Helping Hands Georgia

High Museum of Art Hosts Canned Food Drive Benefitting Atlanta Community Food Bank

2012-01-19T13:31:00.002-05:00

Inspired by Andy Warhol’s paintings of 32 cans of Campbell’s Soup featured in the current Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters exhibition, the High Museum of Art has partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Campbell Soup Company to host a canned food drive.

From Friday, January 27, through Sunday, January 29, visitors to the Museum are encouraged to bring canned food donations. For every one food item donated, visitors will receive $1 off of Museum admission, up to $10 off. The discount may also be applied to Museum membership.

In support of the initiative, Campbell Soup Company has donated 3,024 cans of soup, and staff members from the Atlanta Community Food Bank will be at the Museum to accept donations.

In addition, Aaron Albrecht, designer at The Beck Group, will create a sculpture using the donated Campbell’s Soup cans. The sculpture will be on display in the Museum’s Margaretta Taylor Lobby.

For more information on the food drive, visit www.high.org.

2012 Fayette Charity Classic 5K/10K Goes Beyond Uniting Charitable Organizations

2012-01-18T14:45:00.000-05:00

Providing Opportunities For All To Get Involved, Make A Difference
Faced with the familiar challenges associated with today’s economic environment, one local charity is thinking outside the box and revamping their annual run/walk fundraiser. What would have been Fayette Senior Services (FSS) 4th annual March For Meals 5K/1mike run/walk, has now been appropriately re-named the “Fayette Charity Classic”. Participation benefits have also extended to other Fayette County 501.c.3 charities to create one unique collaborative fundraising effort.

An exciting new 10K course has been added to the 5K and 2K run/walk. The 10K and 5K courses are USA Track & Field (USATF) certified and qualifiers for the Peachtree Road Race. The Fayette Charity Classic will be held on March 17, 2012 at 8 a.m. at the Fayette County Justice Center complex, 3 Center Drive, Fayetteville, Georgia. Participants can register at www.Active.com or download registration forms and other event information at www.FayetteCharityClassic.org.

Currently there are eight participating charities – Fayette Senior Services, AVPride, Fayette Youth Protection Home, CASA, Real Life Center, Fayette FACTOR, Healing Bridge, and Promise Place. Opportunities are still open to more local charities. Each participating charity must be a Fayette-based 501.c.3, complete a registration form, and provide a minimum of 2 volunteers to assist with the event. In return, $20 of every $30 registration fee goes to the participating charity. Additionally, each will receive 20% of sponsor dollars brought in by the registered charity. Free exhibitor's space at the race day Expo will also be provided to the participating charities.

“Opening up to county-wide charity participation is a unique way to emphasize the UNITY within our CommUNITY,” says Fayette Senior Services CEO, Debbie Britt. She adds “By taking a synergistic approach to a traditional fundraising event we can economize community support, leverage our resources, capitalize on volunteer engagement, and maximize the event's outcome to everyone’s benefit.”

Sponsors play a vital role in the success of the event and for business who want to enhance company awareness, expand market reach, and create good will there are plenty of sponsor opportunities. Presenting sponsors of the 2012 Fayette Charity Classic are C&C Fence, Foundation Sports, Senior Helpers, and The Nutrition Shoppe. Other sponsors include Joe Dion State Farm Insurance, Once Source General Contracting, and Acti-Kare.

The 2012 Fayette Charity Classic will benefit nearly every age group or demographic via the participating charities, and provide means for every individual within our community to participate. For more information about the event including how to become a participating charity, sponsor, or volunteer visit www.fayettecharityclassic.org or call 770-461-0813.

The tagline for the event ‘RUN. WALK. RAISE...’ is a challenge to residents and those affiliated with our community to participate in one capacity or another – if not in the race, then to raise their hand and volunteer to help with the event, make a donation, or leverage their social networks to raise funds and awareness. For that reason, race organizers and participating charities have created a presence for the Fayette Charity Classic on Facebook and Crowdrise, an innovative web-based fundraising platform (www.crowdrise.com/2012FayetteCharityClassic).

Christian City Asks the Community for Help

2012-01-17T10:19:00.000-05:00

The Children’s Village at Christian City is in need of the following items and would appreciate any help the community can provide:

Sponsor A Child: Choose a boy or a girl to sponsor and receive a photo, profile and regular updates. $30 a month helps to pay for basic needs such as food, clothing and education

· Donations to Graceland Thrift Shop. Proceeds help to pay for the education of the children who live in the cottages. Volunteers are needed to work in the Thrift Shop to accept donations, sort, and help with customers

· Gift cards to Wal-Mart, Target, Kroger, or Publix

· Paper towels, napkins, and toilet tissue
Canned fruits, vegetables, and pasta
Peanut butter and jelly
Individually wrapped snacks and drinks
Personal and dental hygiene products

· Kid friendly cereals
· Batteries
· Cleaning supplies
· Ziploc bags of all sizes

Please contact Heidi Becker at 770-703-2636 for drop off details or for more information about the Children’s Village and how you can Sponsor A Child. Christian City has been caring for abandoned and abused children in a family centered residential setting since 1965. Children live in cottages with full time house parents. Over 1,000 children have called Christian City “home.” For more information, please visit our website at www.christiancity.org.

Soles4Souls, the Shoe Charity, Announces Partnership with H&R Block for Charitable Tax Season

2012-01-08T17:54:00.000-05:00

The country’s most popular tax service is encouraging customers to donate portion of tax fee to a good cause

Soles4Souls®, the international shoe charity, announced a new partnership with H&R Block to offer Americans a unique opportunity to transition the holiday spirit into the tax season. A referral coupon for Soles4Souls is available for clients receiving tax services from H&R Block from January 1st until April 18th, with $25 going to support their mission of providing shoes to people in need. With franchise locations in every major metro in North America, Soles4Souls is hoping to garner lots of support for the campaign.

“The dreaded tax season is being given a silver lining this year,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “Our relationship with H&R Block is an easy opportunity for individuals to print off a referral coupon and $25 from their fees will be donated to help people in need.”

For more information on the partnership visit www.giveshoes.org, or to print the referral form visit this H&;R Block link.

About Soles4Souls®
Soles4Souls collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-enterprise efforts to eradicate poverty. Soles4Souls’ other two divisions, Clothes4Souls and Hope4Souls, provide the same relief and support through clothing and other necessities. Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org, www.clothes4souls.org, or www.hope4souls.org for more information.

ReelAbilities ATL Atlanta's First-Ever Disabilities Film Festival Premiering in October 2011

2011-08-21T06:40:00.000-05:00

Georgia Community Support and Solutions announces its first annual film festival October 1-6, 2011 at venues across metro Atlanta. This film festival will promote the appreciation and understanding of individuals living with different disabilities. Lynne M. and Howard I. Halpern will host and co-present the film festival, which will include ten films featuring or made by people with disabilities.

The ReelAbilities Film Festival was founded in New York and was designed to change the public's attitude toward people who have diverse disabilities. ReelAbilities ATL is continuing the success, by using the power of film to focus on people living with disabilities from across the globe. To meet the goal of building community through film, ReelAbilities ATL has already established partnerships with 23 Atlanta community organizations. After each screening, there will be discussions with actors, experts, and filmmakers exploring the awareness of disabilities.

The complete festival schedule will be available in late August. Tickets will go on sale by September 1st. For more information please contact Judy Marx at (404) 634-4222, ext 267 or by email at judycmarx@gmail.com or reelabilitiesatl@gacommunity.org

The Children’s Village at Christian City Asks For Help With Needs List

2011-08-12T16:08:00.000-05:00


Two boys who live at The Children’s Village with donations from a recent Milk and Cereal drive organized by Mrs. Mary Ruth Kimsey, a resident of Christian City.

The Children’s Village at Christian City is in need of the following items and would appreciate any help the community can provide:

Sponsor A Child: Choose a boy or a girl to sponsor and receive a photo, profile and regular updates. $30 a month helps to pay for basic needs such as food, clothing and education

· Donations to Graceland Thrift Shop. Proceeds help to pay for the education of the children who live in the cottages. Volunteers are needed to work in the Thrift Shop to accept donations, sort, and help with customers

· Gift cards to Wal-Mart, Target, Kroger, or Publix

· Cleaning supplies

· Zip-lock bags

· Canned fruits and vegetables

· Peanut butter

· Individually wrapped snacks and drinks

· Dental hygiene products

· Personal hygiene products

· Kid friendly cereals

Please contact Heidi Becker at 770-703-2636 for drop off details or for more information about the Children’s Village and how you can Sponsor A Child. Christian City has been caring for abandoned and abused children in a family centered residential setting since 1965. Children live in cottages with full time houseparents. Over 1,000 children have called Christian City “home.” For more information, please visit our website at www.christiancity.org.

Fayette Senior Services Adds 10K to Annual Run/Walk and Establishes New “Fayette Charity Classic” to Benefit Fayette County Non-profits

2011-08-01T19:45:00.000-05:00

Fayette Senior Services (FSS) annual March For Meals 5K/1 Mile Run Walk will have a new look and expanded purpose when the 4th annual event is held next year on March 17, 2012. Thanks to help from the City of Fayetteville and the Fayetteville Police Department, FSS will be adding a challenging new 10K route to its existing 5K and 1 mile run/walk. In addition, FSS has renamed the event The Fayette Charity Classic with proceeds to not only benefit non-profit Fayette Senior Services, but other Fayette County charities as well. The Fayette Charity Classic 10K as well as the 5K will both be USA Track and Field (USATF) certified and qualifiers for the Peachtree Road Race.

Dawn Davis, FSS Health, Wellness, and Program Manager is the event’s race director. Davis worked closely with Capt. Lynn Crawshaw of the Fayetteville Police Department to develop the route that begins at Fayette Senior Services Life Enrichment Center located at 4 Center Drive in Fayetteville (across from the Fayette County Justice Center). Says Davis, “By expanding the event to include a 10K we are able to leverage the success of our former March For Meals Run/Walk. Our goal was to attract a larger audience to a fitness activity and in turn increase awareness–and financial support–for the programs and services that we provide to our community’s seniors.” Davis adds, “We then took our expanded event one step further and designed it to help other Fayette County charities, many of which continue to face challenges as a result of the current economy. It’s a win-win for Fayette Senior Services, the charities who wish to participate, and the community as a whole.”

Event details and registration packets are still being finalized and are expected to be available soon. Anyone interested in receiving more information should send their name, address, and phone number to FCClassic@fayss.org.About Fayette Senior Services, Inc. For more than 30 years, Fayette Senior Services, Inc. (FSS), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has been making a meaningful difference in the emotional, social, and physical well-being of older adults; preserving their independence, improving their quality of life, and connecting them to the community. FSS offers supportive services such as Meals On Wheels, Transportation, In-Home Personal Care/Homemaker Services, Information Assistance, Care Management, and more. For active older adults age 50 and better, Fayette Senior Services Life Enrichment Center offers a wide variety of social, leisure, fitness and recreational activities and the award-winning Ultimate Café. For more information visit www.FayetteLifeEnrichment.org or call 770-461-0813.

The Children’s Village Asks For Community Support

2011-07-01T11:52:00.002-05:00

The Children’s Village at Christian City is in need of the following items and would appreciate any help the community can provide:

Child Sponsorships for only $30 a month to help to pay for their basic needs
Donations to Graceland Thrift Shop. Proceeds help to pay for the education of the children who live in the cottages. Volunteers are needed to work in the Thrift Shop to accept donations, sort, and help with customers
Gift cards to Wal-Mart, Target, Kroger, or Publix
Dental hygiene products
Personal hygiene items
Canned fruits and vegetables
Boxed macaroni and cheese
Peanut butter
Individually wrapped snacks and drinks

Please contact Heidi Becker at 770-703-2636 for drop off details or for more information on the Children’s Village and how you can become a child sponsor. Christian City has been caring for abandoned and abused children in a family centered residential setting since 1965. Over 1,000 children have called Christian City “home.” For more information, please visit our website at www.christiancity.org.

Honoring Educational Achievements of Georgia’s Foster Care Youth

2011-06-06T20:09:00.000-05:00

19th Annual Celebration of Excellence

More than 260 foster care youth will be honored and recognized for their educational achievements at the 19th Annual Celebration of Excellence. The Celebration of Excellence is a statewide graduation event and scholarship program for youth in Georgia’s foster care system who are graduating from high school, GED programs, vocational school or college. The event will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, at 6 p.m. at Georgia State University’s Rialto Center for the Arts.

“Foster care youth encounter countless obstacles during and after foster care which make them less likely to attend and graduate from high school or college,” said Commissioner Clyde L. Reese, Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS). “This year’s graduates were able to overcome the odds and accomplish academic success. Their determination and will to succeed is to be commended and celebrated.”

Eric Anderson, a former foster care youth, will deliver the keynote address. He will share lessons learned during and after life in foster care. As a professional speaker and magician, Anderson has shared the stage with Talk Show Host Sean Hannity, Former First Lady Laura Bush, Home Run King Hank Aaron, and Nobel Peace Prize Recipient and former President of the United States Jimmy Carter.

The event is sponsored by DHS’ Division of Family and Children Services, Independent Living Program, Juvenile Law Committee of The Young Lawyers Division of The State Bar of Georgia, and numerous private businesses and organizations.

The Celebration of Excellence is the high point of a three-day Atlanta visit for teens transitioning out of the foster care system. These teens will also attend the Higher Education Institute, a two-day information and resource forum designed to teach the importance of professional etiquette, money management and understanding legal rights.

Celebration of Excellence is open to the public and is attended by foster parents, child welfare workers, business leaders, child and legal advocates, and legislators throughout the state.

For more information, please visit www.celebrationsofexcellence.org

Liberty Tire Recycling to Clean Up Illegal Tire Dump at Site of Atlanta-Area Arts Center

2011-05-16T18:17:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Pittsburgh-based Liberty Tire Recycling, the premier provider of tire recycling services in North America, is donating its tire collection and reclamation services to help an Atlanta-area community center facing a dilemma. Crews from the company's plant in Atlanta will collect and recycle as many as 1,000 scrap tires that were illegally dumped on the property of The Arts Exchange (750 Kalb Street, SE, Atlanta, GA). The reclamation will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 .

"The warmer months are upon us, and abandoned tire piles can be a haven for vermin and insects. They can also cause a fire hazard. The Arts Exchange certainly doesn't want to face such a situation when they host outdoor activities for children," said Dewey Grantham, regional sales manager for Liberty Tire Recycling. "When the center contacted us to tell us what they were facing, we were happy to offer our assistance at no charge."

Employees at The Arts Center have been working to resolve the situation since they discovered the tire piles last fall. When they began making inquiries into how to remove the tires, they learned that the center may be charged as much as $2 per tire to have the scrap tires removed. This would have resulted in thousands of dollars in costs.

"We are a nonprofit arts center that aims to provide affordable work space for visual and performing artists. Our tenants include African dance companies, an online digital arts magazine, and a youth steel band," said Lisa Tuttle, member of the board of directors for The Arts Exchange and a studio artist. "As you might imagine, we have limited resources. We are pleased that Liberty Tire is willing to perform this service to us and to the community at no cost."

Once the tires are collected, Liberty Tire Recycling will grind the tires into crumb rubber, which is a component in a host of eco-friendly products on the market today. Those products include rubber mulch for landscaping and playgrounds; infill for synthetic athletic fields; and rubberized asphalt, which is used by municipalities across the country to make roads more durable and safer.

"Liberty Tire Recycling has a well-deserved reputation for remediating illegal tire dumps across the country. Since the company's founding, we have cleaned up more than 150 dump sites littered with nearly 40 million scrap tires," said Jeff Kendall, CEO of Liberty Tire Recycling. "We are hoping that a few hours of work at The Arts Exchange will go a long way toward creating a safer environment for the people who rely on the center."

For more information on Liberty Tire Recycling, visit www.libertytire.com.

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Red Cross Sends Help After Deadly Tornadoes Blast Through the South

2011-04-29T08:56:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross is helping thousands of people after Wednesday's deadly tornadoes destroyed neighborhoods throughout the southern region of the country.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with those who lost loved ones or have suffered through these deadly storms," said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president, Red Cross Disaster Services. "Red Cross disaster teams are working around the clock to help the thousands of people whose lives are turned upside down. More Red Cross assistance is on the way."

"Our top priority right now is to provide food and shelter to the thousands of people throughout the South and Midwest affected by these storms," Shimanski said, adding that the Red Cross is also distributing relief supplies and providing emotional support and basic health services to disaster survivors.

Hardest hit was Alabama, where Governor Robert Bentley has activated National Guard troops to help in the devastated areas. The Red Cross is sending disaster workers, materials, blood products and equipment into the state. Nearly 40 emergency response vehicles are on the way, along with 25,000 ready-to-eat meals. Red Cross Blood Services is moving hundreds of blood products into the area, and Red Cross nurses and mental health workers are being deployed to help people cope with the aftermath of this disaster.

More than 1,600 people sought refuge in 65 Red Cross shelters Wednesday night as the storms forced them from their homes. Red Cross shelters are open in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas.

"Tornadoes and floods have devastated communities and uprooted families across many states, and the Red Cross is working hand-in-hand with our federal and community partners to get assistance to people in need and help them recover," Shimanski said.

More than half of the country has been affected by this continuous band of damaging weather, disrupting people's lives from North Dakota to the East Coast. In the last several weeks, Red Cross disaster workers have provided thousands of overnight stays in shelters, distributed thousands of clean-up and comfort kits and served hundreds of thousands of meals and snacks.

The Red Cross is able to respond quickly when emergencies happen with the help of corporations who are members of the organization's Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). ADGP members pledge donations on an ongoing basis to allow the Red Cross to pre-position supplies and be ready to take immediate action when disasters occur.

ADGP members include Walmart, UPS, UnitedHealthcare, The TJX Companies, Inc., Target, State Street Foundation, State Farm, Southwest Airlines, Ryder Charitable Foundation, Northrup Grumman, Nationwide Insurance Foundation, Morgan Stanley, Merck, Lowe's Companies, Inc., Kraft Foods, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, John Deere Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, GE Foundation, FedEx Corporation, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Darden Restaurants, Inc, ConAgra Foods, Cisco Foundation, Aon, Altria and 3M.

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to help in times of disaster, both here in the United States and around the world. Those who want to help can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. To make a donation, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to local American Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

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Krispy Kreme and the Law Enforcement Torch Run® Are Teaming Up to Raise Funds and Awareness For Special Olympics

2011-04-28T12:02:00.000-05:00

Officers will take to the roofs of Krispy Kreme Doughnut shops throughout Georgia from 6 a.m. on Friday, April 29 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 1

27, 2011 /PRNewswire-/ -- Krispy Kreme is once again teaming up with Georgia police officers to "raise dough" for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Georgia during the first weekend in May. Officers will take to the roofs for Georgia's ninth annual "Cops on Doughnut Shops" weekend from 6 a.m. on Friday, April 29 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, where they will collect donations from customers as they eat, sleep and play on the rooftops of ten Georgia Krispy Kreme stores. Due to the success of the event in years past, Cops on Doughnut Shops is being held at participating Krispy Kreme stores across the country, raising money for local Special Olympics programs.

Georgia's 2010 Cops on Doughnut Shops event raised an amazing $97,000 for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Georgia. In addition to accepting donations from Krispy Kreme customers, the officers will also make calls to local individuals and business leaders asking for pledges, and local celebrities and community leaders are being asked to lend their support up on the roofs throughout the weekend.

Following are the participating Georgia Krispy Kreme stores for Cops on Doughnut Shops 2011:

Albany – 400 N. Slappey Blvd.

Athens – 3703 Atlanta Highway

Atlanta – 295 Ponce de Leon Avenue

Buford – 3387 Buford Drive

Commerce – 40103 Highway 441 South

Duluth – 1550 Pleasant Hill Road

Lilburn – 4129 Highway 78

Marietta – 299 Cobb Parkway, South

Riverdale – 6689 Highway #9

Roswell – 791 Atlanta Street

"Cops and doughnut shops just naturally go together in people's minds," says Allison Kaczenski, Special Olympics Georgia. "We decided to have some fun with it and help a worthy cause. What better way to create awareness and raise money for the Special Olympics than to put police officers on the roofs of Krispy Kreme stores?"

"Supporting local communities and programs that touch and enhance the lives of young people has been part of our Company's history for more than 70 years," said Brian K. Little, Director of Corporate Communication for Krispy Kreme. "We are very proud to be part of these unique events again in 2011."

Customers who donate $5 or more to the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics will receive not only the sincere thanks of participating officers, but could also receive treats from Krispy Kreme ranging from a free doughnut to a free dozen Original Glazed doughnuts every month for a year. Corporations, organizations or individuals donating $1,000 or more will receive a free Krispy Kreme doughnut party for their employees.

The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is to raise funds for and awareness of the Special Olympics movement worldwide. Law enforcement officers from the 50 United States, 10 Canadian provinces and territories, and 5 countries carry the Flame of Hope in honor of the Special Olympics athletes in their area and around the world. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest grass-roots fund-raiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in the world. Last year, this international program raised over $34 million to support Special Olympics programs. More than 85,000 law enforcement officers from thousands of agencies have carried the Flame of Hope and have raised more than $200 million since the Torch Run's inception in 1981.

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Converse Unveils Basketball Courts at Atlanta's Historic Piedmont Park

2011-04-22T10:29:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Today (April 21), CONVERSE Inc., unveils two new basketball courts at Piedmont Park in midtown Atlanta, Georgia, along with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell and NBA legend Julius "Dr. J" Erving. The Converse basketball court donation, consisting of one full court and one half court, is part of Converse's commitment to fostering community involvement through basketball in the city of Atlanta.

Marked with the iconic Converse Star Chevron logo, the basketball courts will provide youth with the opportunity to play basketball in an area that has not had courts before. Before the court presentation, Converse will hold its Open Gym session with Atlanta youth. Converse Open Gym, founded in 2007, provides an opportunity for kids to play basketball in a free, safe and unrestricted environment in major metropolitan markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami and Boston. Over 50,000 kids have been touched by this program nationally, 17,000 of which come from the city of Atlanta.

"Converse is thrilled to celebrate basketball and the donation of these courts with Piedmont Park Conservancy, as they continue to implement their Master Plan to enhance the park for future generations," said Geoff Cottrill, Chief Marketing Officer of Converse. "We have enjoyed working with the City of Atlanta over the past few years to help inspire children through the game of basketball, and are happy that basketball is now a part of this beautiful, historic park."

Since 2008, Converse has led and sponsored an array of community-based programs in the Metro-Atlanta area including, several Converse Open Gyms, and title sponsorship of The Health Education & Communication Center of Atlanta's (HECCA) HOOPATLANTA Bounce Back program. The Bounce Back program is a multi-tiered community program where Converse has donated over 5,000 basketballs to Atlanta's Parks and Recreation Department, Atlanta Public Schools, Gwinnett County Public Schools and Dekalb County Schools and supports scholarship programs in the Dekalb County School System and Gwinnett County Public School System.

