Wednesday, July 09, 2008
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Category: Alticor, Amway, One by One Campaign for Children, Philanthropy
(Posted by Megan Myers, Amway Corporate Citizenship Intern)
The day started off hot, and it was only going to get hotter, but everyone was in good spirits and ready to get to work. 170 employee volunteers from Amway World Headquarters put in a solid days work building a brand new playground at Camp O’Malley from the ground up on June 6, 2008.
Through the One by One Campaign for Children, Amway partnered with the Grand Rapids Police Department and KaBOOM to provide the obstacle course style playground for campers at Camp O’Malley in Caledonia, Michigan. The camp playground is the second built by KaBOOM and Amway, the first was in May 2007 to build a safe place to play for Grand Rapids children at Camelot Park. (Read about it here!)
We arrived at Camp O’Malley at about 9am and we’re soon split up into teams to make the playground designed by campers a reality. I was in the mulch group, and responsible for moving two huge mountains of mulch onto the dug out square of earth where the playground would be erected. There were other groups too who assembled playground parts, laid down a black liner, and mixed cement. There were also jobs not pertaining to the playground that we were there to help out with. Some people planted flowers, others built benches and we even painted a colorful mural inside the gym!
I was amazed at how motivated everyone was and how much progress we made in just one day! That morning there was nothing but a dug out pit in the ground and by the end of the day there was a fully functional playground for over 500 children to enjoy this summer… and for many summers to come. It was pretty amazing!
My favorite part of the experience was seeing everyone working together and seeing our efforts materialize before our eyes. Looking back at what we had accomplished made all that hard work worthwhile. Throughout the incredibly hot weather, and the ominous threat of a looming thunderstorm, we got it done… and for the kids at Camp O’Malley, it was time to play!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
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Category: Easter Seals, One by One Campaign for Children, Philanthropy
I just returned from my vacation with my family in Massachusetts. It was a great, but as always too short, vacation. I spent a lot of quality time with my niece cuddling, reading, laughing, and hugging. She'll be 8 at the end of this month and I know that the 'tween and teen years will be upon us way too soon so I want to enjoy as much time with my "little" girl as possible. The changes she makes in the months we're apart always astound me and each time we're together I learn more and more about contemporary kid culture. My poor mother had certainly reached her "Hannah Montana" limit.
B and I did enjoy a day at Look Park playing putt-putt, riding peddle boats, and touring the zoo. We went whale watching with my friends Paula and Stacy and their twins Annie and Griffin. And we even managed to cajole my sister and her friend Laurie, Auntie Loli to Brenna, to join us on a rainy horse back ride. Thanks to Auntie Loli for helping me mount my steed Cash.
My faithful pooch Sadie proved an excellent traveler and was a big hit with Grandma, Grandpa and, especially, Miss B.
As I was heading home on Sunday with the intention of taking advantage of the corporate "floating" holiday scheduled for Monday, my transmission decided to take its own vacation. I overnighted in Toledo and spent Monday morning at the Saturn dealership only to learn that my car wouldn't be ready to ride until Tuesday of next week. So I made friends with the Enterprise car rental man. Sadie faced the challenges of disrupted travel like an old pro. She really is a perfect dog.
Upon my return today I was faced with several hundred emails and a half-dozen or so voice mails. In my mail I came across a card from Michigan Easter Seals wishing me a happy Independence Day. Inside was a little story that I'll share here with you.
Racing towards Independence
Easter Seals' child ambassador, five-year-old Ryan Glant is "racing" towards independence! As a result of receiving speech and language therapies at Easter Seals and despite his premature birth, speech and language impairments and a lazy eye, Ryan has made fantastic progress. He loves school and is ready to start full-day kindergarten in the fall. His mom Jenn shares, "Ryan's therapist provides one-on-one consistent interaction and structure which has resulted in his amazing progress!" Thank you for helping Ryan cross the finish line reaching independence!
