/PRNewswire/ -- Cox Enterprises, Inc. announced today a combined cash donation of $175,000 to three non-profit aid agencies to support flood recovery efforts in metro Atlanta. More than 20,000 homes and other structures suffered major damage across 17 Georgia counties, which have now been declared federal disaster areas.
"Cox Enterprises has a legacy of helping our employees in times of great need," said Jimmy Hayes, president and CEO of Cox Enterprises. "Cox is also committed to helping our community-at-large, so we're supporting two long-time partners on the front line of this disaster."
The donation will be shared among the Cox Employee Disaster Relief Fund ($75,000), the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta's Disaster Relief Fund ($50,000) and the American Red Cross (Metro Atlanta) Disaster Relief Fund ($50,000). Created in 2005, the Cox Employee Disaster Relief Fund aided company employees during Hurricane Katrina and the California wildfires and will now assist Cox's affected Atlanta-area employees.
In addition to Cox Enterprises' $175,000 donation, many of its Cox Media Group properties in Atlanta provided vital information during the crisis. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, WSB-TV and WSB-AM, News Talk 750 experienced record-breaking ratings and online usage as each news team covered the event around the clock. They released flood warnings over the air, online, mobile text alerts, in print and on Twitter. The media properties continue to provide updates and share how metro Atlantans can help those impacted in the community.
Basic paper items such as paper towels, toilet paper and diapers are in extreme need. In partnership with the United Way, Cox companies with local office locations including Cox Communications, AutoTrader.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution have placed collection containers for these items in their office lobbies and are encouraging employees to donate.
Individuals interested in providing assistance can find information by calling 404-614-1000 (United Way) or 1-800-REDCROSS (American Red Cross).
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Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Homes of Georgia Extends a Helping Hand
Touched by shocking scenes of flooding and sad stories of devastation played out nightly on local TV stations, Atlanta home builder Tony Pourhassan of Highlight Homes felt the need to help those whose lives had been touched. “My family and I were lucky – the lake near our home in Newnan rose, but the dam held and only our yard was flooded,” explains Pourhassan. “Sadly, there were many families around town who were not so fortunate. I’ve been building and restoring homes for more than 25 years, and my company recently launched a restorations division – I just kept thinking ‘There has to be something I can do to help.’” Tony shared these thoughts with Highlight Homes Superintendent, Chris Gilliam, and the two men quickly put their heads together.
“We decided that we could offer families in need a couple of hours of our services, completely free of charge,” says Pourhassan. “Because we restore and renovate homes for a living, we can work quickly to help these people put their homes and lives back together. With the aid of several team members, within a short amount of time we can help pull up carpet and pads, remove damaged drywall, and assist in general clean-up. We can also offer our expertise regarding further repair and maintenance, as well as suggest possible steps that can be taken to safeguard against future damage.”
All homeowners in and around the Atlanta area whose homes suffered damage during the recent floods are invited to contact Highlight Homes/Highlight Home Restorations to submit a request for assistance. In the event of an overwhelming response, Highlight Homes cannot guarantee that they will be able to assist everyone who calls. Requests will be fulfilled on a first come-first serve basis. Please submit requests by phone at 404.841.8910 or via e-mail at helpatlanta@highlighthomesga.com. To learn more about Highlight Homes, visit their website at www.highlighthomesga.com. Tony Pourhassan, Chris Gilliam, and the rest of the Highlight Homes team look forward to your call!
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“We decided that we could offer families in need a couple of hours of our services, completely free of charge,” says Pourhassan. “Because we restore and renovate homes for a living, we can work quickly to help these people put their homes and lives back together. With the aid of several team members, within a short amount of time we can help pull up carpet and pads, remove damaged drywall, and assist in general clean-up. We can also offer our expertise regarding further repair and maintenance, as well as suggest possible steps that can be taken to safeguard against future damage.”
All homeowners in and around the Atlanta area whose homes suffered damage during the recent floods are invited to contact Highlight Homes/Highlight Home Restorations to submit a request for assistance. In the event of an overwhelming response, Highlight Homes cannot guarantee that they will be able to assist everyone who calls. Requests will be fulfilled on a first come-first serve basis. Please submit requests by phone at 404.841.8910 or via e-mail at helpatlanta@highlighthomesga.com. To learn more about Highlight Homes, visit their website at www.highlighthomesga.com. Tony Pourhassan, Chris Gilliam, and the rest of the Highlight Homes team look forward to your call!
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Saturday, September 26, 2009
Lisa's Ride; 5th Annual Ride to Raise Awareness and Advocacy for Suicide Prevention
Saturday, Oct 10; Registration starts at 10 a.m. at King Kustom Cycles, 304 Fairburn Industrial Blvd., Fairburn. Ride leaves at 12 noon and end at 1 p.m. at Longbranch Steak and Seafood, 692 Glynn St. N. $20 per rider and $10 per passenger (includes a great ride and t-shirt). Join the group for lunch at Longbranch and a percentage of the purchase will be donated to SPAN-GA. Raffle prizes, Lifekeeper Quilts will be displayed. Proceeds from the Ride go to SPAN-GA, http://www.span-ga.org/.
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Friday, September 25, 2009
Stein Mart Once Again Teams with Salvation Army for Give & Receive Event
/PRNewswire/ -- Based on the success of two previous events, Stein Mart has again partnered with The Salvation Army for the national Give & Receive clothing drive, October 1-3. In a year that has brought financial challenges to many Americans and with the winter months fast approaching, Stein Mart and The Salvation Army have decided to team up for the second time in 2009 to help those who might be in need of clothes for the winter season. Shoppers who bring clean, gently used garments in good condition to any Stein Mart store during the Give & Receive event will receive savings on new fall fashions and much more.
Stein Mart previously teamed with The Salvation Army for Give & Receive events in October 2008 and February 2009. In total, approximately 800,000 pieces of clothing have been donated by Stein Mart shoppers to help replenish The Salvation Army Thrift and Family Stores. All proceeds from the Thrift and Family Stores directly support The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers, where over 340,000 men and women turned their lives around in 2008.
For each item donated, contributors will receive a coupon for 20% off any item.* Those who donate will have the opportunity to redeem their coupons on a variety of items including fashion apparel for women, men and children from many top designers and brands, as well as accessories, gifts, linens and shoes.
"We are proud to once again partner with Salvation Army," said Stein Mart chairman Jay Stein. "Our loyal customers continuously step up to join us in our efforts to support this valued organization. We are honored to again have this opportunity to help those in need and hope to make this an ongoing initiative."
"We were greatly encouraged by the success of last year's partnership with Stein Mart, which demonstrated that even during times of economic uncertainty, people are still able and willing to give generously," said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. "With winter months fast approaching, The Salvation Army appreciates the continued support of Stein Mart and its customers, who have allowed us to provide critical services to those in need."
For more information about The Salvation Army, please visit www.salvationarmyusa.org. For more information on Stein Mart or to find your nearest location, please visit www.steinmart.com.
*Coupons can be redeemed at Stein Mart locations October 1-3, 2009. Limit four coupons per customer while supplies last. Customers can donate as many items as they like. Tax receipts are available for donations.
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Stein Mart previously teamed with The Salvation Army for Give & Receive events in October 2008 and February 2009. In total, approximately 800,000 pieces of clothing have been donated by Stein Mart shoppers to help replenish The Salvation Army Thrift and Family Stores. All proceeds from the Thrift and Family Stores directly support The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers, where over 340,000 men and women turned their lives around in 2008.
For each item donated, contributors will receive a coupon for 20% off any item.* Those who donate will have the opportunity to redeem their coupons on a variety of items including fashion apparel for women, men and children from many top designers and brands, as well as accessories, gifts, linens and shoes.
"We are proud to once again partner with Salvation Army," said Stein Mart chairman Jay Stein. "Our loyal customers continuously step up to join us in our efforts to support this valued organization. We are honored to again have this opportunity to help those in need and hope to make this an ongoing initiative."
"We were greatly encouraged by the success of last year's partnership with Stein Mart, which demonstrated that even during times of economic uncertainty, people are still able and willing to give generously," said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. "With winter months fast approaching, The Salvation Army appreciates the continued support of Stein Mart and its customers, who have allowed us to provide critical services to those in need."
For more information about The Salvation Army, please visit www.salvationarmyusa.org. For more information on Stein Mart or to find your nearest location, please visit www.steinmart.com.
*Coupons can be redeemed at Stein Mart locations October 1-3, 2009. Limit four coupons per customer while supplies last. Customers can donate as many items as they like. Tax receipts are available for donations.
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Lowe’s Donating $250,000 to American Red Cross for Flood Relief Efforts; Activating Customer Donation Program and ‘Racing for Relief’
(BUSINESS WIRE)--In response to the flooding in the Atlanta area, Lowe’s is making a $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. In addition, all Lowe’s stores in Georgia are serving as official cash donation sites to benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which helps people affected by disasters like the recent floods. Store employees will also be on hand to answer questions and provide tips for flood clean up.
“At Lowe's, we are committed to forging alliances with well-respected organizations like the American Red Cross, so we can make sure our contributions and donations from customers will get to those in the hardest-hit areas as efficiently as possible,” said Larry D. Stone, Lowe’s president, chief operating officer and chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “In addition, Lowe’s command center is in full activation, and we are expediting emergency product into affected communities to help customers recover.”
In addition, Lowe’s, three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and American Le Mans Series division champions Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz will be “Racing for Relief” at the Dover International Speedway and Road Atlanta this weekend to add to the contribution. Funds raised will help to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of disasters like the recent floods.
As part of Racing for Relief, Lowe’s has decided to donate $48 for every lap of the scheduled 400 laps that Johnson completes in the Dover 400 on September 27. If Johnson wins his race, Lowe’s will donate an additional $4,800. Lowe’s will donate $15 for every mile of the scheduled 1,000 miles that the Lowe’s Team 15 completes in the Petit Le Mans on September 26, and if Team 15 wins its race in flood-affected Atlanta, Lowe’s will donate an additional $15,000. The total amount of donation if both teams win will be $54,000. The Red Cross logo will be displayed on the deck lids of the No. 48 Lowe’s Impala SS and the No. 15 Lowe’s Acura.
“This has been an incredibly devastating event for Atlanta-area residents, and I know there are so many people who need our help right now," said Johnson. “The Lowe's 48 team will do everything we can to get to victory lane so we can raise as much money as possible. The American Red Cross helps so many people, and it's the least we can do to show our support.”
“This is the first time that we have been able to participate in Lowe’s ‘Racing for Relief’ program,” said Adrian Fernandez, one of the two Lowe’s Team 15 drivers. “Luis and I will do everything we can to make sure we win this race and get $30,000 for the Atlanta area. Since the race is in Atlanta this weekend, we are especially excited about the opportunity to help the local community.”
Lowe’s first introduced Racing for Relief in April 2000. To date, the program has helped disaster relief efforts for hurricanes, tornados and floods by raising more than $294,000. Since partnering with the Red Cross in 1999, Lowe’s has raised more than $18.6 million for disaster relief.
Anyone interested in making a donation to the American Red Cross may visit participating Lowe’s stores, donate online at www.redcross.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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“At Lowe's, we are committed to forging alliances with well-respected organizations like the American Red Cross, so we can make sure our contributions and donations from customers will get to those in the hardest-hit areas as efficiently as possible,” said Larry D. Stone, Lowe’s president, chief operating officer and chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “In addition, Lowe’s command center is in full activation, and we are expediting emergency product into affected communities to help customers recover.”
In addition, Lowe’s, three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and American Le Mans Series division champions Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz will be “Racing for Relief” at the Dover International Speedway and Road Atlanta this weekend to add to the contribution. Funds raised will help to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of disasters like the recent floods.
As part of Racing for Relief, Lowe’s has decided to donate $48 for every lap of the scheduled 400 laps that Johnson completes in the Dover 400 on September 27. If Johnson wins his race, Lowe’s will donate an additional $4,800. Lowe’s will donate $15 for every mile of the scheduled 1,000 miles that the Lowe’s Team 15 completes in the Petit Le Mans on September 26, and if Team 15 wins its race in flood-affected Atlanta, Lowe’s will donate an additional $15,000. The total amount of donation if both teams win will be $54,000. The Red Cross logo will be displayed on the deck lids of the No. 48 Lowe’s Impala SS and the No. 15 Lowe’s Acura.
“This has been an incredibly devastating event for Atlanta-area residents, and I know there are so many people who need our help right now," said Johnson. “The Lowe's 48 team will do everything we can to get to victory lane so we can raise as much money as possible. The American Red Cross helps so many people, and it's the least we can do to show our support.”
“This is the first time that we have been able to participate in Lowe’s ‘Racing for Relief’ program,” said Adrian Fernandez, one of the two Lowe’s Team 15 drivers. “Luis and I will do everything we can to make sure we win this race and get $30,000 for the Atlanta area. Since the race is in Atlanta this weekend, we are especially excited about the opportunity to help the local community.”
