MATT Maestro en Casa English Learning Lessons on the US Census Airs March 9 Washington, DC – Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together, a bi-national non-for-profit organization headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, joined forces with MALDEF to inform non-English speakers about the U.S. Census. The MATT Maestro en Casa, a radio transmitted English learning program, which has practical and simple lessons on Finance, Health Care, and the Workplace, has added a new theme on the U.S. Census as a vital way to educate the public on the process and to help dispel any myths or misinformation that may encourage non-participation by the Spanish-speaking community.

The 2010 US Census lessons begin to air March 9 on the Guadalupe Radio Network. To supplement the lessons, MATT will publish workbooks, which are free and distributed by non-profits, faith-based organizations, and MATT.

The MATT Maestro en Casa English learning program launched last fall and airs on Guadalupe Radio Network stations KJON 850 AM Dallas-Ft-Worth, KWMF 1380 AM San Antonio, and KVDG 90.9 FM Midland. Lessons can also be accessed on the organization’s website, www.themattfoundation.org.

For more information on how to bring MATT Maestro en Casa to your community contact MATT at 1.866.980.MATT or visit www.matt.org.

Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together (MATT), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas and with presence in Washington, DC and Mexico City, was established to serve as the voice of reason influencing policy to improve U.S./Mexico relations.

Experts estimate that political instability and extreme poverty left thousands of Haitian children living on the streets long before the earthquake that brought Haiti into the public eye. Help Street Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping street children around the world, is reaching out to give these children the resources they need to build a better future.

“Our main purpose is to provide special protection for the world’s most vulnerable children,” says Guy Ali, president of Help Street Children. “We believe that every child should be given a fair start in life, regardless of their background.”

Statistics show that over half of Haiti’s population is under the age of eighteen. Many of these children were orphaned by the earthquake. Others were given up to other family members to raise or forced to work the streets long before the disaster struck.

“These children are deprived of affection and protection. They do not have access to food and education, and are constantly under the threat of all kinds of violence, including sexual abuse and exploitation,” said Sylvana Nzirorera, former UNICEF Haiti Communication Officer.

Many of Haiti’s children will die in the streets or become criminals in order to survive. Help Street Children is fighting to give these children a second chance by offering them food, water and an education. The dire situation in Haiti, however, has overstretched the organization’s resources.

“[We're] in desperate need of any type of donation for the children of Haiti,” says Ali. “Your donation will help street children.have access to clean drinking water, meals and an education.”

The organization is currently looking for donations to buy food, clothes, shoes and balls to keep the children occupied and off the streets. Soccer is a favorite pastime for the Haitian people.

Sponsors can choose to make a cash donation for Haiti street children or purchase a bag of Hispaniola coffee from HelpStreetChildren.org. $5 from each bag sold will go toward providing desperately needed supplies for Haiti’s children while supporting Haitian farmers.

“The earthquake couldn’t break the spirit of the Haitian people. Even after so much pain [and] suffering…they remain defiant and unbroken,” says Ali.”Help Street Children needs your help to make the lives of street children as normal as possible.”

For more information, visit Help Street Children on the web at
www.HelpStreetChildren.org.

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“Our mission is to provide opportunities to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities for growth and independence in their community. Our task is one of discovery: our discovery of what a person values and what things are hassles to him; his discovery will be of his desired choices. We strive to listen to each individual and let him create his own place based on his dreams, desires and needs.”

These heartfelt words were spoken by Daniel Armond, the co-founder and president of Golden Rule Services, to the families of the men and women with special needs working within the program to achieve independence and a higher quality of life.

Golden Rule Services offers these men and women a unique opportunity to learn and grow under the watchful eye of the organization’s trained professional staff and caring staff members. Every participant in the programs at Golden Rule Services is seen not as a person with a disability but as a person with the potential for achievement.

“The difference and uniqueness in the approach of Golden Rule Services is that instead of focusing on the deficits or disabilities of an individual, we focus on the potential and abilities; instead of dwelling on past failures, we focus on future successes,” states Armond. “Emphasis is placed on a person’s capabilities rather than his or her limitations.” Anyone interested in volunteering to be part of the program or in making a donation can do so by visiting www.GoldenRuleServices.org.

This spring, the non-profit organization celebrates fifteen years of reaching out to the members of their Texas communities. The “Music in Motion” Extravaganza is scheduled to take place on May 20, 2010 at the Grand Opera House in Galveston, Texas and will feature performances by Elvis Tribute Artist Harvey McFadden, a tribute solo by one of the Golden Rule participants, a silent auction and plenty of singing and dancing for all. The organization is still looking for sponsors for the event. Interested parties can contact Event Coordinator Staci Staats at 832-588-0793.

