blackgivesback

Saks Fifth Avenue and the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity Present Cocktails & Conversations

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:32:00 +0000

Saks Fifth Avenue and the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity at Wake Forest University Medical School, Present Cocktails & Conversations with Dr. Maya Angelou

Via Press Release: On Wednesday, November 4, 2009, the elegant café at tony Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City was not filled with weary shoppers but an elegant crowd of the Black elite to hear the legendary Dr. Maya Angelou speak and a most distinguished panel of leading educators, doctors and activists for change on a subject dear to her heart, the growing disparity in health care for minorities.

Dr. Angelou is one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. Hailed as a global renaissance woman, Dr. Angelou is a celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. So the opportunity to sit in conversation with this woman of extraordinary talents made this one very hot ticket.

Following cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, journalist, writer and actress Rolonda Watts, the evening’s emcee, welcomed guests to the conversation with her “Auntie Maya.” Rolonda joked that, "I almost didn’t get here as I had to walk through Saks’ shoe department which is eeee-normous!” She’s not kidding either, the Shoe Department at Saks is so large it has its own zip code!

The topic for the evening’s discussion was “What does health care equity mean to you and how do you plan to change, agent or promote health equity?" In addition to Dr. Angelou, other panelists included Dr. Thomas DuBose, Chair for Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center; Michele Ebanks, President, Essence Magazine; Dr. Angela Diaz, Vice Chair of Pediatrics & Director, Adolescent Health Center Mount Sinai; and Marc Morial, President/CEO, National Urban League. In a brief musical interlude, internationally famed Irish singer Red Hurley raised the roof with a powerful rendition of “Peace in the Valley.”

The Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity at Wake Forest University School of Medicine is addressing one of the most compelling demographic trends in modern American history—the increasing diversity of the U.S. population. By 2050, the country will be split almost evenly between non-Hispanic Whites and all other minority groups.

Dr. Velma Watts and Rolond Watts with daughter Rolonda Watts

Carla Harris of Morgan Stanley, and Michelle Ebanks, President of Essence Magazine

Initially focused on African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and American Indians, the expertise developed at the Angelou Center will position it as a key national resource to reduce the gap in health disparities for an increasingly diverse society. A number of shocking facts were brought up in the discussion including: the gap between blacks and whites in the (age-adjusted) death rate from all causes has decreased only slightly from 1950 to 2000. Minority adults and children are less likely than whites to have a usual source of health care; some minority adults have a higher mortality rate than whites due to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer; the incidence of some communicable diseases, especially HIV/AIDS, is higher among some minority groups; and minorities tend to receive lower-quality health care than whites even when insurance status, income, age, and severity of conditions are comparable.

Among the stellar crowd were Dr. Velma Watts and her husband Rolond Watts, former Chair of Fine Arts at Wake Forest; Morgan Stanley powerhouse Carla Harris, Carol Becker, Turquoise Irving, Cliff Love, Tyrone Smith and scores more helping to raise funds for the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity.

Turquoise Irving and Carol Becker

Edward Callaghan of Alchimia Public Relations & Marketing, and emcee Rolonda Watts

National Urban League president/CEO Marc Morial and son

Source and photos: Alchimia Public Relations & Marketing

World's First Hip Hop Museum Announces Celebrity Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:40:00 +0000

Hosted by Hip Hop Legends Chuck D and KRS One

Museum will serve as community hub for economic development, political education and community advancement

Via Press Release: New York, NY – (Nov 9, 2009), the National Museum of Hip-Hop (NMoH) will host an exclusive celebrity fundraiser to benefit the development of the “first ever” true Hip-Hop Museum. This red carpet affair will take place on Feb 9, 2010 at the M2 Ultra Lounge, 530 West 28th Street, NYC. This exclusive star-studded gala will raise funds and awareness for the construction and community initiatives of the museum. Guests will have a preview of some of the museum’s building plans and programs.

This “invitation only” affair will welcome entertainment executives, celebrity rappers, dj’s, b-boys, legendary graffiti artists, Hollywood entertainers, celebrity media personalities, and community leaders. Guests include: Ice T, Akon, Redman, Dana Dane, MC Lyte, Kurtis Blow, Nice -n- Smooth, DJ Red Alert, Kid Capri, Ralph Mcdaniels, Ja Rule, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Black Sheep, Cold Crush Brothers, Rock Steady Crew, Furious Five, Brand Nubian, Chubb Rock, Bone Thugs -N-Harmony, The Roots, Pete Rock, D Nice, Marley Marl, N.O.R.E., Kid –n- Play, Roxanne Shante, Melly Mel, and an extensive list of others. The event co-chairs include Bill Adler, Dr. Ben Chavis, Andre Harrell, KRS One, Chuck D, Afrika Bambaataa, Terry Stewart, and Jim Fricke.

“The timing is perfect for the development of a museum that will preserve the great culture of hip-hop; a museum that will serve as not only a beacon for hip-hop’s achievements but also as a hub for community upliftment,” stated Craig Wilson, MBA, President of the Museum.

Once fully developed, the museum will conduct job training programs for the local homeless, substance-abusers, and unemployed borough residents. NMoH will also provide free classes that teach the political process and sponsor students with political career interests, by providing a space/platform for practice debates, campaigns and the development of programs and policy.

The Museum’s Hall of Fame, catering and restaurant operations, and profits from visitors will generate millions in economic activity and create great job opportunities throughout NYC.

About NMoH
The National Museum of Hip-Hop is a NYC based non-profit 501 (c) (3) founded in 2005, created to commemorate the historical and cultural achievements of hip-hop and artists throughout the World, while educating area residents and global visitors about every aspect of the culture’s elements.

The plans for this project are to house the museum within a 100,000+ sq., foot facility in NYC. The program will feature initiatives and policies which require a strict adherence to community issues and interactivity. NMoH will exist as a hub for community advancement, economic development and political education. The Advisory Board consists of Executives who have long histories of large museum development, as well as inner-city community involvement. Board Members include: Russell Simmons, Dr. Ben Chavis, Andre Harrell, Leyla Turkkan, Bill Adler, Bob Santelli and Terry Stewart.

On the web: National Museum of Hip-Hop, www.nmoh.org.

The 3rd Annual Top Black Celebrity Philanthropists of 2009--VOTE NOW!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Grammy award winning artist Mary J. Blige, your #1 pick for the top black celebrity philanthropist of 2008, cuts the ribbon to the Mary J. Blige Center for Women in Yonkers, NY on October 22, 2009

Who's your favorite celebrity philanthropist of 2009? Visit HERE to vote now! This year, we witnessed the historic inauguration of our nation's first African American president - a president who is a champion for community service. And celebrities stepped up to the challenge this year! Read about the 2009 finalists below:

In September, Mary J. Blige partnered with Gucci to create a charity watch to benefit her foundation, FFAWN, and last month, Mary tweeted that she opened the first Mary J. Blige Center for Women in her hometown of Yonkers, New York. Other celebrities whose charitable work benefited women and girls include actress Gabrielle Union, and her work in the fight against breast cancer in the African American community by serving as an ambassador for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Circle of Promise, and Rihanna, who recently broke her silence on the assault she suffered at the hands of Chris Brown. She is honored this month by Glamour magazine as a Woman of the Year for her philanthropy, which includes her work in supporting bone marrow drives and bringing awareness to domestic violence. She shares, “Domestic violence is a big secret. I want to give as much insight as I can to young women…to help speak for them.”

Moving on to hip hop, some of your favorite artists not only dominated the charts, but held elaborate concerts and galas, all for charity. Jay-Z performed a sold out charity concert, 'Answer the Call' on September 11 at Madison Square Garden, benefiting the New York Police and Fire Widows and Children's Benefit Fund. He shared,"This is my chance to help out and do something." Kanye West supported education by hosting his foundation's 2nd annual stay in school concert and fundraiser in his hometown of Chicago, performing for hundreds of students with good attendance. Big Boi of the hip hop duo Outkast traveled to his hometown this year to encourage youth to do well, and Ludacris held his foundation's 6th annual benefit dinner, and gave away automobiles to needy Atlanta families.

R&B artists Usher, John Legend, Ruben Studdard, Alicia Keys, Ne-yo and Wyclef Jean all championed causes important to them. Usher traveled to Capitol Hill to bring awareness to volunteerism and donated $1M of his own funds to launch an international youth service movement. John Legend was honored by Africare this month with a humanitarian award for his work with combating the spread of malaria in Africa, Ruben Studdard used his gift of song to record a song for a sickle cell campaign, Alicia Keys continues her efforts to raise funds for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in Africa, Ne-yo and his Compound Foundation continued their work with children in foster care, and Wyclef Jean recently partnered with the company Timberland to help raise environmental awareness in Haiti.

