The World Food Program, USA endeavors to feed the hungry people of the world. The WHOLE world. And they’re clever about it, too. No roads into a village needing food?  No problem! They’ve got elephants, camels and yaks at the ready. Seriously. WFP feeds 90 million people every year. Here’s how:

But, in spite of their logistical prowess, they have a long way to go before the world can go to bed with full bellies. According to WFP, there are 925 million hungry people in the world. The combined population of Canada, USA and the European Union is only 41 million. And how about this? Hunger is the world’s NUMBER 1 health risk. It kills more people each year than AIDS, malaria and TB combined. The good news is that hunger is 100% curable.

Like all charitable organizations, WFP cannot continue their life saving work without support –  financial, vocational and good ol’ elbow grease. If you don’t have money to spare, special talents to lend to the cause or the time to volunteer, there are other ways to help. The first is by spreading the word about WFP USA. Tweet them, post them on facebook or just tell (use your mouth to convey information and exchange ideas) your friends. Second, you can play the free rice game. For every correct answer to random trivia questions, a few grains of rice are donated to people in need. Have some time while you’re waiting in the car line for the kids? Log on and fill someone’s bowl.

WFP USA Support Page

Of course, our favorite way is by using Homepage Heroes every time you shop online. When you buy from a retailer on Homepage Heroes, about 3% is donated to the charity of your choice. Guess what this week’s featured charity is? Yep. Just click on the picture above and bookmark it. Use the drawer labeled, “Shop for Charity” to find some of the web’s most popular retailers. Still don’t see the shop you need? Click the “View All Retailers” button which will bring you to our mall of nearly 1000 stores. If you would like to be able to change the background image, search engine and retailers displaying in the drawer, register with HH and gain access to full page features.  Just don’t forget to choose World Food Program, USA!

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Amazon Rainforest Animals

Most of us know that giving a donation isn’t the only way to support a cause.  But, did you know that eating Brazil nuts is good for the Amazon Rainforest?  (Yay!)  ”Brazil nuts are the most profitable non-timber forest product in the southwestern Amazon…”.  Purchasing these delicious, if unattractive, nuts provides income for local people and helps protect vulnerable areas of the rainforest.  For me, there couldn’t be a better way to help.  I eat nuts ALL the time.  Practically every time I pass through my kitchen, I grab a few almonds, walnuts or whatever is closest.  I’m not saying I’m giving the others up, just that I’ll be eating more Brazil nuts.  After all, I am single-handedly (yep, just me) saving California by eating walnuts.  Who needs superman when you’ve got tree nuts?

Brazil Nuts

If Brazil nuts aren’t your thing, try planting some trees.  I have read varying statistics but, it would seem that the average American emits somewhere between 20 – 26 tons of carbon dioxide annually. By planting trees, we can offset a great deal of those emissions.  The amount of Carbon dioxide a tree will absorb depends on its species, size and age.  It seems obvious that a large, very old redwood is able to absorb more carbon dioxide than a 4 year old coconut palm.  So here’s my solution for all of you folks in the tropics – start a coconut grove.  Not only are coconuts delicious, they are fun to throw in the water.  Just don’t put a hammock in your grove.  Did you know that 150 people are killed by falling coconuts each year?  I have no idea whether or not my sources are credible.  I only know that when I google, “coconut deaths” the number 150 comes up a lot.  Oh no – look out Dave!

Poor Dave!

So, how does your coconut grove save the Amazon rainforest?  Well, it doesn’t exactly.  The reason I mentioned tree planting is because it is listed on Amazon Conservation Association‘s site under “Get Involved, Green Living”.  And whatever is good for a part of the earth is good for the earth as a whole, generally.  Notice I said, “generally”.  Yes, I am aware that even though one area seems to be flourishing, it can offset the balance and start a (bad) ripple effect.  However, in the case of the trees, I think its safe to say that if you live in Florida, Puerto Rico, Cuba, etc, your coconut palms are doing more good than harm.  As long as you avoid the hammocks.

“But, I live in an apartment in New York.”  No problem!  You can still make a difference for the Amazon Rainforest or any other cause you care about.  See the photo below?  Click on it and bookmark the new page.  Now, when you have shopping to do online, use the retailers in the “Shop for Charity” drawer or click the “View all Retailers” icon there.  A portion of your purchase price will be donated (annually) to the Amazon Conservation Association.  If there is another cause you would like to support, go to our homepage and click “Create Your Page Today”.  Don’t worry, it’s VERY easy and you will be guided through the process step by step.

