Kindness Monterey Campaign to Help Restaurants and Those in Need Due to COVID-19 Emergency Expanding Its Campaign

Kindness Monterey, a campaign initiated to help individuals in need and restaurants that have been challenged as the result of the coronavirus emergency

Monterey, CA, August 03, 2020 — Kindness Monterey, a campaign initiated to help individuals in need and restaurants that have been challenged as the result of the coronavirus emergency, is expanding its campaign to include a gofundme page, new partners working to get sponsors and donations, assistance to restaurants wanting to set up gift cards on their websites and organizing two streaming concerts to raise funds.

KindnessMonterey.com is excited to announce that we have partnered with a CSUMB initiative called GetVirtual.org. GetVirtual gives local businesses affected by COVID-19 the tools to adapt to the virtual landscape and extend their businesses online. Their program pairs local businesses, who need help with online tools like gift cards, with college students who are tech savvy and want business experience. It's a win-win. Businesses get help for free and the students get college credit.

KindnessMonterey.org will partner with GetVirtual’s CSU Monterey Bay chapter starting the week of July 20, 2020. Maren Elwood, (co-founder of KindnessMonterey.com), will work with Brad Barbaeu (GetVirtual CSUMB Program Director) and Kenneth Olsen (CSUMB GetVirtual Program Manager) to pull together a team of students who will assist our local restaurants to offer an online gift card option on their website.

Kindness Monterey has teamed up with The American Institute of Wine & Food (AIWF), Monterey Bay Chapter (https://www.aiwfmb.org/), which has agreed to be the campaign’s 501(c)3 non-profit fiscal sponsor. Kindness Monterey can now accept donations of $250 or more from corporate sponsors or individuals through their fiscal sponsor — AIWF-Monterey Bay Chapter, and those donating at that level or higher will then be able to get a tax write off. Chef/caterer and cookbook author, Mary Chamberlin, Emeritus Chapter Chair/National Vice Chair of AIWF – Monterey Bay Chapter, has been instrumental in making this happen.

Kindness Monterey has also set up a GoFundMe page at: https://www.Gofundme.com/manage/kindness-monterey. You can also access the page with the “Donate” button on the Kindness Monterey website (kindnessmonterey.com) or Facebook page (facebook.com/kindnessmonterey).

The GoFundMe page was set up primarily for individuals to give smaller donations to help fund the campaign. It will enable the Kindness Monterey team to spread the word about this important program that benefits so many local community members through print advertising and social media. The advertising will urge everyone in the community to go the KindnessMonterey.com website and purchase restaurant gift cards. Please note that any donation under $250 is not tax-deductible.

For individuals or businesses who do not have a specific person in mind and would still like to make a donation to the Kindness Monterey program, these GoFundMe funds will be used to purchase gift cards for the Food Bank For Monterey County, to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County and other worthy local community members in need.

Kindness Monterey has also teamed up with marketing and PR professional, Wendy Brickman (https://www.brickmanmarketing.com), who will reach out to local businesses and individuals to secure sponsorships to help fund the campaign.

Sponsorships will allow Kindness Monterey to accomplish five important goals:

1. Fund its campaign enabling Kindness Monterey to do widespread marketing through social media, print advertising, Constant Contact and various Chamber of Commerce email blasts.

2. Allow Kindness Monterey to buy restaurant gift cards and distribute them to organizations such as the Food Bank For Monterey County, Chambers of Commerce, small business owners whose companies are being challenged by COVID-19, first responders, musicians, displaced hospitality workers, including those working in the restaurants, field workers, etc.

3. Provide matching funds to offer 2-for-1 deals to generate additional sales for gift card promotions.

4. Allow Kindness Monterey to donate six grab-and-go weekend meals to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County for every $1,000 raised through sponsorships and GoFundMe.

5. Fund the two online Music Care-A-Thon concerts produced by musician and promoter, Kiki Wow, on Aug. 23rd and another date in the fall to be determined, as well as other fundraising events.

Online Care-A-Thon
The first online Music Care-A-Thon concert produced by musician and promoter Kiki Wow will be held from 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020. This concert will feature nine to 12 local musicians, short video interviews with local restaurant owners, and a call-out to donate to the gofundme campaign. The link to the concert will be available on the website 24 hours after its initial airing as well as their kindness Monterey facebook page.

