$1,600 to Your Favorite Charities Contest
Happy Holidays! In the spirit of the season, the winners of our blog contest this month will be three charities, and we need your help to find them!
Please tell us what is your favorite charity and why. From your responses, we will be picking three charities to make donations to. Between first, second and third place, we will be giving a total of $1,600!
To enter the contest, at the bottom of this page, simply type your name, email and website (if you have one) and your answer to this question:
What is your favorite charity and why?
Submit Your Answer
The winners will be picked based on the “why” portion of this question.
Are they doing something extraordinary? Have they helped you or someone you know? Are they delivering freedom to others? Are their efforts making an unbelievable change in the word? Let us know WHY you are excited to support them.
If the charity has a website, please include that as well.
Prizes
- Grand Prize – $1,000 donation made in the winner’s name to their favorite charity.
- Second Place – $500 donation made in the winner’s name to their favorite charity.
- Third Place – $100 donation made in the winner’s name to their favorite charity.
Winners will be chosen by the members of the Freedom Personal Development Team who were donors for this contest.
The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, December 23, 2009.
Winners will be emailed, announced and donations made Wednesday, December 30, 2009.
Please forward this link to all of your friends and family so they can nominate their favorite charity too:
http://www.deliverfreedom.com/blog/charity-contest
Be Free!
Roger Seip
Co-Founder and Instructor
Thank You to our Donors:
Bobbi Schmitt – Events Coordinator
Katie Brandt – Director of Marketing
Eric Plantenberg – President
Roger Seip - Instructor
Gary Castellano – Instructor
David Shoup – Instructor
David Meyers – COO
Alan Mong – Instructor
Eric Wellons – Speaker
Kurt Venekamp – Speaker
Tom Weber – VP of Sales
Rebecca Carr – Speaker
Lonny Hogan – Training Coordinator
Andi Pavlou – Training Coordinator
Ken Budka – Training Coordinator
Jeff Caissie – Training Coordinator
Leah Simpson – Instructor
Peter Tessicini - Training Coordinator
Joe Paprocki – Training Coordinator
Ken Weiner – Training Coordinator
Heifer International. They’re working to end poverty in a sustainable way. They’re not acting as a charity and simply giving money to people; they’re providing people with resources and teaching them how to pass along the gifts to others. Great organization.
Comment by David Meyers — December 3, 2009 @ 9:02 am
Celebration of Love Fort Hood Outreach
http://www.celebrationoflove.org
Celebration of Love Fort Hood Outreach is an annual event where central Texas comes together to support our troops from Fort Hood in Killeen, TX. While COL does this great work every year, I believe this year, Fort Hood is especially deserving of our attention… Here’s a little info from their website:
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In 1996 founder, Tom Ramsey, witnessed first hand what would later become his vision for Central Texas. Tom visited Cathedral of Faith Church in San Jose, California where the original Celebration of Love (COL) program was founded as a part of The Kenny Foreman Reaching-Out Center (1979). This was an experience that changed his life. At that moment Tom decided to devote the rest of his life to helping others in need. After retuning to Texas, Tom decided to start what is now known as Celebration of Love of Central Texas. In 2003, with the help of dozens of wonderful volunteers and sponsors, 500 families were fed. In 2004 and 2005 2,000 more families were fed. An estimated total of 25,000 individuals were blessed by COL during the first three years. In 2006 the goal increased to 3,000 families bringing the total to 55,000 individuals in the first 4 years. In 2007, 3,500 families were reached and 2008 surpassed all by reaching 4,500 families.
Celebration of Love/Fort Hood Outreach – Dec 5, 2009
The 4th Annual Celebration of Love Christmas Outreach at Fort Hood will take place on Saturday, December 5th, 2009. 1,500 food boxes (complete with a frozen turkey and all of the traditional components of a Thanksgiving-type meal) will be distributed to military families, all carefully selected in advance by the Army’s Command Financial Specialist Program (CFSP). In addition, more than 4,500 toys and 125 brand new bicycles will be given to the children that attend the event.
The men and women of our military have sacrificed so much in recent years and the strain on their families has been enormous. To many of them it has been overwhelming. This is our way of giving back to them and showing them the love of Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for joining us! You will be blessed as a result of this experience!
For more information, visit http://www.celebrationoflove.org or contact Mike Hogan
At mike@celebrationoflove.org or 512-680-9765.
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Comment by Drew Tate — December 3, 2009 @ 9:05 am
Bradenton Gospel Tabernacle: a small church in Bradenton, with a Christian school (for about 50 kids), makes a huge difference in the lives of local families. The pastor has been in the pulpit there for 50 years! The community knows that someone who needs help/shelter/food will not be turned away. Over 20 people live in housing on the church grounds, some elderly, some handicapped, some just plain poor and needing reduced rent. Never closed, and with activities or services every night, the cost for cooling the facility must be astronomical. In these hard times, with a congregation that is not wealthy, the church could certainly use a financial blessing to continue to do the work of the Lord in the coming days.
Comment by MaryEllen Shown — December 3, 2009 @ 9:25 am
While Habitat for Humanity is a program I support in many ways and love (100% of donations go to actually building a house in Franklin Co.) and it’s mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through responsible actions by its clients that also result in neighborhood revitalization, this is not it. Christians Overcoming Cancer provides financial support to cancer patients in active treatment who are dead broke due to the expense and employment problems often facing cancer victims – awesome program. But that is not it. Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides care and treatment to kids battling cancer, and is among the top research institutes in the world now. But that is not it either. The combination of these programs that I have put together, informally called Rehab/cover (Get it rehab and recover) ties these three fabulous Central Ohio non-profits together. First, to ID families with a child in treatment and in financial distress vie the counselors at the Hem/Onc ward at NCH. The to further boe in to the needs to identify those families with a child returning from cancer treatment to a home that is in bad need of repairs in order to be safe for a child with depleted immune system capacity (in one case in 2009 this program was applied to a child that would have gone to foster care without repairs being made). Then I get my experts in repairs to the home to assess what work is truly needed, rather than just wanted, and to determine the costs and materials and labor required. Then, the funds are raised and applied through COC to buy the needed materials, and crews via the HFH network donate their time and skills to completing the work – free to the client.
This program ties three great entities together in a very unique way to solve problems at a critical time for families facing incredible emotional and physical challenges – and extreme financial distress caused by their child’s illness.
