To learn more, please visit: www.vh1savethemusic.com
The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in America's public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's complete education. To date, the Foundation has provided more than $47 million in new musical instruments to 1,750 public schools in more than 100 cities around the country, impacting the lives of over 1.6 million children.
The VH1 Save The Music Foundation helps develop long-term, sustainable instrumental music programs that provide children with equal access to music education regardless of their financial situation. Through strategic partnerships with school districts, the Foundation provides brand-new musical instruments to public elementary and middle schools, jump-starting dormant music programs across the country. The school districts commit to funding certified music teachers’ salaries, providing maintenance and supplies, and scheduling instrumental music classes during the school day. The Foundation maintains a partnership with the district until instrumental music is in place in every school. The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is dedicated to restoring instrumental music programs to ensure that all children have access to a complete education. In the communities with which we grant, we work at the district level, from the top down. If a need for instrumental music education exists, we look to the superintendent and school board for a commitment to restore music in every school within a district. With a common goal of fully rebuilding, community partnerships are created and instrumental music education is brought back to life.
The VH1 Save the Music Foundation has provided access to instrumental music education to children in more than 1750 public schools across the United States, with this number growing steadily each year. The Foundation is actively working in dozens of communities around strategic rebuilds to fully restore instrumental music education.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Help girls be cinderella for a night
To learn more, visit: www.donatemydress.org
DONATEMYDRESS.ORG ENCOURAGES GIRLS TO DONATE THEIR PROM AND SPECIAL OCCASION DRESSES TO OTHERS WHO NEED THEM.
You can donate a dress from your closet or you can hold a dress drive in your community. Here are some stories of how www.donatemydress.org has helped young women have a cinderella night.
The year of my high school prom, I was homeless and living in a car or sleeping outside on the street. I had nothing other than my (very few) school supplies and the clothes on my back, but I knew if I kept going to work and school, I would be OK. I just wanted a real prom and when I picked up the flier for the Princess Project at school, it made all the difference. Because of them I was able to have a real prom with a dress, accessories, and makeup! There's no way I would have been able to do that before and I can' t thank them enough for making my year a little more enjoyable.
Rachel
I wanted to personally thank you on behalf of myself and my mother for the wonderful experience we had picking out a dress for me. My senior year has been extremely expensive and with so much to pay for, the help with the dress, jewelry, purse, and makeup is truly appreciated. I was like a kid in a candy store picking out the perfect dress for a well-deserved night of dress up and fun. Your organization is a gift to all deserving young women and men who are working so hard to finish school admist all the challenges we face daily. I will be in touch to find a way to volunteer next year and make someone else's day just as special.
"Very Lucky"
Even though I was working part-time while attending high school, I still did not have the money to attend my senior prom. I lived in a single-parent home and although I was well provided for, extras, like a prom dress, were simply not feasible. My co-worker found out about the Fairy Godmother Project and nominated me. I was nervous when she told me, but as the day approached, my excitement grew. At the event, all the volunteers were kind and so helpful. Everyone made me feel as if I was the star. I found a beautiful green gown that fit me perfectly and my prom was everything that I had ever hoped it would be.
Throughout college I reflected on the kindness that those people showed me and just waited for a period in my life when I could return the favor. Now that I have finished college and am a successful businesswoman, I have seized the opportunity to return the love and acceptance that this organization provided me. Everyone may not have my same story, but I am doing my part to assure that every girl feels that same love and acceptance at such a crucial period in life.
Heather
I am a senior in high school and homeless. I live with my mom in our station wagon. I'm lucky that I get two free meals at school every day. Some days my mom doesn't get to eat. It's been like this ever since my dad left.
I already knew there was no way I was going to any dances this year. Then, when I had my visit with my school counselor, she told me about you. And did I find the perfect dress! It was a lot of fun to come in and have a person dedicated to helping me. I must have tried on 30 dresses and she didn't care that I was taking a long time, she was so friendly and fun - and she knew all about fashion and what dresses look good on my body type, and what colors look good on me. I felt like Cinderella when she helped me find shoes to match!
She helped me with jewelry and makeup, and even gave me the undergarments I needed for my dress. And a gift certificate for dinner at the Keg!
