interest," Dragus said.

The men think the kiosk concept also is ideal for local entrepreneurs involved with such at-home ventures as Avon, Home Interiors or Mary Kay products -- people who typically can't afford costly marketing campaigns.

Fund-raising programs also are available, and the men have a pending patent on the business card center concept. The 1989 Highland High School graduates also hope to begin a scholarship for students there.

Their first business card kiosk is at Scott's Maytag in Valparaiso, strategically located near the cash register and restroom, a typical high-traffic waiting spot for customers.

Owner Scott Thompson said what attracted him to the business card concept is its community-building potential. New residents often ask him for suggestions on where to find the best burger, or where to fix a pair of shoes, or for quality electrical work.

"I just point to the kiosk," Thompson said. "It's a great tool to introduce customers to local businesses. Plus, the money is for a great cause -- charity."

Bailey and Dragus have dozens more business card centers to distribute, which also hold up to eight current photographs and descriptions of missing children throughout the country.

"We feel this is another way to show we care about our community, the children too," Dragus said.

The group's mission statement: "Touching the lives of everyone."

But so far they haven't been able to touch a single charity because donations have been thin. And they're still waiting for confirmation from the Internal Revenue Service on the possibility of receiving tax-deductible contributions.

Still, they're as hopeful as any other new business owner.

"We believe in this, and we believe people in this region will get behind us," Bailey said.