Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
My New Blog: Cause For Creative
I just started a new blog, Cause For Creative. I am so excited! Check it out, it's all for a good cause.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
SUPPORT: the Phoenix Theater, go to the Guitar Gala
The Phoenix Theater is a place that is important to me. My reasoning for this is extensive but mostly, I feel that Petaluma would be lacking something without it. I was lucky enough to spend many a night at the theater in my youth, watching shows. Because it was right there in town it was easy to go. Do you have any idea how impossible it is for a 14 year old kid to get to the city to see a band perform? I do and I haven’t forgotten.
So many concerts, I might not have ever seen if it weren’t for the Phoenix. Those of you who grew up in the area know what I am taking about. But, have you been to the Phoenix lately? I have, just last year. I went to see hip-hop legends Too$hort, Method Man and Red Man, and for my friend and war casualty Kawika’s memorial. I love the place, it holds memories and it’s got its charm, but is in need of some definite renovation. And since this theater has given so much to the community, it’s only right that we pull together to participate in preserving this historical location and the wonderful programs it offers our youth.
The Phoenix has organized its Carnival and Guitar Gala, scheduled to take place this Saturday. The event will feature close to 20 guitars donated by the Gibson Foundation. Each one has been designed by a different artist, three of whom I know personally: Ricky Watts, Jared Powell and Josh Faure-Brac. I can’t begin to express the pride I take in knowing these three creative individuals and to be blessed with their astonishing work. Other artists include the likes of George Lucas, Seth Green, Stan Lee, Les Claypool, and many others. Please visit, phoenixguitargala.com for the full list.
“I knew in my heart and soul it was something I needed to contribute to. It's such an honor to be a part of this show, with so many great people contributing,” Ricky Watts told me. The artist and local visionary also helped in designing the poster that added to the overall look and feel for the Gala’s promotion and website. “How could I say no? Gibson Guitars donated all the materials and it was a dream come true to deface my very own Les Paul,” he joked.
The Gala is this Saturday, February 28th, at 7pm. It will feature a live Internet auction, cocktail party, silent auction featuring artist memorabilia, and appearances by a few of the artists. Tickets are only $30 each, $50 per couple and information can be found here. 100% of all proceeds will go towards supporting free after-school music, theater and arts programs for at-risk youth of the North Bay and will help to maintain our one and only Phoenix Theater.
Remember: the mission of the Phoenix is to, “foster the emotional, physical and social development of the young people we serve, specifically at risk youth, by enabling them to create and engage in programs for music, the arts, and health and wellness, while preserving and improving the historic Phoenix Theater as a resource for youth and the community at large.” Let that ideal live in your heart and let’s work together to keep it going. After all, children are our future; I was once a Phoenix punk kid who turned out alright.
So many concerts, I might not have ever seen if it weren’t for the Phoenix. Those of you who grew up in the area know what I am taking about. But, have you been to the Phoenix lately? I have, just last year. I went to see hip-hop legends Too$hort, Method Man and Red Man, and for my friend and war casualty Kawika’s memorial. I love the place, it holds memories and it’s got its charm, but is in need of some definite renovation. And since this theater has given so much to the community, it’s only right that we pull together to participate in preserving this historical location and the wonderful programs it offers our youth.
The Phoenix has organized its Carnival and Guitar Gala, scheduled to take place this Saturday. The event will feature close to 20 guitars donated by the Gibson Foundation. Each one has been designed by a different artist, three of whom I know personally: Ricky Watts, Jared Powell and Josh Faure-Brac. I can’t begin to express the pride I take in knowing these three creative individuals and to be blessed with their astonishing work. Other artists include the likes of George Lucas, Seth Green, Stan Lee, Les Claypool, and many others. Please visit, phoenixguitargala.com for the full list.
“I knew in my heart and soul it was something I needed to contribute to. It's such an honor to be a part of this show, with so many great people contributing,” Ricky Watts told me. The artist and local visionary also helped in designing the poster that added to the overall look and feel for the Gala’s promotion and website. “How could I say no? Gibson Guitars donated all the materials and it was a dream come true to deface my very own Les Paul,” he joked.