“Our Golden Rule [is] to treat people as we would like to be treated,” states Armond. “We are.deeply grateful for all the help that you can extend to us as we continue to grow and empower our individuals.”

For more information, visit Golden Rule Services on the web at
www.GoldenRuleServices.org.

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Simone and Son, Orange County’s premier fine jeweler, specializing in custom engagement rings, raised $5000 in donations which could generate up to $20,000 though Colette’s Children’s home’s matching grant program at its 2009 Gala Event benefitting the homeless. The event was held last month at Simone & Son Jewelers in Huntington Beach and featured silent auctions and drawings for luxury items, including a vintage-style platinum and diamond ring donated by Simone & Son.

“The common misperception is that there are no homeless women and children in Orange County, and with our event behind us, we are working toward making that myth a reality,” said Shant Dakessian, co-owner, Simone & Son. “I’m extremely proud of our entire team, for their tireless efforts in creating a successful event. We also wish to thank all of our generous sponsors and donors, without whom this event would not have been possible. We are honored that our contribution will help women and children who are displaced from their homes.”

More than 250 guests attended Simone & Son’s Gala. The evening’s entertainment included a showcasing of the latest luxury automotive designs from Newport Auto Centers Porsche, Bentley & Audi. Guests enjoyed fine wine & Hors d’oeurves provided by Old Vine Café. Ladies were pampered by Dr. Naira’s skin care specialists as make up experts from Emani minerals gave complimentary mini makeovers with their latest organic mineral make up products. The gentlemen enjoyed cigars and special offers from Newport Auto Center while the ladies built their wish lists.

Entertainment and silent auction items were provided generously by Emani Minerals, Felt Bicycles, Kaenon Polarized, Jan Garcia Photography, Rod Allen, Old Vine Café, Newport Auto Center and Zeb Beatty Personal Training and others.

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A mum of four has experienced life as a homeless person after taking to the streets to raise money for charity.

Sharon Leung, who lives in Sutton-in-Ashfield, battled the freezing weather to take part with 40 others, including the right honourable Lord Mayor of Mansfield, in the‘Big Snore’ event on Friday 29 January to raise funds for Framework, the homeless charity.

Sharon, who has been a Sales Executive at the Priestsic Road branch of ACF Car Finance Limited for the past six years, gave up her comfortable bed and warm duvet to take part in the sleep-over event held in the grounds of St Mark’s Church in Mansfield. She then returned to work on the Saturday morning, after a not so good night’s sleep.

All money raised from the event will now be donated to Framework to help provide housing, support and training services to vulnerable and homeless people throughout Nottinghamshire. So far the fundraising has totalled over £9,000, already beating last year’s total by almost £2,000.

Sharon, who also took part in the event last year, commented: “I would like to thank everyone who sponsored me for taking part in the Framework sleep-over event, including my employer ACF Car Finance who donated £100. My colleagues have been incredibly supportive!

“Whilst it was bitterly cold on Friday night it was great to get the opportunity to do something for such a worthy cause. Sleeping under the stars for one night was challenging but it is nothing when you think about the many people who have to sleep rough everyday. I hope that our help can make a difference to the lives of others by raising awareness of this charity and raising such much-needed funds.”

Framework currently helps provide support to rough sleepers, substance misusers, people experiencing mental health difficulties, vulnerable women, young people, care leavers, older homeless people and people at risk of losing their home. Framework is funded through local authority grants, local trusts and foundations and public donations.

To donate to Framework visit their page at http://www.justgiving.com/framework/.

CAPTION: Sharon Leung – Sleeping rough for a worthwhile cause.

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In a big-hearted gesture before Valentine’s Day, a popular snack maker announced today it would double its original funding amount and pump an additional $30,000 into its online contest to give more charities the opportunity to share a total of $60,000 in prize money for their good works.

Snack Alliance Inc., (SAI) the maker of riceworks® Gourmet Brown Rice Crisps, agreed to add an extra $30,000 in prize funding for “Show Us Your Goodness,” a social campaign that invites consumers to nominate and vote online for the charitable program they believe has gone the extra mile to “serve the greater good.”