"Physical activity and sports participation help foster the social skills that our youth need, so we are excited about the new basketball courts at Piedmont Park and the fitness pilot programs Converse will begin to lead soon at our Centers of Hope," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. "Converse was one of the first corporate supporters of the Centers of Hope campaign, and their contribution is one of the reasons why we were able to secure a portion of the funds needed to reopen our recreation centers."

This court donation is a result of a partnership with Piedmont Park Conservancy, The City of Atlanta's Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, and The Health Education & Communication Center of Atlanta (HECCA).

In addition to the Piedmont Park basketball courts' unveiling, Converse is the title sponsor of the HOOPATLANTA Classic, Georgia's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The tournament takes place April 23rd at the Georgia World Congress Center and fuses physical activity, the best in creative basketball match-ups and entertainment to create a unique experience for all.

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The Home Depot Foundation Pledges $30 Million to Veterans Housing Issues

2011-04-13T13:45:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Today, The Home Depot® Foundation announced a pledge of $30 million over three years to address veterans' housing issues. The Foundation's financial commitment will be amplified by associates from The Home Depot, who will volunteer their time and home improvement know-how skills to projects across the country.

"Our nation's veterans have made great sacrifices for our country, yet the statistics show that many of them face severe housing needs due to disability, lack of affordable housing and unemployment," said Frank Blake, chairman and CEO, The Home Depot. "Their plight is very personal to all Home Depot associates because we have more than 35,000 veterans who work for us and an estimated 1,500 associates serving on active duty at any given time."

The Foundation's initiative will kick off immediately by providing a total of $3.1 million to Fisher House Foundation, The Mission Continues and Volunteers of America to repair and rehabilitate facilities and homes serving veterans of all ages. In addition to funding, each of these partnerships will be supported by Team Depot, the Company's associate-led volunteer force.

Fisher House Foundation provides comfort houses for the families of veteran and active duty military patients receiving medical care at major military and Veterans Affairs medical centers. The Home Depot Foundation is providing a one-year $500,000 grant to repair and enhance many of the organization's 54 existing houses. Where possible, Team Depot volunteers will complete the work, ranging from making bathrooms handicapped accessible, to painting and landscaping.

"Our partnership with The Home Depot Foundation will allow Fisher Houses across the country to partner with skilled volunteers from local Home Depot stores to refresh and enhance our homes," said Ken Fisher, CEO of Fisher House Foundation. "Since we began serving our nation's military families and wounded warriors, over 142,000 families have been guests in our homes. We are grateful to The Home Depot Foundation for their generous support."

Volunteers of America is one of the largest nonprofit providers of affordable housing in the U.S., with a focus specifically on veterans, low-income families with children, the disabled and senior citizens. The Home Depot Foundation is providing a three-year $1.8 million grant to repair and rehab properties where veterans and their families live. First-year projects include the rehabilitation of residential facilities in Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami, serving approximately 275 disabled and/or homeless veterans and their families at any given time. Each project will include numerous opportunities for Team Depot volunteers to get involved as well.

"Our organization has served the needs of veterans for more than 60 years," said Volunteers of America National President Mike King. "We feel a deep responsibility to serve those who have served our country, and understand that safe, decent housing is the foundation for a successful life. Our partnership with The Home Depot Foundation allows us to address both the quality and the quantity of our veterans housing. It's the factor that turns affordable housing into homes, and makes the difference between simply keeping people alive and giving them a life."

The Mission Continues provides opportunities for returning veterans to serve as citizen leaders by leading volunteer projects in their communities or by completing fellowships with nonprofit organizations. Along with a $1.05 million grant from The Home Depot Foundation, Team Depot will work with volunteers from The Mission Continues to complete more than 100 community projects during 2011. In addition, a disabled veteran will be placed at The Home Depot Foundation for a six-month fellowship to assist with project management for all volunteer projects.

"Our veterans are an asset. We appreciate that The Home Depot realizes the value that these dedicated men and women bring to our country, even after their time in uniform," said Eric Greitens, CEO of The Mission Continues. "We are excited to bring Mission Continues volunteers and Team Depot members together in service to build stronger communities."

The Foundation will continue to evaluate and add new partnerships to address veterans' housing issues. For more information about The Home Depot Foundation's veterans' initiative, please visit www.homedepotfoundation.org/veterans.

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The Children’s Organ Transplant Association … 25 Years of Giving Hope and Making Miracles

2011-04-11T09:12:00.000-05:00

Eighteen years ago, Thomas and Jodi Sornsin of Tempe, Arizona, were desperate for a miracle. Ben, their two-year-old toddler, needed a liver transplant to survive. Adding to the pain and stress of a critically ill child was the fact that Ben’s illness, diagnosis and transplant came as a complete surprise.

Many transplant families have time to prepare, but the Sornsins did not. On New Year’s Eve 1992, Ben came down with a cold. Two weeks later he was fighting for his life. What happened? Ben was diagnosed with complete liver failure due to a virus of unknown origin. Ben went from being a healthy toddler to a sick child in a hepatic coma in a matter of ten days.

According to Jodi, “Ben was in a coma in the ICU and only hours away from death. We received the news that a liver had been found and he would be transplanted the next morning … a true miracle.”

While Thomas and Jodi were living at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles to care for Ben, they were confronted with the financial reality of Ben’s transplant. Their health insurance was going to cover only about $100,000 of the transplant bill. Jodi remembers being called to the hospital’s finance office repeatedly and asked how they were going to pay the medical bill. Frankly, neither Thomas nor Jodi knew how that was going to happen.

They needed help, and they needed it quickly.

Meanwhile, friends and family members started asking how they could help this young family, and one friend introduced the Sornsin’s to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA).

“I made the call to COTA as soon as we heard about this amazing organization and the person on the other end of the phone told me not to worry about the money -- COTA would help us. Once COTA was on board, and our team of volunteers started a fundraising effort, we were never called to the hospital’s finance office again,” said Jodi.

Their second miracle? According to Jodi it was being able to concentrate on their baby’s recovery and not worry about the mounting bills.

A team of volunteers made up of family members, friends and co-workers from Hunter Contracting began working with COTA’s team of professionals almost immediately to launch a fundraising effort with a goal of raising $200,000. According to Jodi, “It was truly amazing how people came forward to help because they saw Ben’s photo on a collection canister or on the television. One man, previously a stranger to our family, saw Ben’s photo, got involved and spearheaded efforts that raised $45,000.”

“Giving Hope … Making Miracles is more than a slogan for the Children’s Organ Transplant Association -- it is a guiding vision,” said Rick Lofgren, President of COTA. “The Sornsin’s story is, unfortunately, all too common… a child who needs a transplant combined with financial issues jeopardizing that child’s life and the family’s future. The miracle is the community that works together to give a family hope.”

Lofgren continued, “COTA was founded in 1986 when a baby boy from Bloomington, Indiana, needed a liver transplant. The community rallied and raised more than $100,000. Even though the child died before a liver became available, their efforts were not in vain. Their efforts started COTA and COTA has since helped give hundreds of children like Ben a second chance at life.”

When COTA celebrates its 25th anniversary in April, Ben will be 20-years-old. He is more than six feet tall. He is a college sophomore honor student working towards a degree in criminal justice. He is a swimmer who swam competitively in high school and at the National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games. And Ben is healthy.

Ben Sornsin is a miracle -- thanks to the selfless gift of a liver donation. And thanks to the hundreds of Arizona volunteers who worked with COTA to make sure a sick little boy had the chance to become a healthy and happy adult.

“When your child is dying and you need a miracle … COTA is there for you. All those years ago our hope was that we would one day have a normal life. Ben has had a few health-related ups and downs over these nearly two decades post-transplant, but for the most part we are a normal, and very thankful, family.”

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association is a national charity that provides fundraising assistance to transplant families. Since 1986, COTA’s priority is to assure that no child or young adult is denied a transplant or excluded from a transplant waiting list due to lack of funds. 100% of all funds raised in honor of transplant patients are used for transplant-related expenses.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association’s 25th Anniversary Highlights

· The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) was founded in 1986 following a successful fundraising effort in Bloomington, Indiana. That initial fundraising placed a local toddler on the national liver transplant waiting list.

· Not long after Indiana volunteers raised funds for his liver transplant, they realized other families needed similar help. That core group of committed volunteers founded the Children’s Organ Transplant Association 25 years ago.

· Over the past 25 years, more than 1,600 families have come to COTA with overwhelming financial needs. Every transplant family has received no-cost assistance.

· The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) began working with young adults with single cell genetic disorders requiring a transplant in 1992. Since then, more than 300 young adults have received COTA assistance.

· No charge for services -- a hallmark in 1986 that is still a firm commitment made by the Children’s Organ Transplant Association to every COTA family.

· Open access to services was important to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association in 1986, and it is still important today. Other than legal residence, age and status as a transplant patient, COTA has no other qualifying criteria.

· The Children’s Organ Transplant Association continues to work with families who came to the organization since 1986. After a transplant patient begins work with COTA, they never get ‘too old’ for COTA services.

· The Children’s Organ Transplant Association has been a partner with transplant centers across the country for a quarter century. Together, COTA and transplant professionals are giving hope to transplant families.

· Over the past 25 years, the Children’s Organ Transplant Association has raised more than $60 million. More than 150,000 people have donated time and resources to COTA to help transplant families. COTA’s commitment to transplant families has not wavered.

If you would like to learn more about COTA, please visit www.cota.org.

Fayette County: Grant Application Available for Noel November 2011

2011-04-10T13:53:00.000-05:00

Funds Plans are underway for the 17th annual Noel November, A Celebration of Trees and a Tradition of Giving Back to our Community to be held on Saturday, November 12th. If your Fayette County non-profit 501(c)3 organization would like to be considered as one of the recipients for Noel November 2011, NOW is the time to apply.

The Fayette County Board of REALTORS just finalized its new grant application and welcomes any qualifying Fayette County organization to submit their request in writing. The process of choosing a charity each year is a tough task, especially when there are so many deserving organizations. The grant application provides a fair and equitable opportunity to compare the structure for dissemination of funds for each organization. The 4-page grant application is available online at www.NoelNovember.com or at www.FayetteRealtors.com.

Applications must be completed in full and received by Friday, April 22nd in order to qualify for consideration.

In the past, net proceeds from the holiday auction have benefited numerous Fayette county charities and organizations, to include: The Fayette Youth Protection Home, Promise Place, the Joseph Sams School, Fayette Senior Services, Embracing Military Families, and Breast Cancer Survivors Network.

For more information, please contact Vickie Butler, Co-Chair at 404.402.4322, Stephan Curcio, Co-Chair at 678.480.9290, or the Fayette County Board of REALTORS at 770.461.2401.

The Fayette County Board of REALTORS®, is a voluntary professional association of approximately 500 licensed real estate brokers and salespersons engaged in all aspects of the real estate business throughout the county and surrounding areas. FCBR is the local advocate for the real estate industry in Fayette County, committed to protecting private property rights and free enterprise, maintaining ethical and professional standards, and enhancing the public’s awareness and confidence in REALTORS.

Aflac Commits $1.06 Million for Cancer Researcher Scholarships

2011-04-08T09:01:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the company that helps employers enhance benefits offerings to employees, today announced it will donate a total of $1,060,000 to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) to help defray the costs facing cancer researchers. The three-year scholarship awards focus on career development, scholar-in-training; a special program for high school students, and a task force on pediatric oncology. The company is announcing the scholarships this evening at the AACR-Aflac Incorporated Scholar Awards Reception in Orlando, Florida. A total of 43 researchers will receive scholarship funds from an initial installment of $265,000.

"Finding a cure for cancer has been our primary philanthropic cause for more than 15 years," Aflac Foundation President Kathelen Amos said. "Finding a cure begins with making sure our up-and-coming researchers have the tools they need to make a difference. We are honored to support the AACR any way we can."

Since 1997, Aflac and the American Association for Cancer Research have been partners in the fight against cancer. The collaborative efforts focus primarily on better understanding of cancer science, especially as it relates to childhood cancers. Aflac has provided scholarships for more than 600 young researchers since the inception of its partnership with AACR, including Dr. Charles Mullighan from St. Jude's Children's Hospital (see bio below).

"The Aflac award has provided crucial support in the initial stages of my career as an independent investigator," Dr. Mullighan said. "The award allowed me to pursue high risk studies examining the genetics of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and the development of novel mouse models of ALL. These are clinically relevant studies as they have defined new genetic changes in this disease and helped elucidate their contribution to leukemogenesis."

In addition to the AACR Scholarships, since 1995, Aflac has raised and donated more than $62 million for the treatment and research of childhood cancer.

Facts about pediatric cancers

* Cancer is the leading cause of death in children under age 15. American Cancer Society (ACS 2010)
* Leukemia causes one-third of childhood cancer deaths. (ACS 2010)
* Mortality rates for childhood cancer have declined by 55 percent since 1975. (ACS 2008)
* There are estimated to be at least 270,000 survivors of childhood cancer in the United States.

2011 Scholarship Recipients

* Antonio L. Amelio, PhD - Scripps Institute, Florida
* Guillermo Armaiz Pena, PhD – University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center
* Kofi Asomaning, MD – Harvard School of Public Health
* Gregor M. Balaburski, PhD – Fox Chase Cancer Center
* Daniel W. Bowles, MD - University of Colorado School of Medicine
* J. Chad Brenner, Graduate – University of Michigan
* Sara A. Byron, PhD - Translational Genomics Research Institute
* Qi Cao, PHD – University of Michigan
* Tooba A. Cheema, PhD – Massachusetts General Hospital
* Ru Chen, PHD - UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School
* Brooke C. Christensen, PhD – Brown University
* Leonie H.A.M de Wilt, MSc – Virginia University Medical Center
* Jan B. Egan, PhD – Mayo Clinic, Arizona
* Inna V. Fedorenko, Graduate - H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr. & Res. Inst.
* Dinorah Friedmann-Morvinski, PhD - Salk Inst. Cancer Ctr.
* Nicolas N. Garnier, MSc - Lady Davis Institute, JGH
* Hossien A. Hamed, BS - Virginia Commonwealth University
* Linda Holmfeldt, PhD - St Jude Children's Research Hospital
* Shu-hao Hsu, Graduate – Ohio State University
* Jae Hong Im, PhD – University of Oxford
* Yuqi Jing, PhD - University Of Miami, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
* Neil Johnson, PhD – Dana Farber Cancer Institute
* Amjad P. Khan, PhD - University of Michigan Medical School
* Hyung-Gu Kim, PhD - Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
* James L. LaBelle, MD, PhD – Dana Farber Cancer Institute
* Andrea Lai, Graduate – McGill University
* Jill E. Larsen, PhD - UT Southwestern Medical Center
* Melissa K. McConechy. BS - BC Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia
* Andrew S. Moore, MBBS – The Institute of Cancer Research
* Britney L. Moss, Graduate – Washington University School of Medicine
* Min Ni, PhD – Dana Farber Cancer Institute
* Wen-Bin Ou, PhD – Brigham and Women's Hospital
* John R. Prensner, Graduate – University of Michigan
* Jeanine M.L. Roodhart, MD – University Medical Center Utrecht
* Mike R. Russell, PhD – Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
* Takaomi Sanda, MD, PhD – Dana Farber Cancer Institute
* Prasanna K. Santhekadur, PhD – Virginia Commonwealth University
* Punit Saraon, PhD – University of Toronto/Mount Sinai Hospital
* Timothy K. Starr, PhD - Univ. of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Ctr.
* Li Tao, MD - Univ. of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Ctr.
* Jose T. Thaiparambil, PhD - Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
* Chery Whipple, PhD - Dartmouth Norris Cotton Cancer Ctr.
* Kenichi Yoshida, MD - Cancer Genomics Project, The University of Tokyo

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Delta Pledges $1 Million in Cash, In-Kind Support for Japan Disaster Relief

2011-03-16T11:04:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) is pledging $1 million in cash and in-kind support to disaster relief efforts in Japan following last week's devastating earthquake and tsunami. The airline's efforts are centered on two relief programs:

American Red Cross and Japanese Red Cross Society – The Delta Air Lines Foundation, Delta's company-managed giving system, is providing an immediate $250,000 cash donation to the Japanese Red Cross Society to support rescue and recovery efforts. This donation will be supplemented by cash contributions from Delta customers and employees who are encouraged to donate via a dedicated Delta-Red Cross website. Donations made at this site will be routed directly to the Japanese Red Cross Society's efforts to assist persons in affected areas. These donations are in addition to Delta's long-standing agreement with the American Red Cross to provide complimentary cargo and passenger capacity, if needed, to help move relief supplies and workers to and from disaster areas around the world.

SkyWish Asia – Delta has committed to match up to 5 million miles against customers' donations to World Vision Japan through its SkyWish Asia program. Delta customers are encouraged to visit the SkyWish Asia website where they can donate miles to World Vision Japan to help transport relief workers and supplies to Japan. World Vision has worked in Japan for more than two decades. In the wake of a disaster, World Vision is often one of the first organizations to begin relief work by distributing pre-positioned supplies.

In addition to the immediate $250,000 cash donation to the Japanese Red Cross Society and the up to 5 million mile donation to World Vision Japan, Delta will supplement any employee and customer contributions with additional cash, if needed, to fulfill its $1 million pledge.

Delta's Japan-based employees also are receiving any needed assistance through a nonprofit organization led and funded by Delta people known as the Delta Employee & Retiree Care Fund. Delta employees donate directly to this fund via payroll deduction or via their internal employee website. Donations will be used to assist any Delta employee in Japan seeking assistance in the wake of last week's events.

"Japan is a core part of our global network and we are committed to finding ways to help those in need following last week's devastating earthquake," said Vinay Dube, senior vice president – Asia-Pacific. "Delta's 1,200 employees in Japan, backed by the support of 80,000 worldwide, are rallying together to do what we can to make a difference and we encourage our customers to join us by donating money or miles to our dedicated charities."

Due to stringent international security and customs requirements, Delta can only accept relief cargo shipments through pre-approved relief organizations including the American Red Cross. At this time, the Red Cross has requested monetary donations. Customers wishing to contribute in other ways should clear these requests through the Red Cross.

Delta is the largest U.S.-based airline in Japan with more than 40 peak-day departures from four airports – Tokyo-Narita, Tokyo-Haneda, Nagoya and Osaka. The company employs more than 1,200 people in Japan and operates an international flight hub at Tokyo's Narita International Airport.

Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 356 destinations in 65 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry's leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline's service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world's largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Delta is investing more than $2 billion through 2013 in airport facilities and global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

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Making ripples at The Children's Village

2011-03-11T19:43:00.000-05:00

Earlier today I went to a lunch and took a tour at The Children's Village at Christian City. It wasn't the first time I've taken a tour and it won't be the last! I always drive away from a visit with my little brain furiously working trying to figure out how I can help.

As always I am awed by the dedication and caring of those who work at Christian City. It is inspiring to hear them talk about their mission to help kids. Every time I go out there I learn a little more and put those who donate, work, and volunteer on just a bit higher pedestal.

As the saying goes, these folks don't just talk the talk, they walk it. Their impact on the world is so much more than the proverbial pebble tossed in the lake. They throw boulders bigger than most of us could handle! They make some huge ripples.

Today I found out more about those who have donated to help at Christian City. Kool Aide donated a huge chunk to build a really nice playground for the children. Over 200 volunteers then got together and helped to prep and put the playground together.

Heritage Christian Church spent hours picking up rocks and sticks to clear the main area where the playground resides and someday a nice pavillion will rest.

Bob Adams Homes donated a lot to help build the first four cottages and admin offices. That's Phase 1. There are two more phases awaiting volunteers, donations and time.

Who else? There were so many mentioned today who have given so much. Some give $30 a month to support a child, others collect underwear and socks, some donate their time, some simply pray.

I wish I had a huge check book. I wish I had more time to raise money. I wish I could do more than just toss teeny-tiny little pebbles into the pond. However, I know that we all do what we can do and that if enough of us toss our little pebbles together we can make some huge ripples of our own!

They mentioned during the tour that if they could get 1500 people to donate $30 a month then the needs of the children would be covered. They're not quite half way to that goal. I figure that I can scrape up a dollar a day to help a local child in need. Shoot, I spend more than that on bottled water and drinks each day.

I'm going to think more on ways to help. Maybe I'll get a jar and start tossing change in it for the kids. I may not get to $30 each month, but it'll be something! Wouldn't it be cool to start a change for Christian City fund raiser? Hmmm... little ideas bubble and sometimes turn into something worth pursuing.

They need toilet paper, cleaning supplies, zip-lock bags, 13-gallon trash bags, body wash, toothpaste, peanut butter, boxed macaroni and cheese, individually wrapped snacks and drinks, kid type cereals... toothpaste, toothbrushes... pretty much anything that you need as you go about your daily life! I suppose that I could swing getting an extra on some of those things when I go grocery shopping. Ha, I bet if I cleaned out my closets I could find a ton of unopened things I thought I'd try and never used... somehow I don't think they'd appreciate some of the things I might find in my closets! I'll keep thinking.

Want to know more about The Children's Village? Christian City? www.christiancity.org. Call them (770-703-2636) and ask for a tour... they do more than help kids, they have many services to help all ages. They've been around since 1965 helping children, then expanding to help the elderly. I hope you'll take a minute to connect and maybe make a few ripples of your own! - jmd

Orchestra to Make Community Donation to Give Kids the World

2011-03-02T10:39:00.000-05:00

The Whitewater High School Orchestra in Fayette County is paying it forward to an organization that helped one of its own while dealing with a life-threatening illness.

The Orchestra is scheduled to perform at the Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee, FL on April 2. Give Kids the World is a nonprofit organization that provides memorable, magical, cost-free experiences to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families by arranging visits to the Central Florida attractions. Children and their families stay at the Give Kids the World Village during their visit.

Back in 2004, one of the orchestra’s families was granted a wish by the organization. They and their child, who was diagnosed with leukemia, stayed at the village and visited Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios, all at no cost to the family. Fortunately, this child’s story has a happy ending.

“The young man’s leukemia is in remission. Now it is our turn to repay the gift,” says orchestra teacher Darilyn Esterline.

The orchestra would like to give the nonprofit a sizable donation from the community immediately following their performance. Anyone interested in helping is asked to write a check, payable to Give Kids the World, and bring or mail it to Whitewater High School, 100 Wildcat Way, Fayetteville, GA 30215.

The orchestra leaves for Florida on March 31, so donations need to be at the school prior to their departure. More information about Give Kids the World is available on the organization’s website, www. gktw.org. Interested persons can also contact orchestra teacher Darilyn Esterline at 770-460-3935, ext. 219 or by email at esterline.darilyn@fcboe.org.

Another way to help is to provide items and supplies needed for the day-to-day operations of the Give Kids the World Village. A copy of a wish list is posted on the GKTW website, click on the “how to help” tab at the top. The school will collect these items as well to present along with monetary donations.