Musicians confirmed so far include: Alisa Fineman & Kimball, Kenny Stahl & Bob Burnett, Lee Durley, Robert Turner, Dave Holodiloff Trio, Dennis Murphy, Kiki & Wowettes, Hayley Jane, Mira Malcom and Michael Martinez, Richard Bryant & Kyle Kovalik, and Roger Eddy & Bruce Forman. KRML community radio will also be doing interviews during the livestream and on-air.

The concert will be aired on the Kindness Monterey Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/kindnessmonterey.

Kindness Monterey will continue to provide as long as there is a need in our community. For more information, go to: info@kindnessmonterey.com, like Kindness Monterey on its Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/kindnessmonterey, or call Annee Martin at 831-236-5618; Maren Elwood at 831-238-5503; or Kiki Wow at 831-235-7662. Or, go to the website at: kindnessmonterey.com.

The Kindness Monterey campaign was created by local businesswomen Annee Martin and Maren Elwood, and the website, www.kindnessmonterey.com launched on July 8, 2020.

The pay-it-forward gift card campaign to help Monterey Peninsula restaurants encourages generosity from the community by purchasing these gift cards to give to family, friends, neighbors, musicians, service providers, small business owners, field workers, frontline medical personnel and first responders. Martin believes that not only are you helping restaurants stay alive and letting them know they are loved and supported by their community, but by paying it forward, you are lifting the spirits and hopes of our entire community.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.kindnessmonterey.com

Goodwill Central Coast Launches ‘Where Is Koko?’ Campaign; Spot Koko in a Goodwill Store, Win a Prize

Goodwill Goes to The Dogs This Halloween with Who Wore it Best Dog Costume Contest Launching Oct. 14, 2019

Salinas, CA, August 13, 2019 — Goodwill Central Coast goes to the dogs this fall with its “Where is Koko?” campaign and during Halloween, with its Who Wore it Best Dog Costume Contest.

Salinas rescue dog Koko is Goodwill Central Coast’s pet ambassador and she will pop up from time to time at any one of the 15 Goodwill stores on the Central Coast. Spot Koko (or at least a lifesize cutout of her!), notify the manager and the spotter wins a $5 PAWESOME buck to use at Goodwill. Koko will also pop up on Goodwill Central Coast social media. The first person to name the location of the Goodwill store she is at receives a $5 PAWESOME buck to shop. Be sure to follow Goodwill Central Coast on Facebook and Instagram.

The “Where is Koko?” campaign launches Tuesday, Aug. 20, and runs through Dec. 31, 2019.

Goodwill loves Halloween and with that in mind is hosting a Who Wore It Best Dog Costume Contest from Oct. 14 – Nov. 2. Enter your DIY costume by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 2, on our social media sites for a chance at awesome grand prizes, as well as two weeks of daily giveaways on Goodwill’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Vote on what dog you think wore their costume best on social media, and you could help them win Goodwill bucks just for voting and the winner of the contest will receive a $100 gift certificate to Goodwill and a one-night stay in a dog-friendly room at the Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea (holidays do not apply, subject to availability) and a $100 gift certificate to Tarpy’s Roadhouse to enjoy Sunday brunch, lunch or dinner on their dog-friendly patio. Use the hashtag #GoodwillHLWN.

Goodwill encourages people to upcycle from Goodwill and use the items found at Goodwill to create Halloween costumes both for themselves and their four-legged companions.

Upcycle For Your Four-Legged Friends!
Since pets are members of the family, too, it only makes sense that we want to pour as much effort into their needs as we do into our own. That means that we’re often tempted to customize their accessories to suit their furry little personalities. So, here are some drool-worthy doggy decor and dressings made from Goodwill finds!

Do you have some old sweaters that are sitting in your wardrobe for a long time, either because they are out of fashion or don’t fit anymore? If they are still in good conditions, why not upcycle them into something useful?

Big ugly dog beds can be such an eyesore, but owners often cringe to think that their darlings have to curl up on the hard floor. What’s a person to do? Well, make a place for Rover to sleep that looks as cute as it does cozy.