Lowe’s first introduced Racing for Relief in April 2000. To date, the program has helped disaster relief efforts for hurricanes, tornados and floods by raising more than $294,000. Since partnering with the Red Cross in 1999, Lowe’s has raised more than $18.6 million for disaster relief.
Anyone interested in making a donation to the American Red Cross may visit participating Lowe’s stores, donate online at www.redcross.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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Thursday, September 24, 2009
Electric Co-op Employees Volunteer During Hands on Georgia Week
/PRNewswire/ -- Employees of Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) throughout Georgia, Georgia EMC, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. will join forces during Hands on Georgia Week, September 26-October 2, to benefit a variety of community service projects.
Volunteer efforts this year will range from holding food drives in communities throughout Georgia, sorting perishable goods for area food banks, clearing trees and debris at a local park and other beautification projects.
Hands On Georgia (HOGA) Week is an initiative launched by Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue in 2004. Since 2007, GEMC, OPC, GTC and GSOC have been statewide sponsors, and last year joined ranks with more than 100 EMC employees across Georgia who volunteered during HOGA week.
"EMCs are proud to support Governor Perdue's focus on the importance of volunteerism and community service, since nearly 5,000 EMC employees across the state invest thousands of hours giving back to their communities throughout the year," notes Georgia EMC President/CEO Paul Wood.
"EMCs work hard to cultivate a commitment to our state and her communities, and HOGA week provides us the opportunity to honor that commitment in a concerted effort statewide."
This year, EMCs will cast a wide net during the week and enlist hundreds of volunteers from Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Young Harris; Canoochee EMC, Reidsville; Carroll EMC, Carrollton; Cobb EMC, Marietta; Colquitt EMC, Moultrie; Diverse Power, LaGrange; Georgia EMC, Georgia Transmission Corp. and Oglethorpe Power Corp., Tucker; GreyStone Power, Douglasville; Jackson EMC, Jefferson; Mitchell EMC, Camilla; North Georgia EMC, Dalton; Ocmulgee EMC, Eastman; Oconee EMC, Dudley; Okefenoke REMC, Nahunta; Slash Pine EMC, Homerville; Snapping Shoals EMC, Covington; Southern Rivers, Barnesville; Tri-County EMC, Gray; and Walton EMC, Monroe.
In addition to individual EMC service projects, GEMC, OPC, GTC and GSOC will encourage participation in a statewide food drive coordinated with the Georgia Food Bank Network which provides assistance through member food banks to Georgians fighting hunger and food insecurity throughout the state.
This year, HOGA Week projects are planned in all 159 counties in the state. Communities will perform Hands On projects to address local needs such as environmental clean ups, building restorations, wheel chair ramp construction, playground builds and tutoring sessions with children, among many other efforts.
For more information, visit www.georgiaemc.com, www.opc.com, www.gatrans.com and www.gasoc.com.
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Volunteer efforts this year will range from holding food drives in communities throughout Georgia, sorting perishable goods for area food banks, clearing trees and debris at a local park and other beautification projects.
Hands On Georgia (HOGA) Week is an initiative launched by Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue in 2004. Since 2007, GEMC, OPC, GTC and GSOC have been statewide sponsors, and last year joined ranks with more than 100 EMC employees across Georgia who volunteered during HOGA week.
"EMCs are proud to support Governor Perdue's focus on the importance of volunteerism and community service, since nearly 5,000 EMC employees across the state invest thousands of hours giving back to their communities throughout the year," notes Georgia EMC President/CEO Paul Wood.
"EMCs work hard to cultivate a commitment to our state and her communities, and HOGA week provides us the opportunity to honor that commitment in a concerted effort statewide."
This year, EMCs will cast a wide net during the week and enlist hundreds of volunteers from Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Young Harris; Canoochee EMC, Reidsville; Carroll EMC, Carrollton; Cobb EMC, Marietta; Colquitt EMC, Moultrie; Diverse Power, LaGrange; Georgia EMC, Georgia Transmission Corp. and Oglethorpe Power Corp., Tucker; GreyStone Power, Douglasville; Jackson EMC, Jefferson; Mitchell EMC, Camilla; North Georgia EMC, Dalton; Ocmulgee EMC, Eastman; Oconee EMC, Dudley; Okefenoke REMC, Nahunta; Slash Pine EMC, Homerville; Snapping Shoals EMC, Covington; Southern Rivers, Barnesville; Tri-County EMC, Gray; and Walton EMC, Monroe.
In addition to individual EMC service projects, GEMC, OPC, GTC and GSOC will encourage participation in a statewide food drive coordinated with the Georgia Food Bank Network which provides assistance through member food banks to Georgians fighting hunger and food insecurity throughout the state.
This year, HOGA Week projects are planned in all 159 counties in the state. Communities will perform Hands On projects to address local needs such as environmental clean ups, building restorations, wheel chair ramp construction, playground builds and tutoring sessions with children, among many other efforts.
For more information, visit www.georgiaemc.com, www.opc.com, www.gatrans.com and www.gasoc.com.
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SpaceMax Offers Free Storage to Georgia Residents Affected by Recent Flooding
(BUSINESS WIRE)--It’s been hard to make it through the past few days without talking to someone who was affected by recent Atlanta flooding. The result is that many area residents are suddenly finding themselves in need of relocating their belongings while their homes are being repaired. In response to this disaster SpaceMax Storage, an Atlanta based self storage facility, has decided to help Georgia residents whose homes were either lost due to flooding or had suffered flood damage by offering a month and a half of free storage. There are no costs associated for the use of their facilities during the free period for victims of the flooding. Furthermore, SpaceMax is offering free use of their moving trucks to affected residents who qualify.
“SpaceMax is a new company in the Atlanta Market,” says John Rinehart, manager of their Midtown Atlanta location. “Our rationale for helping is simple. Our facilities are extremely large so we still have plenty of rentable square feet empty and available. There’s no way we can possibly rent all of that out over the next few months while local residents are cleaning up, and we know that people in our community are in need of what we have right now, so we can’t think of a better way to put this space to good use.”
SpaceMax Storage is a climate controlled multi level self storage facility located in Midtown Atlanta, the Virginia Highlands area of Atlanta and in Decatur near the DeKalb Medical Center. SpaceMax, a locally owned Atlanta chain in business for over three years, is a safe, clean and highly secure storage alternative offering state of the art security surveillance which is monitored 24/7 and offers a wide selection of boxes and moving supplies. Its three locations are (ATLANTA/VA HIGHLANDS) 1248 Zonolite Road, Atlanta, GA 30306 [404-888-9688], (ATLANTA/MIDTOWN) 680 14th St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 [404-733-1400] and (DECATUR) 2910 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033 [404-292-0606].
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“SpaceMax is a new company in the Atlanta Market,” says John Rinehart, manager of their Midtown Atlanta location. “Our rationale for helping is simple. Our facilities are extremely large so we still have plenty of rentable square feet empty and available. There’s no way we can possibly rent all of that out over the next few months while local residents are cleaning up, and we know that people in our community are in need of what we have right now, so we can’t think of a better way to put this space to good use.”
SpaceMax Storage is a climate controlled multi level self storage facility located in Midtown Atlanta, the Virginia Highlands area of Atlanta and in Decatur near the DeKalb Medical Center. SpaceMax, a locally owned Atlanta chain in business for over three years, is a safe, clean and highly secure storage alternative offering state of the art security surveillance which is monitored 24/7 and offers a wide selection of boxes and moving supplies. Its three locations are (ATLANTA/VA HIGHLANDS) 1248 Zonolite Road, Atlanta, GA 30306 [404-888-9688], (ATLANTA/MIDTOWN) 680 14th St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 [404-733-1400] and (DECATUR) 2910 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033 [404-292-0606].
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Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Outback Suwanee Donates 381 Meals to Benefit Gwinnett Seniors
Outback Steakhouse donated 381 meals to benefit Gwinnett County Senior Services. This is the tenth year the restaurant has relentlessly given back to the community to help provide meals to seniors.
Volunteers and members of The Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services (Friends) delivered scrumptious meals consisting of “choice” beef, flame-grilled chicken, seasoned green beans, mashed potatoes, and a roll across Gwinnett County. The annual event has generated more than $90,500 in the past ten years.
“I wanted to give back to the seniors and thought this is a good way to do it,” said Outbacker staff member, Christi Solsbeery.
Funds from the Outback at Work Charity lunch will help to subsidize the 135,000 home delivered and congregate meals which are prepared and delivered by the Gwinnett County Senior Services on an annual basis.
“It is anticipated that we will get another great turnout for the next event on Wednesday, October 21,” says Linda Bailey, Manager of Gwinnnett Senior Services. For a minimum order of ten meals at $15 each, you can get your meal delivered to your worksite, please call Melanie Miller at 770.822.8842 or send her an e-mail at melanie.miller@gwinnettcounty.com.
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Volunteers and members of The Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services (Friends) delivered scrumptious meals consisting of “choice” beef, flame-grilled chicken, seasoned green beans, mashed potatoes, and a roll across Gwinnett County. The annual event has generated more than $90,500 in the past ten years.
“I wanted to give back to the seniors and thought this is a good way to do it,” said Outbacker staff member, Christi Solsbeery.
Funds from the Outback at Work Charity lunch will help to subsidize the 135,000 home delivered and congregate meals which are prepared and delivered by the Gwinnett County Senior Services on an annual basis.
“It is anticipated that we will get another great turnout for the next event on Wednesday, October 21,” says Linda Bailey, Manager of Gwinnnett Senior Services. For a minimum order of ten meals at $15 each, you can get your meal delivered to your worksite, please call Melanie Miller at 770.822.8842 or send her an e-mail at melanie.miller@gwinnettcounty.com.
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The Home Depot Foundation Donates $100,000 in Atlanta Flood Clean Up and Rebuilding Effort
/PRNewswire/ -- The Home Depot Foundation and associates from The Home Depot(R) are joining in the relief efforts in the aftermath of the floods that have caused significant damage throughout the Metro Atlanta area this week. The Home Depot Foundation has committed $100,000 in donations, with $50,000 going to the American Red Cross for immediate emergency disaster assistance and another $50,000 to go to the longer term rebuilding process.
"Many neighborhoods were deeply affected by severe flooding this week, and we want to contribute to their immediate needs through the American Red Cross," said Kelly Caffarelli, president of The Home Depot Foundation. "But we also know that repairing the damage will be a long process for homeowners, business and communities. That's why we will also support the longer-term efforts by investing in organizations that will rebuild these homes and communities in a healthy, sustainable way."
Several local Home Depot stores have already been involved in emergency relief efforts through product donations to local cities. These donations have included tarps, wet patch roof cement, bottled water and buckets.
"We have almost 20,000 associates who live and work throughout the Atlanta area, so this is a very personal effort for all of us," said Caffarelli. "Store associates are already planning Team Depot volunteer events to help their communities clean up and get back on their feet. We are ready to roll up our sleeves to help our associates, neighbors and customers."
"People helping people are at the heart of our humanitarian mission," said Timothy M. English, regional CEO for the American Red Cross in North Georgia. "When good neighbors partner with the Red Cross to make disaster relief possible, it not only helps the families who are affected, it strengthens entire communities."
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"Many neighborhoods were deeply affected by severe flooding this week, and we want to contribute to their immediate needs through the American Red Cross," said Kelly Caffarelli, president of The Home Depot Foundation. "But we also know that repairing the damage will be a long process for homeowners, business and communities. That's why we will also support the longer-term efforts by investing in organizations that will rebuild these homes and communities in a healthy, sustainable way."
Several local Home Depot stores have already been involved in emergency relief efforts through product donations to local cities. These donations have included tarps, wet patch roof cement, bottled water and buckets.
"We have almost 20,000 associates who live and work throughout the Atlanta area, so this is a very personal effort for all of us," said Caffarelli. "Store associates are already planning Team Depot volunteer events to help their communities clean up and get back on their feet. We are ready to roll up our sleeves to help our associates, neighbors and customers."
"People helping people are at the heart of our humanitarian mission," said Timothy M. English, regional CEO for the American Red Cross in North Georgia. "When good neighbors partner with the Red Cross to make disaster relief possible, it not only helps the families who are affected, it strengthens entire communities."
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Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday Oct 5 is World Habitat Day
The United Nations has designated the first Monday each October as World Habitat Day.
This year on Oct. 5 in Washington, D.C. and around the world, please join Habitat for Humanity in support of this global observance as we come together and declare that the lack of decent, affordable housing is unacceptable.
According to the United Nations, more than 100 million people in the world today are homeless. Millions more face a severe housing problem living without adequate sanitation, with irregular or no electricity supply and without adequate security.
Worldwide, more than 2 million housing units per year are needed for the next 50 years to solve the present worldwide housing crisis. With our global population expanding, however, at the end of those 50 years, there would still be a need for another 1 billion houses. (UN-HABITAT: 2005)
Raising awareness and advocating for change are the first steps toward transforming systems that perpetuate the global plague of poverty housing. World Habitat Day serves as an important reminder that everyone must unite to ensure that everyone has a safe, decent place to call home.
