Athlete For a Cause: Roger Federer Donates to Malawi Education System

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

Roger Federer is internationally known as one of the best tennis players of all time. He is an Olympic gold medalist and has been ranked in the top two in the world for eight years in a row.  When he isn’t dominating on the court, Federer contributes his time to helping those in need.

The Roger Federer Foundation was founded in 2003 to help the disadvantaged. He is partnering with Action Aid International Malawai to launch a program to support early childhood education. The program will help improve education quality in 80 Community Based Childcare Centers. The Childcare Centers will be able to help thousands of young children get a better education in a clean and safe environment.

The program is intended to last ten years and will cost $3.3 million. It will help train educators how to properly encourage and teach children. Federer hopes that the initiative will help improve parental skills so that they can encourage their children to strive for high goals.

To learn more about The Roger Federer Foundation, visit www.rogerfedererfoundation.org.

Celebrity for a Cause: Real Housewife Jill Zarin Supports the Birthmark Project

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

We all know Jill Zarin is famous for her vivid personality and bold opinions on the Real Housewives of New York City.  Behind the scenes though, she is more than a fierce redhead – she’s a huge supporter of stepdaughter, Jennifer Zarin, and the Birthmark Project she created.

Jennifer was born with a large facial birthmark that reaches from one side of her neck to the other and also across her right shoulder.  Making her even more unique, she has a hemangioma in her bottom lip that causes it to appear larger than her upper lip.  These facial differences have forced her to live life as a target for bullies who would stoop so low as to pick on someone simply for having a rare birthmark.

Thus, the Birthmark Project was born in an effort to encourage everyone to embrace diversity.  To bring awareness to this cause, Jill hosted a charity dinner for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) at Georgica last week.  ADL is the country’s main civil rights and human relations agency and fights anti-Semitism, bigotry, and defends civil rights for everyone.

Whether it’s your face, your leg, your back, or your feet that separates you from the masses, it’s Jennifer Zarin and Jill Zarin’s belief that nobody deserves to be bullied for being unique.  And I couldn’t agree with them more.

To do your part for this wonderful cause, please “like” the Birthmark Project on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thebirthmarkproject.

Chiropractors For a Cause: Business Helps Support Military

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

In Washington, one local business is going above and behind to help support our military. The Westwood Family Chiropractic is trading free sessions in return for items to send to soldiers overseas.

The business teamed up with Adopt A Platoon, a nonprofit organization, in 2009. AAP helps every day civilizations send care packages to soldiers. They collect nonperishable items for soldiers due to extreme climate conditions in the Middle East. They also collect inspiration letters to lift the soldiers’ spirits.

Westwood Chiropractic has collected enough donations to send over thirty boxes to soldiers just last year. This year, the campaign will last from Independence Day until early August. Owners Jett and Cathy Gurman have had tremendous success with the charity and will continue to give back to the community in years to come.

To learn more about AAP, visit www.adoptaplatoon.org. To shop for other causes visit www.uptownliz.com.

Company Gives Back: Sleep Experts Finds Way to Support Local Non-Profits

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

You probably don’t think much of it when you finally rest your head on the pillow at night.  More often than not, you probably fall into bed and drift into a peaceful night’s sleep without as much as a second thought.  But what about those people who don’t have a bed, much less a pillow, to call their own?

Dallas-based mattress company, Sleep Experts, is doing everything they can to make sure no one goes without a good night’s sleep.  They’ve implemented a “Cash for Clunkers” event where customers can receive up to a $750 credit towards a new mattress set simply by bringing in their old mattresses.  Sleep Experts then refurbish the donated mattresses and gives them to local non-profit organizations via their Share the Gift of Sleep Program.

The Share the Gift of Sleep Program was created to carry out the company’s commitment to give back to the local community.  Through the program, every customer’s old mattress is recycled and received by one of the many non-profit organizations that aid North Texas families fighting against domestic violence, child abuse, homelessness, and poverty.

Having already donated more than 9,000 mattresses total, Sleep Experts created “Cash for Clunkers” as a way to reward not only the people who graciously receive, but also the dedicated customers who graciously give.

So tonight when you lay down in that comfortable bed of yours, try to remember how lucky you are and hope that someone in need will soon receive the gift of sleep, too.

