Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Help Fund Fayette County Classrooms And Save Money; Enjoy the City Books Half Price

Everyone is looking for ways to save money in today’s tough economy. Now Fayette County residents can save on costs for food and services they purchase everyday while helping teachers bring innovative academic lessons and projects to Fayette County students.

The community has already been enjoying the many discounts and buy one, get one free deals offered by local businesses through the Enjoy the City coupon book. Starting now, residents can purchase the books for $10, half off the cover price.

For every book purchased, 100 percent of the proceeds will go directly to the Fayette County Education Foundation to help fund grants for teachers of the Fayette County School System. The books are on sale at the board of education office as long as quantities last.

Since 2002, hundreds of teachers have received grants to implement dynamic lessons and projects such as cooking food in chemistry labs to demonstrate chemical reactions, sewing literary quilts to reinforce a theme or point made by a famous author and sponsoring American Sign Language classes before and after school to help students better understand and interact with deaf and hard of hearing classmates. Projects such as these open the doors to learning for many students by capturing their attention, appealing to their interests and tying what they learn to real life.

These lessons have all occurred in Fayette’s classrooms and are just a sampling of the educational innovation happening throughout the county, but none of these projects would have been possible without the support of the Fayette County Education Foundation.

For more information about the Enjoy the City coupon books or the Fayette County Education Foundation, contact Melinda Berry-Dreisbach, 770-460-3535.

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NOBLE's Georgia Chapter Collects Hundreds of Phones and Receives HopeLine Law Enforcement Partnership Award From Verizon Wireless

/PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, a corporate leader in domestic violence awareness, presented the Georgia Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) with a HopeLine Law Enforcement Partnership Award yesterday at NOBLE's annual conference in Virginia. The HopeLine award honors the efforts of public safety officials who are committed to reducing domestic violence, providing support to victims, raising awareness of the issue and educating communities about domestic violence.

The Georgia Chapter was recognized for its participation in a nationwide phone collection drive organized by NOBLE. Thanks to the generosity of NOBLE members, law enforcement agencies across the state of Georgia and the general public, the Georgia Chapter collected several hundred no-longer-used wireless phones.

In honor of the Georgia Chapter's efforts, Verizon Wireless will donate $2,500 to the Savannah Area Family Emergency (S.A.F.E.) Shelter. S.A.F.E. Shelter provides temporary shelter and services to abused women and their children and supports prevention education, increased public awareness and legislation designed to decrease domestic violence.

"As first responders, we witness the effects of domestic violence first-hand," said Joseph A. McMillan, national president of NOBLE. "Our partnership with Verizon Wireless and our nationwide phone collection drive enabled us to help place valuable wireless phones in victims' hands, phones they can use to contact law enforcement or domestic violence hotlines in emergency situations. NOBLE is proud to have our efforts recognized and we look forward to continuing our work with Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program."

HopeLine accepts wireless phones and accessories in any condition from any carrier for reuse and recycling at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide or via mail (postage-paid label available at www.verizonwireless.com/hopelinemailinglabel). Phones given to HopeLine that can be refurbished are sold for reuse, and those without value are disposed of in an environmentally sound way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program are used to provide wireless phones and cash grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.

Since the HopeLine program was created in 1995, Verizon Wireless has supported the efforts of law enforcement and government agencies in communities nationwide. Verizon Wireless' support includes:

-- Donating wireless phones and service, high-speed Mobile Broadband
Internet service and cash grants to prosecutors, detectives and other
personnel in local government domestic violence units
-- Sponsoring phone collection drives in cooperation with local sheriff
and police departments
-- Partnering with several states' Attorneys General offices to create
campaigns around elder abuse, teen dating and other domestic violence
issues

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Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Federal Grants Supermarket

Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of West Georgia’s Education Building in Carrollton

Rep. Lynn Westmoreland and Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Marietta) will co-host a federal grants workshop to help organizations around the 3th District learn about grant opportunities and how to improve their chances of receiving a grant. As appropriations – or earmarks – become more and more difficult to secure, it has become important for organizations to know how to apply for these competitive grants. The congressmen are bringing in representatives from federal agencies to make presentations and answer questions. The grant workshop will most benefit organizations, small businesses, nonprofits, city and county governments and schools that would be applying for these grants from the federal government. All constituents from Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District are welcome, but reservations are required. Please RSVP by calling Rep. Westmoreland’s District Office at 770-683-2033 or toll free at 866-775-5359 or emailing Andy.Bush@mail.house.gov.
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Jeffrey Fashion Cares Atlanta Host Committee Raises Over $239,000 – Breaking All Records

Jeffrey Fashion Cares Host Committee, Co-Chaired by Nina Cheney and Jill Siegel, break fundraising records despite down economic times. The committee has raised over $239,000 and the amount is still growing as the event nears. Event Chairs, Sacha Taylor and Lila Hertz, couldn’t be more pleased. “In a time where our beneficiaries need the financial assistance more than ever, we are just thrilled by the dollars raised from our Host Committee.” said Sacha Taylor as she disclosed the amount this morning.