I'm coming back for prom - and I already know which dress I want! Thank you for making my dream come true.
Kelsey
DONATEMYDRESS.ORG ENCOURAGES GIRLS TO DONATE THEIR PROM AND SPECIAL OCCASION DRESSES TO OTHERS WHO NEED THEM.
You can donate a dress from your closet or you can hold a dress drive in your community. Here are some stories of how www.donatemydress.org has helped young women have a cinderella night.
The year of my high school prom, I was homeless and living in a car or sleeping outside on the street. I had nothing other than my (very few) school supplies and the clothes on my back, but I knew if I kept going to work and school, I would be OK. I just wanted a real prom and when I picked up the flier for the Princess Project at school, it made all the difference. Because of them I was able to have a real prom with a dress, accessories, and makeup! There's no way I would have been able to do that before and I can' t thank them enough for making my year a little more enjoyable.
Rachel
I wanted to personally thank you on behalf of myself and my mother for the wonderful experience we had picking out a dress for me. My senior year has been extremely expensive and with so much to pay for, the help with the dress, jewelry, purse, and makeup is truly appreciated. I was like a kid in a candy store picking out the perfect dress for a well-deserved night of dress up and fun. Your organization is a gift to all deserving young women and men who are working so hard to finish school admist all the challenges we face daily. I will be in touch to find a way to volunteer next year and make someone else's day just as special.
"Very Lucky"
Even though I was working part-time while attending high school, I still did not have the money to attend my senior prom. I lived in a single-parent home and although I was well provided for, extras, like a prom dress, were simply not feasible. My co-worker found out about the Fairy Godmother Project and nominated me. I was nervous when she told me, but as the day approached, my excitement grew. At the event, all the volunteers were kind and so helpful. Everyone made me feel as if I was the star. I found a beautiful green gown that fit me perfectly and my prom was everything that I had ever hoped it would be.
Throughout college I reflected on the kindness that those people showed me and just waited for a period in my life when I could return the favor. Now that I have finished college and am a successful businesswoman, I have seized the opportunity to return the love and acceptance that this organization provided me. Everyone may not have my same story, but I am doing my part to assure that every girl feels that same love and acceptance at such a crucial period in life.
Heather
I am a senior in high school and homeless. I live with my mom in our station wagon. I'm lucky that I get two free meals at school every day. Some days my mom doesn't get to eat. It's been like this ever since my dad left.
I already knew there was no way I was going to any dances this year. Then, when I had my visit with my school counselor, she told me about you. And did I find the perfect dress! It was a lot of fun to come in and have a person dedicated to helping me. I must have tried on 30 dresses and she didn't care that I was taking a long time, she was so friendly and fun - and she knew all about fashion and what dresses look good on my body type, and what colors look good on me. I felt like Cinderella when she helped me find shoes to match!
She helped me with jewelry and makeup, and even gave me the undergarments I needed for my dress. And a gift certificate for dinner at the Keg!
I'm coming back for prom - and I already know which dress I want! Thank you for making my dream come true.
Kelsey
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Locks of Love helps disadvantaged children suffering from medical hair loss
For more information, please visit: www.locksoflove.org
Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need.
How Can YOU Help?
Make a Hair Donation or Financial Contribution
Plan an Event to Benefit Locks of Love
Register as a Participating Salon
Help in our National Headquarters
Events and Fund Raisers help to raise awareness and donations for Locks of Love.
Registered Salons provide continuing support as part of our very large network.
Referrals for children who might benefit from our services are always needed.
Locks of Love Bears are available for purchase at www.locksoflove.org.
Jordann Jewelry will donate 25% from the sale of each Locks of Love Magnolia necklace. www.locksoflovenecklace.org
Albertsons Supermarkets donates a portion of their profits to Locks of Love when shoppers swipe a Locks of Love key tag when at their stores. Please request your tag by e-mail or call our office.
Goodsearch.com donates a penny every time a supporter uses the site to search the internet.
Banner Links are available to post on your web site to show your support for Locks of Love.
Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need.
How Can YOU Help?