Helping people live better lives. Hope. Freedom. Independence. Our partnership with Easter Seals is a perfect fit. With every dollar raised and every hour volunteered we help children and adults with disabilities reach their goals of freedom and independence making every day Independence Day.
Friday, June 27, 2008
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Category: Easter Seals, U.S. Dream Academy, One by One Campaign for Children
Tomorrow I'll be heading out on my annual vacation with my family in New England. This year we're not renting the cabin in Sunapee rather I'll be spending some quality time with my folks, my sister and my niece Brenna in South Hadley.
This year I'll also be accompanied by the cutest little dog in the world (according to me), my pup Sadie. I made a promise last summer to a very special girl that Auntie Leyla would bring Sadie Mae along next year. I've never taken a long road trip with Sadie. I haven't figured out how I will handle my rest stop needs while ensuring that she doesn't bake in the car.
What I'm looking forward to most on this trip is spending time with B. She's had a rough couple of years. Her parents are divorcing and, as often is the case, the tit for tat and back and forth "negotiating" between the adults takes it's toll on the kids. So my plan is to make that precious little girl feel as if she's the only kid on earth next week.
A whale watch is on the top of the list. Frankly, I love whale watches so I jump at any opportunity I have to go on one. According to all the whale watch companies in Gloucester, we're having a banner whale year with 25 - 30 regularly feeding at Stellwagen Bank. I've also explored horseback riding, a float river raft trip down the Deerfield River and a steam train and paddle wheel boat excursion in the Connecticut River Valley. I LOVE New England and am definitely a New Englander at heart.
Brenna and I will also enjoy a mani/pedi and lots of time reading and snuggling. Sometimes what a kid needs most is some one on one time. Adults can sure create havok in children's lives so it's important that others are there to fill the void and show kids that someone cares.
I have a friend in Utah that is a co-director of a very special organization called the Children's Center. They provide mental health care focusing on infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Many of these kids have been challenged emotionally by things beyond their control - parents who are drug addicted or who lack the skills necessary to be effective, economic situations, foster care and broken adoptions. At a very early age they develop coping mechanisms that may not be good for them in the long run. They learn to take care of themselves. Many face constant disappointment. The staff at the Children's Center give them undivided attention, love and, most importantly, strive to give them the skills they need to grow into successful, balanced adults. I recently had the opportunity to visit and play with the kids. Nothing makes me happier than being surrounded by a group of silly, smiling, laughing three to six-year-olds. I think I may have been bitten by the Peter Pan bug and that inside I'm only 5.
I guess what my mental meanderings are leading to is the fact that every kid needs at least one adult that they can count on and that each and every one of us has the potential to be that adult. I encourage you to go out there and connect, be a mentor to a child who needs you - maybe it's a kid in your own family or maybe it's a kid that goes to your church or attends a local elementary school or that is in your scouting troop or is a neighbor - whoever the child is, if you spend good quality time with him or her you will make a world of difference in his or her life.
I know that the U.S. Dream Academy is always looking for adults willing to mentor their students and Easter Seals has many volunteer opportunities at their centers across the country. I'd be happy to connect anyone who's interested with either of these fabulous organizations.
Happy early 4th of July.
Monday, June 23, 2008
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Category: Alticor, Amway, One by One Campaign for Children
(Posted by Jesse Hertstein, Manager, Alticor Corporate Citizenship)
Through a project supported by South African IBOs, we met a 20 year-old university student named Elaine Johnson who was raised in the SOS Children's Village outside Cape Town. She arrived when she was seven and her biological mother could no longer take care of her. The Village was a refuge for Elaine, where she lived in a home with seven other boys and girls who became her new brothers and sisters and a “house mother” who raised Elaine as her own. The Village cares for 141 children, and includes a dental clinic, playgrounds, kindergarten classrooms and meeting areas. It is easy to see the happiness and hope in the children’s lives, despite coming from very desperate situations.
