Each pedaling for someone special, more than 200 indoor cycle enthusiasts rode for a continuous six hours at Midtown Athletic Club at Windy Hill on April 24 to raise $158,000 for the Atlanta-based charity Ovarian Cycle.
“The energy on the gymnasium floor was over-the-top,” says Ellen Fruchtman, an Ovarian Cycle spokesperson who rode in memory of friend Debbie Flamm, who succumbed to the disease at age 43. An empty bicycle in the front row, adorned with teal balloons—the official color of ovarian cancer—served as both an inspiration and reminder of those who couldn’t ride.
“The participation and enthusiasm in this event was unbelievable,” says Andy Deyo, Midtown General Manager, who temporarily closed the club’s gymnasium and racquet ball court area to provide space for riders and silent auction items. “We continue to be proud to offer Midtown’s resources for this noble and charitable cause.”
Flamm’s passing in 2003 inspired another close friend, Bethany Diamond, to create the charity. Diamond, a Midtown fitness instructor and staunch believer in exercise as a way to reduce cancer risks, sought to honor Flamm by organizing an annual, indoor cycling fundraiser.
Diamond personally led the group for the final hour—the “Hero’s Hour,” she calls it—where the former Ironman competitor read from a list of the names of women who had died from ovarian cancer. With ovarian cancer survivors gathered in the front, everyone in the room clasped hands in a massive chain, and sang the Queen anthem “We Are the Champions.”
“It was a pretty powerful moment,” she says.
Last month, a similar Ovarian Cycle event in Birmingham attracted 76 riders, raising $58,000. More rides are planned this year in Tallahassee, Fla., and Boulder, Colo. In its seventh year, the charity has raised more than $800,000 for research and better detection methods. Donations go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation in New York City, Ovarian Cancer Institute at Georgia Tech, and the Norman Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation.
To learn more about ovarian cancer, visit www.ovariancycle.org
Monday, May 03, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
A School Bell Rings Collaborates with Local Bands to Present The Battle of the Corporate Bands
Play Music. Be a Star. Change the World.
A School Bell Rings, a locally-based, internationally-focused non-profit organization, will host its first Battle of the Corporate Bands Live and Silent Auction, a charitable event designed to raise funds for impoverished children in San Juan Del Sur Nicaragua next month. Six bands with musicians who work for major Atlanta companies and non-profits are scheduled into the event line-up.
The event will be held at the Retreat of Dunwoody on Saturday, May 8 starting at 7 PM. Battle of the Corporate Bands is a collaboration between local bands as well as individuals who donate their time and energy to help children around the globe obtain a better education. Participating bands sell tickets to the event and compete with ticket sales, as well as their performances, to raise funds for needy kids as they attempt to “win” the Battle! Each band will perform for 30 minutes, playing five songs for the attendees.
Bands with members from some of Atlanta's finest organizations are participating and include Escape Vehicle, Midwife Crisis, The 501c3 Project, Steve Baskin Band, The Ivy Road Band, and The Verge, with members from Zaxby’s, The American Cancer Society, The 60 Second Marketer, Tribe, Oracle, Colliers International, McKinsey & Company, and CNN.
Tickets to the event are available online starting April 1 at http://aschoolbellrings.org/events.html. Each ticket entitles attendees to free food, a free drink ticket, free music and access to the live and silent auction which includes items like autographed sports memorabilia, spa retreats, vacation villas, crafts, autographed guitars, oil paintings and other fabulous items.
“This event is a win-win, both for our participating bands, as well as the kids we support,” said Jamie Turner, A School Bell Rings founder and event creator. “As someone who is in a band myself, I can safely say the point is to perform for an audience, and this is a great opportunity to assemble fans and perform for a great cause.”
Turner says event volunteers are excited to partner with several local organizations and companies in the Atlanta area in hopes of reaching shared goals. These relationships will help to facilitate the advancement of growth and progress in the educational programs that A School Bell Rings has funded in years past as well as new programs they aim to fund in the future. With the proceeds from the Battle of the Corporate Bands, A School Bell Rings hopes to fund a new teacher-training program in Nicaragua. Past events have funded building of school facilities, as well as education programs in Tanzania and India. Recent ventures have included building two classrooms at the Tloma Primary School in Karatu, Tanzania and funding the development of a new school in Gujarat, India.
“To keep these kinds of programs going, we plan a high energy evening with excellent music and the live and silent auctions. We will also have information about the programs and kids we support, spirited attendees, and most importantly, a great cause,” said Shanta Dube, A School Bell Rings board member.
A School Bell Rings welcomes individuals and companies to provide tax-deductible auction items by emailing Binita Vijay at binita@aol.com. In addition, the organization and event needs more volunteers to pull off all the requirements from band management and staging to decorating, auction coordination, set-up and tear-down. Email Shanta Dube at ShantaDube@HotMail.com if you are interested in volunteering. For more information about the event, visit http://www.aschoolbellrings.org/events.html.
About A School Bell Rings
A School Bell Rings is an official 501(c)3 certified non-profit organization, devoted to improving the lives of impoverished children around the globe by providing them enhanced access to educational facilities and institutions. They accomplish this by building additional school locations and/or providing existing facilities with needed supplies and services. In addition to building schools, they also help the communities they support by establishing ongoing relationships with local craftsmen and artists. Donors who contribute to this organization participate in feedback and guidance on the charity and how it evolves. They do this by pursuing feedback through donor research, online feedback and face-to-face interaction as well as directed donations.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
A School Bell Rings, a locally-based, internationally-focused non-profit organization, will host its first Battle of the Corporate Bands Live and Silent Auction, a charitable event designed to raise funds for impoverished children in San Juan Del Sur Nicaragua next month. Six bands with musicians who work for major Atlanta companies and non-profits are scheduled into the event line-up.
The event will be held at the Retreat of Dunwoody on Saturday, May 8 starting at 7 PM. Battle of the Corporate Bands is a collaboration between local bands as well as individuals who donate their time and energy to help children around the globe obtain a better education. Participating bands sell tickets to the event and compete with ticket sales, as well as their performances, to raise funds for needy kids as they attempt to “win” the Battle! Each band will perform for 30 minutes, playing five songs for the attendees.
Bands with members from some of Atlanta's finest organizations are participating and include Escape Vehicle, Midwife Crisis, The 501c3 Project, Steve Baskin Band, The Ivy Road Band, and The Verge, with members from Zaxby’s, The American Cancer Society, The 60 Second Marketer, Tribe, Oracle, Colliers International, McKinsey & Company, and CNN.
Tickets to the event are available online starting April 1 at http://aschoolbellrings.org/events.html. Each ticket entitles attendees to free food, a free drink ticket, free music and access to the live and silent auction which includes items like autographed sports memorabilia, spa retreats, vacation villas, crafts, autographed guitars, oil paintings and other fabulous items.
“This event is a win-win, both for our participating bands, as well as the kids we support,” said Jamie Turner, A School Bell Rings founder and event creator. “As someone who is in a band myself, I can safely say the point is to perform for an audience, and this is a great opportunity to assemble fans and perform for a great cause.”
Turner says event volunteers are excited to partner with several local organizations and companies in the Atlanta area in hopes of reaching shared goals. These relationships will help to facilitate the advancement of growth and progress in the educational programs that A School Bell Rings has funded in years past as well as new programs they aim to fund in the future. With the proceeds from the Battle of the Corporate Bands, A School Bell Rings hopes to fund a new teacher-training program in Nicaragua. Past events have funded building of school facilities, as well as education programs in Tanzania and India. Recent ventures have included building two classrooms at the Tloma Primary School in Karatu, Tanzania and funding the development of a new school in Gujarat, India.
“To keep these kinds of programs going, we plan a high energy evening with excellent music and the live and silent auctions. We will also have information about the programs and kids we support, spirited attendees, and most importantly, a great cause,” said Shanta Dube, A School Bell Rings board member.
A School Bell Rings welcomes individuals and companies to provide tax-deductible auction items by emailing Binita Vijay at binita@aol.com. In addition, the organization and event needs more volunteers to pull off all the requirements from band management and staging to decorating, auction coordination, set-up and tear-down. Email Shanta Dube at ShantaDube@HotMail.com if you are interested in volunteering. For more information about the event, visit http://www.aschoolbellrings.org/events.html.
About A School Bell Rings
A School Bell Rings is an official 501(c)3 certified non-profit organization, devoted to improving the lives of impoverished children around the globe by providing them enhanced access to educational facilities and institutions. They accomplish this by building additional school locations and/or providing existing facilities with needed supplies and services. In addition to building schools, they also help the communities they support by establishing ongoing relationships with local craftsmen and artists. Donors who contribute to this organization participate in feedback and guidance on the charity and how it evolves. They do this by pursuing feedback through donor research, online feedback and face-to-face interaction as well as directed donations.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Krispy Kreme and the Law Enforcement Torch Run(R) Are Teaming Up to Raise Funds and Awareness For Special Olympics
/PRNewswire/ -- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (NYSE:KKD) 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 eighth annual "Cops on Doughnut Shops" weekend from 6 a.m. on Friday, April 30 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 2, where they will collect donations from customers as they eat, sleep and play on the rooftops of the fourteen Georgia Krispy Kreme stores. Due to the success of the event in years past, Cops on Doughnut Shops is being held at Krispy Kreme stores across the country, raising money for each state's local Special Olympics program.
Georgia's 2009 Cops on Doughnut Shops event raised a record $112,000 for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Georgia; this year, the participating officers hope to increase that number to $120,000. 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 2010:
Albany - 400 N. Slappey Blvd.
Athens - 3703 Atlanta Highway
Atlanta - 295 Ponce de Leon Avenue
Buford - 3387 Buford Drive
Columbus - 6167 Veterans Parkway
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
Savannah - 11506 Abercorn Street
Savannah - 2749 Skidaway Road
"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?"
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 will 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 $30 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.
Founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Krispy Kreme is a leading branded specialty retailer of premium quality doughnuts, including the Company's signature Hot Original Glazed. Krispy Kreme currently operates approximately 365 stores and 40 satellites in 45 U.S. states, Australia, Canada, Mexico, the Republic of South Korea and the United Kingdom. Krispy Kreme can be found on the World Wide Web at www.krispykreme.com.
For a list of all participating Krispy Kreme store locations, visit www.krispykreme.com.
For more information about the Law Enforcement Torch Run®, visit www.specialolympicsga.org.
Information contained in this press release, other than historical information, should be considered forward-looking. In particular, the Company has made predictions about its forecasted growth in systemwide sales for the second half of the fiscal year and the fiscal year overall, its revised development plans and estimated new store openings for the fiscal year and the potential for its new product and cost saving initiatives. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or expected. Among the key factors that may have a direct bearing on Krispy Kreme's operating results, performance or financial condition are its dependence on franchisees to execute its store expansion strategy, supply issues, changes in consumer preferences and perceptions, the failure of new products or cost saving initiatives to contribute to financial results in the timeframe or amount currently estimated, the outcome of the pending investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the pending shareholder class action, and the pending shareholder derivative action, and numerous other factors discussed in Krispy Kreme's periodic reports, proxy statement and other information statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Georgia's 2009 Cops on Doughnut Shops event raised a record $112,000 for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Georgia; this year, the participating officers hope to increase that number to $120,000. 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 2010:
Albany - 400 N. Slappey Blvd.
Athens - 3703 Atlanta Highway
Atlanta - 295 Ponce de Leon Avenue
Buford - 3387 Buford Drive
Columbus - 6167 Veterans Parkway
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
Savannah - 11506 Abercorn Street
Savannah - 2749 Skidaway Road
"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?"
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 will 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 $30 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.
Founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Krispy Kreme is a leading branded specialty retailer of premium quality doughnuts, including the Company's signature Hot Original Glazed. Krispy Kreme currently operates approximately 365 stores and 40 satellites in 45 U.S. states, Australia, Canada, Mexico, the Republic of South Korea and the United Kingdom. Krispy Kreme can be found on the World Wide Web at www.krispykreme.com.
For a list of all participating Krispy Kreme store locations, visit www.krispykreme.com.
For more information about the Law Enforcement Torch Run®, visit www.specialolympicsga.org.
Information contained in this press release, other than historical information, should be considered forward-looking. In particular, the Company has made predictions about its forecasted growth in systemwide sales for the second half of the fiscal year and the fiscal year overall, its revised development plans and estimated new store openings for the fiscal year and the potential for its new product and cost saving initiatives. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or expected. Among the key factors that may have a direct bearing on Krispy Kreme's operating results, performance or financial condition are its dependence on franchisees to execute its store expansion strategy, supply issues, changes in consumer preferences and perceptions, the failure of new products or cost saving initiatives to contribute to financial results in the timeframe or amount currently estimated, the outcome of the pending investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the pending shareholder class action, and the pending shareholder derivative action, and numerous other factors discussed in Krispy Kreme's periodic reports, proxy statement and other information statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Habitat For Humanity and Lowe's Challenge Women in all 50 States to Help Build Affordable Housing
/PRNewswire/ -- In the days leading up to Mother's Day, construction crews of women volunteers will join Habitat for Humanity to help build more than 200 houses in all 50 states. In Houston, Texas, they will be joined by Grammy award-winning gospel recording artist and radio morning show host Yolanda Adams and, in Paterson, N.J., New York Times best-selling author Julie Edelman. These pre-Mother's Day activities are part of Habitat's third annual National Women Build Week, May 1-9, sponsored by Lowe's.
National Women Build Week challenges women to devote at least one day to eliminate poverty housing. The event is an initiative of Habitat for Humanity's Women Build program, which recruits, educates and nurtures women to build and advocate for simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities.
"What we're doing this week is a living example of one of my favorite lyrics, 'The things we do, the things we say are gentle rays of hope that touch us all each day,'" Adams said. "I'm so happy we are able to come together as strong, capable women building more than rays of hope for our communities. We are building futures with families throughout the country."
Lowe's is committing $1 million to National Women Build Week by providing $5,000 grants to 200 participating affiliates. This build is a major initiative of Lowe's five-year, $20 million pledge to Habitat. That commitment includes underwriting of Habitat's Women Build program, as well as providing construction know-how at in-store clinics and build sites, and funding for a variety of Habitat projects across the country.
"Lowe's has been the proud sponsor of Habitat's Women Build program since 2004. This innovative program encourages women from all walks of life to pick up their hammers and build homes alongside Habitat partner families," said Larry D. Stone, Lowe's president and COO and chairman of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "This year marks the third anniversary of National Women Build Week. Lowe's salutes the more than 11,000 engaged women who have volunteered on Habitat jobsites across the U.S. during National Women Build Week to help bring an end to poverty housing."
Since Habitat's Women Build program's inception in 1998, nearly 1,700 Habitat for Humanity Women Build homes have been constructed with Habitat partner families.
