Jay Leno Raises $350,000 for the Fisher House Foundation

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By JohnPosted In: MilitaryTagged: , , , , ,

Jay Leno’s passion for cars has done more than benefit the auto industry; his recent charity auction raised $600,000 for U.S. veterans and armed forces.

Leno’s obsession with his vehicles is well known- he even has a structure built to house some of his most unique cars.

On Saturday night, Leno’s unique 2012 Prima Edizione Fiat 500 was sold for ten times the asking price of $35,000. The car was the second of the model to be imported by Chrysler.

All of the auction proceeds will be donated to the Fisher House Foundation. This organization works to provide a “’home away from home’ for military families to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury,” according to their website.

“The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America’s military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.”

Glass Slipper Charity Event to Support Autism Speaks

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After a few years’ break, Lisa Friday McCastlain is launching another Glass Slipper luncheon fashion show for charity.

This year’s event, which is to be held at the Tuskawilla Country Club, will benefit the Autism Speaks organization. Jim Payne, news anchor of WESH 2 News, will host the event, which includes a charity auction and a fashion show.

McClain began the Glass Slipper in 2001 after the loss of her husband with hopes of keeping herself busy and supporting others in need. The event benefits different charities every year.

“The event has always been a labor of love for me,” she says. “We don’t hold money back so I bank roll it every year- it’s sort of a leap of faith putting it on. We rely on the community to donate and they always come through. I’m so thankful.”

She explained:

“I started Glass Slipper because I realized if I’m going through something difficult, others are too. This year, I can really speak to the cause. My brother has a beautiful child with Autism. I also found that I have many friends who have been touched by this cause so I knew we has to help.”

The Glass Slipper event will be ‘fun and girly’ in hopes of gathering mothers, daughters and friends.

“Everyone knows we’re there to support, but we want to do it while making it a joyous day,” McCastlain explained.

Red Robin Launches Charity Car Wash for Aurora Victims

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Eau Claire’s Red Robin restaurant has launched a car wash in support of the Aurora shooting victims and their families.

The event hopes to raise money to help with medical bills and physical therapy, according to Christopher Pirelli, the venue’s general manager.

Other restaurants throughout the country are also adding their efforts to the cause with similar car-washing charities this week.

 WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

 

Guns & Hoses Softball Tournament Raises Money for Youth Programs

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August 18th marks this year’s Guns & Hoses charity event, which combines the efforts of the Great Falls Police Department and Great Falls Fire Rescue in a softball tournament.

All proceeds from the event, which include the admission fee of $7 and a can of food, are donated to local youth programs and food banks. Tickets are being sold at the Great Falls Police Department and Centene Stadium.

Katie Cunnigham, a police officer, explained:

“It’s important for 100 percent of the donations and proceeds go straight back into the community for youth-based organizations such as ‘Shop with a Cop’ graduation parties, CASA-CAN, all those types of things. It goes straight back into the community.”

The Fire Rescue feels the same way. Fireman J.D. Kulbeck said:

“Just good to show that the cops and firemen do actually get along though there’s kind of that friendly rivalry. But most importantly it’s to raise money for the charities.”

Last year’s competition ended with a 31-15 win for the Fire Rescue. This year Cunningham believes the police are “planning on bringing their best game,” while the Fire Rescue team vows to keep up their winning streak.

Rachel’s Wells: A Birthday Wish

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Last year, 9-year-old Rachel Beckwith gave up her birthday gifts with hopes of raising $300 for Charity: Water, to provide 15 people with clean water in developing countries. She came a little short of her goal, and vowed to raise more next time. She was killed in a car accident a few months later.

After her death, people around the world began to donate, and Rachel’s dream has expanded to provide water for 60,000 so far, as well as clean-water wells in communities all over the world. On July 23rd, one year after her death, her mother traveled to Ethiopia to experience the contributions first hand.

 

New York Concert Battles Extreme Poverty

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Late this September, three hot bands will combine their efforts at one of the most popular concerts of the year- the Global Festival 2012.

Tickets for the event, which will feature The Black Keys, Foo Fighters and Neil Young with Crazy Horse, cannot be bought in advance, however. Instead, fans must take part in an effort to fight extreme poverty though the event’s website or app, thus earning entry to the Central Park performance. Participation involves simple activities such as posting info on social media networks, signing petitions and small donations.

The Black Keys’ drummer Patrick Carney explained:

“The scale of things that they’re trying to do just felt really cool, and we’re trying to get the ball rolling. Especially with everything that’s been going on for the last three years, I supposed, after the stock market crashed. There’s attention on the amount of people living below the poverty line and the disparity between the rich and the poor and everything that’s going on now… It just felt like the right time to do something.”

Efforts against worldwide poverty have increased as the UN meetings in NY proceed. Hugh Evans, organizer of Global Poverty Project, has called the concert a “crescendo” to the outstanding effort.

“I think what’s exciting is all the world leaders are going to be in town that week for the United Nations meeting. And this concert and the associated campaign will give us the opportunity to ask these world leaders to make practical and tangible monetary commitments to the world’s poor and to the achievement of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals.”

