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ArtSmart Announces Its First $1 Million Gift from Philanthropist and Patron of the Arts Maria Manetti Shrem

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 05:51:20 +0600

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Erin Alcorn
erin@artsmmart.org
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ArtSmart’s national teaching artists will be named the Maria Manetti Shrem Mentors

ArtSmart, a 501(c)3 national nonprofit, announced today that it has received its first million-dollar donation over five years, given by Philanthropist and Patron of the Arts Maria Manetti Shrem.

Maria Manetti Shrem’s donation demonstrates her commitment to ArtSmart’s successful program model, sustainability, scale, and impact. Together with Co-Founders Michael Fabiano and John Viscardi and the ArtSmart team, this transformative and historic donation will catapult ArtSmart’s impact on a national scale. ArtSmart’s mission is to transform the lives of youth in under-resourced communities across the United States through tuition-free music lessons and mentorship, by paid professional artists. ArtSmart’s vision is to provide students with a pathway to academic, economic, and emotional stability through music mentorship.

“Maria Manetti Shrem has been a benefactor of the ArtSmart organization since 2016. You can see right away that she knows without art in society, there really is no society,” said Co-Founder and Executive Director Michael Fabiano.

Manetti Shrem’s generous gift and long-term philanthropic commitment to ArtSmart, its mission, and arts education has allowed the organization to prove measurable impact. In June 2023, ArtSmart concluded a two-year longitudinal study in partnership with the WCG Institutional Review Board to evaluate its impact on student social, emotional, and academic outcomes against a comparison group of nonparticipating students. Key findings showed the ArtSmart programs achieved their intended impact and had a causal effect on student outcomes beyond learning music. ArtSmart students showed a statistically significant increase in: 1) planning to attend college, 2) developing a meaningful connection with an adult at school, and 3) feeling responsible for their actions.

“When you support ArtSmart, you not only support an outstanding educational platform in the music world, but you are contributing to forging better generations, building better societies, and making this world a better place,” said Manetti Shrem.

Mentorship and Inspiration

Born in Florence, Italy, Maria Manetti Shrem moved to San Francisco in 1972. She became instrumental in the internationalization of some of the world’s most iconic fashion brands, such as Gucci and Fendi.

But not without the support of her mentors. Manetti Shrem attributes much of her success to her mentor, who fostered her talent, and to her mother, who made financial sacrifices to provide Manetti Shrem with continuing education during a time when most working families sent their children to work after elementary school.

“Having a mentor and access to an education gave me the confidence to achieve and live life to the fullest. I was in touch with my mentor until her death. That is why every aspect of my charity is geared towards education. I am very proud that ArtSmart teaching artists will be called the Maria Manetti Shrem Mentors,” said Manetti Shrem.

Maria Manetti Shrem and her husband, Jan Shrem, have long contributed philanthropic support in the US, Italy, and the UK to more than 45 charitable programs through 30 foundations. In the US these include UC Davis, the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, the San Francisco Opera, Festival Napa Valley, the San Francisco Symphony, SFMoMA, KQED, Cal Performances, SFFilm, and hospitals such as UCSF (neurology, orthopedics) and CPMC (cardiology). In Europe, Maria is one of the principal benefactors of the King’s Foundation, Royal Drawing School, Friends of the Louvre, the Venetian Heritage, the Italian National Trust (FAI), Palazzo Strozzi Foundation, ArtSmart, Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation.

The Manetti Shrems are co-founders of the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at UC Davis. The museum’s extraordinary architectural design was listed in ARTnews as “One of The World’s 25 Best Museum Buildings of the Past 100 Years.”

Maria has received numerous prestigious awards and recognition as an outstanding and influential cultural ambassador between Italy and the USA, and as a world-class philanthropist: Grand Officer of the Order of the Star of Italy; The Keys of the City of Florence; The Angels of the Arts Award from the Festival Napa Valley; The Spirit of the Opera Award from San Francisco Opera; the 2023 UC Davis Medal honors degree as the major philanthropist of the arts at UC Davis. The City and the County of San Francisco proclaimed June 22, Manetti Shrem Day for Philanthropy.

Music for All

Through weekly one-to-one sessions over a full school year, ArtSmart students receive world class instruction and personalized mentorship from professional musicians. Using an evidence-based curriculum, ArtSmart teaching artists, known as mentors, work with their students to set goals, learn music, develop a healthy self-esteem and ultimately, chart a course for the rest of their lives.

“Having that one guiding light every single week, one mentor that they can relate to and say, ‘this person cares about me,’ provides direct inspiration in all of their other studies. Inspiration leads to personal growth, emotional growth, academic growth. Inspiration is the key to success in school,” said Fabiano.

Fabiano continued, “It is an existential need. We know that music is eternal and essential. This is why Maria and I are deep friends and why she is ArtSmart’s most consequential benefactor. We would not be where we are today without her.”

ArtSmart was co-founded in 2016 by international opera singers Michael Fabiano and John Viscardi after extensive analysis of the United States education system and the economic landscape for artists living and working in the United States. ArtSmart was born out of these central ideas: to offer students in under-resourced communities an opportunity to pursue their dreams and develop holistically, while supporting working artists in accomplishing their own professional goals.

“It was important to me that ArtSmart not only help young people achieve their dreams but also provide income to performing artists. The Maria Manetti Shrem Mentors contribute to their professions by teaching young students and performing the art they love to perform.”

As of January 1 2024, ArtSmart has provided over 38,000 music mentorship sessions to over 1,665 students nationally in New York City, Newark, Jersey City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Chicago, and Seattle. ArtSmart has paid over $1.4 million in dependable income to teaching-artists, who will now be named the Maria Manetti Shrem Mentors.

“I am really happy when I am with students because they are the future. What would we do without them? And I think just a few words of encouragement go so far,” said Manetti Shrem.

67 girls from across the country get entrepreneurship training

Sat, 18 Jun 2022 17:58:50 +0600

Bhubaneswar, June 18, 2022 WEneurs Forum, a Company dedicated to promote, support, handhold and mentor Start Up entrepreneurs, especially among Women, just concluded a seminal program Aadyaa, the Girlpreneur Startup Launchpad. Lunched on 5^th May, the primary objective of this program was to create and sow the seeds of entrepreneurship in the young minds of school going girls as the 1st step towards their possible “Women-preneur” journey. This program was designed as an excellent preparation mechanism for bringing out the idea within them and provide a spring-board for thoughts to action on building entrepreneurship as a career. This specially curated entrepreneurship program for girl students from Standard 8th to 12th was open to students from across the country. In all, 67 girls from 10 different states and 30 different cities participated in the program.

The 18 days long program not only imparted the knowledge about the technical aspects of entrepreneurship but also made the girls experience the life of an entrepreneur by direct interactions with some Startups and other senior and seasoned professionals.

This program was more interactive and was laced with group presentations, individual idea pitch competitions etc. Nilakshi Bisht from Uttarakhand, Pratikshya Samantaray from Odisha and Taraana Khanna from Nainital bagged the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd prizes respectively.

The program received support from several organizations who collaborated to make the program a great success. ‘Idea to market fit’ was the knowledge partner, ‘Headstart Network Foundation’ was the strategic partner, ‘RE-Mind’ was the coaching partner, ‘Altaveu’ was the communication partner and ‘Heeel Foundation’ was the ecosystem partner.

