Fundraisers.com: Annie's Blog

PlanetAid Helps Improve The Environment

2006-11-13T20:40:00.000-08:00

My daughter Coree just sent me an email about Planet Aid asking me to let you know what they do and how you can help them...

Planet Aid recycles 58 million pounds of clothing and textiles

Planet Aid facilitates a free environmental recycling program that accepts textiles, clothing and shoes to lessen the burden of waste in North American landfills.

Last year, Planet Aid recycled 58 million pounds of clothing and textiles. This effort alone reduced the CO2 emission into the
atmosphere at an amount equal to keeping 13,000 cars off the road for a year! They also saved an estimated 60 billion gallons of water- equivalent to the yearly water usage of almost 2 million people.

Planet Aid donation boxes are now in several locations and are now starting to align in California in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles with businesses, schools and other facilities. They are now accepting any clothing, textiles and shoes!

If you are a business who would like to provide this free service in the Los Angeles community and help protect the Planet Contact: Jen Bolin, Corporate Affiliations Manager at 310-963-1566

For more information on Planet Aid and all their drop of locations visit the Planet Aid Website.

Introducting The Fundraisers Prize Closet

2006-06-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

What's Inside The
Fundraisers Prize Closet?

Gifts For Giving Moms!
Do you know a Giving Mom? Tell us about her and she might win a wonderful prize from the FundRaisers.com Prize Closet!

In 100 words or less, tell us about a Giving Mom in your community who tirelessly volunteers to serve others and deserves to receive one of the three prizes in our Prize Closet. We will choose three Giving Moms to be honored in a feature article published on Fundraisers.com, a humble, yet heartfelt honor for a deserving Mom.

The deadline for submissions is July 31st, so get your entry in soon! To enter a Giving Mom, please see the Fundraisers.com... PRIZE CLOSET PAGE.

Thanks to our Prize Closet sponsors...

Giving The Gift of Charity

2005-12-10T23:32:00.000-08:00

The past year was tough, no doubt. With that in mind, USA WEEKEND offers an expert guide to holiday gift giving that can make a real difference. Here's how you can end the year on a positive note!

For answers, USA WEEKEND Magazine has assembled its annual panel of gift-buying authorities to weigh in: Robyn Freedman Spizman, author of "Make It Memorable: An A-to-Z Guide to Making Any Event, Gift or Occasion ... Dazzling!"; online shopping expert Kristine Dang of RedEnvelope; Neiman Marcus holiday catalog queen Ginger Reeder; and Hollywood celebrity shopper Allana Baroni, who has bought gifts for Clint Eastwood, Jim Carrey and countless others:

Want to give the gift of charity this holiday shopping season? Here are foundations, sites and stores making it easier, whether you're looking to combine a traditional gift with a donation or to simply give a charitable gift in someone's name:

Read USA WEEKEND Magazine's Article On Charitable Stocking Stuffers.

Remembering Red Buttons

2006-07-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

I never had the pleasure of meeting Red Buttons, but he made an impact on my life. Sayonara is one of my favorite movies. It taught me a lot about compassion and equality. He had a remarkable career. But when I read about Red in the news reports about his passing, I was even more impressed by how much he accomplished for charity.

Red served as an honorary reserve officer for the U.S. Army Reserve and the Orange County Sheriff's Department. His tireless work for the City of Hope earned him a "Spirit of Life Award". He was also awarded a lifetime achievement "Suzie" from the Eddie Cantor Foundation, and was named "Mr. Wonderful" at the 49th annual ball of the Thalians, Hollywood's original celebrity charity. On the old Dean Martin roasts, Red was famous for his "never got a dinner" routine... I'm glad that he was recognized himself for his charitable work.

Thanks, Red.
Annie

Happy Father's Day! Honoring Giving Dads

2006-06-16T17:10:00.000-07:00

This month, in honor of Father's Day, we are recognizing celebrity Giving Dads, like Emerile Lagasse, Paul Newman, Tom Hanks, Bill Clinton, Tommy Hilfiger, Paul Sorvino and Jerry Seinfeld. Read about them and the causes they support on the Fundraisers... GIVING PAGE.

Help Alicia Pay For Her Kidney Operation

2006-04-24T23:07:00.000-07:00

I just received this email from a friend of mine....

Dear Friends, Family and Colleagues,

One of my best friends is in need of a kidney transplant. She is insured and has a good job BUT it is a $250K operation and her co-pay is $25K. She's also a single mom. You can read more about her at www.aliciaskidney.org and please make a donation at the website.

It's our responsibility as a community to help where we can and if you have a charity budget then perhaps this month's contribution can go to Alicia and if you don't have a budget then perhaps you can start one with this opportunity to give. Thanks for all that you can do.

