BLOG

How To Use Twitter For Your NonProfit or Charity

2008-03-06T19:17:00.000-08:00

DO YOU TWITTER?

Twittering is a way millions of people connect - in 140 characters or less by answering the question. What are you doing?

Simple and effective.

Here are some of the ways nonprofits and government agencies could use Twitter in their work, along with real examples and ideas

# Providing information and tips - ex: eDiets, womenshealth, Health News
# Providing motivational support - ex: Qwitter (smoking cessation), Twitter PT Challenge (fitness)
# Creating a social support network - ex: Frozen Pea community, Back in Skinny Jeans (weight loss), mental health, Traineo (fitness/weight loss)
# Fundraising - ex: 1PinkRibbon, Frozen Pea Fund, Beth Kanter/Sharing Foundation
# Responding to disasters - ex: San Diego fires, safeandwell (American Red Cross), InSTEDD (Google.org + Rockefeller Fdn), general emergencies
# Tracking activities or readings - Tweet What You Eat (food diary), SugarStats (diabetes), gtFtr (exercise), pain diary, My Mile Marker (fuel economy)

Thanks to Nedra Weinreich for posting this on her blog...go to it to read more.
Nedra is a consultant, author and speaker working in the field of social marketing

Unique and Ambitious Charity Idea

2008-02-19T08:41:00.000-08:00

At Charity Intersection we are always on the lookout for promising new charity ideas. We recently ran across this intersting post on the forum "Personal Development for Smart People":

Hi, I have come up with an idea recently that I have been thinking about for ways to help less blessed people and animals then us, below is a copy of the e-mail I have been sending out to colleges in the country, right now I am just sending it out to all the colleges athletic directors, and volunteer clubs in hopes that they would forward it to all the schools athletic teams and sports clubs I would really like to hear your opinions on how I could improve this and ways to get it out there better. I have been thinking that I need to find an online volunteering organization that could devot several people to it, but I haven't found one yet btw, ok here it is.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello, I'm a student that has been recently thinking about ways to help less fortunate people and animals, I have come up with an idea that I think could really impact thousands and hopefully millions of lives, along with raising money for the organizations providing the services.

It started with an idea I had for my rugby team to raise money, I proposed the idea of walking dogs for money, we would raise money for our team by fund-raising on the idea that for every dollar donated to the team we would walk one dog at the local shelter.

This works time wise because if the average team or other organization has 40 people each person would only have to volunteer once every 4 or 5 weeks. This breaks down like this, 4 people on a team would go for three hours to the shelter were they could each take 9 dogs for a walk or run for 20 minutes. This would allow 32 dogs to be walked during that time, if the team volunteered twice a week then each volunteer would only have to go to the shelter once every 5 weeks for 3 hours, but 64 dogs could be walked every week.

Each team could print out a single paper handout to be given to each member with the idea for the fund raising to show to the potential givers, or they could set up a stand in the union building, I think around campus students would gladly give up to 5 dollars for such a cause and faculty and other older members of the community would probably give up to 20 or more dollars.

I think teams could easily raise 5,000 dollars each semester for there organization and bigger teams such as football teams with 100 men on the roster could easily raise much more. All this money could go to the teams for their personal use as the dogs would still be getting walked or other services provided at the shelters or they could agree to donate part of the earnings to the ASPCA or other charity, I think 20-60 % of donations should be stressed to give to the ASPCA or other charities as the team would still have a significant financial benefit.

I then started getting the idea that I could e-mail this plan to every colleges athletic director, and volunteer organization, in hopes that they would forward it to all the schools sports teams, and college clubs such as the rugby club and geology club, it could also be e-mailed to all the churches in the community.

Here are a list of some of the potential recipients of this idea via e-mail
Every college in the U.S
Every church in the U.S
Every high school and middle school in the U.S
All the major newspapers,

In the future it's possible that this e-mail could also be translated and e-mailed to every University in the world, church, etc...

I have also thought about including other charitable causes to include in the E-mail as to give all the organizations receiving it, more choices for charitable causes to raise money, such as for every dollar donated we will spend 30 minutes in a children's hospital, or for every dollar donated we will serve five meals at a local soup kitchen etc.

I think the list should have about 10 or so other charitable ideas, because every sports team and club of a University couldn't possibly volunteer at the ASPCA or humane shelters there would simply be too many people. Some of the charities I was thinking about putting on it were, Children's Hospitals, Homeless and Abuse shelters, Orphanages, Big Brother organizations, the ASPCA, the Humane society, Camps for blind children, local Environmental causes, Soup kitchens.

