Featured Organization Friday: Goodwill of Greater Washington

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Goodwill%20of%20Greater%20Washington
Published: 05/10/2013

You may have noticed last week, that we started up the "Featured Organization Friday" again, in an effort to share more about the ways you can become involved with local nonprofits and organizations and make a positive impact on the community. So when Goodwill reached out to PWC Moms to paticipate in their #Blog4Good campaign this week, I said yes! May 5th through May 11th marks Goodwill Industries Week, an annual celebration of Goodwill’s mission to provide free job training and employment services to people with disabilities and disadvantages.
You know Goodwill. They’re the folks you donate all your old stuff to. Bargain shoppers & budget fashionistas know their retail stores as a great place to go thrift shopping. But, do you know why goodwill accepts your donations? Do you know where the proceeds from those retail sales go? Simply put – they help people find jobs here in our community. Goodwill of Greater Washington’s primary mission is to provide job training and employment services to people with disadvantages and disabilities. They help real people get real jobs; fostering positive, contributing members to our community. All made possible by donations from people like you and me.

In 2012, Goodwill directly affected the lives of more than 3,200 people in our community. These are people who have re-found the dignity that comes with being a contributing member of our society.  Goodwill also diverted over 20 millions of trash from local landfills through their donation program. In addition to training people for jobs, placing them into jobs, providing consumers with access to quality, low cost goods, and acting as one our region’s largest recyclers, Goodwill is also a job developer. With each new store and donation center that Goodwill opens, 25-30 new jobs are created. Goodwill of Greater Washington’s mission is summed up by its tagline - “Transforming lives and communities”.

If you’d like to learn more about Goodwill of Greater Washington, find their nearest store or donation center, or get involved, visit dcgoodwill.org or download their free mobile app. Here in Prince William County there is a Goodwill Donation & Retail Center in Manassas, plus a Prince William County Landfill Attended Donation Center. There are also Goodwill locations nearby in Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Herndon, Stafford, plus an Outlet Store in Fredericksburg.

Disclosure: This blog post is a part of the #Blog4Good campaign to help spread the word about Goodwill of Greater Washington.
0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: Partners In Preservation program for the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Partners%20In%20Preservation%20program%20for%20the%20National%20Trust%20for%20Historic%20Preservation
Published: 05/03/2013

Partners in Preservation is a program in which American Express, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, awards preservation grants to historic places across the country. Since 2006, American Express has made grants worth $9 million through Partners in Preservation, helping historic places in seven cities to date, including San Francisco, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, Seattle, Saint Paul/Minneapolis and New York, and has engaged more than a million people. The program will award an additional $1 million in grants to historic places in Washington, DC in May 2013.  Through this partnership, American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation seek to increase the public’s awareness of the importance of historic preservation in the United States and to preserve America’s historic and cultural places. The program also hopes to inspire long-term support from local citizens for the historic places at the heart of their communities.

Washington D.C. Metro Area 2013
The Washington, D.C. Metro area has been selected as the eighth area to be selected to participate in Partners in Preservation and receive funding from American Express. The area benefits from a wealth of historic landmarks and districts. Since the creation of the Georgetown Historic District in 1950, the city’s inventory of historic places has grown steadily to encompass thousands of properties representing all aspects of the city’s history and culture. The District of Columbia alone has 55 historic districts and 657 historic landmarks dating from the 1700s to iconic modern architectural marvels, and has more National Historic Landmarks than all but seven states.

Plus this weekend, Saturday May 4th - Sunday May 5th is Open House Weekend.
This means there will be fun, special events at each of the sites. A full list of participating sites is here. I suggest calling ahead to find out what special event each site has. Some will have free admission, behind the scenes tours, food, performances, etc - to encourage people to come out, learn more about the site and its history - and encourage people to vote for their site. For example, Congressional Cemetery will be doing an all-day Scavenger Hunt with performances, tours pointing out some of the famous “residents” and even a spaghetti sauce judging contest.

Your vote will help give away $1 million to preserve historic places in the Washington, DC Metro area. Although there aren't any Prince William County sites in the running, there are the following Northern Virginia sites: Arlington House, Colvin Run Mill, Marine Corps War Memorial, Mount Vernon, and The Athenaeum.

From April 24 through May 10, 2013, the public is being asked to help choose which historic places they feel most deserve preservation funding. Click here to learn about the participating historic places.  Visit the Partners in Preservation website to earn points for the participating historic places by voting online and via mobile, sharing with friends on Twitter, checking in on Foursquare and posting photos on Instagram. Click here to get started.  The site that receives the highest number of points at the conclusion of the program is guaranteed to receive their full grant request. A Partners in Preservation advisory committee comprised of Washington-area civic and preservation leaders will recommend how the remainder of the preservation grants will be awarded to the other participating sites.  On May 13, American Express and the National Trust will announce the popular vote winner along with the additional grant winners.
0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: St. Jude Walk

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20St.%20Jude%20Walk
Published: 10/15/2012
November 17th on the National Mall, people will converge to give hope to children with cancer through the annual St. Jude Give Thanks Walk.  There's no registration fee, you can fundraise as a walking team for any amount you want, and even earn prizes for various increments of money raised.