"As a mother I realize the need to help empower women," Edelman said. "I hope together, we can build communities where we believe we're all doing our individual best, and whatever or however we do it, our personal best is more than OK! All of us working together - moms, women, families, Habitat and Lowe's, especially leading up to our day, Mothers Day - can truly make a difference by helping women build and maintain their homes, and their sense of self and dignity."
"As we at Habitat continue our work to provide simple, decent, affordable housing, we are both honored and humbled by the incredible support Habitat's women volunteers, sponsors and partner family heads-of-household lend to National Women Build Week," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "We are grateful that all across the country, women are addressing housing needs facing low-income families by joining Habitat for Humanity and Lowe's during this important nationwide initiative."
For more information on Habitat for Humanity's Women Build program, and to learn about Women Build projects in communities across the U.S. and around the world, visit www.habitat.org/wb.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
National Women Build Week challenges women to devote at least one day to eliminate poverty housing. The event is an initiative of Habitat for Humanity's Women Build program, which recruits, educates and nurtures women to build and advocate for simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities.
"What we're doing this week is a living example of one of my favorite lyrics, 'The things we do, the things we say are gentle rays of hope that touch us all each day,'" Adams said. "I'm so happy we are able to come together as strong, capable women building more than rays of hope for our communities. We are building futures with families throughout the country."
Lowe's is committing $1 million to National Women Build Week by providing $5,000 grants to 200 participating affiliates. This build is a major initiative of Lowe's five-year, $20 million pledge to Habitat. That commitment includes underwriting of Habitat's Women Build program, as well as providing construction know-how at in-store clinics and build sites, and funding for a variety of Habitat projects across the country.
"Lowe's has been the proud sponsor of Habitat's Women Build program since 2004. This innovative program encourages women from all walks of life to pick up their hammers and build homes alongside Habitat partner families," said Larry D. Stone, Lowe's president and COO and chairman of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "This year marks the third anniversary of National Women Build Week. Lowe's salutes the more than 11,000 engaged women who have volunteered on Habitat jobsites across the U.S. during National Women Build Week to help bring an end to poverty housing."
Since Habitat's Women Build program's inception in 1998, nearly 1,700 Habitat for Humanity Women Build homes have been constructed with Habitat partner families.
"As a mother I realize the need to help empower women," Edelman said. "I hope together, we can build communities where we believe we're all doing our individual best, and whatever or however we do it, our personal best is more than OK! All of us working together - moms, women, families, Habitat and Lowe's, especially leading up to our day, Mothers Day - can truly make a difference by helping women build and maintain their homes, and their sense of self and dignity."
"As we at Habitat continue our work to provide simple, decent, affordable housing, we are both honored and humbled by the incredible support Habitat's women volunteers, sponsors and partner family heads-of-household lend to National Women Build Week," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "We are grateful that all across the country, women are addressing housing needs facing low-income families by joining Habitat for Humanity and Lowe's during this important nationwide initiative."
For more information on Habitat for Humanity's Women Build program, and to learn about Women Build projects in communities across the U.S. and around the world, visit www.habitat.org/wb.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Associates Volunteer to Help Georgia Organizations During Third Annual Community Service Day
/PRNewswire/ -- More than 300 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) associates and their friends and families joined forces, despite thunderstorms and inclement weather conditions, to participate in the parent company's national Community Service Day. These efforts helped dozens of organizations across the state.
"At BCBSGA we work every day to improve the health of our communities," said Monye Connolly, president of BCBSGA. "Coming together on Community Service Day allows each of us to bring that commitment to life in an everyday way. For the past three years, we have worked with community organizations to collaborate on projects and services that impact each of our communities and we are proud to continue that effort this year."
BCBSGA partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Atlanta (BGCMA) to make the John Harland Boys & Girls Club cleaner, safer and more functional for its members. BGCMA works to provide young people with a safe place to learn and grow, and life-enhancing programs that develop character and offer hope and opportunity. The Club serves young people between the ages of six and 18 years, inspiring them to realize their full potential as healthy, productive and responsible citizens.
Volunteer tasks included:
- planting spring flowers in existing planter benches and butterfly garden
- refreshing large flower beds around the Club with shrubs and spring flowers
- installing landscape timbers around the Club to prevent mulch from washing away
- painting the teen clubhouse and installing new blinds
Coinciding with Points of Light & Hands On Network's National Volunteer Week, BCBSGA's associates participated in many activities, including:
-- Medshare
-- Camp Twin Lakes - Will-a-Way
-- March of Dimes Georgia Chapter - March for Babies (Columbus and
Savannah)
-- A.J. McClung YMCA
-- Twin Cedars Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home
-- Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
-- Golden Harvest Food Bank
-- Rebuilding Macon
-- And many others.
In 2009, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation also granted nearly $364,000 to community organizations in Georgia. In addition, BCBSGA gifted more than $270,000 to civic and charitable organizations through its community relations support.
And through BCBSGA's associate giving campaign, which was matched at 50 percent by the parent company's foundation, BCBSGA associates pledged more than $226,002 to help non profit organizations throughout the state in 2009.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
"At BCBSGA we work every day to improve the health of our communities," said Monye Connolly, president of BCBSGA. "Coming together on Community Service Day allows each of us to bring that commitment to life in an everyday way. For the past three years, we have worked with community organizations to collaborate on projects and services that impact each of our communities and we are proud to continue that effort this year."
BCBSGA partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Atlanta (BGCMA) to make the John Harland Boys & Girls Club cleaner, safer and more functional for its members. BGCMA works to provide young people with a safe place to learn and grow, and life-enhancing programs that develop character and offer hope and opportunity. The Club serves young people between the ages of six and 18 years, inspiring them to realize their full potential as healthy, productive and responsible citizens.
Volunteer tasks included:
- planting spring flowers in existing planter benches and butterfly garden
- refreshing large flower beds around the Club with shrubs and spring flowers
- installing landscape timbers around the Club to prevent mulch from washing away
- painting the teen clubhouse and installing new blinds
Coinciding with Points of Light & Hands On Network's National Volunteer Week, BCBSGA's associates participated in many activities, including:
-- Medshare
-- Camp Twin Lakes - Will-a-Way
-- March of Dimes Georgia Chapter - March for Babies (Columbus and
Savannah)
-- A.J. McClung YMCA
-- Twin Cedars Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home
-- Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
-- Golden Harvest Food Bank
-- Rebuilding Macon
-- And many others.
In 2009, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation also granted nearly $364,000 to community organizations in Georgia. In addition, BCBSGA gifted more than $270,000 to civic and charitable organizations through its community relations support.
And through BCBSGA's associate giving campaign, which was matched at 50 percent by the parent company's foundation, BCBSGA associates pledged more than $226,002 to help non profit organizations throughout the state in 2009.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Football Great Matt Stinchcomb Will Serve as MC of 10th Annual FODAC Run, Walk 'n Roll in Atlanta
/PRNewswire/ -- Former University of Georgia and NFL Offensive Tackle Matt Stinchcomb will MC the 10th annual Run, Walk 'n Roll, benefiting Atlanta's Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Too (FODAC). Adults and children of all ability levels are invited to compete in a 5-mile run or a 2-mile walk and roll on Saturday, May 1 at Confederate Hall inside Stone Mountain Park. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the runs scheduled for 8:30 and 9 a.m.
"We're excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Run, Walk 'n Roll," said Chris Brand, executive director of FODAC. "Each participant either pays a $20 fee or commits to a minimum of $50 in pledges to raise money for our organization. Proceeds from the event are used to provide people who are mobility impaired with wheelchairs, medical supplies and other home medical equipment they might not be able to afford otherwise. We are especially thrilled that football star Matt Stinchcomb is going to be part of the event this year, and I want to invite everyone to come out to meet him and participate in the Run, Walk 'n Roll."
The event will include a continental breakfast and other refreshments, door prizes, silent auction and raffle, and will be held rain or shine. Prizes will be given to the fastest three runners, as well as the individual and group who raise the most money. Corporate sponsors include AM-750 WSB, Stone Mountain Park, Auction Management Corporation, AMS Vans, Tucker Concrete Co., Inc., Cotton Sates Insurance and Verity Compliance, Inc. To register, visit www.fodac.org. For directions, visit www.stonemountainpark.com.
To date, FODAC has provided clients with over $60 million in medical equipment including over 20,000 wheelchairs. The organization is supported through grants and corporate and private donations.
"This is an easy and fun way for individuals, families or groups to spend a morning raising money for a worthwhile organization," said Brand. "Most of us have friends or family members who need mobility assistance at one time or another due to illness, aging or even an accident. We want to help as many people as possible improve the quality of their lives regardless of whether their mobility issues are temporary or permanent," he said.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
"We're excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Run, Walk 'n Roll," said Chris Brand, executive director of FODAC. "Each participant either pays a $20 fee or commits to a minimum of $50 in pledges to raise money for our organization. Proceeds from the event are used to provide people who are mobility impaired with wheelchairs, medical supplies and other home medical equipment they might not be able to afford otherwise. We are especially thrilled that football star Matt Stinchcomb is going to be part of the event this year, and I want to invite everyone to come out to meet him and participate in the Run, Walk 'n Roll."
The event will include a continental breakfast and other refreshments, door prizes, silent auction and raffle, and will be held rain or shine. Prizes will be given to the fastest three runners, as well as the individual and group who raise the most money. Corporate sponsors include AM-750 WSB, Stone Mountain Park, Auction Management Corporation, AMS Vans, Tucker Concrete Co., Inc., Cotton Sates Insurance and Verity Compliance, Inc. To register, visit www.fodac.org. For directions, visit www.stonemountainpark.com.
To date, FODAC has provided clients with over $60 million in medical equipment including over 20,000 wheelchairs. The organization is supported through grants and corporate and private donations.
"This is an easy and fun way for individuals, families or groups to spend a morning raising money for a worthwhile organization," said Brand. "Most of us have friends or family members who need mobility assistance at one time or another due to illness, aging or even an accident. We want to help as many people as possible improve the quality of their lives regardless of whether their mobility issues are temporary or permanent," he said.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Eagle Ranch Celebrates 25 Years of New Beginnings for Children and Families
/PRNewswire/ -- What began as the vision of a young man with a heart to help hurting children has become Georgia's largest single-campus home for children in crisis and a global model for children's homes. April marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of the first home at Eagle Ranch, which now is able to house and serve 66 children (42 boys and 24 girls).
Many North Georgians remember the compelling story of Eagle Ranch's start. Founder Eddie Staub, a newcomer from Alabama, faced a bank's deadline to raise enough money to purchase 180 acres in southern Hall County. The last dollar for the land purchase came just three days before the deadline, inspiring a CNN television report about "the miracle on Chestnut Mountain."
Twenty-five years later, the miracles at Eagle Ranch continue. The old barn that once served as Staub's makeshift office is still standing but is now surrounded by six boys' homes, four girls' homes, an on-campus school, an administration and counseling center, a chapel, athletic center and a recently completed lodge. All of it is sheltered amid a rural pasture setting that has expanded to 270 acres. The program remains firmly centered in its focus on Christian principles and teachings.
"The theme for our 25th anniversary celebration has focused on Eagle Ranch as a 'home for new beginnings,'" Staub said. "We're thankful to have had the opportunity to sow seeds for a fresh start in the lives of hundreds of children since our inception."
The famous deadline that forced Staub to make full payment on the land set the tone for a no-debt philosophy that Eagle Ranch has maintained to this day.
"No construction or development has ever taken place at the Ranch until all funds have been secured," Staub said. "This philosophy has been a hallmark of our fiscal policy that has allowed us to avoid paying interest on debt - and invest even more in the children entrusted to our care."
The Ranch's current $3.2 million budget is supported fully by private donations and funds.
"Today's economy has challenged all charitable organizations, and we are no exception," Staub noted. "But we are continually grateful for the faithful giving of so many people. The community continues to recognize the great need of children in this region and wants to support their care and healing to create stronger future generations."
Like the growth of its facilities and campus, the Eagle Ranch mission has evolved well beyond its original focus. The Ranch initially housed and counseled boys, then opened the doors to girls in 2001. In addition, an on-campus SACS-accredited school was also established in 2001 to provide extra help to Ranch children in grades 6-9.
Along with home life and education, professional counseling remains central to the Ranch's therapeutic approach. But even this key aspect of the overall program has grown from the early years. Though the child is still the primary focus, his or her entire family is now brought into counseling sessions. Family reunification in some shape or form - whether it includes one or both of the child's natural parents, grandparents, or other legal guardians - is the end goal. The programmatic innovation of Eagle Ranch is well-recognized by childcare professionals.
"Eagle Ranch is a family of sacrificial, compassionate caregivers who model what each provider of out-of-home care for children and youth should be about - family-centered practice built on a belief that every child deserves a safe and loving home where they can thrive," said Mark Washington, Assistant Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children Services. "Clearly, this is a place that has the hand of God on it."
While the Ranch looks back on its history during an anniversary celebration planned later this spring, the original vision is still moving forward. Under its Wings Initiative, Eagle Ranch is now reaching out far beyond its borders to help children across the country - and even overseas.
The Wings Initiative provides guidance and training to new or existing children's homes. Wings helps start or retool existing children's homes and has given flight to dozens of programs from Oak Ranch in Sanford, North Carolina, to My Father's House in San Salvador, El Salvador.
As part of its anniversary celebration, Eagle Ranch recently published an updated commemorative edition of "On Eagle's Wings," a history of the Ranch's founding that was written in 1995 to mark the 10th anniversary. Since then, the popular book has been reprinted numerous times along with another book, "Seasons," which includes an inspiring collection of "chicken-soup" style short stories about the Ranch children.
Additional information about the Ranch, its program and an historical scrapbook can be viewed on its website, recently updated for the 25th anniversary, at EagleRanch.org.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Many North Georgians remember the compelling story of Eagle Ranch's start. Founder Eddie Staub, a newcomer from Alabama, faced a bank's deadline to raise enough money to purchase 180 acres in southern Hall County. The last dollar for the land purchase came just three days before the deadline, inspiring a CNN television report about "the miracle on Chestnut Mountain."
Twenty-five years later, the miracles at Eagle Ranch continue. The old barn that once served as Staub's makeshift office is still standing but is now surrounded by six boys' homes, four girls' homes, an on-campus school, an administration and counseling center, a chapel, athletic center and a recently completed lodge. All of it is sheltered amid a rural pasture setting that has expanded to 270 acres. The program remains firmly centered in its focus on Christian principles and teachings.
"The theme for our 25th anniversary celebration has focused on Eagle Ranch as a 'home for new beginnings,'" Staub said. "We're thankful to have had the opportunity to sow seeds for a fresh start in the lives of hundreds of children since our inception."
The famous deadline that forced Staub to make full payment on the land set the tone for a no-debt philosophy that Eagle Ranch has maintained to this day.
"No construction or development has ever taken place at the Ranch until all funds have been secured," Staub said. "This philosophy has been a hallmark of our fiscal policy that has allowed us to avoid paying interest on debt - and invest even more in the children entrusted to our care."