WEneurs Forum’ (WF), is a non-profit organization that has been founded with a belief and conviction that for the society to be more inclusive, there is a need for more and more women to be in business and hence there is a need to develop a specialized support system for ‘Women-led enterprises’. WF has accordingly been conceptualized and founded in August 2021 by seasoned professionals having a diverse background and deep knowledge of the Start up eco-system.

ItsTimeForChange Indigenous Inclusion and Indigenous Services Canada

Sat, 22 Jan 2022 06:57:03 +0600

ItsTimeForChange(ITFC) is a uniquely Canadian indigenous inclusion network. ITFC is a movement as much as it is a holistic solution to build economic capacity for both Canada’s Indigenous and Business community. Our online strategy focuses on the building of relationships and the provision of services that lead to sustainable economic growth.

We are working for the economic growth of aboriginal peoples of Canada. Providing jobs, employment opportunities for aboriginal Canadians. ITFC is a platform where First Nations, Inuits, and Metis communities can find community data, community jobs, public and private procurement opportunities, resume services.

We also give business resources, job pool services, supply chain development programs, and other initiatives for aboriginal(indigenous) business community economic growth.

Our Services are:
• Job and Employment Opportunities
• Public and Private Procurement Opportunities
• Resume Writing Services
• Supply Chain Development Program
• Indigenous Communities Network
• Labour Pool Services
• Business Resources

Grow with us, we are an online portal where aboriginal people of Canada can connect, meet, and grow together.

Earnhardt Auto Centers Announces the Fourth Annual 'Free Photos With Santa Event' at Rodeo Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 10:17:41 +0600

Children and their parents are invited to a special holiday event at Rodeo CJDR in Queen Creek. Santa will be available for pictures from 4 to 6 p.m. on December 8, 9, 15, and 16, compliments of Earnhardt Auto Centers. Rounding out the activities, there will be a free hot cocoa bar and a train ride.

"Our dealership is excited to have Santa visit us again this year," said Heath Wacker, manager at Rodeo Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. "This is the fourth time we've been able to host St. Nick at our dealership."

Adding to the fun, Rodeo CDJR staff will provide a hot cocoa bar, and Earnhardt Auto Centers is sending the No Bull Express. This is a fun ride for children to add to their excitement in this special season.

The No Bull Express is a trackless train that will cruise around the large dealership parking lot. It will be free to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis, during event hours only.

"Over the last three years, we've heard from parents that they appreciate the opportunity for their children to see Santa Claus in a low-key setting away from the mall or big box store," said Heath. "We try to create welcoming surroundings where children can feel comfortable and create those special holiday memories right here in Queen Creek."

The event is completely free. It repeats four times in December to give more families a chance to visit with Santa Claus. Following the event, families will be able to download a free hi-res digital photo of their children's visit with Santa Claus.

Free tickets via Eventbrite are the best way to ensure time with Santa Claus. Due to time constraints, only one pose/sitting per family will be taken.

"At Rodeo CDJR, our staff has been busy making room for the addition of the new Wagoneer brand," said Heath. "We are happy to slow down a bit, give the gift of Santa photos to area families, and see the season through the eyes of children."

Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/earnhardt-auto-centers-announces-the-fourth-annual-free-photos-with-21561958

Companies & Nonprofits Finding a New Way to Connect on Giving Tuesday

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 12:01:09 +0600

Some Hawaii companies are jumping on the chance to work with GIVESPACE this coming Giving Tuesday, including Meli Wraps, Shaka Guide, Kapa Nui, Hawaii Nature Center, Teach for America Hawaii, Project Hawaii, Hana Cultural Center, Ke Ao Halii, Breast Cancer Hawaii and Kipahulu Ohana. GIVESPACE is an easy, online way for companies and nonprofits to put the power of designating donations in the hands of their customers and supporters.

The software platform saves time and expense by allowing businesses and nonprofits to create different campaigns depending on need and seasonality, track donations on a live dashboard, enable in-cart application, set up email marketing, display live stats, and automate tax-deductible receipts.

"This technology lets you connect directly with your customer to support a cause that's important to them and you, fostering brand loyalty," notes GIVESPACE co-founder, Candice Dietz.

"This is also a way for corporations to partner with their customers as a segment of their corporate social responsibility initiatives, adding additional transparency and leading the way to make direct impacts on their communities," she adds.

"As a local company, we feel a real responsibility to give back to local nonprofits. Hawaii is unique in that, at the end of the day, we are all one ohana that cares deeply about each other. These nonprofit organizations are vital to enriching people's lives, whether through nourishment, conservation, or historic preservation, and we want to do whatever we can to support," says Andrew Fowers co-founder, Shaka Guide.

"Meli Wraps was created out of the awareness that we need to reduce plastic waste and keep plastics out of our oceans. Partnering with and donating to organizations that help keep our oceans and coastlines clean is essential to the Meli Wraps ethos," adds Melia Foster, co-founder, Meli Wraps.

According to a Clutch Report study, 86 percent of customers believe in shifting buying habits to brands that support a cause as one of their everyday conscious decisions. The Case Foundation's Millennial Impact Report, an annual survey of at least 3,000 millennials, indicates that 90 percent of millennials say they're driven to donate because of a "compelling mission or cause" and 86 percent believe their actions can impact the world.

A Cane Communications study reports that 91 percent of millennials believe companies must help with social and environmental issues, and 85 percent of consumers will switch to brands that are associated with a cause that matters to them.

In 2020, individual donations in the United States totaled $309 billion.

GIVESPACE, a CA and HI-based company are one of the companies that was accepted into Blue StartUp's most recent cohort. For more information, please go to www.givespace.co or email info@givespace.co.

Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/companies-nonprofits-finding-a-new-way-to-connect-on-giving-tuesday-21561128

Let's Glow SF Debuts in Downtown San Francisco as the Largest Holiday Projection Mapping Event in the U.S.

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 11:02:12 +0600

Downtown SF, the community benefit district which serves the Financial District and Jackson Square, announced today the inaugural holiday projection mapping event, Let's Glow SF, running December 3-12, 2021 in downtown San Francisco to generate economic recovery.

"The pandemic deeply impacted the downtown 9-5 workforce population," said Robbie Silver, Executive Director of Downtown SF, the community benefit district. "The inherent lesson is that we can no longer be just a financial district, downtown San Francisco needs to pivot and pivot quickly to attract a more diverse range of people, businesses, and uses. Let's Glow SF features world renowned artists on iconic buildings and is the first of many efforts to encourage Bay Area residents to see and experience downtown in a different, more welcoming light."

A breathtaking tour of four towering buildings throughout Downtown San Francisco will each feature show stopping projections that light up the night. Each show will be five to seven minutes long and run every 15 minutes at the following locations:

One Bush Plaza

345 Montgomery St.

Pacific Stock Exchange at 301 Pine St.

Hyatt Regency at 5 Embarcadero Center

Each building's projection was designed specifically for the location by local and international artists and tells an enchanting story that celebrates the holiday season. Downtown SF created Let's Glow SF with partner, A3 Visual.

