Mom donates laptops to wounded soldiers By MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press Writer
Sat Mar 24, 6:12 AM ET
WASHINGTON - Laura Brown, a mother with a son who fought in the Iraq war, is trying to improve conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center — one laptop computer at a time.
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The 50-year-old from Cody, Wyo., was chatting on the Internet with the mother of a wounded soldier two years ago when the mother mentioned she had to print out her son's e-mails and take them to him at Walter Reed because there weren't enough laptop computers to go around.
Brown, whose own son had recently returned safely from the war, thought the solution to that problem seemed incredibly easy.
"It just kind of hit me," she said. "If one person needed one, then there's others. ... I mean, my son had e-mail in Iraq. I was really stunned."
So Brown formed a group, Laptops for the Wounded, to raise money for the cause.
Since its fundraising effort began in November 2005, Brown's organization has donated 27 computers to military hospitals around the country — 24 of them to Walter Reed.
On Friday, Brown flew to Washington to deliver 10 donated laptops to the hospital in person.
Those computers, which were upgraded and refitted with new equipment, included Web cameras so soldiers could lay eyes on their families from afar.
"She basically just made it her mission," said Lisa Ramdass, a case manager at the hospital who has been working with Brown to coordinate the donations.
Ramdass said the laptops are used for more than e-mail. One soldier who worked with a donated laptop couldn't speak, and was able to communicate with his family and his doctors by typing on the computer. Others who have eye injuries use the laptops to watch movies or television up close.
The hospital, flooded with wounded from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has attracted media and congressional scrutiny in the last month, due to reports of shoddy living conditions for soldiers housed there.
Brown said she can relate with the loneliness and isolation of the wounded because she is also disabled, having suffered knee and back injuries in recent years. She is also inspired by her son, who lost his young wife to illness just weeks after they were married several years ago.
Wyoming Rep. Barbara Cubin (news, bio, voting record) said Brown's efforts show the difference one person can make.
"Out of the goodness of her heart, she's turned a few small donations into a national campaign," she said.
___
On the Net:
Laptops for the Wounded: http://www.laptopsforthewounded.com
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Tillman's death mishandled, Pentagon says at The Los Angeles Times (reg. req'd), Mar 24 Marine Unit Is Told To Leave Afghanistan at The Washington Post (reg. req'd), Mar 24 Opinion & Editorials
Homefront salute for soldiers in Iraq at Christian Science Monitor, Mar 21 Must I rehire an Iraq Vet? at CNN/Money, Mar 19
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Showing posts with label Volunteer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Volunteer. Show all posts
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Everyday Heroes
Channel 9 features 'Everyday Heroes'
BY JOHN KIESEWETTER | JKIESEWETTER@ENQUIRER.COM
Heroes come in all types, big and small.
That’s the message of “Pepsi Everyday Freedom Heroes,” a local TV special (9 p.m. Friday, Channel 9) profiling the “Everyday Freedom Heroes” honored in November by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
The six range from a Canadian boy campaigning to end child labor and a Rochester nun helping feed the poor to Arnice Smith, a College Hill children’s librarian who holds after-school study sessions for at-risk students.
“I don’t think of myself as a hero,” says Smith, a Cincinnati native and Cheviot mother of two. “Because for me, this is what I’m supposed to be doing. This is why I am here.”
Smith started shelving books in 1982 as a part-time job at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. She has been a College Hill branch librarian since 2001.
Two years ago, she was one of 27 U.S. public librarians to receive The New York Times’ Librarian Award for outstanding community service.
The one-hour special, by local producers Jim Friedman and Addie Rosenthal, shows Smith providing dictionaries, calculators, paper and other supplies for her after-school study skills sessions.
Also profiled are Craig Kielburger, who as a 12-year-old in Toronto started “Free the Children” to stop child labor; Sister Beth LeValley, who works with Rochester poor; Azim Khamisa, a San Diego man promoting peace and forgiveness after a gang member murdered his son; Karin Rivas, from the Clearwater-based Florida Center for Survivors of Torture; and Daniel Beaty of Dayton, who performs a one-man off-Broadway show about race relations.
They were selected by the Freedom Center and Friedman’s company, which created the TV program two years ago. This year’s recipients were a departure from last year, when most of the honorees had an international impact.
“Last year we were looking at the absolute best, those who had done the incredible. This year we were looking for a balance, so people could see themselves,” he says.
All of the show’s music was composed by Cincinnatians Wes Boatman and Tom Steele. Most of the dozen people making “soap box” comments about freedom in the show are from Cincinnati.
BY JOHN KIESEWETTER | JKIESEWETTER@ENQUIRER.COM
Heroes come in all types, big and small.
