Teens Make Adults Feel Guilty By Raising 1 Million For Troops

Cell Phones for Soldiers Calls on All Americans to Support Troops by Donating Unused Cell Phones Norwell, MA (PRWEB) May 27, 2007 -- More than 150,000 troops serving overseas will spend this Memorial Day away from their families. Cell Phones for Soldiers is calling on all Americans to support these brave men and women by donating unused cell phones to the "Yellow Ribbon" collection drive. From May 21 through July 4, Cell Phones for Soldiers hopes to collect over 50,000 cell phones to help keep troops connected with their families. "For the loved ones of soldiers serving abroad, Memorial Day is much more than a long holiday weekend," says Brittany Bergquist, Cell Phones for Soldiers co-founder. "We're asking Americans to make a small sacrifice of support by donating their unused cell phones, providing families with a much-needed connection to their loved ones overseas." However the need for support keeps growing as more soldiers are sent to the Middle East or are asked to serve extended tours of duty. Cell Phones for Soldiers is inviting Americans to support the Yellow Ribbon campaign in one of three ways: - Existing Cell Phones for Soldiers collection sites are invited to download the Yellow Ribbon sign from http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com, for display in their business - Businesses and grassroots organizations are invited to start their own collection drive, and can visit cellphonesforsoldiers.com for collection tips, and instructions for prepaid shipping of collected phones - Individuals are invited to donate their cell phones to Yellow Ribbon collection sites, or by downloading a prepaid shipping label from cellphonesforsoldiers.com Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money! Since then, the registered 501c3 non-profit organization has raised almost $1 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas. Ed. Note: If two kids from the burbs can raise a million bucks - what can WE do?

Stephen Pierce Asks For Donation - Marketing Ploy or Scam?

Starting May 26, 2007 at 9:40am EST, Stephen Pierce is holding a massive fundraising effort to feed 1 MILLION hungry children. He will donate a plate of food on your behalf to a hungry child through the Feed The Children charity organization every time you download.

So what's wrong with that?

Well - the last time I asked, when someone says they are giving something, they are GIVING something. No strings.

But what does Mr. Pierce ask? He wants your name, your email AND 30 bucks! The $30 donation goes to feed the children, but what is Pierce after - YOUR CONTACT INFO - so he can sell you something next week, or next month, or next year.

Jumping on the "Charity Bandwagon" is something a lot of celebrities are doing these days. They are using their names for good - but please beware of people who want something from you.

Stephen - I have nothing against you, but if you want to sell seomthing, sell it. If you want to give - give.





http://www.foragreatercause.org/

Purple Will Reign Dollars with 3121 Perfume in July!

OK - Now Prince has jumped on the charity bandwagon - don't get me wrong, I'm all for celebrities lending their power to raise money for a cause - any cause...

Prince will be donating 7% - which actually sounds measly until you consider it will end up being about $500,000!

Besides - it sounds yummmy...put me down for a gallon....

"Purple will Reign" on 07/07/07 with a 24-hour online charity event and a surprise?? performance by Prince. The charity event will kick off at 12 am on 07/07/07 when the perfume will be available for purchase Xclusively at www.3121perfume.com. The 30 ml bottle of 3121 will retail for $31.21 with 7% of each sale being divided between 7 charities chosen by Prince and Revelations. "This event promises to be huge as Prince fans worldwide will be able to participate in this Xclusive offer," says Larry Couey. "Our goal is to raise a half million dollars for charity on 07/07/07."

3121 is a white floral scent that opens with a refreshing sparkle of crisp bergamot, opulent jasmine and gardenia. Orange flower and muguet sensually intertwine with tuberose and ylang ylang, creating a subtle, mysterious blend; evolving into notes of patchouli and creamy sandalwood. Precious cedarwood and luxurious musks complement this sexy scent with an almost surreal draw that tugs at all senses for total captivation. Read the entire press release

Biking, Bowling, or Eating for Your Charity?

These are all fund raising ideas and events that bring in money for your charity.

