Dunkin’ Donuts Donates Coffee for Good Causes

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By M. MarksPosted In: Charity in Business

Certainly, people who are hungry need food – but sometimes they can also use the pick-me-up of a great cup of coffee as well. That’s what Dunkin’ Donuts is assuming, anyway, as it gives away thousands of cups of coffee for charity.

Dunkin’ Donuts just recently donated 500 pounds of coffee, which is the equivalent of 16,000 cups, to the Food Bank of Central New York and to the Food Bank of Southern Tier. They started an initiative for the 2011-2012 sports season that they would donate 1 pound of coffee to a food bank for every goal that was scored by The Syracuse Crunch, the Syracuse Silver Knights and the Cornell men’s hockey team this season. And clearly they’ve stuck by their word.

Now, Dunkin’ Donuts is also setting its sights on donating an addition pound of coffee to the Food Bank of Central New York for every run that the Syracuse Chiefs score during the home games that they participate in this season.

In another Dunkin’ Donuts move, but one that isn’t related to coffee, they are also offering support to Hillside Children’s Center by donating $1000 to Hillside as part of the “Homers for Hillside” program.

Pushups For Charity 2012

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By M. MarksPosted In: HealthTagged: , , , ,

Pushups For Charity seems to have taken on a life of its own – and for good reason. The annual charity event is a way to raise money for a worthy cause, and Pushups For Charity 2012 will donate the proceeds to The Boot Campaign. The Boot Campaign is a Texas based non-profit that donates all money they raise to work with soldiers who are healing from physical and emotional combat wounds.

This years, Pushups For Charity 2012 will take place on Saturday, May 19th 2012 at 115 gyms around the country. The goal is to see how many pushups you can do in 90 seconds, and to get friends and family members to sponsor you a set dollar amount for each pushup that you complete. Last year, the charity event raised over $250k and this year the goal is $500k.

Raising the Barr Gym in Ridgeland, Mississippi already held its Pushups For Charity 2012 event last Saturday and raised $21k for the charity. In other places, politicians have used the event as a way to focus on health initiatives. In Evansville, IN, Mayor Lloyd Winnecke is encouraging residents to join in the event after his city was recently named as “the most obese city in the country.” In Houston, TX, Mayor Annise Parker has declared that “May 19, 2012 is Pushups For Charity Day in Houston.”

Charlie Sheen Tweets for Charity

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By M. MarksPosted In: Charity ActivityTagged: , , ,

It’s hard to take anything that Charlie Sheen has to say these days too seriously, but the man does have 7 million followers on Twitter. So, when he tweets something out – people do seem to be listening. That’s why it was big news when he tweeted recently to his fans that he would be taking part in the charity event called DASH FOR DETECTION 5K Walk/Run for Pancreatic Cancer Research in Chicago. The event is intended to raise money for pancreatic cancer research and it will take place at Grant Park in Chicago this June.

Organized by the Rolfe Foundation, an organization which supports scientific research to improve the early detection tests for pancreatic cancer, the non-profit will be hosting the fundraiser with the Lustgarten Foundation.

In his support of the cause and the event on June 2, Charlie Sheen tweeted, “Hello Chicago!! I’ll be there to scoot… Walk or Run! Dash for detection for pancreatic cancer research…”

Perhaps Sheen can actually do some good for a change with his tweets for charity.

Massage Envy Owner Helen McDonagh Running for “Mayor” for Charity

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By M. MarksPosted In: HealthTagged: , , ,

Kim Kardashian is, apparently, inspiring those in Glendale.  After she mentioned on camera that she wants to become the mayor of Glendale (a position that doesn’t exist), Kim inspired Massage Envy Spa of Glendale owner Helen McDonagh.

Her Massage Envy Spa is now going to be the campaign headquarters from May 7 through June 30th for charity.  McDonagh has launched a fake mayoral race as a way to raise awareness and donations for Glendale Healthy Kids. Glendale Healthy Kids is a charitable organization that offers low-income families assistance. They want to ensure that children have the access that they need to health care and health education.

The McDonagh for “Mayor” campaign includes taking donations for her “race” on the Facebook Fan page at facebook.com/mcdonaghformayor or through the Fundly app and on Fundly.com/mcdonagh-for-mayor.  From May 7 through June 30th, she will also be donating 10% of all gift card sales that she gets at the store to the Glendale Healthy Kids.

For more information about this creative charity fundraiser, contact the Massage Envy Spa of Glendale, 333 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, California, 818.246.ENVY (3689).

Kristin Chenoweth Joins MLB All-Star Game Charity Event

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By M. MarksPosted In: HealthTagged: , , , , ,
Kristin Chenoweth

Kristin Chenoweth

The MLB All-Star Game Charity 5K and Fun Run just got that much more exciting.  Set to take place on Sunday, July 8th in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, the charity event just signed on award-winning actress, singer and Stand Up To Cancer Ambassador Kristin Chenoweth.  She’ll be joining Hall of Famer George Brett and five-time Royals All-Star and MLB Network analyst Mike Sweeney to raise money for cancer research and education. Presented by Nike, the event will donate 100% of the net profits to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Stand Up To Cancer and the Greater Kansas City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

As Chenoweth said, “My mom is a breast cancer survivor and I am inspired by her every day. Cancer is a disease that has touched far too many lives and I am so honored to be part of the All-Star Game Charity 5K and Fun Run on behalf of Stand Up To Cancer. Join us on July 8 in Kansas City to raise funds and awareness for a great cause!”

