ATLANTA, Ga., Sept. 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Georgia's supply of healthcare workers is in a "critical condition" according to an article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. There are severe shortages in nursing, in the number of physicians per capita, psychologist, social workers, and other health related fields. Georgia now ranks 9th in total populations and still lags behind its sisters states with the number of healthcare professionals. Georgia Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) is a student-lead organization promoting interest in healthcare occupations among high school and college students.

HOSA's defined purposes are to promote career opportunities in the health care industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. In its eight year history the Georgia HOSA organization has grown from an initial membership of 300 members to over 5,800 members.

This phenomenal growth can be attributed to the enthusiastic HOSA Advisors at the local High Schools and Colleges, support from Georgia Department of Education and partnerships with the health care industry. Georgia is benefiting from strong local programs in health care fields such as dental, biomedical, CNA, EMT, imaging science and others.

One of the methods that demonstrate Georgia's proficiency in health care instruction is through the State and National competitions held on an annual basis. In order to compete at the state level the students have to demonstrate to their local advisors proficiency in the competitive event area. These students then compete against their peers across the state of Georgia where they are judged by a group of healthcare professionals who volunteer to serve as judges.

Students may compete as an individual or as a member of a team in the events. The winners are selected and announced at the awards session which is held at the annual HOSA State Leadership Conference. The top three winners, both individual and teams, are eligible to compete at the National HOSA Leadership conference held annually in June.

At the recent GA HOSA State Leadership Conference held in Atlanta over 300 students were eligible to compete at the HOSA National Leadership Conference level. The cost for the students has increased significantly over the last several years. Because of this over 15% of the students could not afford to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity. To prevent this from happening to more students in the future, Georgia HOSA established the Georgia HOSA Foundation which is an established 501(c) 3 organization whose guiding purpose is to help students fulfill their dream of attending and competing at the HOSA National Leadership Conference.

According to Allen Seigler, III, Executive Director of GA HOSA: "Establishing the HOSA Foundation was a logical step in supporting the students as they work to represent Georgia at the National State Leadership Conference. Our HOSA Board of Directors unanimously supported and endorsed the idea of launching the Foundation."

The primary purposes is to encourage interest in health care but also to raise students' self-esteem, build character, develop leadership skills and promote social interaction.

More information: www.georgiahosa.org.

Media Contact:
Anita Deraney
HOSA Foundation Director
+1-866-914-5378
Anita.deraney @ georgiahosa.org


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TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Georgia HOSA Foundation, Health Occupations Students of America

GREENVILLE, N.C., July 10 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The ALS Association - Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter today announced that Pitt County Memorial Hospital will open an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) clinic in late September. ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive paralysis usually in less than five years. The new clinic will be the only multi-disciplinary clinic in eastern North Carolina to serve persons with ALS.

"We are excited to offer a clinic devoted to ALS in Greenville to help serve everyone living with this dreadful disease," said PCMH President Steve Lawler. "Our communities have certainly felt the impact of ALS. With this clinic, we expect to provide better access to expert medical care, cutting-edge research and clinical trials. The end result will be a one-stop shop for health care needs."

The clinic, slated to open September 26th, will work in partnership with Duke University's ALS Clinic and will be led by Richard Bedlack, MD, PhD and Robert Frere, MD of East Carolina Neurology. Bedlack is the director of the Duke ALS Clinic and a world-renowned neurologist in the ALS community. Also playing an integral role in the clinic will be the Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter, The ALS Association's North Carolina chapter, by providing valuable information and resources to people with ALS.

"This clinic is long overdue, but we are thrilled to have so many caring people coming together to make this a reality," said Jerry Dawson, President of the ALS Association's Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter. "Specifically, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Representative Walter B. Jones, Steve Lawler, Dr. Richard Bedlack, Dr. Robert Frere and most importantly Helen Hunter and the Jim 'Catfish' Hunter ALS Foundation for providing the necessary funding to make this a reality. No longer will people with ALS in this area of our state have to travel long distances to receive world class care."

Funding for the clinic was generously provided by the Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Foundation in Hertford, NC. The foundation, named in honor of the North Carolina native and Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, was founded in 1999. Hunter, who was arguably the best pitcher in baseball in the 1970s, was diagnosed with ALS in 1998 and died from complications of the disease a year later at the age of 53. During that time, he used his celebrity status to increase awareness for ALS. More recently, Keith LeClair, East Carolina University's former baseball coach, lost his battle with ALS in 2006. The deaths of these men not only brought the effects of a disease like ALS to light, but also showed the need for an ALS clinic in eastern North Carolina.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony, with invited guests of honor including Senator Elizabeth Dole, Senator Richard Burr Representative Jones, N.C. Senator Marc Basnight and the Hunter family, will formally introduce the Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Clinic to the Down East community on its opening day.

About the Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Foundation
The Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Foundation is sometimes confused with the ALS Association Jim "Catfish" Hunter" Chapter but is a separate non-profit organization based in Hertford, North Carolina. The Foundation was formed in 1999 by Jim "Catfish" Hunter, his family and friends and the Bear Swamp-Beech Springs Ruritan Club. The Foundation is a proud supporter and partner of The ALS Association - Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter. The Foundation provided the start up funding necessary to establish key Chapter programs such as the Respite Care and Augmentative Communication Grant programs.