To learn more about Sleep Experts and their charitable pursuit, please click here.

Celebrity For a Cause: Matt Damon Speaks Out For Educators

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

Matt Damon is an Academy Award winning actor and one of Hollywood’s favorite stars. He is best known for his roles in Good Will Hunting, The Bourne Ultimatum and True Grit. Matt has emerged in the past few years as one of the country’s most charitable celebrities. He used his fame on July 30th to speak up for educators.

Matt joined thousands of people who are concerned about the United State’s education in a Save Our Schools March in Washington D.C. According to their website, the goal of the Save Our Schools March is “to put public school stakeholders back at the center of all education policy conversations, and to refocus national, state, and local efforts on providing the resources and support schools need in order to provide a high-quality education for each and every student.”

Damon gave a wildly passionate closing speech at the event, inspired by his mother who is an educator. He said that his teachers “were empowered” to teach and it is something they really love.

To learn more about the cause, visit www.SaveOurSchoolsMarch.org.

Socialite For a Cause: Nicky Hilton Shows Support for the Troops

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

Although the Hilton sisters have a reputation for being wealthy socialites, that doesn’t mean they aren’t philanthropic. Nicky Hilton is helping to support the United States troops overseas by wearing a BFF bracelet.

These bracelets connect with a BAFF (Best Armed Forces Friends) in the military and donate a portion of proceeds to charities that support the Armed Forces. Each bracelet has a matching serial number that is sent to a soldier in Afghanistan or Iraq. Through the serial number, anyone can connect with his or her soldier overseas.

The American Freedom Foundation makes all of this possible. The AFF honors men and women in the Armed Forces and raises awareness of all their sacrifices. You don’t have to be a celebrity to purchase these bracelets; they are only $10 and usually take less than a month to connect to your new BFF.

To buy a bracelet, visit www.bff.tv/store.

Celebrities for a Cause: Musical Talents Unite for City of Hope

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

From Sugarland to Barbara Streisand, several A-list artists are lining up to support City of Hope, a globally recognized institution in the research, treatment, and education of cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS.  How you ask?  T-shirts.  They’re pretty powerful things.

Proceeds collected from special edition “Hope, Love, and Rock & Roll” t-shirts will benefit research and treatment programs at City of Hope.  The t-shirts will feature various artists from a long list of over 25 names so fans can easily sport their favorite artist while knowing their dollar went further than a material possession.

In addition to the contributing musical celebrities, Live Nation Merchandise and Bravado International are helping City of Hope to make this campaign happen and to raise awareness and care for patients and families dealing with life-threatening diseases.

The collectible t-shirts are only $21.95, and 50 percent of the retail price will go to support the cause.  T-shirts are powerful, yes, but they’re only powerful if people buy them.  So buy yours today.  After all, nothing’s better than boasting musical talent and a city of hope all in one stylish combination.

To order your t-shirt, please visit http://www.cityofhopeshop.com.

Click here for the full list of participating musicians, and click here for more information about City of Hope.

Celebrity For a Cause: Steve-O Fights For Animals Rights

Written by Marketing Intern Caroline Howell

Steve-O, born Steven Glover, is famous for his crazy antics on MTV’s hit show Jackass. Although Glover is a comedian, he doesn’t joke around when it comes to animal rights. Recently, Glover has partnered up with PETA to help fight against using animal fur for fashion.

PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is the largest animal rights organization in the world. According to their website, PETA “focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: on factory farms, in the clothing trade, in laboratories, and in the entertainment industry.”

The celebrity received the Nanci Alexander Award in Florida for his efforts this July. Glover, who recently became a vegan, uses his fame and public appearances to speak out against animal cruelty. He recently led a protest at a zoo in Canada for the mistreatment of an elephant.

To learn more about PETA and their fight for animals, visit www.peta.org.

Company for a Cause: Clorox Donates Funds to Support Children’s Healthcare

Written by Marketing Intern Katy Rowan

In this day and age, more and more companies are utilizing the Internet to champion their causes.  Clorox recently joined the ranks and is making an impact in the world of children’s healthcare with the help of social media.

That’s right, social media.  Each time someone becomes a fan of the Clorox Facebook page through January 2012, Clorox will donate $1.00 to the Children’s Health Fund (CHF) up to $100,000 total.  These funds, and an additional half million dollars Clorox plans to give over the next two years, will support the mission of CHF to provide half a million doctor visits to disadvantaged children across the country.

