Celebrities Give Back: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Donate to Joplin Recovery

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

 On May 22 an extremely devastating tornado hit Joplin, Missouri, causing the highest death toll since 1947. The tornado left 151 dead, 990 injured and many missing. The tornado was declared the seventh deadliest in U.S. history. In light of the tragedy, Brad and Angelina decided to donate $500,000 to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

 “With the devastating loss of thirty percent of the city, the Joplin community faces great challenges ahead.  Having spent much of my childhood there, I know these people to be hardworking, humble and especially resilient,” Brad Pitt, a Missouri native, told the Foundation.

 With the large donation, the foundation now has over $1 million to help support the areas harmed by the tornado. Jolie and Pitt hope that their contribution can help the Joplin residents to keep their heads up and continue making progress.

 Donations to the Joplin Recovery Fund can be made at www.cfozarks.org/donate/

Celebrities Give Back: William and Kate Support Disadvantaged Children

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

The 10^th annual ARK Gala was hosted in London with a very exclusive guest list. Dinner guests included Prince William with his new bride, Elizabeth Hurley, Tom Ford and numerous European royalties. Kings of Leon even took stage to perform after Prince William gave a speech.

ARK, Absolute Return of Kids, was founded in 2002 to help improve the life chances of children. According to the charity’s website, “ARK projects focus on health in sub-Saharan Africa, education in the UK, US and India and child protection in Eastern Europe.” Hundreds of thousands of children have already benefited from the program.

Each year ARK hosts a Gala to help raise money for disadvantaged children. This year the Gala had over 1,000 guests and raised almost $28 million.

 Shop to help support disadvantaged children at Uptown Liz.

Musicians Give Back: Artists Host Concerts That Donate to Charity

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

Many musical artists have partnered up with Tickets-for-Charity to help give back to those in need. Some of the big names include Tim McGraw, Rasal Flatts, Taylor Swift and Glee. They are committed to reaching the final goal of raising five million dollars to help support MusiCares.

According to Grammy.org, “MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.”

 In celebration of MusiCares 20^th anniversary, guests will be able to purchase some of the best seats in the house, even if the concert is sold out. To make a donation to MusiCares visit https://beapartoftheheart.com/.

 To purchase tickets in your city go to http://www.ticketsforcharity.com/MusiCares20/.

Celebrity For a Cause: Kari Whitman Works to Rescue Animals

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

Kari Whitman, best known for her modeling and acting, is dedicated to saving dogs while supporting the environment. After the passing of her beloved dog, she felt motivated to do something to save other animals. Whitman started an organization in the Los Angeles area known as Ace of Hearts.

Ace of Hearts is a dog rescue foundation that saves dogs the day they are going to be euthanized. They work with various shelters and place the dogs in loving homes. Whitman is also working on an eco-friendly line of dog beds, leashes, and collars, called Greener Pup.

Many celebrities are working to get involved by supporting Greener Pup and Ace of Hearts. Jessica Alba, and Rob Knepper are both fans of using Greener Pup beds for their furry friends. TMZ’s Harvey Levin even recorded a song that donates 50% of all proceeds to Ace of Hearts.

 To read more about Ace of Hearts or to donate visit http://acesangels.org/.

Oakley for a Cause: Special Edition Sunglasses Support Young Survival Coalition

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

I probably see a pair of Oakley sunglasses at least once a day.  Whether I’m at work, shopping in the city, or out to dinner with the family, someone is almost always sporting the popular optics.  And I’d never put much thought into why someone may want Oakleys…until today, that is.

It’s no secret Oakleys are famous for their defining style and fashion, but maybe less well known is that Oakley makes sure to use its esteemed label to give back.  Special edition sunglasses created by the company have benefitted causes such as Livestrong in the past and are now supporting the Young Survival Coalition, or YSC.

YSC is an organization committed to helping women who face the bold task of enduring breast cancer at a young age.  They provide women with camaraderie and resources in an effort to empower and support.  The founders each battled breast cancer before reaching their mid-thirties and realized the need for a unique program like this one; thus, YSC was born.

Several sponsors and partners, like Oakley, support the YSC and allow the organization to fulfill its mission of never leaving a woman to experience breast cancer alone.  Oakley is a premier partner of YSC and currently has the women’s special edition sunglasses for sale. $20 of each purchase will help the YSC encourage all of those young women out there to have the strength to fight and the willpower to survive breast cancer.

