Tag Archives: NonProfit and Charities

Want a Sparkling Valentine’s Day? Follow These Six Jewelry Buying Tips

LAS VEGAS, Nev. /ScoopCloud/ -- Whether you are staying at home this Valentine's Day, or plan to have a romantic evening out, the American Gem Society (AGS), a nonprofit association dedicated to consumer protection, has some advice to ensure the jewelry you buy adds extra sparkle to you and your loved one's celebration.

1. Have a general idea of the kind of jewelry you want to buy? If it's a gift, what does the recipient like? Consider the type and color of metal, the gemstone, setting, as well as the type of piece. Would this person want a watch, bracelet, necklace, or ring?

2. Shop with a credentialed, professional jeweler who is a member of an organization with a strict code of business ethics, such as AGS. An ethical and knowledgeable jeweler will share facts about the gemstone in your jewelry, like whether it is enhanced or treated, natural, or a laboratory-created gemstone.

3. Do your research online but visit the store so you can see the piece in person. You might love the way something looks on the screen, but when you see it up close, you may feel differently. Maybe it's the color or sheen of the metal or how the setting looks. Get an up-close look before making a significant purchase.

4. Ask about the return policy. If the gift misses the mark, you'll want to return it!

5. If a discount seems too good to be true, it might be. You've heard of the practice where a retailer inflates a price by a certain percent, then advertises it at a slightly lesser percent? AGS members must adhere to standards of business conduct that strictly prohibit this practice.

6. Buying diamonds? Ask for a diamond grading report from an independent laboratory. A thorough grading report covers all 4Cs-cut, color, clarity, and carat-so that the jewelry buyers know and understand the quality of what they are purchasing. AGS founded AGS Laboratories as a nonprofit diamond grading laboratory that shares its mission of consumer protection. This mission ensures jewelry buyers will receive an unbiased opinion on the quality of their diamonds.

-- Well-cut diamonds sparkle in candlelight or low light. Set the mood with the right lighting and watch the diamond sparkle on your loved one.

Want to learn more tips? Visit http://www.americangemsociety.org/gems-and-jewelry/.

To find a credentialed AGS jeweler, visit https://www.americangemsociety.org/find-a-jeweler/jeweler/search/.

About American Gem Society

The American Gem Society, founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to proven ethics, knowledge, and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. The American Gem Society is a professional organization awarding credentials for its members, who are held to the industry's highest ethical and professional standards and must pass annual recertification examinations to maintain their titles. Less than one in twenty jewelers in the country have met the exacting requirements necessary for membership.

Website: http://www.americangemsociety.org/

Facebook: AmericanGemSociety1934

Instagram: @americangemsociety

Twitter: @AmerGemSociety

Whether you are staying at home this Valentine's Day, or plan to have a romantic evening out, the American Gem Society (AGS), a nonprofit association dedicated to consumer protection, has some advice to ensure the jewelry you buy adds extra sparkle to you and your loved one's celebration.

Related link: https://www.americangemsociety.org/

9th Annual Cursive is Cool Contest Adds Additional Prizes for Pandemic-Friendly Participation in Both USA and Canada for 2022

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Cursive is Cool® contest will be held as usual this year after encouragement from teachers, parents, and students, announced the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation today, despite some schools in the USA and Canada operating remotely, or using a hybrid model with in-person learning. In person education is on again, off again, hit or miss these days. Yet, Cursive is Cool Contest is reliable.

Modifications this year allow more students to participate who might not have teacher support as in the past.

Students are encouraged to enter early. A Random Drawing will be held this year at the conclusion of the contest. Prizes will be awarded for First Place, Second Place, Third Place, and a prize for the most Creative content. Those winners' handwriting will be reviewed for legibility and neatness. One of each prize per grades 1 through 8 will be awarded.

"Every year our judges look forward to reading entries because kids' points of view are not only entertaining but also often enlightening," remarked Lauren Mooney Bear, Campaign for Cursive Chair.

The annual cursive contest has many supporters. In Canada they include Laywine's and Zebra Pen (Canada). A new supporter last year is Blind Pig Press.

For the USA contest, supporters continue to grow, with Amsterdam Printing, Cursive Logic, Dixon Ticonderoga, Fahrney's Pens, Itoya, Louise Borden Author, Monkey Magnets, Caran D'ache, Colombia City Ninja School, New American Cursive, PEN World, Sakura and Writing Academy. New this year are; The City of Oroville, Washington Chamber of Commerce, Double Flush Stables, a non-profit rescue in Davie FL, Clairemont Act One, C.A.O. a non-profit theatre troupe in San Diego CA, Seth Wells, Recording Artist in Seattle Washington, Monroe Pizza and Pints in Monroe Washington, I AM Frequencies in Phoenix AZ, Brooklyn's Furry Friends, B.F.F.s, dog walking service, in Brooklyn NY. People and businesses from the four corners of the US are enthusiastic about supporting the Cursive Is Cool contest.

According to Sheila Lowe, President of the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation, "The good news from an informal survey indicates that more than half the states require at least some cursive writing training in public schools. Legislation is spending in six more. Only ten states have zero requirement to teach their students to write."

USA and Canadian contest dates are January 23 through April 8, 2022.

Learn more: https://www.campaignforcursive.com/.

For more information, contact Lauren Mooney Bear: CursiveIsCool@gmail.com.

"You don't have to be the best writer this year

To win a prize that will bring you cheer.

Entering is the main thing to do

To win a prize to be sent to you!"

About the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation:

The Foundation is a 501-(c)6 non-profit organization, chartered and incorporated in California, and are the sponsors of Campaign for Cursive®, and will graciously accept donations.

Learn more: https://www.ahafhandwriting.org/.

The Cursive is Cool® contest will be held as usual this year after encouragement from teachers, parents, and students, announced the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation today, despite some schools in the USA and Canada operating remotely, or using a hybrid model with in-person learning. In person education is on again, off again, hit or miss these days. Yet, Cursive is Cool Contest is reliable.

Related link: https://www.ahafhandwriting.org/

2022 Mentor of the Year Finalists Announced: Four academic leaders nominated for strong commitment to mentorship

ROCKVILLE, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA), in partnership with Gallagher, today announced during National Mentoring Month the finalists for the 2022 NPA Gallagher Mentor Award. The award recognizes a faculty member or advisor who engages in exceptional mentoring of postdoctoral scholars.

The prestigious award recognizes those who advocate for postdoctoral scholars; exhibit outstanding communication skills; embed diversity, equity and inclusion values in mentoring; demonstrate respect for the work and career paths of postdoctoral scholars; create productive working environments to enhance the postdoctoral experience; and show resilience and creativity as mentors during the pandemic.

"Recognition as a mentor is without a doubt the highest achievement one can receive, because it represents one's positive impact on those that will help shape the future," said Ed Krug, Ph.D., former recipient of the NPA Gallagher Mentor Award and professor emeritus at the Medical University of South Carolina.

The 2022 finalists for the NPA Gallagher Mentor Award are:

* Kellie Ann Jurado, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

* Kalmia E. Kniel, Ph.D., University of Delaware

* Eben Kenah, Ph.D. & Grzegorz A. Rempala, Ph.D., The Ohio State University

"The NPA recognizes the accomplishments of all four of these impressive individuals and their unfailing commitment to mentorship for postdocs," stated NPA executive director and chief executive officer, Thomas P. Kimbis. "Each of these finalists is already a winner for how they give back to others every day and is a model for others to follow."

The winner of this year's award will be announced at the 2022 NPA Annual Conference, taking place live for the first time in three years in Chicago at the Palmer House Hilton on April 1-2, 2022 and through a virtual event April 28-29, 2022. Registration remains open for this event and is accessible to anyone around the world. Early bird registration ends on January 28, 2022.

About National Postdoctoral Association:

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational association headquartered in Rockville, MD. Founded in 2003, the NPA envisions an inclusive community where all postdocs are empowered, valued, recognized, and supported in their current and future endeavors. The NPA serves the entire postdoctoral community, including its more than 21,000 individual and 230 organizational members.

LEARN MORE: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.ajg.com/

https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/2022AC

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA), in partnership with Gallagher, today announced during National Mentoring Month the finalists for the 2022 NPA Gallagher Mentor Award. The award recognizes a faculty member or advisor who engages in exceptional mentoring of postdoctoral scholars.

Related link: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/

Neuro Diverse Living Announces the Launch of Their New Brand Name, Front Porch Cohousing: A Neuro-Inclusive Community by NDL

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- Front Porch Cohousing is excited to announce the launch of their new brand and the inspiration behind that change. As a cohousing community of private homes clustered around shared space, Front Porch Cohousing will intentionally design spaces to create opportunities for those with and without neuro or cognitive disabilities to build meaningful and lasting relationships. A community where the support, encouragement and assistance of others will provide a safe and prosperous environment for all who live there.

The launch date for Front Porch Cohousing is January 18, 2022, and we expect our new inclusive, diverse communities to become thriving assets across Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Front Porch Cohousing: A Neuro-Inclusive Community by NDL believes the best way to deliver on our vision is by providing a sense of belonging as we create authentic and vibrant spaces that are not just houses, but homes for adults experiencing neurological disorders. Our homes will be designed to bring a sense of neighborhood while providing hope and peace of mind to the families and friends who support these neurodiverse adults, knowing their loved ones are in a community which will empower them.

We believe we can accomplish our vision through our cohousing model by creating a nostalgic setting from a time when neighborhood kids played until the streetlights came on and people visited on their front porches; a time when neighbors openly supported each other. As we shift to our new brand, we welcome you to Front Porch Cohousing: A Neuro-Inclusive Community by NDL.

"I'm encouraged about the work Front Porch Cohousing is doing in the community to address the critical shortage of neuro-inclusive cohousing options for adults with autism, assuring they will never live alone or isolated," said Jim Brexler, President & CEO Doylestown Health Network.

"With there being such a significant need for housing for people with disabilities in the Lehigh Valley, I'm thrilled to see the efforts and leadership that Front Porch Cohousing is making in creating inclusive and supportive cohousing options and opportunities," said Seth Hoderewski, Director of Transition Services, Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living.

Front Porch Cohousing: A Neuro-Inclusive Community by NDL invites you to learn more about us on our website. There are many ways you can participate, donate, get involved and perhaps see how this type of community could be the best fit for you or your family member.

"Think inclusion, not isolation." - Front Porch Cohousing: A Neuro-Inclusive Community by NDL Team.

Learn more at: https://frontporchcohousing.org/

You can find us on social media by searching for FPCbyNDL on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram

Front Porch Cohousing: A Neuro-Inclusive Community by NDL, (267) 935-9003; info@frontporchcohousing.org

Front Porch Cohousing is excited to announce the launch of their new brand and the inspiration behind that change. As a cohousing community of private homes clustered around shared space, Front Porch Cohousing will intentionally design spaces to create opportunities for those with and without neuro or cognitive disabilities to build meaningful and lasting relationships.

Related link: https://frontporchcohousing.org/

China Rescue Dogs, A Non-Profit Organization, Leads Fight to Save Dogs from Chinese Meat Trade in the face of CDC Import Ban

VASS, N.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- China Rescue Dogs, a leading American 501(c)(3) non-profit dog rescue, has been recognized for its efforts to save dogs from the Chinese meat trade. Over the past year, China Rescue Dogs has been rescuing and rehabilitating dogs from China and providing them with loving homes in the United States and Canada.

"Working with trusted rescues and shelters in China, our mission is to remove the dogs from imminent harm, treat the physical and psychological injuries from severe abuse and neglect, and socialize the dogs so that they can be integrated into loving family environments," remarked Jill Stewart, President, and Founder of China Rescue Dogs. "We also shine a light on the dog meat trade in China and other countries and, thereby, encourage others to advocate for the end of the dog meat trade and speak up for those who have no voice."

China Rescue Dogs' efforts were recently hampered by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention import ban, which effectively halted the imports of all dogs from 113 countries, including China. Issued without input from dog rescue groups, the ban has hurt the missions of international non-profit rescues, including the dogs they serve and forced dogs recused from China to be redirected to Canada. This has had a chilling effect on tens of thousands of animals, which only continues to grow as the ban remains in effect.

"Since the import ban, our rescue is among many others that have had to find a new normal," remarked Jill. "Our choices were limited and grim, but China Rescue Dogs has remained committed to saving dogs from China regardless of how we got it done. While rerouting dogs to Canada is the logical choice, costs have been exuberant," she added.

The growing international cargo crisis has tripled the cost of transporting dogs on cargo airplanes, which has increased China Rescue Dogs' reliance on donations from the international community. Without community support, funding shortages require organizations to make difficult choices and leave some dogs behind.

"Our shelters in China are reaching their maximum capacity, which means we will not be able to move the dogs out of China which will lead to the brutal slaughter of helpless dogs. Moreover, with the Yulin Dog Meat Festival beginning June 21st and CDC ban still in place, tens of thousands of dogs will be slaughtered. Thinking about this is gut-wrenching," said Jill.

Canada is providing immense support to this mission by opening its borders and assisting us in finding homes for these dogs. They support the organization and other U.S. rescue groups until the CDC ban is lifted or another resolution is found. "After I looked into the eyes of our dogs in China shelters, that is when we decided to reach out to our Canadian friends. Fortunately for the dogs and us, our rescue has been received with welcoming kindness," said Jill.

The past two years have been challenging for everyone around the globe. The world has seen pandemic challenges no one could have predicted. U.S. International dog rescue nonprofits have experienced extreme obstacles in carrying out their missions within the past six months.

"What these past six months have personally taught is never to give up! Although we have had to deal with many obstacles, our dogs are being saved - thanks to our Canadian friends and neighbors. For that, we will always be grateful." Jill added. "I have strong faith in our mission, and I know we will continue to find ways to rescue these dogs. The path may be rocky at times, but it is worth the journey. For us, it was and is the least we can do for our China rescue dogs."

The passion for rescuing dogs from the slaughterhouses and finding them loving forever homes in North America, where they can live out the rest of their lives without fear, remains steadfast.

