Dads Raising Kinder & Financially Smart Kids

Do you want to raise nice kids? How about kids smart with their money? What about both? Brett Ellen, President and CEO of American Financial Network (AFN), and co-founder of TURN KINDNESS ON is dedicated to teaching children how to be philanthropic and financially responsible.

WHO WE ARE:

Turn Kindness On (TKO) is a non-profit organization that brings parents and children together to build a lifelong relationship with community service. Founded in 2001 by the Ellen family - Mandy, Brett, and their sons Keanu (12 yrs) and Tristen (10 yrs) - TKO donors and volunteers believe we can build a better world by harnessing children’s compassion and energy and empowering them to make a change.

WHAT WE DO:

TKO coordinates local community service events that raise much-needed funds to assist under-served communities domestically and internationally. TKO’s engaging programs are developed for children and parents to encourage philanthropy and volunteerism as family activities.

HOW WE DO IT:

Generous contributions from our donors, active volunteers, and like-minded partnerships allow TKO to develop meaningful and engaging events.

WHY WE DO IT:

At TKO we believe the best way to teach our children about the power of service is to engage them in meaningful projects at an early age. We want to help raise a kinder generation that values philanthropy and volunteerism and will continue community service throughout their lives.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

TKO welcomes volunteers of all ages who share a passion for community service and helping under-served communities.

For information on volunteer opportunities, upcoming events and how you can contribute, email info@turnkindnesson.org or call 818.264.4981

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Groupon+DonorsChoose.org deal to support public schools, a 1st for Groupon

Getting a great deal feels good, but helping students in need feels even better. Online education charity DonorsChoose.org and Groupon, a nationwide daily deal site, are partnering today, Monday, May 24 to offer Groupon’s first-ever charity deal, allowing subscribers to double their donation dollars for individual classroom project requests submitted by public school teachers. This partnership will dedicate a total of $1 million to provide critical resources and supplies to public and charter school classrooms around the country, highlighting a new and unique method of engaging individuals in philanthropy. 

Groupon, a site valued at more than $1 billion, will be offering the DonorsChoose.org deal beginning today as a system-wide side deal, which will also run throughout the rest of the week. The deal works like this: if you purchase $250 on Groupon, you’ll receive $500 credit to contribute to DonorsChoose.org, $100 for $200 and so on. Other levels listed will be:

·         $100 credit sold for $50

·         $50 credit sold for $25

·         $20 credit sold for $10

As with any DonorsChoose.org project, individuals will contribute the deal’s dollar amount to classroom projects of their choosing. Once a project is fully funded, DonorsChoose.org will purchase the requested materials and send them directly to the classroom. All donors will receive photos of the project taking place, a thank-you letter from the teacher, and a cost report showing how each dollar was spent. Donors who fund more than $100 will also receive hand-written thank-you letters from the students.

About DonorsChoose.org

 Founded in 2000, DonorsChoose.org is a nonprofit website where public school teachers describe specific educational projects for their students, and donors can choose the projects they want to support.  After completing a project, the donor hears back from the classroom they supported in the form of photographs and student thank-you letters.

To date, 122,000 public and charter school teachers have used the site to secure funding for $45 million in books, art supplies, technology, and other resources that their students need to learn. Through www.donorschoose.org individuals from all walks of life have helped 3 million students from low-income families.

Laura Recovery Center Receives National Recognition

The Laura Recovery Center for missing children was awarded this year's US Department of Justice Missing Children Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award.  The award was presented to Gay Smither and Bob Walcutt at the annual Executive Director's Conference of AMECO (Association of Missing and Exploited Children’s Organizations) in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The award recognizes "... outstanding contribution and commitment to missing and exploited children" and was presented by Katherine Darke Schmitt, an Associate Deputy Administrator with the US Department of Justice.

The Laura Recovery Center was nominated for the award by Captain Shari Burrows of the Friendswood Police Department.  In her nomination letter, Captain Burrows noted that "This organization has upheld high standards of professionalism and demonstrated noteworthy leadership in protecting children while forging positive relationships with local partners."  In addition Captain Burrows praised "the extraordinary effort they display contributing to the protection of children."

Gay Smither, co-founder and president of the Laura Recovery Center, stated "It is an honor to receive this prestigious award.  We are pleased to be recognized by the Justice Department for the work of our dedicated staff and volunteers.  Being a warrior for missing children is often difficult, but we know that one missing child is one too many!"

The Laura Recovery Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, that was founded in Laura Smither's memory. The Center focuses on Education, Search, and Prevention in the area of missing children, has offered free abduction prevention programs to over 200,000 children throughout the greater Houston area, worked with approximately 1,450 families with missing loved ones, and has organized 95 community searches for abducted children nationwide. The Center trains law enforcement at the Houston Police Department training academy and other agencies in Texas, and distributes educational materials and child ID kits.