Tag Archives: charity

San Antonio Cocktail Conference

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On Thursday, January 26 through Sunday, January 29, San Antonio’s beautiful Riverwalk will be the backdrop for the first ever San Antonio Cocktail Conference!

san antonio cocktail conference schedule buy tickets

Over the course of four days, local residents and visitors will have the opportunity to:

  • Partake in 27 classes
  • Meet with 31 different presenters
  • Attend 5 fabulous soirees (visit different cocktail tasting stations, enjoy Riverwalk boat shuttles from one venue to the next)
  • Enter in one Original Cocktail Competition
  • And say salutations during one Yoga for bartenders class

Stemming from Chef Mark Bohanan, the mastermind behind the critically acclaimed downtown steakhouse Bohanan’s, the San Antonio Cocktail Conference will feature educational seminars, classes, tastings, and more with experts travelling in from across the US and Australia!

Website: http://www.sanantoniococktailconference.com

Become a Fan: https://www.facebook.com/SACocktailConference

Twitter: @SACocktailConf

BUY TICKETS! Schedule: http://www.sanantoniococktailconference.com/schedule

Tasting Schedule: http://www.sanantoniococktailconference.com/schedule/tastings (view the list, tastings are from 10:30am – 4:30pm on Friday and Saturday)

san antonio cocktail conference benefits Heartgift

Don’t feel like heading downtown for a cocktail party? Would you do it for a good cause? The San Antonio Cocktail Conference is benefiting
HeartGift, a group of medical professionals and volunteers who give their resources (surgical skills, home, hours) so that children can have access to lifesaving surgery to repair their congenital heart defects:

  • 93% of world’s population doesn’t have access to pediatric cardiac surgery
  • Surgeons and physicians donate their services, for treatments normally costing $165,000
  • Average total expense for each HeartGift patient (includes travel and medical care) is $24,000
  • $8.5 million worth of medical care donated to date
  • 130 children from 22 countries have benefitted from HeartGift services

Website: http://www.heartgift.org

Become a Fan: https://www.facebook.com/HeartGift

Twitter: @HeartGiftNews

From an interview with Chef Mark Bohanan:

The Cocktail Conference is a four-day event that is modeled after the wildly successful Manhattan Cocktail Classic and New Orleans’ Tales of the Cocktail Event, both of which draw more than 20,000 people…

…Classes will include topics such as ice making, crafting perfect cocktails for home entertaining, an introduction to gin cocktails and many more…

…There will also be a contest with celebrity judges, tastings, seminars and other special events designed to combine cocktail culture education with good old-fashioned fun…

…I want people to come downtown and see why it is the pulse of San Antonio. I want to remind locals of what is available to them right in their own backyards, as well as show tourists why San Antonio is a major destination for both the leisure and business traveler.

Greater Austin | Bastrop Fire Relief, Donations

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Please consider going through the list below to see how you can donate to help the victims of the massive fires sweeping across Central Texas right now. Already tens of thousands of acres of land with people’s home and personal belongings have felt the wrath of this natural disaster. Although there is so much tragedy engulfing the area right now, neighbors, Texans, and people across the US are banding together in support of the cities. Below are links to the local Red Cross chapters, churches, food banks, shelters, and even baseball teams looking for donations of food, clothing, personal items, and money to help continue to fight the fires and the devastation left in its wake.

Picture courtesy of http://www.kvue.com.

EMERGENCY COUNTY BROADCASTERS

Check out information from the local emergency response government sites about the fires, shelters, and more detailed information here:

Red Cross of Central Texas - Greater Austin | Bastrop Fire Relief, Donations for Central Texas Fire

LOCAL NEWS

Local news channels and radios provide more links and donation facilities here:

 KLBJ Radio 99.7 FM Lots of detailed information and links, frequently updated.
 KGSR Austin When: All day Wednesday, 6am-7pmWhere: Rudy’s @ 2400 North IH-35, Round Rock (I-35 and between 1431 and 620) 

Taking donations for fire relief.