“We’re delighted to double the prize money because of the overwhelming positive response to the program,” says Tricia Ryan, Director of Marketing for riceworks®. “The extra funding will allow us to have a Sponsor’s Choice Award and distribute checks of $1,000. to an additional 30 charitable organizations, split equally between Canada and the United States.”

“The hard part, of course, is for the judges and program sponsor to decide on exactly which of the hundreds of nominated charities to award the prizes.”

Nominate A Charity That Inspires
In less than eight weeks, more than 1300 nominations for inspiring charitable projects have been received. Submissions are due by February 28, 2010, at which time a panel of judges will select thirty-three (33) finalists to be considered for $60,000 in support funds during the final round of voting. The top three finalists will win $20,000, and $5,000 each, while the remaining 30 winning nominations will share $1,000. each as part of a Sponsor’s Choice Award.

One charity that has been nominated and highlighted on the “Show Us Your Goodness” website is the Rett Syndrome Research Trust, a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization whose goal is to help those suffering f r o m Rett Syndrome, the most physically disabling of autism disorders.

“This program gives lesser-known charities like ours a great way to gain media attention for our cause,” says Syndi Knowlton, a volunteer mother with a young daughter who has Rett Syndrome.

Syndi, who nominated her organization, describes Rett Syndrome, which primarily affects young girls: “It’s combination of symptoms that include autism, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and anxiety disorders…all in one little girl. I thank riceworks® for giving us the opportunity to spread the word and tell our story and help make a difference.”

Spread the Love: More Funding, More Charities Helped For Ms. Ryan, the unexpected flood of submissions compelled her to seek more ways to distribute the charity funding.

“The very generous management team at Snack Alliance supports the program and instantaneously approved my request to release more funds to this worthwhile cause. We see this program making a difference in the lives of humans and the environment. This includes helping the many animal shelter causes that have been nominated because those who run these programs need help too.”

Contest details are available at www.showusyourgoodness.com.

The SumoKids Foundation will assist Buffalo teenagers in producing 3-minute personality videos to submit for acting roles in a new ABC Family TV series. The TV series is based on the popular teen novel, “Huge,” by Sasha Paley. This is a funny, emotional series about learning to accept yourself – no matter what your size. The SumoKids Foundation is a Buffalo-based 501 (c)(3) non-profit serving Western New York.

The SumoKids program teaches children and teenagers valuable life skills and morals in an environment that is entertaining, physically challenging, and educational. Important components include teaching respect for others, and how to solve conflicts in a non-violent manner. The SumoKids program serves all children and teenagers, including handicapped children, and regardless of weight or other circumstances.

ABC Family TV is casting roles for a new scripted TV series. Casting is open to actors and non-actors or newcomers. ABC Family TV seeks talented plus-sized teenagers to play 15 – 16 year-olds. Applicants may be older but must be believable as 15 – 16 year-olds.

Paul McAfee, a member of the SumoKids Foundation Board of Directors, will be at two Buffalo locations to create the 3-minute personality videos, and to collect the required release forms. There is no cost to applicants. Mr. McAfee then will submit these videos and release forms to ABC Family TV.

Teenagers, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian if they are under 18-years-old, can come to one of these two locations to complete their release forms and have their videos created:

1. Belle Center, on Thursday, February 11, from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm, at 104 Maryland Street, in Buffalo.
2. Broadway Market, on Saturday, February 13, from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm, at 999 Broadway, in Buffalo.

What to prepare:
From ABC Family TV to its applicants:
“Your tape should be all about YOU—what makes you unique and what makes you, YOU. You should be sure to state your name, age, and hometown on the video, but the rest is up to you. Tell us a funny or touching story about yourself, describe your most interesting moment, highlight what makes you stand out against a crowd, etc. The most important thing is to be yourself and let your true personality shine through.”

Who can apply?
From ABC Family TV to its applicants:
“We are accepting tapes from plus sized actors and non-actor/newcomers aged 14-24 to play high school aged characters. Talent can come from anywhere in the United States. Actors must be believable as 15-16 year olds. For more information, please check out the storyline and character descriptions on our website. If you are under 18, please make sure to have a parent or guardian sign your release.”

About The SumoKids Foundation
Charles Bray, the creator of the non-profit SumoKids Foundation, teaches children the tenets of Sumo wrestling at schools and community centers in Buffalo, New York. Sumo wrestling is a Japanese form of wrestling in which a fighter loses if forced from the ring or if any part of his body except the soles of his feet touches the ground.