Not really a walker so much (or, not really a "get up and get into DC early on a Saturday" type so much)? Vendors are also needed to make in-kind donations of everything from prizes to water and snacks for the walkers. Many of you may have participated in the Give Thanks Walk last year at Potomac Mills Mall, and this is the same great event with a new venue.  However, even though it's now in DC, it's got a local focus as one of the beneficiaries of the money raised is local family the Duggans, whose child is fighting pediatric cancer.  

This event is also a locally rooted event because this year's event chair is a PwcMom! Melissa Robey met a two and a half year old cancer patient last year and realized that she needed to get involved with St. Jude's, which has done such amazing work.  Not only do they accept every patient, regardless of the family's ability to pay, they have changed the survival rate for pediatric cancer from 20% survival to 80% survival, and as the only cancer institute devoted to children, they get to take most of the credit for that.

This year, 10,400 kids will be diagnosed with cancer that stops them, and their parents, in their tracks.  Cancer is the leading cause of death for kids ages 1-14 behind accidents.  If you can support this event as a vendor, walker, or donor, Melissa would love to work with you.  You can find her team page here where you can join up as a walker if you don't have your own team, or even found your own group of walkers, if you prefer!

Walk Coordinator Melissa Robey is a local Prince William County Mom and owner of Games2u (offering free laser tag with a party in October/November to readers of this article!) as well as being a ThirtyOne consultant. She lives here in the 703 with her husband and twin boys, in addition to being a rockstar and running a charity event.
0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: Owen's Walk to Remember

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Owen%27s%20Walk%20to%20Remember
Published: 10/05/2012

Owen’s Walk to Remember
Angels & Warriors

WestRash Charities is holding its 1stannual walk for pediatric cancer
Bristow, VA– WestRash Charities is proud to announce its 1st annual walk for pediatric cancer research and support.  The theme of this year’s event will be a Halloween family friendly walk, giving kids (and parents) one more time to wear those fabulous Halloween costumes.  The walk will be held at Brentsville District High School in Nokesville, VA.  Onsite festivities will include a moon bounce, carnival games, food, and drinks.  All proceeds will benefit Children’s National Medical Center and provide research and family support to pediatric cancer patients.

What:                        Owen’s Walk to Remember, Angels & Warriors
Benefits:                 Children’s National Medical Center
When:                      Saturday, November 3rd
                                    10:00AM- 12:00PM

Where:                    Brentsville District High School
                                    12109 Aden Road Nokesville, VA 20181

Costs:                        Donations only (no entry fee)

Sponsorship:         $100 -  Name on the event shirt
                                    $300 -  Name and logo on event shirt
                                    Sponsorship deadline is Oct 8, 2012



Children’s National Medical Center
Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC, has been serving the nation’s children since 1870.  Home to Children’s Research Institute and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National is consistently ranked among the top pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and the Leapfrog Group. With 303 beds, more than 1,330 nurses, 550 physicians, and seven regional outpatient centers, Children’s National is the only exclusive provider of pediatric care in the Washington metropolitan area. Children’s National has been recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet® designated hospital, the highest level of recognition for nursing excellence that a medical center can achieve.

WestRash Charities
WestRash Charities began in May 2002 with a casual golf gathering of family and friends to raise money in support of a family friend in need of financial support for their child’s fight with leukemia. Over the next two years it evolved from merely a casual golf outing into a golf event to raise funds in support of our families’ shared goal of helping others within our community. Most recently our charity events have focused on raising funding and awareness for children and cancer related causes.  For more information, about this event or sponsorship opportunities please visit www.westrashcharities.org or follow us on Facebook.
0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: Hope For Julianna

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Hope%20For%20Julianna
Published: 09/21/2012
Meet Julianna:
How freaking adorable is she??

Unfortuantely, though, Julianna, in addition to having that adorable face, also has childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.  If you've ever had a child who's needed any type of medical treatment, you know how quickly costs add up.  For a child with a serious illness, these costs are obviously astronomical.  

Her family is holding a car wash this Saturday Sept. 22, to raise funds for Julianna’s treatment. 

They write on their website:
If you do not have any plans and are in the area, please consider helping us out. We could really use some extra manpower and support. Or if you would like to stop by to get your car washed, that would be great, too! Please contact me if you are able to grab a sponge and spend a few hours with us.


1 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: No Woman, No Cry 5k Memorial Walk/Run

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20No%20Woman%2C%20No%20Cry%205k%20Memorial%20Walk%2FRun
Published: 09/07/2012

National Network to End Domestic Violence to Participate in “No Woman, No Cry” 5K Memorial Walk/Run

Washington, D.C. – The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) announced that it will participate in the second annual No Woman, No Cry: Stop the Silence of Domestic Violence 5K Walk in memory of Jenny Vaughn-Bates, who was murdered by her abusive husband, who then took his own life, in 2010 in Prince William County, Va. The event will take place on Saturday, September 15th.  The walk/run will be held at Freedom High School in Woodbridge, VA at 8:30 a.m. 