Lots of love,
Siobhan

Do You Know An Amazing Woman?

2006-02-20T19:23:00.000-08:00

Nominate Her To Win $5000 For Her Favorite Charity And A Year's Supply of Swiffer Products!

Swiffer is looking for five amazing women who do large and small things to make the world a better place.

The women selected will be recognized by the award spokesperson, Cindy Crawford and will win $5000 for their favorite charity and a year's supply of Swiffer products!

We bet you know someone who deserves this honor... If so, nominate her between now and March 6th at the Swiffer Amazing Woman of the Year Site.

Charity Auction Expert

2006-04-03T22:58:00.000-07:00

Please welcome our new Charity Auction Expert, Richard Chemel!

Richard is the owner of iSoldIt Chatsworth, CA. part of iSold It LLC- the largest auction dropoff store chain worldwide. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Cabrito Foundation, a non-profit men's recovery home in Canoga Park, CA. He's very knowledgeable about auction fundraising, and he'll be sharing his expertise with us on the Fundraisers.com AUCTION BLOG. Richard is available to answer your questions about fundraising auctions at... richard@fundraisers.com

Thanks, Richard!
Annie

Our New GIVING Page!

2006-03-05T22:52:00.000-08:00

Do you know what charities Oprah supports?

Find out in the new Fundraisers.com GIVING Page! You'll find information on the favorite charities of all of your favorite celebrities, as well as profiles of People who are Giving Back to make the world a better place.

Read more at the... GIVING Page

Super Bowl Weekend In Las Vegas Features Legends Charity Poker Tournament

2006-02-06T16:51:00.000-08:00

Timing couldn't be more perfect to help the causes of the stars involved in this Grand Charity Poker Tournament. Hosted at the Palms was the Legends Invitational Charity Poker Tournament on Super Bowl weekend in Las Vegas.

Co-hosted by Jennifer Harman, Dan Marino, John Elway and Roger Clemens, this event helped to raise much-needed funds to support four prestigious charities: The Dan Marino Foundation, which offers integrated intervention services for children with special needs-medical, emotional, and/or behavioral; The John Elway Foundation, concentrating on the treatment and prevention of child abuse to help prevent future generations from becoming victims of this crime; The Roger Clemens Foundation, helping to fulfill the needs, ease the suffering and encourage and support children from all walks of life; and The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation which provides recreational and educational opportunites for at-risk boys and girls.

Read more about the... Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation

Read more about the... John Elway Foundation

Read more about the... Roger Clemens Foundation

Read more about the... Dan Marino Foundation

Photos from the Palm's Legends Invitational Charity Poker Tournament provided by www.lasvegasvegas.com

Valentine Gifts That Make A Difference

2006-01-29T19:32:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day is a day that brings up visions of hearts and feelings of love. If you are thinking of buying your loved ones a gift of love, why not buy a gift from a company that donates to your favorite causes?

Fundraisers.com has created a shopping area of Socially Responsible Businesses which enables shoppers to search by product or by the causes they support.

Together, you and the businesses showcased at Fundraisers.com make a difference by providing dollars for worthwhile causes in your community. Visit Fundraisers.com and buy a gift that makes YOUR HEART and your loved ones heart feel great!

Visit the Fundraisers.com Shop Page

You Can Make A Difference This Holiday Season

2005-12-10T23:21:00.000-08:00

We spend billions of dollars every day on purchases, so why not buy from a company that donates to your favorite causes?

Just in time for the holidays, Fundraisers.com has created a shopping area of Socially Responsible Businesses which enables shoppers to search by product or by the causes they support.

Together, you and the businesses showcased at Fundraisers.com make a difference by providing dollars for worthwhile causes in your community. Visit Fundraisers.com and shop for the cause!

Visit the FundRaisers.com Shop Page

Our Cover Story: Remembering Wendie Jo Sperber

2005-11-30T23:42:00.000-08:00

Wendie Jo will be deeply missed, but her Spirit of GIving will carry on. She reached out and touched so many people and truly made a difference in this world. Her passionate response to a life-threatening illness led to her creation of the weSPARK Cancer Support Center- a place that feels like a friend's home for so many.

Join us in supporting Wendie Jo's weSpark Cancer Support Center and GIVE.

Here are a few of the emails we have received regarding the news of Wendie Jo's passing:

I am devastated by the news of Wendie Jo Sperbers death. I am her age and I grew up watching her. It breaks my heart. I hope if anything, her life taught us all a valuable lesson of giving and compassion. --Robin

I just wanted to send my condolenses on the passing of Wendie Jo Sperber. My prayers and thoughts are with her family, friends and co-stars. I know most of her time was spent on spreading cancer awareness. My sister is a breast cancer survior. Wendie will be very missed. --Donna

Read more about weSpark and Wendie Jo.

