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.

Celebrity For a Cause: Oprah To Teach “Life” Class

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

Oprah Winfrey is internationally known as one of the most charitable women in world. That is why it comes as no surprise to many that she will be returning to South Africa this fall to pay a visit to her school, The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.

The School was opened in 2007 for disadvantaged girls who have demonstrated an ability to learn and grow despite unfortunate circumstances. According to the school’s website, they “support the development of a new generation of dynamic women leaders. By virtue of their unique education, this generation will lead the enduring transformation of their communities and country.”

Oprah will be teaching a class to 12^th grade students called Life101. She hopes that the girls are able to learn basic information about how the world works. Many of the girls are the first in their families to be able to attend school so they are eager to succeed. Since its opening, the school has nearly doubled in size, reaching out to more girls each year.

To learn more about Oprah’s school, visit www.owla.co.za. To shop for other causes visit Uptown Liz.

Company for a Cause: Benefit Bidding Works with Non-Profits to Produce Great Results

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

I’m sure when you think of the word “auction,” the thought of someone rapidly throwing out numbers or a scene of savvy businessmen and their wives bidding hundreds of thousands of dollars comes to mind.  But, what if I told you there’s a company out there that defies your idea of a typical auction and benefits non-profit organizations?  Benefit Bidding does just that and has seen two decades of unparalleled success. 

Owned by Lloyd and Beth Cooper, the Dallas-based company understands the importance of money to non-profit organizations.  Without money, non-profits can’t function, but more importantly, they can’t carry out the mission they were founded upon.

The Benefit Bidding team works hard to ensure this never happens by helping various non-profits to organize auctions that will generate the revenue needed to stay afloat.  Both Lloyd and Mary Cooper are licensed auctioneers and are therefore able to offer consulting expertise and other tools necessary to produce an auction like none you’ve seen before.

Having served as chairs for school events, larger galas, and auctions for people in need, the Coopers stand out from other auctioneer teams because they have experienced auctions from both sides of the fundraiser.  They’ll listen to all concerns and needs and convince guests to open their wallets for a good cause when auction time rolls around.

Benefit Bidding empowers non-profit organizations by providing them the means to spread good in the world.  Through extensive planning, unique fundraising techniques, and solid expertise, Benefit Bidding is sure to provide any non-profit with the ultimate fundraising auction.

I don’t like to think of an old man shouting five hundred words per minute while simultaneously spitting on folks picking their bids, but then again, that’d never happen at an auction put on by Benefit Bidding.  Benefit Bidding provides auctions with a twist – auctions that give back.  And those are the kind of auctions I’ll be attending.

For more information on Benefit Bidding, please click here.

“Like” Benefit Bidding on Facebook here.

Megastore Gives Back: Wal-Mart Donates to New York City’s Youth

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

Wal-Mart, the 18^th biggest corporation in the world, is known for its incomparably low prices and massive department and warehouse. To many Americans’ surprise, New York City hasn’t allowed Wal-Mart into its vicinities. The superstore has been trying for years to open shop in New York City with little success, but that could be changing very soon.

Wal-Mart has donated $5 million to New York City’s Summer Youth Employment Program. The program helps provide summer jobs for many of the city’s low-income teenagers. Wal-Mart’s contribution has created the largest amount of jobs that the program has ever seen from single donor.

This isn’t Wal-Mart’s first donation to the city, according to their website, “Referring to the almost $13 million donated to city programs in the last four years alone, Wal-mart’s own Steven Restivo, National Director of Community Affairs, summed it up best by describing the donation as “a continuation of what our foundation has done over the past several years.” Wal-Mart goal for this summer is to create 3,400 jobs that help provide education on career choices, life skills, health and financial literacy.

To learn more about The Wal-Mart Foundation Commitment visit www.walmartnyc.com/summer-giving.

Airline Gives Back: Southwest Goes Above and Beyond (figuratively, too…)

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

We’ve seen the commercials.  We’ve heard the catchy slogans.  We know Southwest Airlines makes the difference.  But just how far does that difference go?  I can tell you it stretches more than the eight-mile journey into the sky for sure.  Try something more along the lines of philanthropy on the ground, and you’ve got a winner.

That’s right, the family-oriented airline understands the value of charity and helps several different organizations across the country, including those affiliated with the military.   With Independence Day having passed, I think it’s important to point out the magnitude of the support Southwest offers those who serve.

The airline recently partnered with Helping a Hero, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing specially adapted homes for qualifying service members in addition to resources for wounded heroes and their families.  It was this newfound alliance that afforded Corporal Zach Briseno of Fort Worth, Texas a brand new home, too.

However, the troop support doesn’t stop there.  Southwest also maintains ties to The Lost Heroes Art Quilt, honoring the memory of those who protect our freedoms, the Armed Forces Foundation, treating wounded service members to a VIP Vegas experience, and the Honor Flight Network, honoring veterans.

To say Southwest Airlines cares for our Armed Forces would be an understatement at best.  The commercials and the catchy slogans prove the company’s hospitality, but they don’t brag on the company’s behalf.  I’ll brag all I want to though…

Southwest is making a difference in the air with passengers and back at home where it counts.  It’s a company that deserves notoriety, and it’s a company that will always get my ticket fare.