The Foundation also works to support research and provide grants based on need to families living with and fighting ALS. Through events such as softball tournaments, golf tournaments and walks, the Foundation works diligently to provide help for all people living with ALS. For more information: The Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Foundation, Post Office Box 47, Hertford, North Carolina 27944.

About Pitt County Memorial Hospital
Pitt County Memorial Hospital, one of four academic medical centers in North Carolina, is the flagship hospital for University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina and serves as the teaching hospital for the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Pitt Memorial is a regional resource for all levels of health services and information.

About The ALS Association
The ALS Association is the world leader in ALS research, patient care and ALS advocacy and is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. The Association's nationwide network of chapters provides comprehensive patient services and support to the ALS community. The mission of The ALS Association is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global cutting-edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig's disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing compassionate care and support.

The Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter has been serving PALS across North Carolina since 1987. The Chapter has grown into an award-winning 501(c)3 non-profit organization because of its efforts in service, advocacy, and fundraising. The Chapter has been recognized by The ALS Association as Chapter of the Year the past two years.

More about the Chapter can be found at www.CatfishChapter.org.

All trademarks acknowledged.

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TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, ALS Association Jim Catfish Hunter Chapter, Pitt County Memorial Hospital

LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 30 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Get a Life Childcare Foundation, the only non-profit foundation in the nation dedicated to caring for children whose parents or siblings are living with chronic or terminal illness, will be holding their first annual "Jazz to Support Life" event benefiting the foundation's second child care facility in West Los Angeles. The evening will feature Wynton Marsalis' Jazz Piano prodigy, Eric Reed and a silent auction.

The event is to be held from 5:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at The Jazz Bakery in Culver City, California. Admission is $30, and limited seating is available.

Event sponsors include clothing designer Christian Audigier, Jazz Bakery, RTKL Associates Inc., and Ron Edwards of Air Dreams Designs. The proceeds will be used to furnish "The Get a Life Family Support Center" once construction is completed in late 2008. The new location is intended to support local hospitals, accommodate more children and offer them a wide array of activities and play options such as a computer lab, an art room, and a music center.

"We have been so fortunate to gather so much community and corporate support in such a short amount of time for this event. We are so excited to have a talented artist such as Eric Reed grace our event," said Jade Stanford, Founder and CEO of Get a Life Childcare.

More about the organization
Get a Life Childcare Foundation is a non-profit childcare provider focused on creating a safe, nurturing environment for children of chronically or terminally ill parents, while also supporting parents through counseling and other support services. The founder, Jade Stanford, recently was featured on the Emmy(R) award winning PBS series "A Place of Our Own", which can be viewed on the show website: www.aplaceofourown.org/getalife.

Jade was also recently awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Childcare by the State Senate of California. Additional information on Get a Life Childcare Foundation can be found at www.getalifechildcare.org.

All trademarks acknowledged.

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TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Get a Life Childcare Foundation, Jazz Piano prodigy Eric Reed

2008 Human Resources conference will bring together nonprofit human resources executives, practitioners, thought leaders, and researchers

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 20 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The 2008 Nonprofit Human Resources Conference to be held in Washington, DC on September 28 - 29, 2008, hosted by Nonprofit HR Solutions, is the first of a series of annual events designed to bring together nonprofit human resources practitioners, executives, thought leaders, and researchers from diverse organizations nationwide. Attendees will address the significant human resources challenge facing the nonprofit sector and collaborate to identify resources that can advance the missions of nonprofit organizations.

Senior executives from organizations including the Society for Human Resource Management, AARP, Girl Scouts of the USA, Teach for America, The Urban Institute, The Johns Hopkins University, and New York University are among the conference speakers. Throughout the event attendees will share best practices about workforce development, succession planning, talent recruitment and retention, benefits and compensation, and legal issues - from a perspective unique to nonprofits.

Some experts believe human resources may have eclipsed fundraising as the biggest challenge for the nonprofit sector. "Many people think that being able to raise a lot of money is the greatest barrier to scale in the social sector. However, I believe an even more important challenge is being able to "scale" your talent pool -- and hire enough good people to fulfill your mission. Great nonprofits demand great talent, and we need to find new, innovative ways to recruit, retain, and develop leadership within our sector," according to Heather McLeod Grant, Conference keynote speaker and author of "Forces for Good."

Rania V. Sedhom of Buck Consultants adds, "Not-for-profits are in a particularly precarious position when it comes to hiring. The war for talent is making it harder than ever to attract the best people for their organizations and not-for-profits have little resources to stay abreast on the ever-changing bodies of law that affect employment. This conference will walk them through what is necessary and advise them on how to stay on top."

Lisa Brown Morton, president and CEO of Nonprofit HR Solutions and brainchild of this event, feels the timing and location of the conference couldn't be more critical. "The nonprofit sector is being forced to address pressing workforce development and human resources issues that affect the industry nationwide," says Morton.

In addition to the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a Pre-Conference Forum led by internationally-recognized professor and researcher, Dr. Lester Salamon at The Johns Hopkins University.

