Send2Press Newswire

Neotrope Extends Non-Profit PR Grant Application Deadline

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:56:55 GMT

For 25th Anniversary Los Angeles PR Firm to Donate Services to Worthy Causes

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Neotrope(R), a brand identity, PR, and marketing firm established Jan. of 1983, has extended the 2009 grant application deadline for non-profit organizations, from Nov. 12th, to Dec. 7th, 2008, due to the recent U.S. elections. The company is donating $25,000 in free public relations and newswire services to worthy smaller non-profit and charitable organizations to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Neotrope previously donated $25K worth of services in 2000, and $22K in 2005; and has provided discounted or free services to various non-profits for more than 20 years.

"We have extended the deadline as we heard from many folks that they 'just learned about' the grant once they were done donating time to various candidates in the recent elections," said Neotrope CEO and co-founder, Christopher Simmons. "We've had nearly 200 organizations across the U.S. apply already since mid-October, and this really shows the need for this kind of support for the smaller non-profits."

Simmons continued, "As mentioned in our October 1st press release, we've always taken corporate social responsibility very seriously, and it gives all of us here a warm and fuzzy feeling to do what little we can to give something back to worthwhile causes. We learned many years ago that it was better to donate our expertise than simply writing checks, as it provided more real support for the non-profit org."

"Many smaller non-profits have been suffering from lower revenues this year, due to the economy; and it's been harder than ever for some orgs to raise awareness. Hopefully this program, as in past years when we've done this, will help."

Non-profit organizations may apply for the grant through December 7th, 2008 (extended from Nov. 12th). Organizations will be selected based on various factors related to "doing good," and the amount donated to each selected non-profit will vary. Half of the grants will be provided to California-based non-profits, who will receive additional promotional assistance through California Newswire(R) as well as a free eMediaKit(TM). Additionally, all 501(c)(3) organizations automatically qualify for a 20% service discount.

All qualified applicant organizations will be entered into a drawing to win a new One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) notebook which can be used for fund-raising purposes.

The 2009 Neotrope PR grant application can be found at Send2Press.com/non-profit/index.shtml.

Neotrope, and its division Send2Press Newswire (www.Send2Press.com), have previously sponsored art benefits contributing to aid efforts for the homeless in Chicago, groups providing environmentally sustainable housing in areas of the world where disaster has left people without adequate shelter; and to orgs who raise money for Tanzanian AIDS orphans. Neotrope also sponsors entertainment events as diverse as Apple QuickTime shows, and both-coasts music showcases for indie bands, including the LAMN Jam series presented by the Los Angeles Music Network.

Past recipients of the PR grant program include the Native Voices Foundation: "Thank you so much for putting Native Voices Foundation under your wings and on the U.S. map as never before," said Suzy Chaffee ("Chapstick"), Olympian, and Co-chair of NVF. "Your encouragement, savvy coaching, and access to the major newspapers in America, has been priceless in getting out our message."

About Neotrope(R)

Since 1983, Neotrope (www.neotrope.com) has been helping small-to-medium businesses and entertainment companies establish their brand and grow revenue. The Neotrope marketing team includes Christopher Laird Simmons, who is an award-winning designer, photographer, musician and digital artist. Other team members include accredited public relations professionals, working journalists and broadcast veterans. Simmons is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Graphic Artists Guild, and ASCAP; and has been working in the P.R. field since 1981. Simmons has been widely interviewed by publications as diverse as Entrepreneur, Chicago Post Tribune, PCWorld, and TrendWatch.

About Send2Press Newswire

Send2Press(R) offers best-in-class affordable Direct-to-Editors(TM) news distribution and alternative placement of news content to improve its "persistence" versus the traditional one-shot approach. In addition to sending news directly to working journalists, print and broadcast media, Send2Press places news into social networks and deep into search engines using proprietary ContextEngine(R) press release optimization technology developed in 1997.

Oct. 1, 2008 grant announcement:
http://pdf.send2press.com/news_2008-10-1001-001.pdf

Jan. 2005 grant announcement:
http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2005-01-0128-002.shtml

Aug. 2000 grant announcement:
http://www.neotrope.com/text/news_PR_00-0802.shtml

All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Neotrope, Send2Press, eMediaKit, California Newswire and ContextEngine are trademarks and/or service marks of Neotrope. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, nonprofit grants, pr grant program for nonprofits

Card Cafe Announces Fund Raising Tool for Non-Profits

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:38:39 GMT

OREM, Utah, Oct. 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Card Cafe, a global technology provider, today announced the launch of Charity Builder. Charity Builder is a tool which enables non-profit organizations throughout the United States to leverage the vast greeting card industry to help them raise money. "From the beginning, Card Cafe has been focused on giving to charities. This makes the Charity Builder that much more exciting to me. 30% of the revenue goes back to the non-profit while Card Cafe manages the site for them. This is a tremendous opportunity for charities small and large," said Teague Bengtzen, President of Card Cafe.