The Ranch's current $3.2 million budget is supported fully by private donations and funds.
"Today's economy has challenged all charitable organizations, and we are no exception," Staub noted. "But we are continually grateful for the faithful giving of so many people. The community continues to recognize the great need of children in this region and wants to support their care and healing to create stronger future generations."
Like the growth of its facilities and campus, the Eagle Ranch mission has evolved well beyond its original focus. The Ranch initially housed and counseled boys, then opened the doors to girls in 2001. In addition, an on-campus SACS-accredited school was also established in 2001 to provide extra help to Ranch children in grades 6-9.
Along with home life and education, professional counseling remains central to the Ranch's therapeutic approach. But even this key aspect of the overall program has grown from the early years. Though the child is still the primary focus, his or her entire family is now brought into counseling sessions. Family reunification in some shape or form - whether it includes one or both of the child's natural parents, grandparents, or other legal guardians - is the end goal. The programmatic innovation of Eagle Ranch is well-recognized by childcare professionals.
"Eagle Ranch is a family of sacrificial, compassionate caregivers who model what each provider of out-of-home care for children and youth should be about - family-centered practice built on a belief that every child deserves a safe and loving home where they can thrive," said Mark Washington, Assistant Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children Services. "Clearly, this is a place that has the hand of God on it."
While the Ranch looks back on its history during an anniversary celebration planned later this spring, the original vision is still moving forward. Under its Wings Initiative, Eagle Ranch is now reaching out far beyond its borders to help children across the country - and even overseas.
The Wings Initiative provides guidance and training to new or existing children's homes. Wings helps start or retool existing children's homes and has given flight to dozens of programs from Oak Ranch in Sanford, North Carolina, to My Father's House in San Salvador, El Salvador.
As part of its anniversary celebration, Eagle Ranch recently published an updated commemorative edition of "On Eagle's Wings," a history of the Ranch's founding that was written in 1995 to mark the 10th anniversary. Since then, the popular book has been reprinted numerous times along with another book, "Seasons," which includes an inspiring collection of "chicken-soup" style short stories about the Ranch children.
Additional information about the Ranch, its program and an historical scrapbook can be viewed on its website, recently updated for the 25th anniversary, at EagleRanch.org.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Friday, April 09, 2010
Recycle the Can, Donate the Tab, Refresh Communities
(BUSINESS WIRE)--How far can 10 cents a day go? Farther than you think! Sprite is giving consumers an easy and inexpensive way to give back to communities through the “Sprite Tabs for Habitat” program. During the month of April, look for specially marked Sprite or Sprite Zero™ multipacks or 12-oz single cans with a unique green tab and Habitat for Humanity logo. For each green tab consumers collect and mail in by May 30, 2010, Sprite will donate 10 cents to Habitat for Humanity, up to $500,000. It’s that easy. Enjoy your Sprite, recycle your can and send in the green tab. Visit www.spritetabsforhabitat.com for more information.“In addition to providing funds, “Sprite Tabs for Habitat”
“Through the “Sprite Tabs for Habitat” program people can give back to their communities, help others, and recycle – all at the same time,” said Augusto Elias, brand director, Sprite, Coca-Cola North America. “We encourage people with busy lifestyles to see this program as an opportunity to make a difference in their community by simply mailing in the green tabs found on Sprite and Sprite Zero cans.”
Habitat for Humanity builds, repairs and rehabilitates safe, decent and affordable housing in partnership with low-income families in need. Sprite is making a minimum donation to Habitat for Humanity for $250,000 and a percentage of the total funds raised will be allocated to help retrofit homes with water conserving appliances. “In addition to providing funds, “Sprite Tabs for Habitat” will help Habitat for Humanity provide awareness of the incredible need for affordable housing that exists in the United States and around the world,” said Mark Crozet, senior vice president of Resource Development for Habitat for Humanity International. “We thank Sprite for the opportunity to participate in this program.”
Only green Sprite and Sprite Zero tabs will count toward the program and all tabs must be received by May 30, 2010, to be accepted for donation to Habitat for Humanity. To participate, place the green tabs in a regular or padded envelope. If using a non-padded envelope, please limit the number of tabs to 20 in each envelope and mail to: Sprite Tabs for Habitat, P.O. Box 51412, Knoxville, TN 37950. At the conclusion of the program, Sprite will donate all tabs to a charitable organization to be recycled.
In addition to mailing in green Sprite or Sprite Zero tabs, My Coke Rewards® members can also help Habitat for Humanity by donating their My Coke Rewards points between now and May 30, 2010. My Coke Rewards points donated will deliver additional monetary support for Habitat for Humanity. For more information about this opportunity or how to become a member of My Coke Rewards, please visit www.spritetabsforhabitat.com.
Sprite will encourage consumers to participate in the program by placing Habitat for Humanity messaging on packaging, point of sale, and online. Additionally, Sprite is sponsoring ABC Goes Green, a micro site on ABC.com that focuses on offering consumers tips, quizzes and videos on how to be more environmentally friendly. For more information, please visit http://abc.go.com/site/abc-goes-green.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Thursday, April 08, 2010
April’s 30 Days Can Save a Life
One COTA Mom Shares Her Family’s Journey to Transplant and the Selfness Donation that Saved Her Son’s Life
Every day in April (National Donate Life Month), people across the United States are encouraged to stop and think about saving lives. April is a chance for Americans to make a special effort to celebrate the tremendous generosity of those who have saved lives by becoming organ and tissue donors, and to encourage others to follow their example.
Why are these 30 days of April so important to raise awareness about becoming an organ and/or tissue donor?
Ø The need is growing on a daily basis.
Ø Currently there are 105,720 people on the organ waiting list in the United States.
Ø Each day, 77 children and adults get their life-saving organ transplant, but 19 others die because an organ did not become available in time.
For one Texas COTA family who beat the odds, National Donate Life Month is an important time to share their son’s transplant journey, and to acknowledge the anonymous family whose donation turned anguish into joy.
Weylin Kleinman was born on July 14, 2000, in Round Rock, Texas, several months after doctors had, while he was in utero, spotted what they thought was a cyst in his stomach. Tests done immediately after his birth showed an underdeveloped baby inside Baby Weylin’s abdominal cavity. Doctors removed it one week later and within days of the surgery discovered that Weylin’s small intestines were not functioning -- leaving the infant no way to process food. Weylin’s overworked liver also failed.
His parents, Kristi and Paul, were told Weylin’s condition, called fetus-in-fetus, was profoundly rare with only 50 to 75 cases documented worldwide in more than 200 years. Weylin was put on organ waiting lists at hospitals in New York City, NY, Pittsburgh, PA, and Omaha, NE -- all of which specialize in children’s transplants. And the family’s long and nerve-wracking waiting process began.
According to Kristi, “Once we started down the pathway of researching organ transplants, we instantly knew we were going to need help financially. Many of our friends and family members started trying to raise money for us on their own, but they were struggling to be successful.”
“While I was on a visit to the transplant unit at Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital, I met a fellow transplant family who was using the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA). They explained to me the many benefits associated with COTA, and told me how much trust they had in the organization. I fell in love with COTA on the spot and called my family and friends in Texas to discuss the concept.”
Almost immediately the Kleinman’s friends and families rallied together to work with COTA. According to Kristi, who was still far from home with a very sick baby, everyone was elated and that elation gave her a sense of encouragement and hope that her son’s life would be saved. She said, “I could not believe how fast a COTA training team could get to Texas from Indiana. The relief came to me almost as quickly, once I knew our volunteers were working with this incredible organization.”
Over the coming months, the COTA team orchestrated bake sales at major retailers, hosted Easter egg hunts at the Dell Diamond (a local AA baseball team) and managed coin collection canisters located throughout their community. In addition, family members told Kristi working with COTA allowed donors generosity to be rewarded through the tax deduction for their gift. COTA also helped to open the door to the media for this transplant family, and according to Kristi, “our adorable baby was embraced by even more members of our loving community.”
COTA provided a much-needed distraction while Kristi and Paul waited for a suitable liver and small intestine to be donated. The family’s transplant-related expenses mounted -- even during the long wait for transplant. The COTA team raised more than $75,000 -- and every penny was, or will be, used to cover his transplant-related expenses, including renting a medical transport jet when the family received ‘the call’ in Texas and had a window of only a few hours to get to Pittsburgh so Weylin could receive a second chance at life.
Weylin’s transplant surgery lasted 12 hours and came with a price tag of $1.8 million. Even more wrenching was knowing that a three-year-old girl was killed in an accident. Her family’s decision to donate her organs gave Weylin his second chance. Since receiving that selfless gift of life almost a decade ago, Kristi has become a vocal supporter of organ donation; she is a major supporter of National Donate Life Month activities.
“Another jaw-dropping aspect of COTA is the relief in not having to search for more funds once your child is blessed with donated organs,” said Kristi. “COTA tried to prepare me for how overwhelming it is when the organs come and the transplant actually occurs, but I figured after all of the waiting, this would not be the case with me. I was wrong.”
“This is truly one of the miracles you receive when working with COTA. Their professionals have seen so many families go through this traumatic event, and they know how to make sure you are ready for what you are about to endure. With COTA, I never once worried about the huge medical bills or the cross-country check ups or any of those transplant-related expenses that we will have for the rest of Weylin’s hopefully long life.”
Weylin has not experienced one bout of rejection since his small intestine and liver transplant nearly a decade ago. He plays on flag football and basketball teams. He loves his little sister and video games. He argues with his mom about homework and bedtime. He and his family travel from Texas to Pittsburgh for an annual check-up where they are able to show off the miracle performed there on June 8, 2001.
Weylin’s second chance at life was possible only because of a family from thousands of miles away who, in the face of their own personal tragedy and grief, made the decision to donate life.
The Children’s Organ Transplant Association is a national charity that provides fundraising assistance for children needing life-saving transplants. 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 percent of all funds raised in honor of patients are used for transplant-related expenses. For more information, visit www.cota.org or call 800.366.2682.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Every day in April (National Donate Life Month), people across the United States are encouraged to stop and think about saving lives. April is a chance for Americans to make a special effort to celebrate the tremendous generosity of those who have saved lives by becoming organ and tissue donors, and to encourage others to follow their example.
Why are these 30 days of April so important to raise awareness about becoming an organ and/or tissue donor?
Ø The need is growing on a daily basis.
Ø Currently there are 105,720 people on the organ waiting list in the United States.
Ø Each day, 77 children and adults get their life-saving organ transplant, but 19 others die because an organ did not become available in time.
For one Texas COTA family who beat the odds, National Donate Life Month is an important time to share their son’s transplant journey, and to acknowledge the anonymous family whose donation turned anguish into joy.
Weylin Kleinman was born on July 14, 2000, in Round Rock, Texas, several months after doctors had, while he was in utero, spotted what they thought was a cyst in his stomach. Tests done immediately after his birth showed an underdeveloped baby inside Baby Weylin’s abdominal cavity. Doctors removed it one week later and within days of the surgery discovered that Weylin’s small intestines were not functioning -- leaving the infant no way to process food. Weylin’s overworked liver also failed.
His parents, Kristi and Paul, were told Weylin’s condition, called fetus-in-fetus, was profoundly rare with only 50 to 75 cases documented worldwide in more than 200 years. Weylin was put on organ waiting lists at hospitals in New York City, NY, Pittsburgh, PA, and Omaha, NE -- all of which specialize in children’s transplants. And the family’s long and nerve-wracking waiting process began.
According to Kristi, “Once we started down the pathway of researching organ transplants, we instantly knew we were going to need help financially. Many of our friends and family members started trying to raise money for us on their own, but they were struggling to be successful.”
“While I was on a visit to the transplant unit at Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital, I met a fellow transplant family who was using the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA). They explained to me the many benefits associated with COTA, and told me how much trust they had in the organization. I fell in love with COTA on the spot and called my family and friends in Texas to discuss the concept.”
Almost immediately the Kleinman’s friends and families rallied together to work with COTA. According to Kristi, who was still far from home with a very sick baby, everyone was elated and that elation gave her a sense of encouragement and hope that her son’s life would be saved. She said, “I could not believe how fast a COTA training team could get to Texas from Indiana. The relief came to me almost as quickly, once I knew our volunteers were working with this incredible organization.”
Over the coming months, the COTA team orchestrated bake sales at major retailers, hosted Easter egg hunts at the Dell Diamond (a local AA baseball team) and managed coin collection canisters located throughout their community. In addition, family members told Kristi working with COTA allowed donors generosity to be rewarded through the tax deduction for their gift. COTA also helped to open the door to the media for this transplant family, and according to Kristi, “our adorable baby was embraced by even more members of our loving community.”
COTA provided a much-needed distraction while Kristi and Paul waited for a suitable liver and small intestine to be donated. The family’s transplant-related expenses mounted -- even during the long wait for transplant. The COTA team raised more than $75,000 -- and every penny was, or will be, used to cover his transplant-related expenses, including renting a medical transport jet when the family received ‘the call’ in Texas and had a window of only a few hours to get to Pittsburgh so Weylin could receive a second chance at life.
Weylin’s transplant surgery lasted 12 hours and came with a price tag of $1.8 million. Even more wrenching was knowing that a three-year-old girl was killed in an accident. Her family’s decision to donate her organs gave Weylin his second chance. Since receiving that selfless gift of life almost a decade ago, Kristi has become a vocal supporter of organ donation; she is a major supporter of National Donate Life Month activities.
“Another jaw-dropping aspect of COTA is the relief in not having to search for more funds once your child is blessed with donated organs,” said Kristi. “COTA tried to prepare me for how overwhelming it is when the organs come and the transplant actually occurs, but I figured after all of the waiting, this would not be the case with me. I was wrong.”
“This is truly one of the miracles you receive when working with COTA. Their professionals have seen so many families go through this traumatic event, and they know how to make sure you are ready for what you are about to endure. With COTA, I never once worried about the huge medical bills or the cross-country check ups or any of those transplant-related expenses that we will have for the rest of Weylin’s hopefully long life.”
Weylin has not experienced one bout of rejection since his small intestine and liver transplant nearly a decade ago. He plays on flag football and basketball teams. He loves his little sister and video games. He argues with his mom about homework and bedtime. He and his family travel from Texas to Pittsburgh for an annual check-up where they are able to show off the miracle performed there on June 8, 2001.
Weylin’s second chance at life was possible only because of a family from thousands of miles away who, in the face of their own personal tragedy and grief, made the decision to donate life.
The Children’s Organ Transplant Association is a national charity that provides fundraising assistance for children needing life-saving transplants. 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 percent of all funds raised in honor of patients are used for transplant-related expenses. For more information, visit www.cota.org or call 800.366.2682.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Macy's Teams Up With the National Park Foundation in Effort to Raise $1 Million
(BUSINESS WIRE)--This year marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and consumers might well ask: what difference can any one of us make? Macy's (NYSE:M) announced today three ways it is making a difference: a cause marketing campaign to generate much needed support for national parks, renewed sustainability efforts to reduce Macy's impact on the environment, and giving back to local communities through volunteer efforts.