That’s the message of “Pepsi Everyday Freedom Heroes,” a local TV special (9 p.m. Friday, Channel 9) profiling the “Everyday Freedom Heroes” honored in November by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
The six range from a Canadian boy campaigning to end child labor and a Rochester nun helping feed the poor to Arnice Smith, a College Hill children’s librarian who holds after-school study sessions for at-risk students.
“I don’t think of myself as a hero,” says Smith, a Cincinnati native and Cheviot mother of two. “Because for me, this is what I’m supposed to be doing. This is why I am here.”
Smith started shelving books in 1982 as a part-time job at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. She has been a College Hill branch librarian since 2001.
Two years ago, she was one of 27 U.S. public librarians to receive The New York Times’ Librarian Award for outstanding community service.
The one-hour special, by local producers Jim Friedman and Addie Rosenthal, shows Smith providing dictionaries, calculators, paper and other supplies for her after-school study skills sessions.
Also profiled are Craig Kielburger, who as a 12-year-old in Toronto started “Free the Children” to stop child labor; Sister Beth LeValley, who works with Rochester poor; Azim Khamisa, a San Diego man promoting peace and forgiveness after a gang member murdered his son; Karin Rivas, from the Clearwater-based Florida Center for Survivors of Torture; and Daniel Beaty of Dayton, who performs a one-man off-Broadway show about race relations.
They were selected by the Freedom Center and Friedman’s company, which created the TV program two years ago. This year’s recipients were a departure from last year, when most of the honorees had an international impact.
“Last year we were looking at the absolute best, those who had done the incredible. This year we were looking for a balance, so people could see themselves,” he says.
All of the show’s music was composed by Cincinnatians Wes Boatman and Tom Steele. Most of the dozen people making “soap box” comments about freedom in the show are from Cincinnati.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Center for Progressive Leadership Opportunities
For New Leaders:
Home
Program Overview
Internships
FAQs
Sarita Gupta Awards
Photo Gallery
2006 Leaders
Join the Network
Spread the Word
New! Apply Here
For Partner Groups :
Partner Details
Spread the Word
The Center for Progressive Leadership (CPL) is looking for diverse college students and other young leaders from across the country to apply for our New Leaders Program. CPL’s New Leaders Program works to change the face of tomorrow’s political leadership by connecting young people of color and women to paid internship opportunities with progressive organizations in Washington, DC.
Apply today to be a 2007 Summer New Leader
Who are New Leaders?
The New Leaders Program is for young people who are passionate about creating social justice and equality in our society. Program participants are linked to paid internships with progressive organizations in DC ranging from policy and research work to advocacy and organizing to media relations and on-line publications. As a New Leader, you will receive:
10-Week Paid Internship: Once you’ve been accepted into the program, we help match you with a paid internship in Washington, DC. The internship will take place from June 11 – August 17, 2007. We’re focused on putting you in a position where you’ll find the work rewarding and the cause personally meaningful.
Leadership Development: As a New Leader, you will have a variety of opportunities to grow as a leader, network with members of the progressive community, and build the skills and connections you need to deepen your involvement in progressive causes:
Training and Workshops: During your internship, you attend a variety of sessions led by leaders in the progressive movement designed to provide you with the tools and techniques you need to become an effective political leader.
Networking Events: You’ll regularly have the chance to meet leaders in the progressive movement and create lasting relationships with mentors and advisors from throughout Washington.
Mentoring/Career Coaching: You’ll be personally matched to a leader in the progressive community who will provide ongoing support and career counseling during your internship and beyond.
What do young leaders think of the New Leaders Program?
“I was 17 when it hit me that, as an Asian American woman, I would never be President of the United States. I set my sights on becoming a veterinarian instead. The New Leaders Program has rekindled my dream of running for elected office. I can totally see myself in the Senate someday.” - Roheeni Saxena, 2006 New Leader
“The New Leaders Program has inspired me to further explore the advancement of progressive policies and particularly the protection of civil rights.” - Claudia Montelongo, 2006 New Leader
“This summer has been busy! I’m a Press Intern for Congressman Wynn, a Policy Intern for the National AIDS Housing Coalition, a volunteer canvasser for a DC mayoral campaign, and — most importantly — I am a New Leader! I’ve learned so much about politics and policy, but most of all, I’ve learned about myself, my values, and how to build a career doing work I believe in.” - Sondra Spaulding, 2006 New Leader
Have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Or want to contact us directly? Email Eric Jones if you want to find out more.
Watch a video about another opportunity for young progressive leaders across the country:
CPL also has another opportunity for young progressive leaders...you can join hundreds of other leaders all over the country fo a nation-wide training this spring to find out how to recruit volunteers and keep young people involved in your campaigns.
From fighting tuition increases to raising awareness about climate change to getting a living wage on your campus, YouthTrain will give you the tools you need to get people involved and engaged in your issue.