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Diet Coke® and Heart Health Supporters “Flag” Heart Disease for Women & Their Families in Atlanta

2011-02-24T09:55:00.000-05:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--On February 22, Diet Coke kicked it old school and hosted a “Capture The Flag” tournament to raise awareness and funds for the West End Medical Centers and DeKalb Medical Cardiac Rehab. Female student athletes from Clark Atlanta University (CAU) played a "Capture the Flag" tournament at the CAU Vivian Henderson Gymnasium, with each team representing one of the organizations. At the end of the tournament, the West End Medical Centers received a $10,000 check, with the DeKalb Medical Cardiac Rehab receiving a $5,000 donation.

“In addition, the tournament was a fun way for the student players and the fans to get our hearts pumping while we helped raise funds for local heart health programs.”

The Heart Truth®, a national awareness campaign sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is embraced by millions of people who share the goal of better heart health for all women. For the fourth year in a row, Diet Coke is supporting the campaign and using its cans and bottles, advertising and digital assets to reach people to raise awareness and funding for heart health programs across the country.

“We all know a woman who may be at risk for cardiovascular disease—mother, wife, sister, friend—that’s why we joined Diet Coke in its continuing commitment to The Heart Truth® campaign. We know how important it is to educate people about the importance of heart health,” said Dr. Michael Brooks, President West End Medical Centers, a 501c3, federally qualified community health center. “In addition, the tournament was a fun way for the student players and the fans to get our hearts pumping while we helped raise funds for local heart health programs.”

“At the Coca-Cola Company, our operating philosophy is to Live Positively, and The Heart Truth® campaign very much embodies that idea. We are dedicated to encouraging new generations of people to be active, stay extraordinary and become advocates for heart health,” said Coca-Cola spokesperson Linda Brigham.

Those who couldn’t make it to the game can play “Capture the Flag” online throughout the month of February, American Heart Month. Simply visit DietCoke.com/HeartTruth and capture a flag. Each flag captured triggers a donation. This initiative is part of the continuing commitment of Diet Coke to women’s heart health. For the second year in a row, Diet Coke cans and bottles will have a new look throughout the month of February. The limited-edition packaging will include a stick figure carrying a heart flag, communicating how Diet Coke is supporting The Heart Truth®. In addition to the limited-edition cans and bottles, more than six billion packages of Diet Coke will carry The Heart Truth ® logo to raise awareness of women’s heart health year-round.

The Heart Truth® campaign has made great strides in raising awareness, but heart disease is still the number one killer among women. More people are becoming aware, but it remains a fact that more women die of heart disease than all cancers combined. There is still more work to do, so together, Diet Coke and The Heart Truth® campaign hope to continue generating awareness and motivating women to take action for heart health.

To participate, visit DietCoke.com/HeartTruth to capture a flag and generate a donation for heart health programs funded by NHLBI’s Heart Truth®. The more involved people are in the campaign, the more funds will be raised.

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Grandparent/Relative Caregiver Legal Workshop (Fayette)

2011-02-12T17:08:00.002-05:00

Grandparents and Kin Raising Children, Inc., (GKRC) will hold a free, informational legal workshop, presented by Lindsay Verity of Atlanta Legal Aid’s Grandparent/Relative Caregiver Project in collaboration with DHS’ Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program, FACTOR and The Summit Family Resource Center. The workshop will be held on March 8th, from 9:30 am- 12 pm, at The Summit Church, 1373 Highway 92 South, Fayetteville. The workshop will cover legal matters relating to guardianship, custody, adoption of grandchildren and other children in kinship care. In addition to relative caregivers, this workshop will be valuable to educators, juvenile justice professionals, medical and mental health professionals, clergy, social service providers and others interested in the wellbeing of children and families.

Continental breakfast will be provided beginning at 9:30 am. Seating is limited, please call ahead:

Betty Davis, GKRC Director of Caregiver Services, 770-487-9802; Carole Foran, GKRC Community Partnership Coordinator, 770-487-7655.

Georgia's Youth Receives a $323,392 Grant From Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia to Exercise Their Minds, Bodies and Souls

2011-02-10T11:26:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- As a part of its ongoing work to address childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles in Georgia, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) today announced a three-year, $323,392 grant from its corporate foundation to Boys &Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) which will support the organization's proven health and wellness program, Triple Play, at local Clubs throughout the state.

Created by BGCA in 2005 with founding sponsor Coca-Cola, Triple Play: A Game Plan for the Mind, Body and Soul encourages Club members to eat healthier (mind), become more physically active (body) and increase their ability to engage in healthy relationships (soul). To date, more than one million young people have participated in the program.

"We are truly committed to improving the lives of the people we serve and the health of our communities and Boys & Girls Clubs of America shares that commitment," said Morgan Kendrick, president, BCBSGa. "Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is proud to support the Triple Play program because we know that if we give our kids a healthy start, they can hopefully avoid life-long health issues and spend their time achieving their dreams."

The Georgia-focused funds are part of a $5 million grant from the parent company's Foundation, which will support Triple Play programming in all 50 states and several Triple Play-related initiatives in 2011. These include an attempt to break a physical activity-related Guinness World Record and helping Club families get healthy through the second annual Triple Play Fit Family Challenge.

Boys & Girls Club of America estimates that the grant will benefit more than 1,620 youth throughout Georgia.

"Too many children are not eating smart and getting the proper amount of exercise," said Wayne Moss, senior director, Sports, Fitness & Recreation, BGCA. "Our Triple Play program directly addresses this issue by teaching kids fun ways to stay active, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits."

Triple Play is proven to improve lifestyles and behaviors. A two year study of more than 2,000 children ages 9-14 showed that Triple Play succeeded in getting them to exercise more, eat healthier foods and feel better about themselves. The study found that Triple Play kids increased to 90 percent of the federally recommended amount of daily exercise, which is 60 minutes a day for children, while their peers outside the program decreased to 78 percent.

The grant is an important part of BCBSGa's commitment to addressing health disparities and improving public health throughout the state. Through its State Health Index – a compilation of public health measures – the health plan continually works to identify the issues most in need of attention and directs its charitable support and volunteer efforts toward improving health in those areas.

"The State Health Index truly guides and shapes our work throughout Georgia," said Robert McCormack, medical director for BCBSGa. "By tracking our progress year-over-year we are working to make sure that the programs we support and the fine work of our non-profit partners really is improving health."

"The short- and long-term dangers associated with childhood obesity bring special importance to our work with Boys & Girls Club of America. We are excited to partner with our local Clubs to help them to head off one of the country's most pressing health challenges," McCormack continued.

More information about the Triple Play program is available at www.bgca.org/tripleplay.

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Keeping Atlanta warm: Geek Squad collects coats for Atlanta Mission

2011-02-02T11:45:00.000-05:00

For a new year’s resolution of charitable giving, the Geek Squad Agents of Atlanta conducted a cold weather clothing drive with Best Buy store employees in support of the Atlanta Union Mission.

The Geek Squad estimated it would be able to collect approximately 200 cold weather items, but exceeded that goal by collecting over 400 items These items included coats, hats, blankets, scarves, and gloves of all sizes, shapes and colors.

“In the past we have worked with many community organizations like Relay for Life, Going Green Environment Seminar, Girl Scouts of America and Boys and Girls Clubs of America, to name a few.” said Brian Adamson, “We are very excited to be able to give back to our community, and we look forward to additional opportunities in the future.”

The Atlanta Mission, established in 1938, provides emergency shelter, residential discipleship, job attainment, and transitional housing to more than 950 homeless men, women and children daily.

With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, China, Mexico and Turkey, Best Buy is a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services with a commitment to growth and innovation. Community partnership is central to the way we do business at Best Buy. In fiscal 2010, we donated a combined $25.2 million to improve the vitality of the communities where our employees and customers live and work. For more information about Best Buy, visit www.bestbuy.com.

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The Georgia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Raises $1.9 Million at the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes

2011-01-25T10:13:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- More than 10,000 people participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Georgia Chapter's Walk to Cure Diabetes, raising more than $1.9 million. The proceeds from this extraordinary event go towards research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications.

For the second year in a row Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) led the fundraising efforts as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes, raising a total of $73,000 - $55,000 from the BCBSGa Foundation and more than $18,000 raised by BCBSGa associates. "Diabetes remains an epidemic in our country, and unfortunately there is a strong likelihood that we all know someone impacted by this disease," said Morgan Kendrick, President, BCBSGa. "This is certainly true for me, and for many of our 3,000 employees and 2.5 million members in Georgia, which is why we continue to support JDRF."

This event brought together hundreds of corporate, family and school teams, made up of thousands of people, who walked in support of finding a cure for diabetes. After the 5K everyone enjoyed a fun afternoon of games and live entertainment from local performers including Gym South, Sole Momentum and Lost City. Charlie Kimball, the only licensed driver with diabetes in the Indy Racing League, also showed his support by shaking hands and signing autographs for fans of all ages.

"We thank all of our corporate sponsors and volunteers for their hard work and support of the Walk to Cure Diabetes," said JDRF Georgia Chapter Executive Director, Clanci Jordan. "Due to the millions of dollars raised at the annual walks JDRF is able to fund the most promising science that will accelerate progress toward new treatments, and eventually a cure."

The Walk to Cure Diabetes is the fastest growing fund raising event in the history of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Today walks are held in more than 200 cities worldwide. Nearly 500,000 people nationally walked last year and raised $90 million to cure diabetes.

For information on how to get involved in the 2011 Walk to Cure Diabetes visit http://jdrfgeorgia.org/ or call 404-420-5990.

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Soma Intimates Announces Biannual Bra Drive

2011-01-24T12:06:00.000-05:00

Editor's Note: Love it, love it, love it! Don't forget to include the bras from your rapidly growing young teens! They would be great for the shelters, too!

/PRNewswire/ -- Soma Intimates, the ultimate destination for intimate and lifestyle apparel, announces its second bra drive to help women in need. From January 24th – February 14th, 2011, the retailer will collect new and gently used bras at 128 Soma Intimates boutiques nationwide.

The gently used bras will be donated to local women's shelters and breast cancer support groups in each region. Non-wearable donations will be sent to The Bra Recyclers, a textile recycling organization that ensures no bra ends up in a landfill. Customers at Soma Intimates boutiques can also buy new bras on the spot to donate to Dress for Success, an international non-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Soma Intimates' initial drive, first launched in July 2010, collected over 28,000 bras, more than doubling the company's goal. Based on this success, Soma Intimates decided to continue the charitable initiative twice a year as a way to help women across the country.

"We're excited to continue our bra drive in 2011," states Laurie Van Brunt, Soma Intimates' Brand President. "A bra is one of the least donated but most needed items. Donating sounds like a small thing, but it makes a big difference to women who have to make the choice between buying a bra and putting food on the table. The bra drive offers an opportunity for women to clean out their drawers at the start of the new year and give back to their local communities at the same time."

"Dress for Success Worldwide is grateful to be the recipient of new bras from Soma Intimates. New undergarments are a need for our organization, and we thank Soma Intimates and its customers for their generosity," states Blair Badenhop, corporate contributions manager, Dress for Success Worldwide.

For more information about Soma Intimates' biannual bra drive, please visit www.soma.com/givebras.

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WellPoint Foundation Awards $5 Million Grant to Develop National Partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to Combat Childhood Obesity

2011-01-21T09:17:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The WellPoint Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) have something strong in common when it comes to the wellness of children – the belief that living a healthy lifestyle today provides a pathway to a great future. It's this belief that spurs today's announcement that the WellPoint Foundation has signed on as a national partner of BGCA. The Foundation joins the organization as co-sponsor of BGCA's Triple Play program, along with founding sponsor Coca-Cola.

Triple Play: A Game Plan for the Mind, Body and Soul is BGCA's proven health and wellness program. It was created in 2005 to encourage Club members to eat healthier (mind), become more physically active (body) and increase their ability to engage in healthy relationships (soul). To date, more than one million young people have participated in the program.

The WellPoint Foundation, the philanthropic arm of WellPoint, Inc., has committed $5 million over three years to support Triple Play. The foundation's funding represents its largest grant in its 10-year history and will bring the program to more communities and support several of BGCA's Triple Play-related initiatives in 2011. These include an attempt to break a physical activity-related Guinness World Record and helping Club families get healthy through the second annual Triple Play Fit Family Challenge.

"As champions of youth health promotion, we recognize that reducing childhood obesity rates lowers the risk for many preventable diseases," said Lance Chrisman, executive director of the WellPoint Foundation. "By aggressively targeting youth and families through Triple Play, we strive to instill life-long healthy habits at an early age – before bad habits set in."

Roxanne Spillett, president and CEO of BGCA, added, "America is faced with challenges when it comes to the health and well being of our young people. Thanks to the support of the WellPoint Foundation and the continued support of Coca-Cola, Boys &; Girls Clubs are continuing to make a positive impact on improving the health of the more than four million young people we serve."

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Earth's Best® Invites Parents to Write the Book on Nurturing Baby the Purest Way

2011-01-20T11:42:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing parents' passion for purity when it comes to raising their babies, the Earth's Best® brand asks parents, grandparents and caregivers to help write the book on Nurturing Baby The Purest Way™. Each tip and memorable milestone submitted to the online Earth's Best Generation Pure™ Baby Book, located at www.earthsbest.com, results in a $1 donation (1), to Vitamin Angels, a charitable organization providing nutrients to infants and children in need around the world.

"Some of the best advice for Nurturing Baby The Purest Way comes from Earth's Best parents and with the online Earth's Best Generation Pure Baby Book we're providing a forum for sharing this valuable guidance," said Kim Bremer, Senior Marketing Director for the Earth's Best brand of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. "As parents help us write the book on raising a generation of Earth's Best children, they'll also help nurture future generations by way of the contribution by the Earth's Best brand to Vitamin Angels."

Parents are asked to submit tips and/or milestones coinciding with the following chapters: Nurturing While Nursing, Better for Baby, Tending to Toddler, Wholesome Household and Purely Memorable Moments. Contributors will have the ability to share their submissions to the online Earth's Best Generation Pure Baby Book via Facebook, and receive $5 in Earth's Best coupons by mail while being entered for a chance to win an Earth's Best product package valued at up to $500.

Earth's Best charitable partner, Vitamin Angels, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that aids newborns, infants and children under the age of five in need of essential micronutrients, especially Vitamin A, which promotes good health and supports healthy young immune systems. In 2010, the Vitamin Angels organization distributed Vitamin A to more than 24 million children in 35 countries across three continents.

"The health, wellness and future of children are of utmost importance to Vitamin Angels and Earth's Best, so we are excited to be part of the Earth's Best Generation Pure Baby Book program," said Howard Schiffer, President and Founder of Vitamin Angels. "The contribution made possible by Earth's Best parents will help children around the world attain good health and the opportunity to lead meaningful and productive lives."

From organic infant formula, jarred foods, infant cereals and toddler snacks to chlorine free diapers and wipes, Earth's Best®, a brand of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: HAIN), provides wholesome, natural products made with the freshest, purest ingredients. Earth's Best parents have their own recipe for success for Nurturing Baby The Purest Way and the online Earth's Best Generation Pure Baby Book enables them to share their "tricks of the trade" with other moms and dads both seasoned and new.

For more information on the online Earth's Best Generation Pure Baby Book and the Earth's Best brand's wide array of food and personal care products, visit www.earthsbest.com. Or visit us on Facebook.

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Kicks for Causes to Benefit "Caring for Causes" and "Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation"

2011-01-19T09:01:00.000-05:00

A charity kickball tournament called Kicks for Causes will take place on February 26, 2011 at Atlanta's Silverback Stadium. It will benefit Caring for Causes, a nonprofit organization supporting local charities, as well as Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The tournament is double elimination and will be held at Atlanta Silverbacks Stadium. The tournament will be day long beginning at 9am-7pm, with spots for 64 teams this year. The brackets will be divided into two divisions: Competitive and For The Cause. Registration fee is $235 per team with an early bird special before January 1, 2011 and $255 after. Registration ends February 15th.

Prizes will be awarded for champions and the winners will direct proceeds to the charity of their choice. There also are plaques given away for top teams plus fun socials awards. Social awards include best 80’s costumes, most money raised per team, most spirited, traveled furthest distance, and much more.

Kicks For Causes is centered around having a good time, meeting new people, playing recreational games of kickball, and bringing community awareness to local charities. If you haven't played kickball since the 4th grade or if you are a seasoned veteran, this tournament is for you. Beginners, experts and everyone in-between are more than welcome to join - our only requirement is that you are at least 21 years of age and want to have a fun time for charity!

Kicks for Causes has raised over $30,000 to benefit Susan G. Komen over the past few years and we hope to raise more this year! Contact Lane Parker, at kicksforcauses@gmail.com, for registration information.

Pick a Team, Pick a Charity, and Register Today!
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Opportunity to Double the Impact of Gifts for Feeding America and Boys & Girls Clubs of America Ends January 15, 2011

2011-01-11T10:16:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Consumers can have their gifts for Feeding America and Boys & Girls Clubs of America matched by donating to Bank of America's "Gift for Opportunity" fund through January 15, 2011. The Bank of America Charitable Foundation will match donations to the fund up to $1 million. Contributions can be made at any of Bank of America's 5,900 banking centers across the country or by visiting www.bankofamerica.com/give.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation contributed $1 million to initiate the "Gift for Opportunity" fund to support Feeding America and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. With this donation, more than $1.2 million has been raised to date, with potential to raise another $1.8 million more through generous consumer donations and the bank's corporate match.

As evidenced by the USDA's Economic Research Service, the issue of hunger continues to affect a growing number of Americans. In fact, more than 50 million Americans, including 17 million children and 3 million seniors, are food insecure. The need for food is particularly great in the wintertime, when food insecure Americans often have to choose between paying for heat and meals for their families.

"As the economy recovers, there are thousands of families that still face making difficult choices as to whether to pay their electric bill or put food on the table," said Kerry Sullivan, President of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. "With the creation of the 'Gift for Opportunity' fund, we're looking to make peoples' donations go further, easing this burden so that families can get the nourishment they need."

According to Feeding America's Hunger in America 2010 study, 46% of client households served by Feeding America report having to choose between paying for utilities or heating fuel and food. Additionally, child hunger remains alarmingly high. One in four children was at risk of hunger in 2009. Feeding America and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America are two primary organizations addressing food insecurity in children. Feeding America is the nation's leading hunger-relief organization and Boys & Girls Clubs of America's network of some 4,000 clubs provides a safe place for children to obtain healthy meals.

"There are nearly 10 million children under the age of six living in food insecure households," said Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of Feeding America. "The Feeding America network is able to address this issue through our great partnership with Bank of America and the 'Gift for Opportunity' fund. Hunger is a pressing issue year-round, and we could not help food insecure Americans without charitable support. It's through the support of Bank of America and its customers that we're able to make notable progress in the fight against hunger."

"We are grateful to Bank of America for helping Boys & Girls Clubs of America provide the young people we serve with the opportunity for a great future which is a challenge when so many American families are food insecure," said Roxanne Spillett, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "We simply cannot expect America's young people to reach their full potential if they are denied a healthy and nutritious food supply."

The Bank of America "Gift for Opportunity" fund is administered through the Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund, a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information about the Bank of America "Gift for Opportunity" fund, visit www.bankofamerica.com/give.

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Harlem Ambassadors Show to Benefit Advo-Kids CASA

2011-01-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

Harlem Ambassadors tickets available!

Tickets are now available for the Harlem Ambassadors Basketball Show, to be held March 4, 2011 at Newnan High School at 7:00 p.m. Tickets purchased before Feb. 1, 2011 will be entered into a drawing to win a Publix Gift card.

Tickets, purchased in advance are $9 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. Tickets at the door at $11 for adults and $9 for students and seniors or $7 with two new, un-opened school supply items for the foster kids serviced by Advo-Kids CASA, Inc. Children under 4 are free.

Tickets may be purchased online or at 141 W. Solomon St. Griffin, GA 30223-3017

All proceeds will benefit Advo-Kids CASA, Inc.

Dillard's to Donate more than $1.7 million to Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)) through Sale of Southern Living Ultimate Christmas Cookbook

2011-01-10T10:02:00.000-05:00

Dillard's, Inc. (DDS: NYSE, "Dillard's") announced today that it will make a significant contribution of more than $1.7 million to local chapters of Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC). This donation was made possible through the sale of Dillard's exclusive Southern Living Ultimate Christmas Cookbook.

In 2010, Dillard's offered an exclusive, custom-edition Southern Living Christmas cookbook. This 288-page hardbound book is a go-to guide to the season with over 340 delicious recipes and hundreds of inspiring photographs and ideas to make the holidays memorable.

With this year's record-high contribution, Dillard's has donated over $7.6 million to Ronald McDonald Houses since 1994. Denise Mahaffy, Vice President, said, "Partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities gives all of us at Dillard's an enormous sense of pride. We are honored to support the Ronald McDonald Houses in our communities."

"The families that RMHC supports derive strength from each other, volunteers, staff, corporate donors like Dillard's, as well as from Dillard's customers. This generous donation will go to support programs like our Ronald McDonald House® program which provides families a 'home away from home' while their child is receiving treatment at a nearby hospital allowing families to focus on what is most important, their child," said Marty Coyne, president and CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities. "On behalf of the 12,100 children and families we serve every day through RMHC core programs, I thank Dillard's for this amazing contribution."
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'Do Good Get Rewards' Rewards Volunteers on MLK Day

2011-01-10T09:32:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Do Good Get Rewards is supporting the 25th Anniversary of King Holiday by rewarding volunteers on January 17th, the National Day of Service. Volunteers earn points for the hours they work and redeem them for rewards such as vacations, hotel, restaurant certificates and more. It is the goal of the nation's first online volunteer rewards program, to increase and sustain volunteering all year round. At Do Good Get Rewards, Non-Profit organizations validate volunteer hours as quickly as accepting friends on Facebook. There is no cost for Non-Profits or volunteers to become members of the rewards program.

"We want to support the efforts of the incredibly hardworking organizations that make a difference in our communities in every way we can," states Founder of Do Good Get Rewards Tammy Allen. The volunteer rewards program and social networking site provides a simple system for non-profit organizations to post volunteer opportunities, track volunteers and their hours.

Non-profits rely heavily on volunteers, but more than one-third of those who volunteer one year do not donate their time the next year. That adds up to an estimated $38 billion in lost labor according to the 2009 Stanford Social Innovation review. Do Good Get Rewards, an online volunteer rewards program, wants to be part of the solution. The program was designed to give non-profit organizations a simple, free way to demonstrate appreciation to their volunteers and provide incentives to grow their volunteer base.

Volunteers for MLK Day can submit their hours for rewards points at www.DoGoodGetRewards.com. To locate volunteer opportunities in your area you visit, www.VolunteerMatch.org. We invite all Non-Profit organizations to sign up to reward their volunteers year round. The goal of Do Good Get Rewards program is to express appreciation to those millions of Americans who make a difference everyday and encourage even greater numbers to donate their time and talents.

For more information, please visit www.DoGoodGetRewards.com, info@DoGoodGetRewards.com or call 678.344.603.

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1,800 Power Line and Tree Crews From Over 10 States En-route to Assist 2,500 Georgia Power Restoration Workers

2011-01-09T19:26:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 1,800 lineman and tree-removal personnel located as close as Florida and as far as Wisconsin are on their way to assist approximately 2,500 Georgia Power crew members with power restoration efforts.