“Helping to protect the environment is an important priority for our customers and associates”
Starting on April 5, Macy's launches its Great Give Back campaign highlighting the work of the National Park Foundation, providing a matching grant to customer donations for a total fundraising goal of $1 million. This amount is added to the $5 million already donated by the retailer and its customers since 2008.
"This year, Macy's support is connecting more than 100,000 young people to their national parks," said Neil Mulholland, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "Macy's contributions have helped support programs including First Bloom which brings urban youth into the national parks to design and plant their own gardens; as well as our upcoming Electronic Field Trip to Bryce Canyon, which will connect classrooms around the country and world to one of our most amazing national parks."
The Great Give Back campaign runs through April 30 in all Macy's locations and on macys.com. Customers are encouraged to make a point-of-sale donation in any denomination, and Macy's will make a matching grant up to $500,000.
From April 17 to 25, Macy's is an official partner of the National Park Foundation for National Park Week . Eight park locations have been selected for volunteer projects, assisting with vital programs including habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and land/river clean ups. The eight efforts around the nation are:
* Atlanta: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area - First Bloom planting and trail work
* Cleveland: Cuyahoga Valley National Park – First Bloom planting
* Los Angeles: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area – Trail restoration and maintenance
* Minneapolis/St. Paul: Mississippi River National Recreation Area – Park cleanup
* New York City: Gateway National Recreation Area – Ground maintenance and repairs
* San Antonio: San Antonio Missions National Historical Park – First Bloom planting
* San Francisco: Golden Gate National Recreation Area – Habitat restoration and trail work
* Washington, D.C.: National Capital Parks East/Fort Mahan – Trail maintenance
"Helping to protect the environment is an important priority for our customers and associates," said Terry J. Lundgren, Macy's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Macy's is proud to partner with the National Park Foundation for the third year in a row. This year, we've added the new element of volunteering time in the national parks, and we're delighted to invite community volunteers to join our Macy's Partners in Time participants in the parks."
Additionally, Macy's, Inc renewed its commitment to sustainability with new corporate goals through 2013. Since 2008, Macy's has:
* Encouraged nearly 1.5 million customers to switch to online billing statements vs. paper statements;
* Decreased use of office paper by 34 percent and paper used in marketing by 23 percent;
* Increased the proportion of recycled or certified paper used in our marketing materials to 63 percent and in our shopping bags to 82 percent;
* Installed active solar power systems at 40 stores;
* Invested in energy efficiency projects and consumption reduction initiatives to reduce total energy use by 10 percent (in addition to a reduction of 9 percent in the previous five years);
* Substituted biodegradable packing materials instead of foam "peanuts" in shipping online orders;
* Pioneered efforts to reduce the number of empty trucks on the road through the “Empty Miles Service" program, matching trucks/trailers with other shippers to minimize empty loads
Macy's, Inc has set new sustainability goals for 2013, including:
* Reduce energy consumption on a kWh per square foot basis by another 8 to 10 percent;
* Host an additional 15 to 25 percent of renewable energy sources;
* Reduce the amount of paper used by at least another 10 percent;
* Increase the percentage of recycled (10 percent PCW or higher) and/or third-party certified paper in marketing materials to 70 percent of total (up from 3 percent in 2006);
* Increase the use of sustainable building materials in all major construction projects by 20 percent
"Giving back is one of Macy's core values," said Lundgren. "Through our efforts with the National Park Foundation and our commitment to sustainability, we're proof that one company can make a big difference."
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
“Helping to protect the environment is an important priority for our customers and associates”
Starting on April 5, Macy's launches its Great Give Back campaign highlighting the work of the National Park Foundation, providing a matching grant to customer donations for a total fundraising goal of $1 million. This amount is added to the $5 million already donated by the retailer and its customers since 2008.
"This year, Macy's support is connecting more than 100,000 young people to their national parks," said Neil Mulholland, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "Macy's contributions have helped support programs including First Bloom which brings urban youth into the national parks to design and plant their own gardens; as well as our upcoming Electronic Field Trip to Bryce Canyon, which will connect classrooms around the country and world to one of our most amazing national parks."
The Great Give Back campaign runs through April 30 in all Macy's locations and on macys.com. Customers are encouraged to make a point-of-sale donation in any denomination, and Macy's will make a matching grant up to $500,000.
From April 17 to 25, Macy's is an official partner of the National Park Foundation for National Park Week . Eight park locations have been selected for volunteer projects, assisting with vital programs including habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and land/river clean ups. The eight efforts around the nation are:
* Atlanta: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area - First Bloom planting and trail work
* Cleveland: Cuyahoga Valley National Park – First Bloom planting
* Los Angeles: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area – Trail restoration and maintenance
* Minneapolis/St. Paul: Mississippi River National Recreation Area – Park cleanup
* New York City: Gateway National Recreation Area – Ground maintenance and repairs
* San Antonio: San Antonio Missions National Historical Park – First Bloom planting
* San Francisco: Golden Gate National Recreation Area – Habitat restoration and trail work
* Washington, D.C.: National Capital Parks East/Fort Mahan – Trail maintenance
"Helping to protect the environment is an important priority for our customers and associates," said Terry J. Lundgren, Macy's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Macy's is proud to partner with the National Park Foundation for the third year in a row. This year, we've added the new element of volunteering time in the national parks, and we're delighted to invite community volunteers to join our Macy's Partners in Time participants in the parks."
Additionally, Macy's, Inc renewed its commitment to sustainability with new corporate goals through 2013. Since 2008, Macy's has:
* Encouraged nearly 1.5 million customers to switch to online billing statements vs. paper statements;
* Decreased use of office paper by 34 percent and paper used in marketing by 23 percent;
* Increased the proportion of recycled or certified paper used in our marketing materials to 63 percent and in our shopping bags to 82 percent;
* Installed active solar power systems at 40 stores;
* Invested in energy efficiency projects and consumption reduction initiatives to reduce total energy use by 10 percent (in addition to a reduction of 9 percent in the previous five years);
* Substituted biodegradable packing materials instead of foam "peanuts" in shipping online orders;
* Pioneered efforts to reduce the number of empty trucks on the road through the “Empty Miles Service" program, matching trucks/trailers with other shippers to minimize empty loads
Macy's, Inc has set new sustainability goals for 2013, including:
* Reduce energy consumption on a kWh per square foot basis by another 8 to 10 percent;
* Host an additional 15 to 25 percent of renewable energy sources;
* Reduce the amount of paper used by at least another 10 percent;
* Increase the percentage of recycled (10 percent PCW or higher) and/or third-party certified paper in marketing materials to 70 percent of total (up from 3 percent in 2006);
* Increase the use of sustainable building materials in all major construction projects by 20 percent
"Giving back is one of Macy's core values," said Lundgren. "Through our efforts with the National Park Foundation and our commitment to sustainability, we're proof that one company can make a big difference."
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Friday, March 26, 2010
Record-A-Thon Harnesses Remarkable Volunteer Power, Bringing Books to Life for Students With Print Disabilities
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic’s Record-A-Thon Hosted by RFB&D’s Georgia Studio
Where: RFB&D Studio, 120 Florida Avenue, Athens, GA 30605
When: April 19 & 21, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., April 20, 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.,
April 22, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Delta Gamma sorority session 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
April 23, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Throughout the week at RFB&D’s Georgia studio, volunteers and volunteer readers will put in extra hours transforming textbooks into audiobooks – enabling students with visual and learning disabilities to learn through listening and achieve educational success. Sherri Goggin, Mrs. Georgia 2006, Athens Banner-Herald columnist, author and founder of Bundles of Joy gift bag program, is the honorary chair. Sheriff Ira Edwards, UGA basketball coach Mark Fox, former Mayor Doc Eldridge; Georgia State Representative Bob Smith, Athens Banner-Herald editor Don Nelson and other volunteers will fill the recording booths. The public and media are welcome to visit.
The Georgia volunteers will join thousands nationwide in the Record-A-Thon campaign to record books, raise funds and increase awareness about RFB&D and people with visual or learning disabilities. A national non-profit offering the largest audio textbook library in the country, RFB&D provides life-changing access to the printed word for over a quarter-million students and veterans.
For more information, contact:
Eleanor Cotton
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
Georgia
ecotton@rfbd.org
(706)-549-1313
Doug Sprei
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
Washington, DC
dsprei@rfbd.org
(703) 581-2498
Visit RFB&D at www.rfbd.org
--
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Where: RFB&D Studio, 120 Florida Avenue, Athens, GA 30605
When: April 19 & 21, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., April 20, 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.,
April 22, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Delta Gamma sorority session 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
April 23, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Throughout the week at RFB&D’s Georgia studio, volunteers and volunteer readers will put in extra hours transforming textbooks into audiobooks – enabling students with visual and learning disabilities to learn through listening and achieve educational success. Sherri Goggin, Mrs. Georgia 2006, Athens Banner-Herald columnist, author and founder of Bundles of Joy gift bag program, is the honorary chair. Sheriff Ira Edwards, UGA basketball coach Mark Fox, former Mayor Doc Eldridge; Georgia State Representative Bob Smith, Athens Banner-Herald editor Don Nelson and other volunteers will fill the recording booths. The public and media are welcome to visit.
The Georgia volunteers will join thousands nationwide in the Record-A-Thon campaign to record books, raise funds and increase awareness about RFB&D and people with visual or learning disabilities. A national non-profit offering the largest audio textbook library in the country, RFB&D provides life-changing access to the printed word for over a quarter-million students and veterans.
For more information, contact:
Eleanor Cotton
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
Georgia
ecotton@rfbd.org
(706)-549-1313
Doug Sprei
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
Washington, DC
dsprei@rfbd.org
(703) 581-2498
Visit RFB&D at www.rfbd.org
--
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Friday, March 12, 2010
Belk Spring Charity Sale on May 1 to Benefit Local Charities and Schools
Fall Charity Sale raised more than $4 million for hundreds of nonprofits
Belk invites Georgia charities, schools and other nonprofit organizations to participate in its Spring Charity Sale on May 1. The event will once again benefit communities throughout the company’s 16-state market area. The last Belk Charity Sale held November 7, 2009, raised more than $4 million for hundreds of participating nonprofit organizations.
Charity Sale tickets are available now at no cost to participating local, nonprofit organizations for sale in advance of the event. All proceeds from each $5 ticket sold will be retained by the charity. Beginning Friday, April 23, tickets may also be purchased at Belk stores with all donations equally divided among the participating charities and schools in each local store. There is no limit to the number of tickets charities can sell, and no limit to the amount of money that can be raised. Belk provides tickets and collateral materials at no cost to the participating groups.
The four-hour, in-store shopping event offers an excellent fundraising opportunity for participating organizations and a chance for customers to support worthwhile charities and take advantage of special discounts on purchases made during the event.
In exchange for a $5 donation, customers will receive a ticket admitting them to the Charity Sale on May 1 from 6 to 10 a.m. and entitling them to merchandise discounts ranging from 20 to 70 percent on purchases throughout the store, including special savings on rarely discounted brands. Customers will also receive $5 off their first purchase of $5 or more at the event, and Belk cardholders will receive double Rewards points for card purchases. Belk Elite cardholders will receive triple Rewards points for card purchases.
On May 1, beginning at 6 a.m. when doors open, the first 100 customers in each store will receive free Belk gift cards ranging in value from $5 to $1,000. In addition, all participating charities and schools will be automatically registered to win one of three $1,000 donations from Belk in a company-wide drawing.
The event, held semi-annually since Fall 2007, has raised more than $18 million for participating nonprofit organizations in Belk markets throughout the Southeast.
Charity representatives interested in taking part in this one-of-a-kind fundraising event should contact their local Belk store manager for more information. In order to participate in the Belk Charity Sale, organizations must have an IRS Section 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service.
About Belk, Inc.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk, Inc. is the nation’s largest privately owned mainline department store company. It operates more than 300 Belk stores located in 16 Southern states. The company was founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, N.C., and is in the third generation of Belk family leadership. Its Belk.com Web site is designed with many special features to make online shopping exciting, convenient and easy for customers. It offers a wide assortment of fashion apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family along with top name cosmetics, a wedding registry and a large selection of quality merchandise for the home.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Belk invites Georgia charities, schools and other nonprofit organizations to participate in its Spring Charity Sale on May 1. The event will once again benefit communities throughout the company’s 16-state market area. The last Belk Charity Sale held November 7, 2009, raised more than $4 million for hundreds of participating nonprofit organizations.
Charity Sale tickets are available now at no cost to participating local, nonprofit organizations for sale in advance of the event. All proceeds from each $5 ticket sold will be retained by the charity. Beginning Friday, April 23, tickets may also be purchased at Belk stores with all donations equally divided among the participating charities and schools in each local store. There is no limit to the number of tickets charities can sell, and no limit to the amount of money that can be raised. Belk provides tickets and collateral materials at no cost to the participating groups.
The four-hour, in-store shopping event offers an excellent fundraising opportunity for participating organizations and a chance for customers to support worthwhile charities and take advantage of special discounts on purchases made during the event.
In exchange for a $5 donation, customers will receive a ticket admitting them to the Charity Sale on May 1 from 6 to 10 a.m. and entitling them to merchandise discounts ranging from 20 to 70 percent on purchases throughout the store, including special savings on rarely discounted brands. Customers will also receive $5 off their first purchase of $5 or more at the event, and Belk cardholders will receive double Rewards points for card purchases. Belk Elite cardholders will receive triple Rewards points for card purchases.
On May 1, beginning at 6 a.m. when doors open, the first 100 customers in each store will receive free Belk gift cards ranging in value from $5 to $1,000. In addition, all participating charities and schools will be automatically registered to win one of three $1,000 donations from Belk in a company-wide drawing.
The event, held semi-annually since Fall 2007, has raised more than $18 million for participating nonprofit organizations in Belk markets throughout the Southeast.
Charity representatives interested in taking part in this one-of-a-kind fundraising event should contact their local Belk store manager for more information. In order to participate in the Belk Charity Sale, organizations must have an IRS Section 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service.
About Belk, Inc.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk, Inc. is the nation’s largest privately owned mainline department store company. It operates more than 300 Belk stores located in 16 Southern states. The company was founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, N.C., and is in the third generation of Belk family leadership. Its Belk.com Web site is designed with many special features to make online shopping exciting, convenient and easy for customers. It offers a wide assortment of fashion apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family along with top name cosmetics, a wedding registry and a large selection of quality merchandise for the home.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Volunteers Are Urgently Needed for Free Health Clinic for Uninsured
/PRNewswire/ -- Volunteers are urgently needed for a one-day, free health clinic in the Atlanta area this month that is expected to serve more than 1,000 uninsured Georgia residents.
