Worlds Best Birthday Surprise:
Friday, March 4, 2011
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Help send me Over the Edge for Special Olympics Virginia!
That’s right…I’m hoping to rappel off a 25-story building in downtown Richmond this October! In order to take on this challenge and join other fearless Special Olympics fans on the roof, I must first reach my fundraising goal. With your help I’ll be dangling from 400 feet up in no time!
Donating through this secure site is the easiest and most efficient way to contribute to my fundraising efforts. Your support is greatly appreciated—and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might be interested in making a donation as well! Anyone who donates over $100 will receive a free week of advertising on SproutLaunch.com, your company will just be responsible for providing the weekly rewards!
Your donation will assist Special Olympics Virginia in reaching our total fundraising goal of $75,000. And with your help, I hope to surpass my own fundraising goal and join other adrenaline junkies as we rappel down one of the tallest buildings in Richmond. It’ll be an extreme adventure that we hope will generate extreme impact for Special Olympics Virginia.
www.firstgiving.com/SproutLaunch
Donating through this secure site is the easiest and most efficient way to contribute to my fundraising efforts. Your support is greatly appreciated—and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might be interested in making a donation as well! Anyone who donates over $100 will receive a free week of advertising on SproutLaunch.com, your company will just be responsible for providing the weekly rewards!
Your donation will assist Special Olympics Virginia in reaching our total fundraising goal of $75,000. And with your help, I hope to surpass my own fundraising goal and join other adrenaline junkies as we rappel down one of the tallest buildings in Richmond. It’ll be an extreme adventure that we hope will generate extreme impact for Special Olympics Virginia.
www.firstgiving.com/SproutLaunch
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
New website launch!
Thanks to all of the fantastic support for SproutLaunch, we have launched a new website that includes a blog directly on the site. All new information will be posted here. Check it out today and keep encouraging kindness!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Even Dogs Do Good Deeds!
This is one of the most touching videos I have seen. I think it's amazing to see even animals work to help each other. Love it!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Stamp Out Hunger on May 8th
On May 8th, you can leave a bag of canned goods for your mail carrier to pick up and deliver to local food banks and pantries. How awesome (not to mention easy)? These great companies and associations have joined together for Stamp Out Hunger- the Nation's Largest Single-Day Food Drive:
-AFL-CIO
-Cambell's Soup
-Feeding America
-National Association of Letter Carrier's
-National Rural Letter Carrier's Association
-United Way
-US Postal Service
-Val-Pak
I can't wait to see the results. Time to clean out the cabinets!
Know of an awesome upcoming event or cause that we could include on SproutLaunch, send it my way: Molly@SproutLaunch.com!
-AFL-CIO
-Cambell's Soup
-Feeding America
-National Association of Letter Carrier's
-National Rural Letter Carrier's Association
-United Way
-US Postal Service
-Val-Pak
Know of an awesome upcoming event or cause that we could include on SproutLaunch, send it my way: Molly@SproutLaunch.com!
Monday, April 19, 2010
April Awareness Days
There are a ton of good things going on this month, one being National Pay It Forward Day day coming up on April 29th, one of my all time favorites. As you know, SproutLaunch is dedicated to paying it foward every single day!
For some other great awareness initiatives, check out these great groups:
April 29th- Pay It Forward Day
National Child Abuse Prevention
Stress Awareness
National Autism Awareness
National Donate Life Month
What this world needs is a new kind of army - the army of the kind. ~Cleveland Amory
For some other great awareness initiatives, check out these great groups:
April- Daily Awareness Initiatives
April 22nd- Earth DayApril 29th- Pay It Forward Day
April- Monthly Awareness Initiatives
March for BabiesNational Child Abuse Prevention
Stress Awareness
National Autism Awareness
National Donate Life Month
What this world needs is a new kind of army - the army of the kind. ~Cleveland Amory
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Thanks to J.E.B. Stuart High School:
I found out through a friend that there was a high school focusing on good deeds and even included SproutLaunch in their monthly newsletter! Thanks to these special kids at J.E.B. Stuart High School for the mention, these are a great group of people out there making a difference. Here is a copy of the article, enjoy!