Making the finalist list for the first time are radio personalities Steve Harvey and Tom Joyner, both of whom have their own foundations. Steve Harvey held a mentoring weekend for young boys during Father's Day weekend and hosted his annual Disney Dreamers Academy for promising young leaders of color (information on the 2010 Disney Dreamers Academy weekend is HERE). Tom Joyner continued his fundraising for HBCUs by unveiling a new partnership with Ford Motor company to raise funds and launching an initiative to support HIV/AIDS education for HBCUs.

Also making the finalist list for the first time are actors/producers Tyler Perry and Terri J. Vaughn. Perry donated 100k this year to support homeless youth in Atlanta, and announced plans to create a foundation to benefit youth. Vaughn supports young girls in her hometown of San Francisco through her Take Wings foundation, and has lent her time to other charitable initiatives as well, such as Wonderland Gardens in Georgia.

Lastly, NBA star Dwyane Wade and his foundation Wade's World Foundation, partnered with Alonzo Mourning on his annual Zo's Summer Groove to raise funds for Miami area youth.

So there you have it! The finalists for the top black celebrity philanthropists of 2009. It's now up to you - who is your favorite celebrity philanthropist? Visit HERE to vote! Voting will end on November 30th.

Beginning in December I'll announce your top picks as well as the winner of the top celebrity philanthropist website award. The Ludacris Foundation took last year's honors and I have a team of awesome judges who will decide the winner. Make your vote today!!

Southern Partners Fund Celebrates 10 Years of Excellence in Philanthropy With the Inaugural Launch of the Social Justice Institute

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:09:00 +0000

Featuring Special Guests: Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery, Jovita Moore, Xernona Clayton, and Ne-Yo

ATLANTA, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Southern Partners Fund (SPF) celebrates 10 years of excellence in philanthropy in the Southeast, as they host the Inaugural Launch of the Social Justice Institute (SJI) on November 21, 2009 in Atlanta. SPF is a public foundation (501c3) committed to social change and equity for individuals and communities in the South. The organization's mission is to support rural Southern communities and organizations seeking social, economic, and environmental justice by providing them with financial resources, technical assistance, training, and access to systems of information and power.

The Launch event, "Organizing Power: The Force of Change in the South" includes a full day of workshops addressing relevant social justice topics, an armchair discussion with leaders in the fields of community organizing, philanthropy, and social change movements, and features keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, hailed as the "Dean of the Civil Rights Movement." Dr. Lowery represents a legacy of service and commitment to the nonviolent struggle for the causes of justice, human rights, economic equality, voting rights, peace and human dignity. Dr. Lowery delivered the Benediction on the occasion of President Obama's inauguration and is the recent recipient of The Presidential Medal of Freedom. Southern Partners Fund will be also be presenting him with a Humanitarian Award for his commitment to social justice and creating a better quality of life for all.

At the evening event for the Launch, the Social Justice Leadership and Humanitarian Awards Dinner and Gala will recognize some of the South's key social change leaders representing philanthropy, grassroots organizing, and service to humanity. Atlanta's WSB-TV anchor and reporter, Ms. Jovita Moore will be acting as the Mistress of Ceremonies for this honorary evening. Some of the night's awardees include legendary civil rights activist and President & CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Ms. Xernona Clayton, as well as R&B star Ne-Yo (in photo) and his nonprofit organization, the Compound Foundation, for supporting and creating opportunities to be successful for youth in the child welfare system.

Southern Partners Fund invites community partners, philanthropic and business leaders, HBCU and other college and university colleagues, nonprofit professionals, grassroots organizers, and young leaders to share in the excitement of this inaugural event! Sponsorship opportunities for the Launch are available!

Last month, the Fund hosted the Young Leaders for Social Change gathering of young and emerging community organizers, nonprofit professionals, college students, and philanthropic practitioners, ages 18-35, who are committed to social change. Visit fellow blogger and Nonprofit Millennial Blogging Alliance member Rosetta Thurman's blog for highlights HERE.

For more information on registering for the event or to learn how you can provide support, please visit their website (http://www.spfund.org/) or call 404-541-9091 ext. 13. Source: PRNewswire/Photo: Wireimage

Celebrities Join Effort with Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:20:00 +0000

Celebrities Join Effort with Dr. Bill Releford's Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program in Barbershops throughout LA County

Norm Nixon, the Whispers and Kim Coles among many to Join November 7 Los Angeles Event

Los Angeles - Some 100 barbershops throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire will be bustling with extra activity this Saturday, November 7, 2009, from 10:00 am to 4:00 p.m. when Dr. Bill J. Releford, D.P.M., founder of The Diabetic Amputation Prevention (DAP) Foundation, launches the Los Angeles Initiative of the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program. In photo is Dr. Releford with actress and 'The View' co-host, Sherry Shepherd.

The Black Barbershop Health Outreach program, sponsored by a grant from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, will offer free diabetes and high blood pressure screenings to African American men who normally visit their local barbers just anticipating the usual haircut. In addition, participants will be provided education about healthy lifestyle alternatives along with PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) screenings and PEP Talk: the Prostate Education Project, that will address the issue of prostate cancer by distributing culturally appropriate educational materials.

In an effort to drive the need for health care and education home to a demographic in need of it the most, celebrity support has been enlisted. Sherri Shepherd, co-host of "The View," took time out of her very busy schedule to record a public service announcement on KJLH Radio, a station owned by Stevie Wonder, while celebrity participants The Whispers, comedians Kim Coles and Tommy Davidson, actor T.C. Carson, and performers Yo Yo and Montell Jordan are just a sampling of the confirmed talent to visit some of the local shops on Saturday. Former Los Angeles Laker Norm Nixon, national spokesperson for The Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program, is also slated to be on hand.

Ultimately, the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program's goal is to screen more than 500,000 African American men by 2012. This unique and innovative grassroots program works with black-owned barbershops, which represent a cultural institution of familiarity and trust in many communities as an effective avenue to disseminate health education information. The program has already tested close to 10,000 African American men in 23 cities including New Orleans, Chicago, Atlanta and Harlem.

Compared to the general public, African American males have a higher risk of diabetes and other cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The American Diabetes Association estimates that 3.7 million (14.7 percent) African Americans, ages 20 years or older, have diabetes, while statistics show that forty percent (40 percent) of African American men die prematurely from cardiovascular disease as compared to twenty-one percent (21 percent) of white men.

The Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program in partnership with Charles Drew University, U.C.L.A., Vasamed and Entrahealthsystems, will offer free screenings throughout Los Angeles at the following locations:

- The New Millennium BS, 4310 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
- In The Cut, 220 East Regent St., Inglewood, CA
- Next Cuts Beauty & Barber, 5712 West Pico, LA
- Legends Barbershop, 5366 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
- Inglewood's Finest, 122 S. Market St., Inglewood, CA

The program in partnership with Kaiser Permanente African American Professional Organization and the Healthy Heritage Movement, Inc., will offer screenings throughout the Inland Empire at:

- Da Mood Barbership, 205 E. Mission Blvd., Pomona, CA
-Good Time Barbershop 924 E. Holt Ave, Pomona, CA
-N u Flava, Pomona, CA
-Hat's Off, 21065 Bear Valley Road, Apple Valley, CA
-Second To None, 12384 Palmdale Road, #103, Victorville, CA
-Signature Barbershop, 12555 Mariposa Road, Ste. F, Victorville, CA
-T's Barbershop, 15028 7th St. Ste. 2, Victorville, CA
-Who's Next, 21280 Brar Valley Rd., #115, Hesperia, CA

Founded by Dr. Bill J. Releford, D.P.M., the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program seeks to empower African American men to better understand cardiovascular diseases through education, testing and prevention. The Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program has effectively addressed the health concerns of African American men in nearly 200 black owned barbershops since December 2007. For additional information and to view a list of all the participating barbershop locations, go to http://www.blackbarbershop.org/.

Photo Credit: Tony Lowe/PR Photos
Source: Jazzmyne PR

Kerry Rhodes Foundation Hosts 3rd Annual Celebrity Charity Event

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:37:00 +0000

NY Jets players Braylon Edwards, Darrelle Revis and Kerry Rhodes attend the Kerry Rhodes Foundation black tie dinner at STK on November 2, 2009 in New York City.

Via Press Release: On November 2, 2009, Kerry Rhodes welcomed the NFL's elite, recording artists, actors, actresses, TV and radio personalities and other VIP guests to the 3rd annual Kerry Rhodes Foundation celebrity charity event to raise funds for his foundation that provides educational and financial support for youth.

The festivities included the Kerry Rhodes Foundation Black Tie VIP Dinner & Silent Auction at STK followed by the Celebrity Bowling Bash, "Bowling with the Stars" at Luxe Suite at Lucky Strike in New York. The event was hosted by award winning television sports anchor Dr. Marvell Scott, with music provided by DJ Funky Drummer. NY Jets players Bart Scott, Braylon Edwards, Calvin Pace, Darrelle Revis, Dustin Keller, Jay Feely, Mark Sanchez, and Vernon Gholston served as celebrity table hosts.