Nonprofit HR Solutions is the host of the 2008 Nonprofit Human Resources Conference: Advancing Mission through People, which is being sponsored by Avilar and Buck Consultants. For details about conference registration or to see the full agenda, visit nonprofithrsolutions.com/ConferenceOverview.html.

About Nonprofit HR Solutions
Since 2000, Nonprofit HR Solutions has worked exclusively with the nonprofit sector, generating results for organizations supporting advocacy, health and human services, arts and culture, education and the environment, faith-based missions and more. The company's senior partners bring a collective 75 years of human resources experience. For more information about Nonprofit HR Solutions, visit the web site at www.nonprofithr.com.

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TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Nonprofit Human Resources Conference, Nonprofit HR Solutions

PHILADELPHIA, Pa., May 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Eisenhower Fellowships has announced that it will present the 2008 Dwight D. Eisenhower Medal for Leadership and Service to former U.S. Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell. Eisenhower Chairman General Colin L. Powell USA (Retired) will present the award to Senator Mitchell at its annual board of trustees' dinner in Philadelphia on May 15, 2008.

The Eisenhower medal is awarded annually to a business leader, statesmen, or other public figure who has achieved widely-recognized advances toward President Eisenhower's vision of peace and productivity through person-to-person international dialogue.

"Senator Mitchell's commitment to brokering innovative solutions to international conflicts, as demonstrated by his stewardship of the peace effort in Ireland and his efforts to end violence in the Middle East, reflects the time-honored mission of Eisenhower Fellowships," said John S. Wolf, president of organization. "For 55 years, Eisenhower Fellowships has promoted international understanding and cooperation through the exchange of information, ideas, and perspectives among emerging leaders throughout the world."

Senator George J. Mitchell currently serves as chairman of the global board of international law firm DLA Piper and as Chancellor of Queen's University in Northern Ireland. In 1980, Senator Mitchell resigned the position of U.S. District Judge for Maine to accept appointment to the U.S. Senate. He served in the U.S. Senate for 14 years, including six years as Senate Majority Leader. While in the Senate, Senator Mitchell's efforts led to the successful passage of major legislation to protect the environment, expand public education, and promote free trade. After he left the Senate in 1995, Senator Mitchell continued to serve the public through his pro bono work for a number of domestic and international causes.

In 1996, the governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland asked Senator Mitchell to chair the peace negotiations in Northern Ireland. The Senator led the negotiations for two years, work that ultimately resulted in the historic Good Friday Accord that ended decades of conflict. In addition, Senator Mitchell has served as chairman of the Special Commission investigating allegations of impropriety in the bidding process for the Olympic Games, the National Health Care Commission, and an international fact finding commission on violence in the Middle East. More recently, Senator Mitchell led an independent investigation on past steroid use by Major League Baseball. He was also named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.

Eisenhower Fellowships is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization that identifies men and women well on their way to positions of regional or national leadership, and provides them with individualized fellowships for visits and consultations with leaders in their fields. Established in 1953 as a tribute to President Eisenhower, the organization has sponsored over 1,700 Fellows from more than 100 countries.

For more information please visit www.eisenhowerfellowships.org.

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TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Dwight D Eisenhower Medal for Leadership, Eisenhower Fellowships

SEATTLE, Wash., May 9 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Sister Schools, a Seattle based non-profit that partners schools in Washington State with Schools in Uganda, East Africa, will host a group of nine Ugandan students on the 2008 Suubi Tour of the Seattle area. The tour will run from Thursday, May 8 through Tuesday, June 10.

Sister Schools is dedicated to giving children a better understanding of the world in which they live and helping them experience the life-changing effect of personally giving to those less fortunate. Through school presentations each fall, Washington State children learn about life in Uganda and the overwhelming odds these children face on a daily basis. Each school donates school supplies, books, clothing, etc., which Sister Schools then ships and distributes each spring to the schools and orphanages in Uganda.

What makes Sister Schools so unique is that each May/June we return to the Seattle schools with a follow-up presentation to show our children their actual items being handed out to the African children. They see the direct impact of their generosity in a concrete and personal way. By teaching children here in the U.S. about active compassion, Sister Schools encourages them to be positive agents of change.

"This tour is a way for the children of Uganda to say thank you to students in Washington personally for the help that Sister Schools has given them over the years," says Terry McGill, founder of Sister Schools.

"The Suubi Tour will be performing many songs and dances that reflect their African culture. With traditional African drums to accompany their music, it truly is an inspiring performance," says Christine Segat, Development Director for Sister Schools.

In conjunction with the school performances, the children will be performing five evening fundraising events throughout the Puget Sound area. Below is the list of events for the coming weeks. Admission is free; however a $5 donation is suggested at each event.

All proceeds will benefit the Suubi performers through the Sister Schools Children of Promise Fund.