In 2005, Mr. Bray incorporated the SumoKids Foundation as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Since then, he has offered free after-school Sumo programs to schools and community centers in Buffalo, NY. The response, from the participating children, their parents, and their teachers, has been overwhelmingly positive.

Visit www.SumoKidsFoundation.org for more information about the SumoKids Foundation and its programs.

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Reed Specialist Recruitment (hr consulting specialists) partnered with MD Real Estate, PIC deVeres, Allied Pickfords and Belevari Marine to host a unique fund raising event for Ethiopiaid. Liveras Yachts very kindly donated the Lauren L for this unique event, where several prestigious organisations came together to support this wonderful cause with a percentage of all sales going to Ethiopiaid. Artwork, sculptures and cars were just a few of the items on sale, that also included a limited edition Maybach - which held a reserve price of 5.7Million AED.

Supported with a very exciting silent auction, this was truly an outstanding event raising awareness and valuable funds for Ethiopiaid. The event generated over 31,000AED for the charity and all those in attendance had a wonderful experience on this magnificent yacht, which was very kindly donated by Dion Liveras a keen humanitarian and generous British businessman.

The auction would not have been possible without the very kind support of Carl Moore, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, The Yas Hotel, Emirates Motor Company, Sea Tourism, Falcon Aviation, Mr van Meerbeek and The Opera Gallery. While some items, including the Maybach, did not reach their reserve, many did and donations are still coming in.

If you wish to make a donation, please visit
http://www.justgiving.com/abudhabigivesback.

Maria Brown “Goodwill Ambassador” for Ethiopiaid hoped to raise awareness and funds for Ethiopiaid, a UK registered charity supporting poverty, healthcare and education in Ethiopia. The support and press surrounding the event has certainly achieved this. The money generated on the day also includes nearly 4,000AED from the sale of scarves made in Ethiopia by young men and women who have been supported by Ethiopiaid’s charities, a truly worthwhile cause.

When asked, Maria said “Once again the support of those around me in the UAE has been overwhelming and I would like to thank everyone who joined us on the day and helped this event come together, without each and every one of you none of this would have been possible. And then of course my partners for the event, Amanda Clarke from MD Real Estate, Steve Rigby of PIC deVeres, Kevin Wieczorek at Allied Pickford and Berend Lens Van Rijn from Belevari Marine. Your support and generosity have been remarkable and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I very much look forward to working with you all again.”

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Response to a popular online contest has been so enthusiastic that the company behind the promotion has decided to extend the nomination period by two weeks to give more charities and nonprofits the opportunity to be nominated and win a chance to share $30,000 in prize money.

Snack Alliance Inc., the maker of riceworks® Gourmet Brown Rice Crisps, announced today to extend the nomination period until February 28, 2010 for “Show Us Your Goodness,” a social campaign that invites consumers to nominate and vote online for the charitable program they believe has gone the extra mile to “serve the greater good.”

“Overwhelming response and traction in the social media at a rate of one nomination per hour made us decide to lengthen the nomination period to highlight more charity organizations,” says Tricia Ryan, Director of Marketing for riceworks®. “The challenges in Haiti, for example, brought requests for donations and we’re trying to adjust the program by responding to real life situations.”

Nominate and Vote For A Charity That Inspires
In just over seven weeks, more than 700 nominations for inspiring charitable projects have been received. Submissions are now due by February 28, 2010, at which time a panel of judges will select three finalists to be considered for $30,000 in support funds during the final round of voting.

One charity that has been nominated and highlighted on the “Show Us Your Goodness” website is AboutFace, a Toronto-based nonprofit organization that helps people with facial disfigurements.

“This online program gives lesser-known charities like ours a great way to gain media attention for our services,” says Elysabeth Fischer, Manager Corporate Partnerships for AboutFace. “With more than 10,000 Canadian children born with facial disfigurements each year, we must thank riceworks® for giving us the opportunity to spread the word, tell our story and help us make a difference for those children and their families who need our support.”

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The Parent Coaching Institute offers a $900 tuition discount off of the distance learning Parent Coach Certification® Training Program tuition for all applications received by February 15, 2010. Parent Coach Certification® is designed for family support specialists who are driven to coach parents facing today’s challenges; see the need for an innovative, research-based support model; and seek the most respected certification program available for parent coaching.