  All day Wednesday, 6am-7pm, KGSR will be at Rudy’s @ 2400 North IH-35, Round Rock (I-35 and between 1431 and 620) taking donations for fire relief.
 KLBJ 93.7 When: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 – 6am-7pmWhere: 11570 Research Boulevard 

KLBJ-FM will be at Rudy’s @ 11570 Research Boulevard, Austin (183 and Duval) taking donations.
ABC KVUE Lots of detailed information and links, frequently updated.

 

DONATIONS

Donation stations accepting food and/or clothing and other supplies this week:

Capital Area Food Bank of Texas - Greater Austin | Bastrop Fire Relief, Donations for Central Texas FireRound rock Express - Greater Austin | Bastrop Fire Relief, Donations for Central Texas Fire

Organization Address Phone Number Details
Spicewood TX Spicewood Community Center
7901 CR 404
Spicewood, TX 78669		 The Legacy Fund has been established by the Lions Club and are accepting donations and asking for assistance at the location listed.
Saint William Catholic Parish St. William Catholic Church (map)
620 Round Rock West Dr
Round Rock, TX 78681		 Donations will be accepted at St. William Catholic Church in the church Pavilion, starting September 6, between 7:30am – 9pm.
Hill Country Bible Church 12124 RR 620 North
Austin, TX 78750		 512-589-7675 (for prayers or help) We will continue to need donations of the following items which may be brought by the church between 8am and 8pm
Catpial Area Food Bank of Texas 1201 Pine Street
Bastrop, TX 78602		 512-303-0033 Bastrop Emergency Food Pantry is receiving food donations and is open 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. for donations the rest of the week.*Looking for non-perishable items listed on site. Also have a list of shelters here.
Capital Area Food Bank 8201 S. Congress Avenue
Austin , TX 78745		 8-5 p.m. or leave in boxes on dock outside of those hours
Caring Place 2000 Railroad St.
Georgetown, TX 78627		 512-869-4735 Looking for non-perishable donations.
 Round Rock Serving Center 1099 East Main St.
Round Rock, TX 78664		 512-244-2431 Looking for non-perishable donations.
Old Wind’s/Dollar General Store 210 Main St, Smithville, TX Clothing Donations
Zion Church 151 Shiloh Road
Bastrop TX		 512-308-9344 Clothing Donations
St. Vincent de Paul South Congress Store South Congress Ave
Austin, TX		 512 442-5652 Clothing Donations
St. Vincent de Paul Yager Collection Center 18 West Yager Ln
Austin, TX		 (512) 238-6737 Clothing Donations
Red Cross of Central Texas
Diocese of Austin 1817 E. Sixth StreetAustin, TX 78702  (512) 651-6102 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Catholic Charities of Central Texas in AustinMake donations online here.
 The Independent 14251 W. SH 29, Suite BLiberty Hill, TX (512) 778-5577 Food, water, personal hygiene and household items will be accepted from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Round Rock Express 3400 East Palm ValleyRound Rock, Texas 78665 512.238.2217 Beginning Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., The Dell Diamond, home of the Express, will become a central drop-off point for household items and clothing intended for victims of the fires.All items can be dropped off at The Railyard, the official team store of the Express, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays and during upcoming playoff games.
Palm Valley Lutheran Church Round Rock 2500 East Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665 512-423-4862  There is a big need for diapers, wipes, baby food, nonperishable food items, trash cans, trash bags, underwear and socks, water, toiletries and kennels for dogs and cats.
 Austin Disaster Relief Network Fellowship SW Church in Buda (3870 FM 967, Buda)T-F from 9-5PMAustin Christian Fellowship

(6401 Riverplace Drive, Austin) M-F, 10AM-8PM

 

Church of the Resurrection (2008 Justin Lane, Austin)

M-F, 9AM-6PM

Celebration Church

(1202 Rabbit Hill Trail, Georgetown)

M-F, 9AM-5PM

 

Hill Country Bible Church

(Office – 12124 RR 620, Austin, Tx 78750)