A child recovering from cancer has a much greater chance to make it if the home is safe, the environment settled and the support of their loved ones not diminished by the stress of the situation. I would love to gain additional support. All entities involved are licensed and accredited non-profits, and all volunteers are truly wonderful friends and people.
Comment by Rich Brown — December 3, 2009 @ 9:43 am
My favorite Charity is a local charity in Birmingham, Alabama. This Charity is Warren World, Inc, which is a Warren World, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Birmingham, Alabama. Warren World is a nonprofit organization, which was founded in memory of beloved Birmingham musician, artist, writer, educator and business professional Warren Henderson. Prior to his death in 2002, Warren dreamed of helping children and their parents who were suffering through the stress and strain of having a terminal disease and choosing treatment not covered by insurance.
Keeping his memory and dream alive, WarrenWorld, Inc. hosts an annual fundraising event to assist these families. Warren World has helped two friends of mine with the many medical expenses incurred during the treatment of their children who have cancer.
In 2006, Warren World held it’s benefit for a a local baby suffering with LangerHans Histiocytosis. Just this past year,2008, Warren World hosted a musical benefit to raise money for Victoria Sutton,the 8 year-old daughter of Birmingham’s beloved singer/songwriter, Kendra Sutton. Victoria hasAML Leukemia, M5, and was fighting for her young life. Both of these children are doing much better, with thier cancers in remission.
Warren World, Inc is a very small organization and while they keep the cost of having a benefit at a minimum by getting bands to volunteer their time and having other volunteers work, there are expences such as permits, security, and such. Warren World wants to give as much money as possible to help these families, so any money that can be used to keep the vision of Warren World, Inc. alive would be very appreciated.
You can learn more about Warren World at http://www.warrenworld.org
Comment by Anita Robertson — December 3, 2009 @ 9:49 am
Hi, my favorite charity is the Attleboro Friends of Cats. I like then because they rescue cats and kittens, fostering them in homes until they are adopted and support the “no kill” policy. They will find homes for everyone. They are active in capturing and releasing ferrel/wild cats after spaying and neuturing to help control the ferrel cat population. Recently they found a cat that recently gave birth to 6 kittens in a dumpster. They brought the mom and her litter to the vets for a checkup…all were healthy but had ear mites and fleas. The Vet gave them their initial shots and were sent to a foster home until they could be adopted. I adopted one of them and is an absolute love. In speaking with two of the volunteers, I was extremely impressed with their dedication to the safety and overall wellbeing of all their rescues. They take particular care in interviewing adoptees to make sure their cats go to suitable homes. I would love to be able to donate funds to them.
Comment by Denise Donohue — December 3, 2009 @ 9:54 am
My favorite Charity is the Central Asia Institute, founded by Greg Mortensen. For over 15 years, Greg has been founding schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan mostly to educate girls. Education is the key to bringing peace to that area of the world. The communities that have schools founded by Greg and his Central Asia Institute are well invested in them, and have protected them from Taliban destroyers. The education provided to the girls have in many cases produced women who can provide health care to their communities. This has dramatically reduced infant mortality rates in these communities. This is the type of thinking and work that will make inroads to world peace. Very deserving. Find out more at http://www.ikat.org.
Comment by Anna Stark — December 3, 2009 @ 9:59 am
My favorite charity is Goodwill Industries for the general benefit they bring to the community in terms of providing low-cost goods (donated) at their stores and also job creation for the disadvantaged. But one of the big benefits they provide is their recycling efforts for computers and other electronic equipment. They salvage and rebuild any computers that are viable for resale. Beyond that, Goodwill receives about 15 tons of used equipment per day (in Austin) and what is not salvageable as a whole is completely stripped down and components are reviewed for possible salvage and resale. The balance of the equipment is sorted and sent to various facilities for plastic, metal and precious metal reclaim. Essentially the only thing that is sent to a landfill are the sweepings of the floor.
Comment by Wendell Reeves — December 3, 2009 @ 10:04 am
There is no single reason I chose The Boys and Girls Club of Elgin. Children are our future and the club creates a positive environment for young kids to learn and play. The club keeps children off the street and out of trouble. Youth are nearly three times more likely than adults to be victims of violent crime.
A generation ago, fewer than half our cities reported gang activity. Now 95 percent of our largest cities and 88 percent of smaller cities suffer gang-related crime. Cities with an emerging gang problem report that up to 90 percent of the gang members are juveniles.
About one in seven juvenile arrests in 1995 was for a crime involving violence or the threat of violence.
Half of high school students who carried a weapon took that weapon to school.
Fear of school-related violence kept five percent of high school youth home at least once in the past month
Comment by Boys & Girls Club of Elgin, IL — December 3, 2009 @ 10:15 am
The Community Crisis Center, located in Elgin, Illinois, was founded in 1975 by a group of dedicated volunteers to help those in crisis due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or economic circumstances. We offer the following services: a 24-hour crisis hotline and information and referral; emergency shelter; individual and group counseling; medical, legal and welfare advocacy; emergency assistance with food, clothing, rent and utilities; and transitional housing. 6,275 individuals, including 593 children, received services in FY 2008. Our staff worked with 1,539 victims of domestic violence and 372 child witnesses to domestic violence. We provided 11,325 nights of emergency shelter to 308 women and 295 children. Except for our Batterer Intervention program, all services are provided at no cost to our clients
Comment by Boys & Girls Club of Elgin, IL — December 3, 2009 @ 10:19 am
The charity I like is Child Advocates Inc.
Over 25 years helping abused and neglected children that would normally get lost in the system.
They have helped a friend of mine remove a child in a home who was being abused.
They are allowing these children to be free of the abuse and neglect they receive every day.
Child Advocates makes an unbelievable change in these childrens lives every day.
As a volunteer, knowing you have helped a child break the chain of abuse and neglect is very gratifying.
http://childadvocates.org/
Comment by Jody — December 3, 2009 @ 10:25 am
I would like to nominate St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.com). Their motto is “finding cures. saving children.” and no organization is more deserving of your or my support. The work they have done and continue to do for these kids is absolutely miraculous and your contribution could make a miracle happen.
Comment by Ernie Curtis — December 3, 2009 @ 10:35 am
My favorite charity is known as LifeTies, Inc. and in particular their program called Rainbow House. LifeTies, Inc. is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1982 that serves youth in crisis. All of their programs emphasize self-sufficiency and health care in conjunction with a commitment to prevent the ongoing, generation-to-generation dysfunctional behavioral patterns that so drastically affect the young people they serve.