"More than 18 percent of Georgia's non-elderly population is uninsured, demonstrating a great need for access to free medical services," National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC) Executive Director Nicole Lamoureux said. "In addition to providing needed medical services on the day of the event, this clinic is designed to connect the uninsured to ongoing medical resources."
The C.A.R.E. (Communities Are Responding Everyday) Clinic is scheduled for March 27 at the Georgia International Convention Center near Atlanta from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. It is sponsored by the NAFC and the Georgia Free Clinic Network (GFCN), which includes 18 free clinics around the state.
"Medical volunteers are urgently needed including doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, emergency medical technicians, medical administrators, licensed clinical social workers and more," GFCN Executive Director Donna Looper said. "We also need non-medical volunteers to help with documentation, logistical support, patient intake and translation, as well as to be patient greeters and escorts."
Volunteers can find out more information and register online at http://www.regonline.com/Atlanta_CARE_Clinic. Those interested in attending the clinic as a patient may call 1-877-233-5159 to make an appointment now.
"It is important to note that being uninsured is not the same as being unemployed," Lamoureux said. "About 83 percent of uninsured people have jobs. At past C.A.R.E. Clinics, we found that many of the patients worked at two or more jobs but did not receive health insurance benefits. Some even worked as nurses or for insurance companies but still did not have insurance themselves."
Dr. Craig Dietz, the Clinical Director of the Kansas City Free Clinic, has been a volunteer at all of the previous C.A.R.E. clinics that were held in Houston, New Orleans, Little Rock, Kansas City and Hartford. At these clinics over 7,000 uninsured people received free medical care. "Being involved in these clinics has been a rewarding experience," says Dr. Dietz. "We look forward to working with the Georgia community and adding to the approximately 7,000 previous C.A.R.E. clinic volunteers to help put on this important event."
About the National Association of Free Clinics:
The National Association of Free Clinics is the only nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of more than 1,200 free clinics and the people they serve in the United States.
Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is an effective advocate for the issues and concerns of free clinics, their volunteer workforce of doctors, dentists, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, technicians and other health care professionals, as well as the patients served by free clinics in communities throughout the nation.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
"More than 18 percent of Georgia's non-elderly population is uninsured, demonstrating a great need for access to free medical services," National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC) Executive Director Nicole Lamoureux said. "In addition to providing needed medical services on the day of the event, this clinic is designed to connect the uninsured to ongoing medical resources."
The C.A.R.E. (Communities Are Responding Everyday) Clinic is scheduled for March 27 at the Georgia International Convention Center near Atlanta from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. It is sponsored by the NAFC and the Georgia Free Clinic Network (GFCN), which includes 18 free clinics around the state.
"Medical volunteers are urgently needed including doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, emergency medical technicians, medical administrators, licensed clinical social workers and more," GFCN Executive Director Donna Looper said. "We also need non-medical volunteers to help with documentation, logistical support, patient intake and translation, as well as to be patient greeters and escorts."
Volunteers can find out more information and register online at http://www.regonline.com/Atlanta_CARE_Clinic. Those interested in attending the clinic as a patient may call 1-877-233-5159 to make an appointment now.
"It is important to note that being uninsured is not the same as being unemployed," Lamoureux said. "About 83 percent of uninsured people have jobs. At past C.A.R.E. Clinics, we found that many of the patients worked at two or more jobs but did not receive health insurance benefits. Some even worked as nurses or for insurance companies but still did not have insurance themselves."
Dr. Craig Dietz, the Clinical Director of the Kansas City Free Clinic, has been a volunteer at all of the previous C.A.R.E. clinics that were held in Houston, New Orleans, Little Rock, Kansas City and Hartford. At these clinics over 7,000 uninsured people received free medical care. "Being involved in these clinics has been a rewarding experience," says Dr. Dietz. "We look forward to working with the Georgia community and adding to the approximately 7,000 previous C.A.R.E. clinic volunteers to help put on this important event."
About the National Association of Free Clinics:
The National Association of Free Clinics is the only nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of more than 1,200 free clinics and the people they serve in the United States.
Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is an effective advocate for the issues and concerns of free clinics, their volunteer workforce of doctors, dentists, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, technicians and other health care professionals, as well as the patients served by free clinics in communities throughout the nation.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Fayette Relay For Life Searching for Cancer Survivors
The American Cancer Society of Fayette County and the Relay for Life Organizing Committee are searching for local cancer survivors who would like to participate in the 2010 Relay For Life of Fayette County and the annual pre-event Survivor Dinner.
Relay For Life is an annual fundraiser and the signature event of the American Cancer Society. The purpose of the rally is to raise money to fund research and development towards patient treatment, cancer prevention, and to help find a cure for cancer. At Relay teams of 10 – 15 people join together to raise money through pledges, or selling merchandise or food during the night long walking event.
Relay For Life is also about honoring some very important VIP’s; local residents who have survived cancer. Relay For Life is an event that helps survivors feel part of a very special community and celebrating life with them. Cancer survivors are treated as honored guests at Relay and are the guests of honor at a Survivor’s Dinner which is sponsored by Piedmont Fayette Hospital. This year’s Survivor Dinner will be held Friday, April 23th at the New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville.
Ellen Hester will be the motivational speaker at this year’s Survivor Dinner. Ellen is known for her unique and humorous presentations, often done in character. Attendees of the Survivor dinner are sure to be enthusiastically energized and entertained by Ms. Hester.
Survivors can register to attend Relay For Life on-line at www.relayforlife.org/fayettecounty. Follow the Survivor/Caregiver link under Event Information. Invitations to the Survivor Dinner will be mailed to all registered Survivors. Registration forms are also available at the Fayette County American Cancer Society (ACS) office located at 301 Kelly Drive, Suite 3, Peachtree City.
For more information about the Relay For Life event and the Survivor's Dinner, please contact Jody Abigando, Survivor Development Chairperson at 770-719-6098 or by email at Jody.Abigando@piedmont.org.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Relay For Life is an annual fundraiser and the signature event of the American Cancer Society. The purpose of the rally is to raise money to fund research and development towards patient treatment, cancer prevention, and to help find a cure for cancer. At Relay teams of 10 – 15 people join together to raise money through pledges, or selling merchandise or food during the night long walking event.
Relay For Life is also about honoring some very important VIP’s; local residents who have survived cancer. Relay For Life is an event that helps survivors feel part of a very special community and celebrating life with them. Cancer survivors are treated as honored guests at Relay and are the guests of honor at a Survivor’s Dinner which is sponsored by Piedmont Fayette Hospital. This year’s Survivor Dinner will be held Friday, April 23th at the New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville.
Ellen Hester will be the motivational speaker at this year’s Survivor Dinner. Ellen is known for her unique and humorous presentations, often done in character. Attendees of the Survivor dinner are sure to be enthusiastically energized and entertained by Ms. Hester.
Survivors can register to attend Relay For Life on-line at www.relayforlife.org/fayettecounty. Follow the Survivor/Caregiver link under Event Information. Invitations to the Survivor Dinner will be mailed to all registered Survivors. Registration forms are also available at the Fayette County American Cancer Society (ACS) office located at 301 Kelly Drive, Suite 3, Peachtree City.
For more information about the Relay For Life event and the Survivor's Dinner, please contact Jody Abigando, Survivor Development Chairperson at 770-719-6098 or by email at Jody.Abigando@piedmont.org.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Coweta Outreach
Shiloh Chinese Christian Church, Coweta Community Church and Community Welcome House have joined together in providing food, clothing, counseling and referral services the second Saturday of each month. This outreach program offers a soup lunch and information. The location is Coweta Community Church, 310 Millard Farmer Industrial Blvd, Newnan, GA.
Contact Mrs. Amy Tai for information at 770-502-2306 or by emailing shilohsccc@yahoo.com.
Contact Mrs. Amy Tai for information at 770-502-2306 or by emailing shilohsccc@yahoo.com.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Special Olympics Georgia Receives Grant from The Home Depot Foundation
/PRNewswire/ -- Through its fourth annual Building Community Day program, The Home Depot® Foundation has awarded $20,000 to Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA). The donation will be used to grow the State Competitions which also includes the Healthy Athletes free health screenings at all events.
"We are excited and honored to receive this support of both collaboration and funding from The Home Depot Foundation," said SOGA Chief Executive Officer Georgia Milton-Sheats. "This incredible and positive recognition and support will assist us as we expand and enhance our programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Atlanta community and statewide."
Through its Building Community Day program, sponsored in partnership with the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, The Home Depot Foundation connects with some of Atlanta's most effective nonprofit organizations, which are focused on building communities through innovative programs and collaborative partnerships that fall outside of the Foundation's usual areas of giving. Twenty nonprofits participated in roundtable discussions and workshops focused on the theme of 'Social Innovation: Inspirational Ideas and Practices for Maximum Impact.' Each organization received a $20,000 grant at the end of day to support their work on a broad range of issues facing the Atlanta community.
"We are delighted to support and celebrate nonprofits in our hometown that have a long-standing commitment to making Atlanta a healthier and more sustainable city where families can thrive," said Kelly Caffarelli, president, The Home Depot Foundation. "Special Olympics Georgia deserves enormous credit for the work it is doing, particularly in these difficult economic times, and we are glad to be part of their efforts."
SOGA continues to serve people with intellectual disabilities through year-round sports competitions and training, health screenings, leadership opportunities, family networking and more throughout the state. Find out more at www.specialolympicsga.org.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
"We are excited and honored to receive this support of both collaboration and funding from The Home Depot Foundation," said SOGA Chief Executive Officer Georgia Milton-Sheats. "This incredible and positive recognition and support will assist us as we expand and enhance our programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Atlanta community and statewide."
Through its Building Community Day program, sponsored in partnership with the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, The Home Depot Foundation connects with some of Atlanta's most effective nonprofit organizations, which are focused on building communities through innovative programs and collaborative partnerships that fall outside of the Foundation's usual areas of giving. Twenty nonprofits participated in roundtable discussions and workshops focused on the theme of 'Social Innovation: Inspirational Ideas and Practices for Maximum Impact.' Each organization received a $20,000 grant at the end of day to support their work on a broad range of issues facing the Atlanta community.
"We are delighted to support and celebrate nonprofits in our hometown that have a long-standing commitment to making Atlanta a healthier and more sustainable city where families can thrive," said Kelly Caffarelli, president, The Home Depot Foundation. "Special Olympics Georgia deserves enormous credit for the work it is doing, particularly in these difficult economic times, and we are glad to be part of their efforts."
SOGA continues to serve people with intellectual disabilities through year-round sports competitions and training, health screenings, leadership opportunities, family networking and more throughout the state. Find out more at www.specialolympicsga.org.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Mayfield Milk and Girl Scout Cookies: A Perfect Combination
What could be better than enjoying a cold glass of delicious Mayfield Milk? A glass of Mayfield Milk with your favorite Girl Scout Cookie!
From February 15 to March 30, Mayfield Dairy will be donating a portion of milk sales proceeds to Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta (GSGATL).
In addition to the donation, Mayfield President Scottie Mayfield says the dairy is also giving milk lovers a chance to save money. During the promotional period, Girl Scouts will be handing out the coupons at Girl Scout Cookie Booths at select locations while supplies last. With each Girl Scout Cookie purchase, consumers will get a coupon for a $1.00 off a gallon of Mayfield Milk.
“We’re excited about our partnership with Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta,” said Mr. Mayfield. “Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, and we’re happy to help this great organization provide girls with the skills they need to be outstanding members of our community.”
“The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta is thrilled Mayfield has partnered with us through our Girl Scout Cookie Program,” said Marilyn Midyette, CEO for GSGATL. “Their support will help our local troops operate camps and provide financial assistance to girls who can’t afford membership costs.”
“My favorite Girl Scout Cookies have always been Thin Mints,” said Mr. Mayfield. “No matter which cookie is your favorite, there’s nothing better than dipping one in a glass of Mayfield Milk.”
About Mayfield Dairy Farms
Founded in 1910, Mayfield Dairy Farms offers a full line of milk, cultured and ice cream products. Based in Athens, TN, the dairy serves nine Southeastern states. Tours of the dairy’s plants in Athens, TN and Braselton, GA offer an inside look into the history, production and great flavor of Mayfield products. To learn more about Mayfield Dairy Farms, visit www.mayfielddairy.com.
About Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc.
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Inc. serves approximately 41,000 girls and nearly 18,000 adult members in 34 counties in the metropolitan Atlanta area, northwest Georgia and a portion of Polk, Tenn. Our mission: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For more information on how to join, volunteer or donate to Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta call (770) 702-9100, or visit www.gsgatl.org.
---
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
From February 15 to March 30, Mayfield Dairy will be donating a portion of milk sales proceeds to Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta (GSGATL).
In addition to the donation, Mayfield President Scottie Mayfield says the dairy is also giving milk lovers a chance to save money. During the promotional period, Girl Scouts will be handing out the coupons at Girl Scout Cookie Booths at select locations while supplies last. With each Girl Scout Cookie purchase, consumers will get a coupon for a $1.00 off a gallon of Mayfield Milk.
“We’re excited about our partnership with Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta,” said Mr. Mayfield. “Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, and we’re happy to help this great organization provide girls with the skills they need to be outstanding members of our community.”
“The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta is thrilled Mayfield has partnered with us through our Girl Scout Cookie Program,” said Marilyn Midyette, CEO for GSGATL. “Their support will help our local troops operate camps and provide financial assistance to girls who can’t afford membership costs.”
“My favorite Girl Scout Cookies have always been Thin Mints,” said Mr. Mayfield. “No matter which cookie is your favorite, there’s nothing better than dipping one in a glass of Mayfield Milk.”
About Mayfield Dairy Farms
Founded in 1910, Mayfield Dairy Farms offers a full line of milk, cultured and ice cream products. Based in Athens, TN, the dairy serves nine Southeastern states. Tours of the dairy’s plants in Athens, TN and Braselton, GA offer an inside look into the history, production and great flavor of Mayfield products. To learn more about Mayfield Dairy Farms, visit www.mayfielddairy.com.
About Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc.
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Inc. serves approximately 41,000 girls and nearly 18,000 adult members in 34 counties in the metropolitan Atlanta area, northwest Georgia and a portion of Polk, Tenn. Our mission: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For more information on how to join, volunteer or donate to Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta call (770) 702-9100, or visit www.gsgatl.org.
---
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Airmen, Soldiers Continue Deliveries to Haiti
By Air Force Airman 1st Class Jason J. Brown
Special to American Forces Press Service
Airmen and soldiers assigned here (Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA) and at Fort Lee, Va., loaded nearly 70 tons of gear and supplies and more than 70 soldiers aboard two C-17 Globemaster III transports Feb. 8 and 9 in support of Operation Unified Response in Haiti.
The 633rd Logistics Readiness Squadron team worked alongside airmen from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and soldiers from Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Forty Lee to load the gear and people aboard C-17s from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.
Air transporters from the 633rd LRS have worked around the clock since Jan. 14, ensuring the aircraft are properly loaded, said Air Force Master Sgt. Anthony McCray, the squadron's air terminal operations superintendent. The team performed joint inspections with deploying units and validated all aircraft load plans for proper weight distribution and sequencing.