M-F, 9AM-5PM

 Volunteer Hotline: 512-331-2200  Diapers, Baby Food, Adult Food (non-perishable), Trash Cans, Trash Bags, Underwear, Kennels for Dogs, Socks, and Water
 OASIS on Travis Lake 6550 Comanche TrailAustin, TX 78732 512.266.2442  The OASIS on Lake Travis will be a drop site for Steiner Ranch evacuees. Austin Christian Fellowship is asking for bottled water, flashlights with batteries, tolietries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving products, shampoo, etc.), heavy trash bags, and work gloves.
Austin Christian Fellowship*More detailed information on their Facebook page here. 6401 River Place BoulevardAustin, TX 78730-1112 (512) 381-5700 We are open WEDNESDAY MORNING AT 6AM to take donations.ONLY THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NEEDED: 

::Please no clothing or toys at this time::

 

  • disposable breathing masks
  • cleaning supplies (Lysol or Clorox wipes preferred)
  • flashlights and batteries
  • heavy trash bags
  • heavy work gloves
The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection 2008 Justin LaneAustin, TX 512-459-0027 The Thrift Shop at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection is accepting donations of clothing, housewares, and toiletries for victims of the Austin-area wildfires.Between 9am and 6 pm someone will be here to receive donations personally. 

After hours use the drop box at the back end of our parking lot at 2008 Justin Lane, or leave donations at the front door of either the Thrift Shop building or the Parish Hall building.

Austin Disaster Relief - Greater Austin | Bastrop Fire Relief, Donations for Central Texas Fire

UPDATED (9/14/2011):  Blankets for Bastrop is recruiting crafty people to make blankets for the families once they relocate or get back into their homes:

http://blanketsforbastrop.wordpress.com

And learn about how you can donate supplies or precious quilts to keep them warm in the winter and bring love into their new surroundings.

Give Best Gift Ever | UNICEF Charity

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Did you wait until the last minute to purchase a Christmas present this year?  No fear!  UNICEF is here.

The best gift is a gift that keeps giving…and what could be better than a gift that literally saves lives, natural resources, and makes the world a better place!

A couple of Sundays ago, at my church Oak Hills in San Antonio, Max Lucado quickly showed a video of missionaries from our church sent to different parts of Africa to build fresh water wells w/ money raised from the Bibleland Children’s Sunday School classes.  Not only were the children there laughing and thanking us, they are now able to enjoy clean, fresh water without worrying about contamination, disease, and travelling many miles to fetch a tiny amount.

Check out all the ways to give back to children around the world:

UNICEF Charity gifts

About UNICEF:

Working in over 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, protection, emergency relief, and more.

22,000 children die EVERY DAY from preventable diseases.  Imagine being able to buy a gift that saves the life of one or many children in poverty stricken parts of the world!  Several, charitable organizations like UNICEF let you do just that!  Dedicate the purchase in the name of a loved one or friend and send/print notification.

Right now the featured gift is a “Winter Child Survival Pack” that includes:

  • supplies to sustain child for 6 months!!
  • vitamins and minerals to grow healthy
  • measles and polio immunizations
  • enough water purification tablets for 50,000 liters of water!!

ALL of that is possible w/ a small donation of $81.35!  And if that’s too much they take general donations of $5 and more.

help provide clean, safe drinking water for an entire community

  • Education & Play - school supplies, soccer balls, and more give these children a chance for quality educations!
  • Immunizations – vaccinations for diseases that don’t even exist in modern countries ($20 buys 412 tetanus shots)
  • Water – water pumps, purification, and family water kits
  • Nutrition – baby scales, ready to eat food, vitamin powder ($18 buys 604 individual doses of vitamins and minerals!)
  • Emergency – high energy food, water kits, tents and more to help during emergencies
  • Health - first aid kits for field workers, mother/baby packs, for $80 save 1000k from deadly diseases

UNICEF Holiday Promotions from Corporate Partners

Did you know that as you’re shopping for people on other sites you could still be helping children fight preventable diseases?!