Learn more about the details of the event and how to host your own YouthTrain!
http://www.progressleaders.org/newleadersprogram/nlsummary_new.htm
Home
Program Overview
Internships
FAQs
Sarita Gupta Awards
Photo Gallery
2006 Leaders
Join the Network
Spread the Word
New! Apply Here
For Partner Groups :
Partner Details
Spread the Word
The Center for Progressive Leadership (CPL) is looking for diverse college students and other young leaders from across the country to apply for our New Leaders Program. CPL’s New Leaders Program works to change the face of tomorrow’s political leadership by connecting young people of color and women to paid internship opportunities with progressive organizations in Washington, DC.
Apply today to be a 2007 Summer New Leader
Who are New Leaders?
The New Leaders Program is for young people who are passionate about creating social justice and equality in our society. Program participants are linked to paid internships with progressive organizations in DC ranging from policy and research work to advocacy and organizing to media relations and on-line publications. As a New Leader, you will receive:
10-Week Paid Internship: Once you’ve been accepted into the program, we help match you with a paid internship in Washington, DC. The internship will take place from June 11 – August 17, 2007. We’re focused on putting you in a position where you’ll find the work rewarding and the cause personally meaningful.
Leadership Development: As a New Leader, you will have a variety of opportunities to grow as a leader, network with members of the progressive community, and build the skills and connections you need to deepen your involvement in progressive causes:
Training and Workshops: During your internship, you attend a variety of sessions led by leaders in the progressive movement designed to provide you with the tools and techniques you need to become an effective political leader.
Networking Events: You’ll regularly have the chance to meet leaders in the progressive movement and create lasting relationships with mentors and advisors from throughout Washington.
Mentoring/Career Coaching: You’ll be personally matched to a leader in the progressive community who will provide ongoing support and career counseling during your internship and beyond.
What do young leaders think of the New Leaders Program?
“I was 17 when it hit me that, as an Asian American woman, I would never be President of the United States. I set my sights on becoming a veterinarian instead. The New Leaders Program has rekindled my dream of running for elected office. I can totally see myself in the Senate someday.” - Roheeni Saxena, 2006 New Leader
“The New Leaders Program has inspired me to further explore the advancement of progressive policies and particularly the protection of civil rights.” - Claudia Montelongo, 2006 New Leader
“This summer has been busy! I’m a Press Intern for Congressman Wynn, a Policy Intern for the National AIDS Housing Coalition, a volunteer canvasser for a DC mayoral campaign, and — most importantly — I am a New Leader! I’ve learned so much about politics and policy, but most of all, I’ve learned about myself, my values, and how to build a career doing work I believe in.” - Sondra Spaulding, 2006 New Leader
Have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Or want to contact us directly? Email Eric Jones if you want to find out more.
Watch a video about another opportunity for young progressive leaders across the country:
CPL also has another opportunity for young progressive leaders...you can join hundreds of other leaders all over the country fo a nation-wide training this spring to find out how to recruit volunteers and keep young people involved in your campaigns.
From fighting tuition increases to raising awareness about climate change to getting a living wage on your campus, YouthTrain will give you the tools you need to get people involved and engaged in your issue.
Learn more about the details of the event and how to host your own YouthTrain!
http://www.progressleaders.org/newleadersprogram/nlsummary_new.htm
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Greek Charity at Columbia
The keg is full of cocoa, the girls are wearing sneakers and people are carrying water bottles instead of Dixie cups. Columbia's version of a frat party? Sort of.
On March 31 campus fraternities and sororities will put their nightlife talents to work as they join other organizations and students to participate in Relay for Life, a 24-hour event in Low Plaza held every year to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
This is just one of the many charity events being sponsored by fraternities and sororities this semester both on campus and locally.
According to Margy McCullough CC '08, a sorority member and President of the Inter-Greek Council, seven Greek chapters have already signed up for Relay for Life and every organization is expected to participate.
Alpha Chi Omega, a campus sorority, has been ranked the fourth top contributor amongst all participating teams, having raised almost $600.00 so far with a total goal of $5000.00. Seven members are participating, but the team hopes to round up fifteen before the event.
Aside from participating in Relay for Life, the Columbia chapter of Alpha Chi Omega also works with Safe Horizons, a New York based shelter which serves as a resource for victims of domestic violence.
Another sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, opts to draw in money for charity by capitalizing on a more stereotypical image of Greek life-built men and bed sheets-in a yearly Mr. Fraternity pageant featuring fraternity brothers in togas and evening wear.
The pageant, which attracts mainly Greeks but is open for anyone to attend, raises around $1000.00 each year for a national charity called Court Appointed Special Advocates. Theta girls are divided into teams and each fraternity presents one brother to be their contestant in a four category pageant including Question/Answer, Swimsuit, Evening Wear and the Toga Competition. The amount of money the representative can raise is a key factor in his score in the competition.
Some chapters choose to share their kinship and kindness with the local community.