HH Support Page for Amazon Conservation Association

Thank you for your interest in the Amazon rainforest and your dedication to Brazil nuts and/or Coconut Groves.  If you discover that coconuts are not as deadly as once feared, please let the online community know!

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Supporting People with Developmental Disabilities

As our knowledge about developmental disorders expands, we are realizing the need for customized services that are geared toward both the individual and the family. Abilities United works tirelessly, not only to provide those services, but to help build bridges between the general public and people with developmental or physical disabilities. One of their main objectives is aiding individuals and families in attaining meaningful, fulfilling participation in the community. People of all abilities desire compassion, respect and dignity. Abilities United helps everyone achieve these goals.

Abilities United has programs specialized for all age groups and needs. Services include early intervention, preschool, fitness, aquatic physical rehabilitation, after school socialization, computer education and independent living skills to name just a few. Browse their website to learn more about what they offer, not only to individuals but, to the community. Everyone benefits when we are able to put aside our differences and unite as human beings.

Like all charitable organizations, they depend on outside contributions.  Homepage Heroes has created support page dedicated to Abilities United. Of course all direct donations are appreciated but, you can help them simply by bookmarking the page below and using the icons in the “Shop for Charity” drawer whenever you need to make a purchase online.  If you don’t find the retailer you are looking for, click the icon that says, “View all Retailers”. You will be taken to our mall of nearly 1,000 of the web’s most trusted and reputable shops. The contribution varies by retailer but averages about 3%. So, even if you can’t make a donation to Abilities United, your everyday purchases can still benefit their wonderful organization.

Support Abilities United

If you are here in the South Florida area, then another organization helping people with developmental disabilities is the Ann Storck Center.  One of the core components of their program is “creativity not bound by disability”.  I have discussed the benefits of art in therapy and healing in a previous post but, it is such an important part of personal development that it bears repeating.  Art is a creative, fluid expression.  Through art we learn about our own perspectives and gain insight into others.  The Ann Storck Center encourages creative expression, which in turn produces the sense of accomplishment so valuable to everyone, not only those with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

There are many terrific ways to help the Ann Stork Center.  The upcoming 18th annual Celebrity Chef food tasting and auction are a great way to sample local cuisine and help out a great cause.  If that’s not for you, perhaps donating your old cell phone and battery is the way to go.  Just give Mona Desvarieux a call at 954.584.8000 x365.  She’ll give you the details.  If you happen to need the only cell phone you own, no problem.  Like them on facebook and send out a few tweets.  Getting the word out is necessary for organizations to build their base of supporters.

Of course, you can always use the page we’ve created just for them.  Every time you shop from the retailers on the page below (or at our mall) a portion of the proceeds goes toward helping the people at the Ann Storck Center fulfill their mission: “enriching the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities.  By enriching the lives of those served, the Center is able discover abilities and build independence”.

Support Ann Storck Center

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Vizcaya - Historical Miami Museum

I’m probably fairly typical of the present day natives of south Florida.  I’ve been to Disney quite a lot, South Beach and the keys a few times, but otherwise, have left the lesser known, more educational bits of the state for, “some other time”.   It’s not that I’m not interested.  It’s just that visiting a historical museum is not something that comes to mind when considering weekend plans with the family.  After viewing the Vizcaya gallery, I’ve changed my mind.

An American Villa, A Miami Treasure

Vizcaya, the winter home of American Industrialist James Deering, is privileged European elegance of days gone by.  It’s opulence is rivaled only by its radiant warmth.   Every inch was carefully detailed.  And the walls, noteworthy in themselves, are adorned with priceless works of art. The east loggia, opening to Biscayne Bay, once welcomed visitors to the estate arriving by boat.   A verdant air of majesty, the gardens are gilded with antique statuary that make you feel as though you’ve been cast into a Jane Austen novel.  Its uniqueness in respect to its location and its timeless beauty, make Vizcaya a treasure to the Miami-Dade area.

But the warm weather, salty air and tropical beaches that make Miami paradise for humans, creates a hostile environment for this rare American villa. Between salt corrosion, humidity and hurricanes, Viscaya has needed much help in reconstructing and preserving what has become a highly regarded historical Miami museum and landmark.  The Vizcayans, an organization dedicated to the task of rebuilding and preserving Miami’s jewel on the Bay, is hard at work raising awareness and funds for Vizcaya.

