John has much experience working in the philanthropic world, and takes great interest in charitable goings on today.

New Permanent Exhibit About Giving in America

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By JohnPosted In: Charity Activity

refreshment-438399_960_720Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C has a new exhibit, “Giving in America.” Museum curator Bonnie Lilienfeld explains that the exhibit shows the history of giving and how many of the fundraising operations have come about.

For instance, the 2014 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge started with a blue plastic bucket that belonged to a New York woman, Jeanette Senerchia. With a husband who had ALS, Senerchia was challenged to dump ice on her head to raise awareness about ALS.

There is a silver plate at the museum from 1764, for instance, that was given by Thomas Hancock to his church in Boston.

Lilienfeld explained that charity isn’t always just about money. As she said pointing to a blood donation kit, “That’s really sort of the ultimate gift of really giving of yourself. We included that story here to get people to understand, sometimes the smallest act really is an act of philanthropy.”

There is a tool belt on display, as well, that a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity used to build a house.

The exhibit is now on permanent display at the museum.

Survey Shows How Americans Do – and Don’t – Give Charity

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By JohnPosted In: Charity Activity

family-1466274_960_720A recent survey from RBC Wealth Management-US and City National Bank shows some surprising, and disheartening, statistics about charity in America. While 82% of American say that it’s important to them to give charity, most people don’t actually give throughout the year.

47% of respondents said that they give to charity sporadically without any specific plan. This can have consequences, say experts at RBC Wealth Management-US.

As Van Pate, Wealth Strategies Consultant at RBC Wealth Management – U.S , explained “A well-planned program of lifetime gifts to family, friends and charities can provide income and estate tax benefits and help preserve more assets for heirs. Taking a deliberate approach to giving can help you make well-informed decisions and increase the benefits to both you and the recipients of your good will.”

When Americans do give, do they do so to just a few causes? No. 53% give to three or more charities and 10% give to 6-10 charities. 4% even admitted that they support 11 charities or more.

Malia Haskins, Wealth Strategies Consultant at RBC Wealth Management – U.S., explained why dividing up the money may not be a good idea. As she explained,

“There is a strong argument that, if you’re interested in doing the most good, you should concentrate your giving on one, maybe two organizations.”

And who gives more in the country? Midwesterners give more than Southerners, the West and the Northeast.

 

Firefighters Helping the American Cancer Society

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By JohnPosted In: American Cancer Society

firehose-182202_960_720The Birmingham Fire & Rescue members are heating things up, and that’s not just about the fires they put out. And in the process, they are working to benefit the American Cancer Society. In a special charity calendar that they’ve just created, they have posed in order to help raise money. As Nikki Seaborn, communications manager with the Birmingham chapter of the American Cancer Society, said “Not only are these guys handsome, but more importantly, they are community heroes with generous hearts who believe in and support the vision of the American Cancer Society and our Hope Lodge.”

And the firefighters didn’t only take their time to pose. They are serving dinner at the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge Tuesday night to focus on the lodge’s great work and on the new calendar. The lodge is an amazing location that provides free, overnight accommodations for cancer patients and their families who need to travel for treatment.

 

ChangeX Comes to Minnesota

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By JohnPosted In: Charity Activity

Most people don’t think of Minnesota as a technology hot spot, but apparently ChangeX is trying to change that. The Dublin-based social enterprise startup has just tagged Minnesota as the destination for its first foray into the American market. And, to mark their international launch, they held a gala on September 12th at the Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts in St. Anthony Main.

As CEO Paul O’Hara explained, “It’s crazy to think that barely a year ago, we were just getting started, and now we’re getting ready to launch in another country.”

So, of course, one must ask, Why Minnesota? As O’Hara explained, “We chose Minnesota for a combination of reasons…a vibrant civic society, a thriving nonprofit sector and a variety of social issues.” As part of ChangeX’s “humble” goal they want to improve the lives of 1 billion people in the next 10 years.

As O’Hara said at the gala to the crowd from Minnesota, “This whole thing is pointless without you all. So please share your ideas, join other initiatives and spread the word about ChangeX.”

Bon Jovi Being Honored for Humanitarian Efforts

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By JohnPosted In: Charity Activity

It’s always nice to see the rich and famous doing well by others. And that’s why it’s heart-warming to see that Bon Jovi is being honored in New York on September 19th at the 10th Annual Clinton Global Citizen Awards. He’ll perform and enjoy being honored for the 10th anniversary of his Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. The Foundation offers aid for housing and hunger issues in the US. He’ll be honored along with Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos, Dr. Haw Abdi and social activist Adi Godrej.

Bon Jovi is joining a long list of truly worthy people in receiving the Clinton award. Past recipients include Sting and Trudie Styler, Quincy Jones and Leonardo DiCaprio. And, if you’re lucky enough to be in attendance, you’ll also see a performance by opera tenor Andrea Bocelli.