“Two years post her death we continue to struggle in our own ways.  The depth of her loss is impossible to measure and ongoing.” said Jaclyn Neham, Co-Chair of No Woman, No Cry (NWNC). “Since then, we have learned that domestic violence is an epidemic in society affecting one in four women. Through this event, we hope to honor Jenny’s legacy and help those who feel they have no other options.”

“This 5K walk is a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of Jennifer Vaughn-Bates and all of the domestic violence victims who suffer in silence,” said Rene Renick, NNEDV’s Vice President. “We are proud to walk alongside Jenny’s loved ones and those who support ending all violence against women. Domestic violence affects so many, and I urge communities across the country to step up and become part of the solution.” 

On average in the U.S., three women are killed every day at the hands of a current or former intimate partner. Visit http://nnedv.org/ to learn how to take a stand in support of survivors and take action to end domestic violence.

Proceeds from the walk will benefit NNEDV and the Jenny Vaughn-Bates Memorial Trust Fund. Those interested can register in advance at www.nwnc.org or onsite, the day of the walk (cash and checks accepted).  The onsite registration fee is $30 per participant.

0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: Pink in the Park

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Pink%20in%20the%20Park
Published: 08/17/2012
Okay, so this isn't technically a featured organization, but it's an event for an organization that's feature-worthy!

The Potomac Nationals will be partnering with the American Cancer Society to bring you "Pink in the Park" on Saturday, August 25th at 6:35pm right here in Woodbridge, Virginia.  Tickets are only $8 and HALF of each ticket will go towards the Making Strides Walk.  For everyone that wears Pink to the game (not a problem if you have my wardrobe!) the Potomac Nationals have pledged an additional $1 donation.  

0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: CrossLink

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20CrossLink
Published: 08/03/2012
Have I told you guys about Rich Anderson and my kid? (No, this is not me re-nigging on my promise to keep this space apolitical, you can vote for him or not, but it's a cute story, so just hold on).  When my oldest son was 5, he informed me that he wanted to get into politics.  Being the over-indulgent mother that I am, I made a few phone calls and was told that we could help out on a brand-spanking-new campaign for delegate of our district.  I'm not sure that the message was passed down from the original person I talked to down to Delegate Anderson and his campaign manager, Reese as a warning, but I have to give them both credit for not laughing in my face when I showed up to volunteer with my 6 month old daughter in a Moby wrap on my chest, my 3 year old son in a pink MacLaren stroller (intended for the 6 month old, but he'd fallen asleep in the car) and my 5 year old, who was rocking it out in his suit and tie from Jacques Pennay.  (Or, as the less classy pronounce it, JC Penney.  Whatever.  You probably mispronounce Target, too. It's "Tahr-jjjay".)  


Anyway, 5yo was so excited and he and Delegate Anderson had a grand old time knocking on doors and meeting people.  I find this to be absolutely terrible, but my son LOVES it.  He had a great time knocking on doors, introducing "my friend, Mr. Anderson", and handing out fliers.  If you live in the Lake Ridge area and had a small child smile at you and try to get you to talk to his friend the politician, you've met my son.  
Kids in Richmond- this is obviously not when they were 6mo/3/5.  Now 8yo is holding a picture of him giving Delegate Anderson a picture for his office, but he told him he could only keep it if he won.  I have no clue why my kid is making that face. 
I know what you're thinking. Yes.  My kid is either going to be a televangelist or a politician.  We tried really hard to encourage his first career option--garbage truck driver--but he really just loves this stuff! 


So.  I bet you're wondering what this all has to do with Featured Organization Friday.  Delegate Anderson's wife, Ruth, works with some awesome organizations working to provide healthcare around the world, and she emailed me because they're in the running to win some extra help and extra cash.  The organization isn't based out of PWC, but since Ruth is Mrs. Delegate for our district, there's a connection.  Check out the links below to learn more about CrossLink, and if you're so inclined, to vote for them to win extra cash.  Otherwise, check out the bottom link and vote for some other organization that better fits your moral code.  Whatever.  Charities and the work they do are amazing.





We Need Your Help to Win a Prize for CrossLink International (www.crosslinkinternational.net)!

Our application was just approved to compete for 50 volunteers and a $500 grant through GOOD Maker, an organization which challenges nonprofits to enhance their productivity.  Our Dream Big Idea will compete with five other organizations and their big ideas.  So please read below and take the time to put in a vote for CrossLink’s proposal. Voting began Wednesday, August 1 at 3:00 PM and ends Thursday, August 16 at 3 PM. You can only vote once, please vote today!!

In a Nutshell…this was our proposal for a Dream Big volunteer project on October 27: CrossLink’s annual fund-raiser (called the Band Aid Ball) aids global health. The next gala is April 2013.  On October 27, we will send 50 volunteers (teams of 2 or more) into the local community to solicit auction items. They would be equipped with an Auction Brochure, lists of suggested items/services to solicit and maps. Some would use computers/phones to solicit from friends, family etc. Prizes will be awarded for items of highest value, most unique item, etc. There will be expert auction analyzers on-site to judge and value the itemsdonated to CrossLink.
You can only vote once -- please vote now!  And if you could, please forward this message on to your contacts and encourage them to support CrossLink in this vote as well!