More information: http://worldhabitatdaynews.com/
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This year on Oct. 5 in Washington, D.C. and around the world, please join Habitat for Humanity in support of this global observance as we come together and declare that the lack of decent, affordable housing is unacceptable.
According to the United Nations, more than 100 million people in the world today are homeless. Millions more face a severe housing problem living without adequate sanitation, with irregular or no electricity supply and without adequate security.
Worldwide, more than 2 million housing units per year are needed for the next 50 years to solve the present worldwide housing crisis. With our global population expanding, however, at the end of those 50 years, there would still be a need for another 1 billion houses. (UN-HABITAT: 2005)
Raising awareness and advocating for change are the first steps toward transforming systems that perpetuate the global plague of poverty housing. World Habitat Day serves as an important reminder that everyone must unite to ensure that everyone has a safe, decent place to call home.
More information: http://worldhabitatdaynews.com/
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Wren Sponsors Fulton County Fraternal Order of Police 'Shop with a Cop' Program
/PRNewswire/ -- Wren , providers of physical security solutions that create safe learning environments, is proud to sponsor the 2009 Fulton County Fraternal Order of Police "Shop with a Cop" program. For over 12 years, the annual community initiative has successfully helped pair underprivileged children with a police officer for a fun shopping experience for items from school supplies to holiday gifts. This year, Wren serves as one of the local businesses in the Dunwoody community to sponsor children whose families are experiencing economic hardships.
The Shop with a Cop concept has programs nationwide through the involvement of various law enforcement agencies and fraternal order of police organizations in local areas. Financial support for the programs is driven through fundraising with community businesses, retailers, and citizens. The program gets its name, however, from the volunteer work provided directly by police officers, who spend off-duty time the day of the event with children shopping at a designated store. The time the officers give helps the program deliver on its promise and signifies both the officers' commitment to community service in addition to establishing relationships with children who live in the very locales they're sworn to protect.
"While most citizens see police as agents who enforce the law, at the end of every day served, our officers want nothing more than to be the good guy and protect the community," said Captain Greg Lauth, Fulton County Fraternal Order of Police. "Our officers donate their time to be involved in the Shop with a Cop program because it allows them to achieve the goal of being the good guy, but in a fun and relaxed environment where they can connect with kids to build respect and a chance for both the officer and the child to see the other for who they really are. For myself and our other volunteers, it is an honor and a privilege to be able to help the children in our communities in need, and to provide them with a memorable event."
Wren is closely tied to both schools in the Atlanta community and nationally through its commitment to publishing a Network Video + Education blog and designing solutions that help schools make their learning environments safe. Wren demonstrates its commitment to law enforcement officers by offering members of the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) an annual scholarship awards program. Wren also conducts its own independent school security research series to help identify, address and solve school officers' security needs.
In 2008, company president Andrew Wren volunteered through "Principal for a Day" as the principal of a local school to experience first hand the challenges and joys that school administrators face every day. Wren's decision to support children in its immediate Atlanta neighborhood through the Shop with a Cop program was a natural extension of the organization and its employees' philanthropic efforts.
"We're honored to support not only local school children through this program, but to also show our appreciation to the officers for their contributions to the community through their service and for the time they volunteer out of their busy schedules to be involved," said Andrew Wren, president of Wren.
For more information about how to get involved or donate to the Shop with a Cop program, please contact the Fulton County Fraternal Order of Police at 770-457-5603 or visit their website at www.fultoncofop64.org.
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The Shop with a Cop concept has programs nationwide through the involvement of various law enforcement agencies and fraternal order of police organizations in local areas. Financial support for the programs is driven through fundraising with community businesses, retailers, and citizens. The program gets its name, however, from the volunteer work provided directly by police officers, who spend off-duty time the day of the event with children shopping at a designated store. The time the officers give helps the program deliver on its promise and signifies both the officers' commitment to community service in addition to establishing relationships with children who live in the very locales they're sworn to protect.
"While most citizens see police as agents who enforce the law, at the end of every day served, our officers want nothing more than to be the good guy and protect the community," said Captain Greg Lauth, Fulton County Fraternal Order of Police. "Our officers donate their time to be involved in the Shop with a Cop program because it allows them to achieve the goal of being the good guy, but in a fun and relaxed environment where they can connect with kids to build respect and a chance for both the officer and the child to see the other for who they really are. For myself and our other volunteers, it is an honor and a privilege to be able to help the children in our communities in need, and to provide them with a memorable event."
Wren is closely tied to both schools in the Atlanta community and nationally through its commitment to publishing a Network Video + Education blog and designing solutions that help schools make their learning environments safe. Wren demonstrates its commitment to law enforcement officers by offering members of the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) an annual scholarship awards program. Wren also conducts its own independent school security research series to help identify, address and solve school officers' security needs.
In 2008, company president Andrew Wren volunteered through "Principal for a Day" as the principal of a local school to experience first hand the challenges and joys that school administrators face every day. Wren's decision to support children in its immediate Atlanta neighborhood through the Shop with a Cop program was a natural extension of the organization and its employees' philanthropic efforts.
"We're honored to support not only local school children through this program, but to also show our appreciation to the officers for their contributions to the community through their service and for the time they volunteer out of their busy schedules to be involved," said Andrew Wren, president of Wren.
For more information about how to get involved or donate to the Shop with a Cop program, please contact the Fulton County Fraternal Order of Police at 770-457-5603 or visit their website at www.fultoncofop64.org.
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Monday, September 21, 2009
U-Haul Offers 30 Days of Free Storage to Families Affected by Recent Storms and Flooding Throughout Georgia
/PRNewswire/ -- The U-Haul Companies of Central, Northern and Western Georgia are offering 30 days of free storage to residents whose homes have been affected by recent storms and flooding.
In addition to the 30-days-free self-storage assistance being offered, people needing boxes can take advantage of the U-Haul Take a Box, Leave a Box Program. The program enables customers to return their reusable boxes and allows others to take them as needed - FREE. U-Haul encourages anyone who has any type of reusable box to drop it off at the nearest U-Haul location and allow another family to reuse the box, free of charge, instead of throwing the reusable box into the recycling bin.
Families needing more information about the 30-days-free self-storage assistance program should contact the following U-Haul regional offices to find a storage location closest to home.
U-Haul Company of Central Georgia
300 Peters Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30313
(404) 332-3188
U-Haul Company of Northern Georgia
543 Cobb Parkway S.
Marietta, GA 30060
(888) 560-8724
U-Haul Company of Western Georgia
5390 Old National Highway
College Park, GA 30349
(877) 211-0240
"These storms have caused tremendous damage and inflicted extreme hardship on the communities we serve," stated Doug Weston, area district vice president (ADVP) for Georgia operations. "I hope this effort will provide assistance to families that truly need a helping hand. We will continue to help our friends and neighbors in this time of need."
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In addition to the 30-days-free self-storage assistance being offered, people needing boxes can take advantage of the U-Haul Take a Box, Leave a Box Program. The program enables customers to return their reusable boxes and allows others to take them as needed - FREE. U-Haul encourages anyone who has any type of reusable box to drop it off at the nearest U-Haul location and allow another family to reuse the box, free of charge, instead of throwing the reusable box into the recycling bin.
Families needing more information about the 30-days-free self-storage assistance program should contact the following U-Haul regional offices to find a storage location closest to home.
U-Haul Company of Central Georgia
300 Peters Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30313
(404) 332-3188
U-Haul Company of Northern Georgia
543 Cobb Parkway S.
Marietta, GA 30060
(888) 560-8724
U-Haul Company of Western Georgia
5390 Old National Highway
College Park, GA 30349
(877) 211-0240
"These storms have caused tremendous damage and inflicted extreme hardship on the communities we serve," stated Doug Weston, area district vice president (ADVP) for Georgia operations. "I hope this effort will provide assistance to families that truly need a helping hand. We will continue to help our friends and neighbors in this time of need."
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Sunday, September 20, 2009
Angel Flight Pilot Jack Cantrell Paves Way for New Branch Office in St. Simons
“We are incredibly blessed to have pilots and friends like Jack Cantrell,” states Jeanine Chambers Biron, Executive Director of Angel Flight. “It’s through their dedication and continued commitment that we are flourishing. We are delighted to announce the opening of a new branch office at Malcolm McKinnon Airport in St. Simons with grand opening festivities on September 25 & 26. We are especially grateful to Jack and Kay Cantrell and their network of friends in the area who are making this new office possible so that we can extend our work in the region.”
About 15 years ago Jack Cantrell, who was living in Atlanta at the time, was searching for a way to make use of his plane to help out in the community. In passing, he mentioned this to the minister at his church who told him about Angel Flight. Cantrell was intrigued with the idea of flying passengers in need of transportation to medical treatments. He called Angel Flight the next day, oriented immediately and was flying for them within about a week!
“On one of my first flights I took a man from Georgia to Florida who was going to get a kidney transplant,” enthuses Cantrell. “The man and his wife had taken a taxi to the small airport to meet me and they were waiting patiently by the side of the runway. They weren’t able to fly commercially because his immune system was suppressed due to the drugs he was taking in preparation for the transplant. They were so happy to see me and I was a bit overwhelmed. I was glad to be able to help them out. After that I was hooked! I flew nearly 30 missions that first year. I love to fly and now I have a bigger purpose. I see the difference it makes in people’s lives and that’s something you can’t put a price on!”
“My father was an airline pilot and I always loved flying, Cantrell explains. “But when I was looking at careers I decided to go into medicine. I became a pharmacist and then went into the medical research field, working for Eli Lily in Indianapolis. An opportunity came up to come to Atlanta so I moved here and wound up as a home builder and real estate developer!”
“In the back of my mind though, I always wanted to help people and I also wanted to fly,” he says. “I started taking flying lessons about 25 years ago. Once I learned to solo, I’d get up early and fly before I went in to work.” When asked about what keeps him flying for Angel Flight, Cantrell says, ”You get to know people really well when you are flying them back and forth for treatments. They are so inspiring. They just want to get home and get back to work. I admire their fighting spirit.”
Cantrell has so many wonderful stories and memories of his many flights over the years. “You know, every mission is memorable,” he explains. “I am so thankful to be able to do this. We take a lot of burn patients. They have it really rough. Sometimes they can’t take any pain medicine before going in for surgery. It’s very gratifying to also see them afterwards. The difference is incredible.”
Jack and his lovely wife Kay are the founders and owners of Cantrell Properties, a successful building/development/real estate company. They both thrive on activity and they make a great team. In the 1960’s they spent their honeymoon on St. Simons and fell in love with the area. About five years ago they moved from Atlanta to St. Simons. Shortly after that, Cantrell started thinking about how he could improve the availability of pilots and Angel Flight services in the area and over the last couple of years he’s seen the growing need for an office there.
“I was able to secure the space at the Malcolm McKinnon Airport for a branch office and got in touch with Jeanine and the office in Atlanta to set things in motion,” he continues. “With the generous help of Renn Gruber of Renn Gruber Aviation we are throwing a big opening celebration on September 25 & 26 at our new office!”
On Friday, September 25th there will be a luncheon and ribbon cutting ceremony with area dignitaries and VIPS. Festivities will begin at 11:30AM with lunch and a tour of the new Angel Flight office. A fly-in will be held on Saturday, September 26th with brunch and new pilot orientation from 9AM to 1PM. Come out and join the festivities.
Angel Fight is a non-profit organization that provides free air transportation for people that have a medical need that can’t be filled in their local area. Their services are available throughout Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and the Carolinas. They actively seek both new patients to serve and experienced pilots to fulfill missions.
For more information about the new Angel Flight branch office in St. Simons, Georgia or to schedule a flight call 1-877-4 AN ANGEL or 770-452-7958. Angel Flight is celebrating 26 years of service...find out how you can help hope soar by visiting www.angelflightsoars.org.
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Angel Flight is a non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer pilot organization. They provide free air transportation for medical treatments that are not available locally and for other compassionate purposes for the benefit of the community. This service is available for any medically stable and ambulatory patient demonstrating a financial need and/or anyone who cannot utilize or access commercial transportation. They help families by eliminating the concern of how to get to necessary medical care, so they are able to focus on a resolution for the medical condition. Hopefully, this will help the patient to a more speedy recovery and will enable the family to resume participation in their communities and workplaces. This organization of volunteer pilots and earth angels (ground volunteers) are totally committed to their mission and has increased over 733% in flights coordinated since the year 2000. The majority of the people served live in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Angel Flight and their service is funded entirely by corporate and private donations. To request a mission or support the cause, call or go online.
---
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---
About 15 years ago Jack Cantrell, who was living in Atlanta at the time, was searching for a way to make use of his plane to help out in the community. In passing, he mentioned this to the minister at his church who told him about Angel Flight. Cantrell was intrigued with the idea of flying passengers in need of transportation to medical treatments. He called Angel Flight the next day, oriented immediately and was flying for them within about a week!
