Becca’s Closet Provides Prom Dresses for Teens

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By DouglasPosted In: FamilyTagged: , ,

Prom season is arriving and with it the excitement, dreams and stress involving the perfect, often too expensive, dress. Becca’s Closet, a charity organization working to provide teens with their ultimate dress at a lower budget, helps thousands of women every year.

The organization was established in memory of Rebecca Kirtman, who started a community dress drive in her freshman year. Her motto was “Little things can make a big difference.” The foundation now “provides formal attire to high school students who otherwise would not be able to attend their prom/homecoming.”

Ever since the tragic accident in 2003, Becca’s Closet works to continue her mission and fulfill her dream of letting teens have the best prom experience.

This past Saturday, Becca’s Closet provided numerous girls with their dream dresses for this year’s proms.

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Derek Jeter Awarded Doctorate of Humane Letters Degree

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A recent press release revealed that Siena College is awarding baseball wizard Derek Jeter with a Doctorate of Humane Letters degree. Jeter has long been devoted to youth development and service work, and his charity Turn 2 Foundation has helped hundreds of adolescents stay on the right track.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Linda Richardson, Ph.D., said: “We all know that Derek Jeter is a tremendous athlete, but this is an opportunity for the Siena community to honor and share in his commitment to young men and women.”

She added, “Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation encourages our youth to remain in school and to stay healthy. Siena will support out joint mission of academic excellence by providing two full grants to academically-qualified students who have participated in one of the many Turn 2 Foundation Signature Programs.”

Jeter is thrilled to gain additional support for his efforts. Though he will be playing against the Marlins on the day of his award, his sister will replace him at the ceremony.

Jeter said, “It means a lot to me. It means a lot to my family.”

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.

Charlize Theron Donates Gowns to Children Charity

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By DouglasPosted In: EducationTagged: , , , ,

Celebrities are teaming up once again to support children and the battle against AIDS in Africa.

One of the top participants, Charlize Theron, happens to have founded the benefitting organization, called the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Program, or CTAOP.

Theron will be donating some of her most expensive and sought-after gowns to an auction supporting the cause. The auction will take place via Charity Buzz, and the South African beauty will contribute dresses including the black Versace worn at the Spike Video Game Awards, as well as the purple Lanvin gown Theron wore at the Cannes Film Festival.

Other celebrity items to be included in the auction are a personal tour of Jay Leno’s car collection, as well as four tickets to a live “The Tonight Show” performance. There will be a Sixers jersey signed by Allen Iverson, and a raised organic bed by GreenTree Landscaping.

Since its inception, CTAOP has helped provide more than 50,000 children with education and health support.

 

Budweiser to Donate to Military Charity With Every Walk-Off Home Run

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By DouglasPosted In: MilitaryTagged: , , , ,

The St. Louis Cardinals are prepping for their first home game of 2012, and this year their mission, along with that of all other MLB players, extends beyond the entertainment with which they provide their fans.

Budweiser recently broadcasted its pledge to donate money in support of military charities throughout this year’s baseball season. The beloved beer company will provide $5,000 to the Folds of Honor Foundation for every walk-off home run during the regular season.

Other Budweiser efforts include a donation of some of the sales made between May 20th and July 7th, with hopes of raising as much as $2.5 million for the charity. Last year, Budweiser provided the Folds of Honor Foundation with nearly $2 million thanks to a portion of sales and a $100 donation for every home run hit during last year’s season.

The Folds of Honor Foundation, or FHF, was established in 2007 with a goal of providing post-secondary educational scholarships to family members of U.S. servicemen and women who were lost of disabled while protecting our country.

Baseball fans, Budweiser fans and of course military charity supporters can donate $5 to FHF by texting “HERO” to the number 80888.

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.

Tim Tebow Holds Weekend Event and Charity Auction

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This weekend featured the Tim Tebow Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic, including a Friday night gala and an auction to benefit the Tim Tebow Foundation.

One bidder put $100, 000 towards a personal meeting with the Jets’ new quarterback.

“It was incredible,” Tebow said. “It’s humbling. You don’t feel worthy, but when people care about your cause and know that you’re trying to do something for other people it’s amazing to see what can happen.”

According to the official website, The Time Tebow Foundation exists “to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.”

The organization has four main outreach programs, including the W15H program, partnerships with CURE, Timmy’s Playrooms, and support of Uncle Dick’s Orphanage.

This weekend’s event and auction proceeds were aimed at supporting the foundation. Still, Tebow’s recent draft to the New York Jets was a popular topic of discussion as well.