TO VOTE GO TO: http://VolunteerFestDreamBig.maker.good.is/projects/SCAVENGER

Once you open that website, please click "Vote for this idea".  You will then be prompted to log in and create an account with Good Maker.  It's easy, and you can do it one of two ways, either by using your e-mail address or an existing Facebook account.  Once you create your account, the site allows you to immediately unsubscribe from future e-mails so you won't have them bothering you.  The site should then prompt you to check your email to confirm your vote -- click the link in that e-mail and your vote will be tabulated.  Thank you for helping CrossLink!
0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: Leesylvania Hosts Hike for the Cause on August 11

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Leesylvania%20Hosts%20Hike%20for%20the%20Cause%20on%20August%2011
Published: 07/27/2012

Leesylvania State Park to Host Hike for the Cause Aug. 11
Woodbridge , VA – Leesylvania State Park , in Prince William County , will host the annual Hike for the Cause charity event on Aug. 11 to benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Hikers can register by calling 703-583-6904 or visiting http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=121459. On-site registration begins at 7 a.m., and the hike is from 9 – 11 a.m. The cost is $25.
The hike covers four miles of multi-surface terrain, through the park’s historical, wooded trails bordering the Potomac River .
The day also includes kid’s activities, prizes, refreshments and the rock band Soul Gravity in concert. The concert begins at 5 p.m. and is sponsored by Steve’s Auto Repair and the Friends of Leesylvania . Concert admission is free for participants, but a $5 parking fee will apply to non-participants.
Leesylvania ’s Hike for the Cause debuted in August 2011 and raised enough money to pay for mammograms for 16 at-risk women.
“One hundred percent of the money raised is for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The money  goes to funding and providing breast health education and screenings for medically underserved women,” said chief ranger and event coordinator Sarah Percival. 
For Percival, the event is also a celebration of cancer survivor and dedicated park volunteer, Cindy Buck-Thompson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010.
“Cindy is not only a volunteer, but also a courageous friend who has overcome so much over the years,” Percival said. “We want to continue this tradition so that we can raise awareness and show support through this worthy cause.”
Today, Buck-Thompson is a cancer survivor and continues to support and volunteer in the park.
“This event means a lot to me and my family,” Buck-Thompson said. “I appreciate it, more than I can express.”
How Buck-Thompson is feeling the morning of the hike will determine if she’ll join in the hike, but park staff, including Percival, will hike with participants as supporters for the cause.
Leesylvania hosts a variety of benefit events throughout the year, but Hike for the Cause has become a signature event largely because it means so much to so many at the park.
“Many of our staff and volunteers have been affected directly or indirectly by breast cancer, and this event is a tribute to the survivors, as well as to the courage of those who have faced or lost their lives to this disease,” explains Park Manager Karen Lambey. “Hike for the Cause is our way of showing support.”
The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
For more information about Virginia State Parks activities and amenities or to make a reservation for one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: No Woman, No Cry

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20No%20Woman%2C%20No%20Cry
Published: 07/20/2012
Heads up on some upcoming events for a local group operating in honor of their friend, Jenny Vaugh-Bates.  The 2nd Annual 5K is coming up in September, but before that, you can "party with a purpose" and help kick off fundraising efforts.  Next Saturday, July 28th, head to the Mainstreet Bar and Grill in Stafford for drinks and live music.  1005 of the cover charge (it's $5) will be donated to No Woman no Cry, a domestic violence charity. 

Want to plan ahead for the 2nd Annual Jenny Vaughn-Bates Memorial 5K? It's coming up September 15th from 8:30am-11:30am at Freedom High School in Woodbridge.

0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: Kyle Wilson Memorial Fund

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Kyle%20Wilson%20Memorial%20Fund
Published: 04/20/2012
Thanks to Amy for submitting this! I played softball with Kyle's sister growing up, and any charity that's local is especially dear to my heart.  The people who keep us safe do so at their own peril, and Kyle is such a selfless reminder of that. 




On April 16, 2007, Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue's Technician I Kyle Wilson made the ultimate sacrifice. At a three-alarm blaze in Woodbridge, he searched for the house's occupants in an upper bedroom, but became trapped and unable to escape the flames intensified by a strong nor'easter's winds. Kyle, a 24 year old graduate of Hylton High School and George Mason University, was the Department's first line of duty death in its 41 year history.

Each year, Kyle's family, friends and fellow firefighters come together to celebrate his life and to acknowledge the impact he had on our community. Kyle's passion was staying fit, so his family established a memorial walk/ run to encourage others to enjoy the benefits of exercise.

The 5th Annual Kyle Wilson Walk for Fitness will be held next Saturday, April 28 at Hylton High School in Woodbridge. It is a free, untimed 10K walk/ run. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:00 a.m. There will be t-shirts for sale, as well as raffles and a 50/50. All donations will be accepted in honor of Kyle, and all proceeds will benefit his scholarship fund for athletic training majors at George Mason University.