* Kamiak High School
Thursday May 15th, 7 p.m.
10801 Harbour Pointe Blvd.
Mulkiteo, WA, 98275

* Lake Washington High School, Cadle Theatre
Tuesday May 20th, 7 p.m.
12033 NE 80th Street
Kirkland WA, 98033

* Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary
Wednesday May 21st. 7 p.m.
3225 205th Place
Sammamish WA, 98074

* Whitman Middle School
Thursday May 29th, 7 p.m.
9201 15th Ave. NW
Seattle, WA 98117

* First Free Methodist Church
Sunday June 1, 7 p.m.
3200 3rd Ave. W.
Seattle, 98119

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TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Children of Promise Fund, Sister Schools Seattle

BOSTON, Mass., May 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Air Charter Association of North America (ACANA), a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting the highest standards of ethics, integrity and professionalism in the air charter industry has announced that ACANA members now have the ability to utilize Wyvern/PASS. This automated vendor management tool will allow the charter professionals of ACANA to continue to focus on full compliance and disclosure, assurance of operational control, safety and operator quality.

PASS, a trip specific report, enables ACANA members to verify that each flight that they arrange on behalf of a client conforms to the relevant legal requirements, including the all-important issue of operational control.

Additionally, ACANA members can determine that a proposed operator will utilize crew members with an appropriate level of crew experience, and that the operator is sufficiently insured.

The Safety Intelligence Report (SIR) capability allows users to access detailed, accurate and up-to-date information about charter operators, their fleets, pilots, insurance and accident/incident information to help the air charter professionals of ACANA make informed decisions about potential vendors.

Because information is gleaned directly from the FAA, members do not have to utilize third party vendor certification unless they choose to do so. Currently virtually all Part 135 operators can be researched utilizing SIR, and at the request of ACANA, Wyvern has added the majority of Part 121 operators.

"We are very pleased that our members now have access to PASS via Wyvern/CharterX. ACANA will continue to be at the forefront of our industry relative to establishing consistent standards and best practices in our industry. This initiative demonstrates our continued commitment to differentiating our membership in the marketplace from those entities that do not add value to our industry. We are confident that our efforts will also benefit the many quality vendors that our membership does business with," said Scott Bickford, Chairman of ACANA and CEO of Air Planning, LLC.

More information: www.flyacana.org.

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TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Wyvern PASS CharterX, Air Charter Association of North America

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Nearly 900 people gathered on the evening of April 23rd for the Summa Children's Foundation's second annual gala, with a star-studded audience raising nearly $750,000 to honor USC football coach Pete Carroll and his non-profit organization A Better LA, for its work against gang violence. Actors Goldie Hawn, Henry Winkler and Sidney Poitier and sports legend Bruce Jenner joined in honoring Carroll.

"A Better LA is proud to partner with the Summa Children's Foundation," said Carroll in accepting the group's honor. "Every day we strive to raise awareness and funds to bring hope and real alternatives to those who may otherwise turn to gangs as a way of life. Thank you for being a part of the solution."

"A Night of Inspiration" lived up to its name, with celebrity figures from the entertainment industry and sports worlds, as well as law enforcement, participating in the event. The event was a tremendous success for the three-year-old Summa Children's Foundation, founded by Los Angeles natives Jim Miles and Brian Werdesheim and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children in Los Angeles.

Noted civil rights attorney Connie Rice reminded the assembled guests that gang violence touches everyone in Los Angeles, and everyone has a role to play in finding and implementing solutions to the growing problem. "We cannot and should not rely on government and law enforcement alone to solve this problem," said Rice. "With your attendance tonight, with your contribution to the Summa Children's Foundation, you have accepted your responsibility to be part of this community's solution to gang violence."

Mixing lighthearted entertainment with the serious message of abating Los Angeles' gang problem, guests were treated to a video made by comedian Will Ferrell and live performances by singer Michael Bolton and Debbie Allen's dance troupe.

"While Pete Carroll may be best known for his victories on the field, his true success lies in his work to end gang-related violence affecting the inner-city communities of South Los Angeles," said Summa Children's Foundation co-founder Brian Werdesheim, an Executive Director within the Private Client Group at financial services company Oppenheimer & Co. "By allowing us to honor him tonight, Coach Carroll is helping to spread the word about how all of us can help find a solution to gang violence in Los Angeles. Summa Children's Foundation will give half of all of the proceeds we raise tonight to A Better LA, which has proven through action that we can solve the problem."

Summa Children's Foundation co-founder Jim Miles was pleased with the turnout and the funds raised at the event. "Our goal was to bring visibility to A Better LA and some other organizations we will fund this year, while inspiring current and future generations of philanthropists to give more of their time and money to children and youth in need," he said. "We have exceeded our own expectations, allowing us to increase the impact that non-profit organizations have in their communities. We look forward to continuing to partner with them throughout the years."

Held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the event was underwritten by Oppenheimer and The Summa Group.

ABOUT THE SUMMA CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

Founded by Los Angeles natives and asset managers Jim Miles and Brian Werdesheim, Summa Children's Foundation (SCF) supports community efforts that assist the youth of Los Angeles and throughout Southern California, with particular focus on health, social and educational development. Funds raised through SCF initiatives are awarded to selected area nonprofits with proven track records in transforming lives and futures. Funding has previously been awarded to the Lili Claire Foundation, Camp Harmony, the American Red Cross, the Richstone Family Center, and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy.