American Airlines | Causes on Facebook | Delta Air Lines
FEED | Gucci | H&M | IKEA |  Western Union

Click on the links for more details!  American Airlines is fighting diseases w/ incentives to donate to UNICEF by offering 2 AAdvantage miles in return for EACH dollar donated.  Donate right now!

The special edition “Gucci for UNICEF” Sukey bag, designed by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in grey “La Pelle Guccissima” leather, is being sold in Gucci stores in over 20 countries and from April 15, 2010 through February 28, 2011, Gucci will donate 25% of the retail price!

"Gucci for UNICEF" special edition Sukey bag

UNICEF Social Media

Teacher resources for online charity UNICEF

TeachUNICEF is a portfolio of UNICEF-focused resources designed and collected by the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s Education Department for educators, afterschool instructors, and parents. The units, lesson plans, stories, and multimedia cover topics ranging from the Millennium Development Goals to water and sanitation.

*Teaser for my next blog “Teach UNICEF” :)

Celebrate Earth Day 2010 | 40th Anniversary

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Earth Day originally started on April 22, 1970 when it was originally founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson – designed to educate and appreciate the Earth’s environment.


EarthDay.org

  • Follow their tweets – @EarthDayNetwork
  • Become a Fan of Earth Day Network on Facebook
  • Sign the Petition! “Demand that our leaders pass strong climate legislation that benefits all Americans“
  • FREE ride to Washington, DC for Climate Rally
  • Take action by committing to simple ways to positively impact the climate!

Earth Day Climate Rally | Washington, DC

When: Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Climate Rally | Washington, DC - Earth Day 2010

More information here.

How Green are You?!

Carbon Footprint Quiz

  • Find out how large your ecological (carbon) footprint is by taking this interactive quiz including information on reducing your footprint!

    Earth Day Carbon Footprint Quiz

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EAP)

Mission: Protect human health and the environment.

EPA Earth Day links:

2010 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo

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After being gifted with FREE box tickets to the rodeo this year I thought I should do my homework on my greatly appreciated prize!

Last year the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo was attended by over 1,300,000 poeple!!  During that time they raised almost $1,800,000 in scholarships during the Livestock and Horseshow exhibitors!  In 2009, they were also inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, CO.  (For more fun facts about the Rodeo check out: Fun Facts)

When: The 2010 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo will last from February 4th through February 21!

Where: 3201 East Houston Street, San Antonio, Texas   78219
View Larger MapSan Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo

Grounds Hours & Admission Prices:

*OPEN EVERYDAY (8am until between 10pm & midnight)

  • Adult – $7.00
  • Senior Citizen (ages 60 & over) – $5.00
  • Children (2 to 11 yrs of age) – $3.00
  • Children (under 2 yrs of age) – FREE

*Season Grounds Pass (unlimited grounds admission for 18 days) – $20.00 by stopping by the ATT Center SW Box Office, calling 210.225.5851, or emailing tickets@rodeo.com (or visiting HEB business centers!)

Carnival Hours

If you’re going to enjoy the carnival, take advantage of these offers!  My daughter and I ALWAYS enjoy going to the carnival!

  • Friday, Feb. 5th (Dollar Day): 11:00am
  • Monday – Thursday: Opens at 4:00pm
  • Friday, Feb. 12th (Dollar Day): 11:00am
  • Monday, Feb. 15th (Dollar Day): 11:00am
  • Friday, Feb. 19th (Dollar Day): 11:00am
  • Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am

Stock Show & Rodeo Family Fair

Area of the Stock Show & Rodeo grounds which provides a wide variety of interactive activities and attractions geared towards family fun, education and live musical entertainment. All venues located in Family Fair have the same hours of operation (see below).

My daughter and I really enjoy the Pig Races…I remember selecting a pig to win when I was young and the tradition has continued with her!

  • Sunday through Thursday: 10am – 9pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 10am – 10pm

Helping Others

What to help someone else?  Special ticket programs!

Business charity program helped over 2000 individuals last year!  Choose your favorite charity and give generously!  Your contributions can also support the military and wounded and injured soldiers!