We spent time with Imraan and Shahana Choonara, who head up efforts among other South African IBOs to provide Glister toothpaste, toothbrushes, eSpring filters and other support to the Village. Perhaps more important, they build personal relationships with the mothers and the children, who call them “Uncle Imraan” and “Aunt Choonara.” IBOs Pamela Ressel, Rooman Arif and Julio Bloemetje are also involved in the program, and are pictured below.
We also spent time with Principal Jamiel Alexander of the Chapel Street School in Cape Town. Amway sponsors a meal program for children at the school. It started after an Amway executive read an article about the family of one of the students living in a public bathroom and many other students are extremely undernourished.
Since the program started in 1999, the school has tracked increased concentration levels, increased academic performance, increased athletic performance, reduced dropouts, and kids were no longer falling asleep, getting sick or fainting during school. The school cook makes magnificent meals (we shared an excellent chicken curry for lunch) for 570 learners. For many it is the only meals they will get all day. The school held an assembly for us where the students sang and showed us around.
We brought a photographer and a couple of camera guys with us, so you will soon see the images and a short video posted on Amway's One by One website. We will also post the full story of the programs and the impact they are having on the local communities in South Africa.
Each time we go out to capture these, I am amazed at the creativity and the capacity for caring by our IBOs and our local Amway employees. It’s not just an obligation – our people are truly passionate about helping children.
Friday, June 13, 2008
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Category: Quixtar, U.S. Dream Academy, One by One Campaign for Children
I know I'm a bit late on this post. But I've been having problems again with posting videos. I'm so technologically illiterate. So, I'm going with just pictures.
It was a fantastic evening with entertainment provided by Peabo Bryson and Jennifer Holiday. Awards were given to recognize those who've supported the U.S. Dream Academy. Sandy Spielmaker, Quixtar Vice President of Sales, accepted the President's Award on behalf of Jim Payne.
More importantly we learned more about what the U.S. Dream Academy was doing to fight the normalization of incarceration in our country. Sixty percent of children of prisoners end up in prison.
Like Robin, I've been doing a great deal of traveling myself. In addition to attending the Dream Academy Gala, I also went to Las Vegas for the Easter Seals annual Celebration of Giving, to Dallas to the NACAA conference, to LA for the spotlight and to Salt Lake City for fun. I'll be heading to Massachusetts to visit family during the fourth of July and then to Chicago, Omaha, San Francisco, New York and DC for spotlight events.
Traveling is a bit crazy, but overall I don't mind as I try to connect with friends and family in each place I go. I do however, have to second Robin's appreciation for corporate flying. Once you've flown corporate every day airline flying seems completely obnoxious.
I am now an IBO....I have my sites on my own plane!
Enjoy the pictures.
Reverend Wintley and Linda Phipps.
The Victors and friends.
Vice President of Sales Sandy Spielmaker accepting the President's Award for Jim Payne.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
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Category: Alticor, Quixtar, Amway, Philanthropy
Opportunity to Contribute to Relief Efforts
We at Quixtar/Amway Global are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and devastation that has occurred as a result of the recent earthquake in China. Through our parent company, Alticor, we contribute annually to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The American Red Cross is working in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in providing relief services and financial support to those impacted by the earthquake.
We now invite all employees and Quixtar North America/Amway Global Independent Business Owners to contribute to the American Red Cross at Quixtar.com. (quixtar.com>shop categories>charitable donations>Red Cross logo) Key word search Red Cross.
We know many of you are concerned for the victims and are seeking ways to help ease the suffering of those who've been affected by this terrible disaster. At a time like this, it seems like no contribution could ever be enough, but together we can do our part to help those affected by this tragedy.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
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Category: Quixtar, Easter Seals, U.S. Dream Academy, Amway, One by One Campaign for Children, Philanthropy
My feet are back on the ground having returned from the LA Spotlight, the Easter Seals annual Celebration in Las Vegas and then the U.S. Dream Academy gala in Washington D.C. last night. I've got two suitcases full of laundry and my dog has sad eyes. Thankfully this weekend is a four-day one here as Friday is a floating holiday selected via employee voting at the end of last year.