Americans spend $7,500,000,000 annually on greeting cards with the average household purchasing 30 cards per year. More people are going to the internet to purchase their printed greeting cards than ever before. Card Cafe is unique in that it will mail the cards for the customer in a stamped envelope.

With the Charity Builder, businesses who donate to non-profits can now give even more money by simply purchasing customer gifts, employee incentives, etc. through the non-profit's site.

"We will put the logo of the charity on the site and set up their online business for them. Their site offers greeting cards, gift baskets, chocolate, gourmet popcorn and gift cards," said Kira Case, Vice President of Card Cafe, "We even help with the marketing. This is an exciting new way for charities to make extra money year round."

Non-profit organizations can go to www.1to1Specialists.com or call Randy Barney at (888) 426-5095 to learn more about the Charity Builder.

Card Cafe was founded in 2005 as an easy way to keep in touch with people through online ordering of printed greeting cards. It quickly developed into a leading technology provider. Card Cafe produces more than two million cards each year. In 2008 Card Cafe launched a commercial division called 1:1 Specialists (www.1to1Specialists.com). 1:1 Specialists focuses on providing web-to-print and marketing technology for many industries.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Card Cafe Charity Builder, web to print technology

Non-Profit Organizations to Receive $25K in Free PR Grants and Marketing Support

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:02:41 GMT

Los Angeles PR Firm to Donate Services to Worthy Causes

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Oct. 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Neotrope®, a brand identity, PR, and marketing firm established Jan. 1983, is donating $25,000 in free public relations and newswire services to worthy non-profit and charitable organizations to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Neotrope previously donated $25K worth of services in 2000, and $22K in 2005; and has provided discounted or free services to various non-profits for more than 20 years. Organizations may apply for this program starting today.

"This is our way of supporting some of the numerous smaller organizations we feel need help to 'get the word out' about their efforts," said Neotrope CEO and co-founder, Christopher Simmons. "Many smaller non-profits have been suffering from lower revenues this year, due to the economy; and it's been harder than ever for some orgs to raise awareness. We've always taken corporate social responsibity very seriously, and it gives all of us here a warm and fuzzy to do what little we can to give something back to worthwhile causes."

Neotrope, and its division Send2Press® Newswire (www.Send2Press.com), have previously sponsored art benefits contributing to aid efforts for the homeless in Chicago, groups providing environmentally sustainable housing in areas of the world where disaster has left people without adequate shelter; and to orgs who raise money for Tanzanian AIDS orphans. Neotrope also sponsors entertainment events as diverse as Apple QuickTime shows, and both-coasts music showcases for indie bands, including the LAMN Jam series presented by the Los Angeles Music Network.

Non-profit organizations may apply for free services starting October 1st, through November 12th, 2008. Organizations will be selected as applications are received, and the amount donated to each selected non-profit will vary. Half of the grants will be provided to California-based non-profits, who will receive additional promotional assistance through California Newswire®. Additionally, all 501(c)(3) organizations automatically qualify for a 20% service discount. Finally, all qualified applicant organizations will be entered into a drawing to win a new One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) notebook which can be used for fund-raising purposes.

All selected organizations will have the option to set-up a free eMediaKit™ and PRtrax™ news reader-tracking account.

The 2009 Neotrope PR grant application can be found at
www.Send2Press.com/non-profit/index.shtml.

Past recipients of the PR grant program include the Native Voices Foundation (www.nativevoices.org and www.snow-riders.org). "Thank you so much for putting Native Voices Foundation under your wings and on the U.S. map as never before," said Suzy Chaffee ("Chapstick"), Olympian, and Co-chair of NVF. "Your encouragement, savvy coaching, and access to the major newspapers in America, has been priceless in getting out our message."

About Neotrope®

Since 1983, Neotrope (www.neotrope.com) has been helping small-to-medium businesses and entertainment companies establish their brand and grow revenue. The Neotrope marketing team includes Christopher Laird Simmons, who is an award-winning designer, photographer, musician and digital artist. He is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Graphic Artists Guild, and ASCAP. Simmons has been widely interviewed by publications as diverse as Entrepreneur, Chicago Post Tribune, PCWorld, and TrendWatch. Other team members include accredited public relations professionals, working journalists and broadcast veterans.

About Send2Press Newswire

Send2Press® offers best-in-class affordable Direct-to-Editors™ news distribution and alternative placement of news content to improve its "persistence" versus the traditional one-shot approach. In addition to sending news directly to working journalists, print and broadcast media, Send2Press places news into social networks and deep into search engines using proprietary ContextEngine(R) press release optimization technology developed in 1997. For more information on Send2Press, visit: http://www.Send2Press.com.

Jan. 2005 grant announcement:
http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2005-01-0128-002.shtml

Aug. 2000 grant announcement:
http://www.neotrope.com/text/news_PR_00-0802.shtml

Additional news about non-profit organizations:
http://www.send2press.com/newswire/non-profits.shtml.