During the walk, enjoy free water stations along the way (thanks to Skinny Water), and when you're done, join sponsors including Moe's, Amici's, Chick-Fil-A, Hooters and Confections for some tasty, free treats. Channel 50 DC's party bus will be on display, and you can enter the raffle to win exclusive use of it for a private event (helloooooo, moms' night out!). And, of course, there will be a fire truck and an ambulance to entertain the kids, and plenty of firefighters to entertain the moms!  (editors note: there is nothing wrong with firefighters to look at.)

For more information on Kyle's Walk, and to preregister, please visit www.kylewilsonmemorial.com.


If you are unable to attend the walk, there's another way for you to show your support. The 2nd Annual Cici's Pizza Night is TODAY, April 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Bring your family to eat at Cici's Pizza in Foulger Square in Woodbridge (Kohl's/ Home Depot shopping center) and 15% of the total receipts will go towards the Kyle Wilson Scholarship Fund at GMU.


Hope to see you there!!



1 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: Make the Future, Inc.

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Make%20the%20Future%2C%20Inc.
Published: 04/13/2012
Organizer Michael Futrell took a few moments to share with PwcMoms about his local organization "Make the Future".

Michael shared that "Make The Future is an organization with the mission of completely impacting the lives of young men and women throughout the metropolitan D.C community, through a strong focus on positive and constructive life choices that eliminates negative self images."  The program focuses on youth and holds a basketball camp that teaches children health and nutrition as well as sportsmanship and skills.  The group also helped organize the revitalization program for the Dumfries Boys and Girls Club so that the building could re-open.  They also concurrently enroll their basketball students in an Educational Bootcamp program that helps them prepare for the ACT/SAT/SOLs and paid for the tests. The program also runs mentorship programs and an African Cultural Exchange program.

Currently, Make the Future is involved with the White House's "Let's Move" campaign.  They held a kickoff event at Freedom High School with NBA Hall of Fame Athlete Dominique Wilkins, and are now trying to get Michelle Obama to attend their next event. This is where the organization needs your help.

In order to get Michelle Obama to come to their next "Let's Move" event and recognize the work that Make the Future and its youth have done, Michael Futrell is asking community members to call (202-456-1414) or email (firstladyscheduling@who.eop.gov) the White House on behalf of Make the Future and request that "you would like to see First Lady Michelle Obama attend the Make The Future Let’s Move Community Picnic Day at the Boys and Girls Club in Manassas on April 21st".  Futurell is hoping that having the youth see their contributions and achievements are important will help inspire them to continue. 
0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: Autism Speaks

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Autism%20Speaks
Published: 03/30/2012

This week's Featured Organization Friday is courtesy of Eryn Cadoff.  More on that at the end of the post!


At this point in time, Autism affects 1 in 88 children, with 1 in 54 boys having a spectrum diagnosis.  Wow.  Those are some scary numbers no matter how you spin them. 


Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Their longtime friend Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.


In addition to research and advocacy, the group also provides resources for parents with children on the Autism Spectrum.  These include an answer line, resource guide, housing transition for older children, and more.  


You can help this organization by giving time, money, or- this month- by buying a bracelet!  


Our friend Eryn Cadoff is a Stella and Dot Indepdendent Stylist.  This month, her company is helping to support Autism Awareness through bracelet sales to support Autism Speaks.  

More info from Eryn:

In honor of Autism Awareness month in April, Stella & Dot has created the Shine Bracelet - a limited-edition piece, available only from April 1-30. The bracelet is $39, and 20% of the proceeds from the sales will go to Autism Speaks. In October 2011, Stella & Dot partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in creating the Tribute Bracelet - raising $128,000 for the BRCF. We'd like to beat that number in April for Autism Speaks!
You can order your bracelet through Eryn Cadoff, Indepedent Stylist - Eryn can be reached at 703-786-1694 or http://www.stelladot.com/eryn. Eryn will also be holding FUNdraising Trunk Shows throughout April for Autism Speaks - call her to schedule an event, and in addition to the Shine Bracelet raising funds for Autism speaks, 50% of the sales from your Trunk Show will also go directly to the organization.

Also Eryn will be in Woodbridge (Paradise Salon & Day Spa), 3097 Golansky on Friday from 11-3 and will be taking pre-orders for the bracelet!
0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: Sara Lott Memorial 5k/1Mile Fun Run

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Sara%20Lott%20Memorial%205k%2F1Mile%20Fun%20Run
Published: 03/23/2012
I'm running the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (God Help Me) on April 1st, and after that I know it's important to keep up the momentum by running more races! I especially love a race for a cause- and here's a great local one, the Sara Lott Memorial 5k Run/1 Mile Run/Walk at Saunders Middle School. Check it out and register! 

Sara's memorial fun helps to benefit her middle school's student activities fund because she loved sports, and the PTSO.  


0 Comments | Share:

Featrued Organization Friday: Rockin' for Preemies/Preemies Today

Permalink to Featrued%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Rockin%27%20for%20Preemies%2FPreemies%20Today
Published: 03/16/2012
Last Week: Coups for Troops
Relevant This Week: St. Baldrick's- it's a different group hosting this weekend, but Chick Fil A Bristow will be getting their shave on, too!