Ideas or Help with this?

Sincerely,

Angelo Leon

Ed Note: Charity Intersection would be extremely interest to see if this idea has taken flight.

Here's A Switch - Dogs Give To Humans

2008-02-13T10:35:00.000-08:00

Dogs are everywhere.

On Beartrap Meadow atop Casper Mountain, mushers, dogs and winter sports enthusiasts gather to raise money through Canines for Charity, an annual event hosted and sponsored by Timbermist Tracks Kennels.

Mushers pay entrance fees and friends and family sponsor sled teams. Money raised goes to the Arc of Natrona County, a non-profit organization in Casper that provides services and programs for people with developmental disabilities.

Ed. note: This is a great way to introduce family to the joys of giving and the discipline of animals and competition. Charity Intersection's hats off to the participants and organizers of this event.

Are We In A Recession?

2008-01-10T11:36:00.000-08:00

Are we coming into a recession? The media and political pundits would like us to think so. Yet, I'm still buying stuff, still making some money, still giving to charity...It makes me wonder if some of this "chicken little" thinking is made up by the news media because it is a slow news day or maybe it is a good safe thing for the presidential candidates to talk about.

Let's not get too carried away with this type of thinking...as Abraham Hicks says,"When you think a little thought of something you are wanting, by Law of Attraction that thought grows larger and larger and more and more powerful. When you think a thought of something you are not wanting, that Law of Attraction adds unto it and it grows larger and larger also. So the larger it grows, the more power it draws unto it, then the more certain you are to receive the experience, you see."

A man lived by the side of the road and sold hot dogs. He was hard of hearing so he had no radio. He had trouble with his eyes so he read no newspaper, nor did he watch TV. But, he sold great hot dogs. He put a sign up on the highway telling how great they were. He stood by the side of the road and cried, Hey, You, want to buy a great hot dog? And people came and they bought. So, he increased his meat and bun order. He bought a bigger stove to take care of his trade. Then one day his son came home from college to help him. His son said, Dad, havent you heard the news about the recession? The economy is really bad. The unemployment situation is terrible. The energy situation is worse.

Whereupon the hot dog man thought, Well my sons been to college. He reads the newspapers and listens to the radio, he ought to know. So the father cut down on his meat and bun order. He took down his advertising signs. He no longer bothered to stand by the side of the road and yelled, Wanna buy my hot dogs? And his hot dog sales fell almost over night. Youre right son. The hot dog man said to his boy. We certainly are in the middle of a bad recession!

Shop The Bunny For Celebrity Charity T-Shirts

2008-01-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

Stars Design T-Shirts For Charity

Iggy Pop, Duran Duran and Daft Punk are among the musicians who have designed T-shirts with their own take on the world-famous Playboy magazine 'bunny' logo for the 2008 Playboy Rock The Rabbit T-shirt series.

The shirts will be sold at Bloomingdales & at The Playboy Bunny Shop.
The original designs will be sold at auction with proceeds going to Rock The Vote, an organization which encourages young Americans to get involved in the political process.

Another Way To Give WIthout Money - $1 To Upload Your Smile

2007-12-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

Duracell will donate one dollar for every photo you upload of your child to Mattel Children's Hospital
go to Power a Smile

Limit 5 photos per person, per day. Five Bucks a day - that is significant, people.
Get uploading!

Newsweek Publishes 50 Most Generous

2007-11-26T13:46:00.000-08:00

The holidays are the time of year when most of us start thinking about giving, but to a true philanthropist, give is a year round obsession. Entire teams of people work to get money into the appropriate hands.

Newsweek has published the top 50 most generous philanthropists over the last 5 years. You will see Warren Buffet tops the list and right behind him, Bill and Linda Gates. The Waltons are there along with many names you won't recognize. It's interesting to note where the wealthy are spending their charity dollars. Education is a primary recipient. It would be even better if we could actually see how the money is being spent.

You can find the list here

A New Non Profit To Watch

2007-11-24T18:33:00.000-08:00

I've been a member of couchsurfing international for quite some time and I applaud their mission to make the world smaller. SO when I received this in my mail box, I thought I'd pass it on, for those who've never heard of Couch Surfing....

"Great news! After a long and difficult process lasting for more than a year, it is with great excitement that we announce the submission of our application for the federally recognized 501(c)(3) US non-profit status.