Can I just say that I'm so thankful to have this position here at Quixtar NA/Amway Global? What generous, passionate IBOs we have. This year, between the company and IBOs more than $900,000 was raised in support of Easter Seals programs and services for children with disabilities. I always enjoy attending the annual celebration to mix and mingle with Easter Seals' other national sponsors. It's very motivating. Quixtar was happy to host several IBOs at this function in order to share the enthusiasm and light the fires. I'm looking forward to seeing what creative ideas come down the pike as a result.
Look for a blog post soon about two of our IBOs, Jim and Pam Pierce of Girard, Ohio who were honored last week for surpassing $1 million in lifetime giving to Easter Seals. What an incredible couple. I've got some pictures to download and a story to write before the post.
Last night was a quick in and out to Washington D.C. with our V.P. of Sales, Sandy Spielmaker, Connie Altschwager the IBOAI Executive Director and Melissa Timmer, also of IBOAI. We attended the U.S. Dream Academy annual gala where Jim Payne, Executive Vice President of Amway, was honored. Prior to the dinner we met with Wintley Phipps, founder and president if the Dream Academy, Diane Booker-Wallace, Dream Academy executive vice president, and IBOs Jody and Kathy Victor. During the conversation Rev. Phipps used the phrase the "normalization of incarceration". What a powerful sentiment. It really got me to thinking about how we don't seem to be surprised by the growing numbers of individuals incarcerated in our country and more importantly the impact that this has on the children of prisoners or the children from the neighborhoods where there is a high proportion of crime and imprisonment. The U.S. Dream Academy is working diligently to break this cycle and we should all do what we can to support that effort. These are our children. Children of the United States. Shouldn't we all be concerned about their futures?
I'll have more to share about the gala in the coming days. I have to say I'm a total romantic and that hearing Peabo Bryson singing his love songs sure got me to swooning and thinking of a special someone in my life. And holy Toledo can Jennifer Holiday kick it out. Look forward to pictures and videos coming your way soon.
Monday, May 12, 2008
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I'm back today from LA and tomorrow I shoot out to Vegas for Easter Seals' annual Celebration of Giving, where they thank all their corporate sponsors.
We have a cadre of IBOs attending as we have in the past, however, due to the changes we're going through some who had previously been with us won't be. They however ought to be acknowledged for their hard work on behalf of Easter Seals. Over the years Paul and Peggy Hirth and their team have put in many hours to plan golf outings, hockey games and to field a Walk with Me team to raise money for Easter Seals in the south-east corner of PA and in neighboring New Jersey.
Last year the team raised more than $64,000. Mike and Patti Angelos have served as the leaders of the annual golf outing for many years. My favorite part is the golf ball drop from a helicoptor over the 18th hole. If the golf ball you purchased ends up in the hole you win!
Ray and Julie Matz organize the annual Pro-Am hockey match featuring former Stanley Cup winning Philly Fliers against the best hearted team of IBOs and friends. I just got a note from Ray announcing the total raised this year. A solid $20,000...a wonderful result for a growing event.
While these wonderful people have chosen to move on from Quixtar, they remain committed to Easter Seals and will continue to organize the golf tournament, the hockey game and more. Their hearts are big. They are wonderful people and I feel very blessed to know them.
So, A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all of you.
Paul Gaughn, Mike Angelos, Mattie Gaughn (Easter Seals Child Ambassador) getting ready to go up and drop the balls over the 18th green at the 2006 golf outing.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
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Category: Quixtar, Easter Seals, U.S. Dream Academy, Amway, One by One Campaign for Children, Philanthropy
This afternoon I'm off to LA for the first stop in the National Spotlight tour. I'm excited about it for several reasons. The first is that I always enjoy being out in the midst of all our IBOs and soaking up the enthusiasm that you all have. The second is that I have another opportunity to speak with you all about the One by One campaign, our support for Easter Seals and the U.S. Dream Academy and most importantly, to learn about what each and every one of you is doing to help your communities.