Hubby and I had a little laugh about this.  Somehow the idea of a "preemie" and the idea of "rockin out" don't seem to go together- but whatever, we're about helping babies.

Preemies Today provides support, education, outreach, and a sense of support to families facing a premature birth situation.  They provide local support in the form of care packages, family outings, support groups, a "Take a Break" program, and annual celebration and silent auction, in addition to a host of online support options. 
Preemies Today is will be the beneficiary of a "Rockin For Preemies" Concert featuring Rocknoceros and special guests Groovy Nate and Music Together.  While this isn't in PWC, it will be a great kid-friendly event benefiting families in Prince William County, so pack up the kids and head to Fairfax for a great concert for a great cause!  We'll have this on our calendar, but put it on yours, too!
0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: Coups for Troops

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Coups%20for%20Troops
Published: 03/09/2012
Living in a highly military area I've come to loathe the military for moving all my friends away appreciate the sacrifices our servicemen and women and their families make for our country.
(Credit: Coups for Troops Facebook)
This week's featured organization Friday is a really neat way to give support to military families and clear out your coupon pile!  Coups for Troops was founded in North Carolina by a Stay At Home Mom named Stephanie, according to their website.  People can sent their unwanted and expired coupons to any of the satellite groups. Our local group is run by a PwcMom named Jaclyn- you can mail coupons to her at Coups for Troops c/o Jaclyn Doherty 8045 Whitting Drive Manassas, VA 20112.


Once Jaclyn or another satellite coordinator receives your coupons, they cut and sort them and ship them overseas to be distributed by military families for use in the commissaries, which will allow them to use coupons up to six month past their expiration date.  Currently, they are asking people to send coupons with expiration dates on or after December 2011 to allow for adequate time to sort and ship.
(Credit: Coups for Troops Facebook)

The easiest way to help is send your coupons.  You can email Jaclyn to set up a drop-off if you have a large number of coupons and want to save on postage. If you don't collect coupons but would like to help, you can also donate towards the cost of overseas shipping.  You may also request to be set up with a military family directly and send coupons to them without going through a local group.    

For more information on this group that's helping out our service members in a really simple and creative way, you can also check out their Facebook group for updates and FAQs.   
0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: St. Baldrick's

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20St.%20Baldrick%27s
Published: 03/02/2012

Before we begin this week's FOF- I need to apologize.  In a preview for this story, I mistakenly linked to the PWC Firefighters, which are separate and distinct from the OWL Firefighters.  Listen, guys/gals, I apologize.  Not only do I find firefighters universally "hot" (get it? it's a fire joke...no?), I greatly appreciate the fact that you can overcome your fight or flight instincts to run into burning buildings for the rest of us.  Rock on.  Also, I promise not to do it again.

So, you walk for a cure, you eat pink yogurt for a cure, that's cool.

But St. Baldrick's is way beyond cool- it's hardcore.  Seriously, are you (wo)man enough to shave your head for a cure?  This organization challenges people to raise money to fund research for childhood cancer.  Then, those fundraisers take it one step further and shave their heads in solidarity with those who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy.  
I don't think I'm woman enough to do it- but very proud PWC Momma Stephanie, who shared this organization with me, has an 8 year old son who is.  Her son Reilly has participated in this event for 3 years and raised over $2,000.  In addition to Reilly, there is also a team of kids from Leesylvania Elementary that participate in solidarity with a friend who's been living with cancer since age 5. 

Heather and Tony Carroll (Reilly's aunt and uncle) help organize the local St. Baldrick's held at annually at OWL Station 2,  have grown the event substantially over the years.  It now features more than 50 "Shavees" working for a common cause- and it's a cause close to their hearts two reasons.  First, the event is centered on St. Patrick’s Day, and they celebrate their Irish Heritage. Second, Tony is a cancer survivor.  In the 7+ years Tony and Heather have been organizing the event, they have raised over $100,000. The event includes food, an Irish Band and a silent auction. This year, they have set a very aggressive goal of $36,000. 
Not enough of a bad-mother-shut-your-mouth to shave your own head? You can support those that are by following the event link HERE. 


The Woodbridge St. Baldrick's event will take place on March 9th, 2012. For more details, follow the link above. 


0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: Two Tiny Hands

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Two%20Tiny%20Hands
Published: 02/24/2012

For this week's Featured Organization Friday, I'd like you to meet Two Tiny Hands. Two Tiny Hands is a family outreach program providing support to families after the loss of a child.

Two Tiny Hands is an outreach program provided by SIDS Mid-Atlantic, a 501c3 nonprofit in the Northern Virginia area.  Two Tiny Hands provides support to families after the loss of a child

The organization provides care packages for siblings who have lost a brother or sister, as well as canvas pictures for parents, as a photo memorial.  Grief information is also provided to families through a loaning library program as well as online resources found on their website.  The idea is based on helping parents grieve so families can be healthy and thriving.  
From their website:

"We know that a healthy family begins with healthy parents and our care package is to help communication between parent and child or even begin a healthy dialogue.
Support information can also be given to parents.  We have a variety of books, pamphlets, and websites to help the parents during their time of grief."