"Projection mapping is an exciting art form because it marries art, technology and public space while activating architecture in iconic cities," said Sean Mason, Chief Technology Officer at A3 Visual. "This particular project is unique for many reasons, we are building a foundation for a truly immersive activation and also creating space for collaboration between many types of artists - animators, painters, digital artists, etc. Because the artists are all working together, they have access to a canvas that is larger than anything they would work on individually, allowing for incredible art to be born."

Let's Glow SF features works from nine artists, with new artists being announced daily. Local artists include award-winning cinematographer, director and producer Louie Schwartzberg, muralist and fine artist Amandalynn, muralist, ceramicist and painter Ian Ross, motion graphics artist Duncan Rogoff and animation artist Sean Capone. In addition, three award winning international content development companies, SPECTRE Lab (Paris, FR), Mindscape Studio (Bucharest, Romania) and Pixel n'Pepper (Paris, FR), will digitize and animate the artist's work.

Spectators will see stunning whimsical, abstract and naturalistic winter-themed projections like:

Galloping ice horses

Flying winter hawks and snowy owls

Flowering poinsettias

Arctic scenery with polar bears

Ice castles

Swirling presents and musical instruments

This event leverages Eighteen (18) 4K projection technology by Panasonic. These 3-Chip DLP® SOLID SHINE laser projectors will be placed in custom-built outdoor enclosures and operated by Modulo Pi media servers and will deliver eye-catching visuals, providing realistic color-rich images, putting event goers at the center of the action.

"Let's Glow SF is a great way to support the local art and business community that is committed to bringing vibrancy back to downtown," said Peter Quartaroli, owner of Sam's Grill, the fifth oldest restaurant in the U.S. and a 150+ year staple in downtown San Francisco. "The revitalization of downtown is critical to the small businesses that serve the Bay Area and what better way to show support than to make a night of it - enjoy a beautiful evening in the fresh air enjoying stunning art - and then make your way to your favorite restaurant and stay for dinner!"

Pre-pandemic, hundreds of thousands of commuters and visitors streamed into downtown San Francisco every day. Post-lockdown, that number declined significantly, but (current data gathered by Downtown SF shows an increase in pedestrian foot traffic of nearly 20% since September 2021). Let's Glow SF aims to create a more vibrant, active downtown that supports the economic recovery of the area.

About Let's Glow SF

Let's Glow SF, produced and funded by Downtown SF and made in partnership with A3 Visual, is a projection mapping event that uses video projection techniques with light and colors to project virtual images from local and international artists onto iconic buildings throughout San Francisco's Financial District. As the largest holiday projection mapping event in the U.S, this stunning journey of light will feature the works of local and international artists while celebrating the festive winter season in the heart of San Francisco. A striking marriage of art and technology will create a whimsical, COVID safe event for all. Let's Glow SF runs from December 3-12, 2021. For more details about Let's Glow SF, including a media kit with a sample flyover of projections on buildings, visit www.downtownsf.org/events/letsglowsf. Follow us on social media with #letsglowsf

About Downtown SF

Downtown SF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the district's vitality through best-in-class clean and safe programming, infrastructure enhancements, dynamic partnerships and productive marketing. Developed by a coalition of property and business owners, Downtown SF is a community benefit district that provides services to a 43-block radius in two of the oldest continuous business districts in San Francisco, Financial District (FiDi) and Jackson Square. These services include cleaning, safety, district identity and promotion, and public space activations. For more information visit www.downtownsf.org. Follow Downtown SF on Facebook (@sfdowntown), Instagram and Twitter (@sf_downtown) and LinkedIn (Downtown SF).

Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/lets-glow-sf-debuts-in-downtown-san-francisco-as-the-largest-holiday-21560951

FC LOCKSMITH Donating to the SickKids Foundation

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 08:59:32 +0600

FC Locksmith, a Toronto-based locksmith company, announced a donation to the SickKids Foundation to support the SickKids Hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since its foundation in 1972, the SickKids Foundation has been raising money to support the SickKids Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. During the pandemic, the SickKids Hospital needs the support of donors more than ever to cope with everyday challenges, to keep treating children and still continue research. The SickKids Hospital was already challenged with a Covid-19 outbreak in April and during that time has taken all the necessary measures to restrict the coronavirus, while the hospital's staff continued to relentlessly work to provide health care while protecting both patients and families.

As the owner of FC Locksmith, Eran Gurvich, pointed out, giving back to the community by making even a small donation to a children's hospital is everyone's duty.

"The SickKids Hospital fights a great battle every single day; that of making sick children healthy again and we understand that there is a lot involved in this daily endeavor - research, medicine, staff, equipment, you name it. And then, the building is huge and very old. As I have learned, the SickKids Foundation raises money to support the hospital's daily efforts but also to help them build a new building, which will meet the current codes. This is our children we are talking about and that's why I feel that I had to give something back to the community. This is something we do every day through our job. People trust us to unlock their doors, to install their locks and although this is a business, we really care. We really go above and beyond to serve in the best way, in a timely manner. And so, by donating to the SickKids Foundation, we feel like giving something important back to the community - some support for the health of our children."

The building, where the SickKids Hospital is located in University Avenue, is really old and very big and so, it absorbs a lot of money for maintenance, while the rooms are small and crowded, and MRI machines do not always fit with ease. The Hospital for Sick Children, as it is formally named, is one of the biggest pediatric teaching and research hospitals.

With the money raised over the years by the SickKids Foundation, the hospital has been supported, a new wing has been built, the emergency area was renovated.

The future of the SickKids Hospital determines the future of the children

The SickKids Hospital's next project involves a new, state-of-the-art building, which will offer the best accommodation to the young patients. Donations also support the medical efforts for even greater care to the children hospitalized at the SickKids Hospital and also create initiatives for better health care for kids worldwide. Donations also enhance research, enable the improvement of science, and lead to more clinical trials and more importantly, to breakthroughs.

"When we realize, as a community, that money can do good, we'd be a much better society. Our locksmith company's initiative to donate to the SickKids Foundation is only a fraction of what we can do to help toward this direction. We live in difficult times and I can't even start to imagine the difficulties in a children's hospital. If the SickKids Hospital needed the support of individuals, businesses, organizations once before, now it needs it more than ever. Covid-19 changed everyone's life. We all realize how fragile we are as humans - a fact that small children, our children, have known it for quite a while. That's tragic. No wonder we chose to donate to the SickKids Foundation. We want to help the best way we can to enable the best health care for the children that need it," added Eran Gurvich.

About the SickKids Foundation & the SickKids Hospital

The SickKids Foundation was created in 1972 to support the SickKids Hospital by reaching out to communities and individuals for funds that will support the research, learning, and medical care of the hospital. The SickKids Hospital is one of the largest pediatric hospitals in Canada. In 2017, it ranked 2nd on the list of top 40 research hospitals and is recognized as one of the 200 best health-care institutions in biomedical sciences around the world.

About FC Locksmith

FC Locksmith is a professional locksmith company serving the Greater Toronto Area for years. The company offers residential, auto, and commercial locksmith Toronto services and addresses all emergency requests 24/7. For more information about the company and services - visit: https://www.fc-locksmith.com

Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/fc-locksmith-donating-to-the-sickkids-foundation-21559508

ETHOS Event Collective Enlists IMEX Attendees to Help Deliver Joy to Hospitalized Children in Las Vegas

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 11:42:21 +0600

Celebrating its IMEX debut, ETHOS Event Collective hosted clients and attendees at its booth to prepare gift boxes for patients at Sunrise Children's Hospital in Las Vegas.