“On one of my first flights I took a man from Georgia to Florida who was going to get a kidney transplant,” enthuses Cantrell. “The man and his wife had taken a taxi to the small airport to meet me and they were waiting patiently by the side of the runway. They weren’t able to fly commercially because his immune system was suppressed due to the drugs he was taking in preparation for the transplant. They were so happy to see me and I was a bit overwhelmed. I was glad to be able to help them out. After that I was hooked! I flew nearly 30 missions that first year. I love to fly and now I have a bigger purpose. I see the difference it makes in people’s lives and that’s something you can’t put a price on!”
“My father was an airline pilot and I always loved flying, Cantrell explains. “But when I was looking at careers I decided to go into medicine. I became a pharmacist and then went into the medical research field, working for Eli Lily in Indianapolis. An opportunity came up to come to Atlanta so I moved here and wound up as a home builder and real estate developer!”
“In the back of my mind though, I always wanted to help people and I also wanted to fly,” he says. “I started taking flying lessons about 25 years ago. Once I learned to solo, I’d get up early and fly before I went in to work.” When asked about what keeps him flying for Angel Flight, Cantrell says, ”You get to know people really well when you are flying them back and forth for treatments. They are so inspiring. They just want to get home and get back to work. I admire their fighting spirit.”
Cantrell has so many wonderful stories and memories of his many flights over the years. “You know, every mission is memorable,” he explains. “I am so thankful to be able to do this. We take a lot of burn patients. They have it really rough. Sometimes they can’t take any pain medicine before going in for surgery. It’s very gratifying to also see them afterwards. The difference is incredible.”
Jack and his lovely wife Kay are the founders and owners of Cantrell Properties, a successful building/development/real estate company. They both thrive on activity and they make a great team. In the 1960’s they spent their honeymoon on St. Simons and fell in love with the area. About five years ago they moved from Atlanta to St. Simons. Shortly after that, Cantrell started thinking about how he could improve the availability of pilots and Angel Flight services in the area and over the last couple of years he’s seen the growing need for an office there.
“I was able to secure the space at the Malcolm McKinnon Airport for a branch office and got in touch with Jeanine and the office in Atlanta to set things in motion,” he continues. “With the generous help of Renn Gruber of Renn Gruber Aviation we are throwing a big opening celebration on September 25 & 26 at our new office!”
On Friday, September 25th there will be a luncheon and ribbon cutting ceremony with area dignitaries and VIPS. Festivities will begin at 11:30AM with lunch and a tour of the new Angel Flight office. A fly-in will be held on Saturday, September 26th with brunch and new pilot orientation from 9AM to 1PM. Come out and join the festivities.
Angel Fight is a non-profit organization that provides free air transportation for people that have a medical need that can’t be filled in their local area. Their services are available throughout Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and the Carolinas. They actively seek both new patients to serve and experienced pilots to fulfill missions.
For more information about the new Angel Flight branch office in St. Simons, Georgia or to schedule a flight call 1-877-4 AN ANGEL or 770-452-7958. Angel Flight is celebrating 26 years of service...find out how you can help hope soar by visiting www.angelflightsoars.org.
---
Angel Flight is a non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer pilot organization. They provide free air transportation for medical treatments that are not available locally and for other compassionate purposes for the benefit of the community. This service is available for any medically stable and ambulatory patient demonstrating a financial need and/or anyone who cannot utilize or access commercial transportation. They help families by eliminating the concern of how to get to necessary medical care, so they are able to focus on a resolution for the medical condition. Hopefully, this will help the patient to a more speedy recovery and will enable the family to resume participation in their communities and workplaces. This organization of volunteer pilots and earth angels (ground volunteers) are totally committed to their mission and has increased over 733% in flights coordinated since the year 2000. The majority of the people served live in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Angel Flight and their service is funded entirely by corporate and private donations. To request a mission or support the cause, call or go online.
---
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
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---
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Books A Million Bookfair Benefits Advo-Kids CASA
Books A Million in Peachtree City is partnering with CASA to raise funds through their Bookfair program, a special day of discounts and matching contributions. This is a great time to pick up the new book or magazine that you've been wanting.
On Saturday, September 19th from 10 AM until 4 PM all purchases presented with our special Books A Million CASA coupon will earn a 10% discount. Not only will you receive a discount, but Books A Million will contribute a matching amount to Advo-Kids CASA! Click this link to open and print your copy of the coupon flyer.
You can help our contributions grow by forwarding this flyer to your friends and family and urging them to shop at Books A Million on September 19th.
Books A Million is located at 258 City Circle in The Avenue Shopping Center in Peachtree City. Please note that this offer excludes the use of the BAM card or other offers and the coupon must be presented at the cash register with your purchase between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Advo-Kids CASA wishes to thank you as well as Books A Million and their Peachtree City store staff for the kind and willing support!
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On Saturday, September 19th from 10 AM until 4 PM all purchases presented with our special Books A Million CASA coupon will earn a 10% discount. Not only will you receive a discount, but Books A Million will contribute a matching amount to Advo-Kids CASA! Click this link to open and print your copy of the coupon flyer.
You can help our contributions grow by forwarding this flyer to your friends and family and urging them to shop at Books A Million on September 19th.
Books A Million is located at 258 City Circle in The Avenue Shopping Center in Peachtree City. Please note that this offer excludes the use of the BAM card or other offers and the coupon must be presented at the cash register with your purchase between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Advo-Kids CASA wishes to thank you as well as Books A Million and their Peachtree City store staff for the kind and willing support!
---
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Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Borders(R) Increases Teacher Discount to 30% During Educator Appreciation Week at Borders and Waldenbooks Stores Nationwide Sept. 29 Through Oct. 7
/PRNewswire/ -- A great 30% discount, networking opportunities, activities, giveaways and fun for the whole family -- this and much more await educators during Educator Appreciation Week, Sept. 29 through Oct. 7 at nearly all Borders stores as well as select Waldenbooks stores nationwide. During this special week, Borders will honor current and retired teachers, librarians, licensed homeschoolers, school administrators and daycare facilitators with 30% off the list price of nearly everything in stores including books, teaching resources and materials, music, movies, educational toys and games, gifts and stationery and even Seattle's Best Coffee cafe products. To take advantage of the 30% discount, educators need only present proof of educators status, which can be a paystub or an identification card with a current date. (Homeschoolers must present their homeschool certification.) Borders recently increased its everyday classroom discount to 25% off classroom purchases, but the special 30% discount during Educator Appreciation Week can be applied toward classroom purchases as well as items for personal enjoyment.
Educator Appreciation Week - Highlights
Educator Appreciation Week will officially kick off Tuesday, Sept. 29 with a "Teacher Town Hall" reception at 7 p.m. in virtually all Borders stores and select Waldenbooks stores nationwide. During the reception, educators will be encouraged to share their inspirations, challenges, and triumphs - whatever is on their minds - with other educators in an open and sharing atmosphere. The Borders' Kids' Specialists will be on hand to make product recommendations and answer questions about the retailer's new expanded Kids Department, which includes hundreds of educational toys and games, and Borders' new "Teaching Zones," which feature educational workbooks, curriculum development books, inspirational narratives and many non-book items. Attendees can enjoy various giveaways throughout the evening including bookmarks and posters.
The marquee event of Educator Appreciation Week will take place Friday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. when the retailer will host a "Wild Rumpus Teacher Celebration," themed after the book -- and upcoming feature film --"Where the Wild Things Are." Educators are encouraged to bring their whole families to this event for an evening of fun including arts and crafts and storytelling activities for the kids as well as giveaways, a raffle of the "Where the Wild Things Are" movie poster -- and of course, the opportunity to shop and get a 30% discount on Borders' huge selection of books, music, movies, toys and games as well as other items for the whole family.
Everyday Classroom Discount
While enjoying Educator Appreciation Week, educators are encouraged to sign up for the free Borders Classroom Discount Card, which provides an everyday 25% discount off the list price of all books, music CDs, toys and games, and 10% off DVDs for classroom use. In addition, for the first time, educators can now combine their classroom purchase discount with their free Borders Rewards membership and earn $5 in "Borders Bucks" for every $150 in annual qualifying purchases as well as valuable discounts and offers.
Daily Inspiration
Borders has created an online resource trove at www.borders.com/teaching dedicated to meeting the professional needs of educators. The site is rich with expert recommendations for classroom materials for all stages of learning and development as well as enriching features, such as the Teaching Zone Video Channel where educators can garner a daily dose of heartwarming inspiration from such bestselling authors as Pat Conroy and Kate DiCamillo, who talk about the importance of learning and the critical roles teachers played in their lives. The site also includes "postcards to inspire," touching e-messages that can be quickly and easily sent to special teachers -- just because.
In addition, Borders has also created the "Borders Teaching Zone" Facebook page where educators can muse about the latest developments in the world of education, learn about hot new and upcoming titles and get the lowdown on upcoming events at Borders.
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Educator Appreciation Week - Highlights
Educator Appreciation Week will officially kick off Tuesday, Sept. 29 with a "Teacher Town Hall" reception at 7 p.m. in virtually all Borders stores and select Waldenbooks stores nationwide. During the reception, educators will be encouraged to share their inspirations, challenges, and triumphs - whatever is on their minds - with other educators in an open and sharing atmosphere. The Borders' Kids' Specialists will be on hand to make product recommendations and answer questions about the retailer's new expanded Kids Department, which includes hundreds of educational toys and games, and Borders' new "Teaching Zones," which feature educational workbooks, curriculum development books, inspirational narratives and many non-book items. Attendees can enjoy various giveaways throughout the evening including bookmarks and posters.
The marquee event of Educator Appreciation Week will take place Friday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. when the retailer will host a "Wild Rumpus Teacher Celebration," themed after the book -- and upcoming feature film --"Where the Wild Things Are." Educators are encouraged to bring their whole families to this event for an evening of fun including arts and crafts and storytelling activities for the kids as well as giveaways, a raffle of the "Where the Wild Things Are" movie poster -- and of course, the opportunity to shop and get a 30% discount on Borders' huge selection of books, music, movies, toys and games as well as other items for the whole family.
Everyday Classroom Discount
While enjoying Educator Appreciation Week, educators are encouraged to sign up for the free Borders Classroom Discount Card, which provides an everyday 25% discount off the list price of all books, music CDs, toys and games, and 10% off DVDs for classroom use. In addition, for the first time, educators can now combine their classroom purchase discount with their free Borders Rewards membership and earn $5 in "Borders Bucks" for every $150 in annual qualifying purchases as well as valuable discounts and offers.
Daily Inspiration
Borders has created an online resource trove at www.borders.com/teaching dedicated to meeting the professional needs of educators. The site is rich with expert recommendations for classroom materials for all stages of learning and development as well as enriching features, such as the Teaching Zone Video Channel where educators can garner a daily dose of heartwarming inspiration from such bestselling authors as Pat Conroy and Kate DiCamillo, who talk about the importance of learning and the critical roles teachers played in their lives. The site also includes "postcards to inspire," touching e-messages that can be quickly and easily sent to special teachers -- just because.
In addition, Borders has also created the "Borders Teaching Zone" Facebook page where educators can muse about the latest developments in the world of education, learn about hot new and upcoming titles and get the lowdown on upcoming events at Borders.
-----
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Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Atlanta Braves' Tim Hudson to Host Benefit Weekend for Hudson Family Foundation
Atlanta Braves Pitcher Tim Hudson and his wife Kim have announced that their Foundation will host their Inaugural Hudson's Honky Tonk Benefit Weekend on November 20 and 21 in Peachtree City, Georgia. The highlight of the weekend is a Country Music Spectacular featuring country music superstar Blake Shelton and American Idol finalist Josh Gracin performing live at the Fredrick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City.
Shelton was handpicked by the Hudson's to headline the event for their Foundation because of his strong commitment to children and his deep-rooted devotion to his family, fans, and friends. With over ten years on the country music scene, Blake has had five number one country hits, and a total of fifteen Top 20 hits in his career. Josh Gracin, a former Season 2 American Idol finalist, has seen his own success on the country charts, compiling an amazing ten Top 40 hits.
“This weekend will be a unique experience that we hope will be the one you put on your calendar every year, the one event you don't want to miss,” says Tim Hudson.
Tickets for the Country Music Spectacular are available at the Fred box office, online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are $60.
VIP ticket packages with access to the entire weekend's festivities are also available and include a private VIP dinner party on Friday, November 20 at the Flat Creek Country Club featuring celebrities, professional athletes, live and silent auctions, DJ, and open bar, as well as VIP seating to Saturday's concert, access to a private backstage after party, and logo or name recognition for your company or family on all signage throughout the entire weekend. VIP ticket packages are available now for $2,500 and $5,000. For more information call the Hudson Family Foundation at 404-584-0095 or visit http://www.hudsonfamilyfoundation.com/.
About the Hudson Family Foundation:
Tim and Kim Hudson formed the Hudson Family Foundation in February 2009 and officially launched on June 28 during a private party at the W Atlanta Downtown raising over $28,000 for children and families in need. The Foundation is committed to making a long lasting impact in the lives of children who have a genuine need for assistance with regard to a specific physical, emotional or financial circumstance.