The question is, should you put on an event which might bring is more money, but is less efficient, or should you put on an even that will bring in tons of money, but the cost to put on the event is more?

Events like bowling for dollars don't raise very much money. Less efficient fundraising events like walkathons and galas yield tons more cash.

Charity Navigator is promoting its 2007 Special Events Study, which tries to convince donors that they shouldn't support charity special events because they are so darn inefficient fundraising vehicles. The hyper-rational donor is better off writing a check directly to the organization.

But let's take a minute to think this out. If your goal is $100,000. Would it be wiser to plan one event that brings in $125,000 or ten events that bring in $10,200? If you are looking only at efficiency, the ten events that end up costing $2000 to put on would be the way to go. But you have to think of all those volunteer hours, venues, and organization.

If you put on one event that gets you to your fundraising goal, even if it costs more to put on, might that not be the most effective fund raising idea?

Charity Navigator is a wonderful service, but should not be used exclusively when planning your charity donations. Going out for the evening at a nice dinner, with amazing speakers and entertainment is the social element lacking in their analysis. That is a balance you need to make as a donor.

Project Linus

If any of you have crafting skills, materials, or lots of cash to give, head on over to the Give What? Forum and post it.

Project Linus is a great organization that provides "security blankets'" for children from infants through teenagers, who are seriously ill or traumatized. It is 100% volunteer, non-profit, and they have local chapters all over the US - you can help them out.

Blankets can be new or handmade and must be washable, but they may be quilted, tied, knitted crocheted or fleece...get involved

Watch this video about a chapter in New Jersey.

I Won!

While attending a Women's Expo Event last weekend. I stopped to speak with a very nice woman at the RTA Hospice and Palliative Care booth.

We had the sad opportunity to work with hospice last year, when we were with our friend as she passed from this life to the next. From the doctors, to the nurses, to the home health aids, their support, honesty and compassion helped our friend stay home during her illness and supported us with the care-taking. They are an amazing service and they have my sincere gratitude.

Anyway, the very nice woman encouraged me to fill out a form to enter their gift basket give away. . .and guess what - I won! They called me today and said to come pick up my basket. Which, by the way, was filled with coffee cups, gourmet coffee and mints. YUM!

So - thank you, RTA Hospice. Thank you, universe. Please everyone - Donate to Hospice.

Peas in a Pod? - YUM-O - Clinton and Ray!

TV Host Rachael Ray and none other than our former pres and future first gentleman, Bill Clinton have teamed up to help empower kids and their families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking.

The website, "Yum-o!" is the sound you make when you eat something really delicious. It is kind of a combination of "Yummy!" and "Oh wow!" You can't help but smile when you say it because it's such a fun word to say. A big part of the Yum-o! organization is about making cooking and eating something that makes people happy. Food should be delicious, fun and put a smile on your face.

Here is a recipe for children 4-6 years old from Yum-o:

Peanut Butter, Apple and Honey Wafflewich

SUBMITTED BY:

Rachael Ray

This yummy breakfast can be made with apples or bananas and fills your belly! Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 box store-bought waffles, such as eggo nutri-grain
• 1 jar peanut butter, crunchy or smooth
• Honey
• 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced
• You can also make these sandwiches with bananas, sliced on a bias

DIRECTIONS:

1. Toast waffles.
2. Spread peanut butter on top of warm waffle.
3. Top with a drizzle of honey and either a few slices of banana or apple.
4. Top with another warm waffle. Delish!!

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Ed Note: Doesn't it seem like Bill is just about everywhere these days...doing good?
I like that. He could go around golfing and lunching and whatever it is that retired guys do, but instead he is working as much or more as when he was leading the country - for the sake of us all. Makes me think - what have I done for the sake of us all lately.

Oh yeah, I built Give What?

Don't Flush Your Charity Dollars Down The Toilet

The Premier Good News Charity Site called Give What? is launched.

Like a child on a diving board, Give What?, slipped into the web stream
yesterday with a splash.