"Supporting the people and places that make the meetings and events we create possible is paramount to our purpose," said Joe Fijol, Principal, ETHOS Event Collective Florida + Las Vegas. "So it was important to our team to design our IMEX experience around a local give-back."

In partnership with Cheeriodicals, ETHOS and its booth visitors prepared 160 personalized cheer-up gifts during the IMEX America Conference at Mandalay Bay. As the first group following COVID to be allowed to deliver these welcomed packages to patients at Sunrise Children's Hospital, people were excited to get involved.

"It was nice to take a break and do something that would bring joy to a child struggling with illness," said Laura Bergersen, CMP, Director Global Accounts, INNOV8 Meetings & Events. "Following COVID, I think our industry is much more aware of how we support communities and interested in doing more."

These Cheeriodicals cheer-up gifts included a bundle of age-appropriate crafts, activity books, puzzles, and games for children to enjoy, all carefully packed inside a keepsake green gift box.

"Cheeriodicals has worked with the leadership from ETHOS Event Collective numerous times over the years. I've been personally moved by their desire to include a give-back component in their work," said Gary Parisher, President of Cheeriodicals. "They continue to distinguish themselves by living out their purpose of making a positive impact in the communities where they work."

After being assembled and packed, the gift boxes were delivered in-person by ETHOS Event Collective and Cheeriodicals to Sunrise Children's Hospital for distribution to patients by their child life specialists. Each gift box included hand-written note cards with encouraging messages from each attendee that participated.

In light of the ongoing pandemic, the delivery of the gift boxes was made in adherence with Sunrise Children's Hospital's specific COVID-19 constraints and pre-set guidelines to ensure optimal safety for the recipient children.

"We are honored to receive this generous donation of Cheeriodicals from ETHOS and IMEX," said Allie Breckenridge, Chief Operating Officer, Sunrise Children's Hospital. "The Cheeriodicals ensure our pediatric patients are entertained with age-appropriate items and help our patients still feel like kids during their hospitalization, which is an important part of the recovery process."

As part of a long-standing national partnership with Cheeriodicals, Two Men and a Truck Las Vegas donated its services to transport the gift boxes to the hospital.

About ETHOS Event Collective

ETHOS Event Collective is a Destination + Event Management Company that helps meeting and event planners stay ahead of increasing demands while supporting the people and places that make the experiences we create possible. We call it Purposeful Planning and it's how we ensure results for both company and community long after a meeting or event has ended. To learn more, visit www.ETHOSEventCollective.com.

About Sunrise Children's Hospital

Sunrise Children's Hospital is the largest, most comprehensive children's hospital in Nevada that also serves the surrounding region and millions of visitors that come to Las Vegas. Sunrise Children's Hospital offers a full range of specialized services, including Nevada's only pediatric heart surgery program and Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), a dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department and the largest Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Nevada. Sunrise Children's Hospital is located on the same campus as Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center — Nevada's largest acute care facility. Follow us on Instagram @SunriseChildrensHospitalLV, Twitter @SunriseHosp and Facebook.com/SunriseChildrensHospital.

About Cheeriodicals

Cheeriodicals is a national corporate team-building company that conducts philanthropic events benefiting children's hospitals, Ronald McDonald Houses, Veterans Hospitals, the American Cancer Society, frontline hospital workers, assisted living residents and other charity groups. For more information about Cheeriodicals' in-person and virtual team-building initiatives, visit our website or follow Cheeriodicals on Facebook and Instagram.

Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/ethos-event-collective-enlists-imex-attendees-to-help-deliver-joy-to-21555236

Community Unites to Raise Over $1M for Pediatric Cancer Research

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 10:31:59 +0600

On Nov. 6, 2021, The Children's Cancer Foundation, Inc. (CCF) hosted over 500 guests raising funds to support local pediatric cancer research and programs. Since 1983, CCF has raised funds in the Baltimore-Washington area to transform local hospital facilities, sponsor innovative programs, and provide local cancer researchers with critical funding to advance treatments and cures. More than 30 companies, individuals and foundations sponsored the Gala, raising over $375,000.

"This year's gala was an opportunity to unite all the critical players working together in this dedicated community - the hospitals, the families, the researchers and the donors," explains CCF President Tasha Museles, "and how all are necessary - especially during COVID. Cancer didn't stop during the pandemic, and neither did we." This year's gathering felt particularly meaningful following the 2020 virtual gala. However, a livestream of the Gala was available for those who could not attend in person.

CCF awarded the highest honor of the night, the CCF Gift of Life Award, to Giant Food and its President, Ira Kress. Mr. Kress thanked Giant shoppers and store associates for the success of this year's pediatric cancer campaign that raised a record $2.2 million, benefitting CCF and Johns Hopkins Hospital. As a result of this fundraising effort, Giant Food will donate over $660,000 to The Children's Cancer Foundation, Inc. In addition to recognizing 2021 as their 85th year serving the region, Giant Food has contributed more than $20 million to CCF since the beginning of the partnership over 17 years ago.

The Gala invited several new major supporters for CCF, including Gala Presenting Sponsors Pepsi Cola and Dole. Companies JOH, Coca Cola, Service Distributing Inc., UNFI, Flowers Foods, and Bimbo Bakeries sponsored the Gala at the Partnership level. Ms. Museles finds such support encouraging, showing a trend that "international corporations recognize the powerful impact that small local non-profits can have in supporting children's cancer research and programs within its community."

More information about the Gala, CCF, and for a listing of researchers and programs that received their grant funding at the Gala, visit the CCF Website. The 38th Annual Gala is scheduled for Nov. 5, 2022.

Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/community-unites-to-raise-over-1m-for-pediatric-cancer-research-21557181

United Through Reading 13th Annual Storybook Ball Raised $188,000 for Military Families

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 10:23:09 +0600

United Through Reading (UTR) hosted its 13th Annual Storybook Ball on Nov. 6, 2021, in San Diego, CA. Each year the ball brings together 300 corporate executives, senior military leaders, long-serving supporters, and military families in celebration of the consequential connections UTR champions for military families who are transiently sundered due to deployment or military assignment.

The organization raised $188,000 as part of its ongoing commitment to facilitate the bonding experience of reading aloud. One of the hallmarks of UTR is that distant serving military members and their loved ones can stay connected through video-recorded bedtime stories so that children feel loved, setting them up for emotional, social, and educational success.

"Reading gives us all a chance to end the day on a positive note, no matter how hard it is to be apart from our loved ones," said Dr. Sally Ann Zoll, CEO, United Through Reading. "These funds will allow us to continue to reimagine new ways for our military families to experience UTR's unique world of wonder and stories and create lasting memories with each other."

This year, the organization presented two awards. Author Jeff Gottesfeld & Illustrator Matt Tavares received the Audrey Geisel Friend of Military Children Award for 'Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown' for their work elevating the story of the Tomb Guards and connecting with military families. Veterans United Home Loans and Veterans United Foundation received the Reveille Award for their visionary action on behalf of military and Veteran families. The black-tie event was sponsored by the Dr. Seuss Foundation, Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc., The Corky McMillan Companies, Amazon Military, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Boeing, General Atomic Aeronautical.