About Tim and Kim Hudson:
The Hudson's have worked tirelessly in the community since Tim began playing baseball for the Oakland Athletics in 1999. Kim is a member of the Board of Directors of the Make-AWish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama. Kim and Tim are Wish ambassadors for Make-AWish, and throughout the baseball season, they fulfill the wishes of critically-ill children by hosting batting practice visits with the team's players and coaches. Kim and Tim serve as honorary co-chairs for the annual Celebration of Wishes gala, and each Christmas, the Hudson's take 75 Make-A-Wish children and their siblings on a holiday shopping spree.
The Hudson's also actively support Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. They host a golf tournament each year during Spring Training called Birdies and Baseball and also co-host a 3-course golf tournament each summer.
The Hudson's charitable work has not gone unrecognized. On September 4, 2009, Tim became an eight-time Roberto Clemente Award recipient, which recognizes those players who best exemplify the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement, and positive contributions to their teams.
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Shelton was handpicked by the Hudson's to headline the event for their Foundation because of his strong commitment to children and his deep-rooted devotion to his family, fans, and friends. With over ten years on the country music scene, Blake has had five number one country hits, and a total of fifteen Top 20 hits in his career. Josh Gracin, a former Season 2 American Idol finalist, has seen his own success on the country charts, compiling an amazing ten Top 40 hits.
“This weekend will be a unique experience that we hope will be the one you put on your calendar every year, the one event you don't want to miss,” says Tim Hudson.
Tickets for the Country Music Spectacular are available at the Fred box office, online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are $60.
VIP ticket packages with access to the entire weekend's festivities are also available and include a private VIP dinner party on Friday, November 20 at the Flat Creek Country Club featuring celebrities, professional athletes, live and silent auctions, DJ, and open bar, as well as VIP seating to Saturday's concert, access to a private backstage after party, and logo or name recognition for your company or family on all signage throughout the entire weekend. VIP ticket packages are available now for $2,500 and $5,000. For more information call the Hudson Family Foundation at 404-584-0095 or visit http://www.hudsonfamilyfoundation.com/.
About the Hudson Family Foundation:
Tim and Kim Hudson formed the Hudson Family Foundation in February 2009 and officially launched on June 28 during a private party at the W Atlanta Downtown raising over $28,000 for children and families in need. The Foundation is committed to making a long lasting impact in the lives of children who have a genuine need for assistance with regard to a specific physical, emotional or financial circumstance.
About Tim and Kim Hudson:
The Hudson's have worked tirelessly in the community since Tim began playing baseball for the Oakland Athletics in 1999. Kim is a member of the Board of Directors of the Make-AWish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama. Kim and Tim are Wish ambassadors for Make-AWish, and throughout the baseball season, they fulfill the wishes of critically-ill children by hosting batting practice visits with the team's players and coaches. Kim and Tim serve as honorary co-chairs for the annual Celebration of Wishes gala, and each Christmas, the Hudson's take 75 Make-A-Wish children and their siblings on a holiday shopping spree.
The Hudson's also actively support Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. They host a golf tournament each year during Spring Training called Birdies and Baseball and also co-host a 3-course golf tournament each summer.
The Hudson's charitable work has not gone unrecognized. On September 4, 2009, Tim became an eight-time Roberto Clemente Award recipient, which recognizes those players who best exemplify the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement, and positive contributions to their teams.
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Monday, September 14, 2009
Welfare Watch - Tax Revenues Down Further
Georgia is in trouble. We are like a family in bad economic times whose worse fear is being realized. Our income is going down even further in an already bad economy. Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of August 2009 (FY10) totaled $1,052,466,000 compared to $1,259,631,000 for August 2008 (FY09), a decrease of $207,165,000 or 16.4 percent. The percentage decrease year-to-date for FY10 compared to FY09 is 13.1 percent.
Certainly policy and budget makers will be looking at these numbers with renewed concern. Already, all State agencies have been asked to cut their present budget by 5%. These cuts are on top of cuts that they sustained in the budgetary process in the legislature. Further cuts can be anticipated.
But where can they cut further?
The State has grown by almost a million people since 2004, yet it expects to collect the same amount of revenue as it did in 2004.
This year's budget was balanced by combining budget cuts, dipping into various reserve funds and Federal Stimulus dollars. A $3 billion deficit was met by requiring cuts to needed human services, medical care, and education. State employees who do the work of the State were ordered to take additional furlough days. With news of continuing declining revenues of over one billion dollars, more cuts will be required to makeup the deficit.
If nothing else happens.
DHR's workforce has been devastated with requirements to take 9 additional furlough days. While this is the most expedient means of cutting the budget while preserving infrastructure, needed services will be cut back significantly. Aging services were particularly hit hard. The gains in child wellbeing, safety and permanency for foster children are threatened by cuts of more than 15% to family support services and the furlough days for direct care workers.
Reserve funds have been tapped out as much as possible. Further Federal stimulus money has not been promised and what has been promised has been spent.
The family of Georgia just does not have anymore to cut unless it wants its children to suffer.
Waste and fraud has been eliminated as much as possible.
Efficiencies that were realized are now threatened. In DHS, caseloads have been reduced by increased investments, effective practices and management. It takes people to do the work and 80% of the budget is people. "We the willing, led by the unknowing, have done so much, for so long, with so little, we are now qualified to do anything with nothing.” is the cynical mantra of those doing the work.
It will take the best of our leadership to make the best policy decisions to address what is a mounting crisis. A balanced approach is needed. Cut, cut, cut across the board is not what Georgian's are looking for. They are looking for Georgia to be the best in the country in child welfare, health care, public safety and education. Cuts must be balanced with revenue increases.
In my family in bad economic times we not only cut our expenditures, we also had to figure out how to bring in additional income. Georgians understand that cuts are needed. These cuts need to be balanced with revenue enhancements.
Welfare Watch, an email newsletter of the Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children as a public service.
http://www.gahsc.org
Normer Adams, Editor
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Certainly policy and budget makers will be looking at these numbers with renewed concern. Already, all State agencies have been asked to cut their present budget by 5%. These cuts are on top of cuts that they sustained in the budgetary process in the legislature. Further cuts can be anticipated.
But where can they cut further?
The State has grown by almost a million people since 2004, yet it expects to collect the same amount of revenue as it did in 2004.
This year's budget was balanced by combining budget cuts, dipping into various reserve funds and Federal Stimulus dollars. A $3 billion deficit was met by requiring cuts to needed human services, medical care, and education. State employees who do the work of the State were ordered to take additional furlough days. With news of continuing declining revenues of over one billion dollars, more cuts will be required to makeup the deficit.
If nothing else happens.
DHR's workforce has been devastated with requirements to take 9 additional furlough days. While this is the most expedient means of cutting the budget while preserving infrastructure, needed services will be cut back significantly. Aging services were particularly hit hard. The gains in child wellbeing, safety and permanency for foster children are threatened by cuts of more than 15% to family support services and the furlough days for direct care workers.
Reserve funds have been tapped out as much as possible. Further Federal stimulus money has not been promised and what has been promised has been spent.
The family of Georgia just does not have anymore to cut unless it wants its children to suffer.
Waste and fraud has been eliminated as much as possible.
Efficiencies that were realized are now threatened. In DHS, caseloads have been reduced by increased investments, effective practices and management. It takes people to do the work and 80% of the budget is people. "We the willing, led by the unknowing, have done so much, for so long, with so little, we are now qualified to do anything with nothing.” is the cynical mantra of those doing the work.
It will take the best of our leadership to make the best policy decisions to address what is a mounting crisis. A balanced approach is needed. Cut, cut, cut across the board is not what Georgian's are looking for. They are looking for Georgia to be the best in the country in child welfare, health care, public safety and education. Cuts must be balanced with revenue increases.
In my family in bad economic times we not only cut our expenditures, we also had to figure out how to bring in additional income. Georgians understand that cuts are needed. These cuts need to be balanced with revenue enhancements.
Welfare Watch, an email newsletter of the Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children as a public service.
http://www.gahsc.org
Normer Adams, Editor
---
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Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
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www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
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Sunday, September 13, 2009
Animal Assisted Education
We thought this might be of interest to some of our readers:
http://www.dogshelpkids.org/
We had a hard time trying to decide which blog to put this in! It could easily go in our education or pet / animal blog... but ultimately it's all about helping to educate children so we'll start here! If we get more info via press releases or stories we'll spread the wealth and include in other blogs.
http://www.dogshelpkids.org/
We had a hard time trying to decide which blog to put this in! It could easily go in our education or pet / animal blog... but ultimately it's all about helping to educate children so we'll start here! If we get more info via press releases or stories we'll spread the wealth and include in other blogs.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Shoe Carnival Announces Humanitarian Effort with Soles4Souls, the Shoe Charity
Popular Footwear Retailer Reaches Out to Communities Across the U.S. to Spread Hope and Engage Customers in Giving Program
For the third time in less than two years, the popular footwear retailer, Shoe Carnival, is partnering with shoe charity Soles4Souls, Inc. to give away shoes to those in need.
Beginning September 2 through September 29, customers of all 314 Shoe Carnival locations will have the opportunity to donate $1 at the register. Shoe Carnival hopes to raise at least $140,000 through the in-store program. All funds will be applied toward sending a new pair of shoes to victims of natural disasters or those living in extreme poverty, both here in the United States and around the world.
Additionally, Shoe Carnival and Soles4Souls will join forces to donate new shoes to local charities in St. Louis, Memphis, Birmingham and Mobile, where thousands of shoes will be given to needy people.
“Shoe Carnival is proud to continue our support of Soles4Souls,” said Todd Beurman, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Shoe Carnival. “The ongoing partnership with Soles4Souls fits the core of what our brand strives to do, and that is to provide shoes for people that need them.”
"Shoe Carnival has taken on our cause as their own, and we are extremely proud to partner with them to reach thousands of people who are suffering," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "Their generosity directly benefits people who need our assistance, and we invite everyone to stop by a Shoe Carnival location to become personally involved," he said.
For more details on the Shoe Carnival / Soles4Souls partnership, visit www.giveshoes.org.
About Shoe Carnival
Shoe Carnival is a chain of 314 footwear stores located in the Midwest, South and Southeast. Combining value pricing with an entertaining store format, Shoe Carnival is a leading retailer of name brand and private label footwear for the entire family. Headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, Shoe Carnival trades on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol SCVL. Visit www.shoecarnival.com for more information.
About Soles4Souls
Nashville-based Soles4Souls facilitates the donations of both new and used shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Soles4Souls has distributed more than 5 million pairs (currently donating one pair every 13 seconds) to people in over 125 countries, including Guatemala, Kenya, Nepal, and the United States. The charity has been featured in Runner's World and the Green Guide by National Geographic. It has also appeared on TODAY, CNN, ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC Nightly News and hundreds of regional outlets around North America. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org for more information.
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For the third time in less than two years, the popular footwear retailer, Shoe Carnival, is partnering with shoe charity Soles4Souls, Inc. to give away shoes to those in need.
Beginning September 2 through September 29, customers of all 314 Shoe Carnival locations will have the opportunity to donate $1 at the register. Shoe Carnival hopes to raise at least $140,000 through the in-store program. All funds will be applied toward sending a new pair of shoes to victims of natural disasters or those living in extreme poverty, both here in the United States and around the world.
Additionally, Shoe Carnival and Soles4Souls will join forces to donate new shoes to local charities in St. Louis, Memphis, Birmingham and Mobile, where thousands of shoes will be given to needy people.
“Shoe Carnival is proud to continue our support of Soles4Souls,” said Todd Beurman, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Shoe Carnival. “The ongoing partnership with Soles4Souls fits the core of what our brand strives to do, and that is to provide shoes for people that need them.”
"Shoe Carnival has taken on our cause as their own, and we are extremely proud to partner with them to reach thousands of people who are suffering," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "Their generosity directly benefits people who need our assistance, and we invite everyone to stop by a Shoe Carnival location to become personally involved," he said.
For more details on the Shoe Carnival / Soles4Souls partnership, visit www.giveshoes.org.
About Shoe Carnival
Shoe Carnival is a chain of 314 footwear stores located in the Midwest, South and Southeast. Combining value pricing with an entertaining store format, Shoe Carnival is a leading retailer of name brand and private label footwear for the entire family. Headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, Shoe Carnival trades on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol SCVL. Visit www.shoecarnival.com for more information.
About Soles4Souls
Nashville-based Soles4Souls facilitates the donations of both new and used shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Soles4Souls has distributed more than 5 million pairs (currently donating one pair every 13 seconds) to people in over 125 countries, including Guatemala, Kenya, Nepal, and the United States. The charity has been featured in Runner's World and the Green Guide by National Geographic. It has also appeared on TODAY, CNN, ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC Nightly News and hundreds of regional outlets around North America. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org for more information.
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Friday, September 11, 2009
Covenant Presbyterian Church to Host Second Annual Lynn Wheeler Benefit Golf Tournament, Sept. 30
Covenant Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, Ga., will be hosting the Second Annual Lynn Wheeler Benefit Golf Tournament at Durham Lakes Golf and Country Club in Fairburn, Ga., on Wednesday, Sept. 30.