That being said, the next time I see someone around town wearing their Oakleys, I’ll think twice about the decision they made.  Oakley isn’t just a label; it’s a company that cares less about the bottom line and more about helping those in need.

To purchase your own Oakleys, please visit http://tinyurl.com/3l2jwmb today. 

To find out more about the Young Survival Coalition, please check out their website at http://www.youngsurvival.org/.

Youth For a Cause: 13-Year-Old Raises Thousands for Cerebral Palsy

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

Matthew Stephenson of Houston, Texas may seem like your average videogame-playing teenage boy but he is indeed much more. Matthew is affected with cerebral palsy, a condition that causes physical disability in human development, especially body movement.

He has created a charity called Matthew’s Challenge to help send thirty children to Camp Smiles, a getaway where disabled children get to participate in fun activities that help build their skills and allow them to gain independence.

Matthew’s Challenge hopes to raise $30,000 to donate cabins to Camp Smiles so that thirty more children are able to enjoy the week-long camp. Matthew has previously raised $3,000 to help students with disabilities graduate from high school. He is hoping that his challenge will allow more kids living with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities, to gain self confidence and participate in activities that they couldn’t previously enjoy.

To learn more visit about Matthew’s Challenge or to donate visit http://eastersealshouston.org/Donations/matthews-challenge.html.

Community for a Cause: Smiles Charity Fundraises to Build Veteran Homes

Written by Marking Intern Katy Rowan

Thirty miles north of Dallas, an orthodontist by the name of Jennifer Buchanan works incredibly hard to make her mark on this world.  In addition to giving her McKinney, Texas patients the perfect smile, Dr. Buchanan partners with the North Collin County Habitat for Humanity to build houses for those in need.

Dr. Buchanan founded the Smiles Charity in 2008 with the hopes of changing the world one home, one family at a time, and it has had much success since then.  Private donations and various sponsorships for the charity’s main event, the Smiles Charity Concert and Family Festival, have afforded Dr. Buchanan and Habitat for Humanity the ability to put three families in new homes in just three short years.

Each year, a celebrity has headlined the annual concert and drawn large crowds out in support of Dr. Buchanan’s mission.  Entertainers Gavin DeGraw, Little Big Town, and Chris Cagle have been featured in years past, and Uncle Kracker took the stage most recently, on this past Memorial Day weekend. 

The 2011 Smiles Charity Concert went off without a hitch with the largest community turnout since its beginning.  This year’s goal was to recognize two locally fallen heroes and also to put three severely wounded veterans in homes, thanks to help from Operation Finally Home.

As a resident of McKinney myself, I can say I’m truly honored to live in the same city as Dr. Buchanan.  Whether it’s through her orthodontic work or charitable compassion, she continues to make an impact on the community.  I have no doubt she will reach her dream of expanding Smiles Charity to several cities nationwide.

Though she’s worked hard to give families the gift of a home and to raise large sums of money, the ultimate gift she’s bestowed on our community is one with no cost at all – an enduring smile willing to help. 

After all, what’s more powerful than a smile?  Absolutely nothing.

Celebrity Gives Back: Jeff Gordon Supports the Fight Against Childhood Cancer

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

Jeff Gordon, a NASCAR Cup Champion, announced that the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation is going to support Rwandan children by making cancer treatment available to them. The Foundation is dedicated to raising $1.5 million dollars to help treat patients in the area.

 The Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation was founded in 1999 to help support children intellectually, socially and physically. The Foundation is teaming up with Partners In Health, an organization committed to providing health care to those devastated by poverty and disease. Along with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Gordon and Partners In Health hope to provide appropriate care and help to the Rwandan children effected by cancer.

 According to the Foundation website, Gordon is enthusiastic about the cause because “childhood cancer occurs randomly, regularly and excludes no ethnicity, socioeconomic class or geographic region and that is why it is imperative we reach beyond our borders and bring access to treatment to countries like Rwanda.  Partners In Health and the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation share a mutual desire to reach the day when no child faces the uncertainties of cancer, with our new partnership we are one step closer”.