For more information about the Summa Children's Foundation, please visit their website at www.summakids.org.

ABOUT A BETTER LA

Co-founded by Pete Carroll, A Better LA mobilizes the knowledge and skills of the community to inspire each person to dream, work and play without fear. A Better LA is committed to supporting Los Angeles communities in their goal to reduce violence by empowering change in South Los Angeles.

For more information about A Better LA, please visit their website at www.abetterla.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, A Better LA, Summa Childrens Foundation

HACKENSACK, N.J., April 25 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Over 2,000 motorcycles are expected to roll past New York's "Ground Zero" on Saturday, May 10, as they participate in the "Freedom Run" motorcycle rally and festival. Riding side-by-side, the motorcycles are anticipated to stretch for five miles and will pay tribute to the 9/11 first responders of the FealGood Foundation who are now gravely ill as a result of their service at the site of the World Trade Center collapse.

"I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from the motorcycle community. We are grateful for the support of Bergen Harley-Davidson, and pledge that every dollar raised will help give dignity to a 9/11 responder who has been forgotten by their government," says John Feal, president and founder of the FealGood Foundation. The nonprofit organization advocates and raises money for the 40,000 who came from all over America and the world to do search, recovery and clean up at Ground Zero, 70 percent of whom are now sick or have died.

Leading the motorcycles will be NYFD Engine #343, named in honor of the 343 NYC firefighters who perished in the attacks, which will be ridden my numerous rescue workers and first responders. The run will depart from the Hackensack Court House, 10 Main Street, at 11:00 a.m., and travel across the George Washington Bridge before passing the Ground Zero.

At the site, motorcyclists will pay homage to a police and fire department color guard before proceeding through the Holland Tunnel and out to Liberty Island. The pack arrive at Liberty State Park at roughly 1:30 and take part in a festival of food, live music by The Rolling Bones, motorcycle high wire thrill show, fly-over by the War Birds historic military aircraft, and more.

"This is an unprecedented event here in the New York and New Jersey area," says Liz DiGennaro of Bergen Harley-Davidson-Buell, sponsor of the event. "We hope it will bring attention to the real American heroes who spent days and months sifting through the rubble of the burning buildings looking for survivors and bringing dignity to those who perished."

The police-escorted run and festival are free and all models of bikes are welcome. For more information or to register call 201-843-6930 or visit www.FealGoodFoundation.com.

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TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, FealGood Foundation Freedom Run, motorcycle rally and festival

SPOONER, Wis., April 11 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Native Voices Foundation (NVF) is hosting a "Future Olympian's Day" Benefit in Spooner, Wisconsin, on April 16, at their Northwest Sports Complex. "Thanks to Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World, Joe Hip (Blackfeet), and 2003 Native American Heavyweight Champion, Harry Funmaker ('Ho-Chunk Hammer') coaching the region's rising stars, this may be a launching pad for Indian youth finally getting coaching to compete in future Olympic," according to Olympic skier, Suzy "Chapstick" Chaffee, NVF's organizer.

"While our benefit suffered a setback when Evander Holyfield had to bow out, it is uniting Indian Country's heavyweights behind helping their youth grab their Olympic dreams," said Chaffee.

"We're impressed with the Olympic Hopefuls that NVF helped develop (www.snow-riders.org) and together we'll be meeting with other like-minded Casinos, like the Mohegan Sun and Senecas, to formulate a 4 year plan for pro teams and Olympians to assist in training youth for the London Olympics," said Stonehorse Goeman. The Seneca Marshal Arts Champion, mentored by Tom Coulter, Olympic coaching legend, is conditioning coach for Native American Olympic Boxing talent at Foxwood's Casino.

From 1-4 p.m., the Native American Boxing Superstars will clinic top regional boxers from Team Amos, Red Lake, Mo Lake, plus Lakotas. The public is welcome to observe, or attend a talk by Chissie Spencer, top boxing promoter, who'll share how to steer clear of pitfalls to being a champion of sports and life. Chaffee will also be planting more Olympic ski dreams at her clinic.

At 7 p.m., Native American Olympic Ski Hopeful, Mariah Cooper (Lac Courte-Oreille-Oneida) will open the event with a prayer-signing. Gosh Kibos, Secretary of the National Congress of American Indians, and Suzy will then welcome everyone.

Hip and Funmaker will perform exciting sparring and share how they overcame obstacles. But the stars of the evening are the youth demonstrating their sparring and technique to reveal Olympic Boxing potential. Talent going to the North American Indigenous Games in Vancouver in August will be honored, including by Mark Soulier's St. Croix Trails Dancers. $10 tickets can be purchased at the door.

Sponsors include: The Landing, St Croix Travel, White Birch Printing, Northwest Indian NewsTV, NuStevia.

NVF is a Colorado 501(c)3 non profit partnership developing Native American talent for Olympic Teams.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Native Voices Foundation, boxing champion Joe Hip

GRANITE BAY, Calif., April 4 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Prepare Stay Defend (PSD), a California non-profit organization, has launched a web site that empowers homeowners against wildfires; they are the first organization of its kind to support homeowners, nationwide, through their educational web site and on-line fire training.