The wife of Dr. Douglas Wheeler, music coordinator in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Clayton State University, Lynn Wheeler personifies determination and courage. Diagnosed with cancer in February 2005, she went into remission in September of that same year, only to suffer a serious spinal injury in an auto accident on Christmas Day, 2005, an accident that has confined her to a wheelchair and breathing with the help of a respirator.
Undaunted, the Wheelers have remained strong members of Covenant Presbyterian, and Lynn continues to serve in the church’s children’s ministry and to teach piano. On their part, the members of Covenant want to be able “to bless Lynn as she has blessed us.” Thus, the church held the first benefit tournament in July 2008. This year’s find-raiser will tee off at 1 p.m. at Durham Lakes. Single players are $85, four-member teams are $340. Donations are also accepted.
For more information on the tournament, contact Joseph Starr at (678) 637-2731.
A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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The wife of Dr. Douglas Wheeler, music coordinator in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Clayton State University, Lynn Wheeler personifies determination and courage. Diagnosed with cancer in February 2005, she went into remission in September of that same year, only to suffer a serious spinal injury in an auto accident on Christmas Day, 2005, an accident that has confined her to a wheelchair and breathing with the help of a respirator.
Undaunted, the Wheelers have remained strong members of Covenant Presbyterian, and Lynn continues to serve in the church’s children’s ministry and to teach piano. On their part, the members of Covenant want to be able “to bless Lynn as she has blessed us.” Thus, the church held the first benefit tournament in July 2008. This year’s find-raiser will tee off at 1 p.m. at Durham Lakes. Single players are $85, four-member teams are $340. Donations are also accepted.
For more information on the tournament, contact Joseph Starr at (678) 637-2731.
A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Verizon Employees in Georgia Donate $5,662 Worth of School Supplies to Assist Area Schools
/PRNewswire/ -- Verizon employees at employee work locations across Georgia collected $5,662 worth of school supplies to donate to Woodland Elementary School in Atlanta and Mimosa Elementary School in Roswell, Ga., during a recent Tools for School drive.
More than 500 Verizon locations throughout the country took part in the three-week campaign to collect new pens and pencils, rulers, crayons, backpacks and other items children need to start the school year. In all, employees donated more than $500,000 worth of supplies to more than 400 schools and nonprofits across the U.S., with a specific focus on schools with a large population of students from low-income families. A complete list of organizations receiving the donations can be found at: http://foundation.verizon.com/toolsforschool/docs/TFS2009_Beneficiaries_Final. pdf.
"Verizon has a long history of supporting education," said Michelle Robinson, Verizon president -- Southeast region. "Whether it's by providing free interactive educational resources for parents and teachers through Verizon Thinkfinity.org or by volunteering to assist an after-school program, Verizon will continue support efforts to provide the tools children need to succeed in the classroom."
Verizon Thinkfinity.org contains thousands of free educational resources including interactive games, videos and activities that make learning fun. Lesson plans, in-class activities and homework help can be found quickly and searched by grade level, keyword, or subject.
The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence. In 2008, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $68 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $26 million in combined contributions to nonprofits. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.
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More than 500 Verizon locations throughout the country took part in the three-week campaign to collect new pens and pencils, rulers, crayons, backpacks and other items children need to start the school year. In all, employees donated more than $500,000 worth of supplies to more than 400 schools and nonprofits across the U.S., with a specific focus on schools with a large population of students from low-income families. A complete list of organizations receiving the donations can be found at: http://foundation.verizon.com/toolsforschool/docs/TFS2009_Beneficiaries_Final. pdf.
"Verizon has a long history of supporting education," said Michelle Robinson, Verizon president -- Southeast region. "Whether it's by providing free interactive educational resources for parents and teachers through Verizon Thinkfinity.org or by volunteering to assist an after-school program, Verizon will continue support efforts to provide the tools children need to succeed in the classroom."
Verizon Thinkfinity.org contains thousands of free educational resources including interactive games, videos and activities that make learning fun. Lesson plans, in-class activities and homework help can be found quickly and searched by grade level, keyword, or subject.
The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence. In 2008, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $68 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $26 million in combined contributions to nonprofits. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.
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Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Coca-Cola Company Donates $6 Million to Atlanta University Center and $1.2 Million to Robert Woodruff Library
Muhtar Kent, chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company (center), presented the funds at the Robert W. Woodruff Library. Pictured L to R: Dr. Robert Franklin, Jr., president, Morehouse College; Ingrid Saunders Jones, senior vice president of Global Community Connections, The Coca-Cola Company; Dr. John Maupin, Jr., president, Morehouse School of Medicine; Loretta Parham, CEO, Robert Woodruff Library; Muhtar Kent, Beverly Tatum, president, Spelman College; Dr. Carlton Brown, president, Clark Atlanta University; Alex Cummings, chief administrative officer, The Coca-Cola Company.
Photo by Clint Alexander
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Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Autism Society and AMC Entertainment® to Host Sensory Friendly Films® This September
AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. Sensory Friendly Films® premiered across the country in August 2008, and will continue this month with a showing of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs September 19, with a special encore presentation on September 26.
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It often comes with sensory challenges, such as hypersensitivity to light or sound, and children or adults affected by autism may not understand the social boundaries of movie theatre etiquette, such as not talking during the film or sitting still through most of the show. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for children with autism or other special needs, AMC movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Saturday, September 19
10 a.m.
and
Saturday, September 26
10 a.m.
AMC Discover Mills 18, 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Ste. 415, Lawrenceville, Ga. 30043
AMC Phipps Plaza 14, 3500 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30326
AMC Southlake 24, 7065 Mount Zion Cir., Morrow, Ga. 30260
A list and map of participating theatres nationwide is available at www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms. This nationwide event has 81 participating theatres in 44 markets.
An estimated 30 million people in the world have an autism spectrum disorder, 1.5 million in America alone. Every day in America, 67 families learn their child has autism. These families face challenges of care, support, education, financial hardship and medical and health care issues that make autism a national public health issue, costing the U.S. economy $60 billion a year. Though there is no cure, autism is treatable and individuals with autism have tremendous potential.
ABOUT THE AUTISM SOCIETY:
The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit www.autism-society.org.
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Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It often comes with sensory challenges, such as hypersensitivity to light or sound, and children or adults affected by autism may not understand the social boundaries of movie theatre etiquette, such as not talking during the film or sitting still through most of the show. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for children with autism or other special needs, AMC movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Saturday, September 19
10 a.m.
and
Saturday, September 26
10 a.m.
AMC Discover Mills 18, 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Ste. 415, Lawrenceville, Ga. 30043
AMC Phipps Plaza 14, 3500 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30326
AMC Southlake 24, 7065 Mount Zion Cir., Morrow, Ga. 30260
A list and map of participating theatres nationwide is available at www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms. This nationwide event has 81 participating theatres in 44 markets.
An estimated 30 million people in the world have an autism spectrum disorder, 1.5 million in America alone. Every day in America, 67 families learn their child has autism. These families face challenges of care, support, education, financial hardship and medical and health care issues that make autism a national public health issue, costing the U.S. economy $60 billion a year. Though there is no cure, autism is treatable and individuals with autism have tremendous potential.
ABOUT THE AUTISM SOCIETY:
The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit www.autism-society.org.
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Nation Rallies Around First Official 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance
/PRNewswire/ -- With President Obama planning to formally declare September 11th for the first time as a federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance at the urging of the 9/11 community and Congress, thousands of organizations around the nation -- nonprofits, employers and faith based groups and others -- are already mobilizing hundreds of thousands of Americans to engage in service and perform good deeds in observance of the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Led by the 9/11 non-profit MyGoodDeed, 9/11 families and others worked for more than seven years to establish September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance -- finally securing passage of legislation in April 2009, within the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which authorized the creation of the 9/11 observance. Since that time, MyGoodDeed has organized an unprecedented coalition of organizations that have come together to engage not only Americans, but people from around the world.
Since its inception in 2002, supporters of MyGoodDeed have pledged to perform more than a million acts of service, spanning all 50 states and some 170 countries and territories. This year, tens of thousands have visited the organization's website, 911dayofservice.org, since its early August launch to pledge their good deeds. Thousands have also posted their service plans for 9/11 at the federal government's volunteer service website, serve.gov.
In Huron, Ohio, Stephen Petrovich will place calls to emergency workers and first responders to thank them for their service. In Albany, New York, Michelle Garcia and the Sisters of Omega Phi Beta Sorority will dedicate themselves to serving the community during the week of 9/11, and to raising awareness among the University at Albany community to get involved. John Henry and Ellie Labriola of Southbury, Connecticut set up a lemonade stand the week before school began and raised more than $100 to donate to a school uniform drive for other schoolchildren in need. In Atlanta, Georgia, Lillie Love and her friends will put together and deliver goody baskets to fire and police stations as a way of paying tribute to the first responders who worked tirelessly on 9/11 and the days and weeks following. In Chicago, Illinois, Tiffany Bohm and her classmates will kick off a semester-long service project to collect 2,974 pairs of shoes, representing each person lost in the 9/11 attacks, to donate to a homeless shelter.
MyGoodDeed was originally co-founded in 2003 by two friends, David Paine and Jay S. Winuk, following the death of Winuk's brother, 9/11 rescuer Glenn J. Winuk, an attorney, volunteer firefighter and EMT who died in the line of duty during the collapse of the World Trade Center South Tower. Since that time, they have worked to build awareness and support for the idea.
"After seven years of hard work and advocacy by the 9/11 community and many others, we have finally achieved our goal of establishing September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance through broad, bi-partisan support from across the country," Paine said. "This year, we expect to inspire hundreds of thousands more people to commemorate the day by remembering and rekindling the spirit of unity that swept the nation in the wake of the attacks."
Added Winuk: "I will always remember 9/11 as the day that I lost my brother Glenn. But I will also remember his sacrifice in service to others. As a volunteer firefighter, he ran into the South Tower to help those in need, instead of running for safety himself. He inspired me to start this campaign, just like so many stories of 9/11 have inspired others to give back to their communities."
In addition to the personal pledges of service and good deeds, corporations and community organizations are giving back, and in many cases, actively seeking volunteers who are looking to give back as well.
In Scottsdale Arizona, the Mayor plans to proclaim 9/11 as a citywide day of service. Arizona's 9/11 Remembrance and National Day of Service Event will host four days of activities at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall from September 10 - 13, including displays of The 9/11 Memorial Wall designed by Lisa Vella of Scottsdale, Arizona, and the The National Unity Flag designed by Randy Cooney of Phoenix, Arizona. In addition, local and national community service agencies will be on hand to provide the public with information about how to get involved to help those in need.
In Harlem, New York, employees of GlaxoSmithKline will educate more than 1,000 elementary school children and their teachers at the Harlem Children's Zone about prevention of the H1N1 virus. With the help of partner New York Cares, MyGoodDeed will also sponsor two service events of its own in Harlem - where more than 100 volunteers will come together to work with school children at A. Phillip Randolph Elementary School, and another 35 volunteers will help to revitalize Jenny's Garden at Riverside Park.
9/11 Families Also to Engage in Service
For the first time, the annual "reading of the names" ceremony held each year at Ground Zero in New York City will include volunteers as well as 9/11 family members, in commemoration of 9/11 becoming a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Winuk, whose brother was post-humously awarded the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor by the U.S. Department of Justice over the weekend, is one of only three family members scheduled to speak during the ceremony.
In Boston, The Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund and Homes for Our Troops, founded with the support of the families of 9/11 victims, will meet at The Rose Kennedy Greenway in downtown Boston on September 11th for a Care Package Packing Party, and to honor former Senator Edward Kennedy. Organized in part by Christie Coombs, who lost her husband Jeff in the 9/11 attacks, volunteers are needed to write letters to service men and women overseas, pack care packages and collect donations of clothing and other items.
In Washington DC, there are more than 50 different service events planned. Among them, the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), the leading private provider of educational, recreational, social and religious support services to junior enlisted military personnel and their families, will assemble 200 volunteers at RFK Stadium on September 11th to support Operation Kid Comfort by designing photo-transfer quilts for children of deployed service men and women to help children cope during a parent's deployment.
"Organized service opportunities are available in all 50 states and across the world for those interested in giving back on 9/11, which is absolutely wonderful," said Winuk. "But we believe that even a small gesture - a single good deed - is all it takes to make a difference. Simply put, anyone who wants to give back on 9/11 or any day of the year can do so. No deed is too small."
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Led by the 9/11 non-profit MyGoodDeed, 9/11 families and others worked for more than seven years to establish September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance -- finally securing passage of legislation in April 2009, within the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which authorized the creation of the 9/11 observance. Since that time, MyGoodDeed has organized an unprecedented coalition of organizations that have come together to engage not only Americans, but people from around the world.
Since its inception in 2002, supporters of MyGoodDeed have pledged to perform more than a million acts of service, spanning all 50 states and some 170 countries and territories. This year, tens of thousands have visited the organization's website, 911dayofservice.org, since its early August launch to pledge their good deeds. Thousands have also posted their service plans for 9/11 at the federal government's volunteer service website, serve.gov.