 To find out more or to donate to the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation visit www.jeffgordonchildrensfoundation.org

Running Gives Back: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Provides Inspiration

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

As someone who used to be an avid runner, lost touch with the sport, and now wants to get back into it, it’s sometimes hard to find the motivation necessary to go for that morning jog.  After doing some research, however, I’ve decided to look no further than Susan G. Komen for the Cure for the perfect amount of inspiration.

Making quite the impact with more than 800 runners at its inaugural race in Dallas, Texas back in 1983, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has continued to increase breast cancer awareness and raise money for the cause nearly 30 years later.  Each race also celebrates breast cancer survivors and honors those who’ve passed on.

In addition to races held all over the country, the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure is held annually in Washington, D.C. Most recently held on June 4, this year’s race drew 44,000 participants and raised over $5 million to fund breast cancer programs in the D.C. area and across the world.

Local races benefit the organization as well.  According to the Find a Race website, as much as 75% of the net money raised actually stays in the race city’s community and goes toward funding health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects.  The other 25% supports the Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Programs, which fund breakthrough research, awards, and global conferences.

So, the next time you find yourself lacking the energy to go for a walk or run, think again.  Think of all of those who suffer from breast cancer.  Think of all of those who have survived.  Think of all of those who have lost their lives.  Remember how lucky you are, and take that inspiration to the pavement. 

Get out and exercise so you too can participate in the Race for the Cure.  Running or walking may not appear all that exciting, but running or walking for the cure is absolutely exhilarating.  Take your first step today and find out for yourself.

To sign up for a race in your community, please visit http://tinyurl.com/ydv4ml4.  To sign up for next year’s Global Race for the Cure, please visit http://tinyurl.com/ydg3tw7.

To simply learn more about Susan G. Komen or to make a donation, please visit http://ww5.komen.org/. 

Celebrity Gives Back: Elton John Hosting Annual Charity Ball

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

 Sir Elton John is famous internationally for more than just his singing ability; his AIDS Foundation has funded hundreds of projects across the globe. Elton John has worked relentlessly to raise hundreds of millions of dollars to help HIV/AIDS victims find hope.

According to the Foundation’s website, “Our mission is to provide focused and sustainable funding to frontline programs that help to alleviate the physical, emotional and financial hardship of those living with, affected by or at risk of HIV/AIDS, and to continue the fight against this worldwide pandemic.”

Elton John started the White Tie and Tiara Ball in 1999 to help raise money for his foundation.  Hundreds of celebrities come out each year to his 37-acre English manor to support the cause. Some of the celebrities who have attended in the past include David Beckham, Kevin Spacey and Catherine Zeta Jones. The guests get to tour the estate, enjoy some of the finest cuisine that London has to offer, listen to Elton John himself perform, and finish the evening with hours of dancing. The White Tie and Tiara Ball alone has raised millions of dollars to support the Foundation’s projects.

To learn more about the White Tie and Tiara Ball visit or to donate to the cause visit http://www.ejaf.com/Ourevents/WHITETIETIARA. 

Organization for a Cause: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Supports Families Affected by Dementia

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

Last year my Mimi passed away.  Having lived nearly 89 wonderful years, she made the journey to Heaven after an uphill battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.  However, being the fighter she was, she never let dementia get in the way of being her lively, loving, and sweet self.  And I know she’d encourage anyone else suffering from Alzheimer’s to do the same.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) shares my Mimi’s mentality and is dedicated to providing assistance to everyone affected by the disease via organizations devoted to improving quality of life.  Additionally, AFA offers advocacy services that range from boosting awareness to an early detection initiative.  Other services include a toll-free hotline, education, social services, care connection, professional development, and grants.

The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to the Alzheimer’s cause, too.  Offering care for those affected by the disease, the association also aims to completely eliminate Alzheimer’s through extensive research and to reduce the risk of dementia by advocating brain health.

Both organizations work hard to campaign for the Alzheimer’s cause.  Though the disease is prevalent in our society, the AFA and the Alzheimer’s Association provide the support necessary to combat the disease and continue living life. 

And that is the most important thing.  Just as my Mimi powered through, these organizations enable others to do the same.  Alzheimer’s is an unfortunate part of life for some, but it will never be a way of life thanks to the AFA and the Alzheimer’s Association.