On June 7, Clorox took the partnership with CHF one step further and started “Check-In for Check Ups” to raise even more money.  People are encouraged to log onto Clorox’s website to complete a healthy habit check-in with the click of a mouse.  Clorox will donate 10 cents per check-in, up to $100,000, and the funds will again benefit CHF’s goal of providing doctor visits to kids in need.

The campaign is called “Connect Kids to Care,” and it’s an easy way for people to give back.  Technology can sometimes be too much to handle, but in this case, it’s an amazing tool for creating awareness and raising funds.  Everyone deserves healthcare, so do your part and help Clorox and the Children’s Health Fund do theirs.

To complete your healthy-habit check-in, please visit http://www.checkinforcheckups.com/.

Click here to read more about the Children’s Health Fund.

Intel Gives Back to Developing Countries

Written by Marketing Intern Victoria Hanson

               

Intel and their employees are giving back to developing countries through dispersing computers and training teachers. Through Intel’s Education Markets Platform Group, the technology giant has given over five million Intel-powered classmate PCs and has trained 10 million teachers in over 70 countries.        

                

As Suzanne Fallender, Intel’s director of CSR says, “our approach is based on the belief that what we can contribute through strategic philanthropy and create shared value for Intel and for society.”

                

The Intel Education Service Corps was established in 2009 with Intel employees visiting developing countries including Bangladesh, Egypt and Vietnam for two weeks, working with community organizations in setting up the computers and training the students and teachers how to use the technology. 

                

Intel strives to show the students that there is a life outside of their village, and to show how computers can expand their opportunities.  The program opens doors for students, giving them access to an entire world they did not know existed.  With over 40,000 students benefitting from Intel in 2011, the corporation realizes they are on the brink of something very influential. 

                

They understand that besides bringing change to the villages, the villages bring change to the employees. Employees embarking on these journeys embrace the life changing experience, benefitting by not only extending their knowledge but by gaining a new perspective.

               

To find more information on Intel and their education platform, please visithttp://www.intel.com/about/corporateresponsibility/education/transformation/index.htm.

                

To find more information about Uptown Liz, a company whose products directly benefit charitable causes, please visit http://www.uptownliz.com/Home.aspx

William and Kate raise £625,000 for the Child Bereavement Charity

Written by Marketing Intern Victoria Hanson

          

Prince William and Kate Middleton hosted the 100 Women in Hedge Funds gala at St. James Palace Thursday, October 13, 2011 to benefit the Child Bereavement Charity, where Prince William is a patron.

           

 As the Child’s Bereavement Charity’s mission states, they aim “to make a real difference to bereaved families through providing accessible quality support and information to all affected by the death of a child or when children are bereaved, and accessible quality training for the professionals who work with these families and children.”

            

The royal couple raised £625,000 or about $983,000 US dollars for the organization and continue the family tradition of giving back.  Princess Diana, William’s mother, frequently made trips to various charities and Prince Charles, William’s father, is the patron or president of over 20 charities. 

            

To find more information on volunteering with various organizations, please visit http://www.volunteermatch.org/

            

Or to find products whose proceeds directly go to charitable organizations please visit http://www.uptownliz.com/Home.aspx

College Students for a Cause: Aggie Front for International Liberation and Touch A Life Ministries

 Written by Marketing Intern Alejandra Quinones

College is a special chapter of everyone’s lives. It’s four years we can devote entirely to ourselves and to finding what appeals to us professionally, to what helps us get through stressful times, to what we enjoy doing on a Friday night. So when I come across someone who devotes themselves entirely to others during the “best four years of our lives” I have to take the time to find out what his deal is. His name is Andrew Macdonald, and he is a student at Texas A&M University who devotes himself to giving back to others.

           

Instead of buying himself groceries, he buys them for the homeless. While other students are having parties into the early morning, he’s leaving his door open at all hours, to anyone that needs a place to stay. He’s helped addicts, the homeless, you name it. On top of that, he started the Aggie Front for International Liberation at Texas A&M. The organization works to raise money to send to Touch A Life ministries which works to free child slaves in Ghana. Aggie Front for International Liberation raises money on campus by selling bracelets for five dollars. They send all the money they get from the bracelets to Touch A Life ministries . They are also trying to raise money to help the children get proper care and eventually go to college.