The Parent Coaching Institute (PCI™), founded in 2000 by Gloria DeGaetano, CEO, welcomes applications to its leading-edge, distance learning Parent Coach Certification® Training Program from family support specialists such as teachers, parent educators, social workers, counselors, psychologists, and nurses. Graduates of the PCI™ program coach moms and/or dads through challenges such as divorce, blended families, single parenting, teen development, school choice, school work, peer interactions, sleep habits, eating habits, managing media selections and influences, sibling rivalry, new baby, parent self-care, and many more. Applicants who submit their basic application by February 15, 2010 (transcripts and letters can follow later) will qualify for $900 off their total tuition if they are accepted into the Parent Coach Certification® Training Program. Students who apply by February 15, 2010 also have more time to dive into their course readings.

“…When I found the PCI™ it was as if I had found a secret path that would serve to connect my educational background, work experiences, community involvements and parenting beliefs. Little did I know that this path would also lead me on a transformative journey of my own; connecting me with others who shared a desire to create a cultural shift toward more mindful parenting, launching my own parent coaching business and inspiring me to apply parent coaching techniques and principles to my work in higher education. My PCI™ training was both practical and inspiring and it is perhaps the single best educational experience that one could ever have.” —Kay Kimball Gruder, PCI Certified Parent Coach®, Successful College Parenting (www.SuccessfulCollegeParenting.com)

The PCI™ offers a new model and method for supporting parents that transforms the ways current family support specialists support their clients. Parent Coaching is a growing profession offering opportunities for PCI Certified Parent Coaches® to supplement incomes, start new careers, and add to skill sets. The PCI™ is the original and current leader in training parent coaches, offering a graduate level, distance learning certificate program taken over one year, in collaboration with Seattle Pacific University, independent of SPU’s religious affiliation.

Visit the PCI™ Web site to learn what PCI™ students and graduates have to say. Give yourself and the families you serve the gift of transformation this year. For more information, please call the PCI™ office at (888) 599-4447. Callers will receive a free copy of Parent Success Stories, a collection of 34 inspirational stories written by PCI Certified Parent Coaches®, while supplies last.

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George Mandell, an authorized reseller for the Recom Group, Inc. was touched deeply by the earthquake in Haiti and as a result of that, he is going to donate $10 for each unit sold of the Video Name Tag, a device that is providing businessess in many sectors an easy and effective way to deliver important news to customers regarding their new offers, products, daily specials and services.

The device is easy to carry around with you because of it’s size but the video screen is much clearer than LED screeens as it’s organic OLED.

If anyone is interested in this marvelous product and who wishes to be part of the donation process and still get something in return, please visit the website of Video Name Tag and purchase one for a friend, family member or yourself.

Their website is: http://www.videonametag.com/

Mr. Mandell will also make it more affordable for you as he is offering a $10.00 credit for every unit ordred by providing all of you with a Discount Code to enter at the end of the order. The Discount Code is:

Discount Code: George135

He wants to help those people in Haiti as he has seen the damage and he’s put himself in their shoes as it would be heartbreaking for him and his loved ones, so he fully understands the strife and inconveniences that they are going through and he wish them God’s love in every way.

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The Dental Clinic and Optical Express will be sponsoring Dominic O’Hooley, director of The Dental Clinic, in his bid to cycle from John O’ Groats to Land’s End this summer to raise funds for the Wooden Spoon charity. With a group of thirty riders, O’Hooley aims to complete the gruelling 874 mile journey in just eight days, from the 21st to 28th of August 2010.

John O’ Groats to Land’s End, often termed JOGLE, or LEJOG, depending on the direction of travel, is a traverse covering the entire length of Great Britain. It typically takes cyclists ten to fourteen days to complete, and walkers two to three months. The Wooden Spoon challenge, titled “End 2 End,” has been held annually since 2000.

Each of the riders must raise £4,000 in order to participate in the ride, as well as apply to Wooden Spoon, though riders are encouraged to raise more funds if they are able to. Both Optical Express and The Dental Clinic are keynote sponsors of O’Hooley.

The riders will be accompanied by a Wooden Spoon support team, including a motorcyclist to provide emergency bike repairs.

The Wooden Spoon charity is a cause that O’Hooley is enthusiastic to contribute to, as well as an organisation which he feels is well-equipped to provide support for such an undertaking.

“Wooden Spoon is a well established charity, and really a cause close to my heart,” O’Hooley said. “I’m keen on trying to help child poverty and I feel that because they have such a history of successful and well-organised charity events I feel I can be confident in them. It’s a serious undertaking, and I think anything less than expert organisation would prevent success really.”

Wooden Spoon, founded in 1983, is a children’s charity supporting disadvantaged children and youth across the UK and Ireland. Wooden Spoon has raised over £15 million since its inception, and benefitted over half a million young people.