Their website address is: http://www.lifetiesinc.org
LifeTies provides multiple programs serving troubled youth such as:
• TRIAD House —a 24 hr residential group home program for male and female Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered youth, ages 14-18, who are victims of abuse, neglect and/or homelessness.
• T.I.L.T.(Teenage Independent Living Training) is a program that serves male and female adolescents, ages 15-21, which focuses on independent living skills for those without family support.
• RAINBOW HOUSE — a special needs housing center for medically fragile children, including female adolescents, ages 12-21 who are living with Lupus, Diabetes, HIV and/or AIDS. To reside at Rainbow House, residents may be alone, pregnant or with their children. They provide 24 Hour Group Residential Services including
Intensive Medical Care, HIV/AIDS Education, Parenting Skills Training, Individual Counseling, Group Counseling, Independent Living Skills, Substance Abuse, Assessment and Referral, Educational Planning, Tutoring, Job Readiness Training, and Program Aftercare
This organization was built from a grass-roots effort and has been recognized by several U.S. Presidents for its continual positive impact on the lives of thousands. I have met and worked with several youth members of these programs and the power of love, guidance, self-esteem, and structured discipline is evident in the success of their programs and more importantly, in the success of each and every youth member.
Comment by Tom McManimon — December 3, 2009 @ 10:46 am
My favorite charity is the Denver Rescue Mission, because they reach out to those who are less fortunate, and in many cases, those individuals being helped face circumstances that often times are beyond their control. The Denver Rescue Mission helps to provide food, shelter and holds strong standards before those whom they help.
With the economy as it is today, the Denver Rescue Mission has seen an increase in the numbers who need help, however, their donations are down for the same reasons, making it more difficult for them to meet the needs before them. They can use the help, thank you.
Comment by Chuck — December 3, 2009 @ 10:53 am
My favorite charity is the Cardinal Dery Foundation.
The Cardinal Dery Foundation has three basic missions: water/hygiene, education and health care. They build wells in Northern Ghana – an arid rural place lacking basics such as electricity. For that reason the wells they build do not require machinery to extract water, thus keeping maintenance costs down. They provide education to high-school age students of Ghana in order to build future quality of life, and they support basic health care and an aids clinic. If the Dery Foundation received sixteen hundred dollars, they could put three students through high school for a year – or they could build one well. It is a charity which allows people to make a true difference. The Dery foundation has no paid staff – all work is done by volunteers, thus all funds received go directly to their primary purpose. Their address is 316 N. Milwaukee Street, Ste 350, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
Comment by Tom Plantenberg — December 3, 2009 @ 11:07 am
I have been supporting Providence House a Crisis Emergency Shelter for @ risk children newborn to 5years old, who have no where to go for close to 10 years. They provide a safe ,loving enviroment for the children. When my 4yr old grandaughter looked at her mother and said “where are all these babies mommies ?” My eyes still tear up!. That was 4 years ago after my grandaughter had a lemonade stand and her mother took her to Providence House so she could see where the money she made went ! Now my grandaughter is 8 still has her lemonade stands and has a 3year old brother that helps. Providence House doesn’t receive the big government grants but depends alot on individual donations.The staff has created a clean , safe, loving , caring and cheerful atmosphere and all the children receive a Teddy Bear to keep , and for alot of the children this is their ONLY TOY !They need so many things , which are listed on their web-site. Thankyou for letting me share a brief story .
Comment by Joe Hudak — December 3, 2009 @ 11:23 am
Step 13 is an amazing organization that helps addicted, homeless to gain a fresh start. They do this through a program that puts them to work at their in-house businesses while instituting strict rules of conduct including curfews and urine screens. They hold each individual accountable by requiring them to work and by charging them a small amount from their earnings for their food and shelter.
They are truly a private-sector solution. They do not accept any federal, state, or city funding. 52% of their budget comes from their residents’ fees and the rest from their in-house businesses, private foundation grants, and private donations. Their slogan Real Change, Not Spare Change instills in their residents the self esteem and self respect necessary for them to return to being productive members of society.
It must be working since their success rate of 1 in 3 is higher than the 99 out of 100 alcoholics who receive government assistance that never kick the habit or get a long term job.
Step 13 falls directly in line with the philosophies of Freedom Personal Development. Be Free!
Comment by Jude Sandvall — December 3, 2009 @ 12:10 pm
I would like to nominate Spencer’s Fund. Spencer Kult passed away at the age of 6 having suffered the effects of congenital heart defects from birth. Spencer was the first child of one my sales reps, Christopher Kult, and his wife, Tina. Spencer spent a lot of his 6 years in the hospital having numerous surgeries and lengthy recoveries. The most amazing thing to me was his attitude, which was always positive. I can’t think of many times in my 60+ years that I have been inspired by a 6-year-old, but this was certainly one of them. With Spencer’s passing, Chris and Tina have honored his memory by creating Spencer’s Fund to assist families with expenses related to the cost of extended stays away from home. This is a wonderful charity that has already helped many families through difficult times. There are no salaried administrators or high expenses with this charity. 100% of donations make it to the families who qualify and are served by Spencer’s Fund. Please consider a donation to this very worthy cause.
Comment by Steve Brocker — December 3, 2009 @ 12:16 pm
The Nehemiah Community Development Corporation is committed to building up families of the African-American community in southside Madison. They provide after-school turoring for students, job counselling and placement, intern placement, nutrition education, empowering women, and others. From their website: “These programs focus on fostering high self-expectations, academic achievement and economic empowerment among high-risk, low income youth and families.”
I like Nehemiah Corp. because they do not just provide financial support, but instead are very relational. THey approach individuals and families holisticly, not treating the symptoms, but digging down to the root cause a families’ issues and building them up. I know a number of leaders there and am impressed with their character and dedication. Nehemaih has been working for two decades, if not longer. That are a key player in working for long-term improvements in Madison’s southside African-American community!