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About United Through Reading: United Through Reading keeps military families reading together, no matter the distance between them. Families stay connected through video recordings of storytime and books, sent to military families to help ease the stress of separation, maintain positive emotional connections, and cultivate a love of reading and early childhood literacy. Service members and veterans can record a story for their family at more than 200 UTR recording locations worldwide, as well as on their mobile device with our free and secure reading App. Since 1989, 2.5 million military members and their families have benefited from the program. UTR is recognized as a Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency Participant and is rated a 4-star Charity Navigator Rating. For more information, visit unitedthroughreading.org.

Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/united-through-reading-13th-annual-storybook-ball-raised-188-000-for-21465480

Home of Guiding Hands Honors 25-Year Club

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 10:16:14 +0600

Home of Guiding Hands, a nonprofit organization that provides programs and housing for adults and children with developmental disabilities in San Diego and Imperial Counties, announced their 25-Year Club and honored Teresa Boisvert, a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional, and 17 other members of its 25 Year Club, all of whom have worked a quarter century with the nonprofit.

Boisvert joined the nonprofit 46 years ago. HGH's Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professionals have around-the-clock responsibility for the health, safety, programs, and services of clients living in any of Home of Guiding Hands community-based homes in San Diego.

"My favorite part of working at Home of Guiding Hands is being directly involved with the clients. Whether it's taking clients to the beach or helping learn how to prepare their own meals, I love seeing how much they've grown and thrived in the HGH residential program," said Boisvert. "Home of Guiding Hands has also taught me how to advocate for myself."

Other 25-Year Club members represent a diverse range of jobs, ranging from front-line heathcare workers to administrative and support staff members. Club members are JoAnn Benson-Sterner (45 years of service); Raymond Arcon (40 years); Steve Grieger (39 years); Myron Oleska (36 years); Lisa Blucher (35 years); Wendy Hernandez (34 years), Maria Rhoan (33 years); Shawna Sigler and Lisa Kruis (32 years); Cyndie Harper (31 years); Sharie McCann and Betty (Janie) Hughes (27 years); and new members, Jan Adams, Kathleen Samples, Marie Mongiardo and Wendy Smith (25 years).

Home of Guiding Hands' 800-plus employee staff provides a full continuum of care including premium residential care, early childhood development services and independent living support. The organization also provides life skills training, vocational assistance, free counseling, respite care and transportation services.

"What's amazing is that these employees have not only been with Home of Guiding Hands for 25+ years, they also hunkered down during the pandemic; some quarantined for 14 days with the clients they serve in the residential homes," HGH President and CEO Edward Hershey said. "The 25-Year Club are especially critical to the success of (Home of Guiding Hands) in our current labor-shortage market."

ABOUT HOME OF GUIDING HANDS

Home of Guiding Hands serves children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Each year, the 800-employee nonprofit delivers support services to nearly 4,000 people in 28 specialized group homes, early childhood development services and independent living support. The nonprofit also provides life-skills training, vocational assistance, free counseling, respite care and countywide transportation services. Visit https://www.guidinghands.org/ for details.

CONTACTS:

Edward Hershey

President & CEO

Home of Guiding Hands

1908 Friendship Drive

El Cajon, CA 92020

(619) 938-2850

Edward@guidinghands.org

Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/home-of-guiding-hands-honors-25-year-club-21557930

Crittenton Services of Greater Washington Hosts 133rd Annual Celebration & Fundraiser Benefiting At-Risk

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 10:01:09 +0600

Today, Crittenton Services of Greater Washington, a nonprofit specializing in positive youth development to at-risk teens, will host its 133rd fundraiser. The 2021 theme, "Moments that Matter," will highlight the stories and resiliency of youth of color impacted by the pandemic. The virtual annual celebration will take place on Nov. 18, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. More information about the event can be found here.

"My parents had me in their teens, so I know what it's like to persevere in the face of tremendous challenges," said Siobhan Davenport, President & CEO of Crittenton Services of Greater Washington. "Black, brown, and immigrant girls from underserved communities have quietly carried an enormous burden during the pandemic. They've persevered despite the odds, from homelessness and grieving the loss of loved ones, to taking on additional caregiving responsibilities at home and in school. However, the pandemic is not over for them. This event shines a light on their strength, resiliency and raises money for Crittenton to remain a stabilizing force in the lives of these girls at this critical moment in their development."

Crittenton partners with schools to run multi-year social-emotional learning and holistic development programs for over 600 6th-12th grade girls. They live in communities with the highest violence and poverty rates and lowest academic achievement rates in the region. Still, the organization achieved a 100% graduation rate and 99% continuation rate among its girls, even at schools with 50% graduation rates. In addition, 83% of program alumnae pursued post-secondary education, including the military, vocational schools, and two-year colleges or universities.

"The moment that mattered to me was the day I realized that everyone cares at Crittenton," said Hownisha Reed, a Crittenton program alumna. "So many people in my life had let me down, and I didn't have the capacity to trust people. But the Crittenton team became the trusted and caring adults in my life. They opened me up to learn about myself, about life, and do things I never thought were possible."

The virtual event will also honor five female leaders and trailblazers from the region, including:

Carisa Stanley Beatty, First Vice President, Amalgamated Bank,

Sindy Marisol Benavides, Chief Executive Officer, League of United Latin American Citizens,

Kate Goodall, Co-founder & CEO, Halcyon,

Karima Woods, Commissioner, District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities & Banking,

and Jessica Rosenworcel, the first female chair of the Federal Communications Commission.

"I am so honored to join the Crittenton team for another year celebrating our amazing women," said Bryan Tramont, Crittenton Board Member and Co-Chair of the annual celebration. "In a pandemic year, Crittenton's critical services have made a difference in the lives of so many young women across the D.C. region. Tonight's honorees are difference makers in their own rights in business, public policy, and within the nonprofit organizations they have transformed."

Crittenton Services of Greater Washington (CSGW) is the top leadership, empowerment, and advocacy nonprofit for at-risk youth and teen girls of color in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. CSGW partners with schools to run multi-year social and emotional learning programs that teach girls the skills to have healthy relationships, excel in school, and grow into confident and resilient young women. Learn more about the organization at www.crittentonservices.org.

Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/crittenton-services-of-greater-washington-hosts-133rd-annual-21557931

Gorayeb & Associates Celebrates Unwavering Dedication to Local Hispanic Community

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 09:27:16 +0600

Over the years, Gorayeb & Associates has worked diligently to connect and network with several nonprofit organizations throughout New York City to help harbor a better, safer, and healthier environment for its local Hispanic population. In fact, in 2017 Gorayeb & Associates inaugurated a community, Gorayeb Centro Comunitario in Corona, Queens.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Christopher J. Gorayeb, one of New York City's preeminent personal injury attorneys, supported more than 10,000 local Hispanic families in his community. For over a decade, Gorayeb & Associates has sponsored local children's soccer leagues, baseball leagues and a number of nonprofits that directly serve the Hispanic community, including:

Sisa Pakari Centro Cultural & Laboral

Ecuadorian Civic Committee of New York

Frente Hispano Local 79

Amigos Por Siempre de La 78 Inc.