To learn more, please visit https://chinarescuedogs.org/.

About China Rescue Dogs

China Rescue Dogs is a 501(c)(3) organization founded by Jill Stewart, an ardent advocate of animal rights worldwide, and especially in China. Their global mission is to rescue and rehabilitate dogs from China and provide them with loving forever homes in North America. There are over a dozen other U.S. dog rescue organizations that are working with China Rescue Dogs on these rescues.

China Rescue Dogs, 769 Youngs Rd., Vass, NC 28394 USA.

China Rescue Dogs, a leading American 501(c)(3) non-profit dog rescue, has been recognized for its efforts to save dogs from the Chinese meat trade. Over the past year, China Rescue Dogs has been rescuing and rehabilitating dogs from China and providing them with loving homes in the United States and Canada.

Related link: https://chinarescuedogs.org/

Seedling Welcomes New Development Director

AUSTIN, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Seedling Foundation, a non-profit organization providing school-based mentoring for children who have an incarcerated parent, has selected Julie Barschow as Development Director. Ms. Barschow joins Seedling with over 20 years of nonprofit management, development and marketing experience.

Spending the first six years of her career with the YMCA of Austin, Ms. Barschow helped retain and grow membership at the Y's flagship branch in downtown Austin, while also helping to grow the Partner of Youth campaign, expanding efforts to bring the Y's services to all, despite their financial circumstances. Julie then transitioned to Boys & Girls Clubs of Austin, where she spent the next decade in development and marketing, helping raise more than $1 Million per year through a variety of initiatives and events.

During her tenure, the Boys & Girls Clubs grew from serving less than 1,000 kids to more than 10,000, and from annual revenue of less than $800,000 to $7 Million. Julie assisted the organization through its largest growth period, helping build and improve systems, resulting in more contributions and community awareness across all resource development avenues. She has also run her own business, offering development and marketing consulting and services for nonprofits and small businesses.

"I was blessed to discover my love for philanthropy and civil service at the beginning of my professional career. I have done my best to be a servant leader, helping the world get a little better every day in whatever small way I can. I am grateful and honored to join the Seedling team and help advance the mission to help children overcome difficult circumstances and reach their full potential," Ms. Barschow said.

Julie holds a B.S. in Communications Studies from The University of Texas at Austin, and has completed advanced leadership training under The Professional Association of Boys & Girls Clubs' award-winning leadership program. Julie is a member of and has previously served on the board for Women Communicators of Austin, and has served as both President and VP of Fundraising for the Parent Teacher Associations at her children's schools in Austin ISD and Hays Consolidated ISD.

Ms. Barschow succeeds Linda Thompson, who is retiring after 4 years as Seedling's Development Director. Ms. Thompson helped Seedling to increase mentoring services to children by growing its annual budget by over 20% during her time with Seedling.

"We feel very fortunate to have had Linda's experience and passion for the past four years and look forward to having Julie continue the excellence in development and raise needed awareness so that more children impacted by parental incarceration can have mentors and support," said Dan Leal, Seedling Executive Director.

About Seedling:

Seedling has provided school-based mentoring for over 2300 Central Texas children impacted by parental incarceration since 2005. Seedling is seeking mentors to serve children during the 2021-22 school year as schools allows mentors to return campuses. Seedling is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, Tax ID #74-2841791. Donations are tax deductible.

To learn more about Seedling or to become a mentor visit Seedling's website at https://seedlingmentors.org/ or call (512) 323-6371.

Seedling Foundation, a non-profit organization providing school-based mentoring for children who have an incarcerated parent, has selected Julie Barschow as Development Director. Ms. Barschow joins Seedling with over 20 years of nonprofit management, development and marketing experience.

Related link: https://seedlingmentors.org/

The Chelsea Groton Foundation Passes $5 Million in Giving Since Founding – Following Approval of $255K in Grants During Fall Giving Cycle

GROTON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- This fall, the Chelsea Groton Foundation provided $255,827 to 45 non-profit organizations from Connecticut and Rhode Island. The Foundation has given over $500,000 in grants in 2021 alone, and over $5 million to the community since its founding.

Supporting organizations that provide Health and Human Services is always a priority of the Chelsea Groton Foundation. In anticipation of the winter months ahead, the Foundation awarded $10,000 grants to the Gemma E. Moran United Way / Labor Food Center (food program), Furniture Bank of S.E. CT (beds), Martin House in Norwich (food program), New London Homeless Hospitality Center (program support), and St. Vincent de Paul Place in Norwich (food program).

The Foundation was also able to support organizations in need of capital funding necessary to maintain operations. A commitment of $10,000 over two years was made to Norwich Free Academy for a roof replacement, and $5,000 over two years was awarded to Thames River Heritage Park for a new boat.

Norwich Community Development Corporation (NCDC) received a $50,000 grant for Global City Norwich, bringing the Foundation's total commitment to $400,000 since the initiative launched in 2017.

"When the Chelsea Groton Foundation was formed over 20 years ago, it was created with the intention of giving to organizations that support basic human needs - hunger, homelessness and healthcare - as well as those that provide education, economic growth, arts and cultural experiences, and youth activities. The $5 million in grants that we've been able to distribute over the years have helped our neighbors and enriched our local community in countless ways," shared Michael Rauh, President and CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank, and President of the Chelsea Groton Foundation. "We're so proud to be able to support so many worthy organizations again this year, to lend support during the challenging economic times brought on by the pandemic and as we work to recover together."

The Foundation typically reviews applications and awards grants two times per year. Organizations who support critical needs are invited to apply for additional funding this year if needed, through the application on the Bank's website, http://www.chelseagroton.com/CGFoundation.

In 2020, Chelsea Groton Bank and the Chelsea Groton Foundation gave a record $1 million to the community in the wake of the pandemic. Each year, the Bank and Foundation support more than 300 local organizations through monetary gifts, grants, sponsorships, scholarships and employee volunteerism. More information, including a list of all fall grant recipients, is available at http://www.chelseagroton.com/CGFoundation.

About the Chelsea Groton Foundation

The Chelsea Groton Foundation was formed in June 1998 as a Section 501(c)(3) organization. Initially endowed with a $2 million donation from Chelsea Groton Bank, the Foundation has, to date, awarded over $5 million in grants to hundreds of scientific, educational and charitable organizations located within the Bank's market area. To learn more, visit: chelseagroton.com/CGFoundation.

About Chelsea Groton Bank

Based in Groton, Connecticut, Chelsea Groton Bank is a full-service mutually owned bank with over $1.6 billion in assets. Chelsea Groton Bank's products and services include consumer banking, business banking, mortgage and business lending, cash management, financial planning and financial education programming. With 14 branch locations throughout New London County and a Loan Production Office in Hartford County, Chelsea Groton Bank also provides online and mobile banking, 24-hour telephone banking, and nationwide ATM banking for individuals, families and businesses. To learn more, please visit http://chelseagroton.com/. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS Institution ID 402928.

This fall, the Chelsea Groton Foundation provided $255,827 to 45 non-profit organizations from Connecticut and Rhode Island. The Foundation has given over $500,000 in grants in 2021 alone, and over $5 million to the community since its founding.

Related link: https://www.chelseagroton.com/

If a child had a pillow placed over their face when no one else was around, did it really happen?

SEEKONK Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Team Shawnie Group was founded on one basic principle. To give voice to those who struggle to be heard. We help children with disabilities gain access to a proper and legally required Individual Education Plan.

It would shock most people to learn that child abuse happens in "good school districts" too. That for children with disabilities, going to school means being bullied by their peers, and sometimes abuse by ill-prepared staff.

Shane Halajko, President said, "At one point, Shawnie (whom the group was founded after) was almost suffocated by a staff member who placed a pillow over his face while he was sleeping. Fortunately, he is strong and was able to fight for his life." The perpetrator denied the allegations and was not charged...let that sink in for a moment. Families in your neighborhood, city and town are dealing with these issues every day.

If you are a family in need of assistance, please contact The Team Shawnie Group. Our services are free.

Journalists, are you interested in making a real difference? Help fight the abuse and the antiquated system that keeps parents on the sidelines and budget concerns the priority over the well-being of our children. Shawnie's heartbreaking journey and the toll it took on his family is hard to imagine. After a decade, Shawnie was finally admitted into the proper treatment facility. But the system that almost killed him and kept his body full of prescription drugs - hasn't changed.

Support the Shawnie Bill H.230 - An Act ensuring the appropriate and timely payment and residential service placement for children deemed to be a safety risk, and then email your Representative and ask them to support it. Thanks to Representative Steven S. Howitt, Bristol, for his esteemed leadership on this bill along with Representatives, Mathew J. Muratore, Plymouth, Michael J. Soter, Worcester, and Adam J. Scanlon, Bristol.

Team Shawnie Advocacy Group Inc. is a non-profit in the process of receiving its 501(c)(3) status. Serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Get involved | We need volunteers and donors

https://teamshawniegroup.com

Twitter: @teamshawniegrp

The Team Shawnie Group was founded on one basic principle. To give voice to those who struggle to be heard. We help children with disabilities gain access to a proper and legally required Individual Education Plan.

Related link: https://teamshawniegroup.com/

The Sacramento SPCA’s 3rd Annual Art Fur Paws Online Auction Opens November 18!

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The 3rd Annual Art Fur Paws Online Auction to benefit the Sacramento SPCA will be live at Witherell's from November 18 to December 2, 2021. Now in its third year, this two-week auction will feature artwork by many of the region's finest artists, as well as antiques, collectibles, and jewelry, all donated by Sacramento SPCA supporters.

One such piece is an original oil painting by the late Gregory Kondos titled "French Irises," created by the artist while in France. One of Northern California's best-known artists, Kondos exhibited this piece in a 2013 show at the Crocker Art Museum.

Watercolors, acrylics, mixed media, ceramics, sculptures, and handmade jewelry are among the many other artworks donated by artists including Terry Pappas, Jill Estroff, Leslie McCarron, Debra Kreck-Harnish, David Peterson, Elaine Bowers, Deladier Almeida, Jim Marxen, Cathryn Rakich, Barbara Dow, Leslie Toms, Joe and Paula Bellacera, Kathy Dana and others.

"I think bidders will be excited to see they have a chance to take home fantastic original art by many of Sacramento's renowned artists in about every medium imaginable," says Sacramento SPCA Board Vice President, Tracy Fairchild. "Since the proceeds from the auction go directly to the shelter, that means more funding for the Sacramento SPCA to provide life-saving care for animals in our community."

Managed by Witherell's auction house of Sacramento, the Art Fur Paws Online Benefit Auction is perfectly timed for holiday shopping and gift giving.

Register to bid at https://www.sspca.org/artfurpaws

As the only full-service 100% non-profit animal shelter in the Sacramento region, the Sacramento SPCA relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to support their life-saving work. They are local, independent, and do not receive funding from state or local government agencies.

About the Sacramento SPCA:

Founded in 1892, the Sacramento SPCA has been providing homeless animals with individual comfort, shelter, and love for more than 129 years. They provide compassionate medical care to tens of thousands of animals annually and offer a variety of programs and services designed to keep people and pets together for life.

Learn more at:
https://www.sspca.org/artfurpaws

https://www.facebook.com/artfurpawsauction

https://www.instagram.com/artfurpaws/

RELATED LINK:
https://witherells.com/auction/sacramento-spca-benefit-auction-online-12866

The 3rd Annual Art Fur Paws Online Auction to benefit the Sacramento SPCA will be live at Witherell's from November 18 to December 2, 2021. Now in its third year, this two-week auction will feature artwork by many of the region's finest artists, as well as antiques, collectibles, and jewelry, all donated by Sacramento SPCA supporters.

Related link: https://www.sspca.org/

Move For Hunger and Chadwell Supply Renew Their Partnership and Provide 200,000 Meals to Those In Need

RED BANK, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Chadwell Supply, a trusted Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) source of supplies and flooring for multi-family properties, and Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, announced the renewing of their partnership and commitment to the fight against hunger.

This is the second year of partnership that has helped provide nearly 200,000 meals to those in need. In addition, Chadwell Supply also recently hosted its own food drive at seven of its locations across the country in Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, Missouri, and Florida to support their efforts to fight hunger and food waste. Each of the locations' food was transported to a food bank in the local area.

Hunger impacts every community and every state. Forty-two million Americans, including 1 in 6 kids, struggle with food insecurity, an increase of 5 million people since the start of the pandemic.

Move For Hunger has the unique ability to coordinate nationwide food drives and food rescues through its network of 1,000+ movers and transportation partners in all 50 states and in Canada. Since 2009, Move For Hunger's network has transported more than 24 million pounds of food - the equivalent of 20 million meals. It's through the support of partners like Chadwell Supply that Move For Hunger can continue to expand its impact by launching a new fresh food program.

The program focuses on recovering fresh produce, meat, and more from farms and food manufacturers and then deliver it to local food banks. In its first season, the fresh food program has delivered 400,000 meals.

Move For Hunger also continues to expand its reach in the multi-family industry partnering with over 2,500 properties nationwide. Properties collect unused, perfectly good food when residents move out and also host community food drives to support their neighbors in need. Move For Hunger's multi-family network is having a record year by already collecting more than 100,000 pounds of food (83,000 meals).

"Chadwell Supply is proud to support the important role our customer companies serve in the lives of their resident families," says Pete Wheeler, VP of Marketing and Sales Enablement. "The multi-family industry is in a unique position to reach struggling families, literally where they live. Move For Hunger is a very special representation of the true heart of this industry and we could not be more excited to be partners in their important mission."

"We are so grateful for the support of Chadwell Supply," says Adam Lowy, Executive Director and Founder of Move For Hunger. "They've been helpful in big ways and small including sponsoring our Hunger Action Month webinar last month where we showcased our collective impact the multi-family industry has had on fighting hunger. This is a relationship in its second year that will only get stronger."

About Move For Hunger

Move For Hunger is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has created a sustainable way to reduce food waste and fight hunger. We have mobilized the leaders of moving, relocation, and multi-family industries to provide their customers, clients, and residents with the opportunity to donate their food when they move. Members of Move For Hunger also organize community food drives, participate in awareness campaigns, and create employee engagement programs. For more information, or to find out how you can host your own food drive, visit https://moveforhunger.org/.