To learn more and to find out how you can get involved, please visit http://www.alzfdn.org/index.htm and http://www.alz.org/index.asp.

Billionaires Give Back: Tilman and Paige Fertitta Host Charity Event

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

Down here in Texas, the Fertitta’s are a restaurant dynasty. Tilman Fertitta is the CEO of Laundry’s, a corporation that owns dozens of the most popular restaurants in Texas. They cater to every family, from the kid-friendly Rainforest Café to one of the finest steakhouses in the country, Vic and Anthony’s. Tilman’s River Oaks estate made the perfect setting this spring for the Houston Children’s Charity A Gathering of Champions fundraiser.

Houston Children’s Charity is a non-profit organization that helps support underprivileged, abused and disabled children in need of help. Tilman Fertitta is the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The fundraiser brought some of Houston’s most legendary sports figures including Nolan Ryan, Craig Biggio, Clyde Drexler and Elvin Hayes. Other notable names include Michael Linn, John Nau and John Havens.

The fundraiser proved to be an enormous success, raising $140,000 for the HCC. Tilman also paid a tribute to NASA Captains Gene Cernan and Mark Kelly. The Houston Children’s Charity referred to night as an “unforgettable event.”

To learn more about Houston Children’s Charity or to donate visit www.houstonchildrenscharity.org.

Celebrity for a Cause: Coldplay Promotes Fair Trade Practices

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

Last June marked another hallmark in the life of one very popular band; Coldplay released their new single, Every Teardrop is a Waterfall.  Even without the new hit though, Coldplay members have recently attracted the spotlight in a different respect – for their bold support of Fair Trade, trade that promotes just labor and helps developing countries defeat poverty.

Whether displaying slogans on his piano during a performance or bolstering the cause outside of work, Coldplay’s Chris Martin makes sure to support Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair campaign in a big way.  Not only does Martin sport the “Make Trade Fair” logo at every public appearance, he and his band mates have even been active participants in the process of completing an Oxfam petition.

Oxfam is an international confederation of 15 organizations that aim to alleviate poverty, hunger, and social injustice.  The Make Trade Fair campaign is one of many campaigns the confederation sponsors in an effort to fulfill its ultimate goal of enabling people to exercise their rights and manage their own lives.  And with Coldplay’s support, that vision is one step closer to becoming reality.

To find out how you can get involved, please visit http://tinyurl.com/6lna6p.

To read more about Oxfam and the impact the organizations are making on the world, please visit http://www.oxfamamerica.org/.

City For a Cause: Houston Rodeo Donates Millions to Charity

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

In 1932, seven men met at the Texas State Hotel to plan out what would become the world famous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. In its 79 years, the Rodeo has donated “$265 million to scholarships, research, endowments, calf scramble participants, junior show exhibitors, the Rodeo Institute for Teacher Excellence™, School Art participants, and other educational and youth programs” according to their website.

Rodeo Houston is more than just a month of fun for Houstonians, it allows thousands to volunteer and give back to their community. The Rodeo has created over 7,000 jobs, increased regional product and increased the population by more than 16,000. The week starts off with “Go Texan Day,” in which local elementary schools participate in square dancing, thousands of cowboys and their cattle arrive in Houston and an enormous parade is hosted Downtown with the Mayor.

The Rodeo has hosted some of the most famous musical artists in America, including Elvis Presley, George Strait and Charley Pride. The concerts, zoo and massive carnival bring the crowds, but being able to eat some of the best barbeque in the world while giving back to so many people is what keeps Texans coming every year.

There are over 24,000 volunteers for the Houston Rodeo on nearly 100 committees. The average committee member donates almost 70 hours of their time to the Houston Rodeo each year. This year alone the Rodeo set an all-time record of 2,262,834 in attendance. It is easy to see that the event has played an enormous role in helping thousands of people out across America. The Rodeo is a truly one-of-a-kind event that Houstonians wait for every year.

To learn more about the Houston Rodeo or for volunteer opportunities visit www.HoustonRodeo.com.

Women for a Cause: WGIRLS Live and Breathe Their Humanitarian Mission

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

Most recently, WGIRLS Inc. stole the media spotlight for its success in London.  The UK chapter hosted the “De-clutter and Give Back” campaign in an effort to supply disadvantaged women and children with everyday items, and they received numerous donations.