Soldiers loaded vehicles, palletized cargo and gear as troops from Fort Lee's 530th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion boarded en route to provide security, fuel systems and water purification management in Haiti.
"The Air Force trains soldiers through an affiliation program how to load aircraft properly," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Harris, a 21st Airlift Squadron loadmaster. "They knew exactly what to do and really helped expedite the process."
Airmen use planes that are most readily available to carry cargo and people from support bases to Haiti and back. As a result, crews from around the country man aircraft from different bases, all while visiting installations that serve as hubs.
"We need to be able to respond as quickly as possible, so when the alert comes in, we take whatever plane is available," said Air Force Airman 1st Class Alex Bartels, a loadmaster from Travis who accompanied the Hickam-based C-17. "It saves time and money and helps us be as efficient as possible."
The Haiti relief operation has kept the 633rd's airmen very busy.
"Last year, we moved approximately 1,500 tons of cargo," said Air Force 2nd Lt. Larry Ingersoll, the 633rd LRS officer in charge of air terminal operations. After the Jan. 12 earthquake, the squadron's airmen moved 746 tons of relief supplies in only 25 days, just 7 percent of the year.
Since the beginning of the operation, 633rd LRS Airmen have loaded 24 aircraft with cargo and more than 200 people bound for Haiti.
(Author Air Force Airman 1st Class Jason J. Brown serves in the 633rd Air Base Wing public affairs office.)
--
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Special to American Forces Press Service
Airmen and soldiers assigned here (Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA) and at Fort Lee, Va., loaded nearly 70 tons of gear and supplies and more than 70 soldiers aboard two C-17 Globemaster III transports Feb. 8 and 9 in support of Operation Unified Response in Haiti.
The 633rd Logistics Readiness Squadron team worked alongside airmen from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and soldiers from Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Forty Lee to load the gear and people aboard C-17s from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.
Air transporters from the 633rd LRS have worked around the clock since Jan. 14, ensuring the aircraft are properly loaded, said Air Force Master Sgt. Anthony McCray, the squadron's air terminal operations superintendent. The team performed joint inspections with deploying units and validated all aircraft load plans for proper weight distribution and sequencing.
Soldiers loaded vehicles, palletized cargo and gear as troops from Fort Lee's 530th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion boarded en route to provide security, fuel systems and water purification management in Haiti.
"The Air Force trains soldiers through an affiliation program how to load aircraft properly," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Harris, a 21st Airlift Squadron loadmaster. "They knew exactly what to do and really helped expedite the process."
Airmen use planes that are most readily available to carry cargo and people from support bases to Haiti and back. As a result, crews from around the country man aircraft from different bases, all while visiting installations that serve as hubs.
"We need to be able to respond as quickly as possible, so when the alert comes in, we take whatever plane is available," said Air Force Airman 1st Class Alex Bartels, a loadmaster from Travis who accompanied the Hickam-based C-17. "It saves time and money and helps us be as efficient as possible."
The Haiti relief operation has kept the 633rd's airmen very busy.
"Last year, we moved approximately 1,500 tons of cargo," said Air Force 2nd Lt. Larry Ingersoll, the 633rd LRS officer in charge of air terminal operations. After the Jan. 12 earthquake, the squadron's airmen moved 746 tons of relief supplies in only 25 days, just 7 percent of the year.
Since the beginning of the operation, 633rd LRS Airmen have loaded 24 aircraft with cargo and more than 200 people bound for Haiti.
(Author Air Force Airman 1st Class Jason J. Brown serves in the 633rd Air Base Wing public affairs office.)
--
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Headgear Donates Shoes and Shirts to Hatian Earthquake Victims through Soles4Souls
Headgear, INC announced Tuesday it will donate 5,000 pairs of shoes and 100,000 shirts to Soles4Souls, the international charity dedicated to distributing new and gently worn shoes to those in need all over the world. The shoes are in support of Soles4Souls commitment to send more than 1.3 Million pairs of shoes to the devastated region.
Soles4Souls has partnered with other organizations on the ground in Haiti to transport and distribute the aid. More than 100,000 pairs of shoes, including work boots, rain boots, children’s athletic shoes and clothing items, have already been distributed in Haiti. The shoe charity announced it will continue to send shoes to the region throughout 2010 as part of their sustainable efforts to help Haiti in the rebuilding efforts.
“The mission to bring hope to the people of Haiti is well underway,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “With the help of our friends at Headgear, INC, Haitians can begin to rebuild their lives and look forward to a brighter day.”
"We are proud to be partnering with Soles4Souls to aid the relief efforts currently underway in Haiti. Our donation is a token of our strong commitment to our communities and consumers alike. We hope our shoes and clothing can provide hope and happiness to those in need."
For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.giveshoes.org.
About Soles4Souls®
Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you. We distribute these shoes, free of charge, to people in need around the world. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 7 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 9 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.
About Headgear
HeadGear, Inc. designs, markets and distributes a full collection of men’s, women’s, and youth clothing and accessories. Founded in 1992 as primarily a cap wholesaler, HeadGear has expanded into a full line of apparel and accessories and markets a strong portfolio of brands such as the premier lines of Blac Label, Blac Label Pink, and True Ambition footwear.
---
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Soles4Souls has partnered with other organizations on the ground in Haiti to transport and distribute the aid. More than 100,000 pairs of shoes, including work boots, rain boots, children’s athletic shoes and clothing items, have already been distributed in Haiti. The shoe charity announced it will continue to send shoes to the region throughout 2010 as part of their sustainable efforts to help Haiti in the rebuilding efforts.
“The mission to bring hope to the people of Haiti is well underway,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “With the help of our friends at Headgear, INC, Haitians can begin to rebuild their lives and look forward to a brighter day.”
"We are proud to be partnering with Soles4Souls to aid the relief efforts currently underway in Haiti. Our donation is a token of our strong commitment to our communities and consumers alike. We hope our shoes and clothing can provide hope and happiness to those in need."
For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.giveshoes.org.
About Soles4Souls®
Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you. We distribute these shoes, free of charge, to people in need around the world. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 7 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 9 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.
About Headgear
HeadGear, Inc. designs, markets and distributes a full collection of men’s, women’s, and youth clothing and accessories. Founded in 1992 as primarily a cap wholesaler, HeadGear has expanded into a full line of apparel and accessories and markets a strong portfolio of brands such as the premier lines of Blac Label, Blac Label Pink, and True Ambition footwear.
---
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
First Lady Perdue Joins ‘Bearable Hugs’ Campaign
Stuffed Animals Distributed to Patients at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
First Lady Mary Perdue teamed up today with the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) and the Fatherhood Program to collect teddy bears and other stuffed animals for children as part of the ‘Bearable Hugs for Georgia’s Children’ campaign at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The toys will be given to children receiving care at pediatric facilities, women’s shelters, law enforcement agencies and other children’s organizations throughout Georgia.
“It’s a blessing to see the smile a little stuffed animal can bring to face of a child,” said First Lady Mary Perdue. “This small gift helps a law enforcement officer to calm a child involved in a tense domestic situation or a hospital worker bringing comfort to a child.”
Individuals, churches, businesses and other organizations will participate in the Bearable Hugs for Georgia’s Children campaign by dropping off donations of teddy bears and other stuffed animals at any DCSS office throughout the state. The stuffed animals will be distributed on February 11th and 12th, 2010.
“Last year we collected over 4,000 stuffed animals which benefitted children served by 82 different organizations around the state,” said DCSS Director Keith Horton. “We hope to collect even more stuffed animals this year.”
“The Bearable Hugs campaign is a wonderful way for all Georgians to help children facing illness or other difficult circumstances, and I am honored to be a part of this community project,” said Mrs. Perdue.
The Division of Child Support Services helps Georgia’s children by enforcing the parental responsibility to financially support children. The Fatherhood Program serves non-custodial parents who are unable to pay their child support by helping them find employment and other services that promote self-sufficiency so they can support their children.
For more information about the Division of Child Support Services or the Fatherhood Program, go to www.ocse.dhr.georgia.gov.
---
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
First Lady Mary Perdue teamed up today with the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) and the Fatherhood Program to collect teddy bears and other stuffed animals for children as part of the ‘Bearable Hugs for Georgia’s Children’ campaign at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The toys will be given to children receiving care at pediatric facilities, women’s shelters, law enforcement agencies and other children’s organizations throughout Georgia.
“It’s a blessing to see the smile a little stuffed animal can bring to face of a child,” said First Lady Mary Perdue. “This small gift helps a law enforcement officer to calm a child involved in a tense domestic situation or a hospital worker bringing comfort to a child.”
Individuals, churches, businesses and other organizations will participate in the Bearable Hugs for Georgia’s Children campaign by dropping off donations of teddy bears and other stuffed animals at any DCSS office throughout the state. The stuffed animals will be distributed on February 11th and 12th, 2010.
“Last year we collected over 4,000 stuffed animals which benefitted children served by 82 different organizations around the state,” said DCSS Director Keith Horton. “We hope to collect even more stuffed animals this year.”
“The Bearable Hugs campaign is a wonderful way for all Georgians to help children facing illness or other difficult circumstances, and I am honored to be a part of this community project,” said Mrs. Perdue.
The Division of Child Support Services helps Georgia’s children by enforcing the parental responsibility to financially support children. The Fatherhood Program serves non-custodial parents who are unable to pay their child support by helping them find employment and other services that promote self-sufficiency so they can support their children.
For more information about the Division of Child Support Services or the Fatherhood Program, go to www.ocse.dhr.georgia.gov.
---
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Saturday, February 06, 2010
East Cobb Church of Christ Accepting Donations for Haiti from Feb. 10 to March 12
Walmart Transportation is assisting the East Cobb Church of Christ (ECCOC) to bring relief to the millions of Haitians affected by the earthquake. ECCOC has a long history of serving families in North Haiti and is seeking donations of food, summer clothing, school supplies, toys and cash donations to fill a 53-foot Walmart trailer that will be located on the church property. Walmart has volunteered to transport the trailer from ECCOC in Marietta, Ga. to Miami, Fla. where the donated items will then be shipped to Haiti to aid victims of the earthquake.
Suggested donations include:
· Non-Perishable food and sundry items
· Eating utensils
· Plastic containers
· First Aid Kits
· Hygiene products (e.g. toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.)
· Summer clothing
· School supplies
· Toys and recreational items
For more information please call 770-587-5999 or visit: http://www.eastcobbcoc.org/drupal/content/please-help-us-fill-container-haiti.
February 10– March 12, 2010
Collection dates and times:
Saturdays, February 13 to March 6
· 10:00 a.m.-12:00a.m.
Sundays, February 14 to March 7
· 8:30 to 9:00 a.m.
· 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
· 12:30 to 1:00 p.m.
East Cobb Church of Christ
5240 Roswell Road
Marietta, GA 30062
770-587-5999
---
Community News You Can Use
http://www.georgiafrontpage.com/
Twitter: @gafrontpage
http://www.readmylipsticknetwork.com/
Twitter: @readmylipstick
http://www.artsacrossgeorgia.com/
http://www.hummingbird-hollow.com/
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Suggested donations include:
· Non-Perishable food and sundry items
· Eating utensils
· Plastic containers
· First Aid Kits
· Hygiene products (e.g. toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.)
· Summer clothing
· School supplies
· Toys and recreational items
For more information please call 770-587-5999 or visit: http://www.eastcobbcoc.org/drupal/content/please-help-us-fill-container-haiti.
February 10– March 12, 2010
Collection dates and times:
Saturdays, February 13 to March 6
· 10:00 a.m.-12:00a.m.
Sundays, February 14 to March 7
· 8:30 to 9:00 a.m.
· 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
· 12:30 to 1:00 p.m.
East Cobb Church of Christ
5240 Roswell Road
Marietta, GA 30062
770-587-5999
---
Community News You Can Use
http://www.georgiafrontpage.com/
Twitter: @gafrontpage
http://www.readmylipsticknetwork.com/
Twitter: @readmylipstick
http://www.artsacrossgeorgia.com/
http://www.hummingbird-hollow.com/
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Monday, January 25, 2010
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Too! Collecting Supplies for Shipment to Haiti
/PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta-based Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Too! (www.fodac.org), is coordinating a community effort over the next two weeks to provide much-needed non-perishable medical supplies and relief items to the victims of Haiti's recent earthquake. FODAC is collecting blankets, crutches, walkers, orthotic braces, wheelchairs, bandages, medical gloves, etc. at the organization's warehouse in Stone Mountain, Ga. The items will be shipped to Haiti within the next few weeks.
FODAC is partnering with Portlight Strategies of Charleston, S.C., (www.portlight.org) and the Weather Underground (www.wunderground.com) to ship and distribute the items. Thanks to funding from the Weather Underground, Portlight Strategies already has staff in Haiti to coordinate the distribution effort, as well as a truck packed with supplies, en route to Haiti now by ship.
"FODAC provides over $8 million worth of home health mobility and daily living equipment each year to people with disabilities or injuries," said Chris Brand, executive director of FODAC. "Most of the equipment we provide to children and adults consists of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and other mobility devices. However, we have a number of items such as manual hospital beds, medical supplies and extra crutches and walkers that we stockpile for international relief efforts. A disaster like an earthquake leaves countless victims with broken bones and other mobility injuries. We have the equipment to donate. All we needed was a way to get it to Haiti."
FODAC owns a 64,800 square-foot warehouse at 4900 Lewis Road in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Donors may drop off supplies between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday through Feb. 6. Directions to the warehouse may be found at http://www.fodac.org/clients/directions.php.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
FODAC is partnering with Portlight Strategies of Charleston, S.C., (www.portlight.org) and the Weather Underground (www.wunderground.com) to ship and distribute the items. Thanks to funding from the Weather Underground, Portlight Strategies already has staff in Haiti to coordinate the distribution effort, as well as a truck packed with supplies, en route to Haiti now by ship.
"FODAC provides over $8 million worth of home health mobility and daily living equipment each year to people with disabilities or injuries," said Chris Brand, executive director of FODAC. "Most of the equipment we provide to children and adults consists of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and other mobility devices. However, we have a number of items such as manual hospital beds, medical supplies and extra crutches and walkers that we stockpile for international relief efforts. A disaster like an earthquake leaves countless victims with broken bones and other mobility injuries. We have the equipment to donate. All we needed was a way to get it to Haiti."
FODAC owns a 64,800 square-foot warehouse at 4900 Lewis Road in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Donors may drop off supplies between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday through Feb. 6. Directions to the warehouse may be found at http://www.fodac.org/clients/directions.php.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Atlanta Haitian Group Galvanizing Support for Earthquake Victims
Medical supplies, shoes, blankets, disinfecting wipes, water, food items desperately needed
An Atlanta based nonprofit organization, The Haitian Alliance, Inc. (www.transformhaiti.org), announced today its plan to partner with 20 other Haitian organizations in the metro Atlanta area and Hosea Feed the Hungry to provide aid and assistance to the victims of the recent earthquake that shattered the lives of millions in the tiny Caribbean nation of Haiti.