About Chadwell Supply

Chadwell Supply began with three brothers determined to make good on a promise - to always value their profession, community, and most of all, each other. Keeping time-honored traditions alive, the second generation now operates Chadwell Supply. The "Chadwell Family" has extended to include hundreds of employees working hard to lead the MRO industry, serve customers, and supply multi-family housing facilities from warehouses located in fourteen branches across the country (and growing!). For more information about the company, our products, and our people, visit http://www.chadwellsupply.com/.

Chadwell Supply, a trusted Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) source of supplies and flooring for multi-family properties, and Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, announced the renewing of their partnership and commitment to the fight against hunger.

Related link: https://moveforhunger.org/

Golden State Pops Orchestra / Friends of the GSPO announce the creation of the Entertainment in Music Association

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Golden State Pops Orchestra / Friends of the GSPO nonprofit arts organization announces that they will now be doing business as the Entertainment in Music Association. The purpose of the association will be to support passion and creativity through the art and entertainment of music. This includes governing and funding the Golden State Pops Orchestra ensemble and other new projects related to music entertainment.

The Entertainment in Music Association is already in development on multiple projects. The first will be announced in the coming weeks and promises to be an exciting initiative and collaboration with other industry professionals.

Steven Allen Fox, President of the GSPO Board of Directors, stated that "This is the largest growth of our corporation in our nearly 20-year history. Through this expansion we will have the versatility to become part of many projects and ideas that would otherwise be out of reach as only an orchestra. We see ourselves playing a vital role in what entertainment in music, both live and recorded, becomes in the future."

With a driving mission to create, develop and present innovative and fresh orchestral concerts, the Golden State Pops Orchestra/Friends of the GSPO (GSPO) is quickly becoming nationally known as a pioneer in providing quality film music with a second life on the concert stage, in productions that absorb audiences from beginning to end.

The orchestra performs a wide variety of musical repertoire, including classical, Broadway, pop music and even video game soundtracks. However, the primary focus of the GSPO remains film music, a specialty of the orchestra since its founding in 2002.

The orchestra is composed of professional freelance musicians from around the Los Angeles area and operates under a Metropolitan Agreement with the American Federation of Musicians, Local 47. One of GSPO's core values is the continuous advancement of our artistic capacity and production values, while maintaining a focus on high-quality performance. We work constantly to build even more relationships with composers and entertainment industry professionals, and to bring our unique brand of entertainment to world-renowned venues throughout Southern California.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.entertainmentinmusic.org/

https://www.gspo.com/

The Golden State Pops Orchestra / Friends of the GSPO nonprofit arts organization announces that they will now be doing business as the Entertainment in Music Association. The purpose of the association will be to support passion and creativity through the art and entertainment of music. This includes governing and funding the Golden State Pops Orchestra ensemble and other new projects related to music entertainment.

Related link: https://www.gspo.com/

November Is C. difficile Awareness Month With An Annual Conference, Recognizing Subject Matter Experts, Expressing Gratitude to US Governors

TAMPA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- C Diff Foundation announced today that the 9th Annual International C. diff. Conference and Health EXPO welcomed over 40 international topic-experts dedicated in disciplines of healthcare, pharma, biotech, and academia on November 4-5, 2021. World-renowned presenters delivered data and discussed critical information on a leading Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI), Clostridioides difficile with global healthcare-associated issues: 100% Live-online presentations.

The Conference registration was complimentary this year. To learn more about this extraordinary conference, guest speakers, and the diverse topics presented visit: https://www.cdiff2021.com

For conference coverage visit ContagionLive Infectious Diseases Today: https://www.contagionlive.com/latest-conference

On behalf of the C Diff Foundation, Sahil Khanna, M.B.B.S, M.S. proudly presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dale Gerding, MD, MACP, FIDSA, FSHEA for his outstanding vision, dedication, and commitment and for the advancement of Clostridioides difficile research, development, and care through the years. The Dale Gerding Lifetime Achievement award will be presented annually during the C Diff Foundation's November conference to a healthcare professional meeting the criteria, nominated by peers, and awarded by Dr. Gerding himself.

The C Diff Foundation "Making a Difference: Innovations in Infection Prevention" 2021 award was presented to PhoneSoap acknowledging their exceptional organization who is making a difference in the Infection Prevention community, with their innovative products, services, and technologies.

The award was accepted by Wes LaPorte, CEO of PhoneSoap. "PhoneSoap's mission has always been to limit the spread of infectious diseases through science and technology. We are honored to accept the Innovations in Infection Prevention award of 2021 from the C Diff Foundation given their very important endeavor to bring awareness, education, and advocacy globally," stated LaPorte.

According to the 2017 Update (published February 2018) of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for C. difficile Infection by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Society or Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), CDI remains a significant medical problem in hospitals, in long-term care facilities and in the community. C. difficile is one of the most common causes of health care- associated infections in U.S. hospitals (Lessa, et al, 2015, New England Journal of Medicine). Recent estimates suggest C. difficile approaches 500,000 infections annually in the U.S. and is associated with approximately 20,000 deaths annually. (Guh, 2020, New England Journal of Medicine).

Based on internal estimates, the recurrence rate of two of the three antibiotics currently used to treat CDI is between 20% and 40% among approximately 150,000 patients treated. We believe the annual incidence of CDI in the U.S. approaches 600,000 infections and has a mortality rate of approximately 9.3%.

The C Diff Foundation expresses their gratitude to all the Sponsors and Keynote speakers for their generous support of the 9th Annual International C. diff. Conference and Health EXPO. Together we deliver superior educational up-to-date data, advance the healthcare professional knowledge and understanding of the topics discussed, and serve as the leading organization educating and advocating for C. difficile infection prevention, treatments, clinical trial, diagnostics, support, and environmental safety worldwide. We are grateful to be the leading resource for patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Many US Governors have signed a state proclamation proclaiming November 2021 as Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile, C. diff.) Infection Awareness Month.

"Our shared goal is to witness a significant increase in C. difficile awareness, with a noted reduction in C. difficile infections worldwide by the year 2025. We would also like to thank Seres Therapeutics, Rebiotix, a Ferring Company, and Ferring Pharmaceuticals for their efforts and support with this endeavor," stated Nancy C. Caralla, Executive Director of the C Diff Foundation.

About C Diff Foundation:

C Diff Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the leading patient, caregiver, and healthcare organization educating and advocating for C. difficile (Clostridioides difficile, C. diff., CDI, CDAD) prevention, treatments, clinical trials, diagnostics, support, and environmental safety worldwide. Their Mission continues to move forward and grow through research conducted by government, industry, and academia strengthening the advocacy on behalf of patients, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers worldwide.

For more information: https://cdifffoundation.org/

Follow C Diff Foundation:

Twitter @cdiffFoundation

#cdiff2021 #cdiffawarenessmonth

C Diff Foundation(TM) is a trademark of C Diff Foundation, established 2012 in the U.S.

C Diff Foundation announced today that the 9th Annual International C. diff. Conference and Health EXPO welcomed over 40 international topic-experts dedicated in disciplines of healthcare, pharma, biotech, and academia on November 4-5, 2021. World-renowned presenters delivered data and discussed critical information on a leading Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI), Clostridioides difficile with global healthcare-associated issues: 100% Live-online presentations.

Related link: https://cdifffoundation.org/

Colorado Buyers Association Publishes an Essential Guide for Home Buyers

EVERGREEN, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Colorado Exclusive Buyer Agent Association (CEBAA) just released a free guide in collaboration with the national association that includes five essential homebuying checklists for buyers and sellers who intend to purchase property in the United States. The guide will be discussed by CEBAA's association manager, Katheen Chiras, at a guest appearance on the Consumers Real Estate radio program this Saturday November 6, 2021. The show airs between 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. on KHOW630.

The guide includes the following checklists that help home buyers assess: 1) reasons for buying a home 2) support networks 3) advantages of different types of property 4) homebuyer needs verses wants and 5) agent representation.

The guide may be found at: https://buyeragentsearch.com/buyers-agents-home-buying-checklists/.

Interested parties may visit https://homebuyerscolorado.org/find-buyers-agent to see the many resources offered to buyers hoping to purchase in Colorado.

The guide is a handy resource for first-time homebuyers, who are struggling to find the most efficient way to navigate the current strong seller's market in Colorado and elsewhere. According to the weekly radio show, home prices have remained steady over the past few weeks, after many months of escalating prices. The median price of a single-family home in Denver is over $600,000 and the median price in Colorado Springs at typically about $100,000 to $150,000 less The number of houses that buyers and their agents are putting under contract was consistent from the first of August to the end of July.

Some people need to sell in order to buy, so the guide also includes effective ways of interviewing both buyer agents and seller agents. CEBAA has an inquiry form which allows potential home buyers to have immediate access to a list of qualified exclusive and accredited buyer agents. The markets analyzed include Colorado Springs and Denver.

The guide makes it apparent that one of the most important attributes of a buyer's agent is negotiation skills, and for seller's agents the main attribute is marketing skills. It is recommended that a real estate agent have at least 3 to 5 years of experience to be qualified. Additionally, both buyers and sellers also may wish to assess the agent's designations, education, experience, and skills.

The guide also highlights the best timeline to buy or sell real estate. Statistically, May and June are the times that most homes are getting under contract. However, December is an excellent month for buying because in Colorado sellers are typically more willing to negotiate on price in this cold winter month. On the other hand, the guide also points out the fact that every home buyer and seller should only buy and sell when it is the right time for them.

The website posts the experience of a recent home buyer who used a CEBAA agent: "He took the extra time, the extra work, to help us find the 100% perfect house. We have a better house with a better neighborhood and better schools."

The Colorado association has agent members who do not list property, called exclusive buyer agents. The association also has affiliated fiduciary agents who are vetted and reviewed by the association.

There are also many home buying or selling tips found on its website, and as well as linked access to the National Buyers Agent Association website located at https://BuyerAgentSearch.com/.

The Colorado Exclusive Buyer Agent Association (CEBAA) just released a free guide in collaboration with the national association that includes five essential homebuying checklists for buyers and sellers who intend to purchase property in the United States. The guide will be discussed by CEBAA's association manager, Katheen Chiras, at a guest appearance on the Consumers Real Estate radio program November 6, 2021.

Related link: https://homebuyerscolorado.org/

Move For Hunger and Graebel Renew Their Partnership and Turn 11,000 Miles into 47,000 Meals to Help Those in Need

RED BANK, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Graebel Companies, Inc., a leading provider of international relocation services, and Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, today announced they renewed their partnership and commitment to the fight against hunger.

Graebel has been a partner of Move For Hunger since 2016 and has helped provide nearly 100,000 meals over the years. Graebel's passion to end hunger goes far beyond the boardroom and extends to many of its employees. Just last month, 250 employees participated in the Move2 Fight Hunger Challenge, a virtual competition that enabled donations to Move for Hunger by encouraging employees to be active. Throughout the month of September, participants could run, walk, bike, cook, or garden, to contribute meals to those in need. During the competition, Graebel employees exercised a total of 11,000 miles, (17,700 kilometers) which helped provide 47,000 meals.

"We have been so excited to partner with Move For Hunger over the years and this year's Move2 Fight Hunger event was phenomenal," said Ben Ivory, Senior Vice President at Graebel. "We looked for a way to engage our 800+ employees in 11 countries through healthy, family-oriented activities focused on an urgent need in our communities. The Move for Hunger team was amazing, and we can't wait to expand the program next year!"

Graebel is a leader in global talent and workplace mobility. They make it easy for companies to relocate employees or entire offices overseas and across borders. They work in 165 countries and their team speaks 42 languages.

The relocation industry is familiar to Move For Hunger, which has been making an impact since 2009. By mobilizing an entire industry, Move For Hunger and its network of 1,000+ movers have transported 24 million pounds of food (20 million meals) to local food banks in all 50 states and Canada. For over a decade, Move For Hunger has been focused on non-perishable food donations, but has recently launched its new fresh food program which has already collected more than 400,000 meals worth of fresh produce in its first few months.

"With the support of Graebel, we continue to find new ways to make an impact," said Adam Lowy, Executive Director and Founder of Move For Hunger. "Our fresh food program is well on its way and continues to build on the momentum of the organization."

The support is needed now more than ever. Five million more people have fallen into food insecurity as the result of the pandemic. Forty-two million people in the United States, including 1 in 6 children, don't know where their next meal is coming from.

"When COVID devastated the entire country last year, our network stepped up to deliver 4 million meals, a record for us," continued Lowy. "And with the support of our loyal partner in Graebel, this year we're on track to transport more meals than ever before."

About Move For Hunger

Move For Hunger is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit organization that has created a sustainable way to reduce food waste and fight hunger. We have mobilized the leaders of moving, relocation, and multi-family industries to provide their customers, clients, and residents with the opportunity to donate their food when they move. Members of Move For Hunger also organize community food drives, participate in awareness campaigns, and create employee engagement programs. For more information, or to find out how you can host your own food drive, visit https://moveforhunger.org/.

About Graebel

Graebel Companies, Inc. is a leading provider of global talent and workplace mobility solutions for some of the world's largest and most recognized brands and their employees in 165 countries. Since its founding in 1950, Graebel has innovated and grown to deliver excellent relocation service and results for clients, all while remaining family-owned and focused on people-first mobility. With custom technology solutions, Graebel develops and implements mobility strategies that help companies attract and retain talent; respond faster to global market trends; maximize return on mobility programs; and create exceptional experiences that make global talent mobility more humane and as seamless as possible. As a full-service relocation management company (RMC), Graebel addresses every part of the mobility lifecycle for employers and employees, including services for departure and move management, destination, settling-in and ongoing assignments. For more information, visit https://www.graebel.com/. Here's to the world ahead(R).

Graebel Companies, Inc., a leading provider of international relocation services, and Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, today announced they renewed their partnership and commitment to the fight against hunger.