Community For a Cause: Houston Comes Together For Orphaned Children

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

In the light of a tragedy it is always refreshing to see a community come together. The tragedy is one that many have found heart breaking and is prompting Houstonians, and even celebrities, to help out.

The Berry family of Houston, Texas was driving home over the 4^th of July holiday weekend from a family vacation when a vehicle veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with their van. The wreck left both parents, Joshua and Robin Berry, dead, immediately orphaning their three young children. Peter and Aaron Berry, ages 9 and 8, are paralyzed from the waist down and Willa Berry, age 6, has suffered broken bones.

Houston Rockets point guard Kyle Lowry and Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler paid a visit to the children in Houston at the hospital, giving them autographed goods and lifting their spirits. Hollywood seems to have caught on as well;  Kourtney Kardashian and Kelly Ripa both tweeted about the horrific accident encouraging fans to make a donation.

Many Houston restaurants and stores have come together to host fundraisers and auctions for the Berry Family Trust. Friends of the family have already raised $30,000 by selling baked goods and lemonade around the city to help the family and boys who will have special needs for the rest of their lives. The aunt and uncle of the children, Matt and Simone Berry, have been named the legal guardians.

To make a donation to the Berry family visit www.theberrychildren.org.

Celebrity Gives Back: Bethenny Frankel Uses Fame for Good

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

Let me just start off by saying I am a huge Bethenny Frankel, Real Housewives of New York City, and Bravo TV fan.  That said, I’ve watched Bethenny since her beginning days as a member on the ever-popular Real Housewives of NYC, and I’ve seen the overwhelming success she’s created for herself since then.

For those who unfortunately don’t know who Bethenny is, you should know she’s not the stereotypical reality TV housewife consumed by shallow drama and plastic surgery.  In fact, she’s the complete opposite.  Bethenny was always one of my favorites during her time on RHONY simply because she was different from the others; she works hard for what she has, has her priorities in line, and uses her celebrity status to benefit others.

As a best-selling author, the creator of Skinnygirl Cocktails, and a dedicated wife and mother, Bethenny still somehow manages to find time to be charitable.  Each month, Bethenny hosts “Charity-A-Month: Bethenny Gives Back” in an effort to raise money for various causes.  Different items are auctioned off, Bethenny matches the highest bidder’s donation, and 100% of the proceeds are given to that month’s chosen charity or cause.

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America was June’s beneficiary, but others like the ASPCA and the Prostate Cancer Research Institute have benefitted recently from the auctions as well.

There’s no doubt Bethenny Frankel has made quite the name for herself, but it’s a unique name because it represents her kind heart, determined spirit, and compassionate attitude.  Yes, Bethenny was a real housewife of New York City for a time, but she’s so much more than that, too. 

If I were to ever become a celebrity, it would be her that I would aim to be like – after all, there’s nothing better than those who recognize their talents and use them for the greater good.  So, cheers to you, Bethenny.  You deserve it.

To learn more about Bethenny and what she’s up to, click here.

Be sure to check here for information on future auctions, too!

Celebrity For a Cause: Ricky Martin Helps Fight for Children’s Rights

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

Ricky Martin is more than just a Grammy-winning singer/songwriter. He has been internationally honored for his humanitarian work and work against human trafficking. The Puerto Rican native created the Ricky Martin Foundation in 2000.

According to their website, the Foundation “advocates for the well being of children around the globe in critical areas such as social justice, education and health. Our principal project, People for Children, condemns child exploitation as a consequence of human trafficking and modern day slavery.” Ricky will be expanding his efforts by opening a Child Development and Prevention Center in Puerto Rico.

The center will allow children to receive the support and encouragement that they will need to achieve goals later in life.  The children will be taught values such as music, art and sports. It will be in the city of Loiza but Ricky hopes that they will eventually be able to expand across the country and on to others. The center will cost $4 million to build and is set to open in 2012.

To learn more about the Ricky Martin Foundation or to donate, visit www.rickymartinfoundation.org.

To shop for other causes visit Uptown Liz.

Organization for a Cause: ASPCA’s New Campaign Unveils Puppy Mill Dangers

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

I’m sure you’ve done it – I know I have.  Yep, I’m guilty of having walked into a puppy store at the mall while indulging in my expensive shopping habit.  But this is exactly what the ASPCA is asking us not to do.  Why? Because puppy mills are places that put profit before the well-being of the pups, and why should we support that?

The ASPCA’s newest campaign asks anyone and everyone to take a pledge to never buy anything from stores that sell dogs again.  According to the campaign’s website, these puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog breeding operations that usually house dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.  The dogs go without adequate veterinary care, socialization, or even food and water.

Dogs are typically kept in wire cages that stack on top of one another, potentially damaging their paws and resulting in waste falling on the dogs below.  These sub-par conditions cause diseases of all kinds and end up disappointing customers who get their new puppy home only to find out it’s sick.

What a horrible situation, right?  I know those stores are hard to pass by when you see nothing but little puppy faces and little puppy tails, but it’s worth it to walk away.  Without customers to be reeled in, no money will be made.  No money made means profits aren’t reached, and maybe they’ll be shut down once and for all.

Join me today in signing the ASPCA’s pledge and keep the promise to never give another penny to cruel and inhumane puppy mills.  If nothing else, do it for the love of dogs.

To sign the pledge and learn more about the campaign, please click here.