The Gala is this Saturday, February 28th, at 7pm. It will feature a live Internet auction, cocktail party, silent auction featuring artist memorabilia, and appearances by a few of the artists. Tickets are only $30 each, $50 per couple and information can be found here. 100% of all proceeds will go towards supporting free after-school music, theater and arts programs for at-risk youth of the North Bay and will help to maintain our one and only Phoenix Theater.
Remember: the mission of the Phoenix is to, “foster the emotional, physical and social development of the young people we serve, specifically at risk youth, by enabling them to create and engage in programs for music, the arts, and health and wellness, while preserving and improving the historic Phoenix Theater as a resource for youth and the community at large.” Let that ideal live in your heart and let’s work together to keep it going. After all, children are our future; I was once a Phoenix punk kid who turned out alright.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Preserving a walk down Memory Lane
This post is taken from last year's with some fresh additives.
"What is The Memory Walk," you ask? A stroll down Memory Lane spent reminiscing about your first love? Is it a flash in your minds eye of your newborn child, who is now all grown up? Or the thought of your first major accomplishment or promotion? Not quite. But, it is an event that supports the preservation of such memories.
The Memory Walk is an Alzheimer's Association event that raises awareness and money to support the ongoing research of the disease and care for those it affects. The walk is held in more than 600 communities and is designed to help fight against the awful and debilitating disease. Our ability to survive in this life is based on the things we've learned from it. But if you can't remember, how will you ever be able to continue? This walk supports just that: basic survival, research of treatments and possible cures, and assistance to those currently living with the disease.The walk is a deserving cause and a true two-for-one: get your exercise while striving to make a difference in your community. This horrible disease affects 5 million Americans, and unfortunately that staggering number includes members of my own family and friends; one of which happens to be a very dear friend's Aunt Patt.
So this Saturday, October 18th, please join "Patt and her Posse," at Schollenberger Park, 1450 Technology Lane, Petaluma, CA for the annual Wine Country Memory Walk.
The event information is as follows:
Registration Open: 10/18/2008 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Walk Begins: 10/18/2008 10:00 am - 11:30 am
*Funds raised at the Memory Walk will support research that is on the brink of promising new treatments to slow and prevent Alzheimer’s and local programs to improve the lives of those individuals living with the disease. If for some reason you cannot make it to the walk, you can still make a donation to Patt's Posse.
This message is in honor of Patt Dombroski.
And in memory of My Mama Marye Davis and the honor of my Auntie Joyce Endert O'Connell.
"What is The Memory Walk," you ask? A stroll down Memory Lane spent reminiscing about your first love? Is it a flash in your minds eye of your newborn child, who is now all grown up? Or the thought of your first major accomplishment or promotion? Not quite. But, it is an event that supports the preservation of such memories.
The Memory Walk is an Alzheimer's Association event that raises awareness and money to support the ongoing research of the disease and care for those it affects. The walk is held in more than 600 communities and is designed to help fight against the awful and debilitating disease. Our ability to survive in this life is based on the things we've learned from it. But if you can't remember, how will you ever be able to continue? This walk supports just that: basic survival, research of treatments and possible cures, and assistance to those currently living with the disease.The walk is a deserving cause and a true two-for-one: get your exercise while striving to make a difference in your community. This horrible disease affects 5 million Americans, and unfortunately that staggering number includes members of my own family and friends; one of which happens to be a very dear friend's Aunt Patt.
So this Saturday, October 18th, please join "Patt and her Posse," at Schollenberger Park, 1450 Technology Lane, Petaluma, CA for the annual Wine Country Memory Walk.
The event information is as follows:
Registration Open: 10/18/2008 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Walk Begins: 10/18/2008 10:00 am - 11:30 am
*Funds raised at the Memory Walk will support research that is on the brink of promising new treatments to slow and prevent Alzheimer’s and local programs to improve the lives of those individuals living with the disease. If for some reason you cannot make it to the walk, you can still make a donation to Patt's Posse.
This message is in honor of Patt Dombroski.