Georgia Power storm planners have been working since Friday to bring in assistance from other states due to the severity of the forecast. Many of those coming to Georgia have received similar assistance from Georgia Power crews in recent years.

The company expects significant outages and challenges with power restoration due to ice on roads, tree limbs and power lines. Sleet and ice weigh down limbs – particularly on pine trees – sending them into power lines and causing widespread power outages. Removing and clearing trees and limbs from power lines and roads can be a time-consuming task, making the restoration process even more challenging.

If the weather interrupts electrical service, customers are urged to report outages by visiting our website, www.georgiapower.com or by calling the Customer Care Center at 1-888-891-0938. This line is answered by an automated system designed to handle power outage calls quicker than speaking to a person; however, customers may also talk directly with a customer service representative.

To learn more about how ice and snow can interrupt power, visit our website to watch an interactive video. Major outage information will be available on Twitter @georgiapower.

Here are some safety tips for customers to follow when severe weather hits:

* Anyone with a life-threatening medical emergency should dial 9-1-1.

* Always avoid downed power lines. Any downed line should be considered energized and therefore dangerous. Report downed lines immediately to local public safety authorities and stay out of the immediate area.

* Avoid debris on the ground that may conceal downed power lines and make sure there are no downed lines before allowing children out to play. Do not attempt to make repairs to Georgia Power's electrical system or pull limbs off lines.

* Watch out for falling trees, tree limbs and power lines.

* Steer clear of Georgia Power crew work areas. Equipment and energized lines may be in the area that could create a safety hazard.

* When driving, watch for crews working along the roadways, and obey all traffic signs and directions around work areas.

* When leaving your home and power is off, turn off the main breaker as a precaution to avoid a power surge once the power is restored.

* Be patient. When major outages occur, Georgia Power crews must first restore power to transmission lines and distribution circuits before working on distribution lines that feed directly to homes and businesses. However, be assured that Georgia Power crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to customers.

* Customers are reminded to be careful when using portable heaters or other supplemental heating. Never place heaters near flammable materials or where they might tip over. Use fire screens to prevent sparks and embers from causing problems.

* Customers should exercise extreme caution if using candles during a power outage. Always keep candles away from flammable objects and never leave them burning unattended. Make sure flashlights have fresh batteries.

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Project Overcoat

2011-01-06T22:40:00.002-05:00

Project Overcoat provides thousands of new and gently used coats and blankets to men, women and children in need. The coats and blankets are distributed to nonprofit organizations in the United Way 13-county service area. This annual event is sponsored by Atlanta Union Mission, FOX 5, KISS 104.1 FM, FedEx, Kroger and United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta.

If your nonprofit organization would like to receive coats and blankets from this year's drive, please complete the Project Overcoat application by clicking on the link below. The deadline to apply to receive coats and blankets is Saturday, January 22, 2011. All applicants must have a 501(c)3 and be located in any of the following counties: Butts, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, Rockdale.

Click here to register

Invitation from Sam Olens, Attorney General-Elect to participate in a Day of Service

2011-01-06T16:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday, January 8, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
(Lunch Provided)

MUST Ministries
55 Elizabeth Church Rd NE
Marietta, GA 30060

Volunteer Contact and to RSVP:
Morgan Ingram | morgiben@gmail.com

Give Back to Those in Need by Helping with the Following Activities:
-Painting an interior classroom at the Elizabeth Inn Shelter
-Restocking two clothing closets at the Elizabeth Inn
-Sorting and stocking at our Donation Center Location

Please Dress Accordingly.
*If you can bring new winter caps and hats, gloves, lip balm, lotion and socks for our homeless community.

In honor of the inauguration of Governor-Elect Nathan Deal and the Constitutional Officers of Georgia, service days are being held in communities statewide.

MUST Ministries is a faith-based, 501(c) 3 non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing services to persons and families in crisis while maintaining their dignity. MUST addresses the basic needs of individuals, families, and children in the cities of Marietta, Smyrna and Canton.

Christian City Calls on Community With Needs List For Children and Seniors

2011-01-06T15:02:00.002-05:00

The Children’s Village at Christian City is in need of the following items and would appreciate any help the community can provide:

Monetary donations

· Cleaning supplies

· Body wash for girls and boys

· Hair Products for African-American Girls

· Zip-lock bags

· 13-gallon trash bags

· Printer Paper
Paper plates, napkins, cups
Toilet tissue and paper towels
Dental hygiene products

Please contact Heidi Becker at 770-703-2636 for drop off or pick up details or for more information on the Children’s Village and how you can become a child sponsor. Christian City has been caring for abandoned and abused children in a family centered residential setting since 1965. Over 1,000 children have called Christian City “home.” For more information, please visit our website at www.christiancity.org.

Special Olympics Georgia Receives $80,000 Grant From The UPS Foundation

2011-01-04T13:19:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Special Olympics Georgia received a $80,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE: UPS). The grant will be used for the five state competitions hosted for children and adult athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state as well as the meals venue at the State Summer Games next May at Emory University.

Special Olympics Georgia is thankful to The UPS Foundation for their tremendous support as this will help serve more Special Athletes year round and at the state level games. Georgia Milton-Sheats, the CEO of the organization, said, "The incredible support we received from The UPS Foundation is a tribute to their commitment to the community at large and to the 23,078 Special Athletes involved in our program statewide. We truly could not afford to do rewarding work at this level without their support."

Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: non-profit effectiveness, economic & global literacy, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability.

In 2009, the UPS Foundation distributed nearly $43.6 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as Special Olympics Georgia and provide support for building stronger communities.

"The UPS Foundation is committed to funding impactful programs that make a meaningful difference in our communities – so we are proud to support Special Olympics Georgia's efforts to increase the number of athlete participants and expand the volunteer program," said Ken Sternad, President of The UPS Foundation.

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Help Others Stay Warm this Holiday Season with Meehan's Public House - Downtown

2010-12-29T17:28:00.002-05:00

Make a Coat or Fleece Donation and Receive a $10 Credit for your Return Visit
Join us Downtown for a FREE Irish New Year’s Eve Celebration with Stereotype!

Donate a winter coat or fleece and receive a one-time $10 voucher credit at Meehan’s Public House Downtown. This special offer has been extended through the winter months and will wrap up January 31st. So, grab your friends, bring a coat or a blanket (or both) and join in the warming holiday spirit by giving back to those most in need.

WHAT: HolidayCoat Drive at Meehan’s Public House Downtown
For each individual donation a $10 voucher will be awarded.
Vouchers can be used on a return visit and only one good per table.

WHEN: Now through January 31st, 2011

WHERE: Meehan’s Public House Downtown
180 Peachtree Street - Atlanta, GA 30303

Why not bring your coat this Friday and join us as we ring in the New Year Meehan’s style? We’ll be starting the night off right with the Chick-Fil-A Bowl at 7 p.m. and whether you’re heart bleeds garnet and gold for the Seminoles or you’re a Fighting Gamecock through and through, Meehan’s has just the drink, view, bites and evening for everyone. Afterwards, we’ll be ringing in the New Year with live music from Stereotype and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. If you’re craving late night grub, the pub will be open into the wee hours and Chef Jordan has prepared a special menu featuring all of the greatest hits of 2010. Combine this with fantastic drink specials in an inviting, 4300 square-foot tavern constructed from dark, refurbished wood and filled with unique, one-of-a-kind treasures, Meehan’s Public House Downtown is the perfect place for both the naughty and the nice to celebrate the start of 2011.

Meehan’s Public House Downtown is located at 180 Peachtree Street, Atlanta Georgia 30303 and is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 a.m., and Sunday from noon to midnight.

About Meehan’s Public House: Meehan’s Public House, a 101 Concepts restaurant, is a casual neighborhood tavern with locations in Vinings, Sandy Springs, and now Downtown Atlanta. Meehan’s Public House is known for bringing Irish customs and neighborhood charm to these Atlanta areas. Serving freshly prepared Irish favorites made from scratch with farm fresh, local ingredients, Meehan’s offers a diverse combination of classic dishes that are updated and elevated to a gourmet level. 101 Concepts restaurant group includes Meehan’s Public House, Food 101, Coastal Kitchen and Catering 101, a full-service catering company. For more information, please visit www.101concepts.com.

Atlanta Hawks "Full Court Fest" Set for Sunday, Jan 30

2010-12-29T17:16:00.000-05:00

Annual fundraiser to benefit the Atlanta Hawks Foundation
“Full Court Fest,” the Atlanta Hawks Foundation’s annual fundraiser returns on Sunday, January 30 and promises to be another exciting night of fun, food and entertainment, all in the name of charity.

The event, which benefits the Hawks Foundation and its numerous philanthropic endeavors, is set to begin at 6 p.m. at Ventanas (rooftop of the Park Pavilion Building in downtown Atlanta). Tickets for this fun-filled evening cost $125 and guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

Guests will have the opportunity to rub elbows with the entire roster of Hawks players and coaches, as well as team legends and executives, while playing a variety of casino games, and other interactive elements. In addition to challenging all comers at the gaming tables, Hawks players will be mixing and mingling with guests, signing autographs, and posing for pictures.

Adding to the fun will be an elegant dinner, music, raffles, and a silent auction for a number of unique items, including autographed sports memorabilia and tickets to must-see concerts at Philips Arena. Hawks public address announcer and V103 on-air personality Ryan Cameron is serving as emcee for the event.

Ventanas, with its dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows reveals a sweeping view of downtown and midtown Atlanta – a view that soars from Stone Mountain to Kennesaw Mountain. Perched atop the 14th and 15th stories of the Park Pavilion building in the city's Luckie Marietta District, Ventanas offers 9,547 square feet of premier indoor and outdoor rooftop space.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (404) 878-3497 or visit www.hawks.com. Platinum Partners of Full Court Fest include Philips, The Home Depot, Jim Ellis Audi and A Legendary Event.

WHO: Atlanta Hawks Players, Coaches, Executives and Team Legends
WHAT: “Full Court Fest” Charity Gala
WHEN: Sunday, January 30 beginning at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Ventanas (rooftop of the Park Pavilion Building)
275 Baker St.
Atlanta, GA 30313

Atlanta Hawks 2010-11 lower level season tickets are available now starting at less than $23 per game. For more information please call 1-866-715-1500 or visit www.hawksseasontickets.com. The Hawks, a member of the National Basketball Association since 1949, play in the Southeast Division, along with the Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards.
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia and Its Foundation Contribute More Than $1.25 Million In 2010

2010-12-24T13:16:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- To address ongoing health disparities and hardships encountered by millions of American families, the men and women of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, (BCBSGA) and its corporate foundation, proudly continued the company's tradition of caring for the people it serves and the health of our communities by contributing $1,279,779 to philanthropic and civic organizations throughout Georgia in 2010.

BCBSGA's community efforts for 2010 were highlighted by a $226,003 contribution from its own employees that supported hundreds of community-based non-profit organizations throughout Georgia. Through its annual Associate Giving Campaign, BCBSGA employees directed their giving to their choice among numerous health-related 501(c)(3) organizations. The funds pledged received a 50 percent match from the parent company's Foundation, increasing the total to $339,004.

"Our associates work hard every day to provide health care benefits to more than 2.5 million people throughout the state," said Morgan Kendrick, president, BCBSGA. "These same associates are also extremely committed to the communities where they live and work, particularly during these challenging economic times. I couldn't be more proud of their efforts to help make a difference for people in need."

In addition to the Associate Giving Campaign, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation funded $750,857 in grants to organizations in Georgia in 2010, including:

American Diabetes Association

Boys & Girls Clubs

Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Grady Memorial Hospital

Health MPowers

March of Dimes

Oasis Institute

One-Sight

YMCA Metro Atlanta

Additional grants were awarded to the following national organizations which will directly benefit Georgia: Foundation for Health Coverage Education, Trustees of Dartmouth College, New England Healthcare Institute, Engleberg Center for Healthcare Reform at Brookings Institute, Center for Medical Technology Policy, American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research and the Pacific Research Institute for Public Policy. In addition to the Foundation grants and generosity of BCBSGA associates, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's community relations commitments totaled $189,133, including support to the following organizations:

Alzheimer's Association

American Cancer Society

American Diabetes Association

American Heart Association

American Lung Association

Arch Foundation for the State Botanical Garden Ball

Arthritis Foundation

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta

Champions for Change

Hosea Feed the Hungry

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

BCBSGA associates are also conducting local projects and contributing to several organizations to provide assistance around the holidays. Projects include:

Adopt-A-Family – Three Adopted Families

Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless Christmas Day Dinner

House of Mercy Food Drive

Operation Gratitude Holiday Packages and Candy Donations

Radio Disney Heritage Holiday Christmas Community Event

Salvation Army Holiday Drive

Second Harvest Food Bank

Toys for Tots Toy Drive

The community contributions by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, and its parent company Foundation total $1,279,779 for 2010.

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Fayette Senior Services Awarded Subaru “Share the Love” Grant

2010-12-17T22:07:00.000-05:00

Funds to Help Feed Seniors in Need this Holiday Season

Fayette Senior Services has been awarded $500 from the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA)/Subaru “Share the Love” grant program. The MOWAA/Subaru “Share the Love” grant is tied to Subaru’s Share the Love Event. The Share the Love Event will run from November 20, 2010 – January 3, 2011. Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased to the customer's choice of one of five charities, including MOWAA.The winning essay, which follows this news release, describes how our volunteers go the extra mile to help those in need.

The next phase of this competition relies on getting the most Facebook users to “Like” this story. More than 140 “Share the Love” essays from programs across the country have been posted on MOWAA’s Member blog. The Meals On Wheels program with the most “Likes” will win an additional $500. Those placing 2nd through 10th will receive an additional $250. To “Like” the local essay submitted for this Facebook contest, go to mowaablog.org and search “Fayette Senior Services.”

For more than 30 years, Fayette Senior Services Meals On Wheels program has ensured that no senior in Fayette County goes hungry, or is without the ability to have proper nutrition. Each year, a team of dedicated volunteers deliver more than 40,000 meals to more than 250 homebound and semi-homebound older adults throughout Fayette County. Many suffer from health conditions that make preparing a hot, nutritious meal difficult. Good nutrition is essential to anyone’s well-being, yet for many seniors who live on a limited source of income, maintaining a healthy diet is a challenge.

“These Meals On Wheels programs share love every day by bringing food and companionship to America’s hungry seniors,” said MOWAA President and CEO Enid Borden. “For the third year in a row Subaru has generously included Meals On Wheels in its Share the Love Event. We want the world to read these stories and find out more about what these amazing Meals On Wheels programs do every day to ‘Share the Love’ in their communities.”
The funds will be included in Fayette Senior Services goal to raise $30,000 for its annual Project Love Holiday Meal Campaign. By contributing to Project Love, individuals can help Fayette Senior Services provide holiday meals throughout the year. Proceeds from the campaign will also be used to purchase doctor prescribed Ensure® supplements for clients with special dietary needs, as well as “shelf meals” that seniors can have on hand in the event a meal cannot be delivered to them due to extreme weather conditions. So far, the Project Love campaign has raised just over $10,000. If you would like to make a donation visit www.FayetteLifeEnrichment.org and click on the Project Love logo to download a printable form or make an online donation. Donation forms are also available at Fayette Senior Services Life Enrichment Center, 4 Center Drive in Fayetteville (across from the Fayette County Justice Center). Checks should be made payable to Fayette Senior Services, Inc.

“This is the season of giving and we are so thankful that Subaru has decided to give back to our Meals On Wheels program said Fayette Senior Services Executive Director, Debbie Britt. Britt adds “As a non-profit organization, we receive some government funding for the Meals On Wheels program; however, these funds don’t quite cover the cost of the regular weekly meals and make no provision for holiday meals. When you consider this, you can see why this grant, and the community’s support for our Project Love campaign are truly meaningful gifts. Our homebound seniors who depend on us for weekly meals certainly deserve a little extra love and support this holiday season and throughout the year.”

Fayette Senior Services, Inc. (FSS), a non-profit, 501.c.3 organization, provides services that help Fayette County’s older adults maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. Programs include Meals on Wheels, Transportation, In-Home Personal Care/Homemaker Services, Case Management, Adult Day Care, Information & Assistance, and Home Repair. For active older adults, Fayette Senior Services Life Enrichment Center offers a wide variety of social, leisure, fitness and recreational activities, the Ultimate Café, and more! FSS programs are focused on total wellness – body, mind, and spirit – to help older adults live well and age well.
About Meals On Wheels Association of America. The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the oldest and largest national organization in the United States representing those programs that provide meals to people in need. MOWAA’s mission is to end senior hunger by 2020. To obtain more information about MOWAA or to locate a local Meals On Wheels program, visit the MOWAA website at www.mowaa.org.

Fayette Senior Services Meals On Wheels Winning Essay

The holiday season is a time when most of us share the love with our family and friends. Meals On Wheels shares the love with our local seniors who would otherwise be all alone and hungry during the holidays. It’s only fitting that we are partnering with our friends at Subaru for the third year in a row for their “Share the Love” Event to raise funds to support Meals On Wheels. This is just one story of how we share the love here in our community.

Louise was legally blind but insisted on staying in her own home instead of going to assisted living. For Louise, whose only close relative lived in North Carolina, this was challenging. With the help of our Meals On Wheels volunteers, who have done much more than deliver a meal for the past 9 years, Louise was able to stay in her home. They took her in as family ensuring that she had rides to church and shopping, got her mail, and took her garbage out, along with other household chores. Every Thanksgiving, a Meals On Wheels volunteer invited her to dinner with his family. Louise would then call another volunteer to take her to the store to buy something for that dinner. The volunteers formed a network to make sure Louise was being cared for in every possible way. She always said “I couldn’t have stayed in my home without the help of Meals On Wheels and all the volunteers.” Unfortunately, Louise took a fall and had to move into assisted living in North Carolina near her sister. Shortly after moving, Louise passed away. We were saddened by her death, but her “family” of volunteers had shared their love, which had helped her maintain the independence she loved so much.
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The Coca-Cola Foundation Surprises Five Atlanta Community Organizations with Unsolicited Grants of $10,000 Each

2010-12-17T08:40:00.000-05:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Five local Atlanta human service organizations working to help those in need this holiday season were surprised with donations of $10,000 each Thursday during a luncheon at The Coca-Cola Company.

“We provide these special holiday contributions to organizations which are helping to change the lives of those in need in our community”

The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded unsolicited and unrestricted “surprise” grants to local organizations for the past 18 years as part of its “Donations in Lieu of Decorations Initiative,” an annual tradition that directs funding originally planned for holiday decorations and holiday parties to help local people in need.

“We provide these special holiday contributions to organizations which are helping to change the lives of those in need in our community,” said Ingrid Saunders Jones, chair of The Coca-Cola Foundation. “Since The Coca-Cola Company began this initiative in 1992, we have donated more than $500,000 to more than 45 local community organizations.”

The five organizations selected to receive donations this year are:

* Atlanta Children’s Shelter, which provides child development and support services for homeless families striving to become self-sufficient.
* City of Refuge, which provides individuals and families with food, clothing, shelter, job training and placement, housing, healthcare and education.
* CredAbility, which helps individuals move from financial crisis to financial control through budget, credit counseling and debt management plans.
* Families First, which works to foster strong communities by providing solutions for children and families through child well-being and self-sufficiency services.
* Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless, which works to rescue, restore and stabilize at risk homeless individuals and families to self-sufficiency.
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Walmart Launches Facebook Campaign to Fight Hunger

2010-12-14T11:38:00.000-05:00

Atlanta Area Residents Encouraged to “Like” Their City to win One Million Dollars in Food Relief Grants

Walmart is providing an opportunity for the Atlanta area “fans” to vote for their city to receive up to a $1 million grant for hunger relief this holiday season in a Facebook campaign.

Starting November 15 through December 31, 2010, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are encouraging people around the nation to cast their vote on walmart.com/fightinghunger choosing from a list of 100 communities where hunger rates are the highest. The city with the most online support will receive $1 million in grants and the next five cities with the highest support will receive $100,000 each to help fight hunger.

As of December 14th at 9:30 a.m., Atlanta was ranked 23rd with 669 supporters ahead of Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH with 620 supporters, Indianapolis-Carmel, IN and Chicago-Naperville-Joilet, IL-IN-WI.

Region’s website: http://fightinghunger.walmart.com/city/Atlanta-Sandy-Springs-Marietta-GA

In addition, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are launching many other efforts to combat hunger throughout the United States including:

· Donating 65 refrigerator food trucks to Feeding America network food banks;

· Hosted our first nationwide food drive at all Walmart stores Nov.15-22 -- this will be one of the largest food drives in U.S. history; and · Helping The Salvation Army provide meals with a $1 million donation.
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Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan Makes Spirits Bright for Metro Atlanta Residents

2010-12-09T09:26:00.000-05:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Let it glow! Let it glow! Let it glow! The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan, illuminated by 25,000 red and white sparking lights rolled into Stone Mountain to spread the spirit of the holidays during its 15-day metro Atlanta visit.

The Caravan was in town to help celebrate Coca-Cola’s national partnership with Toys for Tots with a local gift drive. Coca-Cola also donated $20,000 and a PlayStation® 3 and a PlayStation® Move motion controller to the Atlanta Toys for Tots chapter as part of an overall $125,000 national donation to help provide toys to underprivileged kids in eight cities across the country.

People from across metro Atlanta stepped into the festive wonderland, complete with decorated trees and holiday music, to drop off gifts for Toys for Tots and donate My Coke Rewards points to Toys for Tots. Dozens of local residents helped make sure Santa’s sleigh was filled to the brim by donating toys for children in need.

In addition, Coca-Cola will randomly select one individual, who donated My Coke Rewards points or an unwrapped toy at the Stone Mountain Caravan event to receive a PlayStation® 3 and a PlayStation® Move motion controller. A PlayStation® kiosk was enjoyed onsite for demonstrations.

Special guests attending the Dec. 8 Caravan festivities included Georgia, DeKalb County and Stone Mountain public officials and community leaders: DeKalb Chamber of Commerce President Leonardo McClarty, Senator Gloria Butler (D-Stone Mountain), Dr. Pam Speaks of DeKalb County School Board, Stone Mountain Councilmembers Richard Mailman and Cyril Mungal, John Evans, president of the NAACP of DeKalb, Burke Brennan, DeKalb County’s interim chief of communications, District Director Kathy Register from Congressman Hank Johnson’s office, and others.

“The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan gives community members an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of giving and help brighten the holidays for families in need,” said Karyn Hume, vice president of sales, Coca-Cola Refreshments, who presented the check to Atlanta Toys for Tots’ Master Sergeant Edward Barrett. “It’s a place where families and friends can Open Happiness and enjoy the magic of the holiday season together.”

Caravan visitors had an opportunity to share their holiday wish lists with Santa and snapped photos with the jolly old elf. They also were encouraged to send a greeting to Santa’s workshop by dropping it in the North Pole Outpost located at the Caravan.

