Rat Terrier ResQ

Yes, I am completely biased to this site because of my pride owning my awesome rat terrier Izzy. Izzy was rescued by me from the great shelter Animal Haven in Shawnee, KS. If I could I would help rescue the all the rat terriers in the Kansas City metro area that are left homeless. Thankfully Rat Terrier ResQ is a website that shares the stories of rescued rat terriers. Their volunteers rescue rat terriers all over the United States. Maybe you can start a rescue for a particular animal you love. Or start rescuing rat terriers and discover the awesomeness of the breed.

Here is the "About Us" :

About Us

Rat Terrier ResQ is a network of committed volunteers, working daily to save the breed we love. Founded July 3, 2007, Rat Terrier ResQ, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation (effective August 21, 2007) organized for the purpose to rescue and rehome Rat Terriers. All general donations made are tax-deductible as a charitable donation.
Our Board of Directors
Annette Bilodeau, Director
Cora Davidson, Director and Executive Officer
Ivy Kaufman, Director
Wendy Kusamura, Director
H. Lynn Heltzel, Director
Greg Roe, Director and Executive Officer
To contact the Board of Directors, write to Board @ RatTerrierResQ . com (remove spaces)
Do you want to know more about us?
If you have any questions about Rat Terrier ResQ, our applications process, our available dogs, please contact us! Are you ready to apply for a dog?

Light the Night Walk

I remember, in my childhood, learning about the disease Leukemia. I only learned about it because my cousin had it. Such a young age to understand a family member is ill. It still baffles me when I look in my cousin Sarah's eyes and think, "Wow, I remember when we were all praying for you".

Today I see my cousin as the girl I want to hang out with. Guess what peeps, she is partying like a rock star and her childhood was about fighting the disease. BUT, unfortunately, Leukemia is still out there and has affected so many people.

The most beautiful gesture and fundraiser that we do in the KC metro area is the "Light the Night" walk. If you have never been to one, GO!!!!! It will bring you to tears. I am so thrilled to be a part of this event again in Kansas City. I cannot wait to take some awesome pictures to show how moving the entire event is. It is one that will inspire the faintest of hearts by the glow of the beauty. PLUS, I made sure a lot of the balloons worked this year to light up for the momentous occasion.

I shall be spamming my Facebook in hopes you will sponsor the team I have joined. I am on a major sponsor and corporate team for Kansas City. SureWest is proud to be a major sponsor for this event and I am proud to walk, I am proud to promote, and I ask for your donations. Together we can make a difference.

http://pages.lightthenight.org/mid/KSCity10/KSzymanski

Birthday Blessings

It has been a LONG time since I have posted anything on this blog. It is my birthday, and I can do what I want. Thank you for the two followers, I give you nothing but love and gratitude. Now if only I could get more peeps to follow...any secrets????

Anyways, my birthday is always a time of reflection for me. Quite honestly, I think birthdays should be about mothers. Thanks to all the awesome moms out there, and if you had a shitty mother...then be selfish and celebrate with loved ones.

All I have ever wanted to do with my life is help others. I try the best I can. I adopt my animals, donate blood, and donate my hair (which by the way is almost ready for another hacking). Unfortunately, monetarily I have been unable to donate to some wonderful organizations. I have my causes that I stick true to...mainly Amnesty International (for the simple fact I believe everyone deserves basic human rights), and International Campaign for Tibet.

I blog about other causes in hopes that maybe, just maybe someone will be inspired, touched, brought to a tear, or whatever, and want to help. It is all about us as individuals, and if you're reading this, then you are more fortunate than someone who cannot read at all. We can all make a difference, if not with money, then with time, and if not with time, then maybe someone can help you.

I live by the saying, "The future of the world needs a big kiss". It does, and it starts with us. A simple smile, or a compliment goes a long way. As a society, we neglect the simple things in life and get caught up in our own endeavors and stresses. Take a moment, take a breather, and use some of the energy to help others. It's not so difficult, and a little bit goes a long way.