Annie Van Bebber
Founder
FundRaisers.com

Google Doing Good Things

2005-10-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

Google.org: The Philanthropic Arm Of Google

The charity is the outcome of a pledge made by the California-based company at the time of its initial stock market flotation last year. The co-founders Mr Page and Mr Brin said they would set up a Google Foundation to do "good things for the world".

The foundation will start with an initial endowment of about $90 million. In addition, a further $175 million will be invested outside the foundation over the next three years, with the aim of aiding "socially progressive" private companies as well as non-profit organizations.

Read more at... www.google.org.

Google Grants: In-kKnd Advertising On Google For Non-Profits

The Google Grants program supports organizations sharing the philosophy of community service to help the world in areas such as science and technology, education, global public health, the environment, youth advocacy, and the arts.

Designed for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, Google Grants is a unique in-kind advertising program. It harnesses the power of their flagship advertising product, Google AdWords, to non-profits seeking to inform and engage their constituents online. Google Grants has awarded AdWords advertising to hundreds of non-profit groups whose missions range from animal welfare to literacy, from supporting homeless children to promoting HIV education.

To date, Google Grants has donated $33M in advertising to more than 850 non-profit organizations in 10 countries. Current Google Grants participants include the Grameen Foundation USA, Doctors Without Borders, Room To Read, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

For information about the Google Grants program, please visit... www.google.com/grants.

Best Buys' Third Annual Te@ch Program To Award More Than $3.5 Million To K-12 Schools

2005-09-20T23:25:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of Back to School, I wanted to let you know about Best Buys' te@ch program, which rewards schools that are using interactive technology to make learning fun for kids.

In the past two years, more than 2,000 schools have been awarded nearly $6 million to help them expand or enhance existing programs that use the school's available technology to make learning fun for kids.

For more details and to see how you can apply, see the... Best Buy's Te@ch Program Homepage.

Eight Year Old's Fundraiser For Katrina

2005-09-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

8 year old Hart Simpson was inspired by news of the Katrina disaster to raise over $300 for the survivors fund...

Link to Story at wral.com

--Annie

Katrina Donors: Know Who You Are Contributing To

2005-09-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

I read this entry in Brian Krebs' Washington Post blog today...

Katrina Phishing Scams Begin

And this followup story...

Katrina-Related Scams, Continued

These articles point out a very important issue that everyone donating online should be aware of. Just because a website claims to be collecting donations for disaster relief funds, it doesn't mean that they are a legitimate charity worthy of your donation.

The links below take you directly to the online donation pages for the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. These organizations have a long track record of providing help when it is needed. When you donate through these links, you can be assured that your contribution will be used in the most effective way to help the people who need it the most.

American Red Cross Online Contribution Page

Salvation Army Online Contribution Page

Selling Products: A Growing Trend Among Local Community Fundraisers

2005-08-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

What usually comes to mind when you think of a local community fundraiser? A bake sale, walk-a-thon, benefit dinner, a show or party... There's no question that these are great ways to raise funds for a cause, but they can involve a considerable amount of planning, and are usually best suited for organizations with a lot of volunteers. Smaller charitable organizations and local community groups have typically resorted to the old tradition of soliciting donations. Some will go door to door, others set up in a local mall or circulate a collection box at work.

But many charitable fundraisers are discovering another way to raise funds for local charitable causes as well as for local chapters of large non profits. For many years, schools and sports teams have been raising funds through the sales of a wide variety of items. If this works for schools, teams or scouting groups; why shouldn't it work to raise funds for a local chapter of a non profit or a national charity? Donors respond more with their wallet when they know that the money is going to support a cause. Of course, just helping out is a reward in itself, but getting something in return can fuel even more generosity. After all, we are all consumers at heart. It's only natural that fundraisers will have an easier time reaching more of us by selling products.

I recently came across several interesting examples of this, showing that selling may be a growing trend among local community fundraisers.

K-6 Students Help Tsunami Victims

Following the Tsunami disaster, JustFundraising.com encouraged local community groups to raise money for Tsunami relief. The company donated their Victory scratch cards to groups of any size with the condition that 100% of funds raised would go to the cause. Scratch cards, a new way to raise funds, are pocket-sized booklets with scratch off dots. They are a simple and effective concept... An individual approaches friends, family, co-workers and neighbors with their scratch card in hand. Then they ask the donor to scratch two or more scratch dots to uncover dollar amounts underneath. The donor agrees donate the sum of the amounts, for example $2 + $3 = $5 a total donation. Some scratch cards come with coupons that are given to the donor as a ‘thank you’. The coupons provide good value with savings from popular merchants.

