Monday, August 18, 2008
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Category: Amway
Recently the company hosted a conference on corporate citizenship inviting staff from our all our global affiliates. Guests at the conference included representatives from the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship, UNICEF and Microsoft. The conference covered everything from what is corporate citizenship to the state of of our world's children.
I've decided to dedicate the next few blog posts to topics covered during the conference. Today I want to start out with the whole notion of corporate citizenship - what is it and why does it matter?
The idea of corporate citizenship has been around for quite some time. As with many areas of business it is dynamic and constantly changing. A few years ago most people would sum it up as how a company "gives back" to the community. It's philanthropy. Recently that notion has expanded and evolved.
The Center for Corporate Leadership at Boston College defines corporate citizenship as "the business strategy that shapes the values supporting a company's mission and choices made each day by its executives, managers and employees as the engage with society." That is a broad and in some ways, nebulous definition.
To me the key is values...how the corporation integrate its values each and every day into all areas of operation. How does the company treat its customers, employees, vendors, communities and other stakeholders? In the development and distribution of products does it take into account the impact on the environment and the community? What does it do to contribute to society and improve lives? Does it operate with integrity? Does it walk the walk rather than just talk the talk?
Research shows that corporate citizenship is critical to corporate reputation. The 2007 Edelmen Trust Barometer found:
- 70% of people in North America and Asia feel that global business plays a role that no other institution can in addressing major social and environmental challenges.
- second to "providing quality products or services" undertaking "socially responsible activities" is universally seen as the most important action an organization can take to build trust.
Research also shows that as a company becomes more socially responsible, its reputation and financial performance go up, causing the company to become even more socially responsible.
So, my question to you is do you think this is important to you as you grow your business? What are you hearing from folks when you're sharing the business opportunity or selling product? What companies do you see as being good corporate citizens and why? How do you think we compare?
Thursday, August 14, 2008
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Category: Amway, One by One Campaign for Children
Recently Alticor sponsored a Corporate Citizenship Conference for all of our global affiliates. During the conference I invited my counterparts from around the world to guest blog on this site. It's a good way to show how Amway is helping kids around the world live better lives, One by One.
This post was forwarded by Karen Schmid from Germany.
One by One volunteering report – Amway Germany
Munich, June 23rd 2008 – 9.30 a.m. – 20 °C. Full of motivation and eager to contribute, six Amway volunteers report to the manager of the Ronald McDonald House to start their “duty”.
The manager of the house, Ms Boos briefs the group on the tasks they have to perform – the gardens of both buildings will need to be put in order and made more beautiful by planting a couple of new plants. If there is still enough time, the splices on the patio could do with a bit of cleaning, too. Optimism still prevails after the first inspection of the scene. No big deal! Zealously the volunteers go about their work and after not even half an hour every shrub is shaking with volunteers weeding, cutting off withered flowers and throwing garbage into a wheelbarrow.
The team.
11 a.m., 25 centigrade. First signs of sobering can be seen. The garden still looks rather wild. Obviously not even six highly motivated volunteers can make up for year long negligence. A couple of glasses of fizzy apple juice lift the mood and up until lunch break the group returns to digging, cutting, clearing and weeding with rekindled zest – even though there have been the first casualties and a torn pair of trousers.
1 p.m., 27 centigrade. We are spoiled with a caringly set table and have some time to lick our wounds before returning to work. Meanwhile one can tell that this garden is being worked. We are so totally euphoric that we even tackle a totally neglected compost heap in a corner of the garden which we considered “mission impossible” before. Finally and after spreading 150l of bark mulch, the garden has nothing to do with what we had found at 9.30 am.
3 p.m., 32 centigrade. Heat? What are you thinking? Nothing can stop us now. The patio is our next project. Unfortunately we have to find out that the splices are hidden underneath a thick layer of moss and are populated by non-cooperative and aggressive ants. But one hour and five litres of water later the work is done – as are we, though.