The 2009 Host Committee kicked off its fundraising in early May at a cocktail reception hosted by the W Atlanta Downtown Residences and developers of the downtown Allen Plaza, Hal Barry and Chris Schoen. The event was attended by special guest designer, Jason Wu, who will also be in attendance for this year’s 17th Annual Event.

The Host Committee is made up of an overwhelming 88 members and many of their spouses, including Mother Nature Network Founder Joel Babbit and his wife, Kimberly Babbit, CNN Producer; Coca-Cola North America Chief Marketing Officer, Katie Bayne and her husband, Sam Bayne, Founder of the Bayne Group; Environmentalists and Owners of the Atlanta Spirit, Laura Turner Seydel & Rutherford Seydel; Artist, Sue LeCraw; King & Spalding Partner, Ray Persons and his wife, Wendy; and Leslie & Bartow Morgan, CEO of Gwinnett County’s oldest bank.

Jeffrey Fashion Cares will once again benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate and the Atlanta AIDS Partnership Fund (AAPF). Last year’s sold-out event with over 1,000 attendees raised an unprecedented $800,000 with 95 cents on the dollar being donated to its beneficiaries.

2009 Presenting Sponsors to date include Atlanta Magazine, Delta, Dennis Dean Catering, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, ING, Jeffrey, Nordstrom, W Atlanta Downtown Hotel & Residences and We Rent Atlanta.

The annual event, which will be held on Monday, August 31st beginning at 7:00 p.m. includes a pre-show cocktail reception, couture fashion show, silent & live auctions, presentation of the Jeffrey New Talent Award to a Savannah College and Design Student and an after-party.

For more information and to purchase tickets to Jeffrey Fashion Cares 2009 event, including patron and corporate sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.jeffreyfashioncares.com/atlanta or call (404) 745-0293.
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DHS Seeks Public Comment on Community Service Block Grant

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Fund Plan

On July 27, the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) will hold a public hearing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to hear public comment on the provisions of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funding as required by federal regulations.

DFCS is the lead agency within DHS that administers the CSBG, which provides assistance to states and local communities by working through a network of community action agencies. This federal grant supports agencies to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities and empower low-income families and individuals in rural and urban areas to become more self-sufficient.

The plan and public hearing schedule can be viewed at: www.dfcs.dhr.ga.gov/ARRA. The plan will remain online for 30 days. For more information, call (404) 656-2323 or (404) 657-3426.

Public comments can be submitted by email at CBRPU@dhr.ga.gov or in person during the hearing, which will be on the 21st floor of the DHS building at 2 Peachtree St, NW, Atlanta, GA 30303.
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Sunday, July 19, 2009

Belk Spring Charity Sale Raises More Than $5 Million For Nonprofits

Belk, Inc. announced recently that its semi-annual Belk Charity Sale raised more than $5 million for hundreds of local charities, schools and nonprofit organizations throughout the company’s 16-state market area.

In return for a $5 donation to participating nonprofits, customers received a ticket admitting them to the Charity Sale, held on May 2, 2009, and entitling them to discounts ranging from 20 to 50 percent on merchandise throughout the store. Proceeds from tickets sold at the door were also donated and divided among participating charities.

“Belk welcomes the opportunity to support the good work of charitable and nonprofit organizations in the markets we serve,” said Tim Belk, chairman and CEO of Belk, Inc. “We want to thank everyone who participated in the Charity Sale, which resulted in donations of more than $5 million to benefit nonprofit organizations in their communities.”

The Blue Ridge Humane Society in Hendersonville, N.C., is one example of the many nonprofits that benefited from the Belk Charity Sale. During the sale, humane society volunteers manned an informational booth in the store and showcased one of their favorite pups, Keiko, a four-year-old Chihuahua in need of a home. Although he was not adopted that day, he found a home just one week later.