Have you ever seen ill-prepared homeowners standing on rooftops dressed in shorts and t-shirts while spraying water with a trickling garden hose? These are images that the PSD training program hopes to eliminate.

Founders Steve Bowman and Roy Pike have over 70 years of combined expertise in pre-fire mitigation and actual wildfire suppression; their goal is to share this information with the public.

"I'm tired of seeing hundreds of homes burning with limited protection, and I'm tired of seeing homeowners staying behind to defend their home without training or protective clothing," Bowman said. "It's time to empower the homeowner with knowledge of fire dynamics and the training they deserve and desire."

PSD reduces the chance of injury and/or death and promises to significantly increase a home's survival if the homeowner stays to defend it.

Many factors are involved in defending a home from fire. They include physical and psychological preparedness and learning how to create defensible space and properly prepare the home and homeowner.

"The idea of Prepare Stay and Defend methodology is not new," Pike explains. "In 2006, Aussies successfully implemented this method and many homeowners in the U.S. have been pressing for this type of program."

The main emphasis of the web site, which offers the same Federal courses administered to professional wildland firefighters, prepares homeowners to defend their homes and neighborhoods while allowing for reasonably safe "staying and defending" activities.

PSD recommends that homeowners evacuate to a safety zone early in the process if they are not able to expend a high level of physical exertion or are not psychologically prepared for the stresses of firefighting.

Homeowners will be encouraged to organize Neighborhood Fire Watch Groups and Fire Brigades. PSD consultants will be available to help homeowners with fire law and regulation interpretations, assessing the wildfire suppression capabilities of their local fire department, surveying neighborhood and community infrastructures, help establish and demonstrate new "home hardening" specifications for developers and other strategic wildfire protection planning issues.

Bowman explains that since 1990, in California alone, there have been over 15,000 structures lost in wildfire. Most homes are lost due to burning embers falling onto and around the home causing spot fires.

"The number of destroyed homes during a wildfire is related to the lack of firefighting resources and most residents are killed during the evacuation process," Bowman added. "Using the home as a shelter, when trapped by the wildfire, has long been recognized by professional firefighters and is reflected in their wildfire training."

PSD believes that the homeowner should also be trained on how to use their prepared home as a shelter.

Similar to the militia during the American Civil War, properly trained and equipped homeowner fire brigades can be valuable resources to U.S. fire services during wildfire sieges.

This new web site provides practical information to help homeowners and communities prepare for a wildfire and to establish local safety refuges. It teaches homeowners how to conduct pre-fire planning; plan evacuation routes; promote the use of protective clothing and fire suppression equipment, and more.

To effectively work with local fire agencies, PSD is ready to establish better communication between local fire departments and homeowners by acting as an advocate and a clearing house for the homeowners. Pike explains that the fire service must recognize that they cannot solve the wildfire interface problem alone.

"Maintaining the status quo will only lead to more lost homes, residents and firefighters," Pike said. "Fire services must be willing to change their wildfire interface tactics and strategies to meet the actual conditions on the ground."

Homes will continue to be built in wildland areas. People will continue to cause fires in these areas, either accidentally or with malice aforethought, and the public outcry for mitigating the damage will only grow louder; PSD can help to change this destructive cycle.

To learn more about this method of saving homes and lives, visit: www.prepare-stay-defend.org.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Prepare Stay Defend, Neighborhood Fire Watch Groups

COSTA MESA, Calif., April 3 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Today was a perfect Southern California day for students at Prince of Peace Christian School: warm, sunny, with a 100% chance of learning. Students from pre-school to sixth grade observed and tended their seedling crop. The young plants are three to four inches high and ready to be harvested and transplanted to a field where food is farmed specifically for the benefit of local families in need. The seedling project is one of several projects planned with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. This project began weeks ago when students prepared the soil and carefully planted cucumber, watermelon and zucchini squash seeds into a special garden on the Costa Mesa campus, located in the Mesa Verde Community.

School Principal, Sherry Williams, described the experience as a lesson with several levels. "This was a neat experience to teach kids how they can help by growing food for local families who might not have enough to eat," said Mrs. Williams. "We want them to be aware that there are many family situations where money goes to rent and utilities first and food is somewhere down the line."

The planting project is the second activity with Second Harvest that Prince of Peace students have participated in for 2008. In February, the fourth-grade class traveled to a local farm to perform a gleaning, or second harvest. Food gleaned from the fields was provided to local families. The eager students gleaned over 1500 pounds of cabbage, and broccoli from Field of Greens Farm in Santa Ana. One fourth-grader remarked of his experience, "It was so much fun, and we got to take a fifteen minute strawberry break!"

Kathie LeCours, a Fourth-Grade teacher at Prince of Peace was the coordinator for both events Mrs. LeCours stated, "I had the opportunity in the past to see this field trip at work. It has a huge impact on the student's learning. The students get a real feel for how agriculture works and what they can accomplish together." Mrs. LeCours was delighted with the student response, as many remarked that this was one of their favorite field trips. Fifth- and sixth-graders are slated to return to the fields in May.