For inspiration, check out this round-up put together by blogger Landeelu: https://www.landeeseelandeedo.com/creative-diy-dog-beds/.

Also, look for colorful Goodwill sweaters for this project at www.goodwillvalleys.com/shop/.

There are plenty of options for dog collars out there, but they all mostly follow the same bland design — nylon webbing with a plastic buckle. If the color and pattern variation of that sort of collar have never been stylish enough for your best friend, why not dress up their dog tags with a fancy DIY collar?

Make your mutt his or her own quirky collar by shopping the kids’ section of Goodwill in search of a button-down shirt in a pattern you like. Snip out the collar of the shirt, attach tags, and button it around your pup’s neck!

Some ideas for your dog collar: https://cheerfultimesblog.com/2015/03/15/crafts-diy-dog-dress-shirt-collar/?platform=hootsuite

Doggy decor is a fun way to capture our love of our best friends within the context of our homes. As you browse Goodwill’s shelves on your next visit, keep a look out for figurines of your favorite breed. And don’t let a terrible paint job stop you! Thrifted finds can be quickly covered up with a fresh color for customized decor.

While you shop for project supplies, don’t forget that your support helps Goodwill organizations change lives by training unemployed or underemployed people for careers in fields such as automotive services, construction, health care, information technology, manufacturing, hospitality and retail as well as in other high-demand industries. So, have fun with your dog-themed DIYs as you and your pup benefit your local community.

About Goodwill Central Coast
Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs over 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 13,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Goodwill Central Coast
1566 Moffet Street
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 423-8611
https://www.ccgoodwill.org

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.ccgoodwill.org

Inaugural “No Socks to Work Day” To Be Held on 12/12/12

Campaign to gather sock donations for Denver’s homeless being spearheaded by the Sock-it-to-‘em Sock Campaign

Denver, Colorado, Dec. 03, 2012 - A citywide effort to gather donations of socks for Denver’s homeless population is kicking off with the inaugural “No Socks to Work Day” on Dec. 12, 2012. “No Socks to Work Day” asks workers to forego their socks for the day, donate a new pair of socks in their place, and sport bare ankles in the workplace in show of support for the campaign. The drive will be in full effect through Dec. 31, 2012.

The Sock-it-to-Em Socks Campaign™ was launched in 2011 by Sue Lee, CEO of EQ Media and creator of “I Believe in Me!” When the entrepreneur recognized how many Americans face the harsh winter cold and dampness with inadequate protection for their feet, she asked her friend Phillis Shimamoto to join her in 2012 to form Sock-it-to-Em and began soliciting fellow small business owners and others to pitch in.

This year, Lee and Shimamoto teamed with Small Business Drives America™, a nationwide program to highlight the contributions of small businesses to the nation’s economy, in launching the “No-Socks-To-Work™” Day drive. Thousands of businesses and other workplaces nationwide are expected to shed their socks and participate.

Denver’s homeless population is now twice what it was just a year ago. The Sock-it-to-‘em Sock Campaign™ aims to cover the feet of as many of those in need as possible before the new year. No Socks to Work Day was the brainchild of Denver resident, Dean Rotbart, co-coordinator of the sock donation drive, and the force behind the Small Business Drives Colorado™ campaign.

“We want to launch the effort in Denver, but intend to encourage other cities around the country to join in,” said Sue Lee, Sock-it-to-‘em founder. “Denver is a good place to start because of the growing homeless population who will have to endure bone-chilling temperatures during the holidays. By encouraging the community to donate new and used socks to those in need, we hope to help everyone survive the cold.”

“It’s estimated that one out of every four homeless individuals in Denver is a child – that’s just heartbreaking,” said Dean Rotbart. “If we can make sure their feet are warm for the holidays, we will be doing something to help.”

The grassroots campaign has attracted the attention and support of several Denver-metro area sponsors, including:

* Crocs: Crocs Inc. will serve as a national co-sponsor of No Socks To Work™ Day, providing new pairs of Crocs in support of the no-socks drive and its celebrity participants, as well as making a donation of new shoes to the homeless.