Attendees placed bids on amazing, one of a kind auction items such as sports memorabilia, luxurious vacation getaways, concert tickets and more, valued at tens of thousands of dollars.

Julissa Bermudez, Vivica A. Fox, and Kerry Rhodes at the Celebrity Bowling Bash

ABOUT THE KERRY RHODES FOUNDATION

The Kerry RHODES Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2006 by NFL New York Jets star Kerry Rhodes. Kerry recognized the importance of inspiring young minds to visualize goals, and the need to provide resources that enable these same young minds to pursue and attain these goals. Understanding that these goals are best achieved through well equipped educational facilities, a primary mission of the Foundation is to provide high schools located in financially depressed areas with resources, programs and activities, equipment, and scholarships that will assist with the academic, athletic, and social development of their students.

Braylon Edwards, Kerry Rhodes, Tyson Beckford, Kevin Hart, and Fonzworth Bentley attend the Kerry Rhodes Foundation Celebrity Bowling Bash at Lucky Strike on November 2, 2009 in New York City.

For more information visit http://www.kerryrhodes.com/.

Source: Kerry Rhodes Foundation
Photos: Wireimage

Clark Atlanta University Alumni Gives Back

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:14:00 +0000

Clark Atlanta University class of 2004 Alumni Tekquiree Spencer, Kisha Celistan, Kaneisha Northern (Grad Girls Founder), and Nichole Celistan volunteering at the Howl Away Hunger event at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank on October 31, 2009.

Kaneisha Northern is a proud 2004 HBCU graduate of Clark Atlanta University and a fan of BlackGivesBack! She is the founder of Grad Girls Network, a Los Angeles based nonprofit organization that shapes underprivileged teen girls into confident and productive high school graduates. The organization accomplishes this through their afterschool enrichment programs that expose students to activities and professional women who assist them with shaping their futures.

This past Halloween, Kaneisha along with some of her former classmates and Grad Girls students volunteered at the LA Regional Food Bank on behalf of the organization and Clark Atlanta University. She shared, “We believe that it is important to pay it forward and live within our Alma Mater’s motto which is, “Culture for Service.”

Thank you Kaneisha and ladies for giving back and sharing your photos! (Love your t-shirts!)

Non Profit News

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:29:00 +0000

A Victory for Social Entrepreneurship As Echoing Green President Cheryl Dorsey Is Named One Of America's Best Leaders of 2009

As America faces unique challenges, U.S. News Media Group and Harvard’s Center for Public Leadership Highlight 22 Extraordinary Leaders

New York City and Washington, DC – October 22, 2009 – Social entrepreneurship earned a prestigious honor today as Echoing Green President Cheryl Dorsey (in photo above) was named one of America’s Best Leaders of 2009 by U.S. News Media Group in association with the Center for Public Leadership (CPL) at Harvard Kennedy's School of Government.

Echoing Green is a global nonprofit that supports emerging entrepreneurs who enact innovative solutions that address root causes to social problems. It is one of the only organizations solely dedicated to investing in early-stage social entrepreneurs. Since 1987, Echoing Green has awarded more than $28 million in start-up capital to nearly 500 social entrepreneurs worldwide. The 22 leaders recognized this year are featured online at www.usnews.com/leaders and in the November 2009 issue of U.S.News & World Report magazine, on newsstands Tuesday, October 27.

“This is a humbling honor for me and for Echoing Green, and an exciting victory for the field of social entrepreneurship to which we are dedicated,” said Ms. Dorsey. “People worldwide have the power to solve social problems, and with the inspiration and support of Echoing Green and others they will. By recognizing social entrepreneurship, U.S. News and the Center for Public Leadership are playing an important part in encouraging people to be bold and take the entrepreneurial risk in pursuit of a social mission.”

Ms. Dorsey was named President of Echoing Green in May 2002. She was most recently appointed vice-chair of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships, after serving as a team member of the Innovation and Civil Society subgroup of the Obama Presidential Transition's Technology, Innovation, and Government Reform Policy Working Group. Ms. Dorsey serves on the board of City Year (national), DonorsChoose.org, and Freelancers Insurance Company, Inc., a for-profit insurance company and subsidiary of Working Today. She also serves as an advisory board member of the Action Tank for Social Entrepreneurs, America Forward, and the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation.

In 1992, while training to be a pediatrician at Harvard Medical School, Ms. Dorsey received an Echoing Green Fellowship. With it, she launched the Family Van, a community-based mobile health unit that provides basic health care and outreach services to at-risk residents of inner-city Boston neighborhoods. As a public policy innovator, Ms. Dorsey served as a White House Fellow from 1997-1998, serving as Special Assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Labor, advising the Clinton Administration on health care and other issues. She was later named Special Assistant to the Director of the Women’s Bureau of the U.S. Labor Department, where she helped develop family-friendly workplace policies and spearheaded the labor secretary’s pay equity initiative.

"The country has faced exceptional challenges in the past year," said Brian Kelly, editor of U.S.News & World Report. “With our Best Leaders issue, we focused on individuals from a range of industries who have demonstrated unwavering leadership and a commitment to finding solutions in this difficult time."

Source and photo: Echoing Green

White House Advisor Melody Barnes to Present Obama Administration Domestic Policy Insights at Independent Sector and Council of Michigan Foundations Annual Conference

(Washington, D.C., October 30, 2009)— Melody Barnes, domestic policy advisor to President Obama and the director of the White House's Domestic Policy Council, will keynote the opening session of the Independent Sector and Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) Annual Conference, to take place November 4-6, 2009, at the Detroit Marriott, Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. She will open the conference, “Challenging Times, New Opportunities,” with an examination of how the government and nonprofits can work together in new ways to respond to the challenges facing communities across the country.

The conference has already broken registration records with over 1,100 leaders attending from the nation’s charities, foundations, and corporate philanthropy programs. Also breaking records at the conference is the NGen: Moving Nonprofit Leaders from Next to Now initiative, which will provide special programming to more than 200 professionals under the age of 40.

Barnes joins a diverse and dynamic list of plenary speakers that includes Geoffrey Canada of the Harlem Children's Zone; Margaret McKenna of the Wal-Mart Foundation; Janet Murguía of the National Council of La Raza; Sean Parker, founder of Facebook Causes; and Jeff Raikes of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Other prominent African American foundation and organization leaders participating in the conference include Aaron Dworkin, President of the Sphinx Organization, Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP, and the Honorable Norman Rice, President and CEO of the Seattle Foundation.

Prior to her position at the White House, Barnes served as the senior domestic policy advisor to President Obama’s campaign and was the executive vice president for policy at the Center for American Progress. From 1995 to 2003, she was chief counsel to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy on the Senate Judiciary Committee. In those capacities, and as director of legislative affairs for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and assistant counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights, she worked extensively on civil rights and voting rights, women’s health, religious liberties, and commercial law.

Barnes received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her law degree from the University of Michigan. She began her career as an attorney with Shearman & Sterling in New York City, and is a member of both the New York State Bar Association and the District of Columbia Bar Association.

“Independent Sector is honored to have Melody open our annual conference,” said Diana Aviv, president and CEO of Independent Sector. “As we think about the future and how we might make even more significant contributions to improve lives in the communities we serve, we welcome Melody’s thoughts about how government too can make an even greater difference. We look forward to partnering with her going forward.”

Independent Sector is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of approximately 600 charities, foundations, and corporate philanthropy programs, collectively representing tens of thousands of charitable groups in every state across the nation. Its mission is to advance the common good by leading, strengthening, and mobilizing the nonprofit community. To learn more about Independent Sector, please visit: http://www.independentsector.org/.

Source: IndependentSector.org
Photo: Essence.com

A Night of Fame: A Party with a Purpose

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:03:00 +0000

Next weekend, Tennessee State University (TSU) will host its homecoming weekend which is a big event - thousands of people are expected to particiate in the festivities. In addition to the usual HBCU homecoming festivities such as step shows, fashion shows, and concerts, one event is slated to be the most talked about: A Night of Fame.

Tennessee’s DJ C-lo, a popular air personality and mix show DJ, is celebrating his birthday with a huge bash at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum during TSU’s homecoming weekend. Now in its second year, the event will serve as a donation point for attendees to bring shoes to benefit Soles4Souls (S4S), a Nashville-based organization that facilitates the donations of new and used shoes to aid the hurting worldwide. DJ C-lo’s A Night of Fame will be used as an attempt to increase awareness of the organization’s need and role in the community among African-Americans in Nashville.

He shares, "I became involved with Soles4Souls after I learned about the organization and its charitable efforts. After finding out that Soles4Souls provided shoes for those in need all around the world, I was compelled to get involved. I was honored to be recently chosen as a spokesperson for two reasons in particular. First, I love giving back to others who are less fortunate. Second, I have a love for shoes and sneakers. Sneakers, in particular, have an important place in hip hop culture and that is a part of who I am as a deejay. I couldn't imagine walking around without shoes on my feet and that is something that is often taken for granted. I admire Soles4Souls for noticing a need that was previously overlooked.