Related link: https://moveforhunger.org/

9th Annual C. diff. Conference and Health EXPO Pushes Past COVID-19 and Embraces Virtual Technology to Provide Global Online Learning for Healthcare Professionals on Nov. 4-5

TAMPA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- C Diff Foundation announced today that the 9th Annual International C. diff. Conference and Health EXPO is honored to welcome over 40 international topic-experts dedicated in disciplines of healthcare, pharma, biotech, and academia. World-renowned presenters will deliver data and discuss critical information on a leading Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI), Clostridioides difficile with global healthcare-associated issues from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 4 - 5, 2021: 100% Live-online presentations, on-demand poster presentations, exhibitors, and real-time networking opportunities available. Conference registration is complimentary this year.

To learn more about this extraordinary conference, guest speakers, and the diverse topics being presented visit https://www.cdiff2021.com.

All attendees will have the highest levels of peer networking and learning opportunity at the Conference and Health EXPO.

"The annual C Diff Foundation conference is a highlight of my learning year. The combination of academia, pharmaceutical, and governmental representation creates a learning environment that is second to none. I went initially in 2014 and have circled the conference dates on my calendar annually as immobile. The timing during C. difficile awareness month is tremendous as it summarizes all of the newest findings throughout the year," stated Paul Feuerstadt, MD, FACG, AGAF.

According to the 2017 Update (published February 2018) of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for C. difficile Infection by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Society or Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), CDI remains a significant medical problem in hospitals, in long-term care facilities and in the community.

C. difficile is one of the most common causes of health care- associated infections in U.S. hospitals (Lessa, et al, 2015, New England Journal of Medicine). Recent estimates suggest C. difficile approaches 500,000 infections annually in the U.S. and is associated with approximately 20,000 deaths annually. (Guh, 2020, New England Journal of Medicine). Based on internal estimates, the recurrence rate of two of the three antibiotics currently used to treat CDI is between 20% and 40% among approximately 150,000 patients treated. We believe the annual incidence of CDI in the U.S. approaches 600,000 infections and has a mortality rate of approximately 9.3%.

The C Diff Foundation expresses their gratitude to Seres Therapeutics for being the conference Diamond Sponsor. Seres Therapeutics, Inc. is a leading microbiome therapeutics company developing a novel class of multifunctional bacterial consortia designed to functionally interact with host cells and tissues to treat disease. Seres' SER-109 program achieved the first-ever positive pivotal clinical results for a targeted microbiome drug candidate and has obtained Breakthrough Therapy and Orphan Drug designations from the FDA. The SER-109 program is being advanced for the treatment of recurrent C. difficile infection and has potential to become a first-in-class FDA-approved microbiome therapeutic. Seres is evaluating SER-301 in a Phase 1b study in patients with ulcerative colitis and SER-155 in a Phase 1b study to address gastrointestinal infections, bacteremia, and graft-versus-host disease. For more information, please visit https://www.serestherapeutics.com.

Their gratitude is also extended to Ferring Pharmaceuticals for being the Platinum Sponsor of the 9th Annual International C. diff. Conference and Health EXPO. Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group committed to helping people around the world build families and live better lives. Ferring is a leader in reproductive medicine and maternal health, and in specialty areas within gastroenterology and urology. Ferring is committed to exploring the crucial link between the microbiome and human health, beginning with the threat of recurrent C. difficile infection. With the 2018 acquisition of Rebiotix and several other alliances, Ferring is a world leader in microbiome research, developing novel microbiome-based therapeutics to address significant unmet needs and help people live better lives. For more information, please visit https://www.ferringusa.com.

About C Diff Foundation:

C Diff Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the leading patient, caregiver, and healthcare organization educating and advocating for C. difficile (Clostridioides difficile, C. diff., CDI, CDAD) prevention, treatments, clinical trials, diagnostics, support, and environmental safety worldwide. Their Mission continues to move forward and grow through research conducted by government, industry, and academia strengthening the advocacy on behalf of patients, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers worldwide. For more information: https://cdifffoundation.org/

Follow C Diff Foundation on Twitter @cdiffFoundation #cdiff2021 #cdiffawarenessmonth

C Diff Foundation(tm) is a trademark of C Diff Foundation, established 2012 in the U.S.

C Diff Foundation announced today that the 9th Annual International C. diff. Conference and Health EXPO is honored to welcome over 40 international topic-experts dedicated in disciplines of healthcare, pharma, biotech, and academia. World-renowned presenters will deliver data and discuss critical information on a leading Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI), Clostridioides difficile with global healthcare-associated issues on Nov. 4 - 5, 2021.

Related link: https://cdifffoundation.org/

As City Runoffs Loom, Georgia Non-Profit Proclaims November ‘No More Runoffs Month’

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Georgia voters head to the polls, and some cities may need runoff elections this month. To educate citizens about alternatives to this system, Better Ballot Georgia, Inc (BBGa), an all-volunteer, Georgia non-profit proclaims November to be "No More Runoffs Month."

Across the state of Georgia, voters are going to the polls for local elections, but many of them will need to go a second time this month. Some local elections have multiple candidates - including the City of Atlanta, South Fulton, Ball Ground, Smyrna, and Peachtree City - and are likely to need a runoff on Nov. 30. While runoffs ensure that the winning candidate has more than 50% of the vote, they cost significant additional taxpayer money and voter time and hassle.

"All this time, effort, and expense is unnecessary," states Shai Robkin, President of Better Ballot Georgia, Inc (BBGa). "Instant runoff voting (IRV), also called ranked choice voting, is a simple and proven alternative. BBGa proclaimed November 'No More Runoffs' month to spread the word about this solution."

IRV has been used in elections around the world for over a hundred years and has been adopted by states, cities and counties across America, from Maine to Alaska. In Georgia, IRV was recently implemented for overseas and military voters. The momentum for IRV is driven by the desire to promote fair and open competition that offers voters more choices, reduce the hyper partisanship that afflicts our political institutions, and deliver government that works on behalf of the majority of the country's citizens.

"When I tell people about IRV, they usually say that it just sounds like common sense," shares Robkin.

Georgia citizens can register their support for IRV by signing the petition at https://www.betterballotgeorgia.org/petition.

Learn how IRV could have impacted the upcoming municipal elections, including the race for the Mayor of Atlanta, at BBGa's monthly meeting on November 18.

Register at https://www.BetterBallotGeorgia.org/no_more_runoffs_month or vote in the poll yourself at https://www.betterballotgeorgia.org/atlanta_mayor_poll

About Better Ballot Georgia:

Better Ballot Georgia, Inc (BBGa) is an all-volunteer, 501c3 non-profit organization promoting "common sense solutions for a healthy democracy." BBGa believes that the first step to elections that benefit all citizens is instant runoff voting, also called ranked choice voting. BBGa celebrates its 1-year anniversary this November. Visit https://www.betterballotgeorgia.org/ for more information.

Follow on social:

- https://www.facebook.com/BetterBallotGA/

- https://twitter.com/BetterBallotGa

Georgia voters head to the polls, and some cities may need runoff elections this month. To educate citizens about alternatives to this system, Better Ballot Georgia, Inc (BBGa), an all-volunteer, Georgia non-profit proclaims November to be "No More Runoffs Month."

Related link: https://www.betterballotgeorgia.org/

Eat Your Words 2021: A Fundraising Event for Chicago Youth

CHICAGO, Ill. /ScoopCloud/ -- We are proud to announce 826CHI's biggest fundraising event of the year! Socially conscious Chicagoans, literary enthusiasts, education supporters, and members of the business community will gather at the in Bridgeport for "Eat Your Words 2021."

The goal of the event is to raise enough money to ensure 750 students have equitable access to tuition-free, high-quality arts and literacy education. We believe that leaps in learning can be made through the power of writing and individualized attention to creativity. Every $458 raised allows one student to write their future for the 2021-2022 school year.

Eat Your Words will feature a storytelling mission to help 826CHI students, Chicago's finest cuisine from Chef Kelley Davidson of Betty Lou's, signature cocktails from Ahmed Williams of Swift and Sons, Artwork from Amanda K. Rivera, our 826CHI interactive game designed by sisters Ashlyn & Alicia Sparrow, and a performance Jay Illa, the official DJ of the Chicago Bears!

Enter Eat Your Words as a storyteller and you'll have no trouble blending in with the crowd. This is your mission, please come out to support a great cause and have a blast. More details below!

WHEN: Thursday, October 14, 2021 - 6-7:30 p.m. or 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

WHERE: Zhou B Art Center - 1029 W 35th ST

QUOTE: "We are excited to be at the forefront of helping student writers capture their voice by helping them with their creative writing skills. The Eat Your Words event bring so much of what we do together into one experience. I am excited about how we "gamified" the event and how falls in line with the 826CHI Mission. This will be the non-profit event of the year! Don't miss it," said Jennifer Steele, Executive Director 826CHI.

NOTE: All agents will be required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status, all the better to help you remain disguised! This event includes two 90-minute timed entries to ensure all of our agents can complete their missions with the venue at 50% capacity or less. 826CHI will have a Covid Compliance Officer on site to help ensure all safety protocols across the event are met and followed.

ABOUT 826CHI:

826CHI is a nonprofit writing tutoring and publishing center that supports students ages 6-18 in their creative and expository writing, and supports teachers in inspiring their students to write. All students enter 826CHI a storyteller and leave a published author. We prioritize our services for students, families, and communities most impacted by systemic disinvestment in high quality arts and literacy education. Our programs also prioritize students who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, and English Language Learners.

Learn more at: https://www.826chi.org/

We are proud to announce 826CHI's biggest fundraising event of the year! Socially conscious Chicagoans, literary enthusiasts, education supporters, and members of the business community will gather in Bridgeport for "Eat Your Words 2021."

Related link: https://www.826chi.org/

Saving Grace K9s announces 3rd Annual Salute to Service Jeep Show and Ride

LEXINGTON, N.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Saving Grace K9s announced today the 3rd Annual Salute to Service Jeep Show and Ride will be held October 30, 2021 12-5. The Salute to Service Jeep Show and Ride is in honor of SPC Nickolas Maner. Nick was a combat veteran who served in the Army from 2010-2014 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. He, like so many other combat veterans, had PTSD and made the final decision to end his pain on October 30, 2017. 22 veterans a day commit suicide.

Nick's parents have vowed to keep his memory alive while bringing awareness to veteran suicide. You won't want to miss the Jeep Stephanie Maner lovingly calls Nick Nack.

All proceeds will benefit Saving Grace K9s, a nonprofit organization located in Lexington NC. Their mission is two-fold: provide service dogs for veterans with combat PTSD and provide healing to the family unit. All of this is provided to the veterans and their families at no cost to them.

All vehicles are welcome, the cost per vehicle is $10. Everyone will meet at Meadowview Reformed Presbyterian Church (1 Grace Way Dr Lexington, NC) at 12 p.m. The ride leaves at 1 p.m., driving to Saving Grace K9s (760 Sink Farm Rd Lexington, NC) where Jeep registration will begin at 1:30 p.m.

Jeep Registration is $20 per Jeep for all categories: Most Patriotic, Best Detailed, Most Creative Build, Brightest Build, Best of Show and ORO-Fab Choice of Show.

There will be food served on site, raffles and items for sale from Saving Grace K9s.

For more information: visit our website https://savinggracek9s.org/, call Laurie at Oro-Fab 336-237-0733/Brigette Parsons at 336-867-1175 or email frontdesk@oro-fab.com/Savinggracek9s@gmail.com

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/mmDuOHvzRO0

Saving Grace K9s announced today the 3rd Annual Salute to Service Jeep Show and Ride will be held October 30, 2021 12-5. The Salute to Service Jeep Show and Ride is in honor of SPC Nickolas Maner. Nick was a combat veteran who served in the Army from 2010-2014 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011.

Related link: https://savinggracek9s.org/

1st Annual ‘Step Up In Surprise’ Event To Offer Outreach, Social Services, Food and Music To Veterans October 9

SURPRISE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- According to VetLink Foundation, military veterans who have honorably served our nation often return from deployments in need of various social services like job placement, health care, and mental health services. Some end up homeless. Sometimes they just need a friendly shoulder to lean on or to simply meet up and talk with fellow vets.

That's why veterans throughout the greater Phoenix Metro area will want to mark Saturday, October 9th on their calendars. That's the date the 1st Annual VetLink Foundation Step Up in Surprise event will be held at the TechCelerator complex on Bell Rd in Surprise.

The event, which runs from 9am-2pm, will offer veterans access to numerous social services all in one place. There will be service providers offering assistance and advice on housing and shelter referral, mental health services, DOL employment and job training assistance, veterans benefits counseling, social and community services, legal advice and services, financial literacy, personal care/hygiene kits, 3-D mammography screenings, and even clothing.

Guests will also be able to enjoy special military attractions as well as plenty of food and music. The event is free and is open to any and all military veterans and their dependents.

Step Up In Surprise, which is supported by an award from the City of Surprise Community Outreach Program, is an event put on by the VetLink Foundation, a non-profit organization which began operations in 2019. The organization aims to connect veterans and their families with free services and opportunities that they may not be aware of. VetLink partners with volunteers, businesses, organizations, local, state, and national government services to provide and develop the services needed for veterans and their families in user-friendly ways. VetLink is a recognized United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Commemorative Partner.

A mission statement on the Foundation's website states: "Our motto is Veterans Connecting Veterans. We believe strongly in hiring veterans and their families to be a part of our team. We understand first-hand what kind of challenges veterans can face when transitioning to civilian life.

"At VetLink, veterans come first. We make every effort to provide support to service men and women. We are driven and focused on the needs of veterans and we are always looking for more ways to connect them to the services and opportunities that will make a difference in their lives."

Besides the Step Up In Surprise event, VetLink holds regular monthly outreach programs to service veterans in Arizona. Their 'Coffee for Vets' program is an opportunity for veterans to socialize, connect with the community, and share their needs for services. 'Brunch With the Boys' is a community of veterans who are primarily focused on supporting others who have transitioned from military to civilian life. 'Women Warriors' helps women veterans through the process of transitioning from military life to civilian life. The 'Wounded Warrior to Cyber Warrior' program offers veterans job training in the fast-expanding field of cyber security.