For decades, the nickname of the law firm has been 'Los Abogados del Pueblo,' which translates to 'The People's Lawyers.' Gorayeb celebrates this title as a huge honor, especially since the entire team is completely committed to serving their Hispanic and immigrant communities.

Due to their diehard commitment to the needs of the people that make up the backbone of both their community and their firm, Gorayeb is beyond enthusiastic to grant sponsorships to numerous nonprofits and their community outreach programs. "I am proud to have founded a law firm that is dedicated to defending the rights of workers and the immigrant community. It gives me immense satisfaction to know that our work obtains justice for the most vulnerable in our community," Gorayeb enthusiastically exclaims.

Gorayeb & Associates continues to stay involved with its beloved Hispanic community and has plans to extend its interests to provide more contributions to local nonprofit organizations.

More About Gorayeb Law:

For over 35 years, Gorayeb & Associates has represented injured workers and offered justice for construction accident victims. Along with this undertaking, the firm also strongly serves and defends the Hispanic community, making them truly deserving of the nickname, 'The People's Lawyers.' Since its inception, Gorayeb and his team have made it their mission to protect the rights of immigrant workers and promote Hispanic culture.

You can contact Gorayeb Law at info@gorayeb.com or (646) 542-1247.

Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/gorayeb-associates-celebrates-unwavering-dedication-to-local-hispanic-21552125

DonateAToy.org Offers Virtual Toy Drive Platform for Individuals and Corporations to Quickly

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 10:00:16 +0600

DonateAToy.org, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, offers companies and their employees the ability to partake in a virtual toy drive where all donations can be easily monitored to inspire employee involvement. The DonateAToy.org portal provides a 2-for-1 donation option to HR executives and companies whose employees wish to donate toys quickly and easily to disadvantaged children nationwide, especially during a time when traditional, in-person toy drives continue to pose challenges due to the pandemic.

Double Donations

DonateAToy.org has committed to a "Start-of-Season" toy donation of 10,000 toys. To help maintain momentum, through December 15, the non-profit will also match each purchase and cash donation made via the platform with a toy of equal value in the hopes of making a tremendous impact in the lives of thousands of children who will benefit when Donate A Toy makes its distributions to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Donate A Toy hopes to exceed the 80,000+ toys donated last year. With people reluctant to visit physical drop-off sites, this unique program empowers corporate employees to brighten the holidays for less fortunate children across the country, right from their computer or mobile device.

Millions of Children in Need of Holiday Cheer

One in seven kids - nearly 12 million - are living in poverty, making children the poorest age group in the nation, according to the United States Census Bureau, Income and Poverty in the United States: 2019 Report. Nearly half of these children (4.5 million) live in extreme poverty, defined as an annual income of less than half the poverty level, and living on expenses of less than $36 a day.

"We are pleased to welcome Donate-A-Toy back for their second year as a National Corporate Sponsor of the Marine Toys for Tots Campaign," said retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation " With their generous support, we will be able to fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams of thousands of less fortunate children, who otherwise might have been forgotten."

Since 1947, Toys for Tots has distributed 604 million toys to 272 million children.

For more information or to donate, visit DonateAToy.org.

Media Contact:

Lisa Levy

Turchette Agency

(908) 468-6752

llevy@turchette.com

Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/donateatoy-org-offers-virtual-toy-drive-platform-for-individuals-and-21549557

Zelus Esports Launches New Platform for Non-Profits, Organizations, and Media Companies

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 07:29:45 +0600

Zelus Esports announces the creation of new marketing, media, and business solution company centered around the dynamic and rapidly growing esports and recreational gaming space. Esports is the world of competitive, organized digital video gaming and has emerged as a leading force in the sports/entertainment world. It is a multibillion-dollar industry breaking records year over year in revenue generation — surpassing the music and movie businesses combined — by engaging the much sought-after Millennial and Gen Z generations.

Zelus empowers organizations, non-profits, and media companies with the ability to create, develop, and manage their loyal gaming communities while expanding and enhancing their brands and creating new/scalable revenue streams. Zelus' technology partner Rival provides a first-of-its-kind, proprietary enterprise SaaS platform and is recognized as the global market leader in esports, with over 25 professional teams as part of its portfolio. Together, they bring the popularity of esports and casual gaming to companies and organizations through unrivaled technology, combined with marketing and sales expertise, providing a turnkey, custom-label experience.

Traditional business models are challenged in consumer, audience, employee, and sponsorship engagement, as well as revenue growth. There are 2.6 billion gamers globally, with 65% of American adults playing video games in a somewhat underground culture. Zelus Esports provides a compelling platform that engages this massive community in a meaningful and authentic way, connecting brands and hard-to-reach consumers organically through fan-based experiences.

Michael Cutchall, Zelus CEO, has spent the last 30 years acquiring and operating media companies for private equity firms across the country. The last several years have been focused on identifying and developing solutions to address these ongoing concerns. Cutchall said, "The genesis of Zelus began over a year ago when our team explored new engagement and revenue stream opportunities for clients in the digital space. We feel this is a mission for us, given the combination of our backgrounds and the arrival of this new technology. We have the platform, and we have the know-how. We can help non-profits find new and progressive ways to raise money; partner with corporations on connecting to their workforce in a safe and engaging way to build teamwork and culture; and support media companies as they design innovative platforms to reach and grow new audiences."

The Zelus executive team also includes Art Morales as Chief Revenue Officer and Jim Knapp as Chief Marketing Officer — both of whom provide depth of expertise in branding, marketing, sales acceleration, business development, and non-profit donor engagement.

CONTACT:

Michael Cutchall

+1 713-516-1535

Info@ZelusEsports.com

Source: Zelus Esports

Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/zelus-esports-launches-new-platform-for-non-profits-organizations-and-21538095

Connection to the Real World: Revelation is Revealed in New Weekly Bible Seminar

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 06:52:50 +0600

Shincheonji, Church of Jesus will be holding a weekly bible seminar for 2 months. The seminar will explain the prophecies recorded in the book of Revelation based on the 5W1H method.

Sydney, Australia., October 12, 2021 -- With the rise of uncertainty about the present and future of humanity triggered by the pandemic, misinformation regarding COVID-19, leading to the lack of trust in the medical field and misunderstandings in the religious community, various concerns in daily life have increased.

In the United States, rumors are circulating that the COVID-19 vaccine is the "mark of the beast." This apocalyptic biblical term is from Revelation 13 and is usually interpreted as being attached to Satan and subsequently diverging from God. Additionally, people regardless of religious background frequently encounter the question – does the COVID-19 pandemic signify "the end of the world?"

In the midst of the current world situation, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, announced that it will hold a round of weekly seminars titled, "Testimony on Prophecy and Fulfillment of Revelation, God's New Covenant" from October 18th to December 27th.

The seminars, which will be broadcasted live on YouTube, will provide explanations of the prophecies recorded from every chapter of Revelation based on the 5W1H (who, what, when, where, why, how) method. Chairman Man-hee Lee, who says that he is a witness who has seen and heard all the events of the book of Revelation physically fulfilled in the real world (Revelation 22:16), will be a keynote lecturer.