Neotrope is a U.S. registered trademark and service mark, with international trademark applications pending. Send2Press, California Newswire, and ContextEngine are registered trademarks -- and eMediaKit, Direct-to-Editors, and PRtrax are service marks and/or trademarks -- of Neotrope. All other trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Neotrope public relations, Christopher Simmons

Magician David Blaine Nominated for Consideration for First Ever Houdini Award from Scranton's Famous Houdini Museum

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:30:53 GMT

SCRANTON, Pa., Sept. 23 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Because of David Blaine's Houdini-esque stunts the Board of Directors of The Houdini Museum in Scranton has decided to place David Blaine up for nomination for the first ever Houdini Award to be given out by the prestigious museum. When David Blaine is buried alive for seven days, frozen in a block of ice or hung upside down for 60 hours, he credits Harry Houdini's legendary escapes as his inspiration. In April, Blaine broke a world record by holding his breath underwater for 17 minutes and 4.4 seconds, another Houdini inspired stunt.

Others who have been nominated include James Randi, Dorothy Dietrich and Caesar Pelez of Le Grand David. Criss Angel, David Copperfield, and Penn and Teller were in the running for nomination but did not make the cut this year. The winner of the award is to have a special coin minted in their honor.

The Houdini Museum, a 501 C-3 non-profit organization, is the only building in the world dedicated to Houdini and has been located in Scranton, Pennsylvania for the past 20 years. Before that the exhibit was in New York City, Houdini's home for all of his adult life.

The Houdini Museum, 1433 N. Main Ave, Scranton, PA known worldwide has been featured on the Biography Channel, The Travel Channel, "Dead Famous," "Top Myths & Legends," "Exploring the Unknown," Ripley's Believe It Or Not, You Asked For It, BBC, CBC, TV Land, as well as the all the various networks.

The museum features daily Houdini tours and magic shows by reservation honoring the great legend throughout the year. A new evening presentation, "Haunted! Mind Mysteries & The Beyond" is currently breaking records with its five-year run. The Houdini Museum is currently headed up by magician, psychic investigator and "Female Houdini" Dorothy Dietrich and paranormalist and mystery entertainer Dick Brooks. Recent feature stories about the museum have included paranormalist Uri Geller and "psychic" Kim Dennis.

The museum is also responsible for the important yearly Halloween Houdini Seance on the anniversary of Houdini's death, that was done by Houdini's wife for ten years that she then passed on to biographer and writer of the Shadow series Walter B. Gibson who, before he died, passed it on to Dorothy Dietrich.

More information: www.houdini.org.

All trademarks acknowledged. No celebrity endorsement claimed or implied.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Houdini Museum, magician David Blaine

The Spirits Come Alive in Old Ste. Genevieve

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:04:02 GMT

SAINTE GENEVIEVE, Mo., Sept. 22 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The spirits will come out early this year in historic old Ste. Genevieve when the Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve will be hosting its annual Deja Vu Spirit Reunion. The program takes place in one of Missouri's oldest cemeteries (established in 1787) among the tombs and headstones of emigrants of French, German, Scottish and other heritages, as well as ancient residents and slaves of that era.

This exclusive program of stories, traditions and nostalgia highlights the lives and personalities of notables such as U.S. Senator (1833-43) Lewis F. Linn, a hero in the fight against the widespread cholera epidemic of the time. Hear the tales and trials of local luminaries like Felix and Odile Valle, Ferdinand Rozier, Commandant Jean-Baptiste Valle and others giving visitors an intimate taste of the day-to-day lifestyles of 18th century Ste. Genevivians.

Traditional dress and candlelight will enhance the experience as well as chill the spine and heighten the senses. Tour the cemetery, chat with the spirits "face-to-face" and enjoy a hauntingly good time at one of the most unique and educational programs of living history in the Midwest.

The Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve, Inc. (FRSG) is an organization formed to promote the preservation and restoration of Ste. Genevieve's historic structures and traditions. In 2007 they were awarded the distinguished Governor's Humanities Award for the Deja Vu program.

The event is sponsored by the FRSG and all proceeds help to benefit the Foundation's Memorial Cemetery restoration efforts. For more information please call 573-883-2099 or 573-883-5850.

Event: Deja Vu Spirit Reunion
When: Saturday, October 11th, 2008
Times: 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Memorial Cemetery, 5th and Merchant Streets, Ste. Genevieve, MO.
Cost: $5 Donation.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Restoration of Ste Genevieve, Deja Vu Spirit Reunion

Georgia Department of Education Launches HOSA Foundation to Promote Careers in Healthcare

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:59:06 GMT

ATLANTA, Ga., Sept. 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Georgia's supply of healthcare workers is in a "critical condition" according to an article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. There are severe shortages in nursing, in the number of physicians per capita, psychologist, social workers, and other health related fields. Georgia now ranks 9th in total populations and still lags behind its sisters states with the number of healthcare professionals. Georgia Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) is a student-lead organization promoting interest in healthcare occupations among high school and college students.

HOSA's defined purposes are to promote career opportunities in the health care industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. In its eight year history the Georgia HOSA organization has grown from an initial membership of 300 members to over 5,800 members.