Support for a Historical Miami Museum

Even if you don’t live in Florida, you can appreciate its historical significance and the importance of safeguarding it for future generations to enjoy.   Join the effort to save this magnificent landmark by clicking the image below and bookmarking the page.  When you need to do any online shopping, use the retailers at the bottom of the page or the mall at Homepage Heroes.  A portion of your purchase price will go directly toward the preservation of Vizcaya.

Vizcayans - An American Villa

If you would like to support another cause, go to Homepage Heroes and register to create your own charity support page. You’ll be able to:

• add a background (from our gallery or one of your own images)
• add a search engine
• add bookmarks
• add/remove retailers from our mall

Or, if you prefer, select a charity and use the basic support page we’ve already created.  No matter what you decide, its always free and always good for charity!

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Museum of Natural History

According to Charity Navigator’s 2010 statistics on giving, 5% of all charitable donations in the US are allocated for arts, culture and the humanities. While that may seem dismal, the organizations discussed in this blog and the next should probably count their blessings they are not environmental or animal charities, receiving a measly 2% combined .  Sorry, Mother Earth : ( Speaking of which, there is no better way to get to know her past, present and future than in museums.  They are also a fascinating way to learn more about who we are – collectively and personally.   Add to the fact that the American Museum of Natural History is a New York Museum – fuhgeddaboudit!  You’re in for a very colorful lesson in culture and language.

A Must-Visit New York Museum

The American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) has a bit of something for absolutely everyone, including the kids.  From outer space to dinosaurs, cave paintings, climate changes and so much more.  Quite frankly, it’s easy to find yourself lost in wonderment just perusing the website.  My son loves dinosaurs so that had a natural draw for me, but what really intrigued me was the trailer for “Journey to the Stars”  now playing in the Hayden Planetarium.  A promotional excerpt reads, “Featuring extraordinary images from telescopes on the ground and in space and stunning, never-before-seen visualizations of physics-based simulations, the dazzling new Journey to the Stars launches visitors through space and time to experience the life and death of the stars in our night sky, including our own nurturing Sun.”   I hope I get to see it someday.

Another great thing about the website is their section for kids called, “Ology.”  There are games, projects and fun trivia tidbits.  For example, did you know that clams can live up to 150 years?  I don’t know how.  Between Mario, the Contessa, Emeril, Wolfgang, Gordon, Paula and Rachel, I didn’t think an appetizer mollusk stood a fighting chance.  Or, how about this one – fish cough!  Try dosing Robitussin for your puny neon tetra.

Finally, if you are planning an actual trip to the museum, don’t forget to download the app.  Yep, there’s an app for that. Key features include:

• personal GPS
• turn-by-turn directions
• digital exhibits
• pre-loaded tours
• custom tours
• fossil treasure hunt
• sharing the experience
• bookmarking

But, if you can’t get there in person, they have some apps designed to give you a first class educational experience.  I just had my husband download the “Dinosaurs” app for our son.  I’ll follow up in the comment section in a few days.

Museum Fundraising

Did you know that with Homepage Heroes, you can support the American Museum of Natural History (or any other charity) just by changing your browser’s background?  Don’t worry, you can still use your favorite search engine, (that’s for you, Google-philes).  Click the photo below and you will be taken to the Homepage Heroes support page for the American Museum of Natural History. Bookmark it or set it as your browser’s homepage. Now, every time you shop at the retailers on the page or at our mall, a portion of the sale will be donated to AMNH in support of education, entertainment and culture.

New York Natural History Museum

Don’t forget, it’s all free.  No sign up fee, membership fee or privilege of knowing us fee.  And, you control which retailers are added to your page, if any.  You can choose to have none. Just remember that your charity only earns money when you shop at your preferred retailers or our mall.  It really is that simple.

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Save Florida Everglades

Many Florida animals are becoming endangered.  Everglades Park (formally, Everglades National Park), home to over 67 such species, is threatened by encroaching civilization, toxic runoff and drainage resulting from an extensive canal system.   Saving Florida animals, their habitat and ultimately our own is top priority for two remarkable organizations.  I’ll show you how to support their efforts, even if you are unable to donate.