Delta Gamma, a campus sorority, hosts "Days of Beauty" consisting of visits to Amsterdam House, a local retirement home where the sisters chat with, play music for, and paint the nails of anyone who wants company. Group Alpha Epsilon Pi organized a Thanksgiving food drive, putting boxes in each of the fraternity and sorority houses to collect food and clothing.
Many fraternity philanthropy chairs, most of whom are first-years, seemed a little less organized on the alms as opposed to their Greek sisters.
Fraternity Psi Upsilon plans to participate in Relay for Life and might also host an open mic night this semester, proceeds from which would be donated to a yet-to-be-determined charity.
"We've been kind of less active in the past and I'm trying to change that right now," Bobby Brennan CC '10, Philanthropy Chair of Psi Upsilon said. "We are also planning to work with Habitat for Humanity for a day."
Psi Upsilon does not require members to participate in charity work, but the bylaws require one member to actively organize charity ventures, and involvement is highly encouraged.
Sigma Nu fraternity, dominated mostly by swimmers and more recently by a number of crew team athletes, hopes to put their upper body strength to work by participating in a clean-up of Morningside Park with Alpha Chi Omega. The fraternity has been considering making it a requirement for all brothers to participate in at least one or two activities a year, according to Nick Barron CC'10, Philanthropy Chair for Sigma Nu.
"We can see the results of our work when we participate locally. It's an intrinsic reward as well as a great bonding event," Barron said.
Although not every Greek chapter requires charity work, every fraternity and sorority has a national philanthropy they support with personal donations and fund raising events each year, according Alexandra Murata Barnard/SEAS '10, a campus sorority member and Special Events Chair Coordinator of Inter-Greek Council.
"Some of the groups get together for collaborative projects. They all have a good purpose behind them and everyone does their job being a sister or brother by providing support for each other and helping out the national community projects they have decided on," Murata said. "Most people go beyond the requirements. Everything we do is really special and a lot of fun."
Despite the current charity involvements amongst Greek chapters, the Inter-Greek Council hopes to make charity work a more organized part of the Greek community, according to McCullough.
"With the new IGC Executive board this year there has been a movement to change the way we work with the larger Greek community," McCullough said. "We are working on forming a strategic planning committee which will make a list of requirements for every organization within the Greek community, including the expectation that each organization does a community service project at least once a semester or once a year."
http://media.www.columbiaspectator.com/media/storage/paper865/news/2007/03/02/News/Greeks.Go.Wild.For.Charity-2754448-page2.shtml
On March 31 campus fraternities and sororities will put their nightlife talents to work as they join other organizations and students to participate in Relay for Life, a 24-hour event in Low Plaza held every year to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
This is just one of the many charity events being sponsored by fraternities and sororities this semester both on campus and locally.
According to Margy McCullough CC '08, a sorority member and President of the Inter-Greek Council, seven Greek chapters have already signed up for Relay for Life and every organization is expected to participate.
Alpha Chi Omega, a campus sorority, has been ranked the fourth top contributor amongst all participating teams, having raised almost $600.00 so far with a total goal of $5000.00. Seven members are participating, but the team hopes to round up fifteen before the event.
Aside from participating in Relay for Life, the Columbia chapter of Alpha Chi Omega also works with Safe Horizons, a New York based shelter which serves as a resource for victims of domestic violence.
Another sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, opts to draw in money for charity by capitalizing on a more stereotypical image of Greek life-built men and bed sheets-in a yearly Mr. Fraternity pageant featuring fraternity brothers in togas and evening wear.
The pageant, which attracts mainly Greeks but is open for anyone to attend, raises around $1000.00 each year for a national charity called Court Appointed Special Advocates. Theta girls are divided into teams and each fraternity presents one brother to be their contestant in a four category pageant including Question/Answer, Swimsuit, Evening Wear and the Toga Competition. The amount of money the representative can raise is a key factor in his score in the competition.
Some chapters choose to share their kinship and kindness with the local community.
Delta Gamma, a campus sorority, hosts "Days of Beauty" consisting of visits to Amsterdam House, a local retirement home where the sisters chat with, play music for, and paint the nails of anyone who wants company. Group Alpha Epsilon Pi organized a Thanksgiving food drive, putting boxes in each of the fraternity and sorority houses to collect food and clothing.
Many fraternity philanthropy chairs, most of whom are first-years, seemed a little less organized on the alms as opposed to their Greek sisters.
Fraternity Psi Upsilon plans to participate in Relay for Life and might also host an open mic night this semester, proceeds from which would be donated to a yet-to-be-determined charity.
"We've been kind of less active in the past and I'm trying to change that right now," Bobby Brennan CC '10, Philanthropy Chair of Psi Upsilon said. "We are also planning to work with Habitat for Humanity for a day."
Psi Upsilon does not require members to participate in charity work, but the bylaws require one member to actively organize charity ventures, and involvement is highly encouraged.