For anyone who was unable to visit the Caravan, Coca-Cola is kicking off the fourth year of its partnership with Toys for Tots with an online gift drive on MyCokeRewards.com. The program promotes the magic of giving by encouraging people to donate their My Coke Rewards points to generate gifts for underprivileged kids.

Participating is easy for anyone, anywhere. From now through the end of the year, My Coke Rewards points found under caps and on packaging of more than 60 Coca-Cola products may be donated to Toys for Tots at www.mycokerewards.com. As the donations accumulate, Toys for Tots will redeem the points for a variety of gifts. With a goal of raising five million points, the program will enable Toys for Tots to put thousands of gifts into the hands of children and teens in need this year.

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Cousins Properties and DECA Present “WALK OFF For a Cause” to Benefit United Way

2010-12-08T22:06:00.000-05:00

Cousins Properties and its five metro Atlanta Avenue® lifestyle centers are collaborating with high school marketing students to bring holiday cheer with WALK OFF for a Cause, a fashion show benefiting United Way. The event, which is invitation only, will be hosted at Terminus in Buckhead on December 9 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.

The fashion show will engage DECA students at one high school in each Avenue community, including Grayson, Kennesaw Mountain, Lassiter, South Forsyth and Whitewater. The students will model holiday trends by Avenue retailers Banana Republic, Jos. A. Bank, Gap, Sage, Talbots and White House | Black Market, that also will be offering special promotions to Avenue shoppers leading up to the event.

Students have been working with The Avenue’s marketing managers to develop a campaign that will promote their particular holiday fashion style within each local community. A scholarship will be awarded to one student from each of the five participating schools. The Favorite Model, the student who receives the most overall votes at www.avenuewalkoff.com between December 1 and December 8, will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The student that receives the top number of votes at each of the remaining four schools will receive a $250 scholarship. Lastly, United Way of Metro Atlanta will be presented with a $2,500 donation from The Avenue and Terminus. All winners will be announced live at WALK OFF for a Cause.

“It's rare that we get to provide students with the opportunity to apply their classroom concepts to the ‘real’ business world,” said Krystin Glover, Georgia DECA Board President and Teacher of the Year recipient at Whitewater High School in Fayetteville, Ga. “Partnerships with The Avenue such as the STYLE upGRADE and the upcoming WALK OFF for a Cause have allowed our students to showcase their marketing and promotional talents.”

WALK OFF for a Cause is a component of Cousins Properties’ ongoing Partners in Education initiative and supports the company’s involvement with United Way since 2006. “The Avenue is committed to giving back through educational initiatives, and with each year of our K-12 partnership we’re increasingly impressed by the marketing students’ unique ideas,” said Kim Tanalgo-Minshew – marketing manager, The Avenue. “WALK OFF for a Cause will demonstrate the skills and capabilities of our community’s youth while raising money for a nonprofit that in turns helps so many charities.”
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Atlanta Leaders Come Together To Launch Prostate Cancer Pledge Campaign

2010-12-04T08:42:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Prostate cancer is a serious health concern in Georgia. According to the American Cancer Society, the state of Georgia ranks 11th in number of estimated deaths per capita from the disease. In an effort to raise awareness about prostate cancer and ensure more men commit to be informed and screened, several companies and media organizations have joined the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition in launching a pledge campaign.

The Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition, RC Cancer Centers and the Georgia Department of Community Health along with the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers, UPS, CR Bard, WXIA Television, Morehouse School of Medicine, KISS 104.1 Radio and WSB Radio are supporting this initiative to increase prostate cancer awareness throughout the state of Georgia.

"Specifically, we are encouraging every man who is over the age of 40 in Georgia to speak to his doctor and take the pledge to get screened for prostate cancer," said Frank Catroneo, Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition Board Member. "Our goal is to have 10,000 men in Georgia pledge to have the conversation with their doctors and/or be screened between now and April 20, 2011."

M. Rony Francois, MD, MSPH, PhD, Director, DCH Division of Public Health and State Health Officer said, "I look forward to the potential that this pledge campaign holds in increasing the number of men who talk to their doctor about prostate cancer screening."

To encourage prostate cancer discussions and screenings, the Atlanta Hawks and the Georgia Prostate Cancer Pledge committee will provide two tickets to several Atlanta Hawks home games, starting with the December 7 th home game versus the New Jersey Nets, to the first 2,000 men who commit to being screened for the first time. Men can visit www.hawks.com or www.GeorgiaProstateCancerPledge.com to make their screening pledge and redeem their complimentary tickets online.

There will be a number of activities and events to help educate men and their loved ones, and to bring awareness to the serious health impact of prostate cancer for all concerned. The events will culminate in April with a prostate cancer symposium, a golf tournament, a motorcycle ride, video testimonials of survivors and much more.

Michael Holton, president and COO of RC Cancer Centers, which specializes in the ProstRcision treatment for prostate cancer said, "Throughout the campaign, we will be offering free of charge PSA screenings for men over 40 years old, who have not been diagnosed with prostate cancer or previously treated for this disease. They can be screened at any one of our five locations in Georgia. For screening locations, visit www.RCCancerCenters.com."

Current data available from Georgia Department of Community Health, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Cancer Society show:

* Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer among Georgia males and accounts for 28 percent of all new cancer cases among males each year.
* Nationally, about one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime and more than two million men in the United States have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point and are still alive today.
* Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men and the second leading cause of cancer death, behind lung cancer.

"It is crucial for men to maintain an ongoing relationship with their healthcare provider as the risk for prostate cancer will vary from person to person," said Roland Matthews, M.D., from Morehouse School of Medicine and Director of Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Health System.

A prostate screening PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a simple blood test which will not define a man's prostate cancer status, but provides the basis for men to start the right conversations with their doctor. When prostate cancer is detected early, it is a very curable disease.

To learn more about this prostate cancer initiative, visit www.GeorgiaProstateCancerPledge.com.

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Secretary Kemp Gives Advice on Donating to Charities

2010-12-02T08:33:00.000-05:00

Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today offered advice to individuals planning to donate to charities during the holiday season. Secretary Kemp serves as Georgia’s chief charities regulator.

Secretary Kemp said, “Many Georgians want to help those who are less fortunate this time of year. Donors should thoroughly research charities before giving to ensure their gifts go to legitimate charities, and that they will be used properly.”

Secretary Kemp issued the following tips for charitable giving:

It is important to research charities before you contribute. The percentage of your contribution that a charity spends on fundraising activities, employee salaries, or expenses which do not directly support the charity’s stated mission varies greatly by organization.
A number of online resources can help you research charities. The Better Business Bureau (give.org) and GuideStar (guidestar.org) provide detailed information about nonprofit organizations. Also, take time to review the organization’s own website.
Be wary of telephone solicitors asking for contributions. If you are solicited by phone, ask that the individual put their request in writing and provide complete information about the charitable program. Also, ask if the person conducting the solicitation is a volunteer or a paid solicitor.
NEVER give your credit card, debit card or bank account information to a telephone solicitor. Also, be particularly cautious of couriers willing to rush out to your home or business to pick up your contribution.
If a tax deduction is important to you, make sure the organization has a tax deductible status with the Internal Revenue Service. “Tax exempt,” “non-profit” and “tax deductible” mean different things. Just because a solicitor says their organization is non-profit or tax-exempt, that doesn’t mean you can legally deduct your contribution. Only “tax deductible” means your contribution is deductible on your income tax return. Make sure you get a receipt which shows the amount of your contribution and states that the contribution is tax deductible. The IRS website (irs.gov/charities) has a searchable database of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions.
Many charitable solicitors ask for contributions of clothing, other household items and vehicles. IRS rules concerning valuations and receipts have changed significantly in recent years; be sure you understand them completely (irs.gov/charities/contributors).
Not all organizations with charitable sounding names are actually charities. Many organizations adopt names confusingly similar to well-known charities. Be sure you know exactly who is asking for your contribution.
Watch out for organizations that use questionable techniques such as sending unordered merchandise or invoices after you have turned them down for a donation. You are under no obligation to pay for or return items received under these circumstances.
Most police and fire departments are funded by tax dollars. However, their unions and social organizations may solicit you for contributions. These groups typically use paid fund-raisers to solicit donations. If you are solicited by an organization using the words “police” or “firefighter,” call your local police or fire department to verify that the group is actually supporting the department, and to find out how much of their contributions actually are used for their programs.
Be skeptical of organizations which list only post office boxes, “PMB” addresses or mail drop suite numbers.

Citizens can file a complaint against a charitable organization on the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division website: http://www.sos.ga.gov/plb. If you have additional questions, please call the Georgia Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division, which oversees charities, at 478-207-2440.

Brian Kemp has been Secretary of State since January, 2010.” Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.
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Cousins Properties and DECA Present “WALK OFF For a Cause” to Benefit United Way

2010-11-30T21:01:00.000-05:00

Cousins Properties and its five metro Atlanta Avenue® lifestyle centers are collaborating with high school marketing students to bring holiday cheer with WALK OFF for a Cause, a fashion show benefiting United Way. The event, which is invitation only, will be hosted at Terminus in Buckhead on December 9 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.

The fashion show will engage DECA students at one high school in each Avenue community, including Grayson, Kennesaw Mountain, Lassiter, South Forsyth and Whitewater. The students will model holiday trends by Avenue retailers Banana Republic, Jos. A. Bank, Gap, Sage, Talbots and White House | Black Market, that also will be offering special promotions to Avenue shoppers leading up to the event.

Students have been working with The Avenue’s marketing managers to develop a campaign that will promote their particular holiday fashion style within each local community. A scholarship will be awarded to one student from each of the five participating schools. The Favorite Model, the student who receives the most overall votes at www.avenuewalkoff.com between December 1 and December 8, will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The student that receives the top number of votes at each of the remaining four schools will receive a $250 scholarship. Lastly, United Way of Metro Atlanta will be presented with a $2,500 donation from The Avenue and Terminus. All winners will be announced live at WALK OFF for a Cause.

“It's rare that we get to provide students with the opportunity to apply their classroom concepts to the ‘real’ business world,” said Krystin Glover, Georgia DECA Board President and Teacher of the Year recipient at Whitewater High School in Fayetteville, Ga. “Partnerships with The Avenue such as the STYLE upGRADE and the upcoming WALK OFF for a Cause have allowed our students to showcase their marketing and promotional talents.”

WALK OFF for a Cause is a component of Cousins Properties’ ongoing Partners in Education initiative and supports the company’s involvement with United Way since 2006.

“The Avenue is committed to giving back through educational initiatives, and with each year of our K-12 partnership we’re increasingly impressed by the marketing students’ unique ideas,” said Kim Tanalgo-Minshew – marketing manager, The Avenue. “WALK OFF for a Cause will demonstrate the skills and capabilities of our community’s youth while raising money for a nonprofit that in turns helps so many charities.”
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May Institute and Borders® Team Up to Raise Funds to Support Children and Adults With Autism and Other Special Needs

2010-11-30T08:58:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- May Institute, an award-winning national nonprofit serving children and adults with autism and other special needs, and Borders® (NYSE: BGP), a leading specialty retailer of books as well as other educational and entertainment items, are partnering this holiday season to raise funds for critical services during May Institute's Benefit Days at Borders®, December 3-5, 2010. Visit May Institute's website to download a voucher with the promotional code for this special fundraising event.

"The number of individuals diagnosed with autism and other special needs, brain injury and mental illness far exceeds the resources currently available for families in our communities," said May Institute President and CEO Walter P. Christian, Ph.D., ABPP. "We are delighted to partner with Borders and grateful for the company's support and commitment to our cause. Funds raised will make a profound, tangible impact on the quality of life for families across the country."

During Benefit Days on December 3-5, Borders® will donate up to 25 percent of every purchase made with a special event voucher during in-store or online check-out. For in-store purchases, customers must present the voucher (along with any Borders coupon) at the register. For online purchases, customers must include a promotional code (MAYT1235G) at check-out.

To learn more, visit www.mayinstitute.org.

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Georgia Power Celebrates 25-year Partnership, More Than $50 Million in Contributions to Project SHARE

2010-11-29T16:54:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power and its customers are celebrating a more than $50 million contribution milestone to Project SHARE, commemorating a 25-year partnership with The Salvation Army to help Georgians in need. A special event marking the occasion was held at Georgia Power's corporate headquarters in Atlanta, today, to celebrate donating $52 million to Project SHARE.

Project SHARE, which was begun in 1985 by The Salvation Army, provides emergency assistance to Georgians who need help with things such as housing, food, medical care and utility services. A corporate partner with The Salvation Army since the program started, Georgia Power is one of only a few companies in the country that matches customer contributions dollar for dollar. With the corporate match, each contribution can make twice the impact in the lives of those who need it most.

"Project SHARE is a signature program of The Salvation Army," said Major Jim Arrowood, The Salvation Army's Georgia Divisional Commander. "It is through the generosity and concern of corporate partners like Georgia Power that Project SHARE is able to address the growing needs of Georgia families in crisis."

Georgia Power encourages its customers to lend a hand to their fellow Georgians by contributing as little as $1 per month to the program on their power bills. The money customers contribute to Project SHARE stays in the counties where it's donated to address local needs.

"Project SHARE thanks Georgia Power and its customers for helping us help so many people in time of need," Arrowood said. "Georgia Power's support is especially meaningful in the current economic environment which has presented new challenges for local families and for our resources."

As we enter the winter season, Project SHARE will be particularly helpful to those in need as they struggle to cope with higher heating costs.

"We at Georgia Power appreciate our customers' generosity and ongoing support," said Georgia Power President and CEO Mike Garrett. "It's a privilege for our company to partner with The Salvation Army and we look forward to continuing our association through this program for many years to come."

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 129 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates well below the national average. Georgia Power serves 2.3 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties.

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Voting Closes November 30th for Atlanta's 2010 Cox Conserves Hero

2010-11-29T16:52:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Voting for Atlanta's 2010 Cox Conserves Heroes program will end at 5 p.m. EST on November 30th . The program is presented by Channel 2 WSB-TV, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land (TPL), and will donate a total of $10,000 to local environmental nonprofits.

The winning Hero, to be chosen by an online public vote, will be awarded $5,000 to donate to the environmental nonprofit of his or her choice. The four finalists each will receive $1,250 to donate to their nonprofits of choice.

The public is being asked to vote now through Nov. 30 at wsbtv.com/community.

Finalists include (environmental nonprofit of choice):

* Bryan Holloway (Revive Atlanta)
* James King (Keeping It Wild)
* Bruce Morton (Park Pride)
* Angel Poventud (Trees Atlanta)
* Kit Sutherland (Historic Fourth Ward Park Conservancy)

Nominations reflected a wide variety of conservation and educational programs by impressive community volunteers. The finalists were selected by a Judging Circle of local environmental leaders, including:

* Rev. Gerald Durley, Providence Missionary Baptist Church
* Michael Halicki, Southface
* Lewis Perkins, New House LLC
* Polly Sattler, Greenplate
* Don Wells, Atlanta's 2009 Cox Conserves Hero
* Lynnette Young, Sustainable Atlanta

Wells - an advocate for conserving and enjoying the open spaces of the North Georgia Mountains – was named Atlanta's 2009 Cox Conserves Hero. As Wells' environmental nonprofit of choice, Mountain Stewards received $5,000 that was used to build new public trails and connect students with nature through outdoor classrooms.

The Cox Conserves Heroes program was created through a partnership between The Trust for Public Land and Cox Enterprises, the parent company of Channel 2 WSB-TV, to honor everyday conservationists. The program also runs in New Orleans, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. For more information, visit www.CoxConservesHeroes.com or find us on Facebook.

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Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation Awards $144,000 in Grants to Combat Childhood Obesity in Georgia

2010-11-27T13:20:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire -- The Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation has awarded $144,441 to organizations working to reduce childhood obesity among Georgia's schoolchildren.

The investments include a $73,300 award to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (Children's) to support the Georgia Student Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) Partnership, a public-private initiative focused on improving student health and wellness. The partnership is the result of HB 229, signed by Governor Sonny Perdue during the 2009 legislative session, which requires all students in physical education courses to receive an annual fitness assessment.

"We are thrilled to help bring to life Governor Perdue's vision for improving the health and wellness of students," said Penelope McPhee, president of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, of which the Falcons Youth Foundation is an affiliated fund. "We look forward to working with Governor-Elect Nathan Deal to extend the promise of the SHAPE Partnership to every student in Georgia."

Children's will use its grant to provide HOPSports Training Systems and technical assistance to five county school districts chosen to pilot the fitness testing: Hall, Gwinnett, Bibb, White and Lowndes. As a partner in the National Football League's Play 60 campaign, HOPSports has proven success in helping schools engage large numbers of students in physical activity at the same time.

Children's will also help two school districts, Muscogee and Forsyth, test a new product, Brain Breaks, which gives teachers up to 100 brief physical activity lessons – three to seven minutes each – drawn from the HOPSports content library. Increasing the time students spend in activity, even in short bursts, has been shown to improve classroom behavior and academic performance.

The Falcons Youth Foundation's latest round of grants also includes awards to:

YMCA of Metro Atlanta

$50,000 to launch in-school and after-school Falcons Fitness Zone programming at Peachtree Hope Charter School.

Sodexo-Jackmont/Atlanta Public Schools

$11,141 to support wellness programs teaching students healthy eating habits, including a breakfast program that increases participation by delivering nutritious meals directly to students and a program that offers Falcons-related prizes at six elementary schools to promote healthier menu items at lunch, including locally grown produce.

After-School All-Stars Atlanta

$10,000 to launch the Camp Carrot Seed project, engaging at least 50 Falcon Fitness Zone students in organic gardening and providing a source of food for City of Refuge families.

With these grant awards, the youth foundation's giving surpasses $1 million for 2010. In addition, this year the foundation is managing $47,000 in funds raised through sales of Atlanta Falcons specialty license plates, which will help SHAPE Partnership schools acquire HOPSports systems, and $3,500 in donations from a Falcons fan group, which will help the After-School All-Stars implement Camp Carrot Seed.

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Dillard's Offers Exclusive Southern Living Christmas Cookbook to Benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities®

2010-11-26T22:25:00.000-05:00

With the approach of the holiday season, Dillard's is pleased to further its commitment to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC®) with their 17th annual holiday fundraiser. Since 1994, Dillard's has supported RMHC with a fundraiser benefiting its Ronald McDonald House® program which provides families with seriously ill children a home away from home while their children are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.

For the third time, Dillard's is offering a special custom edition of the Southern Living Christmas Cookbook to benefit RMHC®. This exclusive, 288-page hardbound cookbook is filled with fabulous holiday recipes, color photos, menus, decorating tips and entertaining ideas. This "must have" cookbook is available for only $10.

The cookbooks are available now in all Dillard's stores nationwide, as well as online at www.dillards.com. Profits from the sale of the cookbooks will benefit local houses operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities® in Dillard's markets.

Now in its 17th year of support, Dillard's has raised more than $5.9 million to benefit RMHC®. This year, Dillard's is on pace to exceed its 2009 record donation of $1.4 million.

"Our continued partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities gives all of us at Dillard's an enormous sense of pride. We look forward to another successful fundraiser this year and are honored to support the Ronald McDonald Houses in our communities," said Denise Mahaffy, Vice President of Advertising for Dillard's.

Atlanta Hawks Aim to “Raise the Red” This Holiday Season

2010-11-26T11:18:00.000-05:00

Invite Fans, Everyone, to Donate During Atlanta Hawks “Raise the Red” Blood Drive

The Atlanta Hawks look to help “Raise the Red” with the American Red Cross this holiday season, as they partner for an inaugural blood drive at Lenox Square Mall on Monday, Nov. 29, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Atlanta Hawks center, Jason Collins, will make a special appearance at the drive from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The blood drive is sponsored by 99X, the official station of the Atlanta Hawks, and Chick-fil-A.

The first 300 presenting donors on this day will receive an Atlanta Hawks ticket voucher, good for a FREE ticket. Additionally, the first 250 presenting donors on this day will receive a coupon for a FREE Chick-fil-A sandwich with the purchase of a large drink.

WHAT: Atlanta Hawks “Raise the Red” Blood Drive

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 29, 2010
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hawks center, Jason Collins, to make a special appearance from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: Lenox Square Mall
Atrium, above the Food Court
3393 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326

During the winter holiday season, blood donations often decline between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day due to holiday preparations and travel, but the need for blood remains constant. It’s important to take the time to give the gift of life.

The Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region provides life-saving blood to more than 120 hospitals and must have approximately 1,200 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand. Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive life-saving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given safely every two weeks, up to 24 times a year. Most healthy people age 17 and older, 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements.

To schedule an appointment for this blood drive, log on to redcrossblood.org/atlantahawks2010 or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). For more information about the Atlanta Hawks, you may visit www.atlantahawks.com.
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Spend the Holidays Giving Back - Bert's Big Adventure Style

2010-11-20T15:35:00.000-05:00

Who Knew Philanthropy Could Be This Much Fun?

Tis’ the season for giving. But who said giving back had to be boring? Bert’s Big Adventure has gotten together with some of the best folks in town to provide several opportunities for you to go out and give back in style. Whether you're hoping to find the perfect gift, or wanting to spend a fun-filled evening out on the town, we’ve got just the ticket. Literally.

The Festival of Trees & Gala
When: November 22, 2010 – January 1, 2011; Gala on Thursday, December 16, 2010
Times: Trees – Open day/night; Gala: 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Where: Embassy Suites Atlanta Galleria, 2815 Akers Mill Road
Cost: Free

The Embassy Suites Atlanta Galleria is getting ready to celebrate their 25th Anniversary with The Festival of Trees. Twenty-five non-profit organizations throughout metro Atlanta (including Bert’s Big Adventure) will decorate trees to be on display in the atrium of the hotel through the first of the year. Come out and support Bert’s Big Adventure by choosing their tree as your favorite. Winners will be announced on December 16 at the Anniversary Gala Reception taking place 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Gals Pals Trunk Show benefiting Bert’s Big Adventure
When: Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: Woo Skin Care and Cosmetics, 2339 Peachtree Road NE
RSVP: galpaldesigns@yahoo.com or 404.626.8911

On Nov. 30 from 7-9 p.m., you’re invited to a Holiday Sip & Shop at Woo Skin Care and Cosmetics hosted by Gal Pals Jewerly’s Debbie Pagano along with Anna Aleman and Claudia Wojtowicz. No matter whether you’re looking for your mother, daughter, sister or best friend – this show is the place to find unique and special gifts while giving back to a great cause. Make sure to reserve your spot by emailing galpaldesigns@yahoo.com or calling 404.626.8911.