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Deals

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo offers an incredible time for friends and family, especially those that take advantage of THESE offers:

GREAT DEALS

Rodeo Feast!

Get tickets through Ticketmaster or call 1-877-63-Rodeo:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/San-Antonio-Stock-Show-and-Rodeo-tickets/artist/804262

4 rodeo tickets ($10 level), 4 hot dogs, 4 chips, and 4 sodas for $49!

4 rodeo tickets ($10 level), 4 hot dogs, 4 chips, and 4 sodas for $49!

Fan Appreciation Night!

February 9th and 15th, purchase two rodeo tickets and get nachos FREE!

February 9th and 15th, purchase two rodeo tickets and get nachos FREE

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Dollar Days!

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Dollar Days: Fridays ONLY (2/5, 2/12, 2/19)!

$1 grounds admission from 8am-6pm, rides, hot dogs, popcorn, and sodas in carnival $1 ALL day long!

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Dollar Days: Fridays ONLY (2/5, 2/12, 2/19)! $1 grounds admission from 8am-6pm, rides, hot dogs, popcorn, and sodas in carnival $1 ALL day long!

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Dollar Days!

College Days Thursdays only, Feb. 4, 11, 18…free admission to grounds with current college ID!

College Days Thursdays only, Feb. 4, 11, 18...free admission to grounds with current college ID!

Free USAA Military Fridays!

Current and former military receive free grounds admission every Friday during the Rodeo, courtesy of USAA!

Current and former military receive free grounds admission every Friday during the Rodeo, courtesy of USAA!

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Text Alerts!

Get the latest San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo news alerts, exclusive offers, and event information on your mobile device!

Text RODEO to 50927!

Get the latest San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo news alerts, exclusive offers, and event information on your mobile device! Text RODEO to 50927!

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo iPhone App in iTunes!

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo iPhone App in iTunes!

– Stock Show and Rodeo iPhone App –

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo iPhone App in iTunes!

Dollar Admission: President’s Day – Feb. 15, 2010!

Monday, Feb. 15th, $1 grounds admissions!

Monday, Feb. 15th, $1 grounds admissions!

!

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Senior Day!

Free grounds admission for anyone over 55 years on Tuesdays, Feb. 9th & 16th!

Free grounds admission for anyone over 55 years on Tuesdays, Feb. 9th & 16th!

!

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Entertainment

http://www.sarodeo.com/sarodeo/rodeo_concert/2010entertainment.html

Entertainment from past rodeos: http://www.sarodeo.com/client/media/80/3608/rodeo_performers_all_time.doc

http://www.ticketmaster.com/San-Antonio-Stock-Show-and-Rodeo-tickets/artist/804262

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Entertainment Linueup

!

Rodeo Events

Send an E-Card

Dillin the Armadillo Texas Ranger, scoot around and throw your badge at wolves, foxes, and his arch nemesis the farm truck!

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Stock Show and Rodeo

Become a Fan on Facebook

Follow @SanAntonioRodeo‘s tweets!

Myspace

First Annual Lemonade Day in San Antonio, TX

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Last summer, while visiting my sister in Houston, I vividly remember reading a front-page story that made me so excited!  It was about Lemonade Day, sponsored by Prepared4Life.org (P4L), a program the entire city of Houston supports that encourages kids to become young entrepreneurs, from kindergarten through the 12th grade, by teaching the fundamentals of business and financial planning.

Lemonade Day is a citywide program designed to teach children how to start, own and operate their own lemonade business.2010 lemonade day san antonio prepared 4 life organization

My daughter, imaginative and resourceful, has always wanted her own lemonade stand.  This program not only gives kids (many from high-risk neighborhoods) the opportunity to have a stand of their own, but empowers them with important planning information to maximize their potential for success.

It provides an opportunity for families, businesses, faith-based community organizations and schools to come together for a common purpose – to train the next generation of entrepreneurs through a free, fun, engaging, experiential activity.