           

No matter how busy I am with everything else the college life brings, I can definitely take give five dollars to a child in need. Even if you aren’t a student at Texas A&M, look around your campus for organizations that give back!

If you are a student at Texas A&M and interested in this cause, look up “I Freed A Child” on Facebook for more information!

And if you are not a student but interested in donating, check out

http://www.touchalifekids.org/ !

Texas Tech University Fights Breast Cancer

Written by Marketing Intern Candace Nixon 

The Texas Tech University Red Raiders ended Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a bang.  At their October 29^th football game against Iowa State, fans were encouraged to, “Think Pink, Go Red”.  Covenant Health System, in partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Texas Tech University, asked game attendees to wear a pink ribbon to the game in honor of breast cancer awareness month. 

Fans traded their black and red attire in for pink; with most of the student section wearing a special game day pink t-shirt. The proceeds made from t-shirt sales were donated to breast cancer research, awareness, and prevention programs. MBA graduate student, Jared Rooker, said, “I felt comradery and pride with my fellow students as I walked into the football game Saturday and saw the wave of pink that swept Jones Stadium. It was very touching to see what a group of people can do with a common goal.”

 Two hours before kickoff, fans were invited to visit the Pink Tailgate, where they picked up free pink pompoms, pink clickers, pink koozies, breast cancer self-exam shower cards and more breast-cancer-related information

Sir Bobby’s Online Charitable Auction Raises Over £200,000

Written by Marketing Intern Victoria Hanson

Sir Bobby, well known English football manager of seven European organza tins and of the England national team, passed away after a 17 year battle with cancer.  Before his courageous fight ended, Bobby was dedicated towards fighting cancer through raising money for his charity, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

               

 The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation focuses on detecting cancer early and the clinical trials of developing drugs that aid in fighting cancer. 

                

The online auction that benefited the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Breakthrough Breast Cancer,  was open between October 8^th and October 23, 2011.  Out of the 188 items for auction, some were donated by stars including, David Beckham, Ant and Dec, and Fabio Capello.  Auction items included, driving and sporting experiences, sports memorabilia, jewelry, and clothing, with the highest bidding item being Jose Mourinho’s FIFA Ballon D’Or World Coach of the Year Award for 2010.  

                

As organizer Gina Long states, “This has all been made possible because of the enormous love and respect for Sir Bobby Robson, who I was privileged to call a great friend.”

“So many football clubs wanted to do their bit to honour Sir Bobby and the support from auction prize donors, sponsors, individuals, companies and the generous bidders has helped make it a huge success and way beyond our wildest dreams,” Long continues.

To find more products that donate directly back to charitable organizations, please visithttp://www.uptownliz.com/Home.aspx .

Royals Give Back: William and Kate Middleton Visit UNICEF

Written by Marketing Intern Alejandra Quinones


The handsome Prince William and the stylish Kate Middleton, formally known as The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, made a special visit to the UNICEF global supply center in Copenhagen, Denmark on November 2nd to bring attention to the humanitarian crisis in East Africa. They were accompanied by the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark. Will and Kate are well known for their humanitarian work, and were on the same mission trip before they met at the University of St. Andrews.


East Africa is experiencing the worst drought in 50 years, resulting in famine that has affected 13 million people in the region and 320,000 children are at risk of starvation in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti. Though rain has come down, the severity of the crisis hasn’t. As the Duchess of Cambridge said in an interview on her visit “It was initially a very big story, but because it has been going on, people have perhaps lost track of the terrible situation, and so hopefully this will put light back on this crisis.” At the visit there was a UNICEF brief that described the crisis in East Africa in full detail. Afterwards, the royals were given a tour of the distribution center  and got to help in some of the packaging of the supplies that will be sent out to East Africa. 


As Prince William said, “As tragic as what is going on around the world financially, I think that what’s going on in East Africa really puts things into perspective, how terrible a crisis can actually get.” The royals have certainly helped not only in bringing awareness to the crisis, but put in perspective how those who are not in a crisis should appreciate it and lend a helping hand to those in need.


If you would like to donate to the East Africa Crisis, please visit http://www.eastafricacrisis.org/