The Robin Hood Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Celebration

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By JohnPosted In: Charity ActivityTagged: , ,

Last month, the Robin Hood Foundation raised more than $80 million for the fight against poverty in NYC at a star-studded event. The Gala, which featured performances from Mary J. Blige, Bono, Elton John, Sting and many others, united donors with “the need to give love,” according to foundation founder Paul Tudor Jones II.

This year’s 25th anniversary event hosted more than 4,200 people. The celebration was chaired by Mr. Jones and his wife Sonia; KKR & Co. co-founder Henry Kravis and his wife, Marie-Josee; CBS Corp. CEO Leslie Moonves and his wife; and Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel.

Since its inception, the Robin Hood Foundation has donated more than $1.25 billion to the fight against poverty by helping to feed New Yorkers, install libraries in public schools and help victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. Last year, the Foundation also launched the 12-12-12 benefit concert in support of Hurricane Sandy victims, with performances by Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones.

Kate Middleton Camps Out with ARK Organization Kids

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By JohnPosted In: EducationTagged: , , , , ,

Kate Middleton’s love of nature is well known; her and Prince William’s definition of a perfect getaway consists of a romantic lodge with no electricity and lots of campfires and candles.

A source once described their engagement spot as “the safest place in the world for William. It is the one place he can be by himself. And he does not have to be guarded because the wildlife there are his guardians.”

It’s no surprise then, that the Duchess of Cambridge recently joined a group of 28 children in a campout as part of an ARK ‘Expanding Horizons’ primary school camp project that works to connect inner-city kids in an outdoor setting. ARK is one of the charities that Kate is supporting this year.

Kate joined the children in teepee building, a cookout and a bonfire, later sharing about her new life with royalty.

“Well, it’s been very busy and great fun,” she said. “but I am very well looked after. William is very sweet and kind of spoils me.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities Launches Chef’s Challenge Sunday

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By DouglasPosted In: FamilyTagged: , , , , ,

The Ronald McDonald House Charities organization launched its newest project this week, called Chef’s Challenge Sunday. The event faces two Morgantown-area master chefs in a one hour competition aimed at whipping up the best signature dish.

Proceeds from the challenge benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Morgantown, an organization working to support families with children in Morgantown hospitals. The charity house was established over a decade ago, and includes a number of bedrooms and a main living space where families and children dealing with similar issues can interact.

Brian Bruner, executive banquet chef at the Waterfront Place Hotel, faced Chris McDonald, the executive chef at Stefano’s Restaurant, this Sunday at the Ronald McDonald charity house.

After much deliberation, and an audience vote, Chef McDonald was named Sunday’s winner. He was awarded a Ronald McDonald House chef’s jacket,

“I didn’t expect to win, but I was hoping to win,” he said. “I’ve worked with Chef Bruner at both the Glasshouse Grill and the Waterfront Place hotel, so I’ve known him for a long time, and it was awesome to be able to go one-on-one against him.”

Ronald McDonald house development coordinator MaChal Forbes explained: “The whole idea behind not just the Chef’s Challenge, but hosting other events in the house, was to bring the public into the house.

“We wanted them to become more involved with what we do here and with our mission. When people walk through the house- see the rooms, meet the families and see what we do- it’s just a better means of public education for the communities.”

The Charity House also announced new plans to add a family area in Ruby Memorial Hospital, to give children a place to go within the vicinity of the intensive care unit.

“It would basically be a miniature Ronald McDonald house- a family room, a kitchen area- a place where families can come from the NICU, the PICU, and stay right in the hospital,” explained board member Nicole Saffron. “They don’t have to leave- they can relax, they can watch TV without even crossing the parking low, which can be pretty far when you’re in that situation.”