Comment by Douglas Alexander — December 3, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has my vote. They have consistently received awards in regards to the way they spend there donated dollars. 90 cent of every dollar goes directly to research in an effort to find a cure for this life threatening disease. The CF foundation has more than tripled the life expectancy of a CF’er over the last 20 years. I have an immediate family member who is struggling day in and day out just to stay healthy. He has endured more in his little 5 years here on earth than most of us will experience in an entire lifetime. The CF foundation has been beneficial to our family, they continue to support us and help us to understand what we need to do to keep him safe and healthy. There are local chapters who stay in constant contact with us and go above and beyond to help us with our fundraisers and annual walks. The CF foundation has set the bar for non-profit organizations.
Comment by Tracey Plum — December 3, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
I have been supporting Bread and Roses for approximately 20 years. There is a small core staff, but it is staffed mainly by volunteers and religious organizations on a rotating schedule. It runs by food donations, fund drives and on private donations. I have been involved in Bread and Roses by helping with and photographing events and taking photographs for print pieces created. I have also stocked their food shelves and refrigerators when food donations arrive.
From their website:
Bread and Roses is a soup kitchen in Lawrence, MA with a strong and rich tradition of being a center of hope and caring to the hundreds of people in the Merrimack Valley who are struggling for survival. Founded in 1980, Bread & Roses’ primary purpose is to ease the hunger of people in our community by providing a well-balanced, nutritious evening meal. All in need are welcome to our center to partake of a community meal in a peaceful, friendly environment. Guided by a spirit of hospitality and nonviolence, respect for the dignity of each person who comes through the door is a hallmark of our community. Since hunger relief is our main concern, there is no cost for the meal.
Comment by David Cugnasca — December 3, 2009 @ 12:55 pm
Hope Children’s Home has rescued nearly 5,000 children between the ages of 2 and 18, in their 40 plus years of existence. Most of these children have been discarded, abused, unwanted, or orphaned. Some of them have faced life situations that left them a little off track. Hope Children’s Home receives no State or Federal funding and is entirely faith supported by churches, private individuals, clubs, and organizations. This faith is passed on to the children as they see God provide their every need. These 80 or so children live in a family atmosphere with house parents who are on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to give guidance and encouragement. Hope Children’s Home has taken children in and tried to make a difference in their very impressionable lives. Recently Hope Children’s Home was there for my sister-in-law who has been unable to cope with her current living situation. They have taken in her four children and are giving them a better life, while giving their mom an opportunity to improve herself and situation in the hope that they will all be reunited in the future.
Comment by Ben Phillips — December 3, 2009 @ 1:15 pm
I would like to nominate the Kiwanis Family House in Sacramento; CA. Kiwanis Family House is dedicated to providing temporary low cost or no cost housing and support to families of seriously ill or injured children being treated at the UC Davis Children’s Hospital. Guests have immediate access to their child’s bedside, free shuttle service to the hospital, and a staff of caring volunteers available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Kiwanis Family house relies entirely on donations to survive and does not have corporate monies behind it, as does Ronald McDonald Houses. The House serves families at their most traumatic times in their lives. Visit their web site for more info, http://www.kiwanisfamilyhouse.org . I have personally witnessed over and over the support, the Family House gives to families from all over the world who come to Sacramento to be treated at the Med Center. Jon Merker, Kiwanian, Sacramento.
Comment by Jon Merker — December 3, 2009 @ 1:44 pm
The Greater Lawrence Habitat for Humanity is my favorite charity.
Why?
…because they provide homes for families in need – shelter is a basic human right.
…because they engage the community in reaching out in fellowship for others – which is a win-win model for giving
…because buying my own home after some personally difficult years remains my life’s major accomplishment. Others deserve that thrill too.
Comment by Julie Bernardin — December 3, 2009 @ 2:41 pm
The General Tuition Organization.
I am not sure if this is considered a charity, but it is important to me so I will share this with you.
Ten years ago some of us were looking for a reason to take a day off of work so we started a golf outing.
Since then it has grown to be more then I planned for. More and more people want to participate. So this year we started a Scholarship
for a student at Port Washington High School. We were able to raise $800 this year. Not a great deal of money but a good start. Our focus is to find
a student that this seed money will be the differece between this person attending college next year and staying at home.
As we all know education can make a huge difference in a persons life!
Comment by Rick Thompson — December 3, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
My favorite Charities are The Paralyzed Veterans of America, because of the huge sacrifice they have given to our Country to protect our freedom. Also I like The Children’s Miracle Network as well as St. Jude, because children are so innocent,and no child should have to suffer the way some of these kids do, and they ALL should be afforded the best care.
Comment by Lori Walter — December 3, 2009 @ 4:32 pm
The St. Louis Gateway Classic supports African American kids in the St. Louis area by providing them scholarships to college. In most if not all cases these kids would not have an opportunity to go to college.
The “why” is simple, education is the greatest thing we can give to our children in our communities. It allows them to enter the workforce, take care of themselves, be a productive member of society and eventually help others. I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the recipients and they are wonderful men and women. They are so very grateful to Gateway Classic and their goals and motivation to do well in school and beyond are through the roof. They are an inspiration to us all. Mr. Earl Wilson who runs the organization has dedicated his retirement to helping kids go to college. He is a phenominal man with incredible work ethic and he is commited to the downtown St. Louis area and working with the youth of our city. I would be honored to provide him with this gift to his charity.
Comment by Tom Rensch — December 3, 2009 @ 5:11 pm
Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America two different organizations but both for good reasons.
1st Boy Scouts gives all young men a place to meet and grow into real Americans. Statistics show 20% of all boys at sometime in their life will be in trouble with the Law, not necessarily major trouble but have an issue. If a boy spends but one year in Scouts, Cub or Boy Scouts that change of having a run in with the Law drops to 10%. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could cut crime by 10% nationwide by just having all kids in Scouts for a year or more. Part two these kids learn so much from piers and leaders that allow them to know they can help their community, their friends, and their country even though they are just kids, and how to teach and take responsibility for themselves and others. Leaderships skills learned are passed on to their children and generations of other kids.
2nd Girl Scouts gives young women an opportunity to learn leadership skills and also give back to the community.
They learn leadership as well but build friendships that last generations.
Comment by Margaret A. Liwski — December 3, 2009 @ 5:43 pm
Project Information
The MadWheels program provides vehicles to needy people in the Launceston community. The Program’s aim and expectation is to be able to build into the community by training and teaching people as cars are repaired and refurbished. To be able to offer a community workshop to older/retired people; to be able to help mentor and train young law offenders through training and mentoring whilst they serve out their community hours. At the same time the MadWheels program provides a mentoring and teaching environment – to those who wish to be involved in areas such as automotive mechanical, panel beating and paintwork training.