All that being said.............please take a moment to read today's cause. Birthday Blessings giving homeless children a chance to celebrate a birthday!!! Most wonderful......http://www.birthdayblessings.org/index.html

About Us:



Birthday Blessings was founded in 2005 by Amy and John Cervantes of Charlotte, North Carolina. Their family service project was born from a desire to raise their children with a love and commitment for giving to others in need. What began as a monthly birthday party at one homeless shelter in 2005, has now grown into a thriving non-profit that operates three programs serving homeless children and families across multiple counties in the greater Charlotte region.



The goal of Birthday Blessings is to bring joy, recognition, and support to needy children and families during difficult and sad times in their lives. Our three core programs raise spirits and boost confidence for homeless children ages tots to teens, and offer help and hope to homeless parents and their babies.



Every year, Birthday Blessings makes a positive impact in the lives of thousands of needy youth and families across our greater Charlotte community. As an all-volunteer organization, our dedicated "staff" of volunteers are truly the heart of all that we do.



In addition to local expansion, Birthday Blessings developed a national network in 2009, with pilot affiliate chapters organizing in northeast Indiana; Atlanta, Georgia; and southwest Ohio. Affiliates are also under consideration for multiple cities across the nation. For more information, please visit our National Network page.



On behalf of all the homeless children and families we serve, thank you for your interest in Birthday Blessings. We look forward to your participation

About us:

About Us



Birthday Blessings was founded in 2005 by Amy and John Cervantes of Charlotte, North Carolina. Their family service project was born from a desire to raise their children with a love and commitment for giving to others in need. What began as a monthly birthday party at one homeless shelter in 2005, has now grown into a thriving non-profit that operates three programs serving homeless children and families across multiple counties in the greater Charlotte region.



The goal of Birthday Blessings is to bring joy, recognition, and support to needy children and families during difficult and sad times in their lives. Our three core programs raise spirits and boost confidence for homeless children ages tots to teens, and offer help and hope to homeless parents and their babies.



Every year, Birthday Blessings makes a positive impact in the lives of thousands of needy youth and families across our greater Charlotte community. As an all-volunteer organization, our dedicated "staff" of volunteers are truly the heart of all that we do.



In addition to local expansion, Birthday Blessings developed a national network in 2009, with pilot affiliate chapters organizing in northeast Indiana; Atlanta, Georgia; and southwest Ohio. Affiliates are also under consideration for multiple cities across the nation. For more information, please visit our National Network page.



On behalf of all the homeless children and families we serve, thank you for your interest in Birthday Blessings. We look forward to your participation

Girl Scouts & Rain Barrels

First off rain barrels are genius. They may not be the most attractive things to look at but what are the benefits of the rain barrel?

* Reduces the volume of water flowing to the sewer treatment facility
* Lowers the percentage of roof top rainfall as a component of urban runoff
* Backup source of water during times of drought or between rain showers
* Helps to keep our creeks and beaches clean
* Naturally softened water - great for delicate houseplants, auto cleaning and window washing
* Saves money by lowering your water bill
* Reduces the need for additional tax dollars earmarked for sewer expansion
* Chlorine-free water helps maintain a healthy biotic community in the soil
* Educational tool for teaching residents about water conservation

Now that you are aware of the awesomeness of rain barrels, if you live in the Kansas City area, how about purchasing one from the Girl Scouts.

Yesterday, I went to the Overland Park farmers market, and Troop 930 are selling the rain barrels for $55.00. Added benefit....not only are you and the environment benefiting from the purchase of the rain barrel, but you are supporting a Girl Scout troop. It has become such a success that this troop had an article in the Kansas City Star:

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/05/15/1939592/green-home-girl-scout-project.html

Please purchase one of these barrels. Or make your own. Contact the troop at Mary Thompson, troop adviser, at jmthompson@everestkc.net

WSPA

This is probably my new favorite site. Everyone loves animals. What I like best about this site is there is a link that will let you pick your grocery store, then pick an animal product you may consume, then inform you on which choices are humane in the treatment of the animals. Most humans are meat eaters, there is a humane and in-humane way of killing the meat you are eating. Be conscious of your choices. No animal deserves suffering before their passing. Please take a moment to read and check out this site.