He continues, "It’s a party with a purpose that it will serve as an official fundraising event for Soles4Souls. We will also host a tailgating event the next day, Saturday at the TSU Homecoming football game at LP Field, as a donation point for the community to come out and bring their new or gently used athletic shoes."

C-lo has also used his influence among the youth to participate in BET's "Respect My Vote" campaign as well as local speaking engagements in various public school systems.

David Graben , Soles 4 Souls Executive Vice President, shared with BlackGivesBack, “Night of Fame is an excellent opportunity to spread the word about S4S. DJ C-Lo’s birthday bash is already a big event and coupling it with Tennessee State University’s Homecoming Weekend will aid us further in increasing awareness. The city will be flooded with so many people enjoying the weekend, which gives us confidence that having a donation point at Night of Fame and at the pre-game tailgating event the following day will create a positive ripple effect throughout the community, the African-American community in particular. This is an event with a greater purpose and we hope that DJ C-Lo’s efforts will not only motivate the community to give to S4S, but display the importance of giving back in general. It is always wonderful to see someone use their influence to give back.”

Date: November 6, 2009
Venue: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Birthday Bash (Conservatory/Courtyard) & VIP Gifting Suite (SunTrust Community Room)
222 Fifth Ave South, Nashville, TN 37203

Donation Goal: 500 pairs of shoes (sneakers)

Ticket Sales: Online Pre-sale price - $25, General Admission - $40, VIP Area - $250. Sponsors for the event include Hennessy and Horizon Wine and Spirits.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.nightoffame.com. For more information about Soles 4 Souls, visit www.soles4souls.org.

Kudos to event producers Urbane Imagery and Mahogany Event Planning, two Nashville based businesses who recently announced a joint venture to produce custom events focused on philanthropy and corporate branding.

Both have previously worked together on non-profit events benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Miss Black Tennessee Scholarship Organization as well as corporate events including the launch party of Maidenform’s Breakthrough Backless Bra for ABC’s American Inventor Runner-Up Elaine Cato and the book release party for Author and ABC’s Oprah’s Big Give Finalist Sheg Aranmolate.

Lynet Payne, president of Mahogany Event Planning, believes that 'A Night of Fame' is the perfect launch event for the partnership between Mahogany Events and Urbane Imagery. “This event is the start of many to come from our companies which, are both committed to service and have a heart for philanthropy,” Payne said. BlackGivesBack is serving as a media partner for this event and I'll have a full recap of the festivities!

Harlem Business Owner Honored with Racial Harmony Award

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:48:00 +0000

The Foundation For Ethnic Understanding in conjunction with Russell Simmons and Rabbi Marc Schneier honor Rashidah Ali, CEO of Bourgeoisie Shoes, as this years recipient of the Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Award

The Foundation For Ethnic Understanding recently honored Rashidah Ali, CEO of Bourgeoisie Shoes, with the 2009 Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Award during their New York Fall Benefit event. This prestigious award is given to a distinguished recipient who displays commitment to strengthening race relations and efforts in promoting diversity and ethnic tolerance through business and personal endeavors.

The cocktail benefit provided a platform of a celebration of diversity and global unity. The event was held at the home of music mogul and philanthropist Russell Simmons and attracted the who's who from the worlds of music, philanthropy, faith and business to celebrate Ali's award. Notable guests and honorees for the evening included Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, Cathy Hughes (Founder of Radio One), David Rosenberg (Founder of Unifund) and more.

Rashidah Ali, Rabbi Marc Schneier, Swizz Beatz, Russell Simmons, Cathy Hughes, David Rosenberg, Imam Shamsi Ali

Last year, Ali and Bourgeoisie Shoes hosted a fundraiser for the Emmitt Till Legacy Foundation that was profiled HERE.

For more information on the Foundation For Ethnic Understanding visit www.ffeu.org and for Bourgeoisie www.bourgeoisieshoes.com.

Courtesy of The Garner Circle PR
Photo Credit: David Karp Photography

Picture Equality: An Evening of Empowerment through Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:41:00 +0000

“Once I took the pictures, I was like; this is something I have to fight for.” Robert, 11th grade, DC

The quote is from a youth participant of Critical Exposure, a Washington, D.C. based non profit that teaches youth to use the power of photography and their own voices to become effective advocates for school reform and social change. In the quote above, Robert was referring to photographs he took of his city's school system - and it’s well known that today’s schools, particularly in urban communities, are in poor and unsanitary conditions. Broken light fixtures in classrooms, non working toilets and decaying ceilings are things that I’ve seen on visits to schools, and I can’t imagine how our students cope with learning in these conditions.

In 2004, a former educator and education policy analyst founded Critical Exposure in response to these drastic disparities that exist among public schools. By empowering young people to develop skills as documentary photographers and advocates, the organization exposes citizens and policymakers to the realities of our current educational system as seen through the eyes of the students who confront those realities each day.

As an example, the organization provided a group of DC high school students with cameras and training in documentary photography. The students took compelling pictures of the conditions of their schools and gave their photographs to City Council members, encouraging them to support a bill that would provide increased funding for modernizing schools in DC. In February 2006, the City Council approved the School Modernization Bill, which provides $3 billion over the next 15 years for school modernization.

Since their founding, Critical Exposure has also worked with students from Baltimore, MD, Washington, DC, Austin, TX, Albuquerque, NM, and Philadelphia, PA.

I was honored to be asked by the founders of Critical Exposure to serve on the host committee for their upcoming event, Picture Equality: An Evening of Empowerment through Photography," their second annual reception and silent auction on Thursday, November 12, 2009 in Washington, D.C. All of the proceeds from the event will support Critical Exposure’s efforts to empower youth. The auction will consist of photographs donated by world-class photographers, including contributors to National Geographic and the New York Times such as Ed Kashi, Ami Vitale, and Stephen Crowley.

What: Picture Equality: An Evening of Empowerment through Photography, Critical Exposure's second annual reception and silent auction
When: Thursday, November 12th from 6:30-9:30 PM
Where: 3338 M Street in Georgetown, D.C.
How much: Tickets are $75 ($65 before Nov. 1!) Sponsorships are available.

Last year’s event raised more than $20,000 for providing cameras and training to D.C. middle and high school students. I hope to see you there!

For more information, to purchase tickets, and to learn how you can bring Critical Exposure to your community, visit the website at www.criticalexposure.org.

Education in the News

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:25:00 +0000

The date of October 27th is now officially known as "I Will Graduate Day" in New York City! Mayor Bloomberg made the proclamation at the 4th annual Stay in School pep rally hosted by the Entertainers 4 Education Alliance at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Many entertainers and athletes came out to encourage NYC's youth, including Russell Simmons, NBA legend John Starks and R&B sensation Keri Hilson (in photo above).

Keri Hilson took the stage to discuss the importance of attendance and being on time for school: “Show up even when you don’t feel like it.” Keri talked about the entertainment business and how her education is a key factor in not getting taken advantage of. “You have to read contracts, documents, and oversee your finances, much of what I learned in school prepared me to manage my affairs today.”

The Alliance was created by former Roc-A-Fella records publicist Tonya Lewis, who used her event planning and publicist skills, along with her industry contacts to create the organization. She shares about the importance of creating her foundation: “New York State has the highest dropout rate for Black and Hispanic students of any state in the nation, when I read these statistics I am motivated to continue to get the youth to view education as necessary. When the youth hear someone they admire express the importance of education it can be life changing. We are also very appreciative of every speaker, performer, sponsor and volunteer who help us make this event possible year after year." Learn more about Tonya Lewis HERE and visit the website at http://www.e4ea.org/.

DID YOU KNOW?

That African American male students who participate in academic urban debate leagues have higher graduation rates?

Via Press Release (PR Web): October 23, 2009, Chicago, IL—Groundbreaking peer-reviewed research from the University of Michigan, published this week in a special issue of the Journal of Negro Education, shows that participating in an academic debate program in urban schools boosts student achievement. According to the study, participation in an Urban Debate League (UDL) significantly increases a student’s chances of graduating from high school and performing at or above college-ready benchmarks on the ACT’s Reading and English subject-matter tests when compared to similar students who did not participate in urban debate.

The study found the educational benefits of participation in urban debate to be even more pronounced for school-age African American males. African American male students participating in urban debate were 70 percent more likely to graduate from high school, three times less likely to drop out, 50 percent more likely to reach the ACT college-readiness benchmark for English, and 70 percent more likely to reach the ACT benchmark for reading than non-debaters, even after accounting for eighth grade achievement. These findings should hold special interest to urban educators; local, state, and national policymakers; and anyone interested in promoting innovative, research-based solutions to our nation’s educational challenges.

For more information, visit www.urbandebate.org.