Sigma Nu fraternity, dominated mostly by swimmers and more recently by a number of crew team athletes, hopes to put their upper body strength to work by participating in a clean-up of Morningside Park with Alpha Chi Omega. The fraternity has been considering making it a requirement for all brothers to participate in at least one or two activities a year, according to Nick Barron CC'10, Philanthropy Chair for Sigma Nu.
"We can see the results of our work when we participate locally. It's an intrinsic reward as well as a great bonding event," Barron said.
Although not every Greek chapter requires charity work, every fraternity and sorority has a national philanthropy they support with personal donations and fund raising events each year, according Alexandra Murata Barnard/SEAS '10, a campus sorority member and Special Events Chair Coordinator of Inter-Greek Council.
"Some of the groups get together for collaborative projects. They all have a good purpose behind them and everyone does their job being a sister or brother by providing support for each other and helping out the national community projects they have decided on," Murata said. "Most people go beyond the requirements. Everything we do is really special and a lot of fun."
Despite the current charity involvements amongst Greek chapters, the Inter-Greek Council hopes to make charity work a more organized part of the Greek community, according to McCullough.
"With the new IGC Executive board this year there has been a movement to change the way we work with the larger Greek community," McCullough said. "We are working on forming a strategic planning committee which will make a list of requirements for every organization within the Greek community, including the expectation that each organization does a community service project at least once a semester or once a year."
http://media.www.columbiaspectator.com/media/storage/paper865/news/2007/03/02/News/Greeks.Go.Wild.For.Charity-2754448-page2.shtml
Philanthropy's Good for Business and Community
Philanthropy: Good for business and the community
Aflac Chairman, CEO Amos picks up major award for cancer center work
BY ANDREA HERNANDEZ and TONY ADAMS
Staff Writers
Special to the Ledger-Enquirer
Aflac Chairman Dan Amos is shown with Payton Samples during an Atlanta Braves outing for the families from the Aflac Cancer Center. Helping children with cancer, funding scholarships for students, sprucing up the houses of military "heroes," and building an arts and cultural center downtown. They're all so different, yet they are classic examples of philanthropy by the Columbus business community.
Today is National Corporate Philanthropy Day. But it really isn't something accomplished in a day, a week, a month or a year -- it's a long-term commitment over generations.
"The large businesses are enormously generous and they give a lot of money. They also give employee time, and they give of their own credibility," said Betsy Covington, executive director of The Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley. "These are hallmarks for companies out to promote big pictures for the community."
One major player in this era of social responsibility was honored Saturday night with the honoring of Aflac Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dan Amos. The executive, which has ridden the popular Aflac duck's tail feathers to consistent profits, received the 2007 Star Award from the Atlanta chapter of Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation.
The non-profit organization -- which helps critically ill children and their families cope through entertainment, education and other activities -- recognized Amos and the company for its long list of philanthropic contributions and efforts, including Aflac's overall $30 million contribution to the Aflac Cancer Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Amos' personal contribution of more than $3 million.
Aflac's philanthropy
In 2006, Aflac and The Aflac Foundation -- headed by Amos' wife, Kathelen -- shelled out more than $5.9 million for charitable causes.
At the supplemental insurance company, employees participate in a variety of company-backed volunteer projects and events, including Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, Columbus State University's servant leadership program, and a summer reading program at Columbus Public Library.
Last year, employees volunteered a total of 5,724 hours.
They are also invited to fundraisers for juvenile diabetes, pediatric cancer and other causes -- many of which are proposed by the employees themselves.
"Really, it starts at the top," said Audrey Tillman, senior vice president and director of corporate services. "You look at the work in the community the Amos brothers did; you look at what Dan and Kathelen are doing right now -- that's not surprising to any of the employees because it's filtered throughout our organization."
On a national level, pediatric cancer is a particular focus for Aflac, which also has a cancer center in its name in Atlanta. Last year, more than $3.5 million of total donations went to the cause.
Since 1995, Aflac field force agents have contributed more than $17 million toward pediatric cancer treatment and research.
"Money doesn't save your life, but it can save someone else's through research," Amos said. "You're really encouraging people for the future."
The cause particularly strikes a cord with a supplemental insurance company familiar with the taxing costs of medical care.
"So many of our employees are touched by cancer diagnosis, and pediatric, in particular, is underfunded," said Buffy Swinehart, manager of cause marketing and philanthropy at Aflac. "Being part of a health-care industry, it just makes sense to us."
Seeking 'returnsin the future'
"Businesses contribute to their community for many reasons, and some are altruistic and some aren't," Covington said.
Corporate giving could yield something in return -- although not necessarily in the form of funds or business deals.
"I don't view people or companies who are giving as giving handouts. I view it as making investments in what you care about," Covington said. "And if your investments are in your community... you're hoping for returns in the future."
Amos said this is especially applicable in regard to education.