About Us
Our vision: A world where animal welfare matters and animal cruelty ends.
Our mission: To build a global animal welfare movement.
Who is WSPA?
The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is an international animal welfare organization.  It is also the world's largest alliance of animal welfare groups, connecting over 900 independent animal welfare organizations (known as "Member Societies") in more than 150 countries to raise the standards of animal welfare around the world. 

For more than twenty-five years, WSPA has assisted animals in need throughout the world, and has built a solid reputation as one of the world's leading animal welfare organizations. It was created through a merger of two other organizations who have experience dating back fifty years.  Read more about the history of WSPA.

What does WSPA do?WSPA's programs include a mix of direct fieldwork, campaigning, education and training, and member society development.  We concentrate our resources on several project areas (see below).  Among other efforts, WSPA responds to disaster situations on the ground, campaigns to end specific forms of cruelty, encourages communities to respect animals through education efforts, and funds sanctuaries for animals rescued from exploitation.  Much of our work is carried out by our member societies, with support of WSPA expertise and funding. 
Learn more about our priority campaigns:


Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare >>
Companion Animals >>
Wildlife >>Marine Mammals >>
Farm Animals >>
Disaster Relief >>
Education >>




Where does WSPA work?WSPA has 13 offices and hundreds of thousands of supporters worldwide.  The majority of WSPA's work takes place in developing nations, many where the words “animal welfare” are seldom heard and where the greatest need for resources, funding, support, and education lies.  We work with member societies around the world to help animals, often in places where other animal welfare organizations do not go.

Why should I support WSPA?
By supporting WSPA, you are given a unique chance to help animals around the world.  Many of our US members want to support animals outside of their own community, and find that our programs allow them to do this is a very effective manner.  Animals in developing countries are in great need; many countries do not have any legal protection for animals and others have low standards of enforcement.  We are finding increasingly that US supporters see the importance of helping animals in other countries.

WSPA's member society network is also unique to this organization.   Much of our work is carried out by our valued member societies, with support of WSPA expertise and funding. We believe that by empowering animal welfare groups in developing countries we will help bring lasting change to these areas.  We find, too, that the local knowledge of these organizations  - language, culture, history, local contacts - helps WSPA to do their work effectively and efficiently.

WSPA enacts all its work legally and professionally.  We hold ourselves to the highest standards of conduct when working with our supporters, with other animal welfare organizations, and with governments.   WSPA is the only animal welfare group to hold consultative status with the United Nations and the Council of Europe.
Read more about our values >> 

How can I learn more? Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive regular updates on our work. 

For more information, please see also:
The WSPA Member Society Network >>
Frequently Asked Questions >>
WSPA Policy >>

To support our work for animals in need around the world, please consider:
Making a donation >>
Joining our Animal Rescue Team: Make a monthly gift >>

Thank you for your interest in the World Society for the Protection of Animals. 
If you require more information, please contact us>

Mental Illness: What a Difference a Friend Makes

Depression has been a part of my life since  I was teenager. One reason I am still here today is the support group I have, my family and friends. Some people do not have that support group, or maybe you know someone who suffers from a form of depression. What do you do though? There is a website to help educate the public about mental illness http://whatadifference.org/index.html. Maybe this website will give the tools you need to help a friend:

ABOUT:

Welcome! This site is here for people living with mental illness—and their friends. You'll find tools to help in the recovery process, and you can also learn about the different kinds of mental illnesses, read real-life stories about support and recovery, and interact with the video to see how friends can make all the difference. www.whatadifference.org.

Locks of Love

This is an organization that I donate to. I am currently growing my hair out again to donate to Locks of Love again. First of all, I enjoy giving to them because I don't have a lot in monetary means the past few years to donate. I donate how I can.  This is one easy way for me to donate. Give a little bit of love the Valentines Day. http://www.locksoflove.org/

WHAT IS LOCKS OF LOVE?

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need.

Disclaimer:

Locks of Love is a non-religious, non-political, not-for-profit entity. Further, Locks of Love does not take positions or align itself with any special interests. Any event taking place as part of a religious, political or any other special interest group does not reflect the views or opinions of Locks of Love.
It is Locks of Love’s mission to promote the well-being of children through its program of providing hairpieces. All events and fundraisers held on behalf of Locks of Love should uphold and reflect the mission and desire to help disadvantaged children.