An avid cyclist, O’Hooley has been biking for years, though this will be his first cycle between the northern and southern tips of Great Britain.

“I’ve done the west coast to east coast before, from Whitehaven to Sunderland, which was 150 miles in one day,” he said. “I’ve been cycling for twenty years, and I typically bike 200-250 miles per week. Basically, I get to work on a bike every day.”

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The bi-national, non-for-profit MATT Foundation, (Mexicans and Ameircans Thinking Together), is launching its first televised campaign to promote its mission of improving conditions of constituents in both countries and to create awareness of its initiative, Quedate en Mexico (Stay in Mexico), that focuses on the creation of economic opportunities in Mexico to help deter and reduce migration to the United States.

“MATT is and will always be a great admirer of the work produced by the Teletón. The Teletón helps those who most need it and we support those efforts wholeheartedly as well as with resources,” comments MATT Chair Alonso Ancira. “Both of these organizations focus on improving conditions of our people. That is why MATT decided to launch this campaign – to create awareness of the resources we have to offer people in Mexico and the United States.” This is the first time MATT has launched an information campaign to promote its programs and initiatives that it implements in both Mexico and the United States. MATT is committed to helping both nation’s prosper through the creation of educational and economic opportunities and by opening the channels of communication between its people. “We are neighbors and we depend on the well-being of both countries to succeed and move forward. Without communication and a strategic plan to follow, we fail to explore opportunities of collaboration to strengthen our commercial and geopolitical bonds,” concluded Ancira.

The MATT Foundation launched Maestro en Casa (Teacher at Home), a free English-immersion program aired on Catholic radio networks. MATT is also working with the Mexican government on projects designed to generate job opportunities in Mexico so that migration is considered an option and not an economic necessity. For more information on MATT, visit the website at www.matt.org or call toll free 1.866.980.MATT (6288). To contact MATT in Mexico City, call 55.5255.9900 extension 4600.

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Our economy definitely requires us to think out of the box when it comes to helping our local communities get back on their feet from the current economic downturn. Local cities are pulling their people together to do their part in generating hope for the economy.

Across the nation Blair rewards is doing its part to support the struggling economy. Blair rewards in Nebraska can help with lodging, site seeing, shopping and more. Communities are saving money through Blair Rewards. It is an indicator that local people are coming together and doing their part during our troubled economic crisis.

blair rewards in Nebraska is helping individuals with great benefits and savings. There are plenty of Blair rewards in Nebraska with golf courses, shopping and a variety of parks. Blair, Nebraska is splendor at its best. It is a beautiful place that is worth visiting time and again. The local Econo Lodge is doing its part giving incentive’s to individuals who come to their location. They provide discounts on stays and their facility is an excellent resource for finding wonderful local dining and attractions.

blair rewards in Kentucky are taking innovative methodologies. Kentucky is taking the made in America local. The city of Blair rewards in Kentucky. They have put together a Blair rewards program that helps local farmers and restaurants come together to use and showcase this program. The Blair rewards are helping the community not only use local products, but the program also helps save on transportation costs to other markets, which is good for the environment.

Students are involved with the Blair rewards in Kentucky. Universities are doing their part to help promote the buy local atmosphere. It is a great thing to see happening in rural and local communities.

The Blair rewards in Kentucky as well as the Blair rewards in Nebraska is a good start to helping the economy recover from the present downturn. The more we pull together as a community, the better chance we have at getting through this recession and moving forward as a society.

Bobby Blair is an environmentally conscious individual interested in politics, the economy and finding innovative methods for helping the community such as blair rewards. Stumbling upon Blair rewards in Kentucky as well as Blair rewards in Nebraska was a welcomed sign that people are doing things to help out their local communities.

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Employees at the Head Office Beverley-based carpet and upholstery and disaster restoration specialists Chem-Dry swapped their desks and computer keyboards for paint rollers and shovels as they headed out into their local community to give a helping hand.

The group spent the day re-painting playground games and potting planters at Cavendish Primary School, while others got stuck in with a spot of painting at charity funded drug-support organisation Compass UK in Hull, as part of the business’ Corporate Responsibility programme.

With the generous support of local organisations such as Coletta and Tyson, coupled with donations from family and friends, the group were self-sufficient, enabling them to source all the tools for the jobs themselves.