"The quality of our work force depends on how good an education they get," Amos said. "The vast majority of employees are educated right in Columbus, Ga., so what Columbus Tech or Columbus State does is very important."
In January, Dan and Kathelen announced a $1 million donation to Columbus Technical College's campaign to develop health-care professionals.
Swinehart said company-wide employee volunteerism also promotes a loyal work force at Aflac.
"It's part of our social responsibility," Amos said. "Our first and foremost responsibility is to give a great return to our shareholders. Then, we also want to make it a good place for our employees."
Improving the quality of life -- from promoting cultural events to supporting education -- can entice employees to stay and reduce turnover, Amos said.
It's that quality of life that has kept Brian Abeyta, Aflac's second vice president of information technology, at the company. Abeyta has participated in a number of Aflac volunteer projects, including Relay for Life and the CSU servant-leadership program. He has also raised more than $8,000 for the Aflac Cancer Center through marathon and Ironman triathlon sponsorships.
Abeyta -- whose volunteer work is mostly done during his off hours -- said time management is key for balancing work and volunteering. And making time pays off.
"It gives me a better sense of community," said Abeyta, who moved to Columbus from Atlanta in 2001. "That's something that was important to me when I moved to Columbus -- to see my fingerprints on the community."
United Way andscholarships
Corporate philanthropy indeed takes many forms throughout the area. There is giving to the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, a campaign that raises money for several dozen agencies and organizations.
For instance, TSYS, the electronic payment processor and a subsidiary of bankholding firm Synovus Financial Corp., is a huge contributor to United Way, having raised $1.1 million in the 2006 campaign.
The bulk of that, about $800,000, was pledged to local charities, while the remainder was donated at TSYS offices in Tempe, Ariz., Atlanta, Boise, Idaho, and St. Catharines, Ontario.
Columbus-based Synovus and TSYS also have the Jack Parker Scholarship Program, named in honor of the late Jack B. Parker, whose career with Synovus spanned 44 years. Gathering money in a grass-roots way to fund the education of staffers' children, the program awarded 100 scholarships totaling more than $190,000.
Since its inception in 1988, the foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships.
"The money is raised by employees," said TSYS spokesman Eric Bruner. "They do lots of little fundraisers all year long, and it's a respectable sum of money for a scholarship program that started that way."
Unlike Aflac, which makes big donations to medical causes and issues, Bruner said TSYS is geared more toward community-based giving and causes.
"We're making community building-type investments because our people live here, our corporate home is here, all of the people that work here live here, and they intend for Columbus to be a nice place to live, raising the quality of life," he said.
Foundations playmajor role
There's also the Synovus Foundation, which was incorporated in 1998 to decide what groups and organizations receive money for worthwhile activities and projects. Its roots date back to 1969, with the founding of CB&T Charitable Trust.
Examples of its philanthropic donations throughout the area in recent years include:
• $140,000 for a new technology center at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation in Warm Springs, Ga.
• Partial funding of a $1.25 million endowment for LaGrange College in LaGrange, Ga.
• Helping to fund a $2.5 million endowment to start up the Chattahoochee Valley Community Foundation.
• $100,000 for the construction of a Columbus Hospice in-patient care center.
• $30,000 to help launch a credit union in the struggling Beallwood area of Columbus.
• $100,000 to construct a new Easter Seals facility on the north side of Columbus.
On a larger scale is the Bradley-Turner Foundation, which takes a low-key approach to donating money throughout the community. The foundation's funding comes from the businesses W.C. Bradley Co., Synovus, Columbus Bank & Trust, and investments through the years, including stock in soft drink giant Coca-Cola.
Examples of its giving in recent years include:
• $25 million to the Columbus State University Foundation capital campaign that helped fund the arts and theater facilities in downtown
• $6.5 million to the National Infantry Museum being constructed on the border of Columbus and Fort Benning. Schuster Enterprises, the local Burger King operator, also donated $1 million.
• $20 million to help construct the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts downtown.
• $4 million to the University of Georgia Terry College of Business to pay for student programs in the Institute for Leadership Advancement.
At the time of the UGA gift in 2001, it was reported that the Bradley-Turner Foundation had donated more than $150 million to cultural, educational and religious organizations since 1943.
Charity workgood for business
Although Columbus Bank & Trust Co., a Synovus affiliate, raised $91,500 for United Way, Helen Johnson believes local philanthropy goes far beyond the dollar signs. The vice president of community development with CB&T says it's about volunteering time. For instance, the Habitat for Humanity and House of Heroes programs, aimed at constructing and remodeling housing, respectively, are popular with employees.
"Our team members love working for a company that they can be proud of what the company's doing," she said. "That cannot be discounted in today's workplace because people like to be part of something that they feel hits the overall good."
CB&T and Synovus Foundation receive plenty of requests for charitable contributions, Johnson said. Areas that get plenty of consideration include arts and culture, children and youth, community enrichment, education and human services, such as those with medical needs.