“We were excited to participate in Belk’s Charity Sale,” said Carolyn Paden, executive director of the Blue Ridge Humane Society. “We are always grateful for an opportunity to help homeless animals in our area and to help them find forever-homes.”

The Davenport School of the Arts (DSA) in Davenport, Fla., also participated in the sale. Students in the school’s drama department sold tickets to Belk’s Charity Sale on the night of one of their theatrical productions in an effort to raise funds for their program.

“We appreciate Belk reaching out to us,” said Robert Moszenburg, a drama teacher at DSA. “We look forward to participating in the next Charity Sale event.”
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Volunteer and Support a Family Fun Day at the Fayette County YMCA

Opportunity to Raise Money for Your Non-Profit

The Community Literacy Project, a youth community service team sponsored by the Association of Village PRIDE, Inc., is having a Family Fun Day at the Fayette Family YMCA on July 25 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. The youth team is raising money to help build and equip a library in Nigeria.

Food vendors are needed. Any non-profit interested in setting up a vending booth should call the project coordinator at 678-346-0953 or Dawn Oparah at 770-716-9206 or visit the website, www.communityliteracyproject.com, and complete a volunteer form with your information or send an email of interest to community.literacyproject@gmail.com .

There is no cost for setting up the vending booth but the youth group would appreciate a donation from the profits for the day toward their project.

Ways to Volunteer and Support the Project:

Volunteers needed to help staff the day. Activities that will take place are:

· Field Games
· Swimming
· Canoeing
· Moonwalk Jumping
· Face Painting
· Balloons
· Nature Walks
· Toddler fun area
· Indoor Board games
· Entertainment
· Demonstrations in: Acting, Belly Dancing, Step Dancing, and more

Additional Human Resources needed

· Food vendors
· Community Organizations who want to set up booths to share information
· Help in getting the word out in the community about the Family Fun Day
· People with family friendly talent willing to showcase their talent
· Dance Demonstrations
· Praise and Worship Demonstrations (Mimes, Dance ministries, clowns
· A magician
· A caricature artist
· Someone to make balloons into different shapes for kids

Some physical needs

· Baby wading pools
· More Face-painters and face-paint
· A sound system
· Karaoke Machine

If you can help in anyway please let us know or if you need more information about the project please the website or call.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Ryan Seacrest to Host Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities Hearts and Hands Gala October 24th

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC) announces its Hearts and Hands Gala at 7pm on Saturday, October 24, at the World of Coca-Cola. Atlanta’s own Ryan Seacrest of “American Idol” will serve as host of the black-tie dinner which will feature live entertainment and a silent auction. The Coca-Cola Company is the event’s presenting sponsor. The Event Chair is Javier Goizueta, Vice President, The Coca-Cola Company and President of the McDonald’s Division Worldwide. Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Coca-Cola Company is Honorary Chair. For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Shannon Murphy Courtney at 678-704-8086 or visit www.armh.com.

“The Ronald McDonald House is a cause that is very dear to the hearts of us at The Coca-Cola Company. We are committed to supporting the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities, as we strive to help improve the health and well-being of children and families in need,” says Javier Goizueta.

Proceeds from the Hearts and Hands Gala will support operations of Atlanta’s two Ronald McDonald Houses. “We are grateful for the generosity and ongoing support of The Coca-Cola Company. And we are thrilled Coca-Cola’s longtime ambassador, Ryan Seacrest, will host the evening. Despite a tough economy, we expect this inaugural event will be successful in raising funds to support families in need at our two local Ronald McDonald Houses. This year marks our 30th anniversary and this new event is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness for Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities and the organization’s important work throughout the area,” says Linda M. Morris, President/CEO of Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Increased demand led to the recent expansion of the local Ronald McDonald House programs. Last year, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities opened a new state-of-the-art 50-bedroom $15.7 million Ronald McDonald House near Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston to meet the growing need. An 11-bedroom Ronald McDonald House on Peachtree Dunwoody Road continues to operate at full capacity to serve families of children receiving medical treatment at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. Combined, the two local Houses serve more than 2,000 families a year.

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Friday, July 17, 2009

Oogieloves Campaign to Combat Childhood Bullying

Goobie, Zoozie & Toofie Embrace LOVE OUR CHILDREN USA’s Crusade to STOMP Out Bullying with Public Service Campaign

Love Our Children USA announced today its partnership with Kenn Viselman presents…, creators of the latest children’s sensation The Oogieloves, to appear in a public service announcement for the campaign to STOMP Out Bullying, an initiative of Love Our Children USA.