Nicola Whitham, Assistant Head Teacher at Cavendish Primary, said:

“We are so grateful that Chem-Dry took the time to help prepare planters and paint our playground markers. We don’t receive funds for such work so we really appreciate their kind generosity. Since Chem-Dry’s visit, we have planted bulbs in time for Spring, with the help of parents and family, and have made good use of the ground markers to teach the children road safety and other useful life skills.”

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Two daring employees from Chester-based ACF Car Finance Limited are celebrating after completing an abseil down a 250ft building for charity.

Nicole Davies, 23, and Jane Whittle, 25, braved the dizzy heights of the landmark Opal 3 building in Leeds, on Sunday 27th September, to help raise vital funds for BEN, the automotive industry charity.

The brave duo, who both work for the company’s Marketing Department on Chester Business Park have so far raised over £600 for BEN, which provides care and support to employees and their dependents in times of need.

Speaking about the abseil, Marketing Executive Nicole said: “I’m thrilled to have completed the abseil. It was a lot scarier than I’d imagined, as we were quite a distance from the building when we were abseiling down it.

“I’m delighted to have gone through with it though. I feel a great sense of achievement for taking part and raising money for such a good cause. Jane and I would like to thank all of our work colleagues, friends and family who have offered their support and donations so far and hope the donations will continue to come in so we can smash our original £500 target.”

BEN currently offers help, support, financial fundraising assistance and advice to over 15,000 people in their own homes every year. The Fund also provides a home to over 350 disabled and elderly people in one of four nursing and residential centres. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.co.uk/nicole-davies-.

ACF Car Finance is a privately owned UK company which specialises in providing quality used cars and arranging car finance. The company is a market leader in its field, stocking a wide selection of quality used vehicles, most between two and four years old, all of which undergo a 136 point vehicle quality inspection and an independent M.O.T provided via their car credit service.

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Puerto Vallarta was the destination for anglers and golfers who participated in this year’s BJ’s Restaurants Hook the Cure Tournament powered by IOTEC. The nearly sold-out tournament took place on November 6th and 7th and reeled in a whopping $345,000 NET for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The IGFA-qualifier brought two dozen boats and 40 teams. The competition started on Friday morning as anglers met early at the docks and eagerly awaited the strike of six marking the start of the catch and release competition coordinated by Kim and Ed Moore of Marina-based Charter Dreams.

Weekend festivities included a pre-tournament Mexican fiesta and fireworks show at Villa Premiere Hotel and Spa; Friday night concert by RCA Recording Artist Chris Young who celebrated his #1 song on the country charts; golf at Vista Vallarta’s challenging Nicklaus course; a lively dockside weigh-in party with food and beverage provided by Andale Restaurant and an awards gala and auction, sponsored by American Airlines and hosted by Los Angeles radio personality Shawn Parr. For those that just wanted to relax, Villa Premiere’s world-class spa was just a few steps away. Puerto Vallarta rental agency, PVRPV, provided volunteers for the festivities.

As excited spectators and sponsors filled the Marina, most boats made it in by five in anticipation of the results. The team of Tom Paige and Jon Louis were rewarded with a 2010 IGFA Offshore World Championship entry in Cabo San Lucas as OVERALL CHAMPIONS with five dorado and seven released sailfish. Lucille Zabel and Lydia Francis captured the coveted MOST RELEASED BILLFISH award while Craig Porpoat and David Bales garnered the BIGGEST DORADO AWARD and Anchorage’s Kris Kile took home the CHAIRMAN’S AWARD. Awards were donated by Gray’s Taxidermy of Puerto Vallarta.

According to Bob Huston and Jeff Jennison, 2009 event chairmen, $1.3 million NET was generated for cystic fibrosis patient care, research and education since the tournaments inception just four years ago. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting approximately 40,000 people in the United States and Mexico. A defect in the CF gene causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus that leads to chronic, life-threatening lung infections and impairs digestion. When the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was established in 1955, few children lived to even attend elementary school. Today because of research and care supported by the CF Foundation with money raised through donations from families, corporations and foundations the median predicted age for people with CF is nearly 37 years.

In addition to BJ’s Restaurants and IOTEC, significant financial support was provided by Norm Wilson and Sons, O’Connell Family Foundation, Toshiba, Watson Land Company, Ron and Ann Hallagan, Toshiba, Millie and Severson, William Close Family and Lee & Associates.