And in memory of My Mama Marye Davis and the honor of my Auntie Joyce Endert O'Connell.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
It's all about the kids.
At the end of the year, I start reflecting.
I get to thinking about all the things wrong with this planet and what I want to do to help. Unfortunately, the bank account of a writer who is not yet famous, is an empty one. I am unable to donate to all the causes I believe in, and trust me there are many.
"What is my contribution to this planet and humankind?" Is a thought that crosses my mind hourly. It's really hard to figure out a way to help and so many of us have this idea that our contribution will, "barely make a dent." But, as long as we think that way, nothing will ever change. The other problem is who to give to; there are so many deserving causes.
I have contributed to:
-World Vision Inc., http://www.worldvision.org/; it's an organization devoted to working with children, families and their communities, worldwide.
-St. Jude Children's Hospital offers many ways in which to assist sick children http://www.stjude.org/ . I donated to them, in September when Chili's restaurant had their Design-a-Pepper program. I colored one and gave a little bit of money- not much but it still counts.
-Through the United Way program, http://www.unitedway.org/ , I have donated to the kids of in the county I live, for the last two years. It is an excellent way to watch how efforts help the community in which you live.
MOST IMPORTANT: If you don't have a lot of money, offer some of your time. There is truth to be said, in the saying, "time is money."
An organization I intend to donate my time to in the coming year is the Charity Music Program, http://www.charitymusic.org/ . This organization donates used musical instruments to disadvantaged, at-risk children with a desire to develop their musical talents. The instruments are loaned, at no charge, and the program is nonprofit and run by volunteers. They take other sorts of donations too like, instruments of any kind and concert tickets (type of venue and artist, do not matter), and they are in need of volunteers, as well.
I will also be donating to the Tony Hawk Foundation, http://www.tonyhawkfoundation.org/ this year. This organization helps to fund the building of public skate parks in low income areas; giving children a place for recreational activities outside. I think it’s a healthy alternative to lying around the house playing video games, eating crap, and doing who knows what else; and an effective method of promoting exercise, in a country that has a tremendous child obesity problem.
I believe in many, many causes and if I could save the world, Lord knows I would try. Of the most important to me however, are the ones that cater to kids. I believe they are our future and that healthy, happy kids are what will make exceptional adults, some day. Children’s creative expression has become increasingly important to me. Whether it be skating, music, art, baseball, etc.- it is all a form of creative expression.
I was fortunate as a child, to have a grandmother who put me in art classes. I am forever thankful to her for it, because without her I never could have afforded to go. She believed I was an artist and that it was important for me to find a way to express myself. As a kid it was art and as an adult, I have found my creative release through marketing and writing, and I believe this is a direct result of her efforts years ago. I am proud to say that I have recently started dabbling with painting again for the first time since high school; I never think they’re any good, but I know Gram is smiling somewhere.
I am looking for a good program that donates to the development of children’s artistic abilities by offering supplies to kids who can’t afford them, but haven’t been able to find one. If you know of one like this feel free to contact me.
Happy Holidays.
I get to thinking about all the things wrong with this planet and what I want to do to help. Unfortunately, the bank account of a writer who is not yet famous, is an empty one. I am unable to donate to all the causes I believe in, and trust me there are many.
"What is my contribution to this planet and humankind?" Is a thought that crosses my mind hourly. It's really hard to figure out a way to help and so many of us have this idea that our contribution will, "barely make a dent." But, as long as we think that way, nothing will ever change. The other problem is who to give to; there are so many deserving causes.
I have contributed to:
-World Vision Inc., http://www.worldvision.org/; it's an organization devoted to working with children, families and their communities, worldwide.
-St. Jude Children's Hospital offers many ways in which to assist sick children http://www.stjude.org/ . I donated to them, in September when Chili's restaurant had their Design-a-Pepper program. I colored one and gave a little bit of money- not much but it still counts.
-Through the United Way program, http://www.unitedway.org/ , I have donated to the kids of in the county I live, for the last two years. It is an excellent way to watch how efforts help the community in which you live.