But, across the pond, the non-profit organization has made quite the impact as well.  Started by a small group of New York City women, WGIRLS aims to provide underprivileged women and children with the supportive environment necessary to obtain health, happiness, and a successful adult life.

WGIRLS has 12 national chapters and one international chapter in London.  They work globally in times of international crisis, and they strongly believe all women and children (regardless of ethnicity, faith, or financial situation) deserve the cream of the crop when it comes to education, healthcare, and a safe environment.

And who can disagree with that?  What’s more powerful than women helping other women?  The WGIRLS are paving the way, and there’s nothing for them to do but to “look forward…giving back.”

To read more about this wonderful non-profit or to make a donation, please click here.

To join the WGIRLS and their success, please click here.

Athletes Give Back: CVS Caremark Charity Classic

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

To kick off the first official day of summer, thousands attended the 13^th annual CVS Charity golf tournament in Rhode Island this week. Golf enthusiasts were able to enjoy watching their favorite professionals golf while supporting various charities.

Each year the CVS Caremark Charity Classic hosts 20 golf professionals to compete in the tournament, a Skins Game and a Long Drive Competition. Each golfer is paired with a different charity. The Charity Classic benefits non-profit organizations in New England that tend to children and families. The event has proven to be an enormous success, raising over $1.3 million last year alone.

The money has helped support The Autism Project, American Red Cross, Children’s Wishes and Rhode Island Family Shelter, to name a few. This year the winners set a new record for the tournament; Matt Kuchar and Zach Johnson scored 118 during the two-day event. The proceeds will be distributed through the Billy Andrade-Brad Faxon Charities for Children.

To buy tickets for next year’s tournament visit http://www.cvscharityclassic.com/.

Fashion Gives Back: Saraphia Tees Have a Philanthropic Fit

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

She made a splash in the fashion industry when her t-shirt label made its debut.  The clothing line brought her much success, and she found a way to further this success after an inspirational trip to Thailand.  Aiming to model the selflessness found on her vacation, Sarah Phelps launched worldpeaceorbust.com in an effort to give back through her brand, Saraphia.

The humanitarian website benefits the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) by donating 25% of every “world peace or bust” t-shirt sale to the organization.  These funds help with medical, food, and shelter costs for refugees across the world.

Better yet, the site enables shoppers to get involved.  Not only do girls have the option to buy adorable Saraphia tees with cute logos, they can also buy a “world peace or bust” tee and wear it proudly knowing the proceeds went to an important cause.

Sarah Phelps created a hit brand.  Saraphia came into the fashion industry with a bang, and now it’s making a dent with its charitable footprint.  Just as it says on the worldpeaceorbust website, Sarah is truly making the world a little more beautiful one t-shirt at a time.

To order your “world peace or bust” t-shirt, please visit http://tinyurl.com/3s75ahr.

To shop Saraphia, check out http://www.saraphia.com/catalog.php.

To donate to UNHCR, please visit http://tinyurl.com/mwpezr.

Model For a Cause: Twiggy Speaks Out Against Animal Cruelty

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

Twiggy Lawson, born Lesley Hornby, began modeling at age sixteen and quickly became a fashion icon. Many people know her as the world’s first supermodel from the 1960’s. Twiggy is using her fame to fight one store that has taken animal cruelty to the next level.

Fornum & Mason in the UK is famous for selling high-quality groceries, wine and gifts. The store also sells foie gras, a product made from the livers of ducks and geese. The birds livers’ are fattened up by stuffing tubes of food down their throats multiple times a day. The liver then swells to an unnaturally large size and the birds are then killed. It is common for the birds to bleed to death from the puncturing of the neck by the tubes. PETA has undercover footage of the process that is so gruesome it has caused many cities to ban the product all together.

Twiggy is speaking out against Fornum & Mason by campaigning against foie gras. She is begging for the product to be taken off the shelves, despite the store’s refusal to listen to her. Anyone can help save these animals by protesting against the store. 

To join the fight against foie gras or to write a letter to Fornum & Mason visit here.