Everglades Foundation

Saving Everglades Animals, Saving Florida

Did you know that the everglades once covered over 3 million acres?  This slow moving river has been reduced to half its size and is ever diminishing.  Everglades Foundation seeks to replenish the glades, revive the animal population and restore balance to the area.  Donations are always needed, but if you are unable to help out financially, they have a page dedicated to all the ways you can get involved and help spread the word.  Awareness in itself, is a powerful weapon against the destruction of such a precious resource.  My favorite method of support they suggest is to send an eCard.  They have 6 great photos of  everglades animals and plant life that you can send as a postcard or download to use as wallpaper.  (I sent 3 postcards while writing this blog.)

If you would like to support the Everglades Foundation (or any other charity), its as easy as changing the page you browse from.  Don’t worry, you can still use your favorite search engine. Just click the photo below and you will be taken to the Everglades Foundation Support Page at Homepage Heroes. Bookmark it or set it as your browser’s homepage. When you shop at the retailers on the support page or at our mall, a portion of the sale will be donated to the Everglades Foundation in support of conservation and restoration of Everglades Park and the wild, diverse array of Florida animals.

Save Florida Animals

The Everglades foundation has not yet been rated by Charity Navigator.  However, the National Wildlife Federation, a member of the Everglades Foundation Environmental Advisory Council, has a Charity Navigator rating of 3 stars.  They are the subject of our next discussion.

National Wildlife Federation

Everglades Animals, Florida Animals, All Animals!

Many of you are familiar with the National Wildlife Federation.  They work globally to preserve wildlife and habitats, including the everglades animals.   In their section titled, “What We Do to Protect the Everglades” you can read about the programs they are currently involved in and learn how you can take part. For instance, you can symbolically adopt a Florida panther (Apparently, some people expected to be able to pick up their new kitty cat because NWF’s site felt the need to include the word “symbolically”).  In return, you receive an adoption certificate and a beautiful poster of a panther.  Not necessarily your panther, just a panther.  I urge you to visit their site to learn about more about the ways NWF is saving Florida animals.

Remember Ranger Rick?  He’s still working hard to save the environment!  Kids all over the world continue to learn about nature with this cute raccoon.  In NWF’s Kids section, you’ll find more publications (they’ve added magazines for the toddler and pre-school set), activities to do with your child and games to play online.

Support Florida animals and the National Wildlife Federation by clicking the image below and either bookmarking the page that appears, or setting it as your browser’s homepage.  If you prefer a different background, search engine, retailers, or would like to add some bookmarks, click register and create a free profile.  You will then have access to all page features and functions.

Everglades Animals - National Wildlife Federation

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Special Athletes: Games for Good Cause : Grassroot Soccer

Sports and recreation are important for teaching children about good sportsmanship, team work and physical fitness.  It also provides a chance for children to socialize and release some of that energy they’re famous for in a fun, safe and productive way.  But some charities have taken it a step further. They’re using games for the good of some very special athletes. We’ve highlighted a two such organizations here.

Grassroot Soccer, Games for Good

Soccer is arguably the most popular sport in the world.  Grassroot Soccer was able to utilize the power of its draw to help educate children in Africa about AIDS and HIV.  They play games for good [education, that is]!  Using their Skillz Ciriculum, the staff teaches youth, ages 12 -18, how to make healthy lifestyle choices, avoid infection and prevent the spread of HIV – all while attending soccer camp. Their program is highly innovative and perhaps more importantly, sustainable. Charity Navigator has given Grassroot Soccer a 4 star rating and their accolades include: 2008 Nike/Ashoka Sports for a Better World Collaborative Competition, Dartmouth Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Award and several others.

You can support Grassroot Soccer (or any other charity) just by changing the page you browse from.  Don’t worry, you can continue to use your favorite search engine.  Click the photo below and you will be taken to Grassroot Soccer’s Support Page. Bookmark it or set it as your browser’s homepage. Now, every time you shop at the retailers on the page or at our mall, a portion of the sale will be donated to Grassroot Soccer in support of AIDS/HIV education for Africa’s Youth.

Support Grassroot Soccer

Special Olympics for Special Athletes

Founded in 1963, the Special Olympics began as a summer camp in Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s backyard for children with intellectual disabilities.  It has grown into a global movement to improve lives, educate people about intellectual disabilities and change public attitudes.  The special athletes participating in these special games, enjoy lifelong benefits including higher rates of employment among the intellectually disabled and better access to health education and screenings. As self-confidence builds during training and competition, rates of depression and suicide diminish.  They have a 3 star Charity Navigator rating and numerous accolades.  Visit their press room for a look at this year’s World Games that just wrapped up in Athens, Greece.  While you’re there, take the pledge to stop using the R-word.  It’s truly worthwhile and totally free.