On July 8th, the event will begin at 7:30 am with the 5K and will be immediately followed by the family-friendly 1 mile Fun Run.  Everyone who registers and finishes the race will get an All-Star medal and t-shirt.

Event sponsors include Aquafina, Bayer Advanced Aspirin, Gatorade, One A Day and Scotts. Learn more about this event and get ready to run at http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2012/index.jsp?content=fivek.

Indy 500 Soiree & Garth Brooks Raising Funds for Child Life Zone

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By M. MarksPosted In: Uncategorized
Child Life Zone at Denver Health

Child Life Zone at Denver Health

Anyone who enjoys the Indy 500 will want to be present at the Indy 500 Soiree presented by Lucas Oil taking place at the Lucas Estate on Friday, May 25th at 7pm. This is an annual event that raises money for important charities in Indianapolis and the surrounding area.  The party this year will include entertainment, gourmet food, cocktails, live music, dancing and more exciting surprises, and all of the money raised during it will go to the Garth Brooks’ Teammates for Kids Foundation and its Riley Hospital for Children Child Life Zone project.

As Randy Bernard, the CEO of INDYCAR said in a recent press release, “We wanted to give Indianapolis a spectacular event that residents could look forward to each year and also support the community that has loyally followed Indy car racing and the ‘500’ for decades. With each annual soiree, we plan to celebrate the Indy 500 and champion a cause worthwhile to our community. Teammates for Kids’ Child Life Zone at Riley Hospital for Children is the first of many causes we hope to benefit.”

The Teammates for Kids Foundation was co-founded in 1999 by Brooks.  They partnered with the Troy Aikman Foundation to build Child Life Zones in hospitals throughout the country. These amazing zones have state-of-the-art therapy offerings and educational environments for children and their families.  The zones include high-tech electronic games, a theater, a performance stage, a broadcast studio and more.  So far, this partnership is created seven Child Life Zones throughout the US and Riley Hospital is slated to be one of the next recipients.

As Garth Brooks said, “Teammates is honored to team with Riley Hospital for Children in bringing the Child Life Zone to the great city of Indianapolis. Not only will the Zone improve the lives of Indiana’s children, it will also improve the lives of children around the globe. Teammates is a large believer in Child Life programming, and we look forward to the many great opportunities the Zone at Riley Hospital for Children will create.”

The event on the 25th will include a VIP reception from 6-7pm for special guests to mingle with Brooks, Indy 500-qualified drivers and other celebrities. The doors open for general admission at 7. Sponsorships and donations can be made at: www.lucasoil.com/indy500soiree or call Detail & Design at 317 423 3590.

Pop Tabs for Charity Raising Awareness & Funds in Montana

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By M. MarksPosted In: HealthTagged: , , ,

Morningside Elementary in Great Falls, Montana understands how to motivate students and how to teach them about charity work.  When Melody Stevens, a popular kindergarten teacher, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, the school decided to show its support by joining Pop Tabs for Charity through the National Institutes of Health Charities.

The idea is for the children to bring pop tabs to school (those little tabs you find on the top of your soda can). Fourth grade teacher Jennifer Westermeyer is in charge of the collection. She explained that the school is about a third of the way towards its goal of having one million tabs.  Once they’ve reached their goal they’ll take the tabs to a recycling center where they’ll receive money.  With the money, they plan to donate to NIH Charities, putting money towards health charities and cancer research.

Westermeyer explained, “We have a contest going on right now. The classroom that collects the most will get a pop party with us at the end of the year.” Beyond the excitement of the pop party, the children are learning about compassion. As Melody Stevens said, “classrooms are getting together, children, staff, people outside of the school are donating. Cancer affects everyone.”

The school is certainly teaching its student amazing lessons.  As Mrs. Stevens gets stronger each day, she recounts an example of the support that she has been receiving.  “We decide to all wear hats the day I was coming in with a hat and no hair, so {the principal}heard of it and he had the entire school wear hats, so when I walked out and saw that, it was amazing”.

Anyone who has a desire to help can bring in or mail tabs to the Morningside Elementary School.

Laura Bush Keynote Speaker for the Star Executive Summit

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By M. MarksPosted In: FamilyTagged: , , , ,
Laura Bush

Laura Bush

Laura Bush is coming out of the woodwork to be the keynote speaker at the third Star Executive Summit on May 24th at the Embassy Suites Frisco Conference Center.  Star Children’s Charity financially supports non-profit organizations in Collin County, Texas that focus on the wellbeing of children. It was founded by Michelle Brennan Hall and Linda S. Paulk in 2007 to focus on assisting children medically, educationally and more.