This phenomenal growth can be attributed to the enthusiastic HOSA Advisors at the local High Schools and Colleges, support from Georgia Department of Education and partnerships with the health care industry. Georgia is benefiting from strong local programs in health care fields such as dental, biomedical, CNA, EMT, imaging science and others.

One of the methods that demonstrate Georgia's proficiency in health care instruction is through the State and National competitions held on an annual basis. In order to compete at the state level the students have to demonstrate to their local advisors proficiency in the competitive event area. These students then compete against their peers across the state of Georgia where they are judged by a group of healthcare professionals who volunteer to serve as judges.

Students may compete as an individual or as a member of a team in the events. The winners are selected and announced at the awards session which is held at the annual HOSA State Leadership Conference. The top three winners, both individual and teams, are eligible to compete at the National HOSA Leadership conference held annually in June.

At the recent GA HOSA State Leadership Conference held in Atlanta over 300 students were eligible to compete at the HOSA National Leadership Conference level. The cost for the students has increased significantly over the last several years. Because of this over 15% of the students could not afford to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity. To prevent this from happening to more students in the future, Georgia HOSA established the Georgia HOSA Foundation which is an established 501(c) 3 organization whose guiding purpose is to help students fulfill their dream of attending and competing at the HOSA National Leadership Conference.

According to Allen Seigler, III, Executive Director of GA HOSA: "Establishing the HOSA Foundation was a logical step in supporting the students as they work to represent Georgia at the National State Leadership Conference. Our HOSA Board of Directors unanimously supported and endorsed the idea of launching the Foundation."

The primary purposes is to encourage interest in health care but also to raise students' self-esteem, build character, develop leadership skills and promote social interaction.

More information: www.georgiahosa.org.

Media Contact:
Anita Deraney
HOSA Foundation Director
+1-866-914-5378
Anita.deraney @ georgiahosa.org

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Georgia HOSA Foundation, Health Occupations Students of America

Jim 'Catfish' Hunter Foundation and The ALS Association Announce Opening of ALS Clinic at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in September

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:55:07 GMT

GREENVILLE, N.C., July 10 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The ALS Association - Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter today announced that Pitt County Memorial Hospital will open an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) clinic in late September. ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive paralysis usually in less than five years. The new clinic will be the only multi-disciplinary clinic in eastern North Carolina to serve persons with ALS.

"We are excited to offer a clinic devoted to ALS in Greenville to help serve everyone living with this dreadful disease," said PCMH President Steve Lawler. "Our communities have certainly felt the impact of ALS. With this clinic, we expect to provide better access to expert medical care, cutting-edge research and clinical trials. The end result will be a one-stop shop for health care needs."

The clinic, slated to open September 26th, will work in partnership with Duke University's ALS Clinic and will be led by Richard Bedlack, MD, PhD and Robert Frere, MD of East Carolina Neurology. Bedlack is the director of the Duke ALS Clinic and a world-renowned neurologist in the ALS community. Also playing an integral role in the clinic will be the Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter, The ALS Association's North Carolina chapter, by providing valuable information and resources to people with ALS.

"This clinic is long overdue, but we are thrilled to have so many caring people coming together to make this a reality," said Jerry Dawson, President of the ALS Association's Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter. "Specifically, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Representative Walter B. Jones, Steve Lawler, Dr. Richard Bedlack, Dr. Robert Frere and most importantly Helen Hunter and the Jim 'Catfish' Hunter ALS Foundation for providing the necessary funding to make this a reality. No longer will people with ALS in this area of our state have to travel long distances to receive world class care."

Funding for the clinic was generously provided by the Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Foundation in Hertford, NC. The foundation, named in honor of the North Carolina native and Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, was founded in 1999. Hunter, who was arguably the best pitcher in baseball in the 1970s, was diagnosed with ALS in 1998 and died from complications of the disease a year later at the age of 53. During that time, he used his celebrity status to increase awareness for ALS. More recently, Keith LeClair, East Carolina University's former baseball coach, lost his battle with ALS in 2006. The deaths of these men not only brought the effects of a disease like ALS to light, but also showed the need for an ALS clinic in eastern North Carolina.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony, with invited guests of honor including Senator Elizabeth Dole, Senator Richard Burr Representative Jones, N.C. Senator Marc Basnight and the Hunter family, will formally introduce the Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Clinic to the Down East community on its opening day.

About the Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Foundation
The Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Foundation is sometimes confused with the ALS Association Jim "Catfish" Hunter" Chapter but is a separate non-profit organization based in Hertford, North Carolina. The Foundation was formed in 1999 by Jim "Catfish" Hunter, his family and friends and the Bear Swamp-Beech Springs Ruritan Club. The Foundation is a proud supporter and partner of The ALS Association - Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter. The Foundation provided the start up funding necessary to establish key Chapter programs such as the Respite Care and Augmentative Communication Grant programs.

The Foundation also works to support research and provide grants based on need to families living with and fighting ALS. Through events such as softball tournaments, golf tournaments and walks, the Foundation works diligently to provide help for all people living with ALS. For more information: The Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Foundation, Post Office Box 47, Hertford, North Carolina 27944.