Tebow mentioned his excitement to working alongside QB Mark Sanchez next week. “I’ve been in contact with Mark and he’s a great guy, we’ve got a great relationship. We look forward to seeing each other on Monday,” he said.

He also addressed the Jets fans, after noticing that many had attended his charity event. “Obviously the Jets fans are very passionate,” he said. “and then to also have some of my fans out here who were incredibly supportive was just great.”

 

Billy Gilman Organizes Song for Soles4Souls Charity

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Billy Gilman from Nashville, Tennessee, was famous for his voice at only 12 years old. As he grew older, however, he took a break from his music career to focus on volunteer work and charity.

His first album “One Voice” sold over two million copies, and now he has co-written a song called “The Choice” as he eases back into the industry at age 23. All proceeds from the song, which features top artists such as LeAnn Rimes, Alan Jackson, Keith Urban and Reba McEntire, will be donated to Soles4Souls. This non-profit organization works to provide shoes for both children and adults in need across the globe.

Gilman explained the importance of this organization, saying “I couldn’t imagine not having a pair of shoes, not just for the sake of being comfortable and looking cool, but I never thought until I got really involved that shoes enable you to get a job.” He added that it is forbidden to walk into a school, restaurant or other building without shoes. “It really is more than giving a pair of shoes so that kid can look hip and cool. It’s a way of life.”

Gilman said music celebrities were enthusiastic to participate in the project. He wrote to Rimes on Twitter and received a reply immediately, and Urban and Reba both said “Tell me when.”

“It’s amazing to see the camaraderie,” Gilman said.

Gilman explained that the project hopes to provide 500,000 pairs of shoes to people in need through sales of the track. He also expressed his excitement of getting back into the industry.

“Singing is what I am, so when it was gone, it was very hard. But it was a good time to go back home and rekindle friendships, be with my family and get my head straight, and figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” he said. “As my voice started to come back, I said, ‘this is what I am.’ Coming back to Nashville and writing, doing projects like this, it’s what I am.”

Walgreens and the Magic Johnson Foundation Teaming Up for Underprivileged

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Magic Johnson Foudation

Run, don't walk, to Walgreens and Duane Reade will supplies last to grab up the commemorative charity bracelets they are selling for the Magic Johnson Foundation.  Teaming up to raise money for health, educational and social needs or urban communities, Walgreens is selling the bracelets at all 7800 of its stores with $2 of each purchase going towards the Magic Johnson Foundation.

The relationship formed because of The Celebrity Apprentice.  The winning celebrity team on the show, led by Arsenio Hall, had selected the Magic Johnson Foundation as the charity that would receive its $20,000 donation from the show.  Walgreens kicked in another $30,000 donation.

As Joe Magnacca, one of the Walgreens presidents, said,

“The Celebrity Apprentice provided a great platform for us to engage celebrities and a national TV audience in Walk with Walgreens, and we’re proud to be working with the Magic Johnson Foundation to help make an impact in many of the same communities that rely on our drugstores and Walgreens pharmacy, health and wellness services every day.”

Amelia Williamson, president of the Magic Johnson Foundation, said, “Walgreens has been truly amazing in supporting the Magic Johnson Foundation. Both Arsenio Hall and the Celebrity Apprentice teams have displayed such enthusiasm and passion for organizations that focus on giving back. We could not have asked for a better platform to spread the word about prevention and empowerment."

The bracelets will be available for purchase at the Walgreen and Duane Reade locations while supplies last.

 

Blue Star Families Launches Milkidz Club

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Military family nonprofit Blue Star Families recently launched its newest program called Milkidz Club, with help from Onsite Health. The club works to support military children by connecting them, as well as providing mentoring, resources and opportunities to help them grow within their communities.

The inception of MilKidz Club took place at an outdoor event at the Sierra Club’s Celebration of the Military Child in Virginia. The Club aims to "connect military children with the outdoors by helping them enjoy and explore the lands they and their parents sacrifice to protect." The Club's partners include the Sierra Club, Mission Outdoors; Armed Services YMCA; National Military Family Association and Outdoors Alliance for Kids.

"Onsite Health is very excited work with Blue Star Families and their upcoming MilKidz Club launch,” said Onsite Health CEO Ernest A. Blackwelder. "We recognize the difficulties military families have, especially when a parent is deployed. We believe MilKidz Club is a wonderful way to support these amazing families. We look forward to the upcoming launch and hope the families have a great time with it as well!”

“Our military children face many challenges right now,” said Mark Smith of Blue Star Families. “Between moves, school and deployments, military kids really need a chance to get outside, play, and explore. That’s why we’re excited to launch MilKidz Club at this great event, with these military-serving organizations celebrating military children outdoors.”