Make a Hair Donation or Financial Contribution
Plan an Event to Benefit Locks of Love
Register as a Participating Salon
Help in our National Headquarters
Events and Fund Raisers help to raise awareness and donations for Locks of Love.
Registered Salons provide continuing support as part of our very large network.
Referrals for children who might benefit from our services are always needed.
Locks of Love Bears are available for purchase at www.locksoflove.org.
Jordann Jewelry will donate 25% from the sale of each Locks of Love Magnolia necklace. www.locksoflovenecklace.org
Albertsons Supermarkets donates a portion of their profits to Locks of Love when shoppers swipe a Locks of Love key tag when at their stores. Please request your tag by e-mail or call our office.
Goodsearch.com donates a penny every time a supporter uses the site to search the internet.
Banner Links are available to post on your web site to show your support for Locks of Love.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Your Birthday Gift
More and more often I am seeing friends and family who are thinking of others on their own personal birthdays. In the years past, people used to give an adoption of a panda or a star in the sky as a gift to the birthday girl or boy. Now a days, people are asking that in lieu gifts, for the guests to donate to the guest of honors favorite charity, or to donate blood, or hold a fundraising event. This is such a great idea to get everyone involved from family to friends and young to old. Of course we all want to receive something as well. By donating you will receive a sense of giving, selflessness, happiness, honor, and more. If you are having a party, request that each guest bring a donation, a gift for a child to give at an orphnage, a book for a school classroom, or even tennis balls to donate to a retirement home (they put them on walkers so they move easier).
Think about what you want for your next birthday and how you can help others at the same time.
Thanks for listening!
Sheryl
Think about what you want for your next birthday and how you can help others at the same time.
Thanks for listening!
Sheryl
Friday, July 1, 2011
For more information on Alzheimer's Disease, please visit www.alz.org
* Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
* Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases.
With local chapters, support groups, a many more ways to help, everyone can find something.
* Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
* Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases.
With local chapters, support groups, a many more ways to help, everyone can find something.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Surfers For Autism
For more information, please visit www.surfersforautism.org.
Mission Statement
The Surfers For Autism mission is to unlock the potential of people with developmental disabilities, support advocacy for autism issues and scientific research. Our focus is to eliminate stigma through public awareness and education and to unite communities through volunteerism.
Our History
It was December of 2007 when a simple idea was presented to a small group of South Florida surfers by a member whose life and family have been touched by autism. The concept of introducing children on the autism spectrum to surfing took hold and the group began planning for the inaugural Deerfield Beach event. California-based Surfers Healing, an organization taking children with ASD surfing, was having great success and Florida would soon follow suit.
Fundraising efforts help us fulfill our mission of bringing these life-changing events to as many communities as possible and to help fund autism research, awareness and advocacy. Fundraising would be conducted by soliciting local businesses to donate product and services for a raffle and through the sale of event specific T-shirts.
On April 5, 2008, the inaugural Surfers For Autism event was held on the north side of the Deerfield Beach Pier where 40 surfers with autism hit the water and over $10,000 was raised to benefit autism associated charities. The organization has since hosted events in several locations on Florida's East Coast, and single events have registered as many as 200 surfers and raised close to $20,000.
At a SFA event, our surfers are provided a safe environment where two to four highly skilled and trained surf instructors carefully guide them into waves. Our surfers and their families are treated like rock stars and enjoy a day filled with a range of activities including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, live music, face-painting, games, bounce houses, fire engine tours and much more. A catered lunch is also provided, all at no cost. This is a very special day where children with ASD interact with typical peers and wow families with their capabilities. These events are examples of inclusion at the highest level.
EVENT
At a Surfers For Autism event, our surfers are provided a safe environment where two to four highly skilled and trained surf instructors carefully guide them into waves. Our surfers and their families are treated like rock stars and enjoy a day filled with a range of activities including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, live music, face-painting, games, fire engine tours and much more. A catered lunch is also provided, all at no cost.
This is a very special day where children with ASD and related disabilities interact with typical peers and wow families with their capabilities. These events are examples of inclusion at the highest level.