You can support the special athletes of Special Olympics by clicking the image below and either bookmarking the page you’re brought to, or setting it as your browser’s homepage.  If you prefer a different background, search engine, retailers, or would like to add some bookmarks, click register and create a free profile.  You will then have access to all page features and functions.

Special Olympics Page

Supporting your favorite charity couldn’t be easier:

1. Go to our CHARITIES page
2. Select the charity you wish to support
3. Click CONTINUE
4. Bookmark and share the new page

OR

If you wish to have full access to page features:

1. Click REGISTER and create your free profile
2. Choose a background or upload your own
3. Add or remove retailers from your page
4. Click SAVE SETTINGS at the bottom
5. Bookmark and share your new charity support page!

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Sharks Endangered

You probably know that many sharks are endangered and you might even understand the ecological implications of sharks becoming extinct.  Of course, we all understand that to save sharks, it will require a lot of research, time and money.  I’m guessing since you’re reading this article, you care about these majestic sea creatures with a bad reputation.  There are many places to get information on everything from how to save sharks, which sharks are endangered and some fun bits of trivia.  There are even shark games to help the little ones learn! Here’s my favorite.

Play Games, Watch Amazing Shark Videos and Save a Shark!

Sharks Endangered

Wow!  That’s a lot to do in one day and Discovery has it all in one convenient place.  In preparation for this year’s Shark Week,  they’re baiting us with all kinds of tasty teasers, like a preview of Andy Samberg as Chief Shark Officer.   You can enter to win a cruise for two to the Galapogos Islands, go on a virtual shark dive, get mobile shark video, do puzzles, see amazing shark footage and my personal favorite, “Shark Yourself”.  My shark son is pictured below.

Another awesome feature this year is a live shark cam at the “Ocean Voyager” exhibit at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.  You’ll see great stuff like…whoa!  Was that a whale shark?!?  Someone let me know!

Sorry.  Video Stream only available during Shark Week

So, How Do I Save a Shark?

While I didn’t find anything on their site that directly benefitted the sharks, their 2011 partners in conservation are Oceana and The PEW Charitable Trusts.  These sites provide information on what needs to be done and a way to get it done.  You can sign a letter on Oceana’s site to encourage the NOAA to update its list of endangered sharks in order to implement legislation to stop over fishing.  Below is an excerpt from the letter.  I’ve blacked out the name of the addressee.  After you’ve signed the letter, you will be taken to a donation page.  You do not have to make a donation for your letter to be sent.

Save a Shark ltr

PEW has created a petition to save sharks endangered globally.  However, I was not able to complete the process as there was a problem with my telephone format.  Even after I corrected the error, I was still not able to get it through.  I will try again later, but perhaps you will have better luck.  Below is an excerpt.

Sharks Endangered Globally ptn

Shop to Save Sharks!

This one is maybe a bit of a stretch.  Let’s say you’re out walking and someone says to you,”Hey, that’s an AWESOME hoodie!  Where’d ya get it?”  Then you say, “Thanks!  I got it from a Discovery Channel link on Homepage Hero’s “Sharks Endangered – Save a Shark’s Life” blog.  They ran a story on Discovery’s Shark Week.  Did you know that because sharks are slow to mature and produce very few young, they are extremely vulnerable to extinction”?  The admirer responds, “Wow.  No I didn’t but thank you for the information.  What can I do to help?”  Then you say, “So glad you asked…”  Therefore, having purchased and worn the hoodie in public, you potentially saved a shark.  Raised awareness?  I told you it was a stretch, but it is a REALLY cool hoodie.  I’m getting some for my kids.

Discovery Shark Week Adult Hoodie Shirt

Or, you could look at it like this.  Someone asks about the hoodie, you tell them about Homepage Heroes and how every purchase made from the site supports charity. So, maybe it didn’t save a shark, but perhaps it helped to support children in orphanages in the Ukraine, or a rescue beagle, or supplied military care packages.  Who knows?  It’s kind of a butterfly effect.  In a good way, though – not like the creepy movie.