The organization's work in the community has drawn attention and praise from Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, himself a 25-year navy veteran.

"Here in Arizona we have a tradition of supporting our veterans," Senator Kelly said in a video posted on YouTube. "VetLink plays a key role in this tradition in holding events and gatherings for veterans. All of you are strengthening the community of support for Arizona veterans. I've learned that the best way to move forward is bringing people together to solve the problems we face. Organizations like VetLink inspire and inform my service."

Learn more at: https://www.vetlinkfoundation.org/step-up/

According to VetLink Foundation, military veterans who have honorably served our nation often return from deployments in need of various social services like job placement, health care, and mental health services.

Related link: https://www.vetlinkfoundation.org/

Gala to end Pancreatic Cancer Raises Over $1 Million

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Purple Pansies, a pancreatic cancer nonprofit organization, recently held its 12th annual Pillars of Hope Gala, presented by Kroger, raising more than $1 million in one evening. The gala was officially renamed Pillars of Hope by the nonprofit to show support for survivors and the hope to cure pancreatic cancer.

Founding Purple Pansies in 2008, Maria Fundora holds the gala in September in honor of when she lost her mother, Iluminada Milian, in 2007. "She fought so hard," Fundora said. "When I lost her three months after diagnosis I could not just sit still. I had to do something. I had to fight, to be able to find a way to help others, so others would not go through what my family went through."

The evening included a presentation of the inaugural Pillars of Hope Bill Palmer Legacy Award.

The award honors the late Bill Palmer (founder of Applebee's) for his pioneering support of Purple Pansies and his own courageous fight with the disease. For the first year of this award, Tim Brown, Atlanta President of Kroger, received the award for his involvement and service, both personally and professionally.

"Kroger and our partners are excited to be involved with Purple Pansies and Pillars of Hope and to be able to assist in raising money for this organization. I was truly honored to be recognized and receive the Bill Palmer Legacy Award," said Tim Brown, president of the Kroger Atlanta division. "My wife, Angie, and I look forward to supporting this organization in the future."

According to the American Cancer Society, research for pancreatic cancer is one of the least funded of all cancers. The organization is guided by "CARS": Community, awareness and resources.

To date, Purple Pansies has raised over $4 million to support research and clinical trials through the Phoenix-based Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), an affiliate of City of Hope.

"We have learned people are coming in earlier to diagnose pancreatic cancer," said Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, Distinguished Professor in TGen's Molecular Medicine Division. "Stage 1a early pancreas cancer 5 year survival rates have grown from 45% to 84% due to awareness with events like this gala."

During the gala, a video featured Dr. Von Hoff, describing how pancreatic cancer treatments are improving and a current clinical trial of patients on a ketogenic diet. He encouraged the fight and displayed a purple bracelet made by Lana Stowell, a local Alpharetta, Ga., youth. Everyone in the audience received one of the more than 200 bracelets made by Lana to join us together as a community.

Dr. Andrew Page, M.D., director of surgical oncology and HPB surgery at Piedmont Healthcare, spoke about the unique fight of pancreatic patients: "They all share in common their trust in me which I treasure and their warrior spirit which I honor ... Let's keep going."

During the evening, Purple Pansies officially announced the launch of their scholarship program for high school seniors who have a parent, guardian or are themselves suffering from pancreatic cancer. Their goal is to continue support families across the country that have been affected by pancreatic cancer.

Additional information can be found at https://purplepansies.org/

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL AT:

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Purple Pansies, a pancreatic cancer nonprofit organization, recently held its 12th annual Pillars of Hope Gala, presented by Kroger, raising more than $1 million in one evening. The gala was officially renamed Pillars of Hope by the nonprofit to show support for survivors and the hope to cure pancreatic cancer.

Related link: https://purplepansies.org/

European Court of Human Rights Affirms Freedom of Religion or Belief of Russian Scientologist

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has once again affirmed the rights of Scientologists in Russia to practice their religion based on Article 9 of the ECHR Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, announced the Church of Scientology International.

Article 9 states:

"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance.

"Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others."

In its September 28, 2021, judgment in Kuropyatnik v. Russia, (Application no. 64403/11), the ECHR ruled that Scientologist Vladimir Leonidovich Kuropyatnik, a Moscow Scientologist, was illegally detained by a Russian police officer who questioned him on the basis of his membership in the Scientology religion.

The Court found Kuropyatnik's October 13, 2010, detention deprived him of liberty and violated Articles 8 and 9 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms which guarantee the right to respect for private and family life and freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

The ECHR noted that at the time this incident took place, the Church of Scientology had been registered as a religious organization in Russia for more than two decades and that Russian authorities had consistently over the years acknowledged the religious nature of Scientology. This Court found Russian police targeting Mr. Kuropyatnik for being a Scientologist was a blatant abuse of his religious freedom by the Russian state and ordered Russia to pay him €8,000 in damages for violating his human rights.

This decision is consistent with the European Court of Human Rights landmark decision of 5 April 2007 in the case Church of Scientology Moscow v. Russia (Application no. 18147/02), which overturned the Moscow city government's refusal to register the Church of Scientology of Moscow as a religious organization. The Court found that Russia violated the rights of the Church of Scientology under ECHR Article 11 (the right to freedom of association) "read in the light of Article 9" (the right to freedom of religion) when it refused to reregister the Church of Scientology of Moscow.

Once again, the European Court of Human Rights has upheld that Scientologists are guaranteed the same rights by the European Convention on Human Rights granted to those of any other religious organization.

The European Court of Human Rights was established to create a mechanism for the resolution of human rights complaints against States parties to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. The Convention was adopted by the Council of Europe in 1950. Located in Strasbourg, France, the Court has jurisdiction over 47 states in Europe, including Russia, with a combined population of some 820 million citizens.

This announcement was originally published as a blog on the Scientology Religion website. The Church of Scientology publishes this blog to help create a better understanding of the freedom of religion and belief and provide news on religious freedom and issues affecting this freedom around the world.

The Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion's ecclesiastical leader.

For more information on Scientology, visit the Scientology website or the Scientology TV network.

RELATED LINKS

https://www.scientology.tv/

https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng#{%22appno%22:[%2264403/11%22]}

https://polis.osce.org/convention-protection-human-rights-and-fundamental-freedoms-amended-protocol-no11

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has once again affirmed the rights of Scientologists in Russia to practice their religion based on Article 9 of the ECHR Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, announced the Church of Scientology International.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Move For Hunger and Mover’s Choice Renew Their Partnership in an Effort to End Hunger

RED BANK, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mover's Choice, a specialty moving and storage insurance program, and Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, announced the renewing of their partnership today for another year that would help provide more than 25,000 meals to those in need.

This is the third year of the partnership between the two organizations that has contributed a total of 63,000 meals to hungry families across the country.

"We're extremely fortunate and appreciative to join such a much-needed cause," said Brandon Laam, Director of Business Development at Mover's Choice. "The sustainable donation process that Move For Hunger undertakes is quite extraordinary. With their partnership, we look forward to having the ability to do our part in getting food delivered to those who need it most."

Mover's Choice has been a trusted partner of the moving and storage industry for over 25 years. Their specially designed insurance products and solutions support many van lines and individual movers in the Move For Hunger network.

Thanks to partnerships like the one with Mover's Choice, Move For Hunger continues to increase its impact in the United States and Canada. Just last month, Move For Hunger announced that it had helped feed 20 million people - half of which coming in the last three years alone.

Since its founding in 2009, Move For Hunger has made a sustainable way for people to donate food. They've partnered with 1,000+ movers in all fifty states and Canada to ask the simple question, "Would you like to donate your food when you move?" The organization has since expanded its scope to include organizing community food drives, rescuing unused food from events like marathons and festivals, and the recent launch of its new fresh food program which collects perishable food from farms and other sources and distributes it to local food banks.

All of these initiatives are vital in solving the hunger crisis that touches every state and county in the United States. There are 42 million hungry Americans including 1 in 6 kids that are considered food insecure. In California, the home of Mover's Choice, over 4 million people are unsure of where their next meal is coming from.

"Mover's Choice has been a close partner of ours for multiple years and we very much appreciate their continued support," said Adam Lowy, Executive Director and Founder of Move For Hunger. "We're trying to mobilize an entire industry-from the movers to all the companies that support the movers-to rally around the same cause. With our continued partnership, we're one step closer to doing that and one step closer to ending hunger."

About Move For Hunger

Move For Hunger 501(c)(3) is a national non-profit organization that has created a sustainable way to reduce food waste and fight hunger. We have mobilized the leaders of moving, relocation, and multi-family industries to provide their customers, clients, and residents with the opportunity to donate their food when they move. Members of Move For Hunger also organize community food drives, participate in awareness campaigns, and create employee engagement programs. For more information, or to find out how you can host your own food drive, visit https://moveforhunger.org/.

About Mover's Choice

The Mover's Choice Program has been providing specially designed insurance products for the residential household goods moving and storage industry for over 28 years. We provide comprehensive coverage at competitive prices. Learn more at http://www.moverschoiceinfo.com/

Mover's Choice, a specialty moving and storage insurance program, and Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, announced the renewing of their partnership today for another year that would help provide more than 25,000 meals to those in need.

Related link: https://moveforhunger.org/

Mid America Mortgage Donates $250,000 to Services of Hope

ADDISON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Mid America Mortgage, Inc. (Mid America) announced today that the company has donated $250,000 to Services of Hope, a 501(c)(3) organization in Dallas aimed at providing assistance and support for community needs that do not fit in a traditional category. Mid America's donation will be met by matching funds by the City of Dallas as part of the Driver of Poverty Grant - Barriers to Poverty.

"Mid America Mortgage is proud to call North Texas home. As much as this community has given to us, we feel it is incredibly important to pay that success forward by giving back to our community through volunteerism and matched donations," said Mid America Owner and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bode. "We are pleased to partner with Services of Hope to aid in their efforts to combat poverty in the Dallas area. In addition to our donation, Mid America employees will be volunteering their time with Services of Hope because we believe charity is about giving both your time and money."

The funds from Mid America will be used to provide services such as temporary financial assistance, known as Services of Hope's Redemption Grant; senior, elder and medical transportation; school uniforms and shoes; non-food essentials such as furniture and bus passes; and internship and workforce clothing. Services of Hope will also use the donation to provide support to individuals in the City of Dallas who have been economically impacted because of the COVID-19 pandemic and poverty.

"Services of Hope would like to thank Jeff Bode, his family and Mid America Mortgage for their generous donation and partnership toward the Drivers of Poverty Project," said President and CEO of Services of Hope, Dr. Daniel B Prescott. "Community service is the mortgage we pay for our house in heaven."

About Mid America Mortgage, Inc.

Mid America Mortgage, Inc., Addison, Texas, is a multi-state, full-service mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its retail, wholesale and correspondent channels. We offer a wide range of residential home loan programs to meet the needs of most home buyers and homeowners and are also the nation's leading provider of Section 184 home loans for Native Americans. Learn more at https://www.midamericamortgage.com/.

In operation since 1940, Mid America has thrived by retaining its entrepreneurial spirit and leading the market in innovation, including its adoption of eClosings eNotes. Click n' Close is Mid America's ultra-secure, digital mortgage approval and closing process that gets home buyers from application to closing within two weeks. With just a few clicks at closing, Click n' Close puts keys in the home buyer's hand in 15 minutes or less. Apply online at https://www.midamericamortgage.com/click-n-close/#cnc.

Frequently named a top mortgage employer/workplace by industry trade magazines such as Mortgage Professional America, MReport, National Mortgage News and National Mortgage Professional, Mid America is looking for tech-savvy, service-oriented mortgage professionals to join our growing team. We are dedicated to providing our employees with industry-leading tools and technology to deliver a great package of competitive pricing, programs and knowledgeable service. Want to join our team? Visit https://www.midamericamortgage.com/careers/.

Mid America Mortgage, Inc. (Mid America) announced today that the company has donated $250,000 to Services of Hope, a 501(c)(3) organization in Dallas aimed at providing assistance and support for community needs that do not fit in a traditional category. Mid America's donation will be met by matching funds by the City of Dallas as part of the Driver of Poverty Grant - Barriers to Poverty.

Related link: https://www.midamericamortgage.com/

Compassion Prison Project and CA Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris Raise ACE Awareness in CA Prison

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Compassion Prison Project (CPP) piloted its innovative new series "Trauma Talks," an educational video program with accompanying workbook this week. CPP's mission is to create trauma-informed prisons and communities by bringing trauma awareness education and proven healing modalities to the men and women living and working in prison. Statistically, those involved in the prison system have some of the highest number of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) in society.

As part of the "Trauma Talks" launch, on September 7th, 8th, and 9th 2021, CPP hosted an historic event at Valley State Prison (VSP) in California. Over a hundred men living at VSP shared their childhood trauma stories in Compassion Trauma Circles, joined by CPP Founder Fritzi Horstman, California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris and 17 volunteers. CPP and Ms. Horstman are best known for the short film Step Inside the Circle, which has reached over 3.5 million viewers with its unprecedented look at childhood trauma behind bars. Dr. Burke Harris's office has established the bold goal of reducing ACEs and toxic stress by 50 percent within one generation.

The VSP event activities included supportive open discussions, exercises, and lectures. Catalina Villegas, Anchor of Your Weekend on Spectrum News 1, was on-site to capture the event as it unfolded. In addition, CPP provided mentorship training to several incarcerated residents and a specially designed Correctional Officer presentation was also featured for 30+ Correctional Officers.

Every single resident at Valley State Prison (2,900 in total) received the first volume of the "Trauma Talks" workbook and began the curriculum, thanks to the generous donation by one of CPP's supporters. CPP is on track to establish several other pilot launches of "Trauma Talks" in the United States and around the world by the end of 2021, with the goal of having the entire series available in all prisons by 2023.