MOST IMPORTANT: If you don't have a lot of money, offer some of your time. There is truth to be said, in the saying, "time is money."
An organization I intend to donate my time to in the coming year is the Charity Music Program, http://www.charitymusic.org/ . This organization donates used musical instruments to disadvantaged, at-risk children with a desire to develop their musical talents. The instruments are loaned, at no charge, and the program is nonprofit and run by volunteers. They take other sorts of donations too like, instruments of any kind and concert tickets (type of venue and artist, do not matter), and they are in need of volunteers, as well.
I will also be donating to the Tony Hawk Foundation, http://www.tonyhawkfoundation.org/ this year. This organization helps to fund the building of public skate parks in low income areas; giving children a place for recreational activities outside. I think it’s a healthy alternative to lying around the house playing video games, eating crap, and doing who knows what else; and an effective method of promoting exercise, in a country that has a tremendous child obesity problem.
I believe in many, many causes and if I could save the world, Lord knows I would try. Of the most important to me however, are the ones that cater to kids. I believe they are our future and that healthy, happy kids are what will make exceptional adults, some day. Children’s creative expression has become increasingly important to me. Whether it be skating, music, art, baseball, etc.- it is all a form of creative expression.
I was fortunate as a child, to have a grandmother who put me in art classes. I am forever thankful to her for it, because without her I never could have afforded to go. She believed I was an artist and that it was important for me to find a way to express myself. As a kid it was art and as an adult, I have found my creative release through marketing and writing, and I believe this is a direct result of her efforts years ago. I am proud to say that I have recently started dabbling with painting again for the first time since high school; I never think they’re any good, but I know Gram is smiling somewhere.
I am looking for a good program that donates to the development of children’s artistic abilities by offering supplies to kids who can’t afford them, but haven’t been able to find one. If you know of one like this feel free to contact me.
Happy Holidays.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Take a Walk on Memory's Side
The Memory Walk is less than 5 days away...
"What is The Memory Walk," you ask? A stroll down Memory Lane spent reminiscing about your first love? Is it a flash in your minds eye of your newborn child, who is now all grown up? Or the thought of your first major accomplishment or promotion? Not quite. But, it is an event that supports the preservation of such memories.
The Memory Walk is an Alzheimer's Association event that raises awareness and money to support the ongoing research of the disease and care for those it affects. The walk is held in more than 600 communities and is designed to help fight against the awful and debilitating disease.
"A memory is all we have," is one of my favorite sayings and is true in so many ways. Our ability to survive in this life is based on the things we've learned from it. But if you can't remember these tactics, how will you ever be able to continue? This walk supports just that: basic survival, the research of treatments and possible cures, and the assistance to those currently living with the disease.
I did the walk about two years ago to support my friend's Aunt Patt who has Alzheimer’s; while the disease is not a stranger in my family either, my grandma on my dad's side and two of my great aunts are suffers. It's pretty safe to say that everyone knows at least one person affected by the damaging disease. The walk is a deserving cause and a true two-for-one: get your exercise while striving to make a difference in your community.
This Saturday, October 13th, please join "Patt and her Posse" of family and friends, at Spring Lake Park, in Santa Rosa, CA for the annual Wine Country Memory Walk.
The event information is as follows:
Registration Area Opens 10/13/2007 9:00-10:00 am
Warm-up Festivities 10/13/2007 9:30-10:00 am
Memory Walk Begins! 10/13/2007 10:00-11:00 am
Program, Tribute and Raffle 10/13/2007 11:15-12:00 pm
*Funds raised at the Memory Walk will support research that is on the brink of promising new treatments to slow and prevent Alzheimer’s and local programs to improve the lives of those individuals living with the disease. If for some reason you cannot make it to the walk, you can still make a donation.
To find out how please go to this link: http://memorywalk.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=226273&u=226273-101415948&e=1291922549
and visit Patt's web page to help in the efforts to support the Alzheimer's Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada.