About Pitt County Memorial Hospital
Pitt County Memorial Hospital, one of four academic medical centers in North Carolina, is the flagship hospital for University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina and serves as the teaching hospital for the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Pitt Memorial is a regional resource for all levels of health services and information.

About The ALS Association
The ALS Association is the world leader in ALS research, patient care and ALS advocacy and is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. The Association's nationwide network of chapters provides comprehensive patient services and support to the ALS community. The mission of The ALS Association is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global cutting-edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig's disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing compassionate care and support.

The Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter has been serving PALS across North Carolina since 1987. The Chapter has grown into an award-winning 501(c)3 non-profit organization because of its efforts in service, advocacy, and fundraising. The Chapter has been recognized by The ALS Association as Chapter of the Year the past two years.

More about the Chapter can be found at www.CatfishChapter.org.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, ALS Association Jim Catfish Hunter Chapter, Pitt County Memorial Hospital

Jazz Prodigy Eric Reed to Perform at Get a Life Childcare Foundation's First Annual 'Jazz to Support Life' Event

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:15:42 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 30 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Get a Life Childcare Foundation, the only non-profit foundation in the nation dedicated to caring for children whose parents or siblings are living with chronic or terminal illness, will be holding their first annual "Jazz to Support Life" event benefiting the foundation's second child care facility in West Los Angeles. The evening will feature Wynton Marsalis' Jazz Piano prodigy, Eric Reed and a silent auction.

The event is to be held from 5:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at The Jazz Bakery in Culver City, California. Admission is $30, and limited seating is available.

Event sponsors include clothing designer Christian Audigier, Jazz Bakery, RTKL Associates Inc., and Ron Edwards of Air Dreams Designs. The proceeds will be used to furnish "The Get a Life Family Support Center" once construction is completed in late 2008. The new location is intended to support local hospitals, accommodate more children and offer them a wide array of activities and play options such as a computer lab, an art room, and a music center.

"We have been so fortunate to gather so much community and corporate support in such a short amount of time for this event. We are so excited to have a talented artist such as Eric Reed grace our event," said Jade Stanford, Founder and CEO of Get a Life Childcare.

More about the organization
Get a Life Childcare Foundation is a non-profit childcare provider focused on creating a safe, nurturing environment for children of chronically or terminally ill parents, while also supporting parents through counseling and other support services. The founder, Jade Stanford, recently was featured on the Emmy(R) award winning PBS series "A Place of Our Own", which can be viewed on the show website: www.aplaceofourown.org/getalife.

Jade was also recently awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Childcare by the State Senate of California. Additional information on Get a Life Childcare Foundation can be found at www.getalifechildcare.org.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Get a Life Childcare Foundation, Jazz Piano prodigy Eric Reed

Nonprofit Executives Converge on Washington, DC to Address Workforce Crisis Facing the Sector

Tue, 20 May 2008 17:52:43 GMT

2008 Human Resources conference will bring together nonprofit human resources executives, practitioners, thought leaders, and researchers

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 20 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The 2008 Nonprofit Human Resources Conference to be held in Washington, DC on September 28 - 29, 2008, hosted by Nonprofit HR Solutions, is the first of a series of annual events designed to bring together nonprofit human resources practitioners, executives, thought leaders, and researchers from diverse organizations nationwide. Attendees will address the significant human resources challenge facing the nonprofit sector and collaborate to identify resources that can advance the missions of nonprofit organizations.

Senior executives from organizations including the Society for Human Resource Management, AARP, Girl Scouts of the USA, Teach for America, The Urban Institute, The Johns Hopkins University, and New York University are among the conference speakers. Throughout the event attendees will share best practices about workforce development, succession planning, talent recruitment and retention, benefits and compensation, and legal issues - from a perspective unique to nonprofits.

Some experts believe human resources may have eclipsed fundraising as the biggest challenge for the nonprofit sector. "Many people think that being able to raise a lot of money is the greatest barrier to scale in the social sector. However, I believe an even more important challenge is being able to "scale" your talent pool -- and hire enough good people to fulfill your mission. Great nonprofits demand great talent, and we need to find new, innovative ways to recruit, retain, and develop leadership within our sector," according to Heather McLeod Grant, Conference keynote speaker and author of "Forces for Good."

Rania V. Sedhom of Buck Consultants adds, "Not-for-profits are in a particularly precarious position when it comes to hiring. The war for talent is making it harder than ever to attract the best people for their organizations and not-for-profits have little resources to stay abreast on the ever-changing bodies of law that affect employment. This conference will walk them through what is necessary and advise them on how to stay on top."

Lisa Brown Morton, president and CEO of Nonprofit HR Solutions and brainchild of this event, feels the timing and location of the conference couldn't be more critical. "The nonprofit sector is being forced to address pressing workforce development and human resources issues that affect the industry nationwide," says Morton.

In addition to the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a Pre-Conference Forum led by internationally-recognized professor and researcher, Dr. Lester Salamon at The Johns Hopkins University.