The outcome of this event is that Valley State Prison will be the first fully trauma-informed, trauma-responsive prison in the country. With the "Trauma Talks" pilot, CPP has opened the doors for important transformation in the United States Criminal Justice community. The positive impact this educational and emotionally supportive program will have on incarcerated citizens and their families is immeasurable.

"When I found out I was traumatized by my parents and my upbringing, it changed how I felt about myself," Fritzi Horstman reflected on her way back from Valley State Prison. "I want to share what I've learned and make sure every person living in prison understands the principles of trauma, brain science and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) so people can forgive themselves, make amends and begin the healing process, not only for themselves, but for their families and their communities."

For more information, please contact Melonie McCoy, Media and Communications Director at media@compassionprisonproject.org or visit https://compassionprisonproject.org/

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Caption: Compassion Prison Project's Fritzi Horstman & California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris

MEDIA CONTACT:

Compassion Prison Project

Melonie McCoy - Media and Communications Director

media@compassionprisonproject.org

425-628-4611

Compassion Prison Project (CPP) piloted its innovative new series "Trauma Talks," an educational video program with accompanying workbook this week. CPP's mission is to create trauma-informed prisons and communities by bringing trauma awareness education and proven healing modalities to the men and women living and working in prison.

Related link: https://compassionprisonproject.org/

COVID Variants Do Not Stop C. diff. Awareness Walks Worldwide

TEANECK, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- C Diff Foundation announced today that the 5th Annual Global C. diff. Awareness Walks will take place on-demand, on a livestream, and in-person at Sims Park, New Port Richey, FL, and Brown Street Park Complex, Spring city, PA, and Milton A. Votee, Teaneck, NJ. This year's annual events will take place on Saturday, September 25, 2021, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. EDT. Learn more at: https://www.cdiffwalks.com

Proceeds from the events will benefit the C Diff Foundation's mission educating and advocating for C. difficile infection prevention, treatments, clinical trials, and environmental safety worldwide. During these unprecedented times the C Diff Foundation effectively adapts to overcome the many obstacles developing from this global virus and the variants of SARS-CoV-2 that have been emerging and circulating around the world throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

C. diff. infections are one of the leading healthcare-associated infections facing local communities worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a Clostridioides difficile infection (C. diff., C. difficile), (formally known as Clostridium difficile) "has become the most common microbial cause of healthcare-associated infections in U.S. hospitals and costs up to $4.8 billion each year in excess health care costs for acute care facilities alone." Statistics provided by the CDC suggest that C. difficile cause nearly 500,000 infections in patients in the U.S. annually. In one study noted by the CDC, among infected patients, nearly 29,000 died within 30 days of being diagnosed, and more than half of those deaths (15,000) were directly attributable to a C. difficile infection.

"C Diff Foundation volunteering members have a passion to improve the lives of patients, families, and caregivers who have been impacted by C. diff. infections worldwide," says Nancy C. Caralla, Founding President, Executive Director of the C Diff Foundation. "At the in-person C. diff. Awareness Walks, a safe distance will be maintained, and hand sanitizer will be available to ensure a safe outdoor event. 'Let's Walk' presents educational information shared by health care professionals, and C. diff. Survivors, through on-demand walks and livestream options located on the dedicated event website: https://cdiffwalks.com."

Thank you, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, for being the Global Sponsor of the 5th Annual Global C. diff. Awareness Walks. Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group committed to helping people around the world build families and live better lives. Ferring is a leader in reproductive medicine and maternal health, and in specialty areas within gastroenterology and urology. Ferring is committed to exploring the crucial link between the microbiome and human health, beginning with the threat of recurrent C. difficile infection. With the 2018 acquisition of Rebiotix and several other alliances, Ferring is a world leader in microbiome research, developing novel microbiome-based therapeutics to address significant unmet needs and help people live better lives. For more information visit https://www.ferringusa.com.

We also extend our thanks to Seres Therapeutics, Inc. for being the Diamond Sponsor of the 5th Annual Global C. diff. Awareness Walks.

Seres Therapeutics, Inc. is a leading microbiome therapeutics company developing a novel class of multifunctional bacterial consortia designed to functionally interact with host cells and tissues to treat disease. Seres' SER-109 program achieved the first-ever positive pivotal clinical results for a targeted microbiome drug candidate and has obtained Breakthrough Therapy and Orphan Drug designations from the FDA. The SER-109 program is being advanced for the treatment of recurrent C. difficile infection and has potential to become a first-in-class FDA-approved microbiome therapeutic. Seres is evaluating SER-301 in a Phase 1b study in patients with ulcerative colitis and SER-155 in a Phase 1b study to address gastrointestinal infections, bacteremia and graft-versus-host disease. For more information, please visit https://www.serestherapeutics.com.

About C Diff Foundation:

C Diff Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the leading patient and healthcare organization educating and advocating for C. difficile (Clostridioides difficile, C. diff., CDI, CDAD) prevention, treatments, clinical trials, diagnostics, support, and environmental safety worldwide. Their Mission continues to move forward and grow through research conducted by government, industry, and academia strengthening the advocacy on behalf of patients, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers worldwide. For more information: https://cdifffoundation.org/

Follow C Diff Foundation:

Twitter @cdiffFoundation

#cdiffwalks2021 #cdiff2021

C Diff Foundation(tm) is a trademark of C Diff Foundation, established 2012 in the U.S.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kathy Bischoff, Global Walk Committee

kathy@cdifffoundation.org

(727) 205-3922

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C Diff Foundation announced today that the 5th Annual Global C. diff. Awareness Walks will take place on-demand, on a livestream, and in-person at Sims Park, New Port Richey, FL, and Brown Street Park Complex, Spring city, PA, and Milton A. Votee, Teaneck, NJ. This year's annual events will take place on Saturday, September 25, 2021, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. EDT.

Related link: https://cdifffoundation.org/

Beyond Baroque Announces Amanda Gorman Future Voices Poetry Fund

VENICE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Beyond Baroque, one of the nation's leading independent Literary Arts Centers, has announced the Amanda Gorman Future Voices Poetry Fund. The fund, named in honor of Beyond Baroque alumna and U.S. Presidential Inaugural Poet Amanda Gorman, will provide $10,000 to young poets of color.

"It's been wonderful witnessing Amanda's growth from her start in our Student Poets' Program to the Inaugural Poet we see today, and we hope to continue uplifting fellow promising youth poets of color through this fund," said the nonprofit's executive director, Quentin Ring.

"We're looking forward to ushering in new word warriors who can speak for not only themselves but also their respective communities and maybe one day, like Ms. Gorman, the world," added Shonda Buchanan, Vice President of Beyond Baroque's Board of Trustees.

The Amanda Gorman Future Voices Poetry Fund includes a poetry contest and a scholarship for college-bound student poets of color. A total of $10,000 will be awarded for the 2021-2022 school year. The fund continues Beyond Baroque's long history of nurturing some of Los Angeles' most prominent poets, including Wanda Coleman, Amy Gerstler, and Amanda Gorman herself. As a teenager, Gorman began her development as a poet in the Beyond Baroque Student Poets' Program, established by former Executive Director Richard Modiano. After completing the program, she was appointed the first Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles, and then of the United States in 2017, by Beyond Baroque partner Urban Word. She later named Beyond Baroque as the place "where a young poet found the love of her life."

The fund will begin accepting applications in November 2021, and more details will be announced in the following months.

To learn more about Beyond Baroque, or to make a contribution in support of the Amanda Gorman Future Voices Poetry Fund, please visit https://www.beyondbaroque.org/.

ABOUT BEYOND BAROQUE:

Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center is one of the nation's most successful and influential grassroots incubators of the literary arts. Founded in 1968, and housed in the original Venice City Hall building in Venice, California, it is a nonprofit public space dedicated to cultivating new writing and expanding the public's knowledge of poetry, literature, and art through cultural events and community interaction.

The Center offers a diverse variety of literary and arts programming, including readings, workshops, art exhibits, and education. Across five decades, Beyond Baroque has provided crucial support to a series of seminal writers, artists, and musicians that include Wanda Coleman, Dennis Cooper, Amy Gerstler, Exene Cervenka, John Doe, Mike Kelley, Viggo Mortensen, Will Alexander, and Amanda Gorman. Today the Center continues to provide a vital cultural forum through its free workshops, reading series, and general programming.

ABOUT AMANDA GORMAN:

Amanda Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, as well as an award-winning writer and cum laude graduate of Harvard University, where she studied sociology. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she is the author of the "The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country" (Viking Books for Young Readers, March 2021), the poetry collection "Call Us What We Carry" (Viking, December 2021) and "The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough" (Penmanship Books, 2015). In 2017, Gorman was named the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States. She previously served as the youth poet laureate of Los Angeles, and she is the founder and executive director of One Pen One Page, an organization providing free creative writing programs for underserved youth.

Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291.

Beyond Baroque, one of the nation's leading independent Literary Arts Centers, has announced the Amanda Gorman Future Voices Poetry Fund. The fund, named in honor of Beyond Baroque alumna and U.S. Presidential Inaugural Poet Amanda Gorman, will provide $10,000 to young poets of color.

Related link: http://beyondbaroque.org/

Move For Hunger and Mayflower Transit Announce a New Partnership to Help Fight Hunger in the United States

RED BANK, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mayflower Transit, the nation's most recognized and trusted moving company, and Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, announced today a brand new partnership that will provide much-needed transportation assistance to food banks in the United States while also contributing more than 125,000 meals.

Since its founding in 2009, Move For Hunger has delivered more than 24 million pounds of food - over 20 million meals - across all 50 states and in Canada. The organization continues to increase its impact year after year and is on pace to deliver a record 6 million meals this year alone. The new partnership with Mayflower Transit will only increase its impact.

Mayflower Transit joins an ever-growing network of 1,000+ movers and transportation partners dedicated to fighting food insecurity. Mayflower Transit began with a vision to give people a choice, providing an alternative to using railroads to move household goods. A growing network of paved roads in the early 20th century further enabled long-distance trucking, and thus began Mayflower's foundation as a trailblazer in the moving industry. Over the past 90 years, Mayflower has helped America move with 200 affiliated agents. Mayflower Transit is part of UniGroup, C.A., a cooperative based in suburban St. Louis, Missouri, and also owns the nation's #1 mover United Van Lines, UniGroup Logistics and more.

The new partnership couldn't come at a more important time. After nearly a decade of slowly declining food insecurity in the U.S., the pandemic wiped out the progress made and increased the total number of people struggling to put food on the table to 42 million Americans (1 in 8). Now, the country faces the uncertainty of what the COVID Delta variant will bring as we head into the cooler months when food insecurity usually increases.

"We cannot be more excited about our new partnership with Move For Hunger," President and CEO Marc Rogers said. "The partnership fits hand-in-hand with Mayflower's philanthropic mission to fortify the communities in which we serve through eliminating food waste and fighting hunger. At Mayflower we are seeking new opportunities and pathways to progress that go well beyond simply moving our customer's safely. A partnership with Move For Hunger pairs one of the nation's experts in ensuring millions of meals every year reach the homes of those in need with our vast transportation network. Together, we will be able to increase food security in the communities that need it most."

"I'm thrilled to join forces with Mayflower Transit," said Adam Lowy, Executive Director and Founder of Move For Hunger. "They're so widely respected and with agents everywhere, we can be that much more effective in our food rescue efforts. Thirty-five percent of all food in the United States goes unused or uneaten. At the same time, people are struggling in every state. The addition of Mayflower and its agents will help put more food in the hands of people who need it most."

About Move For Hunger

Move For Hunger (501(c)(3) is a national non-profit organization that has created a sustainable way to reduce food waste and fight hunger. We have mobilized the leaders of moving, relocation, and multi-family industries to provide their customers, clients, and residents with the opportunity to donate their food when they move. Members of Move For Hunger also organize community food drives, participate in awareness campaigns, and create employee engagement programs. For more information, or to find out how you can host your own food drive, visit https://moveforhunger.org/.

About UniGroup

UniGroup is a $1.4 billion transportation and relocation services company with headquarters in suburban St. Louis. In addition to household goods carriers United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, logistics company UniGroup Logistics, and international relocation provider UniGroup Worldwide Moving, UniGroup owns other subsidiaries providing goods and services to professional movers. Visit http://www.unigroup.com/ for more information.

About Mayflower

Mayflower is America's most recognized and trusted moving company. Mayflower offers a full range of moving services. With headquarters in suburban St. Louis, Mayflower maintains a network of 200 affiliated agencies. For more information about Mayflower Transit and its services, visit: http://www.mayflower.com/.

Mayflower Transit, the nation's most recognized and trusted moving company, and Move For Hunger, a national hunger relief non-profit organization, announced today a brand new partnership that will provide much-needed transportation assistance to food banks in the United States while also contributing more than 125,000 meals.

Related link: https://moveforhunger.org/

Mentors Needed for Children Experiencing Parental Incarceration

AUSTIN, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Seedling, a non-profit organization serving children who have an incarcerated parent, is seeking business partners and individuals to mentor children in Central Texas school districts during the 2021-22 school year. The organization served 349 children last school year and expects to significantly increase the number of children served during the 2021/2022 school year.

Seedling's mission is to mitigate the impact of parental incarceration on children in Central Texas through school-based mentoring. The non-profit organization matches children with mentors in Austin ISD, Del Valle ISD, Hays Consolidated ISD, KIPP Public Schools, and Pflugerville ISD. Since 2005, Seedling has served over 2300 children who have a parent in prison or jail.

There are an estimated 8,000 kids that have a parent in jail or prison in the four-county area of Travis, Hays, Bastrop, and Williamson County. No system, including criminal justice and schools, reliably ask the question of whether a child is affected or is in need, due to parental incarceration. The organization began mentoring children of incarcerated parents due to the request of principals in local school districts.

"Our community needs to be doing all it can to support the children in Central Texas who have an incarcerated parent. It is imperative that we all find ways to support Seedling's mentoring program so these kids have the opportunity to reach their full potential," said Austin Mayor Steve Adler.

Based in best practices for mentoring, Seedling trains and supports its mentors, specializing in the challenges surrounding being a child who has an incarcerated parent. Mentors meet with their mentee once weekly during lunch personally or virtually, at one of the 100 public schools partnering with Seedling. The organization pairs the volunteer's skills and interests with a child who has similar interests.