It’s easy to do.  Just visit our homepage, click REGISTER and choose the charity you wish to support.  Don’t see your favorite in our database?  Submit it to us and we’ll review it within two days. Then, begin creating your custom homepage to support charity.  Choose a background image, a search engine, your favorite retailers and voila!  All purchases made from your new page or our mall supports the charity of your choice.  Depending on the background you’ve chosen (we offer dozens of great images like the one below), you’re page will look something like this:

Shark Image in Homepage Heroes Gallery

Set up your page today and start earning money for your favorite charity.  And, don’t forget to watch Shark Week beginning July 31st, ‘cuz that would bite!

Shop for Charity

If you like the idea that something you already do can help others, please use Homepage Heroes to shop for charity by creating a free homepage that supports the very best cause… YOURS!

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Small Dog Rescue - Dogs to Adopt

I love beagles.  Who doesn’t?  They’re cute, sweet, smart and portable.  An entire comic strip was written around one.  But, death of an owner, a family’s changing needs and sadly, even abuse, all mean that sometimes these little guys need new homes.  If you are looking for a loyal companion animal that is easy to care for and great with children, beagles are sure to please.  And, you may recall that they are REALLY good with small, yellow birds ; )  In my opinion, their only drawback is the shedding.  They are not ideal for people with allergies to pet dander.  Otherwise, they are wonderful dogs to adopt.

Small Dog Rescue

Many people are tempted by the thought of owning a puppy.  Those eyes and playful grunts are awfully hard to resist.  But, if you are raising children, have a job or are (forgive me if this is not pc to say) elderly, a more mature rescue beagle is probably a better fit.  Puppies require a lot of training and are rather high maintenance.  They chew, have “accidents” and are full of energy. Adopting a rescue beagle means a smoother transition from house guest to family member.  The average life span of a beagle is 14 – 16 years so even a 7 year old has a lot of love left to share.

Nittany Beagle Rescue

If you are interested in finding dogs to adopt and live in the central Pennsylvania area, I encourage you to visit Nittany Beagle Rescue.  But even if you’re not in their area, please contact them anyway.  As beagle lovers, their primary goal is to find loving homes for ALL beagles.  I’m sure they would be happy to help you locate a beagle rescue in your area.  You can support the Nittany Beagle Rescue (or hundreds of other deserving charities) for free by using any of the homepages here at Homepage Heroes. You may also create your own page for free – just designate your favorite charity, choose a background from our gallery (or upload your own) and every time you shop from our mall or your page, you will be helping the most important cause… YOURS!  Choose your cause.

Not Just Small Dog Rescue

As you know, many animals who are not adopted are euthanized.  My assumption was that they were “put to sleep” by lethal injection.  Have you ever heard of gassing or heart pricking?  I hadn’t until I came across Dogs on Death Row.  DODR is an organization with the mission of saving those dogs who will be killed if a forever family, foster care or medical treatment to make the dog adoptable cannot be attained.  Though not directly spelled out in their mission statement, they work hard to outlaw inhumane methods of euthanasia – like gassing and heart pricking.

Dogs on Death Row - Dogs to Adopt

I will spare you the details, but if you visit DODR, have a look at Amazing Grace’s story.  She survived 30 minutes in the gas chamber and is now helping to end the cruel practice she painfully endured.  DODR reminds us all that if you are unable to adopt a dog, you can help in other ways: make a donation, spay and/or neuter your pets and spread the word about the DODR .  You can also contact your local shelters and legislators and urge them to put an end to gassing and heart pricking.

Homepage Heroes has created a page just for DODR.  Every time you shop from our mall or DODR’s page, you can help dogs like Amazing Grace for free. Shop for charity today.

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Wine for Good

As ideas for fundraising go, this one is winer!  Wait,  I mean winner.  (Adults only, though.)  I know you’ve all heard of wine competitions and wine tasting parties that benefit one particular charity. Here’s a spin on these popular functions – choose only wines that are already benefiting charity. You can be doing good doubly with bubbly! Well, technically, that would only work with champagne, but I couldn’t resist.

Wine for Good

If you are the lucky one in charge of making this event a reality, you are indeed, in luck!  You will be needing wine. Hopefully, lots of it.  But the idea is not to just present wine for the sake of wine. Your event is much deeper.  These wines benefit not only your organization, but several others. Let’s begin with ONEHOPE Wine. The company operates on the principal that, “giving back is good business”. How right they are! Their wines have been featured at such prestigious events as the American Red Cross Gala, the Grammy’s and the Sundance Film Festival, among others. However, a good business philosophy does not a good wine make.  But, Rob Mondavi, Jr.  does.  He has partnered with ONEHOPE Wine to produce not only wine for good but, good wine. Two of the wines he has had a hand in are still available: 2009 Isabel Mondavi Chardonnay Sonoma and the 2009 ONEHOPE California Sauvignon Blanc. If you are feeling at all confused about what to buy, I’d say these are a good start.