Charlie Sheen to Donate $50,000 to Match Brennaman’s Reds Fund Project

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Last week’s match between the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh’s Pirates captured the hearts of fans everywhere thanks to Marty Brennaman’s charitable efforts.

The amount broadcaster had pledged to shave his head if the team won ten consecutive games. He added that the haircut would be done publicaly if fans could collect $20, 000 for the Reds Community Fund, which is ‘dedicated to improving the lives of youth.’

Actors Martin and Charlie Sheen were both present on Friday for the head-shaving event. They visited Great American Ball Park to support the Reds and to celebrate Martin Sheen’s birthday. Upon hearing that Brennaman’s drive generated $50,000 for the organization, the younger Sheen vowed to match that amount. Martin is a Dayton native, and Charlie has been a Reds fan since his childhood.

“The City of Cincinnati has opened its arms to me so graciously and I’m compelled to give something back,” Sheen said. “If this contribution points one kid in the right direction, then we’ve done our job.”

 

Hans Zimmer Composes Song for Aurora Shooting Victim Charity

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Hans Zimmer, the composer famous for his unbelievable movie soundtracks in films such as Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Black Hawk Down, recently released an eight minute song to honor the victims of the Aurora shooting last week. Zimmer composed the music for all three of Christopher Nolan’s Batman movies as well.

On Facebook, he posted:

“’Aurora’ is dedicated to those who lost their lives and were affected by the tragedy in Aurora, Colorado. I recorded this song in London in the days following the tragedy as a heartfelt tribute to the victims and their families. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Aurora Victim Relief organization.”

After mere days, ‘Aurora’ has already become the #1 song by Zimmer downloaded on iTunes. It is available for $1.29.

Reviewers around the country were blown away by the composition.

“Every emotion you can think of was put in this beautifully crafted music that Hans Zimmer provided; anger and sadness intertwined so beautifully. My thoughts are still out to the lives that were taken away. I hope you find peace wherever you are. As well as to the families whose lives are now shattered. My heart and soul go out to you,” one wrote.

 

Dog-Washing Events Raise Money for Man’s Best Friend

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Service Dog and Child

Dogtopia branches throughout the United States have held dog-washing events in an effort to raise money for service, therapy, military and police dogs. Charity Dog Wash events took place in local areas including Tysons Corner, Alexandria, Manassas, Woodbridge, Herndon and Dulles.

More than 1,750 dogs were washed and groomed over the past week, and the drive raised almost $21,000 for Dogtopia’s charity K9 Support. This organization helps other institutes purchase specialized equipment for search and rescue dogs. Contributions will go to Virginia Task Force 1, an urban search-and-rescue team that operates all over the world.

Dogtopia’s founder and CEO Amy Nichols explained:

“With the state of the economy and funding cut across the country, it is more important than ever to give back to the working dogs in our communities. I am so excited to see the community involvement and to watch this event grow every year. We are truly making a different in the lives of these canines and the people who love them.”

She added,

“The Dogtopia annual K9 Support dog wash is our biggest event of the year to raise funds for working dogs. I’m overjoyed to see so many of our locations working together to raise much needed awareness for the loyal canines that are dedicated to humans every day. Most family dogs leads pampered lives, and we want to show our appreciation for those working dogs that strive to protect and support their human counterparts.”

 

Best Year Yet for Great Black Hills Duck Race

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Rubber Ducks Race

This past weekend, tens of thousands of rubber ducks were unleashed on Rapid Creek for the 23rd Annual Great Black Hills Duck Race.

According to project Coordinator Betty Quasney of the Rapid City Regional Hospital Foundation, the event raised $95, 000 for the Children’s Miracle Network. All proceeds go towards equipment for the pediatric intensive care unit and the neonatal pediatric ward at Rapid City Regional Hospital, as well as to educational programs for children.

“So it really makes a big difference,” Quasney said. “I’d like to thank the community and all of our sponsors, because without their help this wouldn’t be possible.”

Angie Kliewer, director of the Rapid City Regional Hospital Foundation, expressed her gratitude as well:

“I thank everyone in this area for their outstanding support of the Great Black Hills Duck Race and the Children’s Miracle Network. The Duck Race is a fun family event which truly benefits our young patients in a big way.”

Before the event, locals and other contributors buy rubber ducks with which to compete in the race. The first duck to cross the finish like wins its buyer $5,000.

This year, Deb Bastgen’s duck won the competition. She explained that she bought ten ducks in honor of her nephew, who was forced to deal with liver failure at just seven years of age.

“My daughter gave him part of her liver, and now he’s 22 and in college and the perfect picture of health,” Bastgen shared. “The Children’s Miracle Network did so much for him, and I just had a great feeling doing that. It’s just wonderful to donate and feel helpful.”

This year was the most successful Duck Race yet, according to the event chairman Kevin Phillips. T-shirts of the event ran out in the first few minutes!

“For me and my family there is no organization closer to our hearts. We’ve seen it firsthand,” he said. “My youngest grandson, Owen, was born six years ago during the duck race. And he was born premature and we needed the help of the Children’s Network and the NICU up at the hospital.”