Bert and Hayden Weiss Host The Holiday Ice Spectacular
When: Saturday, December 18, 2010
Time: 8 p.m. Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com; use discount code BERT to receive $10 discount and give $5 to Bert’s Big Adventure

Bert Weiss: Radio Personality, Father, Husband and now – Professional Ice Skater. Well, sort of. Atlanta’s favorite morning show host will make his skating debut on December 18 as he hosts the first-ever Atlanta edition of The Holiday Ice Spectacular for Bert’s Big Adventure night. However, Bert won’t be the only familiar face you’ll see that night. His 8-year-old son Hayden is also set to make guest appearances throughout the show and the Bert’s Big Adventure families will be seated front and center. Want in on the action? Visit www.ticketmaster.com to purchase your tickets today. Make sure to use the discount code BERT because not only will you receive $10 off your ticket, The Holiday Ice Spectacular will also be donating a portion of the proceeds to Bert’s Big Adventure. Can’t go on the 18th? Not a problem. The code works for any night, so pick the one that works best for you and enjoy! For more information about The Holiday Ice Spectacular, visit www.holidayicespectacular.com.

About Bert’s Big Adventure: Bert's Big Adventure is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to allow children, 5 to 12 years, with a chronic or terminal illness to experience a weekend with their families at Walt Disney World® as their guests . The trip serves all children living in “The Bert Show” radio listening area (All the Hits Q100, 99.7 FM) in metro Atlanta, who prove financial need and who have never been to Walt Disney World. Through the Walt Disney World trip and additional events scheduled throughout the year, Bert’s Big Adventure gives families the chance to experience the land where “dreams come true” in a way that they would not be able to without their help.

Website: www.bertsbigadventure.org | Facebook: www.facebook.com/bertsbigadventure

Twitter: www.twitter.com/bertsbigadv

2010 Give Thanks. Walk. for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

2010-11-19T09:36:00.000-05:00

The 2010 Give thanks. Walk.™ will be held at Zoo Atlanta on Saturday, November 20 at 7am. Register today and join fellow St. Jude supporters in more than 60 communities across the country for this 5K walk and help raise money for the children of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. Registration for this family-friendly walk is completely free! Form walk teams with your friends, family and co-workers, as well as recruit sponsors to make donations in support of your efforts and the groundbreaking work done at St. Jude. Register today at www.givethankswalk.org and take the first step and help give hope to St. Jude patients.

Delta Donates $2 Million to Grady Health Foundation

2010-11-16T10:24:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today announced it will support the Grady Health Foundation with more than $2 million in a five-year commitment to support Atlanta's only metro-area hospital with a Level 1 Trauma facility.

"Supporting the communities in which we live and work – particularly our home town– is a core part of who we are at Delta," said Delta Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson. "We're honored to do our part for Grady, which is an Atlanta institution that shares Delta's focus on customer service and caring for our community."

Delta's donation will be used for capital improvements such as ICU patient monitoring.

"The Grady Health Foundation is honored to be receiving such a generous gift from our hometown airline," Grady Health Foundation president Lisa Borders said. "Delta's donation to Grady is 'on-time,' and demonstrates its commitment to Atlanta and surrounding communities."

In celebration of the donation, Delta also is hosting a fundraising event Tuesday evening at the Delta Heritage Museum. The event, called Travel in Pink, will help fund breast cancer research. Money raised through Travel in Pink will help purchase vital equipment and replenish patient financial assistance funds for Grady's Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center, where Georgia residents receive comprehensive state-of-the-art care.

"Delta employees proudly raise money for breast cancer research every year through our partnership with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and this event is an extension of our commitment to find a cure for breast cancer," Anderson said. "We are all proud to call Georgia home, and we must work together to find a cure and make our home state healthier and disease free."

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Virtual Red Kettles and Plastic Cash

2010-11-12T13:39:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Across the country, the nation's largest charitable organizations have reported drastic declines in donations. While The Salvation Army saw a national decline of 8.5% in revenue, thanks to a generous response to a summer Call To Action Fundraising Campaign, its metro Atlanta programs closed the year at just $620,000 (3%) below prior year totals. This holiday season, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta is looking to new and aggressive online tactics to draw donations to its Virtual Red Kettles, and wireless credit card machines at a number of its Traditional Red Kettle locations.

"The Salvation Army is an organization steeped in history and tradition, but over the years our traditional kettle campaign has been weakened by a decline in retail shopping, increase in online shopping, and a shortage of retail outlets willing to allow kettles and bellringers outside of their locations," explains Major James Seiler, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Area Commander, who says the traditional red kettles will begin trickling out November 15th and will be in full swing by November 22nd.

"There are no plans to do away with the beloved kettle tradition, but technology now affords us new ways to attract a more diverse group, and larger gifts from those who wish to give."

Additionally, 30-50 of its traditional Red Kettle Bellringers at select Wal-mart, Simon Malls, and Sam's Club locations will be equipped with wireless credit card machines to allow passersby to donate more than the customary spare change.

On November 1st, The Salvation Army launched a Virtual Red Kettle Campaign on it's website at www.salvationarmyatlanta.org, which will be there through December 31, and is hosting weekly promotions on its Facebook and Twitter pages to engage new donors.

According to Seiler, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta's 2009 Online Red Kettle campaign netted the organization $91,000 last holiday season. This year, the charitable organization hopes to raise at least $200,000.

"The virtual kettles allow us to expand the program's time frame and encourage larger average gifts than the change typically placed with Bellringers outside of the stores. They also help us reach donors who elect to do their holiday shopping online. The credit card machines at kettles mean those who typically do not carry cash can still stop by a kettle and make a donation."

Credit card kettles will be positioned at metro Atlanta area Wal-Marts, Simon Malls, and Kroger locations.

This year, 43,581 people received emergency assistance through The Salvation Army's Metro Atlanta area programs and services. Of them, 20,814 were first-time recipients of any form of Salvation Army assistance. A large number of them stated that they had contributed to The Salvation Army's Red Kettles in the past.

The 2009 Red Kettle Campaign raised $1.9 million dollars in funds used to provide new toys, clothing, meals, and provide emergency assistance to homeless and hungry families. This year, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta hopes to raise $2.1 million to help address the increasing needs of local individuals and families in need.

Statistical highlights:

* 43,581 people received emergency assistance with rent, utilities and food assistance. (50% of whom were first-time recipients of Salvation Army services)
* 139,249 meals were served to homeless men, women and children
* 47,243 holiday gifts were distributed to impoverished children and the elderly
* 14,501 visits to the elderly, sick and shut-ins in institutions during the holidays

Find out more about The Salvation Army's Metro Atlanta programs, or become a holiday volunteer at www.salvationarmyatlanta.org, www.facebook.com/salvationarmymetroatlanta, @SalvationArmyA on Twitter.

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Dominique Wilkins Encourages Older Adults in Georgia to Get a Jump on Diabetes Through Screening and Prevention

2010-11-10T07:19:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Former Atlanta Hawks forward and Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins today (November 9) urged older adults in Georgia, especially those ages 65 and older, to learn more about diabetes, its risk factors and get screened for this very serious disease. Wilkins joined with other city and community leaders – including Rep. John Lewis, City Council President Ceasar Mitchell and City Council Member Michael Julian Bond – and more than 100 older adults to launch "Get a Jump on Diabetes," an initiative of the Medicare Diabetes Screening Project (MDSP).

"I'm teaming up with the MDSP to help spread the word about the importance of screening, detection and prevention of diabetes," said Wilkins. "My mom, aunt and I all have diabetes, so I understand how serious this disease can be. But if you can get a jump on diabetes by getting screened, you can take steps to prevent or control diabetes."

The goal of MDSP is to help inform older adults about the importance of diabetes screening, detection and early prevention by taking advantage of the Medicare's free diabetes screening benefit. In collaboration with the American Diabetes Association, the Healthcare Leadership Council, the Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging, Grady Health System, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, the Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Novo Nordisk, Inc. and more than 20 other Georgia-based organizations, the MDSP is now launching in Atlanta after successfully working since 2007 in Columbus, Macon, Savannah and other cities in Georgia and in other parts of the country to raise awareness about diabetes screening for Medicare beneficiaries.

"Diabetes is a national epidemic, but has a significant impact in Georgia, affecting far too many of our residents, especially people of color and older adults. The good news is that diabetes can be prevented and those diagnosed with the disease are able to live long healthy lives," said Congressman John Lewis (D-5th) who provided opening remarks during today's event.

Undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes are significant problems among adults ages 65 and older in Georgia, with more than 150,000 with undiagnosed diabetes and an additional 450,000 with pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are above normal, but not yet in the range for diabetes, and when there may still be time to prevent or delay disease onset.

Medicare covers free, annual diabetes screening for beneficiaries 65 and older who have one risk factor for diabetes: overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history of diabetes, or history of diabetes during pregnancy. There is no co-pay or deductible for the screening. Despite the high numbers of people with undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes only 9 percent of Medicare beneficiaries in Georgia were screened in 2008 according to Medicare data.

City Council President Mitchell reinforced diabetes' impact on the Atlanta community. "I've seen close-up the devastation that diabetes can cause, and I know it doesn't have to happen," said City Council President Mitchell. "Undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes remain significant problems in the state of Georgia. That's why all adults ages 65 and older should take that first step on the road to better health by asking their doctors or health care providers about the Medicare screenings."

Local advocates, including Dr. John Johnson, a primary care physician in the Atlanta area and Cathie Berger of the Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging, answered questions about screening, detection and the importance of prevention and treatment, while encouraging older adults to share this message with other older adults in their communities. Mary Grealy, president of the Healthcare Leadership Council, moderated the discussion.

"The Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging will pick up the ball from Dominique and run with it into next year, continuing the good work that's beginning right here, today," said Cathie Berger, Director, Atlanta Regional Commission/Aging Service Division. "As sponsor of metro Atlanta RSVP, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, ARC will turn to our volunteers from the RSVP Senior Corps to be ambassadors in their communities, delivering messages about diabetes and the Medicare diabetes screening benefits to older adults throughout the Atlanta area. The volunteers will help deliver the message that the essential first step for prevention is screening."

Today's event is one example of how the MDSP is working with city officials, senior centers, churches, and other community-based organizations to promote use of Medicare's benefits for diabetes screening. Wilkins and the MDSP are also partnering with the Atlanta Hawks and will be distributing information about the free Medicare diabetes screening benefit during the November 12th and 14th Hawks home games at Philips Arena.

About the Medicare Screening Project

The Medicare Diabetes Screening Project in Atlanta is a community-based effort to reach and motivate seniors who have undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes, and encourage them to see their doctors or other health care providers, and take advantage of the free diabetes screening benefits offered by Medicare. Attached is a list of Georgia organizations involved with the MDSP "Get a Jump on Diabetes" campaign. To learn more, visit www.screenfordiabetes.org.

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Troopers and Motor Carrier Officers to Again Collect Toys for 2010 Toys for Tots Campaign

2010-11-08T09:36:00.000-05:00

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, Colonel Bill Hitchens, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, announced today that the Department will again be collecting toys for the Toys for Tots Program. He said Georgia State Troopers, officers with the Department's Motor Carrier Compliance Division, and Capitol Police officers are teaming with the United States Marine Corps Reserve for the 2010 Toys for Tots program.

Collection boxes are being placed at the 48 Georgia State Patrol posts across the state. The toys donated should be new and unwrapped and may be dropped off at the GSP posts between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. Additional collection sites are in the lobby at the Georgia Department of Public Safety Headquarters on East Confederate Avenue in Atlanta and the Capitol Police Services Office at 130 Memorial Drive near the Georgia State Capitol.

Colonel Hitchens said the annual collection drive provides toys to needy children and the Georgia Department of Public Safety is on board to help the local communities. "Many of our Department members have served in the Marine Corps, including myself, the deputy commissioner, and the commanding officer of the Georgia State Patrol Division, and we know firsthand the impact Toys for Tots has on helping others," he said.

"This is about neighbors helping neighbors," he noted.

For a complete list of Georgia State Patrol posts and addresses, visit the Georgia Department of Public Safety website at http://dps.georgia.gov .

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Christian City Calls on Community With Needs List For Children and Seniors

2010-11-03T18:56:00.000-05:00

The Children’s Village at Christian City is in need of the following items and would appreciate any help the community can provide:

Monetary donations
Paper plates, napkins, cups
Toilet tissue and paper towels
Dental hygiene products
Canned fruits and vegetables
Boxed macaroni and cheese
Peanut butter
Individually wrapped snacks and drinks
Kid friendly cereals
Batteries
Personal hygiene items for girls
Gift cards to Wal-Mart, Target, Kroger, or Publix

The Assisted Living Facility and Alzheimer’s Unit at Christian City is in need of the following items and would appreciate any help the community can provide:

· Dental hygiene products
· Deodorant
· Lotion
· Combs/Brushes/Hairspray
· Sleep wear (male and female)
· T-shirts
· Camisoles/bras
· Puzzle books
· Sugar free hard candy and cookies.

Please contact Heidi Becker at 770-703-2636 for drop off or pick up details or for more information about Christian City. The Christian City campus is an active retirement community as well as a refuge for abandoned, abused, and neglected children. We minister to the physical as well as the spiritual needs of those who we serve. Christian City is home to over 1,000 children and seniors. For more information, please visit our website at www.christiancity.org.
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City of Fayetteville Participating in Mayor’s Christmas Motorcade

2010-11-01T10:21:00.000-05:00

The City of Fayetteville will be doing its part to make the holiday season special for residents of the state’s mental health and retardation hospitals.

For 52 years, cities across Georgia have brought the joy of the holiday season to patients at Georgia’s seven regional mental health and retardation hospitals through the Mayors’ Christmas Motorcade.

The program, begun by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) in cooperation with Governor Ernest Vandiver, relies on citizen participation in each city to donate gifts for the patients, many of who would not receive gifts or be recognized without the Mayor’s Christmas Motorcade. According to hospital staff, many of the patients at these hospitals have lived there most of their lives and have little, if any, support or contact with friends and family.

Donated items from the City of Fayetteville will be delivered to West Central Georgia Regional Hospital in Columbus, Ga. on December 2, 2010. Civic organizations, businesses, churches, schools, scout troops and individual citizens are encouraged to help with the collection of gifts for the Mayors’ Christmas Motorcade. For more information on how groups can participate, please call Anne Barnard at 770-719-4159.

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and technical consulting services to its 512 member cities.

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Festive Holiday Photo Contest Kicks Off 2010 Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

2010-11-01T10:16:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- To kick off the 2010 Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation is launching the "Be There with Bells On" Flickr Photo Contest asking people to submit images of their favorite "bells" – from the Liberty Bell to sleigh bells.

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is a fun and festive way to kick off the holidays with family, friends and coworkers while positively impacting the lives of the 50 million Americans with arthritis. Thousands of runners and walkers will hit the nation's pavements, pathways and parks this winter to fight arthritis. With some 67 million Americans projected to have arthritis by 2030, now is the time to escalate efforts to prevent, treat and cure the most common cause of disability in the U.S.

"The Jingle Bell Run/Walk aims to raise funds in the name of preventing, controlling and curing arthritis," said Dr. John Klippel, Arthritis Foundation President and CEO, "all while encouraging daily physical activity for better health."

Submissions to the contest will be solicited online via Flickr and at all participating 2010 Jingle Bell Run/Walk events and entries will be housed on the Arthritis Foundation's Flickr page. An overall contest winner will be chosen in January 2011 and will receive the grand prize of two roundtrip tickets and a weekend getaway courtesy of Delta and Hilton Honors.

For more information on the "Be There with Bells On" Flickr Photo Contest, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/arthritis-foundation/. To find the nearest Jingle Bell Run/Walk event contact your local Arthritis Foundation chapter or visit www.arthritis.org.

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Prevent Child Abuse Henry County 1st Annual Tennis Tournament November 6-7

2010-10-28T11:13:00.000-05:00

Come out and play tennis while helping others. This tennis tournament is for the junior and adult players with the 8 game pro set format.

Prevent Child Abuse Henry County’s
1st Annual Tennis Tournament
Richard Craig Park, 825 South Cedar Street, McDonough

Saturday, November 6th for Ages 15-Adult
Registration Saturday: 8:00 a.m.-9:00a.m.
Cost Per Person: $35.00 (Continental Breakfast, Lunch and T-shirt included)

Sunday, November 7th for Ages 10-14
Registration Sunday: 1:00-2:00
Cost Per Person: $20.00 (T-shirt and Snack Included)

Make Checks Payable to:
Prevent Child Abuse Henry County
Send Registration Form and Check to:
Prevent Child Abuse Henry County
P.O. Box 1525
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Deadline for Registration: November 2, 2010

Consolation Games will be played.
Please call 770-507-9900 with any questions.

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Delta Volunteers Build 15 Houses with Habitat for Humanity in Chile

2010-10-26T09:24:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) and Habitat for Humanity will join forces Nov. 1-3, to build 15 Habitat houses in El Monte, Chile, as part of Delta's Force for Global Good program to effect positive local and global change. The group leaves on Friday evening from Atlanta.

This will be the second time Delta volunteers and Habitat for Humanity will work together in Chile. Two years ago, 60 Delta employees traveled to Chile to build 15 houses in Casablanca. This year, more than 80 employees will build houses in El Monte, where many families are in need of housing following the Feb. 27 earthquake and its aftershocks. El Monte is 34 miles southwest of Santiago, Chile's capital.

"At Delta, we have a responsibility to help communities in need, especially those communities we serve. The need for safe, affordable housing is still great. It is our privilege to help Chilean families rebuild and improve their living conditions," said Ed Bastian, president—Delta Air Lines, and Habitat for Humanity International Board Member.

Delta volunteers will be joined by Mary Beth Witzel of Petaluma, California, a Delta SkyMiles® member who bid 338,000 miles in an online auction to win the opportunity to go on the trip. The miles will be donated to Habitat for Humanity. Mary Beth Witzel invited her daughter, Lisa Witzel to accompany her on the trip and participate on the build.

"The generous partnership of national and international volunteers provides great support for Habitat Chile's affordable housing work," said Luis Santibanez, national director for Habitat for Humanity Chile. "We appreciate Delta's dedication and contribution to helping us improve the living conditions of families in El Monte."

Delta has supported Habitat for Humanity for more than 20 years, and strengthened the partnership in 2006 when the airline unveiled the first 767-300 featuring a unique Habitat for Humanity livery and a Delta "Force for Global Good" decal.

This is Delta's sixth international build with Habitat for Humanity. Delta employees from around the globe use vacation time and pay a portion of their expenses to volunteer on the international builds and help those in need of simple, decent and affordable housing, while also taking the opportunity to know more about the country and its culture. Delta has been involved in similar projects in South Africa, Ghana, India and Thailand. Within the United States, Delta's volunteers also have built houses in New York, Mississippi, Georgia, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Minnesota, Michigan, Florida and California.

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Delta Air Lines Commits $1 Million to Atlanta's National Center for Civil and Human Rights

2010-10-22T13:12:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) has pledged $1 million to support the National Center for Civil and Human Rights' current programming and planned facility in downtown Atlanta.

"The mission of The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which is to tell the compelling story of the ongoing quest for civil and human rights worldwide, is a vital one for our community," said Richard Anderson, chief executive officer of Delta Air Lines. "Our support for the Center fits perfectly with Delta's focus on directing our sponsorship dollars in Atlanta and elsewhere toward charitable organizations."

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, scheduled to break ground in late 2011 and open in 2013, will feature permanent collections, timely exhibitions and interactive education opportunities to engage visitors in the historical and current struggle to secure and express human rights. The Center will be located in Atlanta's Pemberton Place adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park, The New World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium.

The Center's Executive Director Doug Shipman said of Delta's commitment, "The National Center for Civil and Human Rights depends on individual and corporate citizens seeing the value of an institution dedicated to the ongoing education and conversation surrounding human rights. In keeping with the company's legacy of corporate social responsibility, Delta Air Lines has made a generous show of support for our work, and their gift brings us closer to groundbreaking."

Delta, which is headquartered in Atlanta and operates its largest hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, focuses on improving the communities it serves by advancing global diversity, improving global wellness and the environment, and promoting arts and culture. This year, Delta was the recipient of the Corporation of the Year Award from the Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries. With 75,000 employees worldwide and 25,000 employees based in Atlanta, Delta supports a wide variety of non-profit organizations through a combination of corporate philanthropy and employee giving.

With this gift, Delta Air Lines joins other prominent corporate supporters of the Center such as The Coca-Cola Company, The Home Depot Foundation, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., and The UPS Foundation.

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Top Hollywood Celebrities to Attend and Perform at Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities Second Hearts and Hands Gala November 6th

2010-10-19T09:14:00.000-05:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC) announces its Hearts and Hands Gala at 7pm on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Georgia Aquarium. Atlanta’s own Ryan Seacrest will serve as emcee of the black tie dinner, which will feature live and silent auctions and a performance by platinum recording artist Gavin DeGraw. 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.

Last year’s inaugural Hearts and Hands Gala was sold out, and while it is also expected that this year’s event will sell out, a few seats remain.

“The Coca-Cola Company has been a long-standing supporter of ARMHC, and we were delighted by the positive response we received from Atlanta’s corporate and philanthropic communities for this event in its inaugural year,” said Javier Goizueta. “We expect this year’s event to be even more successful in raising funds to support local families in need.”

Proceeds from the Hearts and Hands Gala will support the operations of Atlanta’s two Ronald McDonald Houses. “With so many families facing financial hardships – especially those also dealing with the uncertainty of a child’s illness – the safe haven provided by the Atlanta Ronald McDonald Houses is more important than ever,” said Linda M. Morris, President/CEO of Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Increased demand led to the expansion of the local Ronald McDonald House programs. In 2008, 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.

Seacrest is returning to his hometown for the weekend of November 5 - 6 in support of two prominent children’s causes --- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities and to raise awareness for his newly launched Ryan Seacrest Foundation (RSF).

Seacrest created the non-profit to bring unique and interactive programs to help enlighten, entertain and educate children through the creative realms of radio and television during their 2 hospital stay. The first initiative of RSF is a broadcast media center, THE VOICEsm, which will be located in the lobby of Children’s at Egleston and will also be linked to Children’s at Hughes Spalding and Children’s at Scottish Rite.

For more information on the Hearts and Hands Gala ticket availability, please contact Shannon Courtney at (678) 704-8086.

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Jenny's Walk to Defeat ALS on November 6

2010-10-18T13:01:00.000-05:00

Join Jenny and Team DeMario for the walk to defeat ALS on November 6, 2010 at Centennial Park in Atlanta, GA. As ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease), hits close to home for Jenny, it affects many people each year in the United States and all over the world.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells. Those with ALS lose the ability to control their voluntary muscles. The disease makes it difficult for people to swallow, speak, walk and breathe. Every 90 minutes, a person is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes, someone loses the battle to the disease.

This walk was started by Jenny and her family in loving memory of her father. This will be the 3rd year that they will do the walk for ALS. This is an incredible opportunity to support those who are affected by ALS, raise money for the cause spread awareness, and ultimately find a cure for this crippling and fatal disease.

For more information about Jenny's Walk to Defeat ALS or information on sponsoring the event, please visit:
http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Walks/Georgia?px=2764083&pg=personal&fr_id=6581

Find Jenny's Walk on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/JennysWalkToDefeatALS

This event is proudly sponsored by Klik Marketing.