Currently, CouchSurfing International, Inc. is a legally recognized and official charitable non-profit corporation in the US state of New Hampshire. This means our purpose and any income is dedicated only to charitable non-profit use but as a locally-based organization in New Hampshire.

Submitting our application to be federally recognized "tax-exempt" non-profit organization is an exhilarating time for CouchSurfing. It shows how we have grown from a small community project into a structured charitable enterprise with a clear focus on the mission of facilitating intercultural understanding. This status will also provide several large and dynamic benefits that will serve to ensure the CouchSurfing community remains strong, sturdy and sustainable.

The advantages of 501(c)(3) non-profit status include:

* Worldwide recognition as a philanthropic
organization that complies with legal
requirements for charitable endeavors
* Increased legal protections and accountability
* Eligibility for financial grants
* Donations to CouchSurfing will be tax-deductible
in the US"

Food Banks Hurting This Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T23:14:00.000-08:00

Food banks and homeless shelters are already grappling with reduced federal aid as fears grow that more people will need help just as charity giving starts to decline....

The backbone of those charities, U.S. households with $200,000 or more in annual income or more than $1 million in assets, are also the ones most likely hit by the recent drop in stock prices sparked by the mortgage mess, according to research....

But research also shows stock prices have more of an effect on their giving than income changes, said Patrick Rooney, director of research at Indiana University's Center for Philanthropy, which carried out the Bank of America study in 2006....

Carol Schneider, media relations manager for the Food Bank for New York City, said a major U.S. bank — she wouldn't name the company — has reduced its donation by 60 percent this year, citing the fallout from mortgage losses....

Unfortunately, when giving falls, it's most often when demands on charitable groups are rising, said Rick Belous, United Way's vice president of research. Food pantries around the country are scrambling to meet rising demand from households that can't afford food because of rising housing costs. The crisis also affects renters, who are heading for emergency shelters after landlord-owners foreclose on apartments and houses, said Steve Berg, vice president of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Nearly 500,000 mortgages nationwide were foreclosed in the third quarter, double the number in the same period last year, according to housing data company RealtyTrac Inc. Some experts estimate 2 million homes could be foreclosed in 2007 and 2008....

High oil prices have increased transportation and heating costs, forcing many low-income families to choose between heating or eating, advocates said. Federal data show food costs up 4.5 percent this year, with even bigger price increases in staples like milk and eggs, said Stephanie Nichols, public relations manager at the Greater Boston Food Bank. For the first time in 10 years, a homeless shelter in Joliet, Ill., is full, said Lorri Nagle, director of development at the Catholic Charities USA agency there. A Catholic Charities overnight shelter in Minneapolis served as many people through Sept. 30 as it did in all of 2006, said John Keightley, the group's executive vice president. "We're definitely seeing more people coming to emergency food programs," said Aine Duggan, vice president for government relations at the Food Bank for New York City.

Almost 1.3 million New Yorkers visited food pantries, soup kitchens and similar programs in 2007, up 24 percent from 2004, according to a report prepared by Duggan's group. Meanwhile, food banks are receiving less aid from the federal government, resulting in empty shelves at food pantries and soup kitchens across the country. Food from a commodity surplus program run by the Agriculture Department has declined 70 percent the past three years, the nonprofit America's Second Harvest said, due largely to increased demand that has boosted farmers' sales and what they can charge....

New York's food banks have seen federal food aid drop by almost half, to 17 million pounds last year from 29 million pounds in 2004, Duggan said.

...Without the promise of increased federal help, charitable groups are urging people to give as much as they can.

Ed. This is the price of war. Our economy will eventually recover, we hope before too many suffer. Please, give what you can. Share what you can. If you don't have any money, support our sponsors with free clicks (see our home page @ http://www.charityintersection.com)

Charities Helping In Bangladesh

2007-11-17T22:18:00.000-08:00

Save the Children
As a major cyclone bore down on Bangladesh, Save the Children was one of the few humanitarian agencies with emergency responders already positioned in the path of the storm, a remote and low-lying area still recovering from extreme flooding last summer.

In the days leading up to the storm, Save the Children and the government of Bangladesh activated emergency response committees, coordinating with local and national emergency entities on a response. The agency also is coordinating with UN agencies to mobilize food and other resources.

World Vision
World Vision teams are sheltering 20,000 people from the devastation of Cyclone Sidr. Your donation will provide urgent, lifesaving aid to these children and families: emergency food, clean drinking water, blankets, warm clothing and more.