4 p.m., seemingly 40 centigrade. Covered in dirt with bed heads and sweaty cloths, we present to Ms Boos the achievements of our day and are were receptive to her applause. We are all totally exhausted and all we want is to take a long shower. Every one of us has another little ailment – but one thing we all have in common: The firm belief that this has been a great and fulfilling day.
Monday, August 04, 2008
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Category: Alticor, Quixtar, Easter Seals, Amway, One by One Campaign for Children, Philanthropy
List of sponsors.
Steve Lieberman and the Easter Seals Ambassadors kick off the walk.
Michigan Easter Seals Child Ambassador Ryan
Michigan Easter Seals Child Ambassador Kennedy
Steve Lieberman
Steve and the kids about ready to present the check.
Nearly $85,000 raised!
Michigan Easter Seals CEO John Cocciolone and Ryan.
Easter Seals Ambassador Andrew's big sister Bianca says 'thank you".
Friday, August 01, 2008
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Category: Philanthropy
IBOs Jim and Sylvia Kosloski lost their youngest daughter Hannah to a horseback riding accident almost one year ago. To honor Hannah's memory they began to focus their efforts on achieving Hannah's dream of inspiring 100 families to support a child in need through World Vision.
In addition, they're hoping to raise money to dig a well for those in need in Kenya through a Bike-a-Thon to be held September 13 on the Willard Mungar Bike Trail in northern Minnesota.
You can find out much more by visiting hannahshundreds.org
Below is a message from Jim and Sylvia.
11-16-93 Hannah Elizabeth Kosloski 9-13-07
Her DREAM was more than a DREAM
it was a WORLD VISION
We are Jim and Sylvia Kosloski, the parents of Hannah Elizabeth Kosloski, who died September 13th, 2007 in a tragic horseback riding accident. Our efforts to raise enough money to fund the digging of a well for clean water through World Vision is a way of celebrating and honoring the life of our daughter. Though Hannah was only 13 yrs old, she had a habit of setting goals. It didn't matter if it was learning to ride her bike, being selected as a Praise & Worship Leader at church, running for office in her Milo Lamplighters 4H Club, being chosen to dance in the Stroia Ballet Company productions, winning piano competitions or being invited to perform in the Honors Concert at the University of Minnesota, or (after helping her mother for an hour at a World Vision display where 10yr old Hannah inspired the sponsorship of about 20 children), the setting of a goal; of inspiring100 child sponsorships!
When Hannah died, we were asked, "What would you like people to do? They will want to help and will want to know what you need." Our response was "Ask them to help Hannah's Dream come true...ask them to sponsor a child, pray for, write to, and love that child the way Hannah cared for her 'sponsored brother' Sandun, of Sri Lanka."
Many people sponsored a child (but we haven't reached 100----yet ), some families sponsored one for each of their children, some churches and youth groups collectively sponsored a child or two, but many people sent monetary gifts inside their sympathy cards instead. We decided to donate that money to World Vision to pay for the digging of a well for clean water in Kenya, Africa. As more people heard about Hannah's Dream and wanted to be a part of her legacy of love - more money kept coming in. It became apparent to us that 'God-given Dreams' are too big to die!
Because of a lot of people coming alongside us, collectively, as a team, we can take the concern, love and compassion of a young 13 year old girl's example to change the world of a poor community that is half way around the world. That is the purpose of the "Riding for WATER, so that hope WELLs up" Bike-a-thon Sept 13th 2008
It's only 13 miles between the two towns, 1 for each yr of her life, with mile marker pictures of Hannah as she grew.
The Willard Munger bike trail of MN is flat, paved, and scenic. While radical bikers will love the chance to bike for hours (or even the whole weekend) --- a short, gentle paced riding distance on Sat. only will be appreciated by the rest of us. For those who would love to be a part of our events but can't bike, we'll have a varied lenghs of Walker's Routes.