The C. Delores Tucker Journey to Womanhood

Via Black Star Project, a Chicago based non profit organization: Last week, it was announced that 115 female students from Robeson High School in Chicago were pregnant or had at least one child. No effective preventive actions were presented to stop this from happening again next year. It is predicted that many other high schools across America have a similarly high rate of teen pregnancy. Women from various organizations in Chicago are rallying to address this issue by visiting 10 feeder elementary schools to Robeson High School to mentor and counsel 6th-, 7th- and 8th-grade girls away from risky behaviors that lead to pregnancy and low academic achievement. This effort is called the C. Delores Tucker Journey to Womanhood.

The C. Delores Tucker Journey to Womanhood focuses on discouraging early sexual activity and teen pregnancy and works to heighten awareness among teen-age girls about sexually transmitted diseases. Women mentors will counsel girls to love and respect themselves, envision bright futures, and to recognize the signs of abusive relationships and teach young girls the advantages of peaceful conflict resolution. Mentors will also encourage these girls to do their best in school, look forward to and work towards rewarding professional careers and help the girls think about what it takes to generate healthy, positive families and relationships starting with their relationships with themselves.

The Black Star Project is looking for 50 female mentors between the ages of 19 and 70 who will help mentor 6th-, 7th- and 8th-grade girls away from precocious sex, sexually transmitted diseases, abusive relationships and premature pregnancy. Please call 773.285.9600. Obviously, high school is too late. We need you NOW!!!

Photo: Nunez/Wireimage

Ford Launches "Drive One For Your HBCU" Initiative

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:20:00 +0000

Via Press Release: This fall, Historically Black College & University (HBCU) football fans will have more than on-field rivalry to focus on. Ford, in partnership with the Tom Joyner Foundation, is challenging HBCU students, alumni, faculty and friends to conduct test drives at local Ford dealerships to support their alma mater. Each validated test drive will result in a donation to the Tom Joyner Foundation up to $250,000. The entire program is geared toward raising funds for HBCU's and falls in line with Ford's efforts in improving educational attainment for all.

"The Drive One For Your HBCU's" program is an initiative that is designed to encourage those within and outside of the HBCU community to get on board in our efforts to raise funds for HBCU's and ultimately education," said Crystal Worthem, multicultural marketing manager, Ford Motor Company. "We want HBCU fans to get out and take a drive in one of our newest products, knowing that their drive is benefiting their favorite HBCU. It's about giving people a chance to take a spin in some of our products like the new 2010 Ford Taurus and 2010 Ford Fusion while also giving back. Partnering with Tom Joyner and the Tom Joyner Foundation on this initiative was the ideal fit for us as Tom also has such a rich history in supporting HBCU's."

“Ford has always been a big supporter of the HBCU’s, and a supporter of the Tom Joyner Foundation," said Tom Joyner. "I am pleased that we are going to be working together with Ford to raise awareness and raise funds for the students attending these schools. We are going to encourage all the HBCU alumni and supporters to get out and drive a Ford to help keep a kid in school.”

The test-drive program kicks off on October 21 and runs until January 4, 2010. The program allows for various entry points including online at http://www.drive4hbcu.com/, during the various stops of the Ford Black College Road Trip and during the 2009 Bayou Classic in New Orleans. The goal of the program is to secure a total of 10,000 test drives before the program wraps up in January with $25 being donated for each test drive taken. The Tom Joyner Morning Show and http://www.blackamericaweb.com/ will serve as additional outlets for information and reminders on the program throughout the campaign.

2009 Tour Schedule: Clark Atlanta University, October 29-31; Tuskegee University, November 5-7; Howard University, November 12-14; Bayou Classic, Thanksgiving Weekend.

For more information on the "Drive One For Your HBCU" Program, please visit http://www.drive4hbcu.com/.

Event Photos: Taraji P. Henson Supports Literacy & 6th Annual Ludacris Foundation Benefit Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:02:00 +0000

D.C. is winding down from Howard University's homecoming weekend, that always brings celebrities to the nation's capital. Hip hop star/actor Ludacris and Oscar nominated actress Taraji P. Henson were among the many celebs who participated in homecoming festivities. Taraji served as the grand marshall for the homecoming parade, and later that evening hosted 'A Write to Revolution,' a fundraiser benefiting the organization, Art Creates Life, based in Washington, D.C. Ludacris kicked off his foundation's festivities on Friday at the National Press Club, and on Saturday, he hosted the Ludacris Foundation's 6th annual benefit dinner. In the photo above is Taraji Henson, national spokesperson for Art Creates Life (right) with singer John Forte (Fugees) and actor Lamman Rucker (Meet the Browns) at the Art Creates Life fundraiser.

The movement, "A Write To Revolution," is a fight against illiteracy in urban America and the African Diaspora. This event launched Art Creates Life's initiative to galvanize community members to stop and take action, to help a child or adult learn to read and write. All funds raised from the event will support programming in three D.C. schools, as well as their annual trip to Senegal, West Africa to participate in a literacy support project. For more information, visit http://www.artcreateslife.org/.

6th Annual Ludacris Foundation Benefit Dinner

The Ludacris Foundation honored Kevin Liles (far right), Debra Lee of BET, Quincy Jones (2nd from left), and Congresswoman Maxine Waters at its 6th annual benefit dinner, Saturday, October 24th at the Ronald Regan Building. Also pictured is Shaka Zulu (left) and Roberta Shields (center), President of the Ludacris Foundation.

Roberta Shields with son, Ludacris

Thanks to Red Carpet Images for the photos!

The Unveiling of the Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:45:00 +0000

The grand unveiling of the Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts was held Saturday, October 24th in East Orange, New Jersey. Many luminaries came out to celebrate the opening of the new school including Oprah Winfrey, Susan L. Taylor and actresses Angela Bassett and Lynn Whitfield. In photo: George Faison, Nick Ashford, Valeria Simpson, Soledad O'Brien, Tamara Tunie, NJ Governor Jon Corzine, Angela Bassett, Cicely Tyson, former NY City Mayor David Dinkins, Marilyn Bowser, East Orange, NJ Mayor Robert Bowser, and Jeff Majors.

Oprah Winfrey and Cicely Tyson; President of the Center for the Advancement of Women Faye Wattleton

Susan L. Taylor, NJ Governor Jon Corzine and CNN's Soledad O'Brien

Susan L. Taylor, Marie Williams, Reginald Van Lee, Devin Grandison, Cicely Tyson, and stylist Ellin LaVar

Photos: Wireimage

Upcoming Events: DC, NJ, LA & TN

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:14:00 +0000

WASHINGTON, DC

Illinois Congressman Danny K. Davis invites you to attend E3 Forum: Black Fathers, Families and Communities in Washington, D.C.

E3 Forum: Black Fathers, Families and Communities
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
12:00 noon to 6:00 pm
Capitol Hill - Cannon Caucus Room
Washington, District of Columbia

E3 Forum has three segments with the following moderators:

1) Educate (debunk myths): Ed Gordon, Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist and Founder of Daddy's Promise;

2) Empower (knowledge of legislative process): Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst of BET Networks; and

3) Engage (call-to-action to engage stakeholders; advocates; research; Black Americans in the legislative process): Roland Martin, Journalist & Host of TV One Washington Watch with Roland Martin.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation will release a "position paper" entitled "Responsible Government: Investing in the Well-Being of Black Fathers, Families and Communities" highlighting devastating effects institutional (structural) and the progressive scaling back of federal support on Black America.

For additional information please email Helen.Mitchell@mail.house.gov or call at 202.525.0632. (Via Black Star Project)

NEWARK, NJ

Beyond The Bricks: Solutions to the poor academic performance and low graduation rates of school-age black males in the United States

The Open Society Institute Campaign for Black Male Achievement and the Association of Black Foundation Executives hosts the premiere screening of Beyond the Bricks, a short documentary from Washington Koen Media that explores solutions to the poor academic performance and low graduation rates of school-age Black males in the United States.

Beyond the Bricks follows two students from Newark, New Jersey, as they struggle to improve their circumstances. The film includes interviews with educators, administrators, elected officials, and activists who offer their ideas about solutions to the crisis facing young black men.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009
6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Newark Museum
49 Washington Street, Newark, New Jersey

This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Ouida Washington at ouida[at]washingtonkoen.com.

LOS ANGELES, CA

Forest Whitaker to headline symposium on vulnerable women and children in Africa

The GEANCO Foundation has announced that Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker will headline their symposium at Caltech on Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 11am to 2pm entitled, "Women and Children First." The event will focus on why so many mothers and babies die in Africa from preventable and treatable causes. The symposium will also highlight several innovative strategies currently being employed to fight the world's most urgent and tragic crisis.

A woman in Africa has a 1 in 16 chance of dying in pregnancy or childbirth, compared to a 1 in 4,000 risk in developed countries. Sub-Saharan Africa also remains the most dangerous region in the world for a baby to be born- with 1.16 million babies dying each year in the first 28 days of life.