Each donation of $100 provides enough supplies for an entire family.

US Sends Help to Bangladesh

2007-11-17T21:59:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House offered condolences Saturday evening to victims of a deadly cyclone in Bangladesh and said the U.S. government has provided an initial $2.1 million in emergency relief aide.

A statement from press secretary Dana Perino said the USS Essex and the USS Kearsage are en route to Bangladesh to help and that the U.S. will airlift 35 tons of non-food items such as plastic sheeting, jerricans, hygiene kits and other supplies.

She said an 18-person Defense Department medical team that was in the country prior to the storm will help with current medical needs.

Tropical Cyclone Sidr, the deadliest storm to hit the country in a decade, destroyed tens of thousands of homes in southwest Bangladesh on Thursday and killed at least 1,723 people. More than a million coastal villagers were forced to evacuate to government shelters.

Ed Note: FOUR DAYS! How long did it take the government to send aid to people after Katrina?

Thanks for Giving - Angelina Jolie More Active Than Ever Article

2007-11-14T11:21:00.000-08:00

AFP: Prosecuting the perpetrators of genocide and other crimes against humanity is the best way to prevent further atrocities, actress Angelina Jolie said, urging tougher action in 2008.

"Accountability is perhaps the only force powerful enough to break the cycle of violence and retribution that marks so many conflicts," the Hollywood star wrote in The Economist magazine's "The World in 2008", out on Wednesday.

The actress, who is a goodwill ambassador to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said [that] she hoped [that] the coming year will see the international community seek "true accountability" for victims, particularly in Darfur.

"Through accountability, we can begin the process of righting past wrongs, and even change the behaviour of some of the world's worst criminals," she said.

In the full-page article seen by AFP on Tuesday, she said [that] international tribunals like those set up after the 1994 genocide in Rwanda or following conflict in the Balkans have the power to change behaviour.

Free Thanksgiving Cards

2007-11-12T23:16:00.000-08:00

Get your free Thanksgiving cards and help out charities at the same time.

Is Your Food Bank Low On Food This Thanks Giving?

2007-11-12T22:21:00.000-08:00

11/12/2007 - Thanksgiving is just right around the corner and valley homeless organizations are already cooking turkeys in anticipation of serving hundreds of meals. But one local organization that provides food for dozens of needy organizations is coming up short.
This is just the normal crowd for dinner at the Fresno Rescue Mission but come Thanksgiving the line will be even longer.

The Rescue Mission has enough turkeys to serve to its guests but it's in desperate need of the fixings; stuffing, vegetables and the like.

The Community Food Bank on the other hand is supposed to supply food to 1,500 needy families for Thanksgiving, but right now they have only enough for 200.

Where piles of cans of fruits and vegetables should be standing there is only concrete floor. The cupboards are bare at the Community Food Bank.

Dayatra Latin, Community Food Bank, says "It's a hard time. People are out of work. For a variety of reasons it's more expensive to put food on the table, or buy gas; so everyone is looking for some type of help to meet those needs."

Thanks to the local ABC news. . .

Urgent Action Needed !

2007-06-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

La Amistad International Park is a World Heritage site shared by Panama and Costa Rica. It harbors the largest intact virgin rainforest in Central America and is home to more than 115 species of fish, 250 species of reptiles and amphibians, 215 species of mammals, and 600 species of birds, including the endangered harpy eagle and tapir. La Amistad's rivers contain unique diadromous aquatic fish and shrimp that must migrate between fresh- and saltwater to complete their life cycles. Indigenous Naso and Ngobe peoples depend upon the biodiversity of the area, including fish species living in the Changuinola and Teribe Rivers.

But urgent action by conservationists is needed. This incredible World Heritage site is facing serious threats to its survival. Four pending hydroelectric dams will forever alter the free-flowing rivers so important to the park's ecosystem and extirpate many diadromous species by acting as impassable barriers. The resulting flooding will displace human populations too, and armed conflict has occurred between government agents and indigenous peoples; the potential for future conflict is high. The park is further threatened by increasing human encroachment activities such as cattle ranching, and it faces a lack of effective law enforcement and inadequate management.

Ed: If you would like to help GO HERE

Global Warming Top Ten List - Scary

2007-06-16T17:11:00.000-07:00

Global Warming by the Numbers

posted on Environmentaldefense.org

Rank of 2006 as hottest year on record in the continental United States.

Rank of America as top global warming polluter in the world.

Percent increase of America's carbon dioxide emissions from the burning of fossil fuels since 1990.