To be able to meet the growing demands of the program, and to increase it to include a daytime program, we need to relocate to another larger building within the Door of Hope site. At present we are limited to a workshop that can hold only 8 cars and no training offices whereas we have been provided with a free site that can handle up to 100 cars (in storage, with plenty of space to fix up the cars this area will incorporate an area specifically set out for training purposes.
There is immense community support for the program.
- There are huge numbers of struggling families that need it
- There are large numbers of youth at risk that need it
- There are large numbers of qualified people who can provide their services as Mentors and trainers that need it
- There are large numbers of un-qualified people who can provide their services as volunteers that need it
The outcome of the project is to provide a greater sense of empowerment, pride and inclusiveness for a range of individuals/families in the Launceston region.
We currently work with an average of 3-4 youth “at risk” weekly, to train/equip and rehabilitate them as worthwhile and useful people within the community. This can at least double with access to more space, and consequently, more equipment, training opportunities and mentors.
Website also at http://www.door-of-hope.org/madwheels.php
What opportunities exist to grow MadWheels?
Huge, growing needs in community. Large potential pool of young people with high needs – both at school and also having left school. Huge community support for program. Unlimited potential. Later development will include repairs, supply and giving away of bikes, prams, tricycles, small repair shop, services for needy in the community. Servicing and repairs of vehicles for needy in the community – i.e. single mums.
These people being trained can also contribute to society as a part of their education.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss the above in further detail, please contact me on
613 6330 2510. (from Outside Australia)
03 6330 2510 Australia
Yours sincerely,
Richard G Bejah
MadWheels Launceston
Marketing and Funding Co-Ordinator
Twitter @RichardBejah
Comment by Richard Bejah — December 3, 2009 @ 6:00 pm
Favorite charity would be Rebuilding Mountain Hearts and Lives….why? They came through for me and for many others up on the mountain after the wildfires of 2007. As much as different charities and people like SCE, the county, the state and many others said they were there to help, Rebuilding Mountain Hearts and Lives stayed in it for the long run. They helped in the begining and have helped those of us who lost our homes 2 years down the line. That is why they are my favorite and will always be.
Comment by Lori Bartosh — December 3, 2009 @ 6:29 pm
I select the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Minnesota Chapter). My daughter Abby, was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 4 on April 16th of 2004. She underwent 2 1/2 years of Chemo and other treatments at the Mayo Clinic and is doing wonderful. Around the time I was born (1963) Abby’s chance of surviving her Leukemia was about 5%. Today the cure rate for the form of Leukemia she had is almost 90%. This is a direct result of all of the hard work the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has done over the years and continues to do. They saved my daughter’s life. Our experience, as strange as it sounds, was incredibly positive and delivered unparalleled perspective on life. Again, LLS was a huge part of that experience through succesful research efforts and it’s wonderful patient services. Abby and the rest of our family will always be thankful for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Any donation to LLS will be money well placed – Abby is proof of that!
Scott Thoma
Comment by Scott Thoma — December 3, 2009 @ 7:51 pm
Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) 501c3
The foundation has funded many programs to help those around the world with grants to prevent blindness, help those who need glasses in the third world as well as grants for medical or living expenses during disasters (Like Katrina)
Thanks,
Joe
Comment by Joe Moore — December 3, 2009 @ 9:25 pm
I attended programs through Midtown Educational Foundation (MEF) as a junior high school student and they helped me to become the professional I am today (22 years later). MEF is the parent group under which Midtown Center for Boys and Metro Achievement Center for Girls are held. The focus of the programs are to help inner-city students achieve excellence in their lives through education and character formation. A small staff and many many volunteers help students in academics through tutoring and classes which include ACT/SAT prep and business, to name a few. Instilling virtue and character to form upstanding adult citizens through example and a unique advising/mentoring program is what really differentiates the organization.
There are so many programs for remedial and honor students. Uniquely, this organization focuses on the assisting the average student excel. Students who attend MEF programs enter college at nearly five times the rate of their peer group nationally and graduate from high school at twice the rate of their inner-city peers in Chicago. Since the year 2000, 100% of MEF high school seniors enrolled in college. Many of these students are the first in their families to attend college. While their academic achievements are exciting, the combination of academics, character, and ethics is what is truly impressive.
As a volunteer and former student, MEF has affected my life positively. I am proud to be a supporter of this excellent group and encourage others to help the current students achieve their full potential.
Comment by Monica Beall — December 4, 2009 @ 9:57 am
I donate to the DeForest Area Foundation. The Foundation donates to non-profit organizations in the DeForest area. The grant funds that are awarded are for tangible items: an automatic door for the senior center, goals for the soccer club, a computer for the Historical Society. The Foundation touches everyone who lives in my community.
Comment by Mary Christianson — December 4, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
Heritage Oak School in Tehachapi, CA is my favorite charity. It is a K-12 Christian School whose goal is to be affordable for all Christians who would like their children to attend. The school started a tuition plan this year where families only pay for 1 child no matter how many children are enrolled and unlike most private schools even that one tuition is reasonable at $330 per month. The school has financial challenges and believes God will take care of them. This is the only Christian school for about 40 miles.
Comment by Clifford Reynolds — December 4, 2009 @ 12:17 pm
I would have to say that right now my favorite charity is St. Jude’s Hospital because they always seem to be keeping busy trying to help as many children as possible. Anyone doing the kind of work they do, working with children (our future!) on the scale that they do deserves a lot of credit.
Comment by Kyle Sheldon — December 4, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
I would like to nominate Goodwill Industries. This organization provides work opportunities for thousands of people along with low-cost items for many needy families. In addition to the social benefit, thier overall program is a huge recycling effort of pretty much anything, especially computer and electronic goods as was mentioned earlier in this post. It’s like a huge garage sale of all kinds of stuff that is one man’s garbage, is another man’s gold. It helps people in need, it helps keep tons of otherwise garbage out of our landfills.
And an added benefit, my seven year old daughter and I love to go and hunt for $0.49 cent stuffed animals in the huge bins they have with a constant turnover. It’s a good exercise in math and accounting. Let’s see, 1 animal for $20 at the mall or 40 animals at Goodwill…you do the math.