Forest has traveled extensively throughout Africa and is a strong supporter of health causes on the continent. He traces his ancestry to the same region in Nigeria where the GEANCO Foundation is building their hospital. In April, he journeyed to Nigeria and was made an Igbo tribal chief in a traditional ceremony.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.geanco.org/.

NASHVILLE, TN

BlackGivesBack.com is serving as a media partner for A Night of Fame, birthday party for TN's DJ C-lo to be held on November 6, 2009 at the beautiful Country Music Hall of Fame during Tennessee State University's homecoming weekend. The event will benefit Soles4Souls, to aid in the collection and distribution of new and used shoes and extend awareness of its mission to the African–American and minority communities. Limited Pre-Sale General Admission - $20.

Visit the website at www.nightoffame.com. To make a donation to Soles4Souls, text CLO to 20222. A $5 donation will be billed to your mobile service.

DETROIT

'We Need You to Survive' Benefit Concert

The concert will benefit God's World Superstore, a mom & pop retail store located in Detroit with a 30 year history. They are one of the oldest and largest gospel retailers in the country, but are at risk of going out of business. Their goal is to raise $100,000. Visit www.godsworldsuperstore.com for more information.

Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 6 pm
Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ
19161 Schafer, Detroit
Tickets $15 general admission/$25 VIP

Ford Motor Company Announces Launch of 'Taurus Top Ten'

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:21:00 +0000

The Ford Motor Company is announcing the launch of the "Taurus Top Ten"- a competition designed to shine a spotlight on individuals that are not only on top in their respective fields, but who also make a difference in the communities around them. Ford is conducting a search for trendsetting individuals in the fields of community involvement, business, entertainment and sports...in other words, those who are fabulous in every sense of the word!

Potential candidates are encouraged to submit an essay or video to www.fordurban.com/topten stating why they should be considered among Taurus' Top Ten no later than November 15, 2009. One Grand Prize Winner will take home a 2010 Ford Taurus Limited, receive a $10,000 donation to a charitable organization of their choice and win a trip for two to a high-profile professional basketball experience.

Actor, comedian, radio host & best-selling author Steve Harvey is a celebrity participant in the program, highlighting one entry per week on the Steve Harvey Morning Show. So get started!

Toys "R" Us and Shaquille O'Neal Team Up for the Holiday Season

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:15:00 +0000

TOYS“R”US AND SHAQUILLE O’NEAL TEAM UP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TO HELP NATION’S 14 MILLION NEEDY CHILDREN DURING TOYS FOR TOTS CAMPAIGN

Customers Can “Join Shaq Give Back” By Donating Toys and Cash in Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us Stores and By Joining the Company’s Official Facebook Fan Pages

Via Press Release: Wayne, NJ (October 20, 2009) – To help bring toys – and smiles – to America’s neediest children, today Toys“R”Us, Inc. announced it has teamed up with four-time NBA Champion Shaquille O’Neal to encourage consumers to donate toys and cash to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation this holiday season. The fundraising campaign officially begins October 22 in Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/ToysforTots.

The partnership with O’Neal was inspired by his annual visits to Toys“R”Us stores on Christmas Eve to purchase toys for children in need. His 15-year history of buying and distributing these toys to underprivileged children in cities across the country earned him the name, “Shaq-A-Claus.” This holiday season, the legend of Shaq-A-Claus will continue when O’Neal makes surprise visits to Toys“R”Us stores in the coming months to shop for needy children and encourage customers to give back.

“I’m really just a big kid myself, and I can’t imagine a child going without a toy to unwrap during the holidays,” said Shaquille O’Neal. “Toys are magical for kids! My life was transformed one Christmas morning when, as a boy, I received an autographed Dr. J basketball from Toys“R”Us. With millions of children living in poverty in this country, I urge everyone to ‘Join Shaq Give Back’ this holiday season.”

“Toys“R”Us and Shaquille O’Neal have a shared love of all kids, and we are delighted that he has joined us to help children in need this holiday season,” said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “The “R”Us family is proud of its longstanding history of giving back to the communities we serve through the Toys for Tots program. We have no doubt that our customers and employees will enthusiastically support this program once again.”

During the nine-week campaign beginning today, new, unwrapped toys will be collected through December 6 at Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores across the country. Collected toys will be distributed to children in the communities where they are donated, making this a truly local program. Monetary donations will be accepted at all Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us locations and online at Toysrus.com/ToysForTots through Christmas Eve.

On Thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6, Marines and other Toys for Tots representatives will be stationed at Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores nationwide to bring added attention to the “Join Shaq Give Back” campaign in local markets.

Customers can also “Join Shaq” online at Toysrus.com/ToysforTots. This dedicated website features a video greeting from the four-time NBA Champion, along with “The Legend of Shaq-A-Claus,” which explains O’Neal’s history of giving back to children in need.

Behind the scene photo of Shaq's Toys "R" Us Toys for Tots campaign

Facebook Fans Can Virtually “Join Shaq Give Back”

In the virtual space, Facebook members can also “Join Shaq” now through Christmas Eve, when they become fans of Toys“R”Us or Babies“R”Us at either Facebook.com/Toysrus or Facebook.com/Babiesrus. For every new fan who joins now through Thursday December 24, Toys“R”Us will donate $1 worth of toys to Toys for Tots.

As the largest retail partner in the history of Toys for Tots, Toys“R”Us, Inc. has raised more than $16.2 million and collected more than 1.4 million toys since the partnership began in 2004. To jumpstart the 2009 campaign, the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund made a $250,000 grant to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. This program is also supported by the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund. On the web: www.toysfortots.org.

Source and photos: Toys "R" Us

Dr. Miracle's Hosts Screening and Panel Discussion of 'Good Hair'

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Dr. Miracle’s, a leader in the ethnic hair care industry and the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN) held a private screening of Chris Rock’s award-winning documentary ‘Good Hair’ on October 6th at the Tribeca Cinemas in New York. The screening was followed by an interactive discussion on African American women and their hair. In the photo above is Kathleen Johnson of Dr. Miracle's (previously profiled here), Tai Beauchamp, and Michaela Angela Davis.

In light of the film and recent NY Times article, Black Hair: Still Tangled in Politics and TIME’s article, Why Michelle Obama’s Hair Matters, Dr. Miracle’s and WEEN assembled together a stellar panel of industry experts to discuss what it truly means to have “good hair.” They discussed topics that included the range of acceptable workplace hair styles, how misconceptions are affecting the media’s spin on the subject, how celebrities play a role in setting the trends, and how the community is affected by recent media stories.

Brian K. Marks, Kathleen Johnson, Michaela Angela Davis, Tai Beauchamp, Ollie Johnson, Alesha Renee, K. Foxx, and Jamel Davenport

Tamekia Flowers-Holland & Hip Hop 4 Life joins Dr. Miracle's President Brian K. Marks (far left)at Good Hair Pre-Screening

Photos by Nunez courtesy of Dr. Miracle's

Photos of the Day: Black Girls Rock!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:10:00 +0000

The 4th annual Black Girls Rock! awards was held on Saturday, October 17 at the New York Times Center in NYC. Black Girls Rock! is a non profit youth empowerment mentoring organization founded by DJ Beverly Bond. Bond is pictured at center with actresses Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King, who served as hosts for the evening.

Tracee Ross and Regina King with actress Queen Latifah

On the Black Girls Rock! twitter page, they share that Queen Latifah made a $25,000 contribution!

Fashion stylist and author June Ambrose, DJ Beverly Bond, singer Janelle Monae, and actress/entrepreneur Raven Symone

Bond with Black Girls Rock! Icon honoree Mary J. Blige

Bethann Hardison and Iyanla Vanzant

Regina King, Dr. Mehret Mandefro, Beverly Bond, Lisa Evers, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Londell McMillan

Upcoming Events

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:59:00 +0000

Jarvis Green Foundation to Host 3rd Annual Jarvis Green Foundation Wine Tasting Gala at the Rhode Island Convention Center

Proceeds will benefit single mothers in disadvantaged, low income areas

On November 6, 2009 at 7pm, Jarvis Green of the New England Patriots will host the 3rd annual Jarvis Green Foundation Wine Tasting Gala at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The foundation promises the evening to be an unforgettable event with “great people, great food and great entertainment.” In photo is Pepper Johnson and Jarvis Green at the 2008 gala in Seekonk, MA.

Jarvis Green has made it his goal to help families in underserved areas, some of whom are still suffering the effects of Hurricane Katrina, and will be joined by some of his Patriots teammates and other local celebrities in hosting this fundraising event. Tickets can be purchased through www.jarvisgreen.com. For further information about the Foundation, please contact Eric Eisenberg at (636)294-5353. (See photos from last year's event HERE.)