Sam Caruthers, Second Harvest's Orange County Harvest Coordinator, introduced the fourth-grade teacher to the seed project. "I jumped at the opportunity to continue working with the Second Harvest Food Bank to help families," said Mrs. LeCours. In addition she commented, "My students studied plants earlier in the year and they were able to connect what they learned in the classroom to practical application." The hands-on experience provides children a powerful opportunity to observe the life cycle of plants, and understand cultivation and agriculture in a way that isn't conveyed in textbooks. Concurring with Mrs. Williams, Mrs. LeCours feels the program also empowers students to give of themselves through their actions. "They have giving hearts, but feel as they are kids they can't do much. They can do a lot, and this really made them happy." Mrs. LeCours says the kids look forward to a second gleaning trip toward the end of May.

About Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
The Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County distributes more than 13 million pounds of food to nearly 390 local charitable agencies each year including 36 soup kitchens, 128 food pantries; and 25 emergency shelters. A member of America's Second Harvest -- the Nation's Food Bank Network, Second Harvest provides emergency food assistance to nearly 74,000 children and 20,000 seniors in Orange County's 34 cities. The Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is located at 8014 Marine Way, Irvine, CA 92618. The website address is www.feedoc.org.

About Prince of Peace Christian School
Prince of Peace Christian School is located at 2987 Mesa Verde Drive East, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Prince of Peace is dedicated to preparing children for higher education and higher purpose via accelerated academics integrated with a Bible-based curriculum and experience. Prince of Peace is currently enrolling for the 2008-2009 school year. For more information contact the school office at 714-549-0562.

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*(PHOTO 72dpi: www.Send2Press.com/mediaboom/08-0402-PPfoodbank_72dpi.jpg)

*(PHOTO 300dpi: www.Send2Press.com/photobay/08-0402-PPfoodbank_300dpi.jpg)

*(Photo Caption: Prince of Peace kids reap joy in giving of themselves.)

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Second Harvest Food Bank, Prince of Peace Christian School

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo., March 26 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "I won the gold because everyone helped me," said 6 year-old Oglala-Sioux, Delaney Tyon, at Nastar's National Ski Championships, according to Olympic skier Suzy "Chapstick" Chaffee, co-chair of Native Voices Foundation (NVF). The event including Canada and Australia, was held at Steamboat Springs, Colorado, last week.

"I'm so proud of Delaney," said Olympian Billy Kidd (Abenaki), now Captaining the Native American Olympic Ski Team. "He's the fastest six-year-old on skis. Four runs means he was consistently fast," said Kidd, who put Delaney and his grandparents, Kathy and Lou of Pine Ridge, SD, under his wing, including jobs. And the pint-sized phenomenon got coaching at Steamboat's Winter Sports Club, producer of over 60 Olympians.

"Both Native American Olympic Hopefuls, Dalaney and Mariah Cooper (14 yr old Lac Court Oreille), are a joy to work with. They're smart, fun, great kids and students," said Billy. As NVF board members, he and Chaffee are assisting Native youth with opportunities to compete in the Olympics. While training with the best, Mariah, who "prayer signed" for two Wisconsin Governor's events, was inspired to honor Delaney with a ceremony after his earlier victory, saying, "He's a very nice boy."

Delaney's mom, Misty Tyon, first contacted NVF through www.SNOW-RIDERS.ORG, after Dalaney was featured on Rapid City TV for "skiing like a Pro" (www.Rezriders.org). Delaney credited his Grandpa Lou, Derren Derosier, Terry Peak's Ski School Director, and watching people, for his technique.

Mariah fell in love with skiing after Billy and Suzy inspired Ski Industry leaders to donate 60 pair of skis so Indian youngsters could compete in Wisconsin's 2003 Birkebeiner X-Country Race (14 countries). Last year, Mariah placed 2nd in her age group.

"I found Suzy also on the internet and she and Billy made it possibly for my parents, Dale and Nancy, and I to get my dream coaching to compete in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics."

"Mariah is another beautiful 'clean and lean' role model. Also competing in track in September's North American Indigenous Games in Vancouver, Mariah was voted to represent the voice of Indian youth on NVF's board," said Chaffee.

NVF is a non-profit Colorado 501(c)3, partnership of U.S. Tribal leaders, Elders and Olympians. Their mission is "To create joyful unity through sports and education to help heal Mother Earth for all our children."

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, ski champion Delaney Tyon, Native Voices Foundation

Complete With Special Access to Preview Event and Hospitality Tent at Festival

ATLANTA, Ga., March 20 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- For its 72nd year, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival has added Friends of Dogwood Events that will allow festival goers to enjoy a private restaurant tasting, beverage samples and even access to private restrooms during the festival. The perks continue throughout the year with a variety of Friends of Dogwood events and partnerships with other organizations.

WHAT:
Dogwood Festival Artist Preview Event and Weekend Access to Friends of Dogwood Private Tent

WHEN:
Artist Preview Event: Thursday, April 3 onsite within the Finlandia Art Bar, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Tickets include: Sneak preview of more than 100 of the exhibiting artists, light hors d'oeuvres, Cabot Cheese sampling, 2 beer/wine drink tickets and more!

Friends of Dogwood Hospitality Tent Access: Friday-Sunday

Restaurant Sampling: Friday 2 - 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.