Mrs. Sandy Davey and her K-6 students of the Lewis Center for Educational Research in Apple Valley California, graciously participated in this opportunity and collected funds for the American Red Cross Tsunami Relief. “Our elementary students were moved to do a fundraiser for the unfortunate victims and survivors of December's devastating Tsunami in south Asia. Our elementary student council got the idea from JustFundraising.com and used scratch off cards during the month of February 1st through 25th.” Their K-6 student population of 196 raised a total of $1042.40 for the American Red Cross Tsunami Relief.

Fire Academy Sells Cookie Dough For Local Charities

Some schools and sports teams are turning to frozen cookie dough fundraising to raise funds for books and sports equipment. It’s not surprising that this is a popular product, since most people can’t resist the thought of delicious home baked cookies. Supporters will eagerly buy many tubs of cookie dough at an average price of $14 a tub. Typically, fundraisers keep between 40–50% profit to support their cause. The 133rd Fire Academy in Tustin CA raises funds every year and donates a portion to local charities. Recently, they chose to raise funds with cookie dough. "My Fire Academy did a cookie dough fundraiser, and we had a great time! We will give a portion of the $4,218 raised to two local charities”, said Jason Aiello, of the 133rd Santa Ana Basic Fire Academy.

Wrestling Club Helps Wrestler With Leukemia

Fundraising efforts can have an even more direct effect. With medical costs going through the roof, families are having a hard time making ends meet when it comes to serious illness care. This was the case for a wrestler from Beulah, North Dakota, who is fighting a battle with Leukemia. His wrestling colleagues, the Beulah Miner Wrestling Club, rallied to help ease some of the financial burden that comes with serious illness. They raised funds by selling scented candles. Cyndie Dschaak from the wrestling club said, "We did the candle fundraiser, and we raised $1007 in profit. The candles were great and they were easy to sell. We even came up with our own advertising slogan 'Light a candle for Chris.'"

So what can we make of all this? It's good news for all kinds of groups, because it demonstrates that there are more fundraising options than there have been in the past. Selling products for a cause is not a new idea, but aside from colored ribbons and wristbands, many charities have not taken advantage of the possibilities. Local community fundraisers are learning a lesson from their local school, sports team or scouting group... the power of Products For The Cause.

For more information on Scratchcards, see Skratchers.com

For more information on Cookie Dough, see Gourmet Cookie Dough Fundraiser

For more information on Candles, see JustFundraising.com Candles

Please Do What You Can To Help The Hurricane Victims

2005-08-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

The scale of Hurricane Katrina's devastation is beyond belief. The impact is unprecedented. I couldn't help but feel the pain and suffering listening to the news. NOW is the time for all of us to help. I encourage you to be compassionate and make a donation today.

Please visit the American Red Cross Online Contribution Page.

And the Salvation Army Online Contribution Page

Annie

The Fundraisers.com Blog Network!

2005-08-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

It was 34 years ago when my Dad passed away in eight short weeks from Leukemia. At that time, I felt the need to do something to rid myself of the pain and to help find a cure so others would not suffer. So I called all my friends and produced my first fundraising event... a Broomball Hockey Game. At the time I was in radio so I was able to draw top DJ's, support from the record labels and a live broadcast on a local radio station. I got into the "Giving Back" spirit to try and make a difference and have been fundraising ever since.

The internet has provided us with a new way to share our feelings and everyday experiences... the blog. It's an unusual name, isn't it? It's short for "Web Log", and people all over the world are contributing their thoughts and ideas to the "blogosphere". I wanted to create a blog where people who are dedicated to working for the common good can exchange ideas and support, and report on what their organizations are doing. Also, I felt it was important to have a place for people to talk about their own feelings. But as I thought about all of the things that people could write about, I realized one blog just wouldn't cover everything. I'm proud to introduce the Fundraisers.com Blog Network!

Our blogging project begins with seven blogs, each designed to provide insight into a different aspect of Giving and Fundraising. If you have an idea for a blog that you would like us to start, let us know. We will feature it here and showcase it on our website at www.fundraisers.com.

These blogs are available to you and your fellow volunteers and fundraisers to use to get the word out about your cause. Simply click on the email link to the right for the appropriate blog to submit your article for consideration. As the weeks go by, you'll be able to read the announcements and reports from others who feel strongly about their causes, and you can become part of the worldwide Community of Giving.

There are many people who are dedicated to contributing what they can to make the world a better place. I hope these blogs will provide a line of communication to enable us to all accomplish great things for our causes. Send us a blog entry and let us all know what you are up to!

All my Best,
Annie
Founder, Fundraisers.com