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American Legion Foundation Awards Nearly $700,000 in Grants

2010-10-18T12:46:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation has awarded $666,670 to 21 non-profit organizations. These grants are awarded to support worthwhile projects that benefit children. Grants for 2011 went to the following organizations and foundations:

American Academy of Pediatrics of Elk Grove Village, Illinois was awarded $14,725 for their project, "Pediatrics Journal-Military Supplement." This grant will produce a supplement to the AAP's Pediatrics journal to provide pediatricians with an overview of the role of the pediatrician in military medicine. The Role of the Pediatrician in Military Medicine will be published and distributed to 70,000 subscribers. The Sons of The American Legion sponsor this grant.

American Legion Children's Home of Ponca City, Oklahoma was awarded $44,000 for their project, "American Legion Children's Home National Awareness Initiative Phase III." This grant will allow maintaining website, duplication of a 6 minute documentary, print thousands of brochures and purchase new display materials. The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion sponsor this grant.

Child Find of American, Inc . of Highland, New York was awarded $45,000 for their project, "Parent Help for Military Families Information and Outreach Project." This grant will fund the production and dissemination of Parent Help information and outreach materials targeted to - U.S. Military Dads and Moms. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors this grant.

Children's Organ Transplant Association of Bloomington, Indiana was awarded $46,500 for their project, "One Million Miracles Initiative." This grant will update, produce and distribute COTA publicity materials, including public service announcement and targeted communications resources. The Sons of The American Legion sponsor this grant.

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation of Avon, Connecticut was awarded $22,295 for their project, "Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Information Clearinghouse." This grant will create a CdLS Information Clearing house, providing a high-level of current, relevant information to parents and professionals.

Father Flanagan's Boys Home dba Boys Town of Boys Town, Nebraska was awarded $62,000 for their project, "Boys Town National Hotline Public Service Announcement." This grant will develop, produce and distribute an additional Teen TV PSA in 2011.

Georgia State University Research Foundation, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia was awarded $28,900 for their project, "Home Safety at Your Fingertips: the iSafety Program." This grant will produce an interactive iPhone app that will teach parents via video, audio, pictures, and interaction to locate home hazards and remove them.

Kansas Braille Transcription Institute, Inc. of Wichita, Kansas was awarded $6,500 for their project, "Red, Sight and Blue, I Can 'See' Her Too." This grant will produce and distribute 1,000 packets of educational information of the U.S. Flag and the Tactile/Braille American Flag to blind students in grades K-12 throughout the United States by way of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children. The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion sponsor this grant.

Make-A-Wish Foundation of America of Phoenix, Arizona was awarded $31,572 for their project, "Branding the Adopt-A-Wish Program." This grant will create promotional materials that will enable Make-A-Wish to promote the Adopt-A-Wish program to donors and potential donors. The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion sponsor this grant.

Mercy Flight Southeast, Inc. of Leesburg, Florida was awarded $10,000 for their project, "Project Outreach USA." This grant will produce promotional materials to health facilities informing them of the services provided by Mercy Flight when planning long distance health care with families.

National Autism Association of Nixa, Missouri was awarded $50,000 for their project, "Autism Safety Toolkit." This grant will produce the Autism Safety Toolkit and make it available to families free of charge to help them protect their children and prevent future wandering incidents. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors this grant.

National Braille Press of Boston, Massachusetts was awarded $13,270 for their project, "Literacy Guides for Sighted Parents of Blind Children." This grant will produce two guides for sighted parents of blind children that teach them about the importance of literacy, Braille, and tactile graphics, and how to introduce them to their children.

National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of Seattle, Washington was awarded $49,000 for their project, "Flex Training: A Blended Approach to Pre-Service CASA/GAL Volunteer Training." This grant will develop a Flex Training Pre-Service Curriculum that will enable prospective volunteers to obtain over half of their needed training online. The Sons of The American Legion sponsor this grant.

National Marfan Foundation of Port Washington, New York was awarded $25,000 for their project, "The 'Marfan Question' Web-Based Video Series for Children and Teens." This grant will produce thirty to forty short (2 to 5 minute) easily accessible online videos about the diagnosis and management of Marfan syndrome and related connective tissue disorders.

National Meningitis Association, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia was awarded $40,000 for their project, "They Think They're Invincible; You Know They're Not." This grant will provide a direct-to-parents postcard mailing and radio public service announcements in two additional states. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors this grant.

National Organizations for Youth Safety of Gainesville, Virginia was awarded $25,000 for their project, "Youth-Empowered Community Engagement to Prevent Distracted Driving." This grant will produce a youth engagement guide addressing youth traffic safety. The Sons of The American Legion sponsor this grant.

Our Military Kids of McLean, Virginia was awarded $50,100 for their project, "Informational Video and Brochures." This grant will create a video and information brochures that can be used to promote the organization to prospective grantee families and prospective donors. The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion sponsor this grant.

Songs of Love Foundation of Forest Hills, New York was awarded $25,000 for their "Songs of Love Outreach Project." This grant will produce and distribute 20,000 Songs of Love brochures and update SOL website.

The American Legion of Fultondale, Alabama was awarded $12,000 for their project, "The Crippled Lamb Program." This grant will allow The American Legion to purchase copies of "The Crippled Lamb" for the pediatric units in Alabama hospitals. The Sons of The American Legion sponsor this grant.

The National Children's Cancer Society (N.C.C.S.) of St. Louis, Missouri was awarded $25,000 for their project, "Beyond the Cure (BTC)." This grant will create a video to educate and inspire childhood cancer survivors to embrace the future-to recognize their conquests and to successfully handle the challenges ahead of them.

Young Marines of Washington, DC was awarded $40,808 for its "Red Ribbon Project." This grant will enable the Young Marines to distribute their Drug-Demand Reduction program kits to youth in more than 300 communities.

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Fall Back 5K Run/Walk to Benefit the Cancer Support Community

2010-10-18T09:31:00.000-05:00

Sunday, November 7, 2010
2:00 pm - 5K Run
2:45 pm - 1 Mile Walk
3:45 pm - Tot Trot

Concourse Athletic Club
8 Concourse Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30328

Entry fee: $20 if received by November 1
$25 if received after Nov. 1 and on day of race

The Cancer Support Community (formerly The Wellness Community) will hold the fourth annual "Fall Back 5K Run/Walk" at the Concourse Athletic Club, corner Hammond Drive and Peachtree Dunwoody Road. Proceeds will benefit the Cancer Support Community which provides free support and education classes for cancer patients and their loved ones. Register at: www.fallback5k.kintera.org. Free Moonwalk and food from Sweet Tomatoes. Registered runners get a long sleeved T-shirt.

For more information about the Cancer Support Community's support and educational programs, please call 404-843-1880 or visit www.cscatlanta.org.
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Georgia Tech, George Washington University Help Ford Tackle Sustainability Issues Around the World

2010-10-14T13:23:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ --

* Ford is collaborating with Georgia Tech and George Washington University on sustainability projects involving water consumption and human rights

* The Georgia Tech project helps Ford deliver on its company-wide commitment to reduce its global water usage

* Ford collaborates with George Washington University on human rights issues as the company looks to expand its global operations

Ford (NYSE: F) is collaborating with two universities on separate sustainability projects, seeking to increase the company's knowledge on water consumption and human rights, two key issues in its global operations.

Working with Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in Atlanta, Ford is continuing to develop innovative processes that will enable the company to maintain its commitment to reducing global water usage. From 2000 to 2008, Ford reduced its global water use by 56 percent – or 9.5 billion gallons – as part of its goal to minimize the environmental impact of its facilities around the world. Economic development experts have stressed that water scarcity is quickly becoming a high-priority global issue and Ford is addressing the issue as part of its broad global sustainability program to reduce its environmental footprint.

Ford also is working with George Washington University in Washington, D.C. on human rights issues in markets where the company is looking to expand its global operations. George Washington is helping Ford determine the best business strategies for working with governments and other businesses in developing countries where raw materials are being collected for use in vehicle technology components.

"Sustainability isn't just about the environment," said David Berdish, manager of social sustainability for Ford. "A company that is truly concerned about sustainability is concerned about its entire global impact – environmental, social and economic. Working with academics helps us broaden our perspective and move forward as responsible corporate citizens."

About the water project

The collaboration with Georgia Tech's Sustainable Design and Manufacturing program will help Ford determine the right manufacturing processes as its base expands into water-scarce areas like China, South Africa and Mexico, Berdish said.

"We have a lot of good processes – some of them best in class – on how we manage our facilities for water usage and water quality," he said. "Ford's long-term success is dependent on thriving communities and ecosystems, both of which require water. So Georgia Tech is helping us research the environmental issues surrounding the life cycle of our vehicles, including the use of water in the manufacturing process."

It's an exercise steeped not only in academics but in real-world benefits," said Tina Guldberg, associate director of corporate programs for Georgia Tech's Sustainable Design and Manufacturing program. "This is a project that transfers knowledge and works on delivering long-term sustainability for the real world," she said.

The work to reduce water usage builds on the university's existing relationship with Ford, adds Burt Bras, professor of mechanical engineering. "We've had a long and fruitful relationship with Ford," he said. "Projects like this provide great opportunities for students and faculty to be involved in multidisciplinary research and learn firsthand how such industry-academia collaborations are crucial in advancing sustainable development."

About the human rights project

Ford has long worked to be a responsible corporate citizen around the globe. Building on those efforts, Ford is now collaborating with George Washington's Institute for Corporate Responsibility on human rights.

"We're the only company in our industry that publicly reports a human rights code," said Berdish. "We've established a leadership position, and external stakeholders are looking to Ford as a role model."

Emerging human rights issues can pose new challenges. For example, raw materials used in new automotive technologies are found in unstable countries, and these "conflict minerals" may create unexamined human rights issues. George Washington, Berdish said, is helping Ford develop a corporate ethics strategy that will allow the company to maintain its high standards for upholding human rights within its supply chain.

"As strategic sourcing has become a priority issue for corporations, concerns over fresh water and also raw materials from conflict regions should be addressed collaboratively by governments, corporations, international organizations and society," said John Forrer, associate director of the university's Institute for Corporate Responsibility.

"The concept of a 'trusted partner' puts companies in a proactive position, addressing issues and concerns alongside these external stakeholders and making decisions that take into account the interests of the communities in which they operate," Forrer said. "Our research will help Ford understand the strategies, policies and practices it takes to be a trusted corporate partner operating in a complex global market."

Both projects will increase in importance as Ford continues its worldwide expansion.

"These are big-picture projects," Berdish said. "It's important we all work together to identify emerging trends around science, technology and policy. We need to understand where we fit in to understand the impact of our global presence."

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World Arthritis Day on Oct. 12 Calls for Americans to 'Do Blue' and Take Action Against Nation's Most Common Cause of Disability

2010-10-12T09:57:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- In observance of World Arthritis Day, the Arthritis Foundation is calling on Americans to "Do Blue" on Tues., Oct. 12. From dressing head to toe with blue (hair) dos to blue shoes – and everything in between – to lighting up national monuments in blue, the effort aims to raise awareness of arthritis in all its forms and to urge the nation and individuals to take action to reduce the impact of the most common cause of disability in the U.S.

"World Arthritis Day is about people joining together and mobilizing to fight arthritis, a disabling disease that affects 50 million people in the U.S. and hundreds of millions around the world," says Arthritis Foundation President and CEO Dr. John H. Klippel.

Observed every year on Oct. 12 since 1996, World Arthritis Day is part of a global awareness initiative by the United Nations-endorsed Bone and Joint Decade. This year's theme is "Let's Work Together." A key aim is to increase awareness of the 100+ forms of arthritis and to call on individuals and policymakers to take action to reduce the burden of arthritis.

"Arthritis exacts a hefty financial toll, costing the U.S. economy $128 billion annually," says Klippel. "As the staggering prevalence of arthritis continues to rise, we must as a nation and as individuals take action to reduce the severe health and economic effects of this disease."

Action Against Arthritis

To encourage all Americans to take simple steps that will prevent or decrease the pain and disability of arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation is launching several initiatives in support of World Arthritis Day and as an extension of the Fight Arthritis Pain campaign that launched in February in partnership with the Ad Council.

* Walk Around the World – Moving is the best medicine for fighting arthritis pain. Help the Arthritis Foundation raise awareness as we collectively walk 24,900 miles, the circumference of the earth, between now and Oct. 31. Visit www.fightarthritispain.org/worldarthritisday to learn more and record your steps.

* Do Blue for Arthritis – The Arthritis Foundation is encouraging Americans to "Do Blue" in observance of World Arthritis Day. This involves anything from lighting up national landmarks in blue, like Niagara Falls, to wearing blue shoes and other apparel. On this day our voices will be heard and we will be seen as well.

* "Ask-the-Experts" Twitter Party – Get answers to your questions about managing and treating osteoarthritis. The Arthritis Foundation, in partnership with the American College of Rheumatology, will host a Twitter party at 2 pm EDT on Oct. 12. Dr. Patience White of the Arthritis Foundation and Dr. Arthur Weinstein of Washington Hospital Center and Georgetown University Medical Center will answer questions in real time. Join the party by tweeting using the hash tag #arthritisday.

* Ask Congress to Join the Congressional Arthritis Caucus – World Arthritis Day marks the launch of the Congressional Arthritis Caucus, co-chaired by U.S. Reps. Eshoo (D-CA) and Myrick (R-NC). The caucus will strive to raise awareness about arthritis and work toward the goal of educating all members of Congress about how arthritis impacts their communities and how to help support federal and local efforts addressing arthritis in all its forms. Call or email your members of Congress and ask that they unite against arthritis by joining the Congressional Arthritis Caucus.

* Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis – Form a Jingle Bell Run/Walk team and raise awareness and funds to fight arthritis. Be one of the first 100 people to register on Oct. 12 at www.fightarthritispain.org and receive a free gift.

To learn more about World Arthritis Day activities in the U.S., visit www.fightarthritispain.org/worldarthritisday. Visit www.worldarthritisday.org for worldwide activities.

The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is the leading health organization addressing the needs of the 50 million Americans, including 300,000 children, living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. The Foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; supporting research and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.

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VSU vs. West Georgia Blood Drive

2010-10-12T08:31:00.000-05:00

Valdosta State University’s Office of Volunteer Services and Parent Programs has teamed up with the American Red Cross to host the VSU vs. West Georgia Blood Drive from 12:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 26, in the Student Union Ballroom.

With the goal of collecting 250 pints, VSU is hoping to beat its rival to the west in this philanthropic battle. Red Cross will present a trophy to the winning team during halftime of the VSU vs. West Georgia football game at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6 at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

Donors will receive a free game-themed T-shirt (while supplies last), and are encouraged to wear the black shirt to “Black-Out the Stadium” during the VSU vs. West Georgia game. Those interested in pre-ordering the T-shirt should e-mail Alisha Stabler, apstabler@valdosta.edu, or call her at 333-5674 by Friday, Oct. 8. People will receive their T-shirts by Wednesday, Oct. 20.

Zeta Tau Alpha, Kappa Delta Pi, the Greek Ambassadors, and Student Government Organization are sponsoring the event.

The drive is part of a series of monthly blood drives VSU established to address ongoing blood shortages and enable faculty, staff and students to conveniently donate. Walk ins are accepted; however, donors are encouraged to make an online reservation prior to the day of the event to prevent long wait times.

Make a Reservation

Sign up online at http://www.redcrossblood.org
Click on "Enter a sponsor code"
Enter sponsor code "vsu"
Click on “Make an appointment”
Enter eDonor login information
Choose the drive and make your appointment

According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, and each donation of blood saves up to three lives. The entire blood donation process, from registration to refreshments, takes about 15 minutes; and the average person may donate blood every 56 days. For more statistics and tips about blood donation, go to www.redcrossblood.org .

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Atlanta Hosts Shad Ireland Foundation's Great Unsigned Benefit Concert

2010-10-08T16:35:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Obesity, which often leads to kidney disease, will be a major focus of the Shad Ireland Foundation's Great Unsigned Benefit Concert and Health Fair in Atlanta on November 12th and 13th.

Designed to reach underserved communities in the African-American and Latino neighborhoods in Metro Atlanta, the weekend will feature health screenings, healthy cooking demonstrations, entertainment, and lots of activities for children and families on Saturday, November 13th and a Buckhead Theatre concert and fashion show on Friday, November 12th. Celebrities from the athletic and music industries will be on-sight at both events for appearances and performances.

Shad Ireland, the only man on kidney dialysis in the world to start and finish an Ironman Triathlon Competition (20 triathlons in all), started his Foundation in 2004 and is dedicated to education, prevention, access and awareness regarding kidney disease and its major causes, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. "The Urban Music Initiative is a great step forward in reaching a community which is at much greater risk of contracting this disease than normal," he said. "Music has the ability to inspire, educate and unite. It is also a medium the young folks listen to and heed."

National statistics show that African-Americans and Latinos are four times more likely to develop a renal (kidney) diagnosis and nine times less likely to have the disease diagnosed in the early stages when the likelihood of a cure is at its greatest.

Marcus McNeill, an Atlanta native who was a two-time All-American lineman at Auburn and is currently a two-time Pro Bowl lineman for the San Diego Chargers, will co-host the events, along with Atlanta rap stars Yung Joc and Reec. McNeill's Foundation, Mack's Miracles (MM), is dedicated to educating children about living a healthy lifestyle and fighting childhood obesity, among other related objectives.

MM works closely with Boys & Girls Clubs in San Diego and notes, "Many of the teens who come to the clubs prefer to sit at computers or chat with friends rather than participate in physical activities. Eating disorders can be high among this group. I'm glad to play a role with events like the Urban Music Initiative which can encourage them to change a lifestyle which could lead to early death or, at least, handicap them tremendously."

Marcus, Shad and Yung Joc will be visiting a selected group of schools in the Atlanta area to educate children on healthy living during the day November 12. Mack's Miracles, the United Athletes Foundation (UAF) and the Shad Ireland Foundation have partnered together to provide innovative technology focused on impacting childhood obesity and will unveil that technology at the schools they visit.

UAF's President Reggie Howard is delighted to be a partner for the Music Initiative Event and health fair activities. The group works with active professional athletes to guide and counsel them about how to get involved in helping their communities, now and when they retire. "This is important work and we feel we can play a key role in reaching kids in the high risk groups especially. Our people are very happy to play a role with Shad, Marcus and the other co-hosts," he said.

Health screenings, free to the public, are scheduled to be headquartered at the Andrew and Walter Young YMCA in Atlanta on Saturday, November 13, 2010 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The Shad Ireland Foundation's Great Unsigned Benefit Concert will be hosted by Yung Joc, Reec, Reggie Howard, Marcus McNeill and Shad Ireland on Friday, November 12, 2010 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Urban Music Initiative Concert will be held at the newly renovated Buckhead Theatre with a star-studded red carpet event filled with celebrities, media, professional athletes and artists in attendance to watch both unsigned and national recording artists perform.

Hot Java Clothing Company will have a fashion show, featuring the band Glory, to start off the concert. There will also be performances by Kaye Styles, Snipe, and Laura Luke along with Atlanta's own, The Riot. To purchase tickets, visit http://shadirelandfoundationmusicinitiative.eventbrite.com.

Proceeds from the Buckhead Theatre event will be used to fund the free health fair and to continue education and awareness programs around the country.

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Young Survival Coalition's Atlanta Affiliate to Host Second Annual YSC Tour de Pink Bike Ride

2010-10-08T16:33:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- For the second year, Young Survival Coalition's Atlanta Affiliate will host YSC Tour de Pink on Saturday, October 16, 2010, starting and finishing at Perimeter Mall, Northeast corner, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta, Georgia 30346. Opening ceremonies will begin at 7:45 a.m. with Melissa Carter from Q100's the Bert Show.

This year, participants will enjoy the opportunity to ride from 1 to 100 miles in the Northern suburbs. The inaugural ride in 2009 saw over 350 registered riders and raised almost $150,000 for local programs. This year promises to be bigger and better, from short family rides and a survivor loop to professionally designed routes for the more expert cyclist. There is also an opportunity for walkers to participate in a 5k run/walk. The event will also feature a community expo including food, music, children's activities, raffles and exhibits throughout the day.

To register online or for more information, visit www.ysctourdepink.org/atlanta.

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Hooters 17th Annual Memorial Cup Golf Tournament Raises $100,000 to Fund Local Causes

2010-10-07T11:07:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Hooters held the 17th Annual Hooters Memorial Golf Tournament on September 20th raising $100,000 to fund Hooters Community Endowment Fund (HOO.C.E.F). The tournament is dedicated to preserving the memories of NASCAR Champion Alan Kulwicki and Hooters employees Mark Brooks, Dan Duncan and Charlie Campbell's whose lives were taken in an airplane accident near Bristol, TN on April 1st, 1993.

Over 180 golfers attended this year's tournament, held at the Marietta Country Club in Marietta, GA - just outside the Hooters of America headquarters of Atlanta. The money raised will benefit HOO.C.E.F. which will be used to fund various local charitable efforts across the country.

Hooters of America, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 460 Hooters restaurants in 44 states and 29 foreign countries. The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida. Hooters is well-known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls. For more information about Hooters visit www.Hooters.com or follow us at www.twitter.com/Hooters of www.Facebook.com/Hooters.

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Feed The Children and PepsiCo Donate Food and Essentials to Nearly 3,000 Atlanta Families

2010-10-07T09:22:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, Feed The Children and PepsiCo partnered to bring 10 semi tractor-trailers full of food, essentials and personal care items to Compassion Atlanta (1300 Joseph E. Boone Blvd.) to help nearly 3,000 Atlanta families. Approximately 150 PepsiCo associates volunteered to help distribute the boxes.

Employees from PepsiCo's various area businesses – Frito-Lay, Pepsi Beverages Company and PepsiCo Warehouse – handed out more than 14,000 boxes of food, essentials and personal care items, including 3,000 bags of PepsiCo products like Frito-Lay's Baked! line of snacks, SunChips multigrain snacks, Rold Gold pretzels, Quaker Oatmeal, Quaker Chewy Chocolate Chip granola bars, Tropicana orange juice, Propel Fit water and Sierra Mist Natural lemon-lime soda. Feed The Children's partner agency, Compassion Atlanta, identified the families in need of assistance and provided volunteer assistance at the event. Each family selected was given a voucher to receive the following items at the event:

* 25-pound box of food
* 10-pound box of essentials
* box of Avon products
* bag of PepsiCo products, including brands from Frito-Lay, Quaker, Tropicana and Pepsi

Atlanta is struggling with the economic downturn. The unemployment and child poverty rates in Georgia, Fulton County and Atlanta are higher than the national average. One in three children living in Atlanta is considered impoverished.

The distribution was the latest stop on Feed The Children's Americans Feeding Americans Caravan. The caravan has helped more than 150,000 families across the country in cities that have been affected by the nation's economic downturn. Feed The Children plans to help at least 200,000 families with the caravan by the end of 2010.

"The tremendous contribution by PepsiCo, Frito-Lay, Pepsi Beverages Company and their employees has allowed us to expand this event and help thousands of people in the Atlanta area," said Tony Sellars, spokesperson for Feed The Children. "Our Americans Feeding Americans project is geared toward people who are still being affected by the economic downturn, including many who, until recently, considered themselves middle class. A lot of these people, for the first time in their lives, have not been able to provide for their families and this distribution will provide relief for them at a crucial time."