The Oogieloves join celebrities Demi Lovato, JoJo, Brittany Snow and Naturally Seven in a national campaign to end childhood bullying. The three Oogieloves, Goobie, Zoozie and Toofie, help to extend the national campaign to reach even further to preschool and early school-aged children, helping to break the cycle of bullying before it even starts.

Other celebrities and those in the entertainment and sports industries who have supported STOMP Out Bullying include: Elton John, Bette Midler, Ellen Degeneres, Sugarland, John Cusack, Donny and Marie Osmond, Ashleigh Banfield, Dancing With The Stars, Live With Regis and Kelly, The View, truTV, “In The Heights”, the NJ Nets and more.

“Childhood bullying is harmful to children, especially during their preschool years when many of their first non-family relationships are founded,” said Kenn Viselman, president of Kenn Viselman presents. “The Oogieloves are all love, and understand the importance of being respectful to their friends. Goobie, Zoozie & Toofie are a natural fit to help this important campaign reach all children including the very youngest. Children like to emulate the behavior of those that they think are cool. Our expectation is that the Oogieloves can help reinforce the positive behavior to the youngest of children while they are still developing their social skills and appreciate their need to love, respect and honor others.”

“Having the Oogieloves join this campaign will help to expand its reach to the very youngest, most impressionable of children” said Ross Ellis, Love Our Children USA, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “They will help us in our campaign to educate children of the negative effects of bullying and of the choices that we can all make, even at a very young age and I am thrilled to be able to expand the program to include them.”

Ellis said “STOMP Out Bullying brings awareness and educates kids, parents and schools about the issue. It offers hope for every kid who experiences the harmful effects of bullying and teaches parents to keep open communication with their children and to look for signs. It also educates school administrators across the country, who have swept this issue under the rug for far too long.”

Bullying Statistics

• 1 out of 4 kids is Bullied.
• 1 out of 5 kids admits to being a bully, or doing some "Bullying."
• 8% of students miss 1 day of class per month for fear of Bullies.
• 43% fear harassment in the bathroom at school.
• A poll of teens ages 12-17 proved that they think violence increased at their schools.
• 282,000 students are physically attacked in secondary schools each month.
• More youth violence occurs on school grounds as opposed to on the way to school.
• 80% of the time, an argument with a bully will end up in a physical fight.
• 1/3 of students surveyed said they heard another student threaten to kill someone.
• 2 out of 3 say they know how to make a bomb, or know where to get the information to do it.
• Playground statistics - Every 7 minutes a child is bullied.
• As many as 160,000 students may stay home on any given day because they're afraid of their bullies due to the pain of bullying.

Cyber Bullying Statistics

• 42% of kids have been bullied while online. 1 in 4 have had it happen more than once.
• 35% of kids have been threatened online. Nearly 1 in 5 have had it happen more than once.
• 21% of kids have received mean or threatening e-mail or other messages.
• 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online.
• 53% of kids admit having said something mean or hurtful to another person online.
• 58% have not told their parents or an adult about something mean or hurtful that happened to them online.

All of this has everyone worried. Not just the kids on its receiving end, but the parents, teachers and others who may not understand how extreme bullying can get. Love Our Children USA is working aggressively to prevent these issues and to help the kids and teens affected by it.

Ellis stated, “Kids who are intimidated, threatened, or harmed by bullies often experience low self-esteem and depression, whereas those doing the bullying may go on to engage in more serious antisocial behaviors. Some kids are so traumatized by being bullied, that suicide has become an alternative for them. Bullies often have been the victims of bullying or other mistreatment themselves.”

The STOMP Out Bullying campaign focuses its efforts to reduce bullying and cyberbullying, decrease school absenteeism and truancy, educate against homophobia and racism and deter violence in schools, playgrounds and communities across the country. It includes public service announcements, in-school education, online and social media campaigns, posters and brochures and wristbands. The Love Our Children USA’s National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week takes place each year in early October and will be observed October 4-10, 2009.
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Thursday, July 16, 2009

Cobb Republicans Support Must Ministries

In the last four months, MUST has served 17,854 meals, provided 6,668 bed nights of rest and gave 4,641 pounds of food to our Cobb and Cherokee neighbors in need - with 49 percent of those served being children.

Now, as those in charge in Washington DC race towards creating one new hand-out program after another, we here in Cobb County take pride in giving our neighbors a hand-up when they need it most.