Nonprofit HR Solutions is the host of the 2008 Nonprofit Human Resources Conference: Advancing Mission through People, which is being sponsored by Avilar and Buck Consultants. For details about conference registration or to see the full agenda, visit nonprofithrsolutions.com/ConferenceOverview.html.

About Nonprofit HR Solutions
Since 2000, Nonprofit HR Solutions has worked exclusively with the nonprofit sector, generating results for organizations supporting advocacy, health and human services, arts and culture, education and the environment, faith-based missions and more. The company's senior partners bring a collective 75 years of human resources experience. For more information about Nonprofit HR Solutions, visit the web site at www.nonprofithr.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Nonprofit Human Resources Conference, Nonprofit HR Solutions

Senator George J. Mitchell to Receive 2008 Eisenhower Medal for Leadership and Service

Mon, 12 May 2008 08:50:12 GMT

PHILADELPHIA, Pa., May 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Eisenhower Fellowships has announced that it will present the 2008 Dwight D. Eisenhower Medal for Leadership and Service to former U.S. Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell. Eisenhower Chairman General Colin L. Powell USA (Retired) will present the award to Senator Mitchell at its annual board of trustees' dinner in Philadelphia on May 15, 2008.

The Eisenhower medal is awarded annually to a business leader, statesmen, or other public figure who has achieved widely-recognized advances toward President Eisenhower's vision of peace and productivity through person-to-person international dialogue.

"Senator Mitchell's commitment to brokering innovative solutions to international conflicts, as demonstrated by his stewardship of the peace effort in Ireland and his efforts to end violence in the Middle East, reflects the time-honored mission of Eisenhower Fellowships," said John S. Wolf, president of organization. "For 55 years, Eisenhower Fellowships has promoted international understanding and cooperation through the exchange of information, ideas, and perspectives among emerging leaders throughout the world."

Senator George J. Mitchell currently serves as chairman of the global board of international law firm DLA Piper and as Chancellor of Queen's University in Northern Ireland. In 1980, Senator Mitchell resigned the position of U.S. District Judge for Maine to accept appointment to the U.S. Senate. He served in the U.S. Senate for 14 years, including six years as Senate Majority Leader. While in the Senate, Senator Mitchell's efforts led to the successful passage of major legislation to protect the environment, expand public education, and promote free trade. After he left the Senate in 1995, Senator Mitchell continued to serve the public through his pro bono work for a number of domestic and international causes.

In 1996, the governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland asked Senator Mitchell to chair the peace negotiations in Northern Ireland. The Senator led the negotiations for two years, work that ultimately resulted in the historic Good Friday Accord that ended decades of conflict. In addition, Senator Mitchell has served as chairman of the Special Commission investigating allegations of impropriety in the bidding process for the Olympic Games, the National Health Care Commission, and an international fact finding commission on violence in the Middle East. More recently, Senator Mitchell led an independent investigation on past steroid use by Major League Baseball. He was also named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.

Eisenhower Fellowships is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization that identifies men and women well on their way to positions of regional or national leadership, and provides them with individualized fellowships for visits and consultations with leaders in their fields. Established in 1953 as a tribute to President Eisenhower, the organization has sponsored over 1,700 Fellows from more than 100 countries.

For more information please visit www.eisenhowerfellowships.org.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
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Sister Schools, an Educational Non Profit, hosts nine Ugandan Children on Seattle Area School Tour

Fri, 09 May 2008 14:45:12 GMT

SEATTLE, Wash., May 9 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Sister Schools, a Seattle based non-profit that partners schools in Washington State with Schools in Uganda, East Africa, will host a group of nine Ugandan students on the 2008 Suubi Tour of the Seattle area. The tour will run from Thursday, May 8 through Tuesday, June 10.

Sister Schools is dedicated to giving children a better understanding of the world in which they live and helping them experience the life-changing effect of personally giving to those less fortunate. Through school presentations each fall, Washington State children learn about life in Uganda and the overwhelming odds these children face on a daily basis. Each school donates school supplies, books, clothing, etc., which Sister Schools then ships and distributes each spring to the schools and orphanages in Uganda.

What makes Sister Schools so unique is that each May/June we return to the Seattle schools with a follow-up presentation to show our children their actual items being handed out to the African children. They see the direct impact of their generosity in a concrete and personal way. By teaching children here in the U.S. about active compassion, Sister Schools encourages them to be positive agents of change.

"This tour is a way for the children of Uganda to say thank you to students in Washington personally for the help that Sister Schools has given them over the years," says Terry McGill, founder of Sister Schools.

"The Suubi Tour will be performing many songs and dances that reflect their African culture. With traditional African drums to accompany their music, it truly is an inspiring performance," says Christine Segat, Development Director for Sister Schools.

In conjunction with the school performances, the children will be performing five evening fundraising events throughout the Puget Sound area. Below is the list of events for the coming weeks. Admission is free; however a $5 donation is suggested at each event.

All proceeds will benefit the Suubi performers through the Sister Schools Children of Promise Fund.