"PepsiCo's Atlanta associates are pleased to work side-by-side with Feed the Children's Americans Feeding Americans Caravan to help make a difference in the lives of nearly 3,000 of our neighbors in need," said Erika Gongola, associate retail execution manager, PepsiCo Warehouse.

To see the impact of Feed The Children's Americans Feeding Americans Caravan in your area visit www.AmericansFeedingAmericans.org .

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Steve and Marjorie Harvey Bring Sherri Shepherd Among Other Influential Women Together in Their Mission to Mentor 100 Teenage Girls in Atlanta

2010-10-06T09:24:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- A team of inspirational women join The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation to host the first-annual Girls Who Rule the World ("GWRTW") Mentoring Weekend, dedicated to help teenage girls from diverse backgrounds successfully navigate the pressures and pitfalls of teenage life.

On October 22-24, 100 teenage girls will gather with Marjorie Harvey, The View co-host, Sherri Shepherd , and other trusted female business leaders and entertainers - including singer Keri Hilson , actress Terri Vaughn , Essence magazine's Mikki Taylor , and CBS News Correspondent Shannon Eis - at the Omni CNN Center in Atlanta, GA for three-days of interactive seminars designed to motivate girls, and equip them with resources and education needed to be successful. The weekend experience is supported by State Farm® as part of its commitment to supporting the future of American's youth.

"Since Georgia has the highest number of high school drop outs and third highest prostitution rates among teenage girls, GWRTW is designed to offer these girls the life skills needed to overcome teenage obstacles and establish a path to success," says Marjorie Harvey, President of The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation.

GWRTW speakers and workshops will focus on increasing self-reliance and high esteem. By being exposed to such leaders as Rosalind Brewer (Executive Vice President, Wal-Mart U.S. and President, Wal-Mart Stores South) and Brenda Freeman (Chief Marketing Officer, Turner Broadcasting), girls will learn the importance of making healthy decisions to follow in the footsteps of these role models. Specifically, attendees will learn about professional etiquette, appropriate dress, and even making the right sexual choices that decrease health risks. On that note, they'll be prompted to sustain a healthy dialogue with parents and guardians.

"At State Farm, we are thrilled to support The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation as part of our ongoing commitment to support the future of America's youth," says Pam El, VP of Marketing for State Farm. "Creating an environment where young women can gain the extra support they need to get a good education and career is crucial to our country's future."

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Carter Endorses North Korea Housing Initiative

2010-10-06T09:12:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Former President Jimmy Carter this week praised a first-of-its-kind building project that will involve volunteers from the United States building homes side by side with North Koreans.

The Fuller Center, a US-based Christian non-profit organization, has been working with its North Korean partner, the Paektusan Academy of Architecture, since 2008 developing plans for the project.

According to U.S. News & World Report, Carter said: "They've already gotten permission from the government of North Korea to come in; they've already had a team there to assess the construction possibilities. This has to be a very flexible thing because as you know all of the houses in North Korea are owned by the government," Carter said. "We're just thankful that we'll be able to get some houses built in North Korea for people in need."

President Carter made his comments during the 27th annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Washington, D.C. where he is building homes with Habitat for Humanity International. The Founders of Habitat for Humanity, Millard and Linda Fuller, also started The Fuller Center for Housing in 2005.

Fuller Center President David Snell, who just returned from North Korea, says the first group of volunteers is scheduled to travel to Pyongyang in late October or early November. "The team will be led by Don Mosley who, along with Dr. Han Park, helped open the door for this initiative. The team is made up of volunteers who are dedicated to both the building of houses and building of peace," said Snell.

The Fuller Center plans to build 50 new homes at Osun-Ri in the outskirts of Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK. The houses will be for farmers working on the tree nursery that surrounds the building site. "We know that what we are doing is considered controversial to some," says Snell. "The governments of our two countries have been at war for 60 years. But the people of both countries have the same basic hopes -- a decent home to raise our families in, a sense of security, and peace. The Fuller Center hopes to be part of that, building peace one house at a time."

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Make a Difference in Georgia During Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Donate No-Longer-Used Cell Phones to HopeLine Program

2010-10-04T10:13:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Looking for a way to take part in the cause during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) this October? HopeLine® from Verizon gives consumers a way to support victims and local domestic violence organizations in and around the state of Georgia by collecting no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider.

HopeLine from Verizon puts the nation's most reliable wireless network to work in the community by turning no-longer-used wireless phones into support for victims of domestic violence. Proceeds from the HopeLine program are used to provide wireless phones and airtime to victims of domestic violence and cash grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention, awareness and advocacy. Consumers can donate their phones at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide or by mail using the postage-paid mailing label available at www.verizonwireless.com/hopelinemailinglabel.

Verizon has a longstanding commitment to raising awareness of domestic violence and aiding in its prevention. In 2009 alone, the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon donated more than 18,000 phones to domestic violence organizations in Georgia. The company also continues to work with the Atlanta Falcons to collect phones during key football games, extending the recognition of the HopeLine program. Additional efforts include:

* Text-to-Donate Program – Verizon and the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) are teaming up to launch the text-to-donate program. Customers can make a $10 donation to the NNEDV by texting "HOPE" to 41010. One hundred percent of each $10 donation will go to the NNEDV and its affiliated state domestic violence coalitions. Verizon will waive its customers' text messaging fees, and customers' $10 donations will appear on their next monthly bills. As part the text-to-donate campaign, HopeLine from Verizon will also match donations up to $50,000.
* "Telling Amy's Story" – A powerful documentary on domestic violence that chronicles the time leading up to the death of Amy Homan McGee, a mother of two who was shot and killed by her husband. The documentary, created by Pennsylvania State University Public Broadcasting, is currently airing on local PBS stations throughout Georgia and will be shown at South Georgia College on October 11, followed by a panel discussion. The documentary was funded through Verizon Foundation grants in the amount of $385,000.
* Samsung Gusto™ – The color purple has symbolized domestic violence awareness and prevention for over 20 years. To honor DVAM, a purple edition of the simple and sleek Samsung Gusto will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com on Oct. 1 and will be free after a $50 mail-in rebate for the month of October.

"Verizon has a long history of raising awareness of domestic violence and taking action to aid in its prevention," said Jeff Mango, president, Verizon Wireless Georgia/Alabama Region. "Through the HopeLine program and our efforts throughout the state, we are going one step further in spreading the word about domestic violence and helping victims during DVAM this year."

Since the launch of the HopeLine phone recycling program in 2001, HopeLine from Verizon has collected more than 7 million phones, given out more than $7.9 million in cash grants, and distributed more than 90,000 phones with more than 300 million minutes of free wireless service for use by domestic violence survivors. In addition, Verizon has properly disposed of 1.6 million no-longer-used wireless phones in an environmentally sound way and kept more than 200 tons of electronic waste and batteries out of landfills.

For more information about HopeLine from Verizon and to learn how to organize a HopeLine drive during DVAM, go to www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

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Hosea Feed the Hungry Issues Emergency Plea

2010-10-04T06:04:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Faced with the possibility of suspending its Food Pantry operations, the Hosea Feed the Hungry (HFTH) organization is appealing to the public for donations of nonperishable food and other items including:

* Dry cereal
* Dry milk
* Flour
* Sugar
* Canned fruit
* Canned vegetables
* Canned meat
* Toiletries
* Infant formula
* Baby food and cereal
* Diapers

Contributions can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hosea Feed the Hungry Care Center located at 1035 Donnelly Avenue, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30310.

Religious, community, business, and social organizations can assist HFTH by hosting food drives. Forms and guidelines for hosting food drives can be obtained via www.hoseafeedthehungry.com.

Financial contributions can be made online at www.hoseafeedthehungry.com or by calling 404.755.3353.

With corporate and individual financial contributions down 35 percent and calls for help from the community up 45 percent, any contribution will help the thousands of those in need living in Metro Atlanta and the surrounding counties.

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Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation Awards $163,500 in Grants to Combat Childhood Obesity in Georgia

2010-10-01T07:39:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation (AFYF) has awarded six grants totaling $163,500 to nonprofit organizations working to reduce childhood obesity among Georgia's schoolchildren.

The investments include a three-year $120,000 award to Appalachian Community Enterprises (ACE) for two innovative projects designed to provide low-income families with greater access to affordable, healthy food.

With the grant, ACE will partner with Truly Living Well Natural Urban Farms to develop a five-acre fruit and vegetable garden in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward. ACE will also partner with The Food Trust to help independent grocers open grocery stores in neighborhoods where residents currently lack access to fresh produce.

"Our grant investments are moving more Georgia children from sedentary to active lifestyles and bringing more affordable, healthy food to Georgia families," said Penelope McPhee, president of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. AFYF is an affiliated fund of the Blank Family Foundation.

Also part of its childhood obesity initiative, AFYF supported the Blank Family Foundation's September 23 Speaker Series program examining the link between physical fitness, student outcomes and brain development. Visit the Foundation's web site (http://blankfoundation.org/news/SpeakerSeries.html) to view a video of the program.

AFYF's latest round of awards includes grants to:

Playworks

$15,000 to train 400 staff members from Falcons Fitness Zone grant partners, including Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA staff, to increase their effectiveness at engaging youth in physical activities and play. Playworks will also provide training to 30 – 60 teens to lead games and physical activities at their after-school program sites.

Georgia Organics

$10,500 to enable the East Lake Farmers Market to accept EBT swipe cards used by low-income families accessing food benefits. With the grant, East Lake Farmers Market will become the seventh farmers market in Georgia to take part in the Wholesome Wave Foundation double-coupon program, where families using EBT cards receive $2 of produce for every $1 spent.

KiDsGyM

$5,000 to deliver Flipping For Life, a gymnastics instruction and education program to children ages 9 – 12 at the Whitehead Boys & Girls Club in South Atlanta.

Atlanta Ballet

$5,000 to deliver the Centre Dance program to K-5 students at Parklane Elementary School in East Point, providing kinesthetic learning activities during and after school.

Georgia Mountains YMCA

$5,000 to expand programming through the Mobile Fitness Gym, which brings fitness activities and equipment to youth across Hall County.

Fuel Up to Play 60

$3,000 for the Southeastern United Dairy Association to provide fitness equipment to schools participating in its Fuel Up to Play 60 partnership.

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Delta Takes Support of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Online and Overseas

2010-09-30T11:11:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) is taking its support for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) worldwide with its new Boeing 767-400 signature "pink plane" and online with a virtual lemonade stand on Facebook and Sky Miles donations to BCRF when customers download the Delta iPhone application or use the app to check in. Also throughout October, in its sixth year of support for BCRF, Delta will continue donating proceeds from onboard pink lemonade and jelly bean sales.

"The personal impact breast cancer has had on me and so many of our customers, employees and families has motivated Delta to always give more in our support of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation," said Delta CEO Richard Anderson. "I've launched the first pink lemonade stand on Delta's Facebook page in honor of my mother who died from this horrible disease many years ago. The combined efforts of more than 75,000 Delta employees and millions more of our customers are making a difference in raising funds necessary to find a cure."

ONLINE, MOBILE SUPPORT AND DONATIONS

Beginning Oct. 7, Facebook members can create their own 'virtual' pink lemonade stand on Delta's Facebook page to share their stories and honor loved ones and donate to BCRF.

During October, Delta will donate 100 SkyMiles to BCRF for every Delta iPhone application download and each check-in using the mobile app, up to one million miles. In addition, all mobile phone users can text "DRINKPINK" to 27722 to donate $5.

NEW "PINK PLANE"

Delta's new international "pink plane," a Boeing 767-400 featuring BCRF's trademarked pink ribbon logo on the tail of the aircraft and adjacent to the boarding door, will make several special visits in the U.S. with Delta employee breast cancer survivors and executives, before flying internationally to help raise awareness for BCRF in Brazil, Italy and Spain. The pink plane will fly about 2.1 million miles this year, enough to circle the globe more than 84 times. Delta's international pink plane replaces the existing pink-and-white Boeing 757 that between 2005 and 2010 flew throughout the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean to generate awareness for the cause.

The new pink plane was painted at Delta's Atlanta headquarters by Delta TechOps employees, including aircraft maintenance painter technician, Derek Snider.

"It definitely hit close to home for me because my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. As soon as I learned we'd be painting the pink plane, I called my mom because she fought hard to beat breast cancer. She's now on the road to recovery," said Snider. "The team here was really excited when we learned we'd be painting the 767 pink plane. There was a lot of pride put into that Delta paint scheme and that airplane, and it was humbling to do our part."

PINK for PURCHASE

"Delta really 'goes pink' in October, when thousands of our Delta flight attendants and customer service agents wear pink uniform pieces to support the cause. Our employees and our customers look forward to this effort every year," said Joanne Smith, senior vice president of In-Flight Service.

In addition to Delta's efforts online and the global visibility of the pink plane and pink uniform pieces, throughout October Delta sells pink lemonade and BCRF-branded pink Jelly Belly 'Sport Beans' onboard and in Delta Sky Clubs. All proceeds from the sale of the pink lemonade and $1 from the sale of each package of Jelly Belly Sports Beans benefit BCRF. In the first five years of the campaign, Delta raised $2.5 million for BCRF, including $1 million in 2009 alone. To date, Delta's donations have funded the work of nine research projects dedicated to the mission of achieving prevention and finding a cure for breast cancer.

"The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is so grateful to the employees of Delta for their personal commitment to eliminate breast cancer," said Evelyn H. Lauder, Founder and Chairman of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. "Since 2005, Delta employees have gone above and beyond to raise both awareness and funds for the Foundation. This exemplary effort will truly make a difference in finding a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime."

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Ride for Prostate Cancer Awareness with Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia

2010-09-23T12:34:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Come ride with the thrill of fresh air in your face all while supporting one of the leading killers of men in the state of Georgia. According to the American Cancer Society, Georgia ranks 6th in highest estimated deaths caused by prostate cancer; this is a serious concern for the state and for Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia, a center of excellence in treatment for prostate cancer. To raise awareness and support the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition, Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia is hosting a motorcycle ride on Saturday, Sept. 25, with all proceeds from this motorcycle ride supporting the statewide license plate initiative to build prostate cancer awareness.

Anyone can participate – whether as a rider or a passenger – in this motorcycle ride, which will begin and end at Killer Creek Harley-Davidson in Roswell, Ga. The registration is $25 for each motorcycle rider (and includes a t-shirt) and $10 for each passenger. To register, visit www.beatprostatecancer.com or call 678-965-4756 Ext. 115

Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia's own physicians and staff will be riding for prostate cancer awareness and invite the community to come ride with ride for Prostate Cancer awareness in Georgia! For more information, contact Toni Karasik at tkarasik@rccancercenters.com .

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Aflac Celebrates 10 Years of its Iconic Duck with $2 Million for Aflac Cancer Center

2010-09-23T12:32:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the company that pays policyholders cash fast when they are injured or ill, will celebrate its 10th year airing television commercials featuring the Aflac Duck by renewing its commitment to the fight against childhood cancer this September. The company is pledging a corporate gift of $2 million to the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, bringing the total money raised by Aflac for childhood cancer research and treatment to $60 million since 1995. September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

"We are please to continue our deep and long-standing support of pediatric cancer through this gift," Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos said. "The terrific men and women who work the front lines at the Aflac Cancer Center work hard to save lives and restore hope for families touched by cancer. They deserve our unending support."

Aflac, whose primary philanthropic cause has been the Aflac Cancer Center since 1995, has often lent the Aflac Duck's image to the cause of raising money and awareness for pediatric cancer. The Aflac Duck, a corporate advertising icon, has been used in fundraising literature and fundraising events while 100 percent of the proceeds from special plush Aflac Ducks that have been sold to the public since 2001 go toward childhood cancer research and treatment.

"People know and love the Aflac Duck as a corporate advertising icon," said Aflac Foundation President Kathelen Amos. "But many people are not aware that the Aflac Duck is also a symbol in the fight against pediatric cancer, and we could not be more pleased to lend our support and our iconic company image to this cause."

In addition to corporate donations, Aflac's independent sales force contributes regularly to the Aflac Cancer Center. Each month, more than 16,000 agents donate more than $325,000 from their commission checks. In addition, Aflac employees at the company's headquarters in Columbus, Georgia, routinely donate through payroll deductions while others will donate their time taking company-sponsored bus trips to the Aflac Cancer Center to spend time with children at the hospital.

"While September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we want to be certain people know that our friends at Aflac support the Aflac Cancer Center's team and patients year-round and have done so since 1995," said Dr. William G. Woods, Director of the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. "It is impossible to put into words what $60 million and countless volunteer hours from Aflac mean to children with cancer and blood disorders. But we do know that this amazing commitment gives real movement toward a cure for childhood cancer and blood disorders and inevitably a brighter future for kids everywhere."

In October Aflac will continue to celebrate the Aflac Duck's 10th birthday with a special program in conjunction with Beads of Courage, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that provides special beads to children with cancer to help chronicle their treatments and milestones. The company is sponsoring a special new Aflac Wingman bead to honor the courage of children with cancer and to let them know that there are people who support them during their fight against cancer.

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Meehan’s Public House Guzzle for Gus

2010-09-22T11:58:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, Sept. 30th Meehan’s Public House in Sandy Springs will hold a very special event for employee Erin Carrasquillo’s two-year old son Gus, recently diagnosed with brain cancer. The Carrasquillo’s have racked up a hefty hospital bill and are in need of immediate help. Guzzle for Gus will include a keg bar, drink specials, live music, and more – all in support of the mighty Gus! There will be a $10 cover charge, directly benefiting the Carrasquillo family.

Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010 at 6 p.m.
Meehan’s Public House | 227 Sandy Springs Place, Atlanta, GA 30328
$10 cover directly benefitting the Carrasquillo family
Lexi Tabback-Corn | ltabback@gmail.com | 678-907-9768
http://101concepts.com/meehanssandysprings/

For more information, contact Lexi Tabback-Corn at 678-907-9768 or call Meehan’s Public House - Sandy Springs at 404-843-8058.

1 a Minute Live Supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure

2010-09-20T20:03:00.000-05:00

Big Screen Event Brings Together Breast Cancer Survivors Melissa Etheridge, Olivia Newton-John and others to Share Their Stories of Hope, Courage and Survival

Presented by NCM Fathom and UniGlobe Entertainment, Docu-Drama Takes Audiences on Journey through Stages of Breast Cancer from Diagnosis to Recovery Featuring a Live Panel Discussion with Survivors

Evening of Awareness & Inspiration to be Broadcast Live to More than 525 Movie Theaters Nationwide on October 6

Breast cancer claims the life of one woman every 69 seconds - a haunting number that translates into more than 465,000 deaths each year. That statistic will form the backdrop for a one-night, star-studded event broadcast live to select movie theaters across the country illuminating women engaged in the battle of their lives against this deadly disease. 1 A Minute LIVE Supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure will bring together survivors and celebrities for an inspiring evening of hope, awareness and discussion on Wednesday, October 6 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern / 7:00 p.m. Central / 6:00 p.m. Mountain / 8:00 p.m. Pacific (tape delayed). The 1 A Minute LIVE Supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure event will feature a live panel discussion with cancer survivors and celebrities Melissa Etheridge, Olivia Newton-John, William Baldwin, Namrata Singh Gujral, Barbara Mori and others, bringing to light the issues faced by women with breast cancer and their families, while highlighting the optimistic strides made against the disease in recent years.

Presented by NCM Fathom and UniGlobe Entertainment, tickets for 1 A Minute LIVE Supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure are available at www.FathomEvents.com and presenting theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, please visit the web site (theaters and participants are subject to change). For more information about ‘1 A Minute,’ please visit www.1aminute.com.

Directed by Indo-American actress and breast cancer survivor Gujral and narrated by Kelly McGillis, the docu-drama “1 A Minute” portrays one woman’s journey through the various phases of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, interwoven with the personal stories of celebrity survivors. The “1 A Minute” docu-drama features:

William Baldwin and Daniel Baldwin – sons of cancer survivor, actors
Nancy G. Brinker (survivor) – Susan G. Komen for the Cure Founder and CEO Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control for the World Health Organization
Diahann Carroll (survivor) – actress (Claudine), singer
Dr. Deepak Chopra – Eastern medicine practitioner
Priya Dutt – mother of actress Nargis Dutt, who died from cancer
Melissa Etheridge (survivor) – musician
Kelly McGillis – actress (Witness, Top Gun)
Barbara Mori (survivor) – actress (La Mujer de Mi Hermano)
Mumtaz (survivor) – actress (Tere Mere Sapne), singer
Olivia Newton-John (survivor) – actress (Grease)
Lisa Ray – actress (Water, Bollywood/Hollywood)
Namrata Singh Gurjal (survivor) – actress (Americanizing Shelly, Kaante), director
Dr. Dennis Slamon – oncologist and developer of Herceptin®
Jaclyn Smith (survivor) – actress (Charlie’s Angels)

“Having already lost two young aunts to breast cancer and furious at the toll that cancer takes around the world, I decided to turn my harrowing journey into a positive outcome. I launched ‘1 A Minute’ while going through my third chemotherapy treatment” said Gujral. “I did not want to put lipstick on cancer. Cancer is ugly and will remain so. But ‘1 A Minute’ is hopeful, positive and uplifting.”

The special event, broadcast LIVE from Woodbury University in Los Angeles, coincides with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and will help promote awareness and prevention and support survivors of women’s cancers. Donations received from ‘1 A Minute’ will support Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s promise to end breast cancer forever.

“Thirty years ago, I promised my dying sister Susan G. Komen to do everything in my power to end breast cancer forever,” said Nancy G. Brinker, Founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “1 A Minute helps fulfill that promise by encouraging a dialogue about this awful disease.”

1 A Minute LIVE Supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure will appear in 530 select movie theaters, including AMC Entertainment Inc., Celebration! Cinema, Cinemark Holdings, Inc., Clearview Cinemas, Cobb Theatres, Georgia Theatre Co., Goodrich Quality Theaters, Hollywood Theaters, Kerasotes Showplace Theatres, Malco Theatres, Marcus Theatres, National Amusements, Rave Motion Pictures and Regal Entertainment Group movie theaters, as well as Arlington Theatre (Santa Barbara, CA), Bainbridge 5 (Seattle, WA), The Carolina (Asheville, NC), Palace Cinema 9 (South Burlington, VT), Penn Cinema (Lititz, PA) and El Raton Theatre (Raton, NM), through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network – North America’s largest cinema broadcast network.

“There is nothing more important than giving communities the opportunity to support, discuss and share hope in the ongoing battle to cure this terrible affliction that strikes so many,” said Dan Diamond, vice president of NCM Fathom. “Breast cancer is no longer six degrees of separation—all of us in one way or another have been touched by its impact whether through a friend, mother, sister, wife or co-worker. Together, through this moving, educational and thought-provoking evening we can take another step to stop the clock to beat breast cancer.”
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Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
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