* HomeSmart Realty Group: Donation of 501 pair of socks

* Marco’s Pizza Colorado: Two-for-one discount on pizza slices for anyone who brings in a sock donation

* Communications Strategy Group: Coordination of all media relations and promotion of No Socks to Work Day

Sock donations can be dropped off at any of these locations:

* MIYO’s Café - 858 W. Happy Canyon Road, Castle Rock, CO 80108

* Leading Edge Physical Therapy - 7280 Lagae Rd., Unit F (Castle Pines Parkway & Lagae)??

* First Plymouth Congregational Church - 3501 S. Colorado Blvd., Englewood, CO 80113??

* St. Andrews United Methodist Church - 9203 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO 80126??

* 100% Chiropractic, Belmar - 455 S. Teller St., Lakewood, CO 80226

* Heart of Oneness Center - 720 14th St. Golden, CO 80401

* Rainbow Rewards - 999 18th St., Ste 2250, Denver, CO 80202

* Communications Strategy Group - 3225 E. 2nd Ave., Denver, CO 80206

* Any Denver or Colorado Springs Marco’s Pizza location

* The Fragrance Factory - 45 Via Brianza, Suite 100, Henderson, NV 89011

Sock donations can also be mailed to:
Sock-it-to-em Socks Campaign™?
Attn: Dean Rotbart?
7581 E. Academy Blvd. #D455?
Denver, CO 80230

For More Information:
Sue Lee , Sock-it-to-‘em
P: 303.929.0556 | sue@sock-it-to-em.com

Dean Rotbart, Small Business Drives America
P: 209-216-8517 | rotbart@newsbios.com

Steven Shapiro, Communications Strategy Group
P: 303.433.7020 | sshapiro@csg-pr.com

Everyone who plans to participate on December 12th can take the “No-Socks-To-Work™” pledge on Twitter @NoSocksToWork. See www.Twitter.com/nosockstowork. Please tweet the following: "I'm going sockless to work on 12/12/12 to support No-Socks-To-Work™ Day. I'll donate a pair of new socks to the homeless. #nosockstowork

Participants are also encouraged to connect with No Socks to Work on Facebook and post images of sockless employees: https://www.facebook.com/NoSocksToWorkDay

Additional information can be found at www.NoSocksToWork.org. Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor or participating in “No-Socks-To-Work™” Day, may contact Rotbart at nosockstowork@gmail.com, or by phone at 303-296-1200.

Contact:
Steven Shapiro
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
sshapiro@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Miklosi Campaign Raises Over $235,000 from 2000 Donors in the First Quarter of 2012

Almost $350,000 cash on hand

Greenwood Village, CO, April 11, 2012 - In a sign of increasing momentum, the Joe Miklosi for Congress campaign announced today that it has posted its strongest fundraising quarter yet for the 2012 election cycle.

Contributions over the last three months of $235,174 have brought the campaign’s total raised to more than $474,000. Miklosi has seen a dramatic surge in donor activity since clearing the primary field in the new 6th congressional district six weeks ago. The campaign reports over 2000 donors in the first quarter including 1,965 from individual contributors.

“As we head into this election, I am grateful to have the active involvement of so many individuals in our campaign,” said Miklosi. “I believe it’s because they fully understand that we are fighting for the future of our country.”

Miklosi has been focused on incumbent Mike Coffman’s voting record. Coffman supports the Ryan budget which ends Medicare as we know it; the Blunt amendment which allows employers to determine whether your health insurance provides coverage for contraception and other items; and the Colorado Personhood amendment which outlaws abortion even in the case of rape, incest or the health of the mother.

As a result, grassroots and online donors continue to be a strong source of support. In the first quarter 2012, more than 2,000 supporters contributed to the Miklosi campaign, with an average contribution of $80.

“We’ve only had the field to ourselves for six weeks this quarter so this represents tremendous growth. This is a broad base of support that grows stronger every day, I’m confident we will have the resources we need to win in November,” said campaign finance director Joe Livoti. “And we’re just getting started.”

BACKGROUND

Comparable Colorado Challenger Races

BACKGROUND
Comparable Colorado Challenger Races

Candidate        Raised Q1        CoH
Gardner             275,148        539,328
Miklosi              235,174        350,000 (approximate)
Frazier             233,976         378,628 (with carryover from Senate race)
Tipton             140,767         191,187

Contact:

Dan Mahoney

CSG PR