If you don't live in Northern California but, would like to find a walk to join in your area, please visit: http://www.alz.org/memorywalk/
"What is The Memory Walk," you ask? A stroll down Memory Lane spent reminiscing about your first love? Is it a flash in your minds eye of your newborn child, who is now all grown up? Or the thought of your first major accomplishment or promotion? Not quite. But, it is an event that supports the preservation of such memories.
The Memory Walk is an Alzheimer's Association event that raises awareness and money to support the ongoing research of the disease and care for those it affects. The walk is held in more than 600 communities and is designed to help fight against the awful and debilitating disease.
"A memory is all we have," is one of my favorite sayings and is true in so many ways. Our ability to survive in this life is based on the things we've learned from it. But if you can't remember these tactics, how will you ever be able to continue? This walk supports just that: basic survival, the research of treatments and possible cures, and the assistance to those currently living with the disease.
I did the walk about two years ago to support my friend's Aunt Patt who has Alzheimer’s; while the disease is not a stranger in my family either, my grandma on my dad's side and two of my great aunts are suffers. It's pretty safe to say that everyone knows at least one person affected by the damaging disease. The walk is a deserving cause and a true two-for-one: get your exercise while striving to make a difference in your community.
This Saturday, October 13th, please join "Patt and her Posse" of family and friends, at Spring Lake Park, in Santa Rosa, CA for the annual Wine Country Memory Walk.
The event information is as follows:
Registration Area Opens 10/13/2007 9:00-10:00 am
Warm-up Festivities 10/13/2007 9:30-10:00 am
Memory Walk Begins! 10/13/2007 10:00-11:00 am
Program, Tribute and Raffle 10/13/2007 11:15-12:00 pm
*Funds raised at the Memory Walk will support research that is on the brink of promising new treatments to slow and prevent Alzheimer’s and local programs to improve the lives of those individuals living with the disease. If for some reason you cannot make it to the walk, you can still make a donation.
To find out how please go to this link: http://memorywalk.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=226273&u=226273-101415948&e=1291922549
and visit Patt's web page to help in the efforts to support the Alzheimer's Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada.
If you don't live in Northern California but, would like to find a walk to join in your area, please visit: http://www.alz.org/memorywalk/
Friday, September 21, 2007
Pick a Pepper! Design one to help fight Childhood Cancer.
With all that's happening in the family and my out of town adventures, I never got a chance to write about this... Last week, I went out to dinner at Chili's restaurant, with my parents. My parents are divorced, but are still friends; I know- I am the luckiest kid from a broken home, ever! We find Chili's delicious; it's probably our favorite chain restaurant and has TV's for my sports fanatic Papa.
While sitting there I noticed many a colorful pepper plastered all over the walls. Coloring contest? I am totally in. (Probably am too old to compete, but still want to color one.) Turns out, it's the “Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer” campaign (http://www.creatapepper.com/) and all ages are welcome to participate. The whole month of September (which is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month), people dining at Chili's can color a pepper to be displayed in the restaurant, and make a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
While sitting there I noticed many a colorful pepper plastered all over the walls. Coloring contest? I am totally in. (Probably am too old to compete, but still want to color one.) Turns out, it's the “Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer” campaign (http://www.creatapepper.com/) and all ages are welcome to participate. The whole month of September (which is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month), people dining at Chili's can color a pepper to be displayed in the restaurant, and make a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
On September 24th, this Monday, 100% of all proceeds from sales made at Chili's restaurant go towards finding a cure for childhood cancer. Why not eat there on a day where your money is working towards supporting kids? I created mine and donated while dining at the restaurant. It was very simple; they just added it to our bill. But, anyone can create one online at the above website- no purchase necessary. They pick three online winners per week who will receive a $25 gift certificate and the 28th is their last drawing. I just made one online (Pepper code: 131433) and it's awesome but, far less artistic then the real deal, pictured above. The website also includes pictures of peppers colored by celebrities. If you miss the boat however, donate to St. Jude anyway, it is a wonderful organization.
To learn more about St. Jude and the discoveries made that have, "changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases." Please visit: http://www.stjude.org/
To learn more about St. Jude and the discoveries made that have, "changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases." Please visit: http://www.stjude.org/
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