"But the questions we almost always ask: Does it address an under-served group -- usually economically -- and will this program that we're going to support help improve their situation," she said.
And, yes, CB&T does foster the notion that donating time and money throughout Columbus is good business and does benefit the financial bottom line, Johnson said. It's part of the company's philosophy and strategy -- trying to always keep the community's major needs in mind.
"On a business side, it's the right thing for us to do because we've made our money here," she said. "If the community's not successful, we're not successful, and we know that. We also know that we want to keep the community strong, so our corporate donations are looked at strictly at reinvesting in this community. We do that based on programs that will help the most people, that will enrich their lives, that will help education, that will help them grow financially."
http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/business/16787079.htm?source=rss&channel=ledgerenquirer_business
Aflac Chairman, CEO Amos picks up major award for cancer center work
BY ANDREA HERNANDEZ and TONY ADAMS
Staff Writers
Special to the Ledger-Enquirer
Aflac Chairman Dan Amos is shown with Payton Samples during an Atlanta Braves outing for the families from the Aflac Cancer Center. Helping children with cancer, funding scholarships for students, sprucing up the houses of military "heroes," and building an arts and cultural center downtown. They're all so different, yet they are classic examples of philanthropy by the Columbus business community.
Today is National Corporate Philanthropy Day. But it really isn't something accomplished in a day, a week, a month or a year -- it's a long-term commitment over generations.
"The large businesses are enormously generous and they give a lot of money. They also give employee time, and they give of their own credibility," said Betsy Covington, executive director of The Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley. "These are hallmarks for companies out to promote big pictures for the community."
One major player in this era of social responsibility was honored Saturday night with the honoring of Aflac Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dan Amos. The executive, which has ridden the popular Aflac duck's tail feathers to consistent profits, received the 2007 Star Award from the Atlanta chapter of Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation.
The non-profit organization -- which helps critically ill children and their families cope through entertainment, education and other activities -- recognized Amos and the company for its long list of philanthropic contributions and efforts, including Aflac's overall $30 million contribution to the Aflac Cancer Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Amos' personal contribution of more than $3 million.
Aflac's philanthropy
In 2006, Aflac and The Aflac Foundation -- headed by Amos' wife, Kathelen -- shelled out more than $5.9 million for charitable causes.
At the supplemental insurance company, employees participate in a variety of company-backed volunteer projects and events, including Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, Columbus State University's servant leadership program, and a summer reading program at Columbus Public Library.
Last year, employees volunteered a total of 5,724 hours.
They are also invited to fundraisers for juvenile diabetes, pediatric cancer and other causes -- many of which are proposed by the employees themselves.
"Really, it starts at the top," said Audrey Tillman, senior vice president and director of corporate services. "You look at the work in the community the Amos brothers did; you look at what Dan and Kathelen are doing right now -- that's not surprising to any of the employees because it's filtered throughout our organization."
On a national level, pediatric cancer is a particular focus for Aflac, which also has a cancer center in its name in Atlanta. Last year, more than $3.5 million of total donations went to the cause.
Since 1995, Aflac field force agents have contributed more than $17 million toward pediatric cancer treatment and research.
"Money doesn't save your life, but it can save someone else's through research," Amos said. "You're really encouraging people for the future."
The cause particularly strikes a cord with a supplemental insurance company familiar with the taxing costs of medical care.
"So many of our employees are touched by cancer diagnosis, and pediatric, in particular, is underfunded," said Buffy Swinehart, manager of cause marketing and philanthropy at Aflac. "Being part of a health-care industry, it just makes sense to us."
Seeking 'returnsin the future'
"Businesses contribute to their community for many reasons, and some are altruistic and some aren't," Covington said.
Corporate giving could yield something in return -- although not necessarily in the form of funds or business deals.
"I don't view people or companies who are giving as giving handouts. I view it as making investments in what you care about," Covington said. "And if your investments are in your community... you're hoping for returns in the future."
Amos said this is especially applicable in regard to education.
"The quality of our work force depends on how good an education they get," Amos said. "The vast majority of employees are educated right in Columbus, Ga., so what Columbus Tech or Columbus State does is very important."
In January, Dan and Kathelen announced a $1 million donation to Columbus Technical College's campaign to develop health-care professionals.
Swinehart said company-wide employee volunteerism also promotes a loyal work force at Aflac.
"It's part of our social responsibility," Amos said. "Our first and foremost responsibility is to give a great return to our shareholders. Then, we also want to make it a good place for our employees."
Improving the quality of life -- from promoting cultural events to supporting education -- can entice employees to stay and reduce turnover, Amos said.
It's that quality of life that has kept Brian Abeyta, Aflac's second vice president of information technology, at the company. Abeyta has participated in a number of Aflac volunteer projects, including Relay for Life and the CSU servant-leadership program. He has also raised more than $8,000 for the Aflac Cancer Center through marathon and Ironman triathlon sponsorships.