In Huron, Ohio, Stephen Petrovich will place calls to emergency workers and first responders to thank them for their service. In Albany, New York, Michelle Garcia and the Sisters of Omega Phi Beta Sorority will dedicate themselves to serving the community during the week of 9/11, and to raising awareness among the University at Albany community to get involved. John Henry and Ellie Labriola of Southbury, Connecticut set up a lemonade stand the week before school began and raised more than $100 to donate to a school uniform drive for other schoolchildren in need. In Atlanta, Georgia, Lillie Love and her friends will put together and deliver goody baskets to fire and police stations as a way of paying tribute to the first responders who worked tirelessly on 9/11 and the days and weeks following. In Chicago, Illinois, Tiffany Bohm and her classmates will kick off a semester-long service project to collect 2,974 pairs of shoes, representing each person lost in the 9/11 attacks, to donate to a homeless shelter.
MyGoodDeed was originally co-founded in 2003 by two friends, David Paine and Jay S. Winuk, following the death of Winuk's brother, 9/11 rescuer Glenn J. Winuk, an attorney, volunteer firefighter and EMT who died in the line of duty during the collapse of the World Trade Center South Tower. Since that time, they have worked to build awareness and support for the idea.
"After seven years of hard work and advocacy by the 9/11 community and many others, we have finally achieved our goal of establishing September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance through broad, bi-partisan support from across the country," Paine said. "This year, we expect to inspire hundreds of thousands more people to commemorate the day by remembering and rekindling the spirit of unity that swept the nation in the wake of the attacks."
Added Winuk: "I will always remember 9/11 as the day that I lost my brother Glenn. But I will also remember his sacrifice in service to others. As a volunteer firefighter, he ran into the South Tower to help those in need, instead of running for safety himself. He inspired me to start this campaign, just like so many stories of 9/11 have inspired others to give back to their communities."
In addition to the personal pledges of service and good deeds, corporations and community organizations are giving back, and in many cases, actively seeking volunteers who are looking to give back as well.
In Scottsdale Arizona, the Mayor plans to proclaim 9/11 as a citywide day of service. Arizona's 9/11 Remembrance and National Day of Service Event will host four days of activities at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall from September 10 - 13, including displays of The 9/11 Memorial Wall designed by Lisa Vella of Scottsdale, Arizona, and the The National Unity Flag designed by Randy Cooney of Phoenix, Arizona. In addition, local and national community service agencies will be on hand to provide the public with information about how to get involved to help those in need.
In Harlem, New York, employees of GlaxoSmithKline will educate more than 1,000 elementary school children and their teachers at the Harlem Children's Zone about prevention of the H1N1 virus. With the help of partner New York Cares, MyGoodDeed will also sponsor two service events of its own in Harlem - where more than 100 volunteers will come together to work with school children at A. Phillip Randolph Elementary School, and another 35 volunteers will help to revitalize Jenny's Garden at Riverside Park.
9/11 Families Also to Engage in Service
For the first time, the annual "reading of the names" ceremony held each year at Ground Zero in New York City will include volunteers as well as 9/11 family members, in commemoration of 9/11 becoming a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Winuk, whose brother was post-humously awarded the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor by the U.S. Department of Justice over the weekend, is one of only three family members scheduled to speak during the ceremony.
In Boston, The Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund and Homes for Our Troops, founded with the support of the families of 9/11 victims, will meet at The Rose Kennedy Greenway in downtown Boston on September 11th for a Care Package Packing Party, and to honor former Senator Edward Kennedy. Organized in part by Christie Coombs, who lost her husband Jeff in the 9/11 attacks, volunteers are needed to write letters to service men and women overseas, pack care packages and collect donations of clothing and other items.
In Washington DC, there are more than 50 different service events planned. Among them, the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), the leading private provider of educational, recreational, social and religious support services to junior enlisted military personnel and their families, will assemble 200 volunteers at RFK Stadium on September 11th to support Operation Kid Comfort by designing photo-transfer quilts for children of deployed service men and women to help children cope during a parent's deployment.
"Organized service opportunities are available in all 50 states and across the world for those interested in giving back on 9/11, which is absolutely wonderful," said Winuk. "But we believe that even a small gesture - a single good deed - is all it takes to make a difference. Simply put, anyone who wants to give back on 9/11 or any day of the year can do so. No deed is too small."
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Monday, September 07, 2009
Space Auction Opens with a “Big Bang”
More than three hundred space fans have already secured a virtual paddle number in order to bid today in an online charity SPACE auction at www.astronautscholarship.org/auction.pl
While no remnants of the Big Bang (that we know of!) are available, astronauts John Glenn, Jim Lovell, Buzz Aldrin and 30 more legends have their space artifacts and signature on the auction block for this event which benefits the nonprofit Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
Bids are already rolling in on the 30 lots of space artifacts and memorabilia. Up for grabs are such rare items as a couch segment from the famous Apollo 13 Command Module, an American flag carried to the moon onboard Apollo 14, a Skylab astronaut jacket worn in space and a John Glenn autographed issue of LIFE magazine.
“The auction is a great way for the astronauts to show our support for such a worthy cause,” said Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise. “The proceeds from the artifacts we donate help pave the way for the future innovators of science and technology in America by the college scholarships the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation provides.”
The auction promises a bang for anyone who has ever gazed up at the sky. The launch window for bidding closes on September 12, 2009 at 5 PM EDT.
All auction proceeds go directly to support the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s mission of offering scholarships to top science and technology college students. To date the Foundation has dispersed more than $2.8 million to students nationwide.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization established in 1984 by the six surviving members of America’s original Mercury astronauts. Its mission is to aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in science and technology by providing scholarships for college students who exhibit motivation, imagination, and exceptional performance in these fields. Today, more than 80 astronauts from the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle and Space Station Programs have joined in this educational endeavor. For more information, call 321-455-7015 or log on to www.AstronautScholarship.org.
About the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
More than 70 astronauts are helping the United States retain its world leadership in science and technology by providing scholarships for college students who exhibit motivation, imagination, and exceptional performance in the science or engineering field of their major.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation was established originally in 1984 as the Mercury Seven Foundation by the six surviving members of America's original Mercury Seven astronauts, Mrs. Betty Grissom (widow of the seventh, Virgil "Gus" Grissom), William Douglas, M.D. (the Project Mercury flight surgeon), and Henri Landwirth, an Orlando businessman and friend of the astronauts. The founding astronauts were Malcolm Scott Carpenter, L. Gordon Cooper Jr., John H. Glenn Jr., Walter M. Schirra, Alan B. Shepard Jr., and Donald K. (Deke) Slayton. Currently, Apollo astronaut Al Worden is Chairman of the foundation's Board of Directors and five-time shuttle astronaut Robert "Hoot" Gibson serves as Vice Chairman.
The original Mercury Seven Foundation began on a shoestring budget, and the first seven scholarships, at $1,000 each, were awarded in 1986. As more money was raised the amount and number of scholarships increased gradually. The foundation now awards annually 19 scholarships each worth $10,000, for a total of $190,000. To date, the foundation has awarded $2.8 million in scholarships to deserving students nationwide.
Scholarship money is raised through astronaut appearances, fund-raising events, corporate and individual donations, and astronaut autographs. In 1995, with the realization that the five remaining Mercury astronauts would not be able to raise scholarship funds forever, the Board of Directors voted to broaden the membership and to change the name to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs have now joined in this worthwhile endeavor.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.
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While no remnants of the Big Bang (that we know of!) are available, astronauts John Glenn, Jim Lovell, Buzz Aldrin and 30 more legends have their space artifacts and signature on the auction block for this event which benefits the nonprofit Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
Bids are already rolling in on the 30 lots of space artifacts and memorabilia. Up for grabs are such rare items as a couch segment from the famous Apollo 13 Command Module, an American flag carried to the moon onboard Apollo 14, a Skylab astronaut jacket worn in space and a John Glenn autographed issue of LIFE magazine.
“The auction is a great way for the astronauts to show our support for such a worthy cause,” said Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise. “The proceeds from the artifacts we donate help pave the way for the future innovators of science and technology in America by the college scholarships the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation provides.”
The auction promises a bang for anyone who has ever gazed up at the sky. The launch window for bidding closes on September 12, 2009 at 5 PM EDT.
All auction proceeds go directly to support the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s mission of offering scholarships to top science and technology college students. To date the Foundation has dispersed more than $2.8 million to students nationwide.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization established in 1984 by the six surviving members of America’s original Mercury astronauts. Its mission is to aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in science and technology by providing scholarships for college students who exhibit motivation, imagination, and exceptional performance in these fields. Today, more than 80 astronauts from the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle and Space Station Programs have joined in this educational endeavor. For more information, call 321-455-7015 or log on to www.AstronautScholarship.org.
About the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
More than 70 astronauts are helping the United States retain its world leadership in science and technology by providing scholarships for college students who exhibit motivation, imagination, and exceptional performance in the science or engineering field of their major.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation was established originally in 1984 as the Mercury Seven Foundation by the six surviving members of America's original Mercury Seven astronauts, Mrs. Betty Grissom (widow of the seventh, Virgil "Gus" Grissom), William Douglas, M.D. (the Project Mercury flight surgeon), and Henri Landwirth, an Orlando businessman and friend of the astronauts. The founding astronauts were Malcolm Scott Carpenter, L. Gordon Cooper Jr., John H. Glenn Jr., Walter M. Schirra, Alan B. Shepard Jr., and Donald K. (Deke) Slayton. Currently, Apollo astronaut Al Worden is Chairman of the foundation's Board of Directors and five-time shuttle astronaut Robert "Hoot" Gibson serves as Vice Chairman.
The original Mercury Seven Foundation began on a shoestring budget, and the first seven scholarships, at $1,000 each, were awarded in 1986. As more money was raised the amount and number of scholarships increased gradually. The foundation now awards annually 19 scholarships each worth $10,000, for a total of $190,000. To date, the foundation has awarded $2.8 million in scholarships to deserving students nationwide.
Scholarship money is raised through astronaut appearances, fund-raising events, corporate and individual donations, and astronaut autographs. In 1995, with the realization that the five remaining Mercury astronauts would not be able to raise scholarship funds forever, the Board of Directors voted to broaden the membership and to change the name to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs have now joined in this worthwhile endeavor.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.
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Friday, September 04, 2009
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Offers The Healing Book to Help Young Life Insurance Beneficiaries Cope with Losing a Loved One
/PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia kicks off Life Insurance Awareness Month by enhancing the support services already available to its group life insurance beneficiaries by offering a new book to help children who are affected by the loss of a loved one - The Healing Book: Facing the Death and Celebrating the Life of Someone You Love (written by Ellen Sabin and published by Watering Can Press).
The Healing Book is a resource that helps children and families express their feelings, ask questions and explore their memories when someone they love has died. It is an activity book, journal and conversation-starter that children can personalize and use in whatever way that best meets their needs during the grieving and remembering process.
"When a loved one dies, it is usually a very difficult time for everyone in the family, especially for children. Therefore, we are glad to offer this helpful book to beneficiaries," said Tom Foran, staff vice president, Product Management/Business Development, Life and Disability. "We want family members to think of us as providing more than a check to them during this challenging time. We want them to see us as a source that offers them valuable tools including grief counseling, legal and financial consultation and other services. We believe The Healing Book is a great complement to the resources we offer to those who are grieving."
Beneficiaries can go to resourceadvisor.anthem.com to order a free copy of this book for their children. In addition, beneficiaries can order free copies for a grandchild, niece or nephew, or a close friend.
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The Healing Book is a resource that helps children and families express their feelings, ask questions and explore their memories when someone they love has died. It is an activity book, journal and conversation-starter that children can personalize and use in whatever way that best meets their needs during the grieving and remembering process.
"When a loved one dies, it is usually a very difficult time for everyone in the family, especially for children. Therefore, we are glad to offer this helpful book to beneficiaries," said Tom Foran, staff vice president, Product Management/Business Development, Life and Disability. "We want family members to think of us as providing more than a check to them during this challenging time. We want them to see us as a source that offers them valuable tools including grief counseling, legal and financial consultation and other services. We believe The Healing Book is a great complement to the resources we offer to those who are grieving."
Beneficiaries can go to resourceadvisor.anthem.com to order a free copy of this book for their children. In addition, beneficiaries can order free copies for a grandchild, niece or nephew, or a close friend.
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Belk Fall Charity Sale on November 7 to Benefit Local Charities and Schools
Spring Charity Sale raised more than $5 million for hundreds of nonprofits
Belk’s Fall Charity Sale on November 7 will once again benefit local charities, schools and nonprofit organizations throughout the company’s 16-state market area. Belk’s previous Charity Sale, held May 2, 2009, raised more than $5 million for hundreds of participating nonprofit organizations.
The four-hour, in-store shopping event offers an excellent fundraising opportunity for participating organizations and a chance for customers to support worthwhile charities and take advantage of special discounts on purchases made during the event.