ATLANTA: “Cocktails & Couture Fundraiser”
A Meet & Greet with the Ladies of BET Reality Shows

Chit Chat Communications & Caribe Media Network Presents Cocktails & Couture Fundraiser with the ladies of BET Reality

Friday, October 23, 2009, 6pm-9pm at FUSE Lounge (formerly M Bar), 257 Peters Street, (Castleberry Hill) downtown, Atlanta. $20 donation.

Via Press Release: “Cocktails & Couture” Fundraiser is a networking event and high-end fashion show with "Pieces of Adrene" Boutique. The event will have a Caribbean flair by Caribe Media Network with specialty sangrias made by the owner of FUSE Lounge and a variety of food options. A meet & greet with the ladies of BET reality: Antonia “Toya” Carter of “Tiny & Toya” and Neffe of “The Frankie & Neffe Show” with a surprise BET celebrity guest.

Networking is a must all while giving to charity. “This event is to raise funds for Sisters of Today & Tomorrow (SOT) nonprofit organization’s programs that take place throughout the year,” states Carla Morrison, Founder of SOT. “We are also introducing our celebrity spokesperson and our collaborative efforts that will be taking place. Neffe will be autographing and selling copies of her book ($12) 'My Happiness Is My Sanity,' with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Sisters of Today & Tomorrow.”

For more information, log onto: http://www.sistersoftodayandtomorrow.org/ or call (404) 815-5667. For dinner reservations contact FUSE Lounge at (404) 228-7977 or http://www.fusedowntown.com/.

NEW YORK: NYC Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg To Award Entertainers 4 Education Alliance with Proclamation Declaring October 27, 2009 “I Will Graduate Day" for the City of New York

Via Press Release: New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg will declare October 27th as the “first ever” I WILL GRADUATE DAY and recognize the efforts of Entertainers 4 Education Alliance, the entertainment industry’s charitable organization. Entertainment 4 Education Alliance (E4EA) has developed the “I WILL GRADUATE CAMPAIGN,” as an extension of their organization's mission which utilizes the influence of celebrities, musicians, sports figures, and high profile individuals to promote positive messages to young people about the importance of education, personal advancement, and social commitment. The proclamation will be presented to Entertainers 4 Education Alliance at their 4th Annual Stay In School Pep Rally event on October 27th from 2pm-6pm at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chamber Street, NYC.

Five years ago, celebrity publicist Tonya Lewis and former music executive J.P. Taylor, learned about the enormous drop-out rate in America’s schools while doing an event for a celebrity client. Disturbed by the statistics, they created E4EA to develop campaigns, concerts, rallies, and events, using their relationships with celebrities to emphasize the importance of education.

The “I WILL GRADUATE CAMPAIGN” is a drop-out prevention movement and call to action for students, parents, and the entire community to communicate the importance of education, increase educational achievement, and encourage high school seniors to pursue higher education. A PSA of the celebrities supporting the I WILL GRADUATE initiative can be viewed at http://www.e4ea.org/ and http://www.iwillgraduate.org/.

Performances and Appearances by: Michael R. Bloomberg (NYC Mayor); Russell Simmons (Entrepreneur, Philanthropist); John Starks (NBA LEGEND); Al Harrington (NY Knicks); Nate Robinson (NY Knicks); Calvin Pace (NY Jets); Juelz Santana (Def Jam recording artist); Ryan Leslie (Atlantic/Next Selection recording artist) and Sway Calloway (TV & Radio Personality)

In related news, Mayor Bloomberg was among the honorees at the 2009 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy ceremony. Given every two years, the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy celebrates social investment and catalytic philanthropy. Much like the Nobel Prize in honoring individual contributions to society, the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy recognizes individuals who live in the same spirit as Andrew Carnegie: “private wealth for the public good.” The other honorees were The Koç family of Turkey, Gordon & Betty Moore, and Sanford & Joan Weill.

The 2009 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy honorees

WASHINGTON, DC: International Non-profit Hosts 2nd Annual Night of Celebration

Ibriori! A Celebration of Rwandan Progress
Friday Nov. 6, 2009 – 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Josephine Butler Parks Center
2437 15th Street NW

Attendees have a chance to win a trip to Rwanda

To commemorate Rwanda’s progress over the past 15 years, Indego Africa will host the second annual Ibriori! fundraiser. The event will feature traditional Rwandan cuisine and lively African dancing by DC-based Amariza N’Amasonga dance troupe. Matt Mitro, founder of Indego Africa, will speak about the vital role women are playing in Rwanda's post-Genocidal development and the impact social enterprise is having on their lives and their community.

At the event, Indego Africa will raffle a trip to Rwanda including airfare and lodging, equal to $3,000. The winner will be able to see first-hand the impact of the Rwandan women on the economy and the country’s growth since the 1994 Genocide. Raffle tickets are $25 each and can be purchased online at www.indegoafrica.org/fundraisers or on the night of the drawing.

“This is one of the most festive events in Washington, DC,” said Mitro. “We have a unique opportunity to celebrate Rwandan livelihood and support vital job skill training in a time when the global economy needs it the most.”

The event is open to the public, and tickets are available online for $45 at www.indegoafrica.org/fundraisers. A combination package of an event and raffle ticket is available at a discounted price of $65. Indego Africa’s signature products, all made by cooperative groups of Rwandan women, will also be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit Indego Africa, a fair trade organization that gives 100% of fundraising efforts to Rwandan women who are rebuilding their communities and economy through local crafts. (See previous post with photos HERE.)

SAN FRANCISCO: THE CALIFORNIA WELLNESS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2009 CALIFORNIA PEACE PRIZE HONOREES

Unsung Heroes To Receive $25,000 Cash Awards for Violence Prevention Work

On October 28, The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) will honor three community leaders with its 17th annual California Peace Prize at a ceremony in San Francisco. Among the honorees are:

Brian King: As co-founder and chief executive of Fresno Street Saints, Brian King has come a long way from his days as a gang member and drug dealer in Chicago. Fresno Street Saints, a faith-based organization that seeks to restore southwest Fresno as a safe and healthy community, provides services and support to at-risk youth and their families.

The organization’s services include gang prevention and intervention programs that offer educational enrichment, youth employment training, grief counseling and family leadership development. “What we’re doing is taking back these streets and directing resources right to the people, especially to the youth,” said King. “The community leaders and resources must be as visible and as accessible as the gangs are, or the gangs will continue to win.”

Olis Simmons: Olis Simmons has devoted her career to developing systems and programs that foster community wellness. Simmons helped found Youth UpRising (YU) and serves as its executive director. YU is a youth leadership development center that serves young people (ages 13 to 24) from Alameda County’s lowest-income communities.

This public-private partnership offers services in health and wellness, anchored by a school-linked health clinic and integrated mental health services; art and expression, featuring dance, music and film production; and career, pipeline preparation and placement. “The best prevention is investing in young people, in their education and sense of possibility,” said Simmons. “Be expansive in your notion of prevention. It’s not simply preventing a physical disease; it’s preventing the loss of hope.”

The California Wellness Foundation is a private independent, private foundation, created in 1992, with a mission to improve the health of the people of California by making grants for health promotion, wellness education and disease prevention. Visit TCWF’s website at www.CalWellness.org. Source: Lagrant Communications

DALLAS/FT. WORTH, TEXAS

Nonprofit, Faith-Based and For-Profit Organizations Ban Together to Make A Difference

Several organizations are joining forces to support Keystone Community Outreach Church by hosting a community fair for over 700 residents from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2009, in the Cavile Housing Development located on 5020 East Rosedale Fort Worth, TX. This Saturday is nationally recognized as Make a Difference Day.

Local nonprofit organizations will set-up booths to raise community awareness about their causes, conduct workshops on health and financial literacy, and provide family-centered entertainment such as a three-on-three basketball tournament and a talent show for residents.

“The goal of the event is to connect this community with resources in their area while also providing hope and encouragement for the residents in the Cavile Housing Development,” said Froswa Booker-Drew, Director of the Texas Office of Partners of Sacred Places. “We are so excited to partner with wonderful nonprofit and for-profit organizations to demonstrate our unified commitment to bettering this community. This is the perfect example of neighbors helping neighbors.”

In the spirit of Make a Difference Day, a national day of neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers are asked to sign-up to assist with event set-up, running the basketball tournament, and directing community residents to workshops. According to the Make a Difference Day website, in 2008, more than three million American citizens participated throughout the country. The day of service is always held the fourth Saturday in October. For more information about Make a Difference Day, visit http://www.usaweekend.com/diffday/aboutmadd.html.

GROOMING MEN OF THE FUTURE HOPES TO RECRUIT MENTORS FOR WAITING AFRICAN-AMERICAN BOYS

African-American barbershops can serve as equal parts debate club, school, man cave, sports bar and therapists’ couch for men who enjoy the lively multi-topic conversations each weekend. On Saturday, October 31, members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Big Brothers Big Sisters hope to interject the need for African-American male mentors into the morning conversations at barbershops throughout North Texas. Both Alpha Phi Alpha members and Big Brothers Big Sisters representatives will spend their mornings at participating shops sharing the tremendous need for mentors with customers.