Good Wine Doing Good

Great Ideas for Fundraising

The Vintners Charitable Cooperative is another great site to find exceptional wine for good causes. The company has roots in Buenos Aires and Mendoza, Argentina. They are, as their name suggests, a cooperative of five vintners, all with a desire to be charitable.  They offer an impressive array of artisan wines.   You can designate the charity you wish to benefit or, if you do not see your favorite charity listed, enter the organization’s information and upon review, they will let you know whether or not it qualifies for their program.  I’ve glanced at their policy and it seems concurrent with that of Homepage Heroes – must be a 501c3 registered US charity and not discriminate on the basis of, “race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), disability, age, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran”. You can sort the wines based on several criteria, including ratings and awards. Prices range from $26 – $69 per bottle.

Be Charitable and Cheer!

Good Wine for Good Donations

Our next company has elegantly paired wine with football – and hockey and baseball.  While beer has long held the enviable position as the spirit of choice for sports fans, I can promise you that Charity Wines is going to change all of that.  They’ve found a way to tap into a very rich source of persuasive power – celebrities.  Before you roll your eyes, let’s not forget about that George Forman grill in your pantry.  No, no – I get it.  It really does make the hamburgers lower in fat and still taste delicious.  And that certainly could not be achieved by squishing it with your spatula a few times. Right-o!

Every sports figure who agrees to lend their name and face to a bottle of wine, does so for the purpose of benefiting their favorite charity.   Charity Wines emphasizes that the athletes do not receive a single penny for their endorsement.  It is done in good will to earn good donations for good causes.  One in particular, the Dan Marino Estates wine, benefits his own charity, the Dan Marino Foundation.  As the father of an autistic son, Dan has worked tirelessly to improve life and increase available resources to families who’ve been touched with autism.  He not only brings his celebrity to the wine, but his dedication to a cause that has benefitted so many.

Besides the super cool labels and wine name blends, (Cam Bernet, anyone?) Charity Wines offers something else – a complete wine tasting kit.  Wine, brochures, food pairings, and tips and suggestions are all included.  You’ll find it here at Charity Tasting.  Their full color fact sheets will help to engage your guests and fend off any awkward moments of silence; you can always bring up the wines.   On second thought, please don’t.  What I meant was, they are a good catalyst for conversation.  So, for a more comprehensive package, you’ll score big with Charity Wines.

Capsules are Doing Good, Too

Be Charitable with Sutter Home - A Charitable Wine

For those of you who didn’t read my earlier blog, Wine and Women, and going by the goose egg in the comments area, none of you did  - a capsule is the part of the foil label on top of the cork. Since 2001, Sutter Home has been dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer.  Their 2011 fall program will run from August 1 – December 31, 2011.  For each foil capsule mailed in, they will donate $1.00 to  City of Hope.  All of their wines are eligible, not just the ones bearing the pink ribbon.  If your event is scheduled after December 31, don’t worry.  Sutter Home has been running similar programs since 2001.  There’s sure to be one in 2012.  Of all of the wines listed on the sites above, Sutter Home is the only one I actually have any experience with.  I love a nice, sweet dessert wine and their Moscato is delicious.  I have also always been a fan of their White Zinfandel and regularly serve Sutter Home when entertaining at home.  If a sure thing is what you are looking for, Sutter Home will not disappoint.

Wine for Good and Good for all!

No matter what your budget, varietal preference or cause you’re backing, the wines above are sure to please even the most discriminating palates. Alright, I don’t really know if that’s true; I’m not a sommelier.  But, If your average attendee is anything like me, its more about the socializing, trying something new and most importantly, being charitable.  Of all the ideas for fundraising I’ve encountered, this is one of my favorites.  You raise money for your cause, raise money for someone else’s cause and everyone has a good time in the process.  Charity doesn’t have to hurt. Unless your guests are a little too charitable – then it might hurt a bit in the morning ; )

Shop for Charity

If you like the idea that something you already do can help others, please use Homepage Heroes to shop for charity by creating a free homepage that supports the very best cause… YOURS!

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