Mission Statement
The Surfers For Autism mission is to unlock the potential of people with developmental disabilities, support advocacy for autism issues and scientific research. Our focus is to eliminate stigma through public awareness and education and to unite communities through volunteerism.
Our History
It was December of 2007 when a simple idea was presented to a small group of South Florida surfers by a member whose life and family have been touched by autism. The concept of introducing children on the autism spectrum to surfing took hold and the group began planning for the inaugural Deerfield Beach event. California-based Surfers Healing, an organization taking children with ASD surfing, was having great success and Florida would soon follow suit.
Fundraising efforts help us fulfill our mission of bringing these life-changing events to as many communities as possible and to help fund autism research, awareness and advocacy. Fundraising would be conducted by soliciting local businesses to donate product and services for a raffle and through the sale of event specific T-shirts.
On April 5, 2008, the inaugural Surfers For Autism event was held on the north side of the Deerfield Beach Pier where 40 surfers with autism hit the water and over $10,000 was raised to benefit autism associated charities. The organization has since hosted events in several locations on Florida's East Coast, and single events have registered as many as 200 surfers and raised close to $20,000.
At a SFA event, our surfers are provided a safe environment where two to four highly skilled and trained surf instructors carefully guide them into waves. Our surfers and their families are treated like rock stars and enjoy a day filled with a range of activities including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, live music, face-painting, games, bounce houses, fire engine tours and much more. A catered lunch is also provided, all at no cost. This is a very special day where children with ASD interact with typical peers and wow families with their capabilities. These events are examples of inclusion at the highest level.
EVENT
At a Surfers For Autism event, our surfers are provided a safe environment where two to four highly skilled and trained surf instructors carefully guide them into waves. Our surfers and their families are treated like rock stars and enjoy a day filled with a range of activities including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, live music, face-painting, games, fire engine tours and much more. A catered lunch is also provided, all at no cost.
This is a very special day where children with ASD and related disabilities interact with typical peers and wow families with their capabilities. These events are examples of inclusion at the highest level.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Be Someone Else’s Hero Today and Volunteer Online
To learn more, visit www.sparked.com
Be Someone Else’s Hero Today and Volunteer Online Via Sparked
RACHEL ROSSITTO | 2011-06-06 03:00:43
We know you have a lot going on … and that’s why you have not gotten around to volunteering at the local homeless shelter, or even cleaning out your closet to drop off the clothes you were planning to donate, even though it was on your list of New Year’s resolutions.
Despite spending over 700 billion minutes a month on Facebook and watching more than 3 billion YouTube videos a day, if it can’t be done while procrastinating in front of a computer, we all seem to fall back on the excuse that there are just too few hours in a day.
What if you could take a few minutes waiting at the doctors office, 10 minutes after work or a half hour before bed and volunteer online or through your phone? Today we’re featuring a website that can help you volunteer without leaving your computer.
Sparked is the world’s first micro-volunteering network that makes it convenient for busy professionals to use their skills to help nonprofits. The website matches individuals based on their interests with organizations in need. Nonprofits will post “challenges” to the network like, “Can you help us design a new logo for our organization?” and micro-volunteers can respond.
Check it out!
Be Someone Else’s Hero Today and Volunteer Online Via Sparked
RACHEL ROSSITTO | 2011-06-06 03:00:43
We know you have a lot going on … and that’s why you have not gotten around to volunteering at the local homeless shelter, or even cleaning out your closet to drop off the clothes you were planning to donate, even though it was on your list of New Year’s resolutions.
Despite spending over 700 billion minutes a month on Facebook and watching more than 3 billion YouTube videos a day, if it can’t be done while procrastinating in front of a computer, we all seem to fall back on the excuse that there are just too few hours in a day.
What if you could take a few minutes waiting at the doctors office, 10 minutes after work or a half hour before bed and volunteer online or through your phone? Today we’re featuring a website that can help you volunteer without leaving your computer.
Sparked is the world’s first micro-volunteering network that makes it convenient for busy professionals to use their skills to help nonprofits. The website matches individuals based on their interests with organizations in need. Nonprofits will post “challenges” to the network like, “Can you help us design a new logo for our organization?” and micro-volunteers can respond.
Check it out!
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