"Mentoring helps employees adopt skills and behaviors at work that can make a real difference for both the individual and the employer in today's socially conscious workforce. More importantly, the reward for both the mentee and volunteer is life changing," said Dan Leal, Seedling Executive Director.

Seedling matches average 24 months which positively contributes to the students' personal development, resilience, school engagement, attendance, and disciplinary outcomes. Eighty-five percent of Seedling's 2019-20 high school seniors aspired to enroll in college. More than double the number of Seedling students confirmed college enrollment than did a matched comparison group of students.

Individuals can go to the Seedling website https://seedlingmentors.org/mentor to complete the new mentor application or call Seedling at (512) 323-6371 to inquire about an information session for a group.

Caregivers who are seeking school-based mentoring for their child in school districts partnering with Seedling should contact the school's counseling department.

About Seedling:

Seedling has provided school-based mentoring for over 2300 Central Texas children impacted by parental incarceration since 2005. Seedling is seeking mentors to serve children during the 2021-22 school year as schools allows mentors to return campuses. Seedling is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Tax ID #74-2841791. Donations are tax deductible.

Learn more at: https://seedlingmentors.org/

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Dan Leal, Executive Director
(512) 323-6371 (phone)
dan@seedlingmentors.org

Seedling, a non-profit organization serving children who have an incarcerated parent, is seeking business partners and individuals to mentor children in Central Texas school districts during the 2021-22 school year. The organization served 349 children last school year and expects to significantly increase the number of children served during the 2021/2022 school year.

Related link: https://seedlingmentors.org/

American Red Cross Northeast Georgia selects FormFree as Corporate Blood Sponsor of the Year

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree® has been recognized as the Corporate Blood Sponsor of the Year for the American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps feed, shelter and provide support for people affected by fires and other disasters.

FormFree was named Corporate Blood Sponsor of the Year for providing mission-critical support and dedication to the Red Cross' efforts in the Northeast Georgia community. The Red Cross officially recognized 2021 volunteers and community partners who are saving lives and enriching the Red Cross' mission in the region at a virtual event on August 5.

The American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia provides direct service to 23 Georgia counties by supporting the collection, testing and distribution of blood and blood components in the region, providing emergency resources for military families, facilitating lifesaving training in first aid, CPR and use of AED and helping people and communities impacted by disasters.

"Our hats off to FormFree for their unwavering support of our mission," said Marlon Trone, executive director of the American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia. "We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to continuing to support Northeast Georgia's communities together."

FormFree's commitment to the American Red Cross stems back to the company's founding in 2008, when the company began supporting the nonprofit through participation in blood drives, food drives and fundraisers. In 2017, FormFree CEO Brent Chandler joined the board of directors of the American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia. Currently FormFree Director of Marketing Sarah Crossley and Account Manager Laura Graben are co-chairs of the chapter's Young Professionals Advisory Board. Last year, FormFree helped raise nearly $30,000 for the charity as the host of October's Heroes Golf Classic tournament. The company plans to host the event again this fall.

"Giving back is a core value at FormFree. It's an honor to shine a light on a cause we care deeply about and that has a significant, positive impact on our immediate community," said Chandler. "In today's times, it is more important than ever to lend a helping hand."

About FormFree®

FormFree® is a market-leading fintech company whose revolutionary products AccountChek® and Passport® make for a more inclusive credit decisioning landscape by enabling lenders to understand people's true ability to pay (ATP®). To date, thousands of U.S. lenders and brokers have ordered millions of FormFree's patented verification reports representing trillions of dollars in loan verifications. FormFree delights borrowers and lenders with a paperless experience, dramatically reduces origination timelines and offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and investors using a secure ReissueKey®. For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit https://www.redcross.org/ or http://www.cruzrojaamericana.org/.

Twitter: @RealFormFree @GARedcross @NEGAARC #HeroesGolfClassic

FormFree has been recognized as the Corporate Blood Sponsor of the Year for the American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps feed, shelter and provide support for people affected by fires and other disasters.

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

New Jersey Theatre Alliance Awarded Grant Through New Jersey State Council on the Arts as Part of the State’s Largest Appropriation in 55 Year History

MORRISTOWN, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- New Jersey Theatre Alliance ("The Alliance"), one of the state's largest arts service organizations, was recently awarded a grant through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts ("NJSCA"). The awards announced last week were part of the largest state appropriation the Council has ever received in its 55-year history - $31.9 million as part of the state budget approved by Governor Murphy last month.

"This is a historic time for New Jersey's arts community. We thank Governor Murphy, Secretary of State Way, and the New Jersey State Legislature for their belief in the impact the arts have on our communities and the souls of our fellow New Jerseyans," says John McEwen, Executive Director, New Jersey Theatre Alliance.

For the first time in over a decade, the NJSCA budget was increased by 60%. As stated by the Council, $35.6 million in grants were awarded to support more than 700 arts organizations, projects, and artists throughout the state. Grant awards also included $7.5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds, which were signed into law by Governor Murphy earlier this year as part of a multi-bill package aimed at economic recovery.

"Given the extraordinary times we are living, the increased funding to the arts causes me to beam with pride about the leadership of our great state," says Marshall Jones, III, Associate Professor - Theater, Mason Gross School of the Arts Rutgers and President of the Alliance Board of Trustees. John J. Wooten, Producing Artistic Director of Premiere Stages and Chair of the Alliance Board of Trustees, adds, "Increased funding from NJSCA could not have not come at a more crucial time. While theatres are beginning to transition back from virtual presentations to live productions, significant challenges remain. These enhanced resources will not only help theatres to safely re-emerge but will also help them to explore creative ways to re-envision their missions in a post-COVID world. Increased funding for New Jersey Theatre Alliance will also ensure that the incredible job the Alliance has been doing to assist the NJ Theatre Membership with re-opening efforts will continue."

A 33% increase from NJSCA has brought the Alliance's General Operating Support (GOS) grant up to a total of $208,705, support for their Cultural Access Network Project, a co-sponsored project that provides a wide range of services and programs to assist theatres and cultural organizations in making their programs and facilities accessible to seniors and people with disabilities, remained level with a grant of $70,000, and received a grant of $46,000 as part of the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF).

"We are grateful for the support and partnership of the State Arts Council's Board and staff who have done an outstanding job in lifting up our field during this unprecedented time. We thank our colleagues at ArtPride New Jersey and all the state's arts advocates for their tireless efforts and encouragement in support of our field. This has been the most challenging time for our industry and as we continue to chart new waters and begin to welcome audiences back safely, these increased funds will have a major impact in helping our field on their path to stability," says McEwen.

About New Jersey Theatre Alliance

Founded in 1981, New Jersey Theatre Alliance ( https://njtheatrealliance.org/ ) was the first statewide service organization for professional, not-for-profit theatre companies in the United States, and is a leader in developing model programs that unite, promote, strengthen, and cultivate professional theatre in New Jersey. Funding for the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, a not-for-profit organization, is provided in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, and contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations including Amazon, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, The Grunin Foundation, The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, Bank of America, City National Bank, The Shubert Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, Investors Bank, The Hyde and Watson Foundation, Kessler Foundation, The F.M. Kirby Foundation, E.J. Grassmann Trust, and The Union Foundation.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0804s2p-njtheatre-300dpi.jpg

New Jersey Theatre Alliance ("The Alliance"), one of the state's largest arts service organizations, was recently awarded a grant through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts ("NJSCA"). The awards announced last week were part of the largest state appropriation the Council has ever received in its 55-year history.

Related link: https://njtheatrealliance.org/

Truist Bank to Support Millionaire Mastermind Academy’s Business Development program for Minority Women Entrepreneurs

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Celebrating key milestones of the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a nonprofit organization that aims to end poverty through entrepreneurship for minority women worldwide, Truist Bank is supporting recent graduates of the academy's Entrepreneur Accelerator Program, ThinkZILLA Consulting Group announced today. The program graduates explored 13 weeks of business development, creating viable business models, marketing strategies, doing business with the federal government and more over the past three months.

Registration for the women-only event, to be hosted Aug. 16, 2021 from 2-4 p.m. Eastern at Newbirth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, is now open. With a theme of "The Gathering of the Queens: Empowering and Equipping Women Entrepreneurs," the special event features program founder and award-winning entrepreneur Dr. Velma Trayham, author and business leader Pastor Karri Turner, and Vice President and Area Lead of Truist Bank, Erin Floyd.

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/economic-empowerment-seminar-women-only-tickets-157748968411

"The Millionaire Mastermind Academy has a mission to serve more than 1 million women by 2025 through empowered entrepreneurship. This would not be possible without the support of women across the globe and partnerships such as Truist Bank, Country Financial, Arizona State University, American Landmark and Fiji Water," Dr. Trayham said. "Entrepreneurship and sustainable small businesses are the solution to reducing economic disparities and gender inequalities."

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy is designed to provide business development and mentorship to Black and minority women entrepreneurs to overcome the challenges of economic instability. It educates women across the country while supporting the growth of their small businesses, combating the threat of poverty and gender-based income inequalities, and improving local economies.

"At Truist, our environmental, social and corporate governance contributions are more than a responsibility-they're an opportunity to fulfill our purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. By doing our part as corporate citizens to help build a better quality of life for the communities in which we live and work, we hope to inspire others to do the same and create a ripple effect of meaningful change," VP Area Leader Erin Floyd said. "Our communities are our best investment. That's why we're committed to our work through the Community Reinvestment Act. From funding programs that support LMI individuals and communities to building the capacity of charitable and nonprofit organizations, we're improving lives across the country."

According to the London Business School's Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, entrepreneurship creates jobs and new products, advances technology, and increases prospects for those who start, grow, work for, or invest in new ventures. To that end, the Millionaire Mastermind Academy has mentored more than 5,000 women, provided seed funding for new and diverse business ventures, and serves as one of the fastest-growing nonprofit organizations in the country.

About Millionaire Mastermind Academy

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to educate and support the growth of women-owned business enterprises, thereby strengthening the economic impact in their community. We have mentored more than 5,000 women through our programs. For more information visit https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.truist.com/

https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/entrepreneur-accelerator/

MULTIMEDIA:

IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0803s2p-mma-poster-300dpi.jpg

Caption: "The Gathering of the Queens: Empowering and Equipping Women Entrepreneurs" event poster.

Celebrating key milestones of the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a nonprofit organization that aims to end poverty through entrepreneurship for minority women worldwide, Truist Bank is supporting recent graduates of the academy's Entrepreneur Accelerator Program, ThinkZILLA Consulting Group announced today.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

For World Friendship Day, the Church of Scientology Shares the Key to Lasting Relationships

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Church of Scientology International extends an invitation to people of goodwill to join Scientology Churches and Missions in support of International Day of Friendship, a United Nations initiative that promotes "friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals" and seeks to "inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities."

In observing this UN Day, Scientologists share two precepts from "The Way to Happiness," the common-sense moral code written by L. Ron Hubbard, that hold the key to lasting friendships:

* "Try not to do things to others that you would not like them to do to you," and

* "Try to treat others as you would want them to treat you."

"Among many peoples in many lands for many ages there have been versions of what is called 'The Golden Rule,'" wrote Mr. Hubbard. "The philosophic question concerning wrongdoing, the argument of what is wrong is answered at once on a personal basis: Would you not like that to happen to you? No? Then it must be a harmful action and, from society's viewpoint, a wrong action. It can awaken social consciousness. It can then let one work out what one should do and what one should not do."

As to the second and positive version of the rule, "One can get into a lot of conflicting opinions and confusions about what 'good behavior' might be," Mr. Hubbard wrote. "If one were to think over how he or she would like to be treated by others, one would evolve the human virtues. Just figure out how you would want people to treat you."

The full text of these precepts, available on the website of The Way to Happiness Foundation, provide know-how for an individual wishing to implement the guidelines personally or take them up with others to help them salvage or enhance interpersonal relationships.

Putting these and the other 19 precepts of "The Way to Happiness" into action has everything to do with the purpose of International Friendship Day, because, as Mr. Hubbard points out:

"Aside from personal benefit, one can take a hand, no matter how small, in beginning a new era for human relations.

"The pebble, dropped in a pool, can make ripples to the furthest shore."

Scientology Churches mark International Friendship Day with open house events and forums where they share successful application of "The Way to Happiness" in addressing issues of importance to the community. They also reach out with "The Way to Happiness" information stands and distribution events to share the booklet and its wealth of knowledge.

An interactive timeline on the Scientology website documents how the Church of Scientology Kansas City and local community activists used "The Way to Happiness" in Peace Rides, based on the effectiveness of Peace Rides in Los Angeles. The KC team distributed "The Way to Happiness" to promote a climate of unity and peace, counter violence and reverse the city's climbing homicide rate. In honor of the event, Kansas City rapper and recording artist Kodde One wrote the anthem "Hold Yo' Head High" to help spread the booklet's message of brotherhood throughout the city.

Other examples of the impact of "The Way to Happiness" are featured on the Scientology Network in episodes of the original series Voices for Humanity, which spotlights the work of humanitarians using the booklet to address societal needs.

These episodes include the work of:

* Rev. Father Teddy Sichinga, who uses "The Way to Happiness" to empower poverty-stricken farmers and villagers in Zambia;

* Diana Pedroni, who in partnership with the director of National Prevention and Citizen Security in the Dominican Republic, distributed the booklet throughout the country resulting in a 21 percent drop in crime;

* Rosalba and José Cordero and their Social Development and Recovery of Values Association, who not only educate young people with these precepts in schools, they also bring the program to inmates across Mexico's entire prison system resulting in 99 percent of their graduates living lives free of crime.

Those using "The Way to Happiness" in their communities share rave reviews of its effectiveness:

"I firmly believe that "The Way to Happiness" can change the perspective of many people to life and difficult situations that arise in it," writes the coordinator of social rehabilitation and rehabilitation center for young offenders.