In 6 of the 10 markets we'll be coordinating a radio promotion to raise awareness of the Artistry Beauty Begins with Heart program that supports Easter Seals autism services. In LA, KOST listeners will have the chance to win an Artistry Beauty Begins with Heart gift-bag and a gift certificate to a local spa. Other cities where we'll be running the promotion include Orlando, Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., and Portland, OR.
Next week I head to Las Vegas for the Easter Seals annual Celebration of Giving. I'll be joined by many IBOs who have been long-time supporters of Easter Seals. I'm thrilled to let you know that two of those IBOs, Jim and Pam Pierce of Girard, OH. will be recognized for having reached the $1,000,000 lifetime giving mark. I'll have more stories and pictures to share when I get back.
As Beth Dornan mentioned in her blog, we've increased giving to Easter Seals by 15.4% over last year and by more than 55% in the last four years. THANK YOU to all of you who have made this possible. You sure make it easy to love my job. I can't help but feel good knowing that with each percentage point increase we're able to help even more people.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
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Category: Quixtar, U.S. Dream Academy, Amway, One by One Campaign for Children, Philanthropy
As promised, here's Rev. Wintley.
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You can hear the Reverend sing live on May 21 at the annual U.S. Dream Academy Power of A Dream gala in Washington D.C. This year's gala promises to be an exciting event as both presidential candidates Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barrack Obama are expected to attend. Comedian Chris Tucker will be co-hosting with WJLA's Cynne Simpson and Peabo Bryson and Jennifer Holliday are joining Rev. Wintley Phipps to provide the evening's music. The U.S. Dream Academy will be honoring Ben S. Carson, M.D., Director of Pediatric Nuerosurgery at John Hopkins as well as our own Executive Vice President, Jim Payne. While Jim is unable to attend the event, Sandy Spielmaker, Vice President of Sales will be there to accept the award in his honor. Tickets are available through the U.S. Dream Academy.
This year is the Dream Academy's 10th Anniversary. The U.S. Dream Academy is an after-school program that aims to break the cycle of incarceration by giving children the skills and vision necessary to lead productive, fulfilling lives. The organization provides academic, social and values enrichment through supportive mentoring and the use of technology. There are currently 11 U.S. Dream Academy learning centers across the country that serve children in low income, high crime communities with failing schools.
Quixtar North America/Amway Global is a proud supporter of the U.S. Dream Academy through our One by One Campaign for Children.
Monday, April 28, 2008
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Category: U.S. Dream Academy, Philanthropy
Today my goal is to learn how to post a YouTube video on this blog. The other day I was reading one of my favorite blogs, Andrew Sullivan's Daily Dish at Atlantic magazine's site, when I saw the most amazing video of Rev. Wintley Phipps, founder and president of the U.S. Dream Academy, singing Amazing Grace. I know that it's possible to post these videos on blogs as that's where I found it. I however, am at a loss on how to do it myself. So, the request is out to our staff Queen of Blogging, Katie, to help me out.
More to come on this amazing Amazing Grace and the U.S. Dream Academy's upcoming Power of a Dream Gala.
Monday, April 14, 2008
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Category: Quixtar, U.S. Dream Academy, Amway, One by One Campaign for Children, Philanthropy
Jody and Kathy Victor shared this nice note from the U.S. Dream Academy and asked I share it with you.