The Haiti Disaster Relief Project was formed under the umbrella of The Haitian Alliance, Inc. to collect and distribute needed items to the victims of the January 12th earthquake. A team of local volunteers will travel to Haiti with the donated items to provide hands-on assistance with the distribution as well as real time reports of the impact of the project and information gathering to enable plans for long-term support.
An estimated 30,000 Haitians live in the metro Atlanta area. Most have family in crisis in the country and many are desperate for means to provide help as well as information on the well-being of loved ones. The Haitian Alliance, Inc., established in 2006, has at the core of its mission the education of the people and the reforestation of the land.
Mr. Saurel Quettan, public relations officer for The Haitian Alliance, Inc., said, “We must now galvanize our strengths and resources to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. We know the depth of their sorrow and the magnitude of their loss. Haitian people are courageous and resilient, but this is more than any of them have ever had to endure. With the help of the local and international community, Haiti will rise again.”
Cash contributions are needed most and can be pledged on our website at www.transformhaiti.org. Donations of supplies are also being collected throughout metro Atlanta and surrounding areas at over ten designated collection centers. For a list of these centers as well a list of needed items, please visit our website at www.transformhaiti.org and click on “collect” or call 888-499-6509.
###
Suggested supplies:
Water purification tablets
Medicine/Medical Supplies: Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol, pain killers, antibiotics, analgesics, peroxide, bandages, gauze, crutches, wheelchairs, cervical collars, splints, and items needed for field surgery, specifically, IV anesthesia
Non-perishable, ready-to-eat foods in easy-to-open containers
Tents, cots, camping equipment, lanterns, sleeping bags
Sheets, blankets, pillows, towels
Toiletries
Port-a-potty
Solar lanterns/lamps
Clothes/Shoes
Pre-mixed baby formula, diapers
Body bags
Donation centers throughout the metro Atlanta area at the following locations:
Clayton County
Jonesboro High School
7728 Mt Zion Blvd, Jonesboro, GA 30236; (707) 473-2855
Forest Park Middle School
930 Finley Drive, Forest Park, GA 30297; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 2:00PM, until January 22nd
Cobb County
All-N-1 Security Services
3915 Cascade Road, Atlanta, GA 30331, (404) 472-3032; Mon - Fri: 11:00AM - 3:30PM
Argyle Elementary School
2420 Spring Road SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
Fhadi
685 Windy Hill Road, Su. A, Smyrna, GA 30309; Contact: Jean Claude Ledoux; (770) 374-4588
WRFG Radio
1083 Austin Avenue N. E., Atlanta, GA 30307; Mon - Fri: 11:00AM - 6:00PM;
DeKalb County
Cafe Fasika
447 North Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston, GA 30021; Contact: Herold Ulysse; (404) 499-0997
Stone Mountain Club Intrigue
5471 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Helen Seiz
1165 Lea Drive, Roswell, GA 30076
St. Bridgid Catholic Church
3400 Old Alabama Road. Johns Creek, GA 30022
St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church
2560 Tilson Road. Decatur, GA, 30032
Northside Women's Specialists
1015 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076; Mon - Fri: 8:00AM - 3:30PM
NWS OBGYN
980 Johnson Ferry Rd. #620, Atlanta, GA 30342; Mon - Fri: 8:30AM - 3:30PM
Real Source Brokers
650 East Lake Drive, Decatur, GA 30030; (404) 819-8014; Mon - Fri: 9:30 - 3:30PM
Fulton
South Fulton Theophile Church
950 Custer Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30316; Contact: Frantz Pinet; (404) 624-9432
City Storage
726 Ponce de Leon Place, Atlanta, GA 30306; Mon - Sat: 9:00 - 6:00PM; Sun. 10:00 - 2:00PM; Contact: Jeff Ferguson; (404)853-3303
Project South
9 Gammon Ave, Atlanta, GA 30315; Mon - Fri 3:00 - 7:00PM
Marco's Pita
752 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30306; Mon - Fri: 10:00 - 7:00pm; (404) 607-0071
Mindzai Multimedia
728 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30312; (404) 222-9337
Wax Wednesdays at Ixtlan
2160 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30324; Mon - Fri: 11:00 - 6:00PM
The Mix at Glenwood
1263 Glenwood Avenue Atlanta, GA 30316; Wed: 7:00pm - Midnight
Village Montessori School
1610 Woodstock Rd, Roswell, GA 30075; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 5:00PM; Sat: 7:30a - 1:00PM; (770) 552-0834
Gwinnett County
Fisherman Church
300 Merchant Drive, Norcross, GA 30091; Contact: Pasteur Leroy
---
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
An Atlanta based nonprofit organization, The Haitian Alliance, Inc. (www.transformhaiti.org), announced today its plan to partner with 20 other Haitian organizations in the metro Atlanta area and Hosea Feed the Hungry to provide aid and assistance to the victims of the recent earthquake that shattered the lives of millions in the tiny Caribbean nation of Haiti.
The Haiti Disaster Relief Project was formed under the umbrella of The Haitian Alliance, Inc. to collect and distribute needed items to the victims of the January 12th earthquake. A team of local volunteers will travel to Haiti with the donated items to provide hands-on assistance with the distribution as well as real time reports of the impact of the project and information gathering to enable plans for long-term support.
An estimated 30,000 Haitians live in the metro Atlanta area. Most have family in crisis in the country and many are desperate for means to provide help as well as information on the well-being of loved ones. The Haitian Alliance, Inc., established in 2006, has at the core of its mission the education of the people and the reforestation of the land.
Mr. Saurel Quettan, public relations officer for The Haitian Alliance, Inc., said, “We must now galvanize our strengths and resources to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. We know the depth of their sorrow and the magnitude of their loss. Haitian people are courageous and resilient, but this is more than any of them have ever had to endure. With the help of the local and international community, Haiti will rise again.”
Cash contributions are needed most and can be pledged on our website at www.transformhaiti.org. Donations of supplies are also being collected throughout metro Atlanta and surrounding areas at over ten designated collection centers. For a list of these centers as well a list of needed items, please visit our website at www.transformhaiti.org and click on “collect” or call 888-499-6509.
###
Suggested supplies:
Water purification tablets
Medicine/Medical Supplies: Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol, pain killers, antibiotics, analgesics, peroxide, bandages, gauze, crutches, wheelchairs, cervical collars, splints, and items needed for field surgery, specifically, IV anesthesia
Non-perishable, ready-to-eat foods in easy-to-open containers
Tents, cots, camping equipment, lanterns, sleeping bags
Sheets, blankets, pillows, towels
Toiletries
Port-a-potty
Solar lanterns/lamps
Clothes/Shoes
Pre-mixed baby formula, diapers
Body bags
Donation centers throughout the metro Atlanta area at the following locations:
Clayton County
Jonesboro High School
7728 Mt Zion Blvd, Jonesboro, GA 30236; (707) 473-2855
Forest Park Middle School
930 Finley Drive, Forest Park, GA 30297; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 2:00PM, until January 22nd
Cobb County
All-N-1 Security Services
3915 Cascade Road, Atlanta, GA 30331, (404) 472-3032; Mon - Fri: 11:00AM - 3:30PM
Argyle Elementary School
2420 Spring Road SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
Fhadi
685 Windy Hill Road, Su. A, Smyrna, GA 30309; Contact: Jean Claude Ledoux; (770) 374-4588
WRFG Radio
1083 Austin Avenue N. E., Atlanta, GA 30307; Mon - Fri: 11:00AM - 6:00PM;
DeKalb County
Cafe Fasika
447 North Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston, GA 30021; Contact: Herold Ulysse; (404) 499-0997
Stone Mountain Club Intrigue
5471 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Helen Seiz
1165 Lea Drive, Roswell, GA 30076
St. Bridgid Catholic Church
3400 Old Alabama Road. Johns Creek, GA 30022
St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church
2560 Tilson Road. Decatur, GA, 30032
Northside Women's Specialists
1015 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076; Mon - Fri: 8:00AM - 3:30PM
NWS OBGYN
980 Johnson Ferry Rd. #620, Atlanta, GA 30342; Mon - Fri: 8:30AM - 3:30PM
Real Source Brokers
650 East Lake Drive, Decatur, GA 30030; (404) 819-8014; Mon - Fri: 9:30 - 3:30PM
Fulton
South Fulton Theophile Church
950 Custer Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30316; Contact: Frantz Pinet; (404) 624-9432
City Storage
726 Ponce de Leon Place, Atlanta, GA 30306; Mon - Sat: 9:00 - 6:00PM; Sun. 10:00 - 2:00PM; Contact: Jeff Ferguson; (404)853-3303
Project South
9 Gammon Ave, Atlanta, GA 30315; Mon - Fri 3:00 - 7:00PM
Marco's Pita
752 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30306; Mon - Fri: 10:00 - 7:00pm; (404) 607-0071
Mindzai Multimedia
728 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30312; (404) 222-9337
Wax Wednesdays at Ixtlan
2160 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30324; Mon - Fri: 11:00 - 6:00PM
The Mix at Glenwood
1263 Glenwood Avenue Atlanta, GA 30316; Wed: 7:00pm - Midnight
Village Montessori School
1610 Woodstock Rd, Roswell, GA 30075; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 5:00PM; Sat: 7:30a - 1:00PM; (770) 552-0834
Gwinnett County
Fisherman Church
300 Merchant Drive, Norcross, GA 30091; Contact: Pasteur Leroy
---
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Students raise money, collect items for Haiti earthquake victims
Georgia State University students are pitching in to help the victims of this week’s devastating earthquake in Haiti.
Members of the Georgia State Volleyball Team, for example, collected nearly $1,000 in just over 90 minutes from fellow students in the campus Library Plaza on Thursday. Assistant coach Ada Bazin, who encouraged the team to get involved in relief efforts, delivered the donation to the Metro Atlanta Red Cross chapter in midtown Red Cross Friday morning.
“I was overwhelmed by the amount of giving there was on campus,” Bazin said. “Students were stopping and digging in their wallets and pockets for anything they could give. That was truly amazing. I think this tragedy has pulled at a lot of heart strings and we all hear the call for help in Haiti.”
Georgia State’s Haitian Student Association is also collecting funds for Yele Haiti and tangible household items such as clothing and toiletries that will be sent to the island community through a local Haitian church. Collection boxes can be found around campus.
The two-year-old Haitian Student Association, which is the only one in the state of Georgia, has about 70 members, some of whom are personally affected by the disaster, said president Rodney Alfred.
“We’re trying to do all we can to help,” he said.
GSU also has six citizens of Haiti who are currently enrolled, three of whom are Fulbright scholars in public health. All international students from Haiti were contacted by phone within 24 hours of the disaster and were invited to make use of various campus support services, including the University Counseling Center, said Heather Housley, GSU director of International Student & Scholar Services.
“The university is very concerned about our Haitian students and their families and is helping as much as possible during this difficult time for their country,” Housley said. “We're continuing to connect with the students, to share resources and information as it becomes available and to assist the Haitian Student Association in their relief efforts as well.”
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Members of the Georgia State Volleyball Team, for example, collected nearly $1,000 in just over 90 minutes from fellow students in the campus Library Plaza on Thursday. Assistant coach Ada Bazin, who encouraged the team to get involved in relief efforts, delivered the donation to the Metro Atlanta Red Cross chapter in midtown Red Cross Friday morning.
“I was overwhelmed by the amount of giving there was on campus,” Bazin said. “Students were stopping and digging in their wallets and pockets for anything they could give. That was truly amazing. I think this tragedy has pulled at a lot of heart strings and we all hear the call for help in Haiti.”
Georgia State’s Haitian Student Association is also collecting funds for Yele Haiti and tangible household items such as clothing and toiletries that will be sent to the island community through a local Haitian church. Collection boxes can be found around campus.
The two-year-old Haitian Student Association, which is the only one in the state of Georgia, has about 70 members, some of whom are personally affected by the disaster, said president Rodney Alfred.
“We’re trying to do all we can to help,” he said.
GSU also has six citizens of Haiti who are currently enrolled, three of whom are Fulbright scholars in public health. All international students from Haiti were contacted by phone within 24 hours of the disaster and were invited to make use of various campus support services, including the University Counseling Center, said Heather Housley, GSU director of International Student & Scholar Services.
“The university is very concerned about our Haitian students and their families and is helping as much as possible during this difficult time for their country,” Housley said. “We're continuing to connect with the students, to share resources and information as it becomes available and to assist the Haitian Student Association in their relief efforts as well.”
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Red Cross Aid Reaches Haitian Earthquake Survivors
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Truckloads of Red Cross supplies arrived in Port-au-Prince yesterday and thousands of responders are traveling the streets, providing water and first aid as well as finding lost loved ones and transporting people with serious injuries to nearby health facilities.
"America's support - donations made in the United States to the American Red Cross - is reaching the hands of survivors in Haiti," said Steve McAndrew, disaster relief specialist with the American Red Cross in Port-au-Prince.
Within the convoy that arrived yesterday are 50-bed field hospitals and purification equipment capable of producing 10,000 gallons of drinking water per day. The mobile hospitals have a dedicated section to help people cope with emotional trauma. Toys and specially-trained volunteers will be available to comfort children, who are particularly vulnerable.
An additional seven truckloads of equipment and materials including medical supplies, that were on Red Cross planes re-routed to the Dominican Republic Friday, are traveling overland and are expected to arrive in Port-au-Prince by Sunday. Two flights will arrive in the capital city, carrying enough relief supplies for more than 32,000 families, on Monday as well.
The American Red Cross team and responders from more than 30 countries, totaling 100, have now arrived and are providing a wide-range of support, including food, water, field hospitals, emotional support and sanitation services, alongside thousands of local volunteers.
"We are working with the Haitian Red Cross volunteers, who have intimate knowledge of the community," said McAndrew. "Survivors are receiving aid from their neighbors, who they know and trust, with support from the international community."
On Monday, American Red Cross President & CEO Gail McGovern will travel to Port-au-Prince to join other Red Cross leaders in assessing the relief efforts and planning for long-term recovery.
"Our focus now is on the immediate relief for the people of Haiti, but make no mistake, this is going to be a massive long-term recovery operation," McGovern said.
Since the earthquake struck, more than 19,300 people have registered with the International Committee of the Red Cross-sponsored Web site (www.icrc.org/familylinks) helping to reconnect families separated during the earthquake. Almost all of the registrations were from people searching for news about their relatives, although around 1,400 people have so far used the site to say they are safe and well.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
"America's support - donations made in the United States to the American Red Cross - is reaching the hands of survivors in Haiti," said Steve McAndrew, disaster relief specialist with the American Red Cross in Port-au-Prince.