Papa John’s Donates Helmets to Needy Kids

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By JohnPosted In: ChildFund International

pizza-627835_960_720Papa John’s International Inc. is showing its commitment to its customers and to its communities. In the communities where they operate, they will donate 500 custom-designed bike helmets to lower economic youths who participate in the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective program (SLCBC). This is in addition to the company’s sponsorship of the Tour of Utah, which is a week-long professional cycling race.

As the Founder, Chairman and CEO “Papa John” Schnatter said,

“Papa John’s is excited to partner with the Tour of Utah and Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective. Our love for pizza, cycling and our local community go hand-in-hand. This is a unique opportunity to help support the local economy and bring people together to enjoy the sport of cycling and the great outdoors. As an avid cyclist, I’m encouraged by the good work that the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective (SLCBC) is doing to encourage kids to stay active, while also teaching important life skills and rewarding hard work. At Papa John’s, we are proud to help ensure more kids are able to benefit from the SLCBC program.”

The helmets have a pizza-theme on them and they will be donated to members of the SLCBC.

As the Executive Director of the SLCBC, Davey Davis, said

“We at the SLCBC are very grateful to receive these helmets from the team at Papa John’s. Every kid should get the opportunity to ride a bike, and this donation supports us in helping more kids to ride safely and have fun while doing it.”

American Century Golf Tournament

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By JohnPosted In: ChildFund International

golf-1486354_960_720Whether you love golf or just love the idea of being surrounded by celebrities, the American Century Golf Tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course started yesterday on Tuesday, July 19th and will continue until Sunday the 24th. As one of the most prestigious golf events, the American Century raises money for local and national charities. Tickets start at $20 a day and allow spectators to roam around the perimeter of the course and to enjoy food vendors and a great atmosphere.

Appearances are supposed to include comedian Larry the Cable Guy, ex-49er Jerry Rice, Green Bay Packer Aaron Rodgers and Justin Timberlake. The event will take place at the Edgewood Tahoe Gold Course at 100 Lake Parkway.

 

Would You Rather Vote or Give Money? You’d Be Surprised by the Answers

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By JohnPosted In: Charity Activity

This is certainly a fascinating find. American are more interested in giving charity than they are in voting. During the last presidential election, 53.6% of American voted according to the Pew Research Center. During the same year, 59.7% gave to a charity of their choice, according to the Philanthropy Panel Study.

Last year saw Americans giving more than they ever have before, with a total donation of $373.25 billion. Voting rates have remained tightly within a 9% point range since the 1980s, however.

The US is actually quite low when compared to its peers in voter turnout. We came in at 31st out of 34 countries. Interestingly however, we outpace most countries when it comes to giving. In the private giving category, American give twice as much as do those in England and Canada. And America is as much as 20 times more charitable than are residents of other developed countries, according to numbers from the Philanthropy Roundtable.

Learn more details and see what makes American give.

“American Sniper” Inspired Guitar to be Auctioned Off

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By JohnPosted In: Charity Activity

Nashville country-rocker Tim Montana has partnered, for a second year, with Gibson Brands to raise money for the Chris Kyle Memorial Benefit and Auction. He is contributing a one-of-a-kind guitar that is inspired by the military service of Chris Kyle, the “American Sniper.” The guitar was handmade in the Gibson custom shop and has a shell casing from a round that Kyle fired during a firefight in Iraq. There is also a portrait on Chris on the guitar.

Last year, Montana and Gibson raise a whopping $121,000 with their first “American Sniper” – inspired guitar. The proceeds this year will benefit Spirit of a Hero, a nonprofit that is focused on veterans and vetted by the Kyle family.

The guitar will go up for auction at 3pm on Thursday at www.charitybuzz.com/chriskyleguitar. The annual Chris Kyle Benefit will then take place on Friday and Saturday in Texas.

As Henry Juszkiewicz, chairman and CEO of Gibson Brands, said “It is a pleasure to collaborate with Tim Montana again to support the men and women who have so admirably served our country. It is a truly special one-of-a-kind guitar that pays tribute to Chris Kyle while also supporting the amazing work of the Chris Kyle Memorial Benefit.”

Beyonce World Tour Helps Those in Detroit

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By JohnPosted In: Charity Activity

Beyonce is about to start a new world tour and is combining her efforts with her #BeyGOOD Charitable Foundation. #BeyGOOD is joining forces with the United Way to offer aid to people who have been adversely affected by the Flint Water Crisis. The funds that are raised will address the immediate needs of thousands of people who have been affected by lead-polluted water.

Beyonce’s initiative will also connect with the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and together they will establish a fund to address the long-term needs of children who were affected by this crisis as well.

People who love Beyonce can join the #BeyGOOD initiative by supporting their local United Way Charity.

And, if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Beyonce, she’ll be coming through Detroit with her World Tour on May 29.