As of January of 2012, Star Children’s Charity has distributed more than one million dollars in funds to support many worthy organizations including: the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County, City House, Children’s Medical Center Legacy, Plano Children’s Medical Clinic and the Samaritan Inn and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano.

Now, Laura Bush will speak at the Star Executive Summit, a yearly fundraising event that brings together business executives, fundraisers, leaders and individuals who will work together to support Star’s mission of raising the level of philanthropy in the community.  For the past two summits, Newt Gingrich and Lee & Bob Woodruff came to share their stories of service.  This year, The Honorable Senator Florence Shapiro will introduce former First Lady Laura Bush while Shelley Slater, WFAA-TV news team member and Plano native, will be the Star Summit emcee.

A co-chair of the event, Cheryl Massey of Michael W. Massey & Associates, said,

“We are honored to represent Star Children’s Charity as we bring one of America's most inspirational leaders to Collin County, First Lady Laura Bush.  Her dedication to advancing education and promoting the well-being of children and families worldwide will definitely be motivating to all who hear her speak."

Fellow co-chair Sandy Golgart of Bentley Premier Homes continued, “The theme, “Be Inspired, Be Inspiring!” is perfect as we know guests will leave encouraged to contribute in making Collin County a place where children come first.”

All proceeds from the evening will go to City House, a location that offers emergency shelter and transitional residential services for both children and young adults who have experienced abuse, neglect and homelessness.

Golfing for Cancer Research with Jack Wagner

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By M. MarksPosted In: HealthTagged: , , , ,

Just a few days ago, Jack Wagner hosted the 6th Annual Jack Wagner Celebrity Classic golf tournament which benefited The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  On April 16th, 2012, the Emmy Award nominated actor, recording artist and committed philanthropist showed how committed he is to charitable causes and to cancer research.

As Jack Wagner explained his inspiration for the celebrity classic:

"I lost my father in 1990 to multiple myeloma and in 1999 my brother Dennis was diagnosed with leukemia. He has relapsed four separate times, enduring many rounds of chemotherapy and the challenges that come along with recovery. In 2007, Dennis received a complete bone marrow transplant and is still fighting a daily battle against complications associated with this procedure. Despite several hospitalizations over the past year, Dennis remains positive and thankful for the support of this tournament and his family. Let Dennis be an example to us all that our efforts are truly making a difference. Dennis is still with us today because of new life saving treatments but we must push forward for a cure. Remember your contribution goes far beyond my family and this golf event. Thank you for your support."

Wagner was originally inspired to create the celebrity classic after winning $142,550 in 2006 on the Wheel of Fortune.  As the most ever won by a celebrity on the show, Wagner approached LLS to see if they wanted to use the money to create a golf event to raise money for cancer research and cancer patients.  In combination, his Wheel of Fortune winnings, the LLS Light the Night Walk and the Wagner celebrity golf classics have, so far, raised close to $1 million for cancer research and patient services.

Past participants at the golf tournament have included: Marcus Allen, Tim Allen, Vince Coleman, John Elway, Kevin Frazier, Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull, Bruce Jenner, Janet Jones, Heather Locklear, Jack McGee, Sean McNabb, Joe Pesci, Jerry Rice, Mike Shanahan, Grant Show, and Kevin Sorbo.

Wagner today serves as an official LLS Celebrity Ambassador, and he continues to work tirelessly to raise money for this much needed health charity.

Chris Rogers Organizes Paintball Charity Event

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By M. MarksPosted In: HealthTagged: , , , ,

Sometimes you just have to get down and dirty for a good cause.  At least Terrence Cody, Chris Rogers and others believe so.  Former University of Alabama defensive back Chris Rogers recently organized a charity paintball tournament to raise money for breast cancer research.

In August of 2007, Rogers’ mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. He was inspired by her courage and said that her struggle actually fueled his performance when he played.  In 2009, Rogers said, “There is a need for us athletes to give back, and how do we do that?”

With the help of a professor in graduate school, Sue Parker, Rogers devised a plan.  His charity, Together Assisting People, worked with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama to create the recent fundraiser.

Many of Chris Rogers’ football friends came out for the event. As Brad Smelley said, “We try to rally behind our players when they try to do something like this.” In attendance were: Terrence Cody, Marcell Dareus, Marquis Maze, Glen Coffee, Roy Upchurch, Eryk Anders, Brad Smelley, Brandon Gibson and Will Lowery. Professional boxer and Tuscaloosa native Deontay Wilder was there as well.

As 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram said, “It just shows how much of a family-oriented program we are. Some of us played with each other, some of us didn’t. But at the same time, we all come back here and support each other.”

Some who had made it to the big leagues were there as well. As Terrence Cody, a former offensive lineman for Alabama and a current NFL player said, “My position coach with the Baltimore Ravens, his wife survived breast cancer, so he likes the fact that I support it, and I’ve got breast cancer license plates on both of my vehicles.”

In total, 13 teams of three competed at the Splatzone Paintball field to benefit the two charities.