They also keep a great list of organizations that can provide support or meetings for parents who've experienced a loss.

In addition to offering care packages and information, Two Tiny hands also offers support to parents.  Their newest offering is Yoga for mothers who have lost a child.  In contrast to a traditional support group, the yoga class will not involve any dialogue or sharing of personal information, but will be a time for mothers to have time to themselves to reflect and relax and recharge.  Information is listed on the flier below.  Moms need to pre-register for a month at a time by calling 703-608-4138,  The class is paid for by SIDS Mid-Atlantic and is entirely free for mothers.  If you would like to attend, but feel like you need additional support, a friend may bring you to the class.
Two Tiny Hands takes monetary donations to cover resources and accepts new stuffed animals for sibling care packages.

For more information:


0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: Eme's Army and CRB1

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Eme%27s%20Army%20and%20CRB1
Published: 02/17/2012
Emerie, “Eme”, was born with a rare degenerative retinal disease that has already left her blind. She is 5. She walks with a white cane and is learning Braille. She is in Kindergarten at Nokesville Elementary School. Eme's Army is fighting for her sight and finding a cure for LCA. You may remember Eme and her mom from our Facebook page where they've been promoting their "Cookies for a Cause" program for a few weeks.  You can learn more about their very successful Valentine's for Veterans by clicking on the link here. 


Photo Credit: EmesArmy.org

Eme's Army are people who work together with Eme's Super Mom, Tabitha, to raise money to find a cure for Retinal Blindness through the larger CRB1 Organization.  Here's what I love most about the CRB1 Orgnaization- it's a whole bunch of parents that are working to fund the cure their children need by themselves, because nobody was going to help them, and that wasn't okay.  From the CRB1.org website:


"The CRB1 gene mutation is the second highest incidence (10-13%) of all the LCA genes, yet research on CRB1 is not as advanced as other genes.  We tried asking the larger vision research foundations to take on our project and assist with the funding - we had no luck.  So we figured if we could find enough families willing to work hard to make this happen, we'd be successful."


I cannot begin to imagine how difficult it would be to learn your child was born with a genetic mutation that would eventually take one of their abilities, and you could do nothing about it! But, I can imagine being a mom that says, not true- I can.


To learn more about Eme and other families fighting to keep the lights on for our children with Lebers Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) visit www.crb1.org or emesarmy.org
0 Comments | Share:

Featured Organization Friday: Amazima Ministries

Permalink to Featured%20Organization%20Friday%3A%20Amazima%20Ministries
Published: 02/10/2012
In a conscious effort to use my "blogging powers" for good, I'm going to be featuring a new charity or non profit organization each Friday.  If you're interested, please email me, and we'll get you on the schedule.  This isn't a way to separate you from your money, or to make you feel guilty or obligated, it's simply another way for me to disseminate information about great organizations.



I have a problem.  You may have it, too, if you've lived in this area as long as I have.  Being a Northern-Virginia native, I have the best friends in the entire world.

Until they leave me 2 years later.

You military people.  You make me crazy!! The good news is, however, that the internet lets us keep in touch, and I have a free place to stay in 3/4 of the United States and a solid 1/3 of the world.  Probably closer to 2/3 if you eliminate the hostile nations.

This is my amazing (Marine Corps) friend Lindsay:
  (She's the cute one.  She lets me stand next to her sometimes.)

During the last year, I've gotten to experience Lindsay's adoption experience as she shared with me the joys and frustrations of adopting her new son, Philip from Ethiopia.  He joins Lindsay's two step children and her son Noah.  He is, by far, the cutest child I've ever seen in my life.  Ever.

Partially because her son is so incredibly adorable, partially because it's not fair that every kid in the world doesn't have someone to love them the way most of our kids are loved, and partially because she is CRAZY, Lindsay has joined with a fantastic group of women to help orphans overseas.

Check this group out- they look like a good time!

Now, a group of women helping kids is nothing crazy.  This particular group, however, and I mean this in the nicest way humanly possible, is taking on the crazy task of helping by running 200 Miles.  

Yeah, I said 200.

Lindsay and five friends are running the Palmetto200 relay race (covering over 200 miles) on April 13-14. Each runner will cover about 33 miles of the race from Cayce, SC (near Columbia) to James Island (just outside of historic Charleston). As part of the race, they are raising money for Amazima Ministries – a wonderful organization that works with orphaned children and the most vulnerable in Uganda by providing education, food, vocational outreach, discipleship and medical care. 

The ladies' goal is to raise $2000 for their work, and they are seeking “sponsors” to help reach this goal.  

Says Lindsay: "You can sponsor us by the mile, by the number of runners, or by any other amount you feel called to contribute. No amount is too small, and each dollar will go directly toward making a huge impact in the lives of the neediest in Uganda. If you are able to sponsor our team in any way, please send your check or money order directly to me so that I can collect all the money and send it in together. My address is: 254 Mimosa Drive, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460. Checks should be made out to Amazima Ministries International. All donations are tax-deductible, so write your email address on the check so that Amazima can email you a receipt."