Please join the Cobb County GOP at the August 1st breakfast in bringing 1-2 non-perishable food items to support Must Ministries. Some items in short supply: canned meats, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, jelly, dry milk, tomato sauce/paste, and large size diapers (size 4,5,6).

If you have some time to donate to Must Ministries, please email cobbgop@gmail.com .

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Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Usher's New Look Celebrates the Fifth Year of Camp New Look

/PRNewswire/ -- Award Winning Entertainer and Philanthropist Usher Raymond IV on behalf of Usher's New Look will welcome 130 youth from underserved communities across the country at the opening ceremony of Camp New Look. In its fifth year, Camp New Look will offer youth ages 15 to 17 an opportunity to participate in workshops and seminars to enrich their skills in various areas including music, dance, sports, acting and video production. This July 13th, Usher will announce that this year's theme is "Issue, Action. . .Power!" Campers will be taught to identify issues, take action and will leave with the power to change the world through service. Special guests this summer will include Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard, Washington Wizards' Mike James, Chief-of-Staff and Secretary of Commerce Rick Wade, Georgia's Senator Kasim Reed and BET's Jeff Johnson.

"When young people begin to help others, they help themselves. With their talent and energy, they will be powered to serve their communities, and we're going to have more fun than we've ever had," said Usher.

Part of this year's program includes a two-day "Power Summit" to educate youth on how to use the resources they may not have even known they had to change their local and global communities. The summit will introduce youth to current social issues and give them the opportunity to discuss what should be done. They will to tap into their own artistic abilities to design and execute campaigns that bring awareness and action to a global issue back in their hometowns. The youth will lead these campaigns and track their impact during the next year.

"By educating the kids about global issues and by teaching them to combine the resources available to them with their own artistic talents, we hope to ignite a passion within the youth to tackle these issues and create change not only in their communities, but in the world," said Usher's New Look President Shawn Wilson.

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Monday, July 13, 2009

The Gingrich Foundation Makes Charitable Contribution to the Arthritis Foundation

The Gingrich Foundation has made a charitable donation to the Arthritis Foundation to support research for rheumatoid arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation is the only national non-profit organization that supports more than one hundred types of arthritis and related conditions. Founded in 1948, the Arthritis Foundation is also the largest private contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps people take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.

“The Gingrich Foundation is pleased to support the Arthritis Foundation and its work in arthritis research,” said Callista Gingrich, President of the Gingrich Foundation. “Newt and I are optimistic that the Arthritis Foundation will lead the way in discovering a cure, and we are honored to contribute to such an important cause.”

“We are extremely grateful to the Gingrich Foundation for the very generous support, which is more important than ever during these challenging economic times,” said Dr. John H. Klippel, President and CEO of The Arthritis Foundation. “The gift allows us to sustain funding for vital research to unlock the mysteries of arthritis and provide programs and advocacy efforts to improve the lives of the forty-six million Americans with arthritis.”

Callista Gingrich is the President of the Gingrich Foundation and President of Gingrich Productions in Washington, D.C. Speaker Newt Gingrich is the General Chairman of American Solutions for Winning the Future, Chairman of the Gingrich Group, and Founder of the Center for Health Transformation in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia.

The Gingrich Foundation is a domestic non-profit corporation founded by Callista and Newt Gingrich to support charitable purposes.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

HUD Releases Annual Homeless Assessment Report

HUD Releases 2009 (AHAR) Annual Homelessness Assessment Report
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR). The AHAR showed that that the total number of people experiencing homelessness countrywide is flat, but rates of family and chronic homelessness have slightly risen. The AHAR is based on 2008 data.

The report shows Georgia's large homeless population shrank between 2007 and 2008, but found there was not enough shelter space available statewide and more than half of Georgia's homeless go unsheltered. The 2008 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Thursday, found there were 19,095 homeless people living in Georgia in 2008. That's down from 19,639 in 2007. The report also found Georgia was one of only eight states where the majority of homeless were unsheltered. It found 54 percent of Georgia's homeless were typically unsheltered, but said warm weather may encourage homeless to sleep outdoors.

According to the report, there are 13,936 beds available for homeless statewide. The AHAR is released annually by HUD, and the report released includes data from one-night homelessness counts that were conducted by communities in January 2008 combined with administrative data collected throughout 2008.