Celebrities for a Cause: Celebs Unite for The Cancer Talk Campaign

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

Celebrities Terrell Owens, Sophia Bush, and Adrian Grenier are among the many taking an active role in LetsFCancer’s campaign, The Cancer Talk.   LetsFCancer is an organization dedicated to making a bold impact with the mantra, “F*** Cancer.”

           

LetsFCancer aims to shift power from the disease to the patient.  Rather than feeling overwhelmed by cancer’s presence, patients instead adopt the ideology that they’re the ones to be feared; for they hold the power and the strength to overcome anything.

           

The Cancer Talk campaign takes this attitude one step further and puts power in the hands of kids.  That’s right, kids from Generation Y.  These 17-35 year olds are the ones who can make the difference by encouraging their parents to get tested and seek early detection.  After all, according to The Cancer Talk website, 90% of cancers are curable if caught in stage one.

           

So, all you so-called kiddos out there join with the masses and talk to your parents.  As a part of Generation Y myself, I think it’s a great idea.  Just as they discussed the birds and the bees with us, it’s our responsibility to discuss early detection with them.  Our voices and our opinions hold more weight than we think; let’s help LetsFCancer alter the power imbalance and talk to our parents today.

           

For discussion ideas, please visit http://cancertalk.letsfcancer.com/.

           

To learn more about LetsFCancer, check out http://www.letsfcancer.com/.

Celebrity for a Cause: Kristen Stewart Donates to Help Stop Sex Trafficking

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

Kristen Stewart is famous her role as Bella Swan in the mega-hit movie series Twilight. Stewart recently showed her charitable side as she donated an autographed pair of shoes to the non-profit organization, Shoe Revolt. Her recent role as a teenage prostitute in an independent movie allowed her to realize the severity of underage prostitution and sex trafficking.

Shoe Revolt’s mission is to stop sex trafficking and find a home for those who have suffered. With celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Zoe Bell working to stop the violence, Americans are finally gaining awareness of the thousands of people it affects. According to Shoe Revolt, nearly 50,000 women and children each year are victims of sex trafficking.

Anyone can help support the cause by donating a pair of new or gently used shoes. These shoes allow the organization to build shelters and help the victims. To donate and learn more about Shoe Revolt and its shelters visit www.shoerevolt.com. 

Organization for a Cause: Kidz b Kidz Inspires Children and Offers Hope

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

Learning to empathize is tough.  Learning to have a positive outlook on a not-so-positive situation is even tougher.  But when it comes to empathizing and having a positive outlook, all while being a child, that takes the cake on the toughness scale.

At Kid b Kidz, though, children are taught how to empathize and stay positive through artwork.  The non-profit organization aims to educate children on the importance of helping others by encouraging them to use art and bright spirits to give back to others.  And these kids do exactly that; they create beautiful masterpieces that are sold to fund medical research and help save sick children’s lives.

At various art parties, kids are asked to create something to benefit sick children.  Kidz b Kidz shows each child how they can easily make an impact and hopes to plant the seed of philanthropy into each young person’s life.  Kidz b Kidz believes teaching children to give will ultimately make for a better world, one full of people reaching out to others.

The Kidz b Kidz artwork adorns cups, tray covers, trash bins, and more at various hospitals around the country.  Children’s Hospital Boston was the first to welcome the uplifting artwork, and it has been a success ever since. 

Though the artwork may not instantly cure, it certainly provides an atmosphere where empathy and positivity can live in harmony.  After all, there is nothing better than a supportive environment and a positive frame of mind to overcome any sickness.  Just ask those cheerful young souls at Kidz b Kidz if you don’t believe me.

To learn more about Kidz be Kidz, please visit http://www.kidzbkidz.org/.

Athlete for a Cause: NFL Player Helps Community

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

 This June NFL player Jason David hosted his 6^th Annual Football Skills Camp at his former high school in Covina, California. The camp gave 250 young boys the opportunity to learn football skills and the importance of hard work from three NFL players for free. David wants to show youth that if you work hard and stay optimistic it will eventually pay off.

 In 2007 Jason David started his Corner Foundation in honor of his beloved cousin who passed away from kidney disease. According to David’s website, the goals of his Corner Foundation are “motivating youth to stay positive, encouraging youth to see the importance in education and being a role model” to inspire youth to set goals.