In exchange for a $5 donation, customers will receive a ticket admitting them to the Charity Sale on November 7 from 6 to 10 a.m. and entitling them to merchandise discounts ranging from an extra 15 to 50 percent on purchases throughout the store, including special savings on rarely discounted brands. Customers will also receive $5 off their first purchase of $5 or more at the event, and Belk cardholders will receive double Rewards points for card purchases.
Participating local charities will sell the Charity Sale tickets in advance of the event and all proceeds from each $5 ticket sold will be retained by the charity. Beginning Friday, October 30, tickets may also be purchased at Belk stores with all donations equally divided among the participating charities and schools. There is no limit to the number of tickets charities can sell, and no limit to the amount of money that can be raised. Belk provides tickets and collateral material at no cost to the participating nonprofit organizations.
In addition, participating customers can register to win one of three $1,000 Belk shopping sprees, and all participating charities and schools will automatically be registered to win one of three $1,000 donations from Belk.
The event, held semi-annually since Fall 2007, has raised an excess of $14 million for participating nonprofit organizations throughout the Southeast.
Charity representatives interested in taking part in this one-of-a-kind fundraising event should contact their local Belk store manager for more information.
Contact Information-All Georgia Belks
In order to participate in the Belk Charity Sale, organizations must have an IRS 501(c)(3) designation.
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Belk’s Fall Charity Sale on November 7 will once again benefit local charities, schools and nonprofit organizations throughout the company’s 16-state market area. Belk’s previous Charity Sale, held May 2, 2009, raised more than $5 million for hundreds of participating nonprofit organizations.
The four-hour, in-store shopping event offers an excellent fundraising opportunity for participating organizations and a chance for customers to support worthwhile charities and take advantage of special discounts on purchases made during the event.
In exchange for a $5 donation, customers will receive a ticket admitting them to the Charity Sale on November 7 from 6 to 10 a.m. and entitling them to merchandise discounts ranging from an extra 15 to 50 percent on purchases throughout the store, including special savings on rarely discounted brands. Customers will also receive $5 off their first purchase of $5 or more at the event, and Belk cardholders will receive double Rewards points for card purchases.
Participating local charities will sell the Charity Sale tickets in advance of the event and all proceeds from each $5 ticket sold will be retained by the charity. Beginning Friday, October 30, tickets may also be purchased at Belk stores with all donations equally divided among the participating charities and schools. There is no limit to the number of tickets charities can sell, and no limit to the amount of money that can be raised. Belk provides tickets and collateral material at no cost to the participating nonprofit organizations.
In addition, participating customers can register to win one of three $1,000 Belk shopping sprees, and all participating charities and schools will automatically be registered to win one of three $1,000 donations from Belk.
The event, held semi-annually since Fall 2007, has raised an excess of $14 million for participating nonprofit organizations throughout the Southeast.
Charity representatives interested in taking part in this one-of-a-kind fundraising event should contact their local Belk store manager for more information.
Contact Information-All Georgia Belks
In order to participate in the Belk Charity Sale, organizations must have an IRS 501(c)(3) designation.
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Thursday, September 03, 2009
Operation StoryBook Begins Love of Literature in the Cradle
Studies show nearly two-thirds of low-income families own no books for their children, yet book ownership is one of the strongest predictors of future reading success. To prevent the resulting achievement gap, on September 11th Sheltering Arms Early Education & Family Centers will launch Operation StoryBook, a family literacy initiative that begins children’s love of reading in the cradle. Corporate and community volunteers, VIPs, and professional storytellers will share stories with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers during a day-long Read-A-Thon in 17 Sheltering Arms centers across metro Atlanta.
"Ninety percent of children’s brain development occurs in the early years before kindergarten," says Elaine Draeger, President of Sheltering Arms. "Even before they can read, children who grow up in homes rich with printed and spoken word are building skills to become enthusiastic readers."
Operation StoryBook will help families give children this strong start. Anchored by the Children's StoryBook Club, Operation StoryBook will provide 2300 children—most from low-income working families--with 12 new books for their home libraries over the next year. Research-driven curriculum, literacy enrichment activities, and parent storytelling workshops will then bring these books alive for Sheltering Arms’ children and their families.
"For many of us, the values we hold most dear are those we learned through stories…stories shared by family, stories heard in worship, stories read in books," says Rob Cleveland of August House, an Atlanta publisher of children's books. "With our mobile society, children often don’t hear the stories of older generations that in the past taught lessons about character, culture, and community. Operation StoryBook builds children into readers, but it does much more. It turns parents into storytellers." August House’s title, The Archer and the Sun, a Chinese folktale that explains the rising and setting of the sun, is Operation StoryBook's September StoryBook Club selection. On September 11, 2300 children will receive a copy of The Archer and the Sun for their home library.
Operation StoryBook is presented by Target, and sponsored by PFG Milton's, Cousins Properties, State Street Global Advisors, Alston & Bird, The Coca-Cola Company, Hollis & Company, Wachovia, and DLA Piper. As a warm-up to the festivities on Friday, on Wednesday, September 9, sponsors and other friends of Sheltering Arms will gather for the CockTales and Legends reception to kick-off Operation StoryBook. The Lovett School will be honored as this year's Sheltering Arms Legends Award winner, in honor of more than 40 years of volunteer service.The community is invited to participate in Operation StoryBook by volunteering, donating books, or sponsoring a child. Information is available on the Sheltering Arms website.
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"Ninety percent of children’s brain development occurs in the early years before kindergarten," says Elaine Draeger, President of Sheltering Arms. "Even before they can read, children who grow up in homes rich with printed and spoken word are building skills to become enthusiastic readers."
Operation StoryBook will help families give children this strong start. Anchored by the Children's StoryBook Club, Operation StoryBook will provide 2300 children—most from low-income working families--with 12 new books for their home libraries over the next year. Research-driven curriculum, literacy enrichment activities, and parent storytelling workshops will then bring these books alive for Sheltering Arms’ children and their families.
"For many of us, the values we hold most dear are those we learned through stories…stories shared by family, stories heard in worship, stories read in books," says Rob Cleveland of August House, an Atlanta publisher of children's books. "With our mobile society, children often don’t hear the stories of older generations that in the past taught lessons about character, culture, and community. Operation StoryBook builds children into readers, but it does much more. It turns parents into storytellers." August House’s title, The Archer and the Sun, a Chinese folktale that explains the rising and setting of the sun, is Operation StoryBook's September StoryBook Club selection. On September 11, 2300 children will receive a copy of The Archer and the Sun for their home library.
Operation StoryBook is presented by Target, and sponsored by PFG Milton's, Cousins Properties, State Street Global Advisors, Alston & Bird, The Coca-Cola Company, Hollis & Company, Wachovia, and DLA Piper. As a warm-up to the festivities on Friday, on Wednesday, September 9, sponsors and other friends of Sheltering Arms will gather for the CockTales and Legends reception to kick-off Operation StoryBook. The Lovett School will be honored as this year's Sheltering Arms Legends Award winner, in honor of more than 40 years of volunteer service.The community is invited to participate in Operation StoryBook by volunteering, donating books, or sponsoring a child. Information is available on the Sheltering Arms website.
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Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Aflac Announces Support for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
/PRNewswire/ -- Aflac today announced its support for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by kicking off a new integrated fundraising campaign to benefit the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Childhood cancer is the number one cause of death by disease for children under the age of 15. Through improved research and treatments, childhood cancer survival rates have improved from less than 20% in the 1980's to over 80% today. Aflac makes pediatric cancer its primary philanthropic cause.
The campaign includes a new component enabling people to donate to the Aflac Cancer Center (ACC) through the Aflac Cancer Center causes page which can be accessed on Facebook.com or at www.aflac.com/aflaccancercenter. Aflac will contribute one dollar for anyone who joins the ACC causes page and will match donations up to $1 million.
To kick off the campaign Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos today announced that he will make a personal donation of $100,000 and challenged others to contribute to the fight against childhood cancer.
"The heroic doctors and nurses at the Aflac Cancer Center work hard to improve the lives of children while delivering much-needed hope to families," Amos said. "That's why Aflac, our sales agents and our employees continue to embrace this great cause. We are proud to match donations and encourage everyone to show their support for children and families dealing with cancer."
The month-long campaign also includes a text to donate program which opens on September 1, and targets NASCAR fans. It will be highlighted on September 6th as NASCAR star Carl Edwards drives his No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion at the nationally televised race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. The car's paint scheme, designed by a 13-year-old patient at the Aflac Cancer Center, signifies a special tribute to the Aflac Cancer Center and all children fighting childhood cancer. The company will sustain the fundraising drive throughout the month of September.
"Cancer is the leading medical cause of death in children, and saving such lives leads to more total years saved than for any adult cancer except breast cancer," Dr. William G. Woods, director of the Aflac Cancer Center said. "We have a unique ability to make an investment in children's lives and longevity and we thank Aflac and Carl Edwards for helping us achieve our goals."
Each year the Aflac Cancer Center treats more than 350 new cancer patients. It also provides the largest sickle cell disease program in America, with 1,635 active cases and has cured more children of sickle cell disease than any treatment center in the nation. In addition to funding research and treatment, Aflac contributions serve other critical needs, including new facilities, a new state-of-the-art pediatric research building, and endowments for the Family Support Team and Fellowship Program. In August, the Aflac Cancer Center announced that Aflac had surpassed $50 million in donations to this cause.
Components of the plan for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month include the following:
-- Causes Page (Facebook)
Aflac will donate $1 for anyone who joins the Aflac Cancer Center causes page, an application on Facebook. The company will also match donations up to $1 million and Aflac CEO Dan Amos will initiate donations with a personal contribution of $100,000.
-- Color Carl's Car Contest
Patients at the Aflac Cancer Center were asked to color Carl Edwards' car for the nationally televised race on September 6, at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Carl and the car's designer, Jody Lawrence, a 13-year-old cancer patient, will unveil the car on Friday, September 4, at the Aflac Cancer Center.
-- Text to Donate Program
Throughout September, NASCAR fans are encouraged to text the phrase "GOCARL" to 90999 to make a $5 donation to the Aflac Cancer Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. All donations will appear on the contributor's next cellular phone bill.
-- Sale of Die Cast Replica Cars
Motorsports Authentics will donate 5 percent of proceeds from the sale of the No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion die cast to the Aflac Cancer Center.
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The campaign includes a new component enabling people to donate to the Aflac Cancer Center (ACC) through the Aflac Cancer Center causes page which can be accessed on Facebook.com or at www.aflac.com/aflaccancercenter. Aflac will contribute one dollar for anyone who joins the ACC causes page and will match donations up to $1 million.
To kick off the campaign Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos today announced that he will make a personal donation of $100,000 and challenged others to contribute to the fight against childhood cancer.
"The heroic doctors and nurses at the Aflac Cancer Center work hard to improve the lives of children while delivering much-needed hope to families," Amos said. "That's why Aflac, our sales agents and our employees continue to embrace this great cause. We are proud to match donations and encourage everyone to show their support for children and families dealing with cancer."
The month-long campaign also includes a text to donate program which opens on September 1, and targets NASCAR fans. It will be highlighted on September 6th as NASCAR star Carl Edwards drives his No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion at the nationally televised race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. The car's paint scheme, designed by a 13-year-old patient at the Aflac Cancer Center, signifies a special tribute to the Aflac Cancer Center and all children fighting childhood cancer. The company will sustain the fundraising drive throughout the month of September.
"Cancer is the leading medical cause of death in children, and saving such lives leads to more total years saved than for any adult cancer except breast cancer," Dr. William G. Woods, director of the Aflac Cancer Center said. "We have a unique ability to make an investment in children's lives and longevity and we thank Aflac and Carl Edwards for helping us achieve our goals."
Each year the Aflac Cancer Center treats more than 350 new cancer patients. It also provides the largest sickle cell disease program in America, with 1,635 active cases and has cured more children of sickle cell disease than any treatment center in the nation. In addition to funding research and treatment, Aflac contributions serve other critical needs, including new facilities, a new state-of-the-art pediatric research building, and endowments for the Family Support Team and Fellowship Program. In August, the Aflac Cancer Center announced that Aflac had surpassed $50 million in donations to this cause.
Components of the plan for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month include the following:
-- Causes Page (Facebook)
Aflac will donate $1 for anyone who joins the Aflac Cancer Center causes page, an application on Facebook. The company will also match donations up to $1 million and Aflac CEO Dan Amos will initiate donations with a personal contribution of $100,000.
-- Color Carl's Car Contest
Patients at the Aflac Cancer Center were asked to color Carl Edwards' car for the nationally televised race on September 6, at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Carl and the car's designer, Jody Lawrence, a 13-year-old cancer patient, will unveil the car on Friday, September 4, at the Aflac Cancer Center.
-- Text to Donate Program
Throughout September, NASCAR fans are encouraged to text the phrase "GOCARL" to 90999 to make a $5 donation to the Aflac Cancer Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. All donations will appear on the contributor's next cellular phone bill.
-- Sale of Die Cast Replica Cars
Motorsports Authentics will donate 5 percent of proceeds from the sale of the No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion die cast to the Aflac Cancer Center.
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