Prepared 4 Life Lemonade Day San Antonio, TX

When:  May 2, 2010 | First Sunday in May

Background Information

Originally started in Houston by Michael Holthouse (the founder of P4L) a master entrepreneur himself.  After creating a company that surpassed the $100 million mark, 6 years after starting it from scratch (Paranet),  Holthouse created:

He created the Holthouse Foundation for Kids to help at-risk children acquire the skills and habits they need to become successful adults…He and his wife, Lisa, later founded Prepared 4 Life, a non-profit organization that started by offering after-school programs for at-risk middle-school children in Houston.

He got the idea from his daughter who woke up early in the morning, excited to start her own lemonade stand.  Together they put together a business plan taking into consideration marketing, location, and paying back her investors and from the ashes Lemonade Day was born:

The ideas was to give kids an engaging workbook that would guide them through the process of setting up a stand.  An adult member would help walk each child through the process, but would be asked to leave most of the problem-solving to the kids…It would teach young kids the nuts and bolts of entrepreneurial startups: setting goals, planning for success, securing a loan, choosing locations, procuring supplies, making their product, and turning a profit.

San Antonio TX Lemonade Day's Backpack Pickup Locations

Every Lemonade Day participant picks up a bag at a local station that includes a workbook for the kids and another one for the parents.

Although the kids are allowed to keep all of their profits, their encouraged to not only pay back their investors, they also are encouraged to donate a portion of their profits to a charity of their choice.

Exponential Success Over the Past 3 Years

Lemonade Day 2007

Lemonade Day 2007 - 2600 Participants

Lemonade Day 2008

Lemonade Day 2008 - 11,232 Participants

Lemonade Day 2009

Lemonade Day 2009 - 27,389 Participants

Lemonade Day San Antonio

Check out San Antonio’s local website: http://sanantonio.lemonadeday.org/home

Contact information (local & national):  http://sanantonio.lemonadeday.org/contact-us.aspx

*I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sara from the CE group who is San Antonio’s project manager for this HUGE undertaking!  By using the link above you can also contact her for more information on sponsoring, volunteering, etc.

**Local Restaurants - our volunteers will need refreshments!  Join the movement by donating meals/snacks for volunteers, your location could become a Lemonade Day backpack pickup location!

Sign Up Here!

I’ll be updating with more information as I get it as well!

- 2010 Lemonade Day | Informational Video -

- 3rd Annual Lemonade Day | Houston, TX -

Listen to why all the kids LOVED Lemonade Day in Houston, TX last year!


I Love Lemonade Day from Geekette Bits on Vimeo.

WoW: Online Gaming Gives Back

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Website of the Week: http://www.gamesthatgive.net

Games that Give is a website I recently found through UNICEF USA’s Facebook updates…it takes advantage of the money made from advertising online while people play games online and gives 70% of the revenues back to the 14 organizations it currently supports!

Hover over images to read a quick summary of each organization, click on the image for more information:

The website launched in August 2008 and also has a corresponding Facebook app!  The more you play online (and the better you do), the more you make for the charity of your choice!

All you have to do is sign up for a new user account, select your favorite charity, and start playing one of the currently 12 games available!  I love the interface, simple, sharp, and the game selection is ideal.  You’re going to be playing blackjack, solitaire, and some of the other popular games on your computer anyways – play AND give back to the community!

If you want to know more details check out their blog or their extensive FAQ section.  Learn more details about how they got started, who their most recent corporate sponsors are, and other questions you might have!

Once registered with the site, easily send out notifications to your email contacts, also encouraging them to play!  Right now my chosen charity is UNICEF USA and it tells me how many immunizations my online game time has bought for kids in need!

Finally, another fun feature of the gaming site, there’s even a “Click if the Boss is Coming” button that automatically pops up an image of a word document!  (Love those buttons!)  Play incognito to support the cause!

Nine 9/9/09 Events

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What are you doing on the 9th day of the 9th month of the 2009th year at 9am/pm?