A Balloon Release Memorial in Moose Lake Mn kicks off our event @ 9:00am. We return there by aprox 5:00pm. Lunch is provided in Willow River (where her Daddy grew up) and for us non-radical bikers, this will be a looonnnng rest stop of 1-2 hrs to give our butts a break. For those who'd like to stay and either bike or hike, or enjoy the beauty of northern Minnesota's fall colors for the whole weekend, there are many hotel/motel and camping facilities in the area (please make your reservations EARLY). Whitewater rafting at Jay Cooke State Park, Duluth's north shore of Lake Superior, it's quaint lighthouses, and the breathtaking Gooseberry Falls State Park are some ideas for Sunday. For the convenience of those overnighting it, there will be a short, non-denominational Christian Worship Service at 9:00am Sunday at the Moose Lake City Park pavilion, with Sylvia sharing "Hannah's Secret".
For details/registration/info go to: www.hannahshundreds.org
Before you leave this site to get on with your own busy life - think for just a moment - What would life be like for YOUR family if its ONLY source of water was a polluted, diseased-ridden surface runoff pond? Has anyone in YOUR family ever had to carry just 2 gallons of water for even 2 miles? What if EVERY day, for the better portion of each day, your family had to walk 1-5 miles to fetch water and then lug the heavy containers home? In many countries, even 3-5yr olds do that, but the water that they work so hard for - makes them sick - so sick that 1/2 of all the deaths of children are due to the water. If our grief in loosing just 1 of our 7 children is this profound, we can't conceive how awful the grief (and fear) must be, when 1/2 of all children born, never make it to age 5! Imagine, water too scarce to raise farm animals or food, and too heavy and time consuming to concern yourself with laundry, hygiene, or sanitation.
Hannah realized that she was fortunate to be born in a part of the world where water runs freely---but that unfortunately, not everyone is. She would read through each World Vision magazine and pray for rain and for food for those who were hungry, but she also prayed that the hearts of the families who take their 400 gallons of clean water per week for granted would be moved to help. We are praying that YOU are one of those who will want to join us in our efforts. Maybe you can't attend our event, but you can pass this on to others thru 'myspace', 'facebook', & email lists, (and since the web is worldwide--please include people in foreign contries). And you can donate. Even modest donations help!
God bless you for all your efforts, helping to make Hannah's Dream come true!!!
"Thank-you" Jim & Sylvia Kosloski
Friday, August 01, 2008
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Category: Alticor, Quixtar, Easter Seals, U.S. Dream Academy, One by One Campaign for Children, Philanthropy
It seems to have been a pretty busy summer this year. I am having a hard time believing it's already August. I've been traveling a lot. Sometimes for business. Sometimes for pleasure. My chiropractor is getting a bit more work as a result. Honestly, flying steerage (which I almost always do as I haven't yet racked up enough miles to become "elite") is torture!
I started out in the spring attending a conference sponsored by Boston College's Center for Corporate Citizenship. It was a good conference that provided a nice overview of how corporations have grown their philanthropy and other citizenship programs over the years. This growth has really created a whole new category of business. Corporate Citizenship isn't just about giving money here and there to a good cause. It's really about integrating responsible and ethical business practices throughout the organization and being a good citizen in the communities in which we do business. Yes, philanthropy is a part of it but so is environmental stewardship and care and concern for employees and customers. I found the sessions quite interesting and I learned a great deal from others attending.
Then I went to LA for the National Spotlight tour. Frankly I was blown away by the numbers of IBOs and their guests who showed up. What a crazy, yet fun time. Saturday night after the expo I snuck away with my colleague Michelle and Denise, a friend from Hansen's Beverage, to seek out the L.A. Ink Tattoo studio for a quick photo op. No new tattoos. Then we went to dinner. Denise and I went to Miami Ink when we were down at Achievers. We are so not who you think would visit a tattoo studio. Denise in her tennis skirts and me a middle-aged (cringe) midwestern girl. Our next stop has to be London Ink.