The Brees Dream Foundation

The Brees Dream Foundation

It only makes sense to honor the Saints by mentioning the Brees Dream Foundation. I learned this evening watching ESPN that Drew Brees attended high school in Austin, TX. The high raised $8,000 this year for the foundation by selling Brees t-shirts.

So, for the first time ever in my life I say, "Who DAT????" http://www.drewbrees.com/

The Brees Dream Foundation was founded in 2003 with a mission to advance research in the fight against Cancer and provide care, education and opportunities for children in need.

Since its inception, the Brees Dream Foundation has committed more than $4,500,000 to charitable causes and academic institutions in the New Orleans, San Diego and West Lafayette/Purdue communities. Some of our past events include:

• The Drew Brees NFL Players Golf Championship (aired on NFL Network)
• Bikes for Kids
• Brees on the Seas
• Rebuilding Through Brotherhood
• Brees on the Tees Golf Pro-Am
• The Gridiron Challenge
• Cocktails for Katrina

We have continued to build on several of these events and successfully passed the responsibilities to some of the other events to teammates that are anxious to do their part. Please see the Programs section to see what we have planned in 2009. We are proud to be a reliable and accountable charity solution and will continue to challenge ourselves, teammates and our corporate partners to increase the impact we have on the lives of those in need. The success of the Brees Dream Foundation would not be possible without the continued support and generous contributions from both individuals and corporations across the globe. We believe strongly that our past success is but a prelude to what we have planned for the future!

The Electric Car is Sexy

Today, I read a commentary by Bono in the N.Y. Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/03/opinion/03bono.html?scp=2&sq=bono&st=cse). I am going to loosely base the next several days of this blog to the article.

I would like to start with the electric car. What ever happened to the electric car? There is a lot to talk about when it comes to the electric car. Who, what, where, why, when? It really is a wonderful topic of discussion and there are documentaries about the electric car.

Besides all the discussion and documentaries, there is also a website dedicated to the electric car. I thought I'd share it. It's the Electric Auto Association (http://www.eaaev.org/). Anything you ever wanted to know about the electric car is on the website. Here is their about us:

EAA's Purpose

To act as a source of information for the membership, other organizations and the public, on the current state of electric vehicle technology worldwide.

To encourage experimentation in the building of electric vehicles, particularly to improve energy and resource efficiency, reduce emissions and improve vehicle safety.

To promote and organize public exhibits of electric vehicles built by members and others for the purpose of informing the public on the progress of electric vehicle technology and conducting public opinion polls.

To use all media, such as newsletters, web sites, information packages, and other paper and electronic media designed to inform the public and promote the cause of electric vehicles.

Shop for Charity

If you are going to shop, and you are going to do it online, please, please, please, consider going through a charity website. I love to shop, BUT, I do feel better about my purchases knowing a percentage, no matter how big or small is going to charity.

shopforcharity.com

About Us

---

A bad thing happened to us…

Our son was diagnosed with mild autism when he was 18 months old. Although his childhood has been neither easy nor typical, our delightful and fun-loving almost-4-year-old is slowly but surely catching up to his peers, and we are very hopeful about his prognosis. The incredible support we received from all the non-profit organizations made our little boy's progress possible, and now we want to give back.

We got an idea…

Let's build the online business that we've always wanted to build, but let's structure it so that at least 10% of our proceeds go to charity.

We started…

We picked 10 charities we knew and loved, we picked a bunch of products we knew and loved, and here we are! You get to buy from your tried-and-true favorite online stores with their great customer service and free shipping deals, you don't spend a penny more, and part of your purchase goes to charity.

Where you fit in…

Sign up for our newsletter, bookmark our page, e-mail us to tell us what you think of the site, or e-mail us just if you're bored--we don't care. Just visit our web site often. Oh yeah, and buy stuff.

Are we even qualified to do this?

Although we only have sketchy memories of our lives before we became parents, our careers have ranged from musical theatre writing to computer programming to internet project management. If you've ever visited FORTUNE Magazine online, or joined a Columbia House Music Club, or gone to the New York Music Theatre Festival, you've probably seen some of our