Comment by Bud Katheman — December 4, 2009 @ 2:58 pm
Children’s Hospital because they have reversed the survival rate of chilshood leukemia from 8% to 92% in the past ten years. Now that’s a lot of innocent lives saved and a good bang for your buck.
Comment by Drew Barnett — December 4, 2009 @ 4:43 pm
It was out of tragedy that the Sara Kathleen Schacht Foundation was formed, after my niece, Sara’s life was taken at the young age of 18 with a heart disorder. But out of the unthinkable, came the response from her Mother, to fund the community with Automatic Electronic Defibrillators. The AED’s are distributed to youth sports leagues, traveling teams, churches, police vehicles and schools alike. With the help of just a few volunteers, the Foundation has been able to purchase over 65 units, train personnel and maintain batteries alike. The list just keeps growing with requests for more AEDs.
Thank you, Sara, for the inspiration to change the world by saving 1 life at a time.
Comment by Kim Keefe — December 5, 2009 @ 11:51 am
My favorite charity? Well it’s not really a charity, more like a non profit organization. This organization is the local homeless shelter where I live. They house, feed, cloth and provide basic higiene for the local homeless here. The reason this is my favorite is because at one time, due to unexpected circumstances I myself was homeless, and whith out the caring people their, things would have been a lot worse for me. I have my own place and am doing well now but every time I get a chance I still like to stop by and say hi, and help out if I can.
Comment by William G Anguiano — December 5, 2009 @ 2:20 pm
My son was born with Cystic Fibrosis and I have watched him fight for his life everyday since. This is a very worthy cause!
Comment by Becky — December 7, 2009 @ 8:38 am
Growing up in the projects in Gary, Indiana with my parents divorced, we lived on a “shoestring” budget. Our Christmas was made happy through the kindness of the Salvation Army. Besides plenty of wonderful good food, we four children and our mother had a wonderful Christmas full of lovely presents as well. The Salvation Army gets most of my donation monies today because of all the wonderful work they do throughout each year.
Comment by Irene Koontz — December 8, 2009 @ 1:35 am
I would like to recommend Shriner’s Hospital for Children. As a former patient, I can tell you first hand the great quality & individual care they give children. Families receive these services free for as many years as the child needs them or until they reach adulthood. They treat a variety of medical needs including; orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. Not only do they offer medical treatments, they also offer transportation services and housing for the patients and their families. They would greatly appreciate your donation, and I can assure you it would go to a great cause.
Comment by Benny Gaffney — December 8, 2009 @ 9:49 am
My son Jonathan, sons and daughters of my friends and family were deployed to Iraq and Afganistan several times over the course of five years. I personally got involved with my favorite charity and oragnization “The American Troop Support Team”. This group is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to show support of our soldiers. We send boxes of “goods from home” directly to the individual soldiers. Inspired by S.S.G. Peter Torruella, A.T.S.T. was formed so that the men and women of our Armed Forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan know that we at home support them.
IN GOD WE TRUST
United States of America
God Bless Us All,
Jadwiga Sherlock
Comment by Jadwiga Sherlock — December 8, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
I recently found my self caring for a small dog that belonged to my husbands coworker while she had been hospitalized with a stroke. The dog, JW, had been cared for by a family member, but no one was staying with the dog and when my husband went to feed him later in the week he felt the dog was being neglected. He brought JW home to stay with us until his owner came home. I discovered the dog had infected gums and needed care. I took JW to the vet and was told $200 dollars later that the dog needed 500 dollars in dental surgery or he would probably become sick and die.
My funds are limited so I started making calls through out the community to try and find help. She did not qualify for assistance from the place that advertised because she made $1,000 to much a year. One of the vets I called, suggested I contact My Buddy, Inc., an organization that helps keep seniors and their pets together or adopt new pets. JW’s owner did not qualify by age but her stroke has left her with limited vision and she most likely will not be able to go back to work. She has been a minimum wage worker for most of her life and has few resources. She has no immediate family and only distant family to turn to. I started a fundraiser to assist with the cost of the surgery and called My Buddy, Inc.
I learned that they are a non-profit organization that truly wants to keep animals and owners together. Initially they offered $200 toward JW’s care but later after talking with the vet raised the amount to $250.00. This is a small organization but they provide a service that is not provided by any other organization in the community. Receiving donation’s from an organization or individuals will enhance a most needed service for older person’s and their animal. When you are alone you pet becomes your family and important in an individuals life.
If anyone would like to donate they are: My Buddy, Inc. 27 East 34th Street, Reading, PA 19606.
Thank you
Comment by Glenda DeLillo — December 9, 2009 @ 11:09 pm
There are so many excellent causes, and so much less being given to them because of the state of the economy, that I am recommending a charity that can do more with a little bit of funds than most. In many African villages, there is no such thing as healthy drinking water. People gather their drinking water from the same polluted springs and ponds that they wash clothes in, and that excrements flow into. Because of that, the mortality rates in those villages is extraordinarily high. One program that addresses that issue is known as “Save The Rain.” This program uses local materials and natural resources to build collection basins for drinking water. They teach the locals how to build them, how to maintain it, and, in many villages, these collection basins can supply a village of 1,000 people with their drinking water. Building one of these basins and recreating life for a village, and extending the health and actual life span of a community, costs only a few thousand dollars, so it is obvious how a small amount of donations to this effort, is a “life-saver>”
Comment by Richard Brody — December 10, 2009 @ 10:16 am
I wish to give to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Houston Gulf Coast Chapter and this is why…
Ashley Fussell was only 5 when she became a major part of my life. She is my husband’s baby sister. At 14 she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after she contracted a virus that destroyed her pancreas. Unfortunately, their mother passed away three years later. At 17 she had to learn how to deal with an illness without the comfort or support of the most important person in her life. She distanced herself from everyone, including her father.
That is where my husband stepped in. He made sure that she finished high school and went to college. My husband taught her that she could make a difference, but she had to educate herself to make her work more powerful and meaningful. She Graduated from the University of Houston with a Double Major and was working on her Masters degree. She wanted to work in the medical field with children who had her same condition.
Ashley was a big part of the Houston community. She served on the Houston Rodeo Committee, she was apart of local fundraisers, active with Texas Children’s Hospital and very involved with the JDRF Houston Gulf Coast Chapter. She was the head of Team Sugar Free. (Look her up, donate if you can)
Even though Ashley was very elucidated in her condition, she struggled because she was 100% dependent on insulin. We had several close calls with her over the years and on November 9th of this year, Ashley Fussell, at the age of 25 lost her battle with diabetes. My husband and his sister, also older than Ashley, stepped up to the plate. They have accepted awards on Ashley’s behalf for her work with the City of Houston and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and will continue to keep Team Sugar Free active in fundraising.