View The Full Report
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Friday, July 10, 2009

UGA Student Leads National Service Projects at Conference in Knoxville

Traci Jarrett, a family and consumer sciences education major at The University of Georgia and vice chair of outreach and service for the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Student Unit (SU), along with other SU national officers, led two community service projects in Knoxville, Tennessee, during the recent AAFCS 100th Annual Conference & Expo.

More than 50 students and other conference attendees picked up trash near the Knoxville Convention Center as part of “Keep Knoxville Beautiful.” Students also worked with Lions Club International to collect over 500 used prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses for the “Recycle for Sight” program. The students presented the donations to Clare Crawford, a member of the Knox County North Lions Club.

“Each year millions of used eyeglasses collected by the Lions help change the lives of poor citizens in developing countries around the world. The Lions are grateful for caring partners like AAFCS in our mission to improve the lives of our fellow citizens,” said Crawford.

“As members, we are celebrating 100 years of AAFCS. When choosing our service project, the other Student Unit officers and I wanted to choose a project that would embody the governing principles of AAFCS. Our organization’s vision is ‘bringing people together to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities,’ and by participating in the Recycle for Sight project, members are doing just that,” noted Jarrett.

Founded in 1909 by Ellen Swallow Richards, the first woman graduate and professor of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), AAFCS is the only national not-for-profit organization that provides leadership and support to FCS students and professionals across multiple practice settings.

FCS professionals help individuals, families, and communities make informed decisions about their well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life. AAFCS’ 6,000 members are elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educators, researchers, and administrators; Cooperative Extension educators; and other professionals in business and industry, not-for-profit organizations, and government.

These professionals provide research and applied knowledge in the areas of personal finance, child development and parenting, consumer education, housing and environment, apparel and textiles, and health and nutrition. With national headquarters based in Alexandria, Va., AAFCS has 52 affiliates located across the United States and Puerto Rico.
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Thursday, July 09, 2009

Alzheimer's Association Team Captain's Luncheon Fayette County

The annual Kick-Off Luncheon for the Fayette County Team Captains of the 2009 Southern Crescent Alzheimer’s Memory Walk was recently held with over 60 volunteers in attendance. The luncheon was hosted by the Outback Steakhouse in Peachtree City.
Following a moving presentation by caregiver Michael Dziak, Walk co-organizer Iola Snow discussed plans for this years’ 10th anniversary event planned for October 3rd.
The Walk includes participants from six different counties.
Pictured from the left are Anita Odell, Caregiver Relations - Senior Helpers; Sally Fleming, Walk Registration Chair; Elaine Gaillard, Community Relations Director - Ashley Glen; Linda Pirog, Administrator - Senior Helpers; Michael Dziak, Caregiver & program speaker; Fred Brown, Walk Co-Organizer; Donna Chavez, Owner - Outback Steakhouse; and Iola Snow, Walk Co-Organizer.
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Chef Todd Hogan Headlines at Kool Kidz Classic Polo

Renowned culinary master is featured chef at September 12 annual fundraiser

FOCUS announced today that Professional Executive Chef Todd Hogan will again offer his culinary expertise and prepare a picnic to remember for guests at the 7th Annual Kool Kidz Classic Polo Tournament, Saturday, September 12 on the polo fields of Dr. & Mrs. Phil Beegle at Cedargate Farms in Newnan, Georgia.

Chef Todd Hogan is the culinary master behind Chef Todd Hogan events, including Forever in a Day, Foods to Suit and Home Appetit. Member and recurring guest chef of the word-famous James Beard Foundation, he has held executive chef positions at fine restaurants throughout the Southeast.

The Kool Kidz Classic Polo Tournament fundraiser is an eight-goal tournament featuring exceptionally talented local, national and international players in a high quality, exciting match. In addition to the championship polo match, activities include a silent auction, a raffle, champagne and divot stomping, as well as an evening party with music.

The Kool Kidz Classic historically has benefited the Kool Kidz Foundation. As of January 2009, the Kool Kidz Foundation merged with FOCUS, a 26-year-old nonprofit that also serves children with disabilities. These two organizations combine their strengths to come together to benefit the children and the 3,000 families that they serve. The Newnan, Peachtree City, and Fayetteville communities have helped the Kool Kidz Classic Polo Tournament grow into a profitable fundraiser over the past six years.

For more information on sponsorship or the event, please contact Lucy Cusick, Executive Director, FOCUS at 770-234-9111 or at lucy@focus-ga.org or visit www.focus-ga.org.
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