Previously, the Shincheonji Word Seminar held in August attracted 1,700 pastors and 28,000 people globally. "The number of participants at this time reflects their interest and effort to understand the words of Revelation consistently with the words of the rest of the books in the Bible," said Mr. Kim Shin-chang, General Director of the International Mission Department of Shincheonji Church.

The Shincheonji Church also added that the book of Revelation is written in parables and the reality has not yet been explained, but instead has been interpreted only through human thoughts and non-biblical speculative theories which has misguided believers and instigated social disorder.

The church also emphasized that understanding the true meaning of the book of Revelation is seeing how the prophecies expressed in parables have been physically fulfilled in the world today according to the Bible.

(Seminar on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/ShincheonjiChurchofJesus)

About Shincheonji Church of Jesus:

Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (SCJ), commonly known as Shincheonji Church of Jesus or simply Shincheonji is a denomination of christian new religious movement established in South Korea by Lee Man-hee. Shincheonji's teaching claims that their founder Lee is the pastor promised in the New Testament, and that the Book of Revelation is written in secret metaphors (parables) which only Lee is capable of deciphering. Shincheonji teaches that it is the true faith with its members receiving salvation at the time of final judgment.

Contact:

Shincheonji AU

Sydney, Australia

+61401909117

australia@shincheonjichurch.org

https://www.shincheonjichurch.org

Rochdale Village Community Center Receives Outstanding Recognition of the NTAC

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 14:59:03 +0600

New York, NY, June 7, 2021 -- New York City’s nonprofits serve so many families and neighborhoods, but often don’t get the credit they deserve. Despite these facts, on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic (NTAC) will hold its 14th Annual Gala, “A Salute to New York City’s Nonprofits and the Neighborhoods They Serve,” presented virtually, from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Friends and supporters will gather for a special gala honoring the city’s nonprofits, faith leaders, and the neighborhoods they serve.

Rochdale Village Community Center is led by Ms. Julia D. Shaw, who will be celebrated as the 2021 Neighborhood Leader of the Year. Director of the Rochdale Village Community Center (RVCC) in Jamaica, New York, Ms. Shaw spearheads the development and implementation of cultural events, educational workshops, intergenerational activities and expos for one of the largest Co-Op residential and commercial developments in the world, Rochdale Village, Inc.

Shaw’s professional career spans over 30 years of service to communities of color in Brooklyn and Queens. She shares her talents and creativity as a mixed media artist, entrepreneur, author and publisher of four book anthologies creating the opportunity for over 60 writers to share their stories.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented economic, societal, and health challenges to our country. In New York City we have witnessed first-hand the hardships in our communities. Our neighborhood and nonprofits have been hit the hardest, especially in communities of color. The proceeds from the gala will provide technical assistance training to the following nonprofit or neighborhood/faith leaders: Mothers Of Black Boys, United for Social Change (M.O.B.B. United) lead by Ms. Depelsha Thomas-McGrudger, and African Refuge, Inc. led by Rev. Judy L. Brown.

The 14th annual gala will honor New York City’s borough presidents as honorary chairs, as well as nonprofits, faith leaders, friends, funders and supporters. Debi B. Jackson of the Hal Jackson Show on WBLS will be on hand to help us present these awards as our Mistress of Ceremonies. Senator Chuck Schumer will be on hand to bring greetings and congratulations. The Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic will salute the nonprofits of the Caribbean community as we celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month.

To celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month, NTAC will honor Maria Roz Olatunji of Antigua & Barbuda as the Caribbean Women of the Year and Thomas Alva Pemberton of St. Kitts & Nevis as the Caribbean Man of the Year. NTAC has selected the Negril Education Environmental Trust (NEET) to receive a donation to support the mission of NEET. Mr. Winston Wellington is the Chairman Emeritus of NEET. This nonprofit organization fights crime through education. It is making a difference in the lives of young people one child at a time. To learn more about NEET see their website: www.neetja.com. Caribbean entertainment will be led by Antigua & Barbuda’s Ambassador, Johnny Gomes & The City Street Orchestra.

Pastor Susie Elliot, the Chair of Brooklyn Council of Churches, will be celebrated as the Faith Leader of the Year, and Ms. Deborah Young, the only daughter of Dr. Marcella Maxwell, will be celebrated as the Neighborhood Leader of the Year. New York State Attorney General Letitia James will present the Lifetime Achievement Awards to Honorable Annette Robinson and Honorable Judge Betty Staton. Bishop Dr. Barbara Lucas will present the Lifetime Award to Dr. Mildred Clarke, M.D. NTAC will also honor several corporate partners. MetroPlus Health is our Health Partner of the Year Award. Lesleigh Irish-Underwood will receive the award.

The Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic’s mission is to provide strategic direction, organizational oversight and technical assistance clinics to grassroots nonprofits and grantmakers. They create dialogues between funders, community-based and faith-based organizations to grow sound grassroots delivery of program and services for neighborhood needs.

The Board of Directors are Rev. Sylvia G. Kinard Esq., Rev. Dr. Kanyere Eaton, and Ms. Gayle Gilbert. Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver-Durrah is the Founder and President.

Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic

544 McDonough St., Brooklyn, NY 11233

Phone: 718-455-3784 | Fax: 718-573-4490 | Email: volivere@aol.com

Give an Hour® Announces Third Global Week-Long Effort Dedicated to Changing the Culture of Mental Health

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 12:32:38 +0600

Give an Hour®, a national nonprofit announces the 3rd Annual Week to Change Direction on May 10 - 16, 2021. This virtual event will bring together multiple organizations including Aetna, Major League Baseball Players' Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), University of Phoenix, as well as mental health experts and citizens from around the world to change the culture of mental health.

This has been a stressful and emotionally exhausting year for the global community. As people emerge from a year of isolation, they must stay focused on caring for their mental health and the mental health of those they love.

Give an Hour invites everyone to join this global effort and share how you are taking care of your mental health. Everyone can all become part of this culture-changing conversation to ensure that everyone gets the care and support they deserve. Click here to participate in this year's A Week to Change Direction.

"Anxiety, depression, and substance misuse have doubled in one year, affecting more than 40% of the U.S. population. The need to care for our emotional health is as important as caring for our physical health," said Randy Phelps, Ph.D., CEO of Give an Hour. "Give an Hour is honored to welcome our partners Aetna, Major League Baseball Players' Association, VFW, and the University of Phoenix to A Week to Change Direction. Together we are making mental health a top priority."

Give an Hour will build on the success of the previous two years - which celebrated projects focused on mental health culture change from 42 countries and all 50 United States. This year, Give an Hour will feature three online events to engage and inspire:

Tuesday, May 11 at 2 PM EST: Twitter Chat: Coming out of the Pandemic: What's Next for our Mental Health?

Wednesday, May 12 at 3 PM EST - Collective Impact: Communities Collaborating to Improve Mental Health

Moderator: Randy Phelps, Ph.D., CEO, Give an Hour

Participants:

Vanessa Bechtel, President and CEO, Ventura County Community Foundation

Cara McNulty, DPA, President, Aetna Behavior Health

Christina Neider, Ed.D., Dean, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Phoenix

Hal J. Roesch II, Commander-in-Chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars

Thursday, May 13 at 3 PM EST - The Importance of Mental Health and Wellbeing for a Professional Athlete

Moderator: Randy Phelps, Ph.D., CEO, Give an Hour

Participants:

Showtime Shawn Porter, two-time World Welterweight Champion Boxer

Chamique Holdsclaw, Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

For more information and to participate in these events visit https://bit.ly/May21WCD.