Abeyta -- whose volunteer work is mostly done during his off hours -- said time management is key for balancing work and volunteering. And making time pays off.
"It gives me a better sense of community," said Abeyta, who moved to Columbus from Atlanta in 2001. "That's something that was important to me when I moved to Columbus -- to see my fingerprints on the community."
United Way andscholarships
Corporate philanthropy indeed takes many forms throughout the area. There is giving to the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, a campaign that raises money for several dozen agencies and organizations.
For instance, TSYS, the electronic payment processor and a subsidiary of bankholding firm Synovus Financial Corp., is a huge contributor to United Way, having raised $1.1 million in the 2006 campaign.
The bulk of that, about $800,000, was pledged to local charities, while the remainder was donated at TSYS offices in Tempe, Ariz., Atlanta, Boise, Idaho, and St. Catharines, Ontario.
Columbus-based Synovus and TSYS also have the Jack Parker Scholarship Program, named in honor of the late Jack B. Parker, whose career with Synovus spanned 44 years. Gathering money in a grass-roots way to fund the education of staffers' children, the program awarded 100 scholarships totaling more than $190,000.
Since its inception in 1988, the foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships.
"The money is raised by employees," said TSYS spokesman Eric Bruner. "They do lots of little fundraisers all year long, and it's a respectable sum of money for a scholarship program that started that way."
Unlike Aflac, which makes big donations to medical causes and issues, Bruner said TSYS is geared more toward community-based giving and causes.
"We're making community building-type investments because our people live here, our corporate home is here, all of the people that work here live here, and they intend for Columbus to be a nice place to live, raising the quality of life," he said.
Foundations playmajor role
There's also the Synovus Foundation, which was incorporated in 1998 to decide what groups and organizations receive money for worthwhile activities and projects. Its roots date back to 1969, with the founding of CB&T Charitable Trust.
Examples of its philanthropic donations throughout the area in recent years include:
• $140,000 for a new technology center at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation in Warm Springs, Ga.
• Partial funding of a $1.25 million endowment for LaGrange College in LaGrange, Ga.
• Helping to fund a $2.5 million endowment to start up the Chattahoochee Valley Community Foundation.
• $100,000 for the construction of a Columbus Hospice in-patient care center.
• $30,000 to help launch a credit union in the struggling Beallwood area of Columbus.
• $100,000 to construct a new Easter Seals facility on the north side of Columbus.
On a larger scale is the Bradley-Turner Foundation, which takes a low-key approach to donating money throughout the community. The foundation's funding comes from the businesses W.C. Bradley Co., Synovus, Columbus Bank & Trust, and investments through the years, including stock in soft drink giant Coca-Cola.
Examples of its giving in recent years include:
• $25 million to the Columbus State University Foundation capital campaign that helped fund the arts and theater facilities in downtown
• $6.5 million to the National Infantry Museum being constructed on the border of Columbus and Fort Benning. Schuster Enterprises, the local Burger King operator, also donated $1 million.
• $20 million to help construct the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts downtown.
• $4 million to the University of Georgia Terry College of Business to pay for student programs in the Institute for Leadership Advancement.
At the time of the UGA gift in 2001, it was reported that the Bradley-Turner Foundation had donated more than $150 million to cultural, educational and religious organizations since 1943.
Charity workgood for business
Although Columbus Bank & Trust Co., a Synovus affiliate, raised $91,500 for United Way, Helen Johnson believes local philanthropy goes far beyond the dollar signs. The vice president of community development with CB&T says it's about volunteering time. For instance, the Habitat for Humanity and House of Heroes programs, aimed at constructing and remodeling housing, respectively, are popular with employees.
"Our team members love working for a company that they can be proud of what the company's doing," she said. "That cannot be discounted in today's workplace because people like to be part of something that they feel hits the overall good."
CB&T and Synovus Foundation receive plenty of requests for charitable contributions, Johnson said. Areas that get plenty of consideration include arts and culture, children and youth, community enrichment, education and human services, such as those with medical needs.
"But the questions we almost always ask: Does it address an under-served group -- usually economically -- and will this program that we're going to support help improve their situation," she said.
And, yes, CB&T does foster the notion that donating time and money throughout Columbus is good business and does benefit the financial bottom line, Johnson said. It's part of the company's philosophy and strategy -- trying to always keep the community's major needs in mind.
"On a business side, it's the right thing for us to do because we've made our money here," she said. "If the community's not successful, we're not successful, and we know that. We also know that we want to keep the community strong, so our corporate donations are looked at strictly at reinvesting in this community. We do that based on programs that will help the most people, that will enrich their lives, that will help education, that will help them grow financially."
http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/business/16787079.htm?source=rss&channel=ledgerenquirer_business
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