Within the convoy that arrived yesterday are 50-bed field hospitals and purification equipment capable of producing 10,000 gallons of drinking water per day. The mobile hospitals have a dedicated section to help people cope with emotional trauma. Toys and specially-trained volunteers will be available to comfort children, who are particularly vulnerable.
An additional seven truckloads of equipment and materials including medical supplies, that were on Red Cross planes re-routed to the Dominican Republic Friday, are traveling overland and are expected to arrive in Port-au-Prince by Sunday. Two flights will arrive in the capital city, carrying enough relief supplies for more than 32,000 families, on Monday as well.
The American Red Cross team and responders from more than 30 countries, totaling 100, have now arrived and are providing a wide-range of support, including food, water, field hospitals, emotional support and sanitation services, alongside thousands of local volunteers.
"We are working with the Haitian Red Cross volunteers, who have intimate knowledge of the community," said McAndrew. "Survivors are receiving aid from their neighbors, who they know and trust, with support from the international community."
On Monday, American Red Cross President & CEO Gail McGovern will travel to Port-au-Prince to join other Red Cross leaders in assessing the relief efforts and planning for long-term recovery.
"Our focus now is on the immediate relief for the people of Haiti, but make no mistake, this is going to be a massive long-term recovery operation," McGovern said.
Since the earthquake struck, more than 19,300 people have registered with the International Committee of the Red Cross-sponsored Web site (www.icrc.org/familylinks) helping to reconnect families separated during the earthquake. Almost all of the registrations were from people searching for news about their relatives, although around 1,400 people have so far used the site to say they are safe and well.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Thursday, January 14, 2010
'Phones for Haiti' Cell Phone Recycling Program Launched
/PRNewswire/ -- ReCellular today announced a new way for Americans to provide support to the millions of victims of the January 12th earthquake in Haiti. Used cell phones can be sent in by downloading a prepaid mailing label at www.phonesforhaiti.com, with the proceeds going to the American Red Cross' charitable efforts.
"The devastation in Haiti is slowly becoming all too clear," said Steve Manning, ReCellular CEO. "Sending in your used phone is a simple and effective way to help with the rescue and rebuilding efforts already underway."
There are an estimated 130 million phones retired in the United States every year. If even a small percentage of them are sent to Phones for Haiti, it would contribute millions of dollars towards relief from the devastating earthquake. ReCellular will give 100% of the phone value as a contribution to the American Red Cross; charities have already earned more than $20 million dollars in contributions through their partnerships with ReCellular.
With rescue and repair missions already underway, it is critical that funds get to the region quickly. By using the postage paid label, supporters can have their used phones to ReCellular within just a few days, allowing for the rapid distribution of funds. All phones are accepted, though newer phones will provide the most value to the charity - in some cases $100 or more.
"The overwhelming response from all Americans to the crisis in Haiti reflects the depth of generosity of the American people," said Manning. "We are proud to be able to coordinate this opportunity when the need is so great."
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
"The devastation in Haiti is slowly becoming all too clear," said Steve Manning, ReCellular CEO. "Sending in your used phone is a simple and effective way to help with the rescue and rebuilding efforts already underway."
There are an estimated 130 million phones retired in the United States every year. If even a small percentage of them are sent to Phones for Haiti, it would contribute millions of dollars towards relief from the devastating earthquake. ReCellular will give 100% of the phone value as a contribution to the American Red Cross; charities have already earned more than $20 million dollars in contributions through their partnerships with ReCellular.
With rescue and repair missions already underway, it is critical that funds get to the region quickly. By using the postage paid label, supporters can have their used phones to ReCellular within just a few days, allowing for the rapid distribution of funds. All phones are accepted, though newer phones will provide the most value to the charity - in some cases $100 or more.
"The overwhelming response from all Americans to the crisis in Haiti reflects the depth of generosity of the American people," said Manning. "We are proud to be able to coordinate this opportunity when the need is so great."
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
CARE Deploys Additional Emergency Team Members to Haiti
/PRNewswire/ -- CARE is deploying additional emergency team members to the devastated city of Port-au-Prince in Haiti, where the worst earthquake in 200 years destroyed houses and left thousands homeless. While the exact death toll from the 7.0-magnitude quake is not yet known, it is expected to be catastrophic.
CARE has launched an international appeal for funds for Haiti that will support immediate emergency operations. CARE plans to start food distribution using stocks of high-protein biscuits from its warehouses in Haiti. CARE is coordinating with other UN agencies and aid organizations to assess damage and on-the-ground needs.
Initial reports are that homes and buildings across the city have been destroyed, including essential services like hospitals. Electricity is out and phone lines are down across the affected area, restricting available information about the extent of the disaster. Aftershocks continue to rock the area and have caused landslides outside the city.
Sophie Perez, CARE's Country Director in Haiti, was in the CARE office in Port-au-Prince when the earthquake hit. CARE's staff in the Port-au-Prince office escaped the office safely, but we are still trying to determine if all other staff in the area are safe.
"It was terrifying. It lasted for more than a minute," said Perez. "The whole building was shaking. People were screaming, crying. Last night, people were sleeping outside because they were afraid to go back inside their homes. Many of the houses are destroyed anyway. There were eight aftershocks last night. Everyone was sleeping in the streets. The whole city is affected. It is just morning here now, and I can hear helicopters working on the search and rescue. The immediate need is to rescue people trapped in the rubble, then to get people food and water. We're particularly worried about the children, because so many schools seem to have collapsed. Children were still in school in the afternoon when the earthquake hit, so there are many children trapped. It's horrifying."
Dr. Helene Gayle, CARE president and CEO, said, "This is an extremely serious situation. We currently have 133 personnel on the ground in Haiti and are deploying additional staff immediately to distribute food, hygiene kits and water, as well as to deliver emergency health services."
CARE has extensive experience responding to disasters of this magnitude. Many of CARE's staff in Haiti include emergency personnel who were part of the response to the devastating Hurricane Hanna in 2008. CARE began working in Haiti in 1954 to provide relief assistance after Hurricane Hazel. Today CARE's work in Haiti includes projects in HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, maternal and child health, education, food security, and water and sanitation.
Delta Air Lines, a long time CARE partner, is providing transportation support for Atlanta-based CARE staff into Haiti to support our Haiti Country Office team on the ground with emergency relief.
To Donate: Go to www.care.org or call 1 800 521 CARE.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
CARE has launched an international appeal for funds for Haiti that will support immediate emergency operations. CARE plans to start food distribution using stocks of high-protein biscuits from its warehouses in Haiti. CARE is coordinating with other UN agencies and aid organizations to assess damage and on-the-ground needs.
Initial reports are that homes and buildings across the city have been destroyed, including essential services like hospitals. Electricity is out and phone lines are down across the affected area, restricting available information about the extent of the disaster. Aftershocks continue to rock the area and have caused landslides outside the city.
Sophie Perez, CARE's Country Director in Haiti, was in the CARE office in Port-au-Prince when the earthquake hit. CARE's staff in the Port-au-Prince office escaped the office safely, but we are still trying to determine if all other staff in the area are safe.
"It was terrifying. It lasted for more than a minute," said Perez. "The whole building was shaking. People were screaming, crying. Last night, people were sleeping outside because they were afraid to go back inside their homes. Many of the houses are destroyed anyway. There were eight aftershocks last night. Everyone was sleeping in the streets. The whole city is affected. It is just morning here now, and I can hear helicopters working on the search and rescue. The immediate need is to rescue people trapped in the rubble, then to get people food and water. We're particularly worried about the children, because so many schools seem to have collapsed. Children were still in school in the afternoon when the earthquake hit, so there are many children trapped. It's horrifying."
Dr. Helene Gayle, CARE president and CEO, said, "This is an extremely serious situation. We currently have 133 personnel on the ground in Haiti and are deploying additional staff immediately to distribute food, hygiene kits and water, as well as to deliver emergency health services."
CARE has extensive experience responding to disasters of this magnitude. Many of CARE's staff in Haiti include emergency personnel who were part of the response to the devastating Hurricane Hanna in 2008. CARE began working in Haiti in 1954 to provide relief assistance after Hurricane Hazel. Today CARE's work in Haiti includes projects in HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, maternal and child health, education, food security, and water and sanitation.
Delta Air Lines, a long time CARE partner, is providing transportation support for Atlanta-based CARE staff into Haiti to support our Haiti Country Office team on the ground with emergency relief.
To Donate: Go to www.care.org or call 1 800 521 CARE.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Habitat for Humanity Will Address Housing Needs in Haiti After Major Earthquake
/PRNewswire/ -- Habitat for Humanity International is currently assessing the impact on affordable housing in Haiti after a 7.0 earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince. Habitat for Humanity will develop an appropriate response as need and available resources become clearer.
"Habitat for Humanity will mobilize all available resources to address shelter solutions for low-income families affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday," said Torre Nelson, area vice president of Habitat for Humanity International's Latin America and Caribbean office. "We are closely monitoring the situation and have been in contact with Habitat for Humanity Haiti. We will begin Habitat's recovery efforts as soon as possible."
"Habitat for Humanity is sending an assessment team into the impacted area," said Kip Scheidler, senior director Global Disaster Response, Habitat for Humanity International. "Once we know the full magnitude of this disaster, we'll begin Habitat's recovery process."
Habitat for Humanity has been at work in Haiti for 26 years and will use its local expertise and mobilize resources as part of the rebuilding efforts. Habitat has provided more than 2,000 families with housing solutions through a variety of initiatives including new home construction, progressive building, home repairs and improvements. It also builds capacity in construction skills, disaster mitigation and financial literacy, and works in coordination with community and government agencies.
The number of affected persons is unknown, however, Haiti's ambassador to the U.S. has called the quake a "catastrophe of major proportions."
Habitat for Humanity's ability to respond effectively to this disaster will require support from donors, volunteers, corporate partners and other community organizations. Donations can be made at www.habitat.org.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
"Habitat for Humanity will mobilize all available resources to address shelter solutions for low-income families affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday," said Torre Nelson, area vice president of Habitat for Humanity International's Latin America and Caribbean office. "We are closely monitoring the situation and have been in contact with Habitat for Humanity Haiti. We will begin Habitat's recovery efforts as soon as possible."
"Habitat for Humanity is sending an assessment team into the impacted area," said Kip Scheidler, senior director Global Disaster Response, Habitat for Humanity International. "Once we know the full magnitude of this disaster, we'll begin Habitat's recovery process."
Habitat for Humanity has been at work in Haiti for 26 years and will use its local expertise and mobilize resources as part of the rebuilding efforts. Habitat has provided more than 2,000 families with housing solutions through a variety of initiatives including new home construction, progressive building, home repairs and improvements. It also builds capacity in construction skills, disaster mitigation and financial literacy, and works in coordination with community and government agencies.
The number of affected persons is unknown, however, Haiti's ambassador to the U.S. has called the quake a "catastrophe of major proportions."
Habitat for Humanity's ability to respond effectively to this disaster will require support from donors, volunteers, corporate partners and other community organizations. Donations can be made at www.habitat.org.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Monday, January 04, 2010
The Community Foundation Announces Nonprofit Toolbox
The Community Foundation's commitment to strengthening and supporting our region's nonprofit sector includes more than giving financial grants. Nonprofits can now apply for the Nonprofit Toolbox, a program that helps strengthen organizations’ management, governance and operations.
Nonprofit Toolbox awards are not financial grants; they are custom-designed packages of management consulting to help solve a key organizational challenge or problem. Organizations selected to receive a Nonprofit Toolbox will work with a specialist who will construct a package of appropriate organizational assistance.
Who is eligible to apply? There are a number of eligibility criteria for the Nonprofit Toolbox, one of which is that the nonprofit be located and providing services within the Foundation’s 23-county service area. Review the Guidelines for complete information.
Is there a deadline to apply? Nonprofit Toolbox applications are accepted throughout the year and in 2010 will be reviewed in mid-January, mid-May and mid-September. Review the Guidelines for complete details.
Click here for a full description of the Nonprofit Toolbox and to download the Guidelines and Application Forms.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
Nonprofit Toolbox awards are not financial grants; they are custom-designed packages of management consulting to help solve a key organizational challenge or problem. Organizations selected to receive a Nonprofit Toolbox will work with a specialist who will construct a package of appropriate organizational assistance.
Who is eligible to apply? There are a number of eligibility criteria for the Nonprofit Toolbox, one of which is that the nonprofit be located and providing services within the Foundation’s 23-county service area. Review the Guidelines for complete information.
Is there a deadline to apply? Nonprofit Toolbox applications are accepted throughout the year and in 2010 will be reviewed in mid-January, mid-May and mid-September. Review the Guidelines for complete details.
Click here for a full description of the Nonprofit Toolbox and to download the Guidelines and Application Forms.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
Autism Society and AMC Entertainment® to Host Sensory Friendly Films® This January
AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. Sensory Friendly Films® premiered across the country in August 2008, and will continue this month with a showing of Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel on January 9.
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It often comes with sensory challenges, such as hypersensitivity to light or sound, and children or adults affected by autism may not understand the social boundaries of movie theatre etiquette, such as not talking during the film or sitting still through most of the show.
In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for children with autism or other special needs, AMC movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event.
Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel
Saturday, January 910 a.m.
AMC Discover Mills 18, 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Ste. 415, Lawrenceville, Ga. 30043
AMC Phipps Plaza 14, 3500 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30326
AMC Southlake 24, 7065 Mount Zion Cir., Morrow, Ga. 30260
A list and map of participating theatres is available at www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms. This nationwide event has 87 participating theatres in 46 markets.
An estimated 30 million people in the world have an autism spectrum disorder, 1.5 million in America alone. Every day in America, 67 families learn their child has autism. These families face challenges of care, support, education, financial hardship and medical and health care issues that make autism a national public health issue, costing the U.S. economy $60 billion a year. Though there is no cure, autism is treatable and individuals with autism have tremendous potential.
ABOUT THE AUTISM SOCIETY:
The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit www.autism-society.org.
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It often comes with sensory challenges, such as hypersensitivity to light or sound, and children or adults affected by autism may not understand the social boundaries of movie theatre etiquette, such as not talking during the film or sitting still through most of the show.
In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for children with autism or other special needs, AMC movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event.
Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel
Saturday, January 910 a.m.
AMC Discover Mills 18, 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Ste. 415, Lawrenceville, Ga. 30043
AMC Phipps Plaza 14, 3500 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30326
AMC Southlake 24, 7065 Mount Zion Cir., Morrow, Ga. 30260
A list and map of participating theatres is available at www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms. This nationwide event has 87 participating theatres in 46 markets.
An estimated 30 million people in the world have an autism spectrum disorder, 1.5 million in America alone. Every day in America, 67 families learn their child has autism. These families face challenges of care, support, education, financial hardship and medical and health care issues that make autism a national public health issue, costing the U.S. economy $60 billion a year. Though there is no cure, autism is treatable and individuals with autism have tremendous potential.
ABOUT THE AUTISM SOCIETY:
The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit www.autism-society.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)