About Give an Hour®

Give an Hour® is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3), founded in September 2005 by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, a licensed clinical psychologist. For the past 15 years, Give an Hour has provided over 340,000 hours of free mental health services to veterans, service members, and their families, as well as to victims of natural and manmade disasters like mass violence. By harnessing the skills and generosity of citizens across the nation and around the world, Give an Hour provides those in need with help and hope. www.giveanhour.org

Source URL - https://www.newswire.com/news/give-an-hour-announces-third-global-week-long-effort-dedicated-to-21375739

Barefoot Is Legal Kicks Off Its 5th Annual Barefoot Challenge

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 18:07:55 +0600

LAS VEGAS,NV – Barefoot Is Legal (barefootislegal.org) founder Dave Kelman has announced the 5^th annual #IDidItBarefootChallenge for March 26-28, 2021.

This Challenge will have participants simply go to a place of business barefoot. Participants can visualize and understand the feeling of people judging others based on looks. It also shares health information about the barefoot lifestyle. Challengers are invited to take a selfie and share with BIL social media.

“We want to raise awareness on the background of the famous signs that popped up in the late 1960s” Mr. Kelman explains. “Most people think it is illegal to not wear shoes, when in fact these signs were able to discriminate based on the 1964 Civil Rights Act.”

Kelman is referring to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Before this, businesses had the right to discriminate based on gender, skin color, or ethnicity.

“Businesses were also angry at the youth.” Kelman describes further. “Hippies were against going to war in Vietnam. They were considered anti-American. The youth and minorities all never wore shoes when the weather was nice. The store owners noticed this, and found they could discriminate based on clothing instead of kicking people out for being black.”

There are numerous health benefits to going barefoot. Grounding (or earthing) is one of the most common terms to explain the health benefits of a barefoot lifestyle. Millions of Americans would prefer to spend time outdoors barefoot, but are afraid of the social stigma.

“The whole world wears cheap flip flops. Not because they want to – but because they feel they have to in order to be considered normal. There is nothing wrong with running in to pick up a pizza, get an ice cream cone, or go rent a carpet shampooer barefoot. We want going barefoot to be a normal choice, just like having a beard or a baseball hat.“

There are several places online, including the Barefoot Is Legal website, to verify all claims.

About Barefoot Is Legal:

Barefoot Is Legal was founded in 2015, and became a 501c3 non-profit organization in 2017. The primary focus is to share information and provide support for those wishing to live a completely barefoot lifestyle. More information about Barefoot Is Legal can be found at: http://www.barefootislegal.org.

Press inquiries are handled via email: press@barefootislegal.org or by phone 844-522-7882.

Raoul Wallenberg commemoration

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 23:05:31 +0600

We would like to spread the word about our event this Sunday, Jan 17th in commemorating the first Honorary Canadian Citizen and Saviour of thousands of Jews in Budapest during the Holocaust – Raoul Wallenberg. The event has a list of famous speakers, and the topic in parallels of our world today is of high importance and relevance. As memory fades, events from the past can become the present. Therefore, commemorating Humanity's heroes and remembering the past is necessary to prevent history from repeating itself and inspiring positive change actions.

As Governor Schwarzenegger recently stated “We need public servants that servers something larger than their own power.., but a higher ideal"

It is tradition that the Canadian Prime Minister issues a statement to recognize the Day.

In his statement for last year's Raoul Wallenberg Day said

'Today, I encourage all Canadians to find inspiration in Mr. Wallenberg’s remarkable example. Jewish communities in Canada and around the world still face unacceptable acts of antisemitism. We must always stand up to hatred and racism. With compassion and courage, we each have the power to make a difference in the lives of those around us.'

PRESSRELEASE:

Raoul Wallenberg

– Honorary Canadian Citizen, Saviour of Thousands of Jews in Budapest A virtual event Sunday, January 17, 2021, 3 pm – 4.30 pm EST presenting a new video

In this time of a world pandemic, strife, insurrection, sedition and hate, in the halls of power in the United States and elsewhere, it is more important than ever, to celebrate the legacy of heroes like Raoul Wallenberg and others like him.

Their aim was to save their fellow human beings from mass murder, just because they belonged to a different religion, ethnicity, or due to physical or psychological impairment.

A new YouTube video highlighting the background of how Raoul Wallenberg was the first person to be made an Honorary Canadian Citizen will be presented by Urban Ahlin, Swedish Ambassador to Canada, The Hon Irwin Cotler, Founder of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights and Special Envoy for Preserving Human Rights and Combating Antisemitism, jointly with George Preger, Founder of OVED for Human Rights, producer of the video.

Canada honoured Raoul Wallenberg already in 1984 with the Honorary Citizenship. At the ceremony presenting the Honorary Citizenship, George Preger accepted the award on behalf of Sweden. He was at the time Chairman of the Swedish Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Mr Preger, was born in Vienna in 1936 and survived the Holocaust in Budapest and in a Hungarian village.

The Raoul Wallenberg Day in Canada was established January 17, 2001 honouring the Swedish diplomat and his daring actions to save Jews in Budapest at the end of World War II. The date was chosen as Raoul Wallenberg was captured by Soviet forces east of the Hungarian capital on January 17, 1945. Though not confirmed, it has been generally assumed that Raoul Wallenberg was liquidated by the Soviet Secret Police in Moscow in 1947.

After the war, and studies in Europe, George Preger moved to Sweden. He lived there for many years, worked and started a family. In 1969 he and his family moved to New Brunswick eventually settling in Toronto in 1974.

In 2020, George Preger and a group of friends, initiated the production of a 15-minute video, Raoul Wallenberg – Honorary Canadian Citizen, Saviour of Thousands of Jews in Budapest. The objective is to inform of Wallenberg’s work in saving the lives of thousands of Jews in Budapest as well as to spread knowledge of the awarding of Canada’s first Honorary Citizenship to Raoul Wallenberg.

- There are a dwindling number of Holocaust survivors left, says Mr Preger. It is so very important that the stories are being told to younger generations, so we and they never forget

The video is the focal point of the virtual event Sunday, January 17, 2021, but the program will have comments by numerous individuals, including Ann Linde, Sweden’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Hon. Irwin Cotler, Founder of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, The Hon. Linda Frum, Senator and Michael Lewitt, President & CEO, Canadian Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre for Holocaust Studies and several other distinguished speakers. In addition, Urban Ahlin, Sweden’s Ambassador to Canada, will join George Preger after the video in a discussion about the video and its message.

The Wallenberg Day virtual event has been made possible by the Swedish- Canadian Chamber of Commerce, YouandMedia and several other organisations.

For more information and registration to this free event, please visit https://mailchi.mp/sccc/wallenberg2021

or contact

➢ George Preger, 416 543 8537, pregergeorge@gmail.com

➢ Lars Henriksson, 416 402 6093, lars.henriksson@swedishconsulates.ca