For more information on the Suubi 2008 Tour please contact Terry McGill at 206-447-6962 or visit our website at www.sisterschools.org.

Air Charter Association of North America Adopts Safety and Quality Assurance Program

Mon, 05 May 2008 08:32:25 GMT

BOSTON, Mass., May 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Air Charter Association of North America (ACANA), a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting the highest standards of ethics, integrity and professionalism in the air charter industry has announced that ACANA members now have the ability to utilize Wyvern/PASS. This automated vendor management tool will allow the charter professionals of ACANA to continue to focus on full compliance and disclosure, assurance of operational control, safety and operator quality.

PASS, a trip specific report, enables ACANA members to verify that each flight that they arrange on behalf of a client conforms to the relevant legal requirements, including the all-important issue of operational control.

Additionally, ACANA members can determine that a proposed operator will utilize crew members with an appropriate level of crew experience, and that the operator is sufficiently insured.

The Safety Intelligence Report (SIR) capability allows users to access detailed, accurate and up-to-date information about charter operators, their fleets, pilots, insurance and accident/incident information to help the air charter professionals of ACANA make informed decisions about potential vendors.

Because information is gleaned directly from the FAA, members do not have to utilize third party vendor certification unless they choose to do so. Currently virtually all Part 135 operators can be researched utilizing SIR, and at the request of ACANA, Wyvern has added the majority of Part 121 operators.

"We are very pleased that our members now have access to PASS via Wyvern/CharterX. ACANA will continue to be at the forefront of our industry relative to establishing consistent standards and best practices in our industry. This initiative demonstrates our continued commitment to differentiating our membership in the marketplace from those entities that do not add value to our industry. We are confident that our efforts will also benefit the many quality vendors that our membership does business with," said Scott Bickford, Chairman of ACANA and CEO of Air Planning, LLC.

More information: www.flyacana.org.

A Night of Inspiration: Summa Children's Foundation Honors USC Coach Pete Carroll for Anti-Gang Initiatives

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:11:30 GMT

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Nearly 900 people gathered on the evening of April 23rd for the Summa Children's Foundation's second annual gala, with a star-studded audience raising nearly $750,000 to honor USC football coach Pete Carroll and his non-profit organization A Better LA, for its work against gang violence. Actors Goldie Hawn, Henry Winkler and Sidney Poitier and sports legend Bruce Jenner joined in honoring Carroll.

"A Better LA is proud to partner with the Summa Children's Foundation," said Carroll in accepting the group's honor. "Every day we strive to raise awareness and funds to bring hope and real alternatives to those who may otherwise turn to gangs as a way of life. Thank you for being a part of the solution."

"A Night of Inspiration" lived up to its name, with celebrity figures from the entertainment industry and sports worlds, as well as law enforcement, participating in the event. The event was a tremendous success for the three-year-old Summa Children's Foundation, founded by Los Angeles natives Jim Miles and Brian Werdesheim and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children in Los Angeles.

Noted civil rights attorney Connie Rice reminded the assembled guests that gang violence touches everyone in Los Angeles, and everyone has a role to play in finding and implementing solutions to the growing problem. "We cannot and should not rely on government and law enforcement alone to solve this problem," said Rice. "With your attendance tonight, with your contribution to the Summa Children's Foundation, you have accepted your responsibility to be part of this community's solution to gang violence."

Mixing lighthearted entertainment with the serious message of abating Los Angeles' gang problem, guests were treated to a video made by comedian Will Ferrell and live performances by singer Michael Bolton and Debbie Allen's dance troupe.

"While Pete Carroll may be best known for his victories on the field, his true success lies in his work to end gang-related violence affecting the inner-city communities of South Los Angeles," said Summa Children's Foundation co-founder Brian Werdesheim, an Executive Director within the Private Client Group at financial services company Oppenheimer & Co. "By allowing us to honor him tonight, Coach Carroll is helping to spread the word about how all of us can help find a solution to gang violence in Los Angeles. Summa Children's Foundation will give half of all of the proceeds we raise tonight to A Better LA, which has proven through action that we can solve the problem."

Summa Children's Foundation co-founder Jim Miles was pleased with the turnout and the funds raised at the event. "Our goal was to bring visibility to A Better LA and some other organizations we will fund this year, while inspiring current and future generations of philanthropists to give more of their time and money to children and youth in need," he said. "We have exceeded our own expectations, allowing us to increase the impact that non-profit organizations have in their communities. We look forward to continuing to partner with them throughout the years."

Held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the event was underwritten by Oppenheimer and The Summa Group.

ABOUT THE SUMMA CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

Founded by Los Angeles natives and asset managers Jim Miles and Brian Werdesheim, Summa Children's Foundation (SCF) supports community efforts that assist the youth of Los Angeles and throughout Southern California, with particular focus on health, social and educational development. Funds raised through SCF initiatives are awarded to selected area nonprofits with proven track records in transforming lives and futures. Funding has previously been awarded to the Lili Claire Foundation, Camp Harmony, the American Red Cross, the Richstone Family Center, and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy.