Sure a lot of people will get married and babies will be born on September 9th, 2009.  Already appreciating September (the month of my birthday), I am excited to announce other ways people are choosing to celebrate this upcoming Wednesday:

1. One Million Random Acts of Kindness – @yokoono has been tweeting in support of One Million Random Acts of Kindness being executed on 9/9.

  • Follow @BecomePeace2009 on Twitter (and help make #peace a trending topic!)
  • RAK (Random Act of Kindness) – but BBC Radio also help start a growing RAK trend…read the blog to find out more (and print your own flyers or cards)!

2. FTD Good Neighbor Day 2009 – The flower experts are celebrating the 15th annual FTD Good Neighbor Day holiday.

  • Since 1994, FTD has encouraged all neighbors to foster community by offering (through local florists) same-day deliveries of beautiful, FREE bouquets.
  • Customers are encouraged to keep one flower for themselves and offer the rest to their neighbors.
  • Find your local FTD florist here.

3. Monopoly City Streets – Google (heard of them??) launches their Google Maps version of Monopoly!

  • Buy any street in the world!
  • Monopoly City Streets blog here.
  • Play against your friends and finally get into the real estate market like you always wanted to, become a property mogul.

4. Beatles Revolution 9 – the iconic Beatles have a lot going on, 9/9:

  • The Beatles Rockband – Comes out for Xbox 360, PS3, & Wii (check back for coupons – I’ll find them!)  Early review from CNET.
  • Digitally Remastered – after 22 years, the digitally remastered versions of the Beatles studio albums will be released, as confirmed by press release:

Please Please Me
With the Beatles
A Hard Day’s Night
Beatles for Sale
Help!
Rubber Soul
Revolver
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Magical Mystery Tour
The Beatles (The White Album)
Abbey Road
Let It Be
Past Masters
Yellow Submarine

5. World Day of Interconnectedness – “a shift from I llness to WE llness”…

  • Starting in New Zealand, take time at 9am, to participate in interconnectedness (or oneness) opportunities (formal to informal acts.)
  • Global Events – see what and when countries across the world are participating in.
  • Email a friend
  • Join the group.

6. @BarackObama – Don’t just follow him on Twitter, listen to him address a joint session of Congress on health care reform in prime time!

  • Obama’s website highlights concisely.
  • Obama Mobile – somewhat unrelated, text “HOPE” to 62262 for updates from Obama’s camp.

7. Independence Day – the Republic of Tajikistan declared independence on this day from the Soviet Union in 1991.

8. Father Laval Day – I’d be remiss to exclude Father Laval Day, the 9/9 national holiday for Mauritius, the island republic off the coast of Africa.

  • Father Laval – Roman Catholic priest and missionary to the local people.
  • Mauritius – famous for being the only home of the Dodo bird!
  • On this day, Mauritians (not Martians…) locals head to his tombs in hopes of benefitting from his post-mortem healing powers.

9. SA’s Bartender Bash w/ YVodka – YVodka who I first read about in @SavorSA’s blog, envisioned a vodka for the ’77-’97, you guessed it!!, Y-generation consisting of young professionals (and +21 college students) who appreciated a top-of-the-line bottle for a bottom-of-the-barrel price.

  • Free Y Vodka to 1st 300 club goers!
  • $2 YVodka all nite!
  • Club Newsletters – Not close to San Antonio?  I imagine this is a BIG after-hours night for a lot of venues…sign up for their email subscriptions NOW to get alerts and coupons for Wendesday (and on your birthday, etc…)
  • Follow @TheYVodka & @ClubRive on Twitter!

Technically it just another day…but make 9/9/09 memorable by taking the time and participating in several, if not all, of the events listed above.  (If you don’t make it to Martian, I’ll understand…)

DoW: Best Deals of the Week!

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money copy My WoW posts boast the best Websites of the Week, in an economy where the DOW and stock markets don’t always treat us well, my DoWs will!  Deals of the Week (DoW) will be coupons, discounts, and other deals I’ve found, and consolidated to one organized section.  Depending on what’s available I’ll include more or less in various sections of the post.