The new site dedicated to positive thoughts and actions, allows people to bring hope, education and opportunity by choosing their charities with confidence.

Only 4 star charities are listed on the site - charities for children, environment, disaster relief,
animals, health, food programs, the arts, education, finance. Also listed are charity auctions,
celebrity causes, and volunteering.

Do you get tired of the same ugly evening news? On this site you can choose to read only the good news. There are stories that lift and revitalize your spirits.

Did you know that there are many ways to give - even if you don't have any money?
You can take action - within 30 seconds - have made a difference in the world - and it won't cost you a red cent!

Check out this site for the good of all: Give What?

Bikers Buzz Big Bucks For Charity

Charity Fundraiser A Hit At Miller Motorsports Park

May 07, 2007

Despite Inclement Weather, Racing 2 Save Lives Surpasses Fund-Raising Record at Miller Motorsports Park

TOOELE VALLEY, UTAH — Braving cold, wet and blustery weather, motorcycle enthusiasts from all over North America converged on Miller Motorsports Park this past weekend to ride the world-class road racing circuit in a fund-raising event organized by Racing 2 Save Lives (R2SL). And despite the inclement weather, R2SL managed to increase both the number of participants and their fund-raising results, collecting $70,000 to donate to children’s charities in Utah and Colorado.

R2SL is a Colorado-based, 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children's charities by raising awareness, involvement and capital within the motorcycle racing community through donations, corporate sponsorship and fund-raising events. All profits generated by R2SL are distributed among carefully selected organizations that have a significant impact on the lives of children in need and their families, split equally between charitable organizations in Utah and Colorado.
Read the rest of the story. .

This group has another event coming up in August. They use the money mainly for charities local to their area - check out their website for more information about which ones.

If you're a motorcycle enthusiast this just might be your ticket to giving . . .

Making Money From Charity?

During a recent visit to the U.S. from India, Vikram Akula walked into a downtown restaurant to talk to a group of well-heeled Seattle philanthropists about how they could help end poverty.

Confident and articulate, he held a microphone and paced in front of the crowd like a talk-show host.

As one of the new mavericks bringing banking to the poor, Akula didn't mention Mother Teresa, the World Bank or the U.N. His guiding lights are Starbucks, Coke and McDonald's.

"My single goal is to eradicate poverty," he said. "The best way to do that is to apply a business model."

SKS Microfinance, which Akula started in 1988, connects opposite ends of the global economy: poor women in India looking for loans to expand their tiny businesses with wealthy investors in the U.S. who are hoping to make a 20 percent profit.

The traditional system of loans to the poor by aid groups, known as "microfinance," relies mostly on charitable donations. Read the rest of the story here. . .

Ed. Note: Hey - I've always thought this would be a great way to get people involved in giving. Face it, people are always looking for what's in it for them. Evidently the joy of giving, the satisfaction...that's just not enough.

Now, if you can make a 20% profit, that's a pretty good investment. It's called the Business Model. You can get involved in a micro-finance project. Help a family out. Make Money. Do it again! WIN! WIN! WIN!

More Micro Finance Projects at GiveWhat? Category Finance and Abundance

60 MILLION DOLLARS! and counting.....

On 24 and 25 April Charity Projects Entertainment Fund teamed up with FOX and "American Idol" to create an historic television event - "Idol Gives Back" - a two night special all about helping children and young people in need in the U.S.A. and in Africa. The great news is that the event has so far raised over $60 million in donations form the public and corporate sponsors.

I started thinking - you know - 60 million dollars is a lot of money! What would you do with that? It seems like you could resolve some of these poverty issues. Instead of parceling it out a little to this charity and a little to that charity....could just ONE issue in ONE area be solved? What if you took that 60 million and created a series of businesses for an area that would create jobs and start a micro economy? Wouldn't that be better than trying to play catch-up with all of the food, disease, and health issues? Look at Ireland - one of the poorest countries - now with a booming economy.....Just a thought...

Be sure to check out the GIVE WHAT? website and forum. The premier site for charitable giving and inspirational ideas.