Ashley was passionate about doing her part to find a cure so other children will not have to suffer as she did. The greatest gift this Holiday Season would be to keep her dream alive and to help Team Sugar Free continue giving back in Ashley’s name to the JDRF Houston Gulf Coast Chapter. Please help keep Ashley’s dream alive!
Comment by Kathrine Fussell — December 10, 2009 @ 10:35 am
I would like to nominate the St. Clare Clinic in Crown Point, Indiana.
My reason for this particular charity is that it serves the total spectrum of the population, not a single specific group or need.
St. Clare gives free medical treatment to those without insurance and meeting certain income guidelines. Its is open to anyone age 1 to age 65 and is open to residends of the surrounding 6 counties.
St. Clare is funded totally by donations from individuals and organizations. They receive no state or federal funds.
Comment by Jack D. Rees — December 10, 2009 @ 11:03 am
My favorite charities are the Humane Society & Animal Shelters. Why, animals you may ask? My answer is simple. They are totally defenseless and at the mercy of humanity. They have no voice. The cruelty toward, and exploitation of, our domestic animal population is inexcuseable and a blot on our humanity. The test of our spirit lies not only in how we care for our own, but in how we care for those who must depend on us to survive, have health, food and shelter – a little love is always good as well.
Comment by D. Sharman — December 10, 2009 @ 11:36 am
My favorite charity is Haibitat for Humanity. What’s better than an organization that focuses on putting deserving, hard-working individuals in a home of their own? Previously discouraged individuals can now realize the American dream of homeownership. These are contributing members of society who deserve an incentive, not a handout. When a house is built it becomes a home, with the blessing of Habitat volunteers. And the effort doesn’t stop at our borders but continues in countless other countries.
Comment by Chyrel Madden — December 10, 2009 @ 12:18 pm
There are so many deserving and worth-while charities. I have several that I personally give my time, resources and donations. The charity that warms my heart the most is Big Brothers Big Sisters. I volunteer in the school-based program, and have a “little” sister at a local elementary school. Once a week, we meet at her school during her lunch / recess and spend time together playing games, coloring, talking, and just hanging out. Although it is only an hour of my time each week, it is the hi-light of my week! I truly think I get more out of spending the hour with her than she does with me. It is a great opportunity to show at-risk children that adults do care and want the best for them!
Comment by Renee Huseby — December 10, 2009 @ 12:53 pm
While I’m certain there are many worthwhile charities, I believe in the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A portion of each commission check I receive is donated to them. Why? One reason was that my Mother prayed to St. Jude, the patron of hopeless cases. Another is that no child should die in the dawn of their life. Parents expect that they will pass before their children and to watch a parent with a dying child is a very difficult thing to do. St. Jude has made great leaps and bounds in finding cures for many cancers and today’s success rate is good. But they need and want their success rate to be better, so they put their efforts into research. Anyone who goes there who cannot pay is never charged. Donations help. Please consider this worthwhile organization for your donation.
Comment by Nancy Kline — December 10, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
Deseret Industries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They are my favorite because they are the first ones there in times of an emergency anywhere around the world. They have sent food to Africa, to the tsunami victims and endless other places around the world. They don’t ask any money for it yet they gladly give.
Comment by Caren Durrant — December 10, 2009 @ 3:55 pm
The charity that I would nominate is small and not that widely known. It is Forgeworks Therapeutic Riding (www.forgeworks.net). Ted & Chris Mahan and a number of volunteers run therapeutic riding classes for children and adults with special needs. The riding improves the strength, balance, endurance,attention and function of all the participants. While obtaining these benefits the particpants have fun riding and being with horses. The program doesn’t receive any external funding and is helped by volunteers running a number of fund raising events. Due to the current financial climate it is difficult to keep this program running so any financial help would mean so much to the program. Ted & Chris and their volunteers care so deeply about all their riders and this would help keep the program running.
Comment by Dave Barrett — December 11, 2009 @ 10:41 am
St Jude’s Children’s Hospital
I believe that St Jude’s Hospital represents all that is right in America; it’s love, generosity and genuine concern for the welfare of others. St Jude’s is a haven for children and their families at a time in their lives when that are suffering from one the most debilitating and frightening diseases, and is available to anyone regardless of their financial status. It promotes research without a political agenda or strings attached and it ultimate goal is to put itself out of business.
Comment by Gaytha Goins-Melone — December 11, 2009 @ 11:23 am
I like Heifer International because underprivilaged families are given a tangible way of caring for themselves and others in their needy communities. Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Heifer pools the contributions, researches the geographic areas and gives animals that will thrive and flourish to families with the promise that they will share the offspring with neighbors. The folks on the receiving end view this as an investment in their future rather than a charitable handout and can retain their dignity.
Comment by Linda Cargiuolo — December 11, 2009 @ 2:26 pm
Samaritan House of Virginia Beach, Virginia is a homeless shelter that focuses, though not exclusively, on folks who are homeless because they are victims of domestic violence. Many of its clients are children. I support it because it provides basic necessities to families in crisis and a safe space to get a new start in life. The reasons for coming into shelter vary, but most of the time the stories end in success.
So often, Samaritan House opens its doors to families and women who have nowhere else to turn, and have lost all hope. Samaritan House strives to provide hope, healing, and change to each and every client by providing them the tools they need to be self-sufficient. When “Stephanie” called the crisis line she was a scared, young medical professional who did not know that the physical abuse she was enduring at the hands of her husband was not normal. She was raised in another country, taught that she was to obey her husband. After a year of talking to Samaritan House hotline workers and educating herself about domestic violence, she formed a safety plan and escaped into shelter with her children. Leaving her husband proved particularly difficult because they worked in the same office. Samaritan House got her a protective order and that prompted her employer to change her work schedule so she would not be confronted by her abuser. Samaritan House court advocates helped her navigate a foreign court system, face her husband in court, file for divorce, and apply for custody of their children. It also encouraged Stephanie and her children to seek counseling. Today, Stephanie continues in her medical career and her oldest child has graduated valedictorian of her class. Samaritan House empowered and educated Stephanie to rise out of her situation and plan for her safety and the safety of her children.