Retail

  • On 9/17-9/20, shop at participating malls, spend $75, show receipt at guest relations and get $10 gift card!
  • North Star Mall is offering 122 (as of this post, originally 500) $10 gift cards merely signup! Bring voucher to mall, 9/17 – 9/20!
  • Payless Shoes offers 20% off entire purchase using “33231” at checkout, expires 8/31!
  • Banana Republic taking off 20% of entire purchase using promo code: BRSAVE20.
  • Now’s the time to shop at New York & Company, 30% off entire order (promocode: 3060 including REDLINES!)
  • Express is offering $30 off $75 purchases, “3891” online…expires 10/12 (“3892” to get $15 off $30!)
  • Lucky Brand Jeans has a promo for 30% off entire purchase, just use “9SEPAFF“!
  • Take advantage of Steve Madden’s 20% all items, FREE shipping, until 8/31!

Gifts

  • Excited for football season? NFL is giving 25% off entire store merchandise to help pysch fans up – use “COMEBACK25” until 12/31!
  • Shop PBS and get 25% off ENTIRE order! Great education gifts, with meaning and support of PBS.
  • Barnes and Nobles offers 30% off one toys or games item, use “Y3M7K9X” to take advantage by 9/1.

Arts and Crafts, Party, Home Office

  • Michael’s offers 20% off ENTIRE purchase (8/30-9/5)!
  • Oriental Trading offers 20% off entire purchase – “SU1012427” by 9/3.
  • Office Depot has 15% off with NO minimum if you use “11533462” by 9/14.
  • Target is offering 10% entire online purchase, no minimum either, with “S6BP388J” by end of September.

Food

  • Be one of the first 250,000 people to join the Chicken Wave at Chick-Fil-A and get a FREE chicken sandwich.
  • Hungry? $1 off large Jack in the Box combo meal!
  • Several GREAT coupons from Marie Callender’s here (exp. 9/4) 20% off entire bill, buy one get one entrée free x 2.
  • Panda Express has 2 coupons, buy one get one free and 10% off $25 purchase, here.
  • Help Cheesecake Factory stamp out hunger, bring 2 cans of soup and the first 500 guest will get a slice of Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake, a gift, and enjoy listening to live music.

Go above and beyond for those who do it everyday…

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Military jokes in Reader’s Digest are one of the first columns I check in my monthly subscription.  In some shape or form, everyone can find some relation to the military.  Since 1868 to remember those fallen in the Civil War, Memorial Day celebrates those who died serving our nation.

On this day at 3pm we also take a moment of silence to honor the National Moment of Remembrance.  During this time, across the country, participants include MLB games stop and all Amtrak trains blow their whistle.

Official US Government provides information about everything from grilling tips, background information on the holiday to travel information.


Want to help a soldier and their family? Check out a few listed below…there are hundreds of opportunities – I don’t have the bandwidth to find them all…

Besides writing letters, do this for the troops…


  • DOD Community Relations – take 2 seconds to write an encourage note and then read the deeply appreciative letters they wrote in response.
  • Operation Dear Abby – even those without internet access will get print outs of the messages you take the time to write.
  • Soldiers Angels - request cards for your deployed soldier and/or their families or join the Cards Plus Team to take the requests that flood the sites for supportive words.
  • Angel Bakers - can you cook brownies in a box? Then you can send homemade treats to a soldier who misses his country and home.
  • Chaplains Support Team - support those chaplains deployed with our troops by sending cards, care packages, and other supplies they need. They bring strength before battle in horrific warzones…they need our support too!
  • Operation Phone Home - for only $13 you can send Global prepaid calling card so a deployed personnel can call home. The cards include personalized recorded messages and help them stay connected to the world they were called to put on pause.
  • Operate SOS: Kids – while deployed, soldiers come across local children begging for money, food, anything they can sell. Without thinking of their own needs, soldiers request items be sent from the states to them for the children. Donate items or money.

Finally check out my other post about becoming a foster parent for a deployed soldiers’ pet, give them the peace of mind while they protect our country.