Limited Tickets: $30 per person for access to EITHER the Artist Preview Event OR one of the Friends of Dogwood events (April 4 - 6)

$50 per person for access to April 3 Preview Event and Friday, Saturday OR Sunday Access to Friends of Dogwood Hospitality Tent at festival

Friends of Dogwood Hospitality tickets include:
* Sampling from some of Atlanta's favorite restaurants including: Maggianos, Roy's and other local favorites.
* Cheeses presented by Cabot Cheese
* 2 Beer/Wine Drink Tickets
* Annual Membership to Friends of Dogwood Program including invitations to year-round events and discounted tickets to partner cultural events
* Access to private restrooms onsite at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival
* Chair massage services during the festival

Tickets available at www.dogwood.org or by calling 404-817-6642

WHERE:
Lenox Square

Artist Preview Event will take place in the Finlandia Art Bar.

Friday-Sunday Friends of Dogwood will have access to the Friends of Dogwood VIP Tent.

WHO:
With the Thursday night preview and onsite VIP tent, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival inaugurates a new chapter in the Friends of Dogwood history. Beginning during the festival and lasting throughout the year, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival will sponsor ongoing events and partner with cultural events around the city to raise funds and awareness for the festival and arts in Atlanta more broadly. Annual memberships to Friends of Dogwood are available and include access to special Dogwood events as well as discounts to partnering events.

The 72nd Atlanta Dogwood Festival recognizes the generosity of the following sponsors: Fetzer, Finlandia, Brand Atlanta, Coca-Cola, Publix, ZonePerfect, Comcast, 11Alive, Georgia Lottery, Maybelline, Smoothie King, Starbucks, Music Matters, Select Comfort, Sensodyne, HUD, Crunch Fitness, Flying Biscuit, BlackBerry, Hills Science Diet and Man's Best Friend.

The 72nd Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival takes place April 4, 5 and 6, 2008 at the new site, the outdoor forecourt at Lenox Square, conveniently located near the Lenox and Buckhead MARTA stations. The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a 501-3c non-profit organization dedicated to providing the annual springtime celebration of arts and entertainment. The festival offices are located at 887 West Marietta Street, Studio S-105, Atlanta, Georgia 30318. The Atlanta Dogwood Festival can be reached at 404-817-6642 or visited online at www.dogwood.org.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Launch Atlanta Georgia events

SEATTLE, Wash., March 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Incredible glamour, amazing intrigue, and a worthy cause are back for another round in one of Seattle's most popular fund-raisers, the Columbia Tower Club's 5th annual Monte Carlo Casino Night on Saturday, April 19th, 2008.

Held on the top floor of the Columbia Center, the tallest building on the west coast, Club members, guests, and the general public will have the opportunity to mingle with those who've made it and those on the way up while experiencing this exclusive private space usually open to members only.

Ladies, be sure to don your most elegant gown, your sexiest shoe and get ready to be the gorgeous double agent you know you are. Gentlemen, prepare your tuxedos and get ready to live an evening of high-stakes Monte Carlo action on real gaming tables with chips exchangeable for prizes at the end of the night. Use your Goldfinger to gamble with complete abandon, because You Only Live Twice.

The drinks are definitely spy-worthy and shaken, not stirred. Vodka martinis are the drink of the evening but multiple full bars will attend to your every request. In between smooth dialog with your arch enemies and witty banter with a gorgeous double-agent, you are encouraged to enjoy the divine appetizers and to participate in the silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting worthy charities. All the while you are surrounded with the A View to a Thrill that only the Columbia Tower Club can provide.

Over 40 local companies are sponsoring this year's silent auction and all net proceeds of the evening benefit: Rise N' Shine (risenshine.org) which provides support and education for children and teens affected by HIV, FareStart (www.farestart.org) which rebuilds lives, reconnects families, and to strengthen our diverse community, and Children's Academy (www.childacad.org) which is dedicated to the education of the whole child in a challenging yet supportive environment.

More than 300 of the area's most notorious and well-dressed agents are expected to attend this year's event. Tomorrow Never Dies, but you'll have to wait a whole year if you miss this one!

Monte Carlo Casino Night is produced and promoted by the Club 39 Board, a group within the Columbia Tower Club that promotes business networking, social and charity events targeted towards club members 39 and under.

Reservations for Casino Night may be made by calling our Casino Night Hotline at 206-386-5076. For more information or to make a donation without attending, go to www.imaginecds.com/CasinoNight.

What: Columbia Tower Club presents: The 5th Annual "Monte Carlo Casino Night"

When: Saturday, April 19th 2008, 8 p.m. - Midnight

Where: Columbia Tower Club, Floors 75 & 76 of the Columbia Tower at 701 5th Ave, Seattle, WA

Who: The Spy Who Loved Me, plus everyone else who is 21 and up. This is the only annual event allowing the general public access to the exclusive Columbia Tower Club

Cost: The World is Not Enough, but for this event, it's $125 for Tower Club members and guests ($25 extra if purchased at door.) Entry fee includes $5,000 in gambling chips and lots of fun!

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Columbia Tower Club, Seattle charity events