"Extremely motivating and inspiring. Moreover, in this world of intolerance and violence, the messages of peace and sharing can bring about a change in the world," wrote a teacher.

"Two precepts really took my daughter's interest," wrote a parent. "'Be Industrious' and 'Flourish and Prosper.' She never looked back after that and has since carried a seemingly unkillable momentum and spirit about life. I have no doubt what started her turnaround. It was 'The Way to Happiness'."

For more information on "The Way to Happiness," contact your local Church of Scientology or visit the website of The Way to Happiness Foundation.

The Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion's ecclesiastical leader.

MEDIA CONTACT: mediarelations@churchofscientology.net

MULTIMEDIA:

PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0729s2p-cos-open-house-300dpi.jpg

Caption: Scientology Churches hold open house events and forums featuring "The Way to Happiness" and its application in society.

The Church of Scientology International extends an invitation to people of goodwill to join Scientology Churches and Missions in support of International Day of Friendship, a United Nations initiative that promotes "friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals" and seeks to "inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities."

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Retailu Partners with One Voice One Team to Champion Youth Employment In Retail

MONTREAL, Quebec /ScoopCloud/ -- The current state of retail vacancies is alarming - the industry at large is facing a massive gap in part-time workers. "We have never seen this many openings for part-time workers," said April Sabral from retailu. "Even more alarming is the pool of candidates that want to work in retail post COVID. Usually, we would have students applying for their summer jobs, but unfortunately, this has not happened in 2021."

Why is this happening, and what can we do about it?

Sabral, Founder of retailu shared her thoughts, "Mental health has been seriously affected in our youth throughout the past year; virtual school, no sporting events, and a lack of routine has caused significant problems - Also, fear of catching covid and passing it along to aging parents has weighed on this population. These may be a few reasons that our normal retail first-time workers are not out there eagerly looking for a PT retail job."

If youth mental health has been affected, this may have directly impacted their confidence to go out into the workforce and pass out resumes like before.

In addition, most retailers have not yet adopted an easier way to find candidates as the youth of today's communication does not match the tech of sending in a resume and completing a lengthy application online. This process is archaic at best.

Something has to be done said Sabral. This is where retailu, in partnership with One Voice One Team, have stepped up to solve this pressing problem.

Orlando Bowen, Founder of a charitable youth leadership development organization, said we felt it was paramount that we created something where youth were able to see possibilities and develop skills that will allow them to succeed in work and life, while offering retailers the opportunity to fill employment gaps within their companies.

One Voice One Team, a nonprofit organization, has been running programs for nearly two decades. Get Yo' Life is a program that focuses on helping students learn how to become employable and keep a job. When April Sabral, founder of retailu, met the team from OVOT late in 2020, she knew there had to be something they could do together to help youth gain their first job in a retail store.

Bowen, founder of OVOT, shared that youth who complete the "Get Yo' Life" program will walk away with valuable key principles like resiliency skills, prioritization skills and authentic leadership skills that will not just position them to secure an internship, but it will also position them to find success in developing a clear career path in life.

Sabral is an advocate for retail being a great career, and shares her story of how she started as a PT sales associate after high school, "It was an easy job to get, and one that I learned life skills in" in her book 'The Positive Effect" and after 25 years of leading in retailers like Banana Republic, Starbucks, Apple and finally as the Vice President of DAVIDsTEA a loved tea shop in Canada she is an advocate for retail being a real career. "I never thought it would be, but after traveling the world and working for mega brands, I can tell you that retail is an amazing career."

Retailu has partnered with OVOT to create the only retail training program for young people to get their first job in the retail industry. The Get Yo' Life program, along with a retailu "How to ACE your first retail job and keep it," is an opportunity for retailers to sponsor kids through the program and offer them an internship at the other side, helping the retailer find their potential workforce.

The retailu program features retail industry leaders, such as Ron Thurston, former VP of Intermix; Solange Strom, former CEO and Founder of L'Occitane in Canada; Meghan Houle, Executive recruiter and Darlene Huf, Former Country manager for a brand like David's Bridal and Disney who offer solid advice to these youth through a masterclass style online on-demand course.

The first retailer to get involved in sponsoring a Get Yo' Life retail internship is Ardene, a North American fast fashion brand with over 300 stores across Canada and the East Coast US.

In addition to its head-to-toe offering of apparel, footwear and accessories for women and men, Ardene's corporate culture has become known for its impressive mental health advocacy in recent years. In 2018, in the days before COVID, Ardene launched its first mindfulness program for stores in partnership with Brain Spa, an innovative organization that seeks to bring mindfulness-based leadership to the workplace. The program, called "Mindful Moments" has since grown significantly to include a suite of mental health and mindfulness trainings companywide, in partnership with the likes of LifeWorks and others. Most recently, the company named its Head of People and Culture, Fil D'Urbano, as Chief Mindfulness Officer, and is a 2021 nominee for the Retail Council of Canada's Excellence in Retailing Award for its Mindfulness programs.

"With 40 years of experience in the retail market, Ardene is no stranger to evolving alongside and supporting young people," said an Ardene representative. "But with so many changes brought on by COVID, and with rising mental health issues, we know that more needs to be done."

The first cohort of approximately 45 youth in Ontario is being sponsored through the Get Yo' Life program now, and once completed, selected participants will be offered a chance at an internship at an Ardene store. "We have partnered with OVOT and retailu on the Get Yo' Life program because we have always had a culture of giving back. Helping build life skills such as goal setting, adaptability, mindfulness, and gratitude are all aligned with our values, and we are proud to support the OVOT team and retailu as they make this a reality for young people across Canada."

These youth are so excited and can't wait to start their potential first job with Ardene, a well-loved brand by this demographic. Together retailu, OVOT and Ardene are paving the way for what could be a way to empower youth, fill vacancies, and help a pressing issue that seems to have hit retail post COVID.

Retailers interested in sponsoring this program should get in touch with retailu at info@retailu.ca

LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Program details retailu: https://retailu.ca/youth-employement-program/

OVOT link: https://onevoiceoneteam.org/

Ardene: https://www.ardene.com/

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:

April Sabral

april@retailu.ca

Phone 305-965-1023

Editorial note: the 'retailu' brand name is all lower case.

MULTIMEDIA:

LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0729s2p-retailu-logo-300dpi.jpg

The current state of retail vacancies is alarming - the industry at large is facing a massive gap in part-time workers. "We have never seen this many openings for part-time workers," said April Sabral from retailu. "Even more alarming is the pool of candidates that want to work in retail post COVID. Usually, we would have students applying for their summer jobs, but unfortunately, this has not happened in 2021."

Related link: https://www.retailu.ca/

Grace Gardens Memory Care Opens This Summer

SANTA ANA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Town & Country Life Plan Community announces the grand opening of Grace Gardens, a $25 million memory care community featuring one of the largest outdoor garden courtyards in Orange County. The nonprofit community offers residency for approximately 80 residents with Alzheimer's and dementia in four distinct neighborhoods.

The Grand Opening Celebration is at 2 p.m. PDT Friday, July 23 and features live music, complimentary beverages, brain-healthy treats, and tours of the memory care neighborhoods and community features. Attendees are invited to create a painting in the art room during the party. Tours will be socially distanced, and refreshments will be individually served. RSVP at 714-480-7738 or http://tcmanor.com/upcoming-events/.

"Nature produces a therapeutic effect on those with dementia and Alzheimer's," Town & Country Executive Director Dirk DeWolfe said. "We created a community where nature can be part of each resident's day."

A formative encounter with a dementia patient at the start of DeWolfe's career contributed to the unique physical design of Grace Gardens. "I took a combative patient for a walk outside and everything about him changed," DeWolfe said. "As long as he was walking, he was happy. When we began Grace Gardens, I knew a walkable, natural setting had to be integral to the design."

Grace Gardens will provide residents access to beautiful, natural surroundings, sunlight and plenty of secure, open space to move around. The 3,000 sq. ft. courtyard features walking paths, trees, flowers, edible plantings, raised gardens and a potting shed for horticulture therapy. Residents with less mobility will have access to indoor horticultural encounters.

"We look forward to the day when Alzheimer's is a disease of the past. Until then, we plan to do everything we can to make the journey as pleasant as possible," DeWolfe said.

Grace Gardens has shaped the environment around those living with dementia to empower residents with maximum independence and dignity. Activities and programming are designed to accommodate each individual's aptitude to ensure their success and make life easier. Programming is stage-informed to address the individual. There are many shades of cognitive impairment, and the team starts by investigating possible causes. They then apply all the tools, best practices and knowledge to improve the physical, emotional and spiritual experience of each resident based on their needs and potential.

Their memory care environment provides a sense of independence, autonomy, and choice. Using the latest in therapeutic design principles, Grace Gardens helps those experiencing cognitive decline from Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other types of dementia to live successfully. Little cues make the difference, and intuitive layout and signage makes wayfinding simple.

Grace Gardens is on the Town & Country campus, which has a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. They offer four neighborhoods, each attuned to a specific peer-based, stage-informed cohort of residents. Rooms are private and spacious with garden views. High-tech touch screens and intuitive wayfinding are featured. Families and residents can have breakfast, lunch or dinner together at an onsite dining venue called Rob's Garden Cafe. Grace Gardens offers 24x7 nursing staff and concierge doctor's office, medical appointment transportation and chef-crafted meals. Therapies include art, music, pet, exercise, and horticulture.

Town & Country is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian retirement community in the heart of Orange County. Built in 1975, Town & Country was brought to life with the vision of showing God's love through the caring and serving of their residents. The 8-acre campus is full of outdoor courtyards, gardens and fountains with every residential apartment having a private patio. Town & Country offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab care. For more information, visit https://www.tcmanor.com/

Tags: #MemoryCare, #SeniorLiving, #GraceGardens

The Town & Country Life Plan Community announces the grand opening of Grace Gardens, a $25 million memory care community featuring one of the largest outdoor garden courtyards in Orange County. The nonprofit community offers residency for approximately 80 residents with Alzheimer's and dementia in four distinct neighborhoods.

Related link: https://www.tcmanor.com/

On Mandela Day, Scientology Churches Honor Madiba’s Legacy

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Protecting the most basic human right of all, the right to life, South Africa's Scientology Volunteer Ministers continue to serve Mandela's beloved country.

Mandela Day commemorates the birthday of Nelson Mandela "in recognition of the former South African President's contribution to the culture of peace and freedom." Its message: "Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better." It is this very purpose that has inspired South African Scientology Volunteer Ministers every day since the pandemic began. The Church of Scientology International features their work in a series of videos on an interactive timeline on the Scientology website.

With a Level 4 lockdown in place in the country to counter the third wave of COVID-19, Scientology Volunteer Ministers of South Africa marked Mandela Day 2021 by suiting up and heading out for yet another day of service.

In response to the pandemic, since March 2020, these volunteers have:

* Provided more than 1.1 million hours of service to their communities

* Sanitized well over a million vehicles including taxis, ambulances, buses, fire trucks and police cars

* Sanitized some 66,000 buildings, including orphanages, senior residences, schools, shelters and other facilities housing essential services.

The volunteers also provide educational booklets to help people understand how to keep themselves and their families safe by applying effective protocols. These booklets, available to read or download from the How to Stay Well Prevention Resource Center on the Scientology website, are published in 21 languages including Zulu, Sotha and Xhosa-the native languages of nearly half the nation. South African Volunteer Ministers have handed out more than a million copies of Stay Well booklets.

One of the stories featured on the interactive timeline on the Scientology website quotes an executive in the railroad sector.

"In my entire career life, I have not actually been contacted by someone who wants to assist government," she said. Some 300,000 people travel through the Johannesburg station daily and although their crews disinfect and clean, they have not been able to decontaminate them. When this executive heard that the Scientology volunteers offered to do this, she thought "Is this for real?" And she rushed to the station to see for herself and was amazed to see them performing this service free of charge.

"You do things with discipline, with commitment and with precision," said another transportation executive. "That's what I've learned from each one of you. The passion-it will remain with me."

"You guys came in here to help us," said the SAPS (South African Police Service) colonel in charge of a Johannesburg precinct in one of the videos. "You guys take care of our foot soldiers by sterilizing our vehicles. This is what we call police-community partnership. It sends a message to everyone."

The volunteers also clean and sanitize orphanages and homes for the elderly and train caregivers on how to protect themselves and those under their charge. One caregiver described his dilemma: although it puts him at risk to come to work, he sets his concerns aside because those in his facility need his help. He is grateful that the Volunteer Ministers disinfected the home and made sure the staff and their beneficiaries learned how to care for themselves.

Mandela Day emphasizes empowering others to serve, and here too the Volunteer Ministers excel. By training others on the skills of the Volunteer Minister, they have impacted the lives of more than 11,000 South Africans who have taken part in Scientology Tools for Life seminars and courses.

When she started learning the 19 Tools for Life Courses, a school principal didn't want to stop until she finished them all. "They are related to my everyday life and living," she said.

A bishop from Pretoria said this knowledge is the key to eradicating poverty and hunger.

A pastor from Mmametlhake said the Scientology courses completely changed how she counsels her congregation because now she can listen and once she understands what is bothering them, she has a spiritual toolkit she can empower them with.

A pastor from Pretoria admitted that he thought he "knew it all," but he now sees he didn't. "These courses helped me be a better person," he said.

The Church of Scientology response to the pandemic has been global and is illustrated by more than 1,200 images and 14 videos at 20/21: A Look Behind & A Look Ahead on the Scientology website. The interactive timeline including all videos may be viewed in 17 languages.

The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard in the mid-1970s. It constitutes one of the world's largest independent relief forces.

For more information, visit https://www.scientology.org/2021/.

MULTIMEDIA:

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0721s2p-cos-safrica-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Since the pandemic began, Scientology Volunteer Ministers of South Africa have provided more than 1.1 million hours of service to their communities

Protecting the most basic human right of all, the right to life, South Africa's Scientology Volunteer Ministers continue to serve Mandela's beloved country. Mandela Day commemorates the birthday of Nelson Mandela "in recognition of the former South African President's contribution to the culture of peace and freedom."

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/