Plans are underway for the Fifth Annual Hook the Cure slated for early-November 2010. Information about the ultimate fishing, golf and spa adventure benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is available by contacting Gary Green, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Director of Corporate Development, at (714) 494-4623 in the US or 322 150-7214 in Puerto Vallarta. A new Hook the Cure website will be unveiled shortly at www.hookthecure.com and will feature an interactive photo gallery thanks to Nuevo Vallarta resident and award-winning photographer Jay Ailworth.

Via EPR Network
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First Nations Development Institute recently completed a research project on 7871 charitable organizations, their institutional structures, and best practices for their management. This research resulted in a report titled Charitable and Sovereign: Understanding Tribal 7871 Organizations.

In 1982, Congress passed the Indian Tribal Governmental Tax Status Act, codified as Section 7871 of the Internal Revenue Code, treating tribal governments as state governments for a variety of specified tax purposes. One of these purposes was to allow tribal governments and their programs to receive tax-deductible donations. Many tribes have used the 7871 tax code to develop tribal charitable and philanthropic organizations. These organizations include educational scholarship programs, economic development organizations, and grant making foundations.

First Nations’ research revealed that while there are a large number of these so called “7871 organizations” that provide social service, economic development, educational, and other charitable programming, only a small number of them are actively raising external funds. Most such programs are funded by tribal governments or federal funding streams. However, as tribes look to diversify both their programs and funding streams, an increasing number of tribal programs are using Section 7871 to facilitate fundraising as charitable organizations. Use of the Section 7871 designation to create philanthropic and charitable entities is increasingly popular as tribes seek ways to protect their sovereignty while still promoting philanthropic activities.

The report had the following additional key findings:

1. There is great programmatic and organizational diversity among 7871 organizations.
2. There are significant barriers to fundraising for 7871 organizations.
3. The myth of “rich gaming tribes” persists as a barrier to fundraising for 7871 organizations.
4. Federal legislation is inconsistent in its treatment of 7871 organizations and their eligibility for federal grant programs.
5. There are a large number of tribes that have spun off 501(c)(3) organizations to remove barriers to fundraising.
6. There is a need to establish best practices to reassure prospective donors to 7871 organizations.

“We hope this report will raise awareness about the important role that 7871 organizations play in providing services to tribal members,” stated Michael E. Roberts, President of First Nations Development Institute. “There is still a lot of confusion about what these organizations are and what they do. We hope this report will clarify many issues.” One goal of the report is to educate program officers at foundations so they are more comfortable working with 7871 organizations. “We hope to educate members of mainstream philanthropy on this topic,” stated Sarah Vermillion, Vice President for First Nations Development Institute.

First Nations’ research included a national survey and case studies and interviews with five active or former 7871 organizations. This research was funded by the Cultures of Giving Fund, established at the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors with major support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

To download a free copy of this report, visit our website at www.firstnations.org and follow the links from the home page.

For more than 28 years, using a three-pronged strategy of Educating Grassroots Practitioners, Advocating for Systemic Change, Capitalizing Indian Communities, First Nations Development Institute has been working to restore Native American control and culturally-compatible stewardship of the assets they own - be they land, human potential, cultural heritage, or natural resources - and to establish new assets for ensuring the long-term vitality of Native communities. First Nations serves rural and reservation-based Native American communities throughout the United States.

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A Great Homecoming and Retirement Celebration is scheduled for November 13, 2009 at the Azleway Boys’ Ranch Training Center, 158992 County Road 26, Tyler Texas. Founder and CEO of Azleway, Inc., Billy M. Partridge, will be retiring after 30 years of service and dedication to the needy children of East Texas. Bill started Azleway with only seven children. Today, Azleway serves more than 1,000 abandoned and abused children a year from over ninety Texas counties.

Everyone is welcome to share in the love that this great man has brought to Azleway. Former children of Azleway, current and former employees, current and past board members, donors, sponsors, friends, family and acquaintances are all invited for an evening of refreshments, appetizers and memories. Presentations will be held at 6:00 p.m.

Donations are currently being accepted to build the Bill and Dana Partridge Boys’ Cottage at Azleway Boys’ Ranch. $160,000 is needed to complete the cottage that will house ten boys in need of the love, care and attention that they so dearly need in their lives.

About Azleway
The mission of Azleway is to provide a home, school and treatment opportunities with intervention and prevention strategies to children and their families from a faith based perspective in order to increase their abilities to succeed in life.

For more information about Azleway or to donate to the Bill and Dana Partridge Boys’ Cottage Fund contact Aleta Lewis at (903) 566-8444 ext. 212 or see our website at www.azleway.org.

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