For more information about the Summa Children's Foundation, please visit their website at www.summakids.org.

ABOUT A BETTER LA

Co-founded by Pete Carroll, A Better LA mobilizes the knowledge and skills of the community to inspire each person to dream, work and play without fear. A Better LA is committed to supporting Los Angeles communities in their goal to reduce violence by empowering change in South Los Angeles.

For more information about A Better LA, please visit their website at www.abetterla.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

'Freedom Run' to Benefit 9/11 Responders - Motorcycle Rally and Festival at Liberty State Park

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:14:42 GMT

HACKENSACK, N.J., April 25 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Over 2,000 motorcycles are expected to roll past New York's "Ground Zero" on Saturday, May 10, as they participate in the "Freedom Run" motorcycle rally and festival. Riding side-by-side, the motorcycles are anticipated to stretch for five miles and will pay tribute to the 9/11 first responders of the FealGood Foundation who are now gravely ill as a result of their service at the site of the World Trade Center collapse.

"I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from the motorcycle community. We are grateful for the support of Bergen Harley-Davidson, and pledge that every dollar raised will help give dignity to a 9/11 responder who has been forgotten by their government," says John Feal, president and founder of the FealGood Foundation. The nonprofit organization advocates and raises money for the 40,000 who came from all over America and the world to do search, recovery and clean up at Ground Zero, 70 percent of whom are now sick or have died.

Leading the motorcycles will be NYFD Engine #343, named in honor of the 343 NYC firefighters who perished in the attacks, which will be ridden my numerous rescue workers and first responders. The run will depart from the Hackensack Court House, 10 Main Street, at 11:00 a.m., and travel across the George Washington Bridge before passing the Ground Zero.

At the site, motorcyclists will pay homage to a police and fire department color guard before proceeding through the Holland Tunnel and out to Liberty Island. The pack arrive at Liberty State Park at roughly 1:30 and take part in a festival of food, live music by The Rolling Bones, motorcycle high wire thrill show, fly-over by the War Birds historic military aircraft, and more.

"This is an unprecedented event here in the New York and New Jersey area," says Liz DiGennaro of Bergen Harley-Davidson-Buell, sponsor of the event. "We hope it will bring attention to the real American heroes who spent days and months sifting through the rubble of the burning buildings looking for survivors and bringing dignity to those who perished."

The police-escorted run and festival are free and all models of bikes are welcome. For more information or to register call 201-843-6930 or visit www.FealGoodFoundation.com.

World Heavyweight Champion, Joe Hip, to Coach Indian Youth and Spar at Spooner, Wisconsin's Olympic Hopefuls Benefit

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:14:21 GMT

SPOONER, Wis., April 11 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Native Voices Foundation (NVF) is hosting a "Future Olympian's Day" Benefit in Spooner, Wisconsin, on April 16, at their Northwest Sports Complex. "Thanks to Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World, Joe Hip (Blackfeet), and 2003 Native American Heavyweight Champion, Harry Funmaker ('Ho-Chunk Hammer') coaching the region's rising stars, this may be a launching pad for Indian youth finally getting coaching to compete in future Olympic," according to Olympic skier, Suzy "Chapstick" Chaffee, NVF's organizer.

"While our benefit suffered a setback when Evander Holyfield had to bow out, it is uniting Indian Country's heavyweights behind helping their youth grab their Olympic dreams," said Chaffee.

"We're impressed with the Olympic Hopefuls that NVF helped develop (www.snow-riders.org) and together we'll be meeting with other like-minded Casinos, like the Mohegan Sun and Senecas, to formulate a 4 year plan for pro teams and Olympians to assist in training youth for the London Olympics," said Stonehorse Goeman. The Seneca Marshal Arts Champion, mentored by Tom Coulter, Olympic coaching legend, is conditioning coach for Native American Olympic Boxing talent at Foxwood's Casino.

From 1-4 p.m., the Native American Boxing Superstars will clinic top regional boxers from Team Amos, Red Lake, Mo Lake, plus Lakotas. The public is welcome to observe, or attend a talk by Chissie Spencer, top boxing promoter, who'll share how to steer clear of pitfalls to being a champion of sports and life. Chaffee will also be planting more Olympic ski dreams at her clinic.

At 7 p.m., Native American Olympic Ski Hopeful, Mariah Cooper (Lac Courte-Oreille-Oneida) will open the event with a prayer-signing. Gosh Kibos, Secretary of the National Congress of American Indians, and Suzy will then welcome everyone.

Hip and Funmaker will perform exciting sparring and share how they overcame obstacles. But the stars of the evening are the youth demonstrating their sparring and technique to reveal Olympic Boxing potential. Talent going to the North American Indigenous Games in Vancouver in August will be honored, including by Mark Soulier's St. Croix Trails Dancers. $10 tickets can be purchased at the door.

Sponsors include: The Landing, St Croix Travel, White Birch Printing, Northwest Indian NewsTV, NuStevia.

NVF is a Colorado 501(c)3 non profit partnership developing Native American talent for Olympic Teams.