Percent increase of America's carbon dioxide emissions forecasted by 2020 if we do not cap pollution.

Percent decrease in U.S. global warming pollution required by 2050 to prevent the worst consequences of global warming.

Number of days by which the US fire season has increased over the past 20 years - tied closely to increased temperatures and earlier snowmelt.

Number of people around the world who could be displaced by more intense droughts, sea level rise and flooding by 2080.

Number of U.S. mayors (representing 55 million Americans) who have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement pledging to meet or beat Kyoto goals in their communities.

Number of federal bills passed to cap America's global warming pollution.

Number of times President Bush has mentioned "climate change" or "global warming" in his previous six State of the Union speeches.

Fuel For Car? Air! Hmmm...Dad Could Power His Own Vehicle!

2007-06-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

India’s largest automaker is set to start producing the world’s first commercial air-powered vehicle. The Air Car developed by ex-Formula One engineer Guy Nègre for Luxembourg-based MDI, uses compressed air, as opposed to the gas-and-oxygen explosions of internal-combustion models, to push its engine’s pistons. Some 6000 zero-emissions Air Cars are scheduled to hit Indian streets in August of 2008.

This six-seater tax, which should be available in India next year, is powered entirely by a tank filled with compressed air.

By Matt Sullivan

Published in the June 2007 issue of Popular Mechanics

Keywords

Barring any last-minute design changes on the way to production, the Air Car should be surprisingly practical. The $12,700 CityCAT, one of a handful of planned Air Car models, can hit 68 mph and has a range of 125 miles. It will take only a few minutes for the CityCAT to refuel at gas stations equipped with custom air compressor units; MDI says it should cost around $2 to fill the car’s carbon-fiber tanks with 340 liters of air at 4350 psi. Drivers also will be able to plug into the electrical grid and use the car’s built-in compressor to refill the tanks in about 4 hours.

Of course, the Air Car will likely never hit American shores, especially considering its all-glue construction. But that doesn’t mean the major automakers can write it off as a bizarre Indian experiment — MDI has signed deals to bring its design to 12 more countries, including Germany, Israel and South Africa.

Uh Huh From Ono - Just Imagine

2007-06-11T23:48:00.000-07:00

ONO FINALLY GRANTS PERMISSION FOR CHARITY TO USE IMAGINE

	Print article
	Refer to a friend

Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)


Yoko Ono © ddp

2007-06-12 01:11:07 -

YOKO ONO finally granted permission for JOHN LENNON's peace anthem IMAGINE to be used for an awareness campaign after deciding she trusted the charity's intentions.
Since the ex-Beatle was murdered in 1980, Ono has turned down hundreds of requests from organisations wanting to use Imagine, but has now finally decided to give the OK to Amnesty International.
The 1971 song features on a new CD, Instant Karma: The Campaign To Save Darfur, otherwise made up of Lennon covers. The double album is raising money to benefit relief efforts in the war-torn region of Sudan.
Ono says, "I'm not afraid to say no. There are so many people and organisations who've had that same request, and I've said no to everybody.
"The Amnesty International people brought this proposal to me and I responded very quickly because I had been doing some projects with them before that and had a very good feeling about them.
"So in this case it was a big 'Yes'."

An Act Of Kindness? OR Marketing Ploy?

2007-06-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

June 2, 2007 - 11:46PM

A rare sighting happened Saturday morning at a local gas station: People were smiling about the price of gas.

Yuma Community Church partnered with Sellers Petroleum,
to sell $2 gas to customers from 9 to 11 a.m. Read More Here...

Does God need a marketing program? No - but this new
church does. It plans to "market" itself once a month, by going
out into the community and giving something away. I am mixed
on this. I like that they are doing something practical, instead of
building fancy buildings, etc., but I wonder if the message is lost
in the quest for "customers". . .

Teens Make Adults Feel Guilty By Raising 1 Million For Troops

2007-05-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-05-26T16:27:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-05-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-05-22T06:47:00.001-07:00

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

2007-05-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-05-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-05-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

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:

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

-------------------
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

2007-05-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-05-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

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.....

2007-05-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

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.

Idol GIves Back Videos On iTunes Thursday By Apple

2007-04-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

Apple and American Idol have partnered to offer audio and video downloads of “Idol Gives Back,” the two-night American Idol special on Fox airing as I write this. The special is to raise awareness and funds for children and young people living in extreme poverty in the United States and Africa.