Immediately after LA it was a trip to Las Vegas for Easter Seals annual celebration. This is when they recognize their corporate doners each year. I was glad to catch up with Claudia and Natalie Nardone, Jim and Pam Pierce, Larry and Sue McCoon, and thrilled that Kanti and Lata Gala and Herb and Sookie Harris could join us this year.
The next week it was off to D.C. for the night to attend the U.S. Dream Academy's annual gala.
Then I headed to Dallas to attend the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators conference. They're the folks in each state and some countries that work to ensure consumers rights are protected and that their issues are being heard.
Then I went to Salt Lake for fun. I'd never been there before. What a beautiful city. I liked it so much, I went back the next weekend.
Then it was Chicago for Spotlight, New England to visit family, our first Alticor Corporate Citizenship Conference where folks like me from our affiliates around the world gathered to share and learn from each other.
Then back to Salt Lake last weekend. On Saturday I'm driving across the state to catch up with my niece and nephew whom I've not seen since April. Next week I'm off to San Francisco, I'm home for two weekends and then I head to the New York and D.C. Spotlight events.
And, in the middle of all this I'm trying to paint the exterior of my 90 year old clapboard house so that I can put it on the market this fall. I'm finally waving the white flag and moving into a condo! I love my old house but I'm only one woman and there is only so much one woman can do. I think I'm ready to have someone else take care of the maintenance of the exterior and property. Even better, I've lived in the northern climes all my life and have always parked on the street as none of the homes I've lived in as an adult had garages or even driveways. I'm soooooo looking forward to NOT scraping or digging out in the morning.
On my to do list is to create more resources for all of you about the One by One Campaign for Children. What is it exactly...how can it help you as you build your business or talk with prospects and customers...why do we do it...how can you become involved.
I'm also working with a group of colleagues in sales on a great new grant opportunity for IBOs. In celebration of our 50th anniversary we'll be launching the Amway Global Adopt-a-School matching grant program. The final details are being put into place but I can tell you that we'll be offering matching funds to IBOs who adopt a school in their community that services a disadvantaged population. Look for more information in the September and October Achieve magazines and keep your eye on this and other blogs.
In the meantime I WANT TO HEAR ABOUT THE THINGS YOU'RE DOING IN YOUR COMMUNITY. Please share how you and your organization are sharing your time and resources to help kids.
I look forward to hearing from you. Time for me to get cracking!
Friday, August 01, 2008
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Category: Alticor, Easter Seals, One by One Campaign for Children
As you may have read in Beth Dornan's blog, nearly 600 employees and their families walked in our local Easter Seals walk on Wednesday evening. This is the 4th year that we've all joined together to support the programs and services of the West Michigan Easter Seals center.
It was a glorious evening which began with registration at the John Ball Zoo entrance. WLHT radio was doing a live broadcast. There was a mime, clown, juggler, balloon twister all in one who made my Beechies gum disappear. (I really was watching closely and still couldn't figure out how he tricked me!) Folks could spin a prize wheel set up by our local FOX station or enter a drawing for a really large stuffed bear at the Mass Mutual table.
Of course there was the appropriate pomp and circumstance. Our own Steve Lieberman, honorary walk chairperson, joined the Easter Seals Ambassadors Ryan, Kennedy, Andrew, Casey and Margaret at the front of the crowd to kick off the walk.
The walkers strolled through the John Ball Park before entering the John Ball Zoo to complete the route. There were lions and tigers and bears (OH MY!) and plenty of hotdogs from our local dog vendor Yesterdog.
At the end of the evening Steve and all the kids came up on stage to present Michigan Easter Seals with a check for more than $84,000. All in all, it was a fabulous evening.
Now for the pictures....oh yeah, you know that commercial for digital picture printing with the kid doing a cannonball suspended in mid air? The one where he says he's been hanging around like that for months waiting to be downloaded? I forgot to grab my pack of cables this morning as I was heading out the door. However, I promise I'll post the pictures soon.
You can see a picture of Beth and the Dornan girls here. Then click 4 times.
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.