Last year, Samaritan House helped a family of 6 find shelter, thereby saving a life. The dad had just been diagnosed with a heart disorder – the mounting medical bills caused the family to lose their home. Unable to pay for shelter, or further medical care, the father’s health continued to fail – he needed a heart transplant. However, he was not permitted to go on the list because the family lacked stable housing. Samaritan House provided the family shelter – allowing the father to get his needed heart. The family has since moved on to permanent housing, and the father’s health has been restored. Samaritan House saved the family from an uncertain future; their four sons can now look forward to spending the holiday with their entire family.
I support Samaritan House because:
• Last fiscal year it answered 8,965 crisis calls by placing individuals in shelter or guiding them through safety planning and teaching them that being prepared and knowledgeable is their best defense
• They sheltered 403 people, 60% of whom were children
• They dare to end the cycle of domestic violence by empowering young men and girls in shelter by providing workshops on Self-Esteem and Healthy Relationships
• Victim Advocates helped 779 individuals navigate the legal system and face their abusers in court
• It produces extraordinary results – 60% of the clients who entered transitional housing exited successfully into permanent housing.
To find out more about Samaritan House and the work they do, please visit http://www.samaritanhouseva.org .
Comment by Jody Luck — December 11, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
I contribute to Kiva.org for friends and family
Comment by Michele — December 12, 2009 @ 5:56 pm
St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital – no family ever has to pay for treatment and no child is ever denied treatment! It’s incredible that children from all over the world have benefited from treatment here. “Working together, St. Jude physicians and scientists have pioneered treatments that have helped push the overall survival rates for childhood cancers from less than 20 percent in 1962 to 80 percent today. The survival rate for the most common form of childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, has risen from just 4 percent in 1962 to 94 percent today.” Let’s get together and support St. Jude so that many more children have a better chance at living a healthy, happy and long life!
Comment by Bobbi Schmitt — December 14, 2009 @ 3:08 pm
Byron Katie’s Scholarship Program for the School for the Work
Katie’s School offers Freedom in the only true way that it can be offered – from within.
Please watch the short video at http://thework.com/school.asp to hear what others have experienced at the school.
The scholarship program makes The School available to those who don’t have the resources to attend. People from around the world come to the school to find personal freedom. The School has helped Rwandese find peace and forgiveness after living through the genocide. The School as helped survivors of Hiroshima and the Holocaust find peace 50 years later. People who have been tormented by addictions, abuse, incest, poverty and violence find freedom and peace at the School…. many for the first time.
A donation to this cause will change someone’s life – and in turn, they will change countless lives… and that will change the world. All Freedom and all Peace in every corner of the world start from within.
http://www.thework.com
Comment by Michelle — December 18, 2009 @ 6:32 pm
I also nominate Byron Katie’s – School for the Work.
Attending the School i watched people change their lives. It also changed my life. Parents, children, the incredibly poor and the incredibly wealthy, people with disease… literally people from every walk of life.
A scholarship to the school makes a massive impact in not only one person – but an entire community, in a way that i can’t imagine quantifying. I’ve never seen like it – it teaches Freedom in a way more powerfully than anything i’ve been a part of in the past.
It would be like giving someone to the opportunity to experience Freedom Fest for the rest of their lives.
… oh and this video outstanding http://thework.com/school.asp
Comment by Eric — December 18, 2009 @ 6:47 pm
I am also voting for Byron Katie’s the work. I have been introuduced to it and have found it has made powerful changes in how I view things about myself and others.
http://thework.com/school.asp
Comment by Rebecca Carr — December 23, 2009 @ 9:09 am
I have been involved with the Fox Valley Brain Tumor Coalition for four years now. Like all new members who are suddenly presented the diagnosis of an uncureable disease requiring immediate treatment, and not a lot of options, I brought my brother. The Coalition and its support group meetings offer the educational, emotional, and financial needs of all members in the Fox River Valley and has become the largest group in the country. I have continued to volunteer with the group three years after my brothers passing. Exciting new treatment options are now available. Precision robotic lasers and drugs like Avastin have shown incredible results. With no paid administrators all fund raising ensures that no member should be without care. No family should be without support.
Comment by Brian Burns — December 23, 2009 @ 4:28 pm
Masters Manna is my favorite place on Earth.
My wife Mary and I volunteer regularly each week to help those who have lost there jobs and cannot afford to buy food at the
Market and feed there families.
We serve 10 towns within New Haven County here in Connecticut.
We are soon going to open a Free Medical Clinic at the Pantry and Soup Kitchen.
On Thanksgiving we gave 300 plus turkey’s to needy families.
In 2010 our work continues and as the economy continues to affect people in our communities this money will help in so many ways .
So from the heart I am asking that you support Masters Manna which started in a Store Front and now is in a former building triple the size of our old location.
As a volunteer I go with two other volunteers and shop for enough food to last a full week.
As fast as we get the food a week later its time again to go to the Connecticut Food Bank for more food and produce for the Pantry.
Thats my story
Comment by Ken Weiner — December 28, 2009 @ 12:53 pm
My favorite charity is called “Stitches from the Heart”, which donates hats, booties, sweaters, blankets, etc. to all the
hospitals all over the country for the preemie baby wards. It was started more than ten years ago by Kathy Silverton and
has more than to thousand members knitting and crocheting items to donate, from all over L.A.
I have enjoyed donating to this charity. They need help with shipping all the items and therefore I believe that they deserve
to win the big prize!
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Comment by Cameron Honaker — November 24, 2011 @ 10:44 pm
The World Affairs Seminar (WAS) has, for over 30 years, worked toward World Peace by bringing youth age 15 – 18 together, giving them a common issue to explore (World Hunger, World Conflict, Water, etc.) and through group dynamics, coming up with negotiated solutions. Past students tell us they formed lifelong friendships and collaborations during their week together at WAS.
This year we have seven students from Khatmandou, Tibet, who need scholarships, which we are able to offer at a discount of $500 each. (International scholarships are usually $550). Thus far three generous individuals have stepped up to the plate. If we win this competition we will apply any funds we get toward additional scholarships. The Seminar takes place June 16 – 22. If you cannot offer a scholarship, possibly you would see fit to offer a learning session on the impact of technology on global understanding.
Comment by Tom Plantenberg — February 10, 2012 @ 9:01 am