In addition to knowing one of the women in this group, I was particularly excited to start with this cause, because there is really nothing more inspiring to me than a group of moms working towards a goal.  Except maybe a group of moms working toward a goal that involves them running 33 miles.  If Amazima Ministries speaks to your interests, or if you'd like to support an awesome group of women, please consider supporting this effort.

Next Week: Eme's Army

Disclaimer: PwcMoms.com is not affiliated with any charitable organization and makes no claims about this particular organization.  Before donating to any group or organization, due diligence should be performed regarding the mission, message, and financial stability of the group.  This is not an endorsement of the organization mentioned, or any other organization and is strictly for informational purposes.  PwcMoms does not receive financial backing, or have the endorsement of the organization mentioned in this article.  Individuals are responsible for their own decisions made based on this information. 


0 Comments | Share:

Helping Other Parents Endure (HOPE)

Permalink to Helping%20Other%20Parents%20Endure%20%28HOPE%29
Published: 10/15/2011


HOPE

(And not in the Obama kinda way)

Everyone needs a little hope in their lives, but especially parents that have suffered the loss of a pregnancy or infant.  It's an especially hard loss because people don't talk about it.

After losing four pregnancies, PWC Mom Robin began a support group in Vermont for other parents dealing with the loss of a pre-born child.  Now in our area, Robin has continued her passion for helping other parents cope with their loss.  There's no membership or expectation, come as you are when you need to.  Robin says for a lot of people that's the first few months and the anniversary of the birth or loss of their child.  For others, it's just once or twice.  For some, they just keep coming.  Pregnant moms are welcome- the moms in the group know that being pregnant after losing a child is difficult, too.

HOPE means Helping Other Parents Endure, and Meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7-8:30pm in the Teen Sunday School room at Church of the Word in Gainesville.

Here's more from Robin:
All who have experienced a loss during pregnancy, infant loss or SIDS death, whether recently or in the past, including 

those who have felt such a loss through someone close to them, are welcome to participate. 

The goal of this informal group is to provide a safe and supportive environment for exploration of changes brought to 
our lives by the loss of a pregnancy or death of an infant.  The group meets monthly on a drop-in basis.  All are 
welcome to attend regularly or whenever you feel the need for support. 

For Additional Information Please Contact: 
HOPE Helping Other Parents Endure Virginia
Robin L. Schroeder:  703-615-3725 (RobinLSchroeder@verizon.net) 
Betty Connal:  703-955-6899 (sidsma27@aol.com / www.sidsma.org) 


2 Comments | Share:
Tags
**Coupons/Special Offers
2012 Summer Survival Guide
2013 Summer Survival
Adoption
Advertisers
After School/After Work
Aircraft Displays
Airport
Airshow
Animals
April Events
Articles From Facebook
Aviation
Babies
Baby Blossom
Birthday Parties
Blog
Budget Fashion
Camps
Charity/Non-Profit
Chick-fil-A
Childcare
Christmas
Circus
Classes
Co-op
Consignment
Cooking
Crafts
Date Night
Dentists
Eat Local
Education
Elementary Kids
Exercise
Fall 2012
Family Stories
Farmers Markets
Farms
Fashion
Father's Day
Featured Organization Friday
Festival
Field Trips
Food
Free/Low Cost
Fresh Beat Band
Gift Ideas
Girls
Guest Post
Gymboree
Halloween
Health And Wellness
Healthcare
Healthy
History
Holidays
Homeschool
Indoor Options
Kidgits Club
Kids To Parks Day
Let Mommy Sleep
Library
Locations: Arlington
Locations: Bristow/Gainesville/Haymarket
Locations: DC
Locations: Dumfries/Montclair
Locations: Fairfax
Locations: Fauquier
Locations: Locations: Prince William County
Locations: Lorton
Locations: Loudon
Locations: Manassas
Locations: National Harbor
Locations: Nokesville
Locations: Occoquan
Locations: Prince William County
Locations: Stafford/Fredericksburg
Locations: Triangle/Quantico
Locations: Woodbridge
Lorton Workhouse
MamaMafia
Manassas
Manassas Mall
Manners
Maria José Ovalle
Maryland
Meet The County
Micaela Williamson
Military
Mommy Stuff
Mother's Day
Movers And Shakers Club
Movies
Museums
National Children's Museum
National Park Trust
National Trust For Historic Preservation
Northern Virginia
NOVA
NoVA Outdoors
Older Kids
Open House
Other Sites
Outdoors
Parks/Playgrounds
Partners In Preservation
Patriot Center
Performance
Photographers
Pick Your Own
Pinterest
Playgrounds
Playgroup
Potomac Mills
Preschool
Pumpkin Patch
PwcMomsAds
Reader Meet Ups
Readers Recommend
Reading
Religious
Restaurants
Schools
Scouting
Seasons: Fall
Seasons: Spring
Seasons: Sumber
Seasons: Summer
Seasons: Winter
Shopping
Sponsors
Sports
Spring Break
Stilettos And Diapers
Summer
Supporters
Technology
Teens
The Arts
Toddlers
Trains
Travel
Verizon Center
Very Busy Mamá Blog
Virginia Renaissance Faire
Volunteer
Week In Preview
Weekend
Younger Kids