Celebrities participating in the event include Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani, Earth, Wind & Fire, Il Divo, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Josh Groban with the African Children’s Choir, Jack Black, Helen Mirren, Rascal Flatts, Quincy Jones, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox and many others.

Apple said that all proceeds from the “Idol Gives Back” performances on the iTunes Store will be distributed to relief organizations within the U.S. and Africa via the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund (CPEF).

Performances from the show will be available for download beginning on Thursday.

Great News on the Parkinson's Front

2007-04-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

Today is a beautiful day. The sun is shining and I woke up with every cell in my body healthy and awaiting my command for action. It is not so easy for those with Parkinson's Disease. For them, not every cell acts on command - in fact, some cells seem to have willful minds of their own.

About Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive movement disorder that affects at least one million people in the United States. It is caused by a reduction in dopamine containing nerve cells of the midbrain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in controlling movement and coordination, so Parkinson's patients experiencing a reduction of dopamine-producing nerve cells exhibit the progressive inability to initiate and control physical movements. There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease.

Today, I am grateful for my health and happy to bring good new to those with Parkinson's.. . . .

Medical News Today

April 17, 2007

Ceregene, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, today presented long term follow-up data from a Phase 1 clinical trial of CERE-120, a gene therapy product in development for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, demonstrating a 36 percent (p<0.001) reduction in Parkinson's symptoms at 12 months after administration. . .

"We are pleased with the results of this early study which suggests that the majority of patients treated with CERE-120 may have exhibited significant and stable improvement for a full year after receiving a single administration of CERE-120," stated Jeffrey M. Ostrove, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Ceregene. "Each of our products, much like CERE-120, is aimed at unmet neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (AML or Lou Gehrig's disease) with the goal of not only improving the symptoms but also preventing progression of the disease."

This Phase 1 clinical trial was partially supported by a grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Based on the results of the Phase 1 study, the Foundation has provided a $1.9 million grant, which will provide partial funding for Ceregene's ongoing Phase 2 trial.
Read the entire article here.

Virginia Tech Sets Up Memorial Fund

2007-04-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund

April 16, 2007, will be remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of the Virginia Tech community and the world beyond.

To remember and honor the victims of those tragic events, the university has established the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund to aid in the healing process and generate financial support.

The fund will be used to cover expenses including but not limited to:

* Grief counseling
* Memorials
* Communication expenses
* Comfort expenses
* Incidental needs

Idol Gives Back

2007-03-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

As you may have heard, American Idol will be using it's huge appeal to raise money for children in the US and Africa by hosting a 2 night special charity event.

The producers and stars of TV phenomenon American Idol will be giving back next month as part of a massive charity push featuring Bono, Borat, Annie Lennox, Pink and Gwen Stefani.

Show sponsors Coca-Cola and AT&T will donate cash to charities committed to ending poverty Africa for each vote cast for idol stars of the current season on April 24th and 25th. Viewers will also be able to donate cash during the charity drive.

Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell have filmed a video in Africa to promote the new charity.

Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will visit Louisiana to highlight ongoing post-Hurricane Katrina problems there.

Sacha Baron Cohen will do a Borat skit on the shows and Stefani, Pink, Lennox, Josh Groban, Fantasia and Bono are all expected to perform.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?

So - the money is going to Charity Projects Entertainment FUND. I'd never heard of them, so I thought I'd check them out.

The money raised by the two shows will equally benefit the U.S. and Africa. In the U.S., the money will be distributed via CPEF to Save the Children and other U.S. organizations working to deliver programs to children living in extreme conditions in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country.

In Africa, the money will be dedicated to delivering health and education programs and will be distributed via CPEF to a number of organizations, including U.S. Fund for UNICEF, The Global Fund, Save the Children, Nothing but Nets and Malaria No More.

For viewers interested in learning more about how to get involved in efforts to fight AIDS and extreme poverty around the world, IDOL GIVES BACK is also providing a link on its website to ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History

The Best Online Giving Guide

2007-03-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

Well this is my first post. I'm really excited, because I want to talk about giving.
Most people want to give. They want to feel that good feeling that comes from helping others. Yet many of us don't give.

There are hundreds of reasons, but one that I hear over and over is - "I just can't decide where to donate. I'm not sure if my donation is being well spent."

What I am going to do is to look at different charities. Help you decide. Because it doesn't do anyone any good, if the gift isn't given. So, if you have a favorite charity, or one that you would like me to look into and review, please post a comment.

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to give a little love . . . in any form.

Sam