 The foundation raises money for the research and awareness of kidney disease. In addition to the Football Skills Camp, David hosts an annual golf tournament and cocktail party as part of his Celebrity Charity Weekend each year.

 To learn more about the Jason David Corner Foundation or to donate, visit www.jasondavidscorner.org.

Celebrity for a Cause: Betty Ford’s Legacy Lives On

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

She was known as a former first lady, an outspoken voice, and a champion for the causes she believed in.  To put it quite simply, Betty Ford was a rare and special breed.

As we all know, the former first lady to Gerald Ford passed away on July 8, 2011.  She’s said to have touched more lives than any president could ever dream of, and she’ll never be forgotten.

Most notably, though, her legacy will never be forgotten, either.  After battling breast cancer and alcoholism, Ford quickly became known for the candid way she exposed her problems and then overcame them.  She didn’t let her time in the White House go to waste and made sure to make her opinion known on the contested issues of the time.

Furthering her persistent attitude and warm spirit, she opened the Betty Ford Center in 1982, the world’s first licensed addiction hospital.  Ford’s goal was to erase the stigma attached to addiction problems, and she did so with a bang. 

Now the center offers the highest quality addiction services to over 97,000 men, women, and their families, according to the center’s website.  How’s that for bringing a societal ill to the spotlight and then encouraging others to seek help?

As I mentioned before, Betty Ford was one of a kind.  The strength she exuded and the confidence she boasted made her an incredible role model.  She was a first lady, yes.  But she never stood behind the scenes, and because of that, she left a significant mark on this world. 

I can only dream of one day becoming half of the woman she was; rest in peace, sweet lady.  You were loved dearly and will be missed greatly.

Musician Gives Back: Jack Johnson Fights for the Environment

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

 Singer Jack Johnson grew up on the shores of Oahu, Hawaii. Since 2000 he has released six albums with great success internationally. Johnson is using his fame to show the world what he believes is important in life - charity. 

 In 2008, Jack Johnson and his wife donated all of profits from his tour to establish The Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation. The Foundation helps to help support the environment, music education and art across the globe. According to Johnson’s website, “As part of the 2010 world tour, the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation will offer direct and matching donations to All At Once partner non-profits. Jack Johnson will once again donate 100% of his 2010 tour profits to charity.”

 In addition to the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, Jack is demonstrating to his followers the benefits of “greening”. At each of his concerts water stations are set up so that fans are able to reuse their plastic water bottles instead of wasting them. Throughout his current tour, Jack has been working with hundreds of non-profit groups to help support the environment.

National Geographic recently named Jack Johnson the Arts Ambassador for the Environment.  

The musician has donated $25 million to charity through his tours and charitable events.

 To learn more about Jack Johnson’s efforts visit www.jackjohnsonmusic.com/greening.

Company With a Cause: Freebirds Aims to Change the World

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

I walked into my college town’s Freebirds yesterday and couldn’t help but feel pure joy.  Joy for the food I was about to consume (some yummy queso & chips with good friends), but also joy for the knowledge that I was dining at place where the bottom-line isn’t the main concern.

For those of you who’ve unfortunately never tasted Freebirds’ food or who’ve never heard of Freebirds period, I’m telling you now the company is a force to be reckoned with.  The burrito giant was founded back in 1987 in Santa Barbara, California and it has seen success ever since.  After coming to the best place on earth (also known as Aggieland, where I attend school), Freebirds has continued to expand around the country all the while satisfying the mission of filling people’s bellies with food and souls with inspiration.

And yesterday was no exception.  I sat there among my friends’ idle chatter, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of positivity and empowerment as I glanced around the place.  Everywhere you turn, there are uplifting sayings and unique foil designs silently encouraging you to impact the world in some way.  It was this feeling that prompted me to come home and research the company.

Sure enough, I found what I felt is exactly what they aim for; they hope to show everyone just how easy it is to lend a hand.  Through their World Works program, they promote various opportunities in an effort to get both staff and guests out to change the world.  They’re true purveyors of the belief that leading by example is the way to go.  By treating their guests with the kindness I was shown yesterday, they not only fulfill their mission, but they live and breathe it themselves, too.

So, if you’ve not been to a Freebirds before, get out and find one today! Not only will you savor the delicious food, you’ll leave knowing you have the power to change the world.  Now that’s my kind of restaurant.