Today is exactly one month after Valentine’s Day. If you had a valentine then and still have that same valentine, then congratulations, that’s no small feat in this day and age. If you had a valentine a month ago and have a different one now, then you make quick work. But if things have soured since February 14, or if the past month has been a bit of a dry spell, then I have just the woman for you; she’s even a former massage therapist. No, no, not in that way, she’s happily married, but Sandra Schwartz is a certified matchmaker with an innovative concept.

Schwartz’s Cause and Effect Dating is not an online dating website, but a matchmaking service. Instead of meeting a potential date at a restaurant, movie, or show, Schwartz instead sends potential couples or groups of singles to volunteer and do good in and around New York City. I recently spoke with Sandra to learn more about her unique company.

Q: This seems like a great service you provide, what gave you the idea?

A few things. I had a private massage practice in New York City for years and listened to the dating woes of my clients everyday. I heard many online dating disaster stories and knew there must be a better way. I have volunteered for various causes over the years and met lovely people, in fact, that’s how I met my husband. I realized combining dating with volunteering was a great way to bring people together. So, I went to matchmaking school to get training and moved ahead with the idea.

Q: Do you find that people who meet through volunteer efforts have a higher success rate in finding a match?

Well, I can’t say because I don’t have stats on other methods of meeting. I do believe that when you are giving back you are at your best and I can’t think of a better time to meet someone.

Q: What kinds of volunteer activities do your clients participate in? Are you affiliated with any particular organizations or charities?

We do all sorts of things, from walking dogs, to delivering meals, to planting in community gardens. Gosh, we help out any organization that needs us. I am thrilled to announce that we are in the process of joining forces with The Starlight Foundation, I am sure we will come up with lots of fun activities for our daters through them!

Q: How did you come up with the name Cause and Effect?

Gosh, it just seemed to sum it up on so many levels. I feel that when good deeds and intentions are put out there, the effect comes back ten fold. It just fit, you help a CAUSE and the EFFECT just might be finding love.

Q: What is the average age of your clients? Do you have a minimum or maximum age?

We serve clients in their 20’s 30’s and 40’s.

Q: How do you ensure the highest quality of applicants for your service?

Well, quality is in the eye of the beholder. But, we do background checks on all clients.

Q: Approximately how many clients do you have? Do they each get personal attention from you?

We have over 500 clients. My goal is to provide a service that lies somewhere between private matchmaking and online services. Private matchmaking is very costly, often upwards of $10,000. I did not want Cause and Effect to be that exclusive because it defeats the purpose of getting mass volunteerism. So, I don’t spend hours in face to face meetings with clients but I do hold “Meet the Matchmaker Night” for clients so that I can meet them briefly and I consult with them by phone. In addition I am always available via email. And I handpick all matches.

Q: How did you meet your husband?

At a charity event, see it works!

Q: Did that play into your developing Cause and Effect?

Well, I can’t say, I guess it must have .

Q: How much does your service cost? Do you make any kind of guarantee?

We have a few different plans. Generally, it is $600 for a year membership and I guarantee at least 10 one on one dates. If at years end I have not fulfilled that, the membership is extended until fulfilled. We also have special events and partner discounts for members, fun little perks

Q: Do you provide services for heterosexual couples only?

One of the most common questions I get is “Do you make same sex matches?” The answer is yes and no. I, of course, want to serve the gay and lesbian community but I don’t yet have a large enough database to support me offering that service. It is one of my goals in 2008 to build that up. In fact, I am opening up my database for gay and lesbian singles for free for a limited time as a way to get that off the ground.

Q: What is the approximate success rate for your clients? Have any of them gotten married?

Well, Cause and Effect is fairly new. So, while there are many couples that I know are still together, I don’t know if they are married. Pre Cause and Effect, as a private matchmaker, I made many intros that led to marriage. Also, I don’t really keep in touch with daters after they stop using the service so who knows??

Q: What is the approximate male to female ratio? Do you get more applications from one gender or the other?

I can’t think of a dating service that does not have more women then men, especially in New York. It is one of the sad facts. I have been able to keep it fairly balanced thus far, I don’t accept everyone as a client and sometimes people are waitlisted.

Q: What is the strangest request you’ve gotten in a partner from a client?

So many, and many that are not printable. I once had a woman who wanted to date someone who looked like a particular male model, not similar to, but wanted a look alike. I get that type of thing a lot. Men who want a dead ringer for Jessica Alba or forget it. I turn those people away. I’m a matchmaker, not The Wizard of Oz.

Q: What if the client is uncomfortable with the volunteer opportunity you have assigned them?

Well, we don’t send anyone somewhere unless it is approved by both daters. If, after they get there they are not happy, I ask that they complete the assignment anyway, actually that has never happened.

Q: I live in New Orleans, so I’d be unable to sign up. Do you have any plans to expand to other areas of the country?

Well, growth and franchising is something that I struggle with because I want to retain the integrity of the business. That said, I am in meetings to do just that. We just need to figure out a way to do it so that the service still remains at a high level. So, don’t worry New Orleans, we will get there soon!!!

Q: Do you have any advice for young daters? What about young entrepreneurs?

My advice for young daters, all daters really, is to be open, don’t box yourself in about things like height and age, give people a shot and you might be surprised.

Q: Sandra Schwartz, that’s a good Jewish name. Has anyone ever called you Yente (the matchmaker from Fiddler on the Roof)?

All the time!!! It’s quite a compliment!

Thank you very much for your time.

You’re very welcome.