Kathy, we received a letter today from Ashlei Carlson the 11 year old daughter of Bob and Bobbie (Robert and Barbara of Hackettown NJ) - IBO's in your network. She wrote a beautfiul letter to Wintley about how she had heard him sing and talk about the Dream Academy. She said that as she talked to her mom to find out more about the Dream Academy she told her mom "more should be done for the children whose parents have made really bad choices which now means they might not have a chance to become the best they could. I mean they need to have a dream and work towards that dream." She went on to say that on the ride home from Virginia she tried to figure out what she could so. So she and her friends started their own jewelry making business to raise money for children of prisoners. She booked her first arts and craft show and made $100.00 which she sent along with the check. We were so touched by her letter, the check and a picture she enclosed. We scanned it and it is attached to the email. I will also fax you a copy of the letter. We should find a way to highlight this young lady's work through the Quixtar network. This really made our day!!! Just wanted you to know. The picture is great - Ashlei is on the left. We are going to have Wintley send her a handwritten note to thank her. Diane
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
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Category: Quixtar, Philanthropy
What do these two things have in common? Well, yesterday it was Boston. I went to Boston to attend the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship conference and came home surrounded by a bunch of fun-loving Tiger fans who were mourning the Tiger's seventh loss in a row. Red Socks 5. Tigers 0. It was shut out at the game but not at the conference.
I'd say that all who attended the conference would be winners. Corporate citizenship as a field of study and a career field is relatively new. The conference brought together those who study the topic with those who are out in the field practicing and developing corporate citizenship. I found the conference to be quite interesting. There are a whole lot of companies out there doing a lot of wonderful things for their communities and there is a whole lot to learn from each.
My focus was on gaining tips and tools to increase engagement with our One by One Campaign for Children as well as to get a general sense of how the public perceives corporate involvement in world and societal issues.
I know we spend a lot of time talking about our corporate reputation - much of which surrounds Google search term results. I envision a day when any of us says we're affiliated with Amway the person with whom we're speaking responds with "Wow, that's cool. You guys do so much for our community." And that when you Google Amway the results pull up all the stories of what good we're doing each and every day.
As far as those Tiger fans are concerned, even though this game didn't turn out the way they had hoped, their conversations clearly demonstrated their pride in their team.
They were funny guys. They flew out to the game to celerbate one of their 40th birthdays. I sure learned alot about gentlemen while sitting behind them on this flight. The conversation segued from Tiger's history to grooming concerns of middle-aged men. I had no idea that eyebrow waxing was so popular among men! I think there may have been some potential Tolsom customers in this crowd!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
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OK...this is pathetic, but I just finished reading the most recent posts of my Ozone colleagues and I seem to now be suffering from comment envy.
I really do hope to hear from all of you out there in the Ozone blogosphere. Please feel free to share your thoughts, ideas and stories of what you and your team are out there doing in your communities.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
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Category: Quixtar, U.S. Dream Academy, Amway, One by One Campaign for Children, Philanthropy
This year our One by One partner the U.S. Dream Academy is celebrating their 10th anniversary at the annual Power of a Dream Gala on May 21st. We're proud that the Dream Academy has chosen to honor our Executive Vice President Jim Payne at this year's event.
The U.S. Dream Academy is "asking all IBO’s to join our $10 for 10 campaign: $10 donation for 10 years of service. The key to this campaign is multiplying your gift by 10 – we need you to find 10 other IBO’s who also want to help build dreams for the future of young children and honor Jim Payne."
IBOs are encouraged to ask 10, 20 or 100 others "who have a heart for children and ask them to donate at least $10 at our campaign website at http://IBO.Kintera.org/usdreamacademy. IBO’s who donate at least $10 will be listed on a special commemorative page for Mr. Jim Payne in our Program Journal as well as listed on our website.
Our goal for this campaign is to match the $25,000 contribution made by Quixtar for 2008. We need 2,500 IBO’s to donate at least $10 each to raise $25,000! The total of $50,000 will go directly toward providing children living in high-risk communities an opportunity to realize their dreams through skill building, character building and dream building activities in a safe, nurturing environment."