“While many of our members are mentors in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, the need for African-American mentors greatly exceeds what our local chapters can provide,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Xi Tau Lambda President Lewis Brewer. “Through the Grooming Men of the Future barbershop event, we hope to recruit mentors that day and also encourage folks to get involved and ensure that these boys are matched with positive role models.”

Recognizing that traditional mentor recruitment efforts were attracting a very small number of African-American males, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters to develop a barbershop mentor recruitment event five years ago. The 2009 event hopes to recruit at least 40 mentors. Currently, more than 1,500 African-American boys are waiting for a mentor in North Texas.

Participating barbershops in the Dallas/Forth Worth Area-DALLAS: L.A. Elite Cutz, 19009 Preston Road – Suite 117; Legends Ditty Slim Barber Shop,13331 Preston Road. FORT WORTH: Chop Shop Barbershop,6700 Brentwood Stair Road. PLANO: Tye’s Barber & Beauty Salon, 910 W Parker Road. LEWISVILLE: Ray’s Barber & Beauty Salon,1565 W Main Street – Suite 215 and Natural Edges, 937 E Southwest Pkwy. – Suite 106**Former Little Brother Michael Johnson cuts hair at this shop. ARLINGTON: Platinum Cuts Barbershop, 800 SW Green Oaks Blvd and Kut it Up Barbershop & Beauty Salon, 2290 SE Green Oaks Blvd. – Suite 110.

For more information, contact 888.887.BIGS or http://www.bbbstx.org/.

The Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:26:00 +0000

New York, New York (October 14th, 2009) - EMMY winning and Oscar-nominated legendary actress Cicely Tyson announced today that she will host an event for the unveiling of the new state-of-the-art Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts, located at 35 Winans Street in East Orange, New Jersey on Saturday, October 24th, 2009. The red carpet and unveiling begins at 3:00pm with a private dinner to follow.

The Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts serves as the East Orange School District's educational center for the development of performing and fine arts for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school reflects a system of formal academic instruction with an intense arts curriculum. The academic/performing and fine arts curricula have been designed to allow students to be artistically creative in a field of their choosing; yet the academic program remains the foundation of all educational development. Ms. Tyson accepted the offer to have the school named in her honor on the condition that she is actively involved.

The idea to build the school was developed almost seven years ago and construction began in 2005 on the $143 million dollar project with funding from the State's School Development Authority. Built with the idea of revitalizing key neighborhoods in East Orange, the complex was created as a shared-use facility. After school hours, residents in the surrounding community will be able to use the school's library, media centers, gymnasiums, cafeterias, music and art rooms, and health and dental clinics.

The Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts and the Washington Academy will occupy a 309,000-square-foot facility. The new school is one the most technologically advanced schools ever built in the state of New Jersey, with extensive performing arts facilities built to Broadway standards in terms of sound, lighting, and acoustics.

CNN’s Soledad O'Brien will be the evening’s mistress of ceremonies and Reginald Van Lee, Senior Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton and philanthropist, is the evening’s sponsor.

“These children have God-given artistic talents that we can now properly nurture and train,” said Ms. Tyson. “It is my hope that we will provide them with a foundation that will allow them to become productive members of the creative class and that their works will tell our stories for generations to come. I am pleased that the City of East Orange has chosen to invest in our collective cultural future.”

Source: bmichael America

NFL Player Creates Community Mentoring Program for DC Youth

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:34:00 +0000

In 2003, NFLer London Fletcher of the Washington Redskins founded the London’s Bridge Foundation, an Ohio based non profit organization to build standards of education, leadership, teamwork and recreation for today’s youth, with the ultimate goal of instilling the values of volunteerism and philanthropy. Through the foundation’s mentoring and charitable giving programs, they teach youth life skills and valuable learning lessons. One of those programs is London’s Brigade, a community project that provides access to mentors 24/7. The project uses its website, (londonsbridge.org), which features a blog and discussion board to connect with students.

On September 22, 2009 during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual legislative conference, Fletcher along with foundation staff and mentors took youth on a tour of the U.S. Capitol (in photo above) in Washington, D.C. They met Rep. Eleanor Norton and learned about various scholarship opportunities available to them. Norton, expressing appreciation to the foundation’s staff for bringing the youth to her office, shared that she rarely gets a chance to meet her youngest constituents. After spending the day on Capitol Hill, the youth were treated to a surprise dinner at B. Smith's restaurant in Union Station.

This month, the foundation’s theme is journalism and their upcoming mentoring trips will allow the youth to tour the Newseum, participate in a civil rights course that will allow them to stage their own mock social movement, visit BET and meet with executives in the entertainment industry, tour the Redskins stadium and have a chance to go on the field and write news paper articles about their experience.

The foundation states, “the central focus of the project is to provide students with an alternate game plan should their hopes and dreams of being professional athletes and entertainers not materialize. For many kids, especially minorities, these are the only perceived means of obtaining professional success. Thus, our primary goal is to introduce our students to alternative career options.” In addition to Washington, D.C., the foundation has provided mentoring activities in Cleveland, Ohio; Buffalo, New York; and Charlotte, N.C. (In photo: Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton and London Fletcher.)

For more information, visit the website at http://www.londonsbridge.org/.

Photos courtesy of London's Bridge Foundation

NBA Player Returns Home to Inspire Youth

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:16:00 +0000

Akron, OH, October 13, 2009 – Professional basketball player Devin Green of the Minnesota Timberwolves went back to high school for a day in his hometown of Akron, Ohio to share his journey to the NBA with students at Butchel High school. Green’s summer was the subject of a YouTube documentary entitled "Devin Green: The Journey,”chronicling his collegiate hoops at Hampton University, and professional career in the NBA and overseas. On September 11th, Green journeyed home to Ohio to impart his learned lessons on and off the court.

Buchtel High School opened in 1931 and was named after John R. Buchtel, one of Akron's leading industrialists and philanthropists. Green spoke with two groups of students, an academic scholars program and the basketball team. Green played on the varsity basketball team for two seasons for the “Griffins” and appreciated the home court advantage to speak with the students. “Home is where the heart is, I love Ohio and appreciate all the support and encouragement,” said Green. “The Journey is a documentary about my life and professional athletic career. I want to share my journey and let the students know I sat where they are sitting and that dreams come true.”

On September 28th, Green signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves as an unrestricted free agent. Green has played with the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and European teams.

Green’s commitment to giving back and his diverse support group propels him to keep going. His hometown of Ohio is where Green garnered his spirit of community service, zest for success and work ethic – on and off the court.

Green has “home-court” advantage and wants to inspire Ohio students to appreciate their own “Journey.”

"I found Devin's visit informative and his presentation was engaging," said Brian Turner, College Access Coordinator, Project GRAD Akron. "The students were receptive to his message and hopefully it will inspire them to go to college and embark on their own journey." To view a clip of Devin’s documentary, The Journey, visit HERE.

Photos: (Top) Devin Green with Project GRAD advisors; (bottom) Devon with Butchel High School students

Source: Jadshu PR

R&B Star Fantasia “Comes Together” With Macy’s and Feeding America

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:14:00 +0000

Singer and Broadway Actress to Host Dinner Party at Her Charlotte Home to Benefit Feeding America

CHARLOTTE, NC– October 14, 2009– Singer/Songwriter and season 3 American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, is joining Macy’s in an effort to raise money and awareness for Feeding America and local food banks. Barrino is hosting a dinner party at her Charlotte Home on Thursday, October 15th as part of Macy’s “Come Together” campaign.

This September, Macy’s and Feeding America launched “Come Together,” an innovative awareness and fundraising campaign that aims to feed 10 million people suffering from hunger. Celebrating the renaissance of cooking at home, Come Together invites the public to rally around the cause and host special dinners in their homes, but ask their guests to pledge a donation to Feeding America and local food banks in lieu of the traditional host gift. In return, Macy’s will match these donations dollar-for-dollar until the total goal of 10 million meals is reached. In Charlotte, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina will be one of the beneficiaries of this effort.

The statistics are staggering, as 35.5 million Americans are at risk of hunger with 12 million of those being children. This year alone the need for food is up 30 percent. While many assume that the homeless make up the largest contingent of the hungry, in reality 89 percent of the people Feeding America serve nationally each year have homes. The need for food increases yearly during the Fall/Winter.

“When I heard about the Macy's Come Together Campaign, I thought that hosting a dinner party would be a great way to give back to my community,” said Fantasia. “After gathering information about the campaign I realized and want others to know that hunger is not just something the homeless experience. In these tough times we have to recognize the need to assist our fellow neighbors and community as a whole. That is why I wanted to do something with the campaign and I encourage others to do so as well.”

Source: IT Factor Media PR