It Pays to do Good
Laura Flores
Staff Writer
It is sometimes hard to find time to do something good for others when someone may feel like they deserve a little something in return. However, a new website has come along to provide people with an incentive to do good deeds. Launched in 2009, SproutLaunch.com is the only website that inspires others to do good while rewarding those who submit their random acts of kindness.
“I really think that people want to make a difference, it’s just sometimes hard to figure out where you can fit in and be that change,” said founder Molly Quarles.
Before the SproutLaunch phenomenon and being selfless was in style, many Stuart students were already involved in helping others. The recent snow storm brought an opportunity for senior Aaron Leulu to help out. “I helped a couple neighbors dig their way out of the snow,” Leulu said.
Anonymous deeds seem to be the most rewarding though. “I do weird things like stick notes on desks and tables and everywhere,” said sophomore Trevor Bruce.
The goal of SproutLaunch is to have its users submit their completed deeds, enter a weekly drawing, and win prizes from the site’s sponsors. Ideas for good deeds posted on the site are meant to be quick and easy to complete, no major humanitarian skills required. Users who submit their ideas of good deeds to the site are also eligible for receiving prizes.
Quarles was inspired by her own personal goal “to do one good deed each day in an attempt to create change.”
“I started thinking about how it could change the world if other people were inspired to do one good deed each day and what steps I could take to start encouraging people to participate,” said Quarles.
The SproutLaunch message will continue to spread in hopes of having people join in on doing one good deed a day. Today, SproutLaunch.com has been visited by people from all 50 states and over 28 countries.
It Pays to do Good
Laura Flores
Staff Writer
It is sometimes hard to find time to do something good for others when someone may feel like they deserve a little something in return. However, a new website has come along to provide people with an incentive to do good deeds. Launched in 2009, SproutLaunch.com is the only website that inspires others to do good while rewarding those who submit their random acts of kindness.
“I really think that people want to make a difference, it’s just sometimes hard to figure out where you can fit in and be that change,” said founder Molly Quarles.
Before the SproutLaunch phenomenon and being selfless was in style, many Stuart students were already involved in helping others. The recent snow storm brought an opportunity for senior Aaron Leulu to help out. “I helped a couple neighbors dig their way out of the snow,” Leulu said.
Anonymous deeds seem to be the most rewarding though. “I do weird things like stick notes on desks and tables and everywhere,” said sophomore Trevor Bruce.
The goal of SproutLaunch is to have its users submit their completed deeds, enter a weekly drawing, and win prizes from the site’s sponsors. Ideas for good deeds posted on the site are meant to be quick and easy to complete, no major humanitarian skills required. Users who submit their ideas of good deeds to the site are also eligible for receiving prizes.
Quarles was inspired by her own personal goal “to do one good deed each day in an attempt to create change.”
“I started thinking about how it could change the world if other people were inspired to do one good deed each day and what steps I could take to start encouraging people to participate,” said Quarles.
The SproutLaunch message will continue to spread in hopes of having people join in on doing one good deed a day. Today, SproutLaunch.com has been visited by people from all 50 states and over 28 countries.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Light It Up Blue!
On the night of April 1, prominent buildings across North America and the world including the Empire State Building in New York City and the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada were lit up blue to raise awareness for Autism and to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on Friday, April 2.
Visit LightItUpBlue.org to check out some other awesome photos of all the places around the world that are participating.
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).
-Autism affects 1 in 110 children
-Autism affects 1 in 70 boys
Visit AutismSpeaks.org for more details on Autism and how you can get involved. Join us today, April 2, in wearing blue clothing to raise awareness for Autism.
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).
-Autism affects 1 in 110 children
-Autism affects 1 in 70 boys
Visit AutismSpeaks.org for more details on Autism and how you can get involved. Join us today, April 2, in wearing blue clothing to raise awareness for Autism.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Neurotic Behavior: Starting at an Early Age
I've always known I'm a bit neurotic. My boyfriend commented one day, "Are you seriously organizing the refrigerator?" Which was followed with him mumbling about how I should be on medication :). I told him I think my neurosis makes me who I am. I never really think much about being a crazy perfectionist, but my mom sent an email to me this evening and it made me laugh, I figured I would share:
Hi Molly,
I just thought about something that I don’t know if I ever told you. When we moved to East Hartland you had to go to the public school to be tested for the upcoming Kindergarten year. They ask you to write your name……..see attached. We wound up sending you to Torrington Christian where they hardly let you use a pencil the whole year, but you will be amazed when you look at the attached.
Everyone, including me, was astonished. Instead of a huge scrawled name that a “normal” 4 to 5 year old would write, you wrote precise and little in perfect little letters! (Maybe that indicated you were a bit of a perfectionist!)
"The pursuit of excellence is gratifying and healthy. The pursuit of perfection is frustrating, neurotic, and a terrible waste of time." ~ Edwin Bliss
Hi Molly,
I just thought about something that I don’t know if I ever told you. When we moved to East Hartland you had to go to the public school to be tested for the upcoming Kindergarten year. They ask you to write your name……..see attached. We wound up sending you to Torrington Christian where they hardly let you use a pencil the whole year, but you will be amazed when you look at the attached.
"The pursuit of excellence is gratifying and healthy. The pursuit of perfection is frustrating, neurotic, and a terrible waste of time." ~ Edwin Bliss
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Non-Profit Highlight: S.O.C.K
A friend from facebook recently told me about her mission with S.O.C.K, an organization focused on saving our children with kindness. The S.O.C.K mission is to give children back their life that was lost to an abuser. Teaching children to establish their inner voice and speak out loud for their rights.
S.O.C.K is located in St. Peters, MO and holds events in that area, but they are quickly growing. If you are located outside of Missouri but want to participate, they are working to get into schools, after school programs, and organizations that will allow them to come in and share information on child abuse. S.O.C.K believes that awareness is the key to getting this epidemic under control.
Some Facts on Child Abuse:
*Almost 5 children die everyday from some form of abuse
*60-85% of child abuse deaths are not listed on their death certificate
*Child abuse is reported every 10 seconds
*90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator
*68% are abused by family members
*36% women in jail were abused
*14% men in jail were abused
*1/3 of abused parents will abuse their kids
*Only 33% of those who see abuse will actually report it
*In 2007 721,646 child were reported abused in United States of America
*USA has the highest rate of child abuse
*The #1 killer for children under the age of 4 is ABUSE!
Sandee, founder of S.O.C.K, gave me some details on her program and said "Creating different learning material, depending on ages for children to realize any form of abuse, the power someone tries to hold over you is not appropriate or right. Awareness is the key to changing our future. Our future is sitting in those classrooms. World change begins in the classroom." I completely agree with her.
If you are a school, organization or after school program that would like information contact them here at S.O.C.K, become a fan on facebook or email Sandee at s.o.c.k@live.com.
No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves. ~ Amelia Earhart
Some Facts on Child Abuse:
*Almost 5 children die everyday from some form of abuse
*60-85% of child abuse deaths are not listed on their death certificate
*Child abuse is reported every 10 seconds
*90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator
*68% are abused by family members
*36% women in jail were abused
*14% men in jail were abused
*1/3 of abused parents will abuse their kids
*Only 33% of those who see abuse will actually report it
*In 2007 721,646 child were reported abused in United States of America
*USA has the highest rate of child abuse
*The #1 killer for children under the age of 4 is ABUSE!
Sandee, founder of S.O.C.K, gave me some details on her program and said "Creating different learning material, depending on ages for children to realize any form of abuse, the power someone tries to hold over you is not appropriate or right. Awareness is the key to changing our future. Our future is sitting in those classrooms. World change begins in the classroom." I completely agree with her.
If you are a school, organization or after school program that would like information contact them here at S.O.C.K, become a fan on facebook or email Sandee at s.o.c.k@live.com.
No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves. ~ Amelia Earhart
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Cora's Story
I wanted to share this touching story about Cora and her mother, Kristine, who has dedicated her life to raising awareness of this disease, helping others heal and teaching people how to help a friend deal with child loss. Help spread Cora's Story! Save lives, improve lives, and make her parents very proud. Please visit Cora's Story to learn more about congential heart disease.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Recycling and how I’m working to be better...
I know recycling is important, but I will admit I am not a perfect recycler. I definitely try to recycle as much as possible, but sometimes I forget what I can recycle, what I can’t and all the rules. So to help myself and anyone else our there, here are some of the basics. Based on the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority, here are the major tips to keep in mind:
Here’s What to Recycle:
-Newspapers, Junk Mail, Catalogs & Magazines
-Cans
-Glass Bottles & Jars (no lids)
-Plastic Bottles (with 1 or 2 on the bottom, no caps)
-Cardboard (flattened, no larger than 2’x3’)
What not to include:
-Plastic food trays/containers
-Styrofoam items
-Plastic bags of any kind
-Plastic tubs or cubs (sour cream, butter, yogurt)
-Milk cartons or juice boxes
-Plastic or metal lids or caps
Prep tips for us all to keep in mind:
~Rinse bottles, cans and jars ~Throw away caps and lids ~Flatten boxes to reduce size ~Do not cover recycling containers when you place them at the curb, even when it’s raining ~ Place heavier recycle items on top on windy days ~ User paper bags or your own containers to hold extra items. Thanks CVWMA for the tips!
-Take out containers
-Hummus
-Cottage/Cream cheese
-Other containers stamped #5
Drop locations include Whole Foods Market and if you don’t have a Whole Foods in your area, you can mail your #5’s to Preserve, get the address here. By participating with Preserve, you turn your yogurt cups into toothbrushes, your takeout containers into razors by joining Gimme 5.
Find a local place to drop off plastic bags through PlasticBagRecycling.org
For other items you want to recycle, visit Earth911.org and you can enter the item and your zip code and they will tell you where to can take those items (paint, aluminum cans, computers, batteries and the list goes on and on). Feel free to comment or email me if you know of any special tips, simple ways to remember the rules, or new places to drop items.
"Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations." ~Jean Paul Richter
Here’s What to Recycle:
-Newspapers, Junk Mail, Catalogs & Magazines
-Cans
-Glass Bottles & Jars (no lids)
-Plastic Bottles (with 1 or 2 on the bottom, no caps)
-Cardboard (flattened, no larger than 2’x3’)
What not to include:
-Plastic food trays/containers
-Styrofoam items
-Plastic bags of any kind
-Plastic tubs or cubs (sour cream, butter, yogurt)
-Milk cartons or juice boxes
-Plastic or metal lids or caps
Prep tips for us all to keep in mind:
~Rinse bottles, cans and jars ~Throw away caps and lids ~Flatten boxes to reduce size ~Do not cover recycling containers when you place them at the curb, even when it’s raining ~ Place heavier recycle items on top on windy days ~ User paper bags or your own containers to hold extra items. Thanks CVWMA for the tips!
Now for some extra places you can recycle those that are typically not picked up by standard recycling stations.
Check out Preserve, it's where you can recycle your #5’s which include:
-Yogurt
-Butter/Margarine-Take out containers
-Hummus
-Cottage/Cream cheese
-Other containers stamped #5
Drop locations include Whole Foods Market and if you don’t have a Whole Foods in your area, you can mail your #5’s to Preserve, get the address here. By participating with Preserve, you turn your yogurt cups into toothbrushes, your takeout containers into razors by joining Gimme 5.
Find a local place to drop off plastic bags through PlasticBagRecycling.org
For other items you want to recycle, visit Earth911.org and you can enter the item and your zip code and they will tell you where to can take those items (paint, aluminum cans, computers, batteries and the list goes on and on). Feel free to comment or email me if you know of any special tips, simple ways to remember the rules, or new places to drop items.
"Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations." ~Jean Paul Richter
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Komen Race for the Cure
I heard about this today and LOVE how they are offering different options for anyone who may want to get involved. Susan G. Komen for the Cure, it is an organization fighting breast cancer and working to find a cure. The Komen Race for the Cure is coming up soon here in my city (May 8th, 2010 for you Richmonders out there) and I just found out about the cool offerings they have for people who can get out that day and for some of us who can't. This really is a fantastic way to get tons more people involved. For instance, this year you can:
-Form a Team: Get friends, family or your co-workers together to get out their on the race day
-Sleep-In for the Cure: If you can't make it on race day, you can still register and get a t-shirt and special snooze race bib prior to the race (great idea huh??- I LOVE this. Now who can even have an excuse to not participate?! Whoever came up with Sleep-In for a Cure is just genius...just wait until you read the next option!)
-Tinkled Pink: Yes, you read it correctly, Tinkled Pink is not a typo. You can sponsor a Porta-John on race day for $100 and decorate it to promote your business or honor someone.
What do you think, a SproutLaunch Porta-John? I'm thinking it's a great idea :).
I just read that American Women in Radio & Television SoCal raised $10,809 for the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure, Sunday, March 14 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Way to go ladies!
About Susan G. Komen For the Cure
Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. That concern for others continued even as Susan neared the end of her fight. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and committed to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.
That promise is now Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested nearly $1.5 billion since inception in 1982. As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.
-Form a Team: Get friends, family or your co-workers together to get out their on the race day
-Sleep-In for the Cure: If you can't make it on race day, you can still register and get a t-shirt and special snooze race bib prior to the race (great idea huh??- I LOVE this. Now who can even have an excuse to not participate?! Whoever came up with Sleep-In for a Cure is just genius...just wait until you read the next option!)
-Tinkled Pink: Yes, you read it correctly, Tinkled Pink is not a typo. You can sponsor a Porta-John on race day for $100 and decorate it to promote your business or honor someone.
What do you think, a SproutLaunch Porta-John? I'm thinking it's a great idea :).
I just read that American Women in Radio & Television SoCal raised $10,809 for the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure, Sunday, March 14 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Way to go ladies!
About Susan G. Komen For the Cure
Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. That concern for others continued even as Susan neared the end of her fight. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and committed to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.
That promise is now Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested nearly $1.5 billion since inception in 1982. As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Things I Am Thankful For:
Today's good deed suggestion was to make a list of five things you are thankful for so I decided why not post mine? I won't list everything I'm thankful for or we'd be here a while, but here is my top five in no particular order (err, well I guess my cats last since that may be offensive to some):
I am thankful for my family.
I'm thankful for my girlfriends.
I don't have a picture of all of us, but here is a snapshot of some of my girlfriends that help keep me sane! Although I've been a bit MIA lately with all the work, I know they still love me (gulp, I hope!).
I'm thankful for my pets.
I'm thankful for all of the support and positive feedback so far with SproutLaunch.
I am thankful for my family.Through tons of phone calls, lots of advice from my dad, my mom worrying, my sister and brother thinking I'm crazy, I can say they have all been there for me. Whether it's been participating in daily good deeds, giving me advice, sharing their ideas or telling me to slow down and chill out :) they have been behind the idea.
That's what we call the family pile.
I'm thankful for my boyfriend.
He's put up with me ignoring him since December as I dedicated all of my free time to SproutLaunch when I'm not at my normal 9-5 job.
When my neurotic side comes out and I run around the house freaking out about the website, he's that steady voice that keeps saying "I know you will make this work, stop worrying". I also think he's enjoying having total reign of the remote...
I don't have a picture of all of us, but here is a snapshot of some of my girlfriends that help keep me sane! Although I've been a bit MIA lately with all the work, I know they still love me (gulp, I hope!).
I'm thankful for my pets.Go ahead, call me crazy cat lady, I don't care, I love my babies! Being that I'm an animal fanatic, I can't imagine living in a home where I don't have a little snuggly animal curled up as I type. Gus and Jones are my support system that stay up with me all hours of the night while I update the site.
I'm thankful for all of the support and positive feedback so far with SproutLaunch.From family, friends and strangers support and ideas, it makes me really believe this idea is going to work. In addition, since launching my change the world project, I've met so many incredible people out there who are looking to make a difference in the world as well. I'm inspired each day by the good deeds people submit. Keep them coming!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Non-Profit Highlight: Project Linus
First of all, I love the name, who wouldn't! Secondly, and more importantly, what they are doing is fantastic. Here's some info directly from their site, check them out:
The Project Linus Mission:
Project Linus is comprised of hundreds of local chapters and thousands of volunteers across the United States. Each volunteer and local chapter all work together to help us achieve our mission statement, which states:
First, it is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
Second, it is our mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.
Project Linus has distributed three million blankets to children since 1995, thats more than 180,000 blankets per year. How cool is that!!
The Project Linus Mission:
Project Linus is comprised of hundreds of local chapters and thousands of volunteers across the United States. Each volunteer and local chapter all work together to help us achieve our mission statement, which states:
First, it is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
Second, it is our mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.
Project Linus has distributed three million blankets to children since 1995, thats more than 180,000 blankets per year. How cool is that!!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Operation Smiley Face: Mission to Spread Smiles
Check out Operation Smiley Face an organization whose mission is to spread smiles and acts of kindness. You know that made me incredibley happy just learning about this group! From lollipops to smiley face pins, they pass good deed doer's small tokens in an effort to keep encouraging kindness.
Way to go Operation Smiley Face! Your efforts are working, I'm smiling as I type :)
Way to go Operation Smiley Face! Your efforts are working, I'm smiling as I type :)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
UOWHO- Bracelets that are spreading change
Check out this fun idea that helps spread kindness and gives you a daily reminder on your own wrist! The concept of UOWHO is simple, but holds a powerful message: make the world a better place, one nice gesture at a time!
UOWHO is a rubber band bracelet that has 10 tabs on it. Each tab represents a good deed. You put the bracelet on and look for an opportunity to help some one in need. When the opportunity arises, you remove one of the 10 tabs from the bracelet and give your bracelet to the person you helped. You explain the purpose of the bracelet and ask them to continue the process.
If you are an individual, non-profit or company looking to encourage kindness, check them out and get your bracelet today!
UOWHO is a rubber band bracelet that has 10 tabs on it. Each tab represents a good deed. You put the bracelet on and look for an opportunity to help some one in need. When the opportunity arises, you remove one of the 10 tabs from the bracelet and give your bracelet to the person you helped. You explain the purpose of the bracelet and ask them to continue the process.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Pennies in Protest
Check out what these four amazing Richmond mom's came up with as a make you proud to be a human being, get your fired up to save the world, squeeze your loved ones a little closer SUCCESSFUL attempt to spread kindness during a time when the Westboro Baptist Church group parades hate through our cities.
Tell me if this just doesn't make you smile, cry or rejoice that kindness will trump this groups efforts to spread hatred.
Visit Pennies In Protest. Here's a brief overview I pulled directly from their site:
"People pledge $1 or $.10 (or even $.01 if that's all you can afford) for every minute that WBC is protesting organizations in Richmond. It will be like the charity walks we did as kids where all our friends and family members gave us $1 for every mile we walked. Only we'll be using WBC's presence to benefit the organizations they hate the most. It's genius!"
You already know I'm a fan of this kindness encourager, but check out the Kindness Girl's blog to read her involvement and thoughts on Pennies in Protests, she puts this into words like no one else could. Also check out the Pennies in Protest Facebook Fan Page and join in the kindness efforts.
I am proud to be a Richmonder and ever so proud these ladies came up with an idea to fight back in a way where in the end, kindness does win. Way to go ladies! I can't even begin to write enough to show my gratitude for your amazing efforts. I am truly inspired.
Tell me if this just doesn't make you smile, cry or rejoice that kindness will trump this groups efforts to spread hatred.
Visit Pennies In Protest. Here's a brief overview I pulled directly from their site:
"People pledge $1 or $.10 (or even $.01 if that's all you can afford) for every minute that WBC is protesting organizations in Richmond. It will be like the charity walks we did as kids where all our friends and family members gave us $1 for every mile we walked. Only we'll be using WBC's presence to benefit the organizations they hate the most. It's genius!"
You already know I'm a fan of this kindness encourager, but check out the Kindness Girl's blog to read her involvement and thoughts on Pennies in Protests, she puts this into words like no one else could. Also check out the Pennies in Protest Facebook Fan Page and join in the kindness efforts.
I am proud to be a Richmonder and ever so proud these ladies came up with an idea to fight back in a way where in the end, kindness does win. Way to go ladies! I can't even begin to write enough to show my gratitude for your amazing efforts. I am truly inspired.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
A Healthy Harvest on the White House South Lawn
What a great inspirational project that ties together education, community involvement and helping others. To give you a quick overview, the First Lady created a community garden on the South Lawn of the White House which was planted and harvested by dozens of local students. The students learn about healthy eating and the harvest is shared with Miriam's Kitchen, which serves the homeless in Washington, DC.
A short excerpt from The White House Blog:
"More than 90 pounds of produce has been harvested so far. Some of it has been used for meals at the White House, but much of it has gone to area soup kitchens. While fresh fruits and vegetables are delicious, unfortunately they are not easily accessible to everyone, especially those in low-income areas. As the First Lady explained, for those Americans who live in areas where healthy food is out of reach, a healthy future is also out of reach. This is why community gardens are so exciting. They provide the opportunity to make healthy, affordable food readily available while bringing communities together. People are learning the benefits of community gardening -- over 1 million community gardens are flourishing right now, many in underserved urban communities. These gardens are bringing neighbors together to create a healthier community and a healthier future for the kids."
Check out the whole story on The White House Blog.
A short excerpt from The White House Blog:
"More than 90 pounds of produce has been harvested so far. Some of it has been used for meals at the White House, but much of it has gone to area soup kitchens. While fresh fruits and vegetables are delicious, unfortunately they are not easily accessible to everyone, especially those in low-income areas. As the First Lady explained, for those Americans who live in areas where healthy food is out of reach, a healthy future is also out of reach. This is why community gardens are so exciting. They provide the opportunity to make healthy, affordable food readily available while bringing communities together. People are learning the benefits of community gardening -- over 1 million community gardens are flourishing right now, many in underserved urban communities. These gardens are bringing neighbors together to create a healthier community and a healthier future for the kids."
Check out the whole story on The White House Blog.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Random Acts of Kindness Week!
Thanks to Leanne Chesser, I just found out it is Random Acts of Kindness Week starting February 15th-February 21, 2010! Check out Leanne's great Squidoo pages where she has tips, info and ideas to share. She is definitely encouraging kindness and launching sprouts all around her: http://www.squidoo.com/randomactsofkindnessday
http://www.squidoo.com/feed-the-homeless
http://www.squidoo.com/actsofkindness
While your at it- check out http://www.actsofkindness.org/
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. ~Mark Twain
http://www.squidoo.com/feed-the-homeless
http://www.squidoo.com/actsofkindness
While your at it- check out http://www.actsofkindness.org/
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. ~Mark Twain
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Making the right choices for humanity
Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?
Read this incredibly inspiring story posted by MMP Ventures Group. I am so thankful that this post was brought to my attention!!
Making the right choices for humanity
Read and enjoy :)
Read this incredibly inspiring story posted by MMP Ventures Group. I am so thankful that this post was brought to my attention!!
Making the right choices for humanity
Read and enjoy :)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
AMVETS- Tons of Love
AMVETS is of America’s foremost veterans service organizations, AMVETS (or American Veterans) has a proud history of assisting veterans and sponsoring numerous programs that serve our country and its citizens. The helping hand that AMVETS extends to veterans and their families takes many forms.
The program everyone is raving about is there Thrift Store division. They bring you a bag, you fill it up with clothes or items that you no longer use and they come back to your door step and pick it up. You can even schedule a pick up online!
Click here to schedule a pick up today, http://www.amvetspickup.org/. You can do a good deed without even leaving the comfort of your own home. How easy! Check out their site for all the other great programs they offer to help our veterans.
Join us in doing one good deed, each and every day on SproutLaunch.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Weekly Sponsor Highlight: Chopstix
Our Restaurant is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry.
We would like to invite you to our asian fusion and sushi experience. We only used the best and freshest ingredients to create our unique menu. That consists of both traditional and contemporary asian dishes, our guests will have a wide selection of sushi and entrees to choose from.
In addition, we also have a wide selection of wine, beers, sake, and cocktails.
Chopstix is the perfect destination for your next night out, whether an intimate dinner for two or a large group celebration. We serve dinner 7 nights a week.
~~~~~
The last two parties I have been to were catered by Chopstix and you cannot find better sushi. This place is amazing. My boyfriend even commented that their sushi is the best thing he has ever eaten! If you are located in Virginia you have to try them, and if your located in another state, well you just have to come visit (or show them some love on their Facebook Fan Page)!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Congrats To This Week's Winners!
Congrats to this week's winners which includes Betsy, Kristin, Laura, Jessica and Lauren. They each earned a $5 Gift Card to Starbucks!
Keep launching sprouts of kindness!
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness. ~Seneca
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness. ~Seneca
Recent Good Deed Ideas:
In case you missed some of these good deed ideas, here's a list of some recent suggestions:
~Make someone dinner
~Drop off a bag of canned goods at the local food bank
~Submit positive feedback to a business you appreciate
~Write a co-worker a handwritten thank you note
~Tell someone you are proud of them
~Leave an inspirational message in a public place
~Count your blessings
~Click to donate to the Surrey Wildlife http://www.theenvironmentsite.org/donate.php
~Smile and say hello when passing others on the street
~Buy a co-worker lunch, coffee or a snack!
~Recycle (Or look into how to start!)
~Call someone you've been meaning to catch up with!
~Text YELE to 501501 to donate $5 to #Haiti Earthquake Fund. http://www.yele.org/
~Help someone who is homeless (drop off a pair of socks/gloves to your local homeless shelter)
~Remember to say Thank You!
~Fan, Tweet or Blog about HotelsCombined and they will donate $5, $10 or $20 to the charity of your choice!
~Drop some pennies in the "give a penny/take a penny" container at a convenience store
~Put yourself in someone else's shoes
~Send someone you admire an ecard
~Take a quiz on FreeRice.com, for every questions you answer correctly, they will donate rice to the United Nations World Food Program
~Donate gently used blankets/towels to an animal shelter
Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
~Make someone dinner
~Drop off a bag of canned goods at the local food bank
~Submit positive feedback to a business you appreciate
~Write a co-worker a handwritten thank you note
~Tell someone you are proud of them
~Leave an inspirational message in a public place
~Count your blessings
~Click to donate to the Surrey Wildlife http://www.theenvironmentsite.org/donate.php
~Smile and say hello when passing others on the street
~Buy a co-worker lunch, coffee or a snack!
~Recycle (Or look into how to start!)
~Call someone you've been meaning to catch up with!
~Text YELE to 501501 to donate $5 to #Haiti Earthquake Fund. http://www.yele.org/
~Help someone who is homeless (drop off a pair of socks/gloves to your local homeless shelter)
~Remember to say Thank You!
~Fan, Tweet or Blog about HotelsCombined and they will donate $5, $10 or $20 to the charity of your choice!
~Drop some pennies in the "give a penny/take a penny" container at a convenience store
~Put yourself in someone else's shoes
~Send someone you admire an ecard
~Take a quiz on FreeRice.com, for every questions you answer correctly, they will donate rice to the United Nations World Food Program
~Donate gently used blankets/towels to an animal shelter
Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Kindness Girl
If you haven't stumbled across her blog already, I highly recommend KindnessGirl.com. Her website is overwhelmingly inspiring with beautiful photography that makes you take a step back, pause and realize the important things in life. This is a blog you will never get tired of!
Make sure you check out her area on Guerrilla Goodness, absolutley incredible!
Make sure you check out her area on Guerrilla Goodness, absolutley incredible!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Have a Sprout Idea?
Submit your sprout of kindness idea to Ideas@SproutLaunch.com. By submitting an idea, you will also be entered to win a reward for that particular week. Remember, we’re looking for simple, low-cost good deeds that anyone can do within a day of being notified. Not all sprouts submitted will be posted, but all ideas are greatly appreciated!
Monday, January 18, 2010
This Week's Sponsor: HotelsCombined
HotelsCombined.com is a unique search engine that consumers can use to find hotel availability and rates, and to compare prices and offers from multiple merchants.
Friend, Tweet or Blog about HotelsCombined and they will donate $5, $10 or $20 to WWF, Make A Wish or World Vision. What a great way to market your company! Instead of spending money on general ads, HotelsCombined spends it on charities when people like you and I spread the word. Talk about a company who is encouraging kindness! For details click here.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Helping the Homeless
If you read Jennifer's blog that I posted earlier, she inspired me to get out there and help the homeless. As with any city, there are homeless all around where I live. I've been complaining about how cold I am just going outside to run to my car then felt pretty guilty about my complaints! My boyfriend and I went to a haunted hayride back in October and he was sweet enough to bring along these awesome hand warmers. So it got me thinking, why not pass out hand and body warmers to homeless that I see in passing? These items are $.99 to $1.99 and really make a world of difference when you are outside.
I think the employees at Dick's Sporting Goods thought I was crazy when I piled tons and tons of these on the counter, almost cleaning them out. I gave a few out this weekend, and plan on keeping them in my car to pass out when someone crosses my path. I figured I'd share the idea with you guys to keep in mind :) Thanks to my friend Cara for chipping in to help me buy twice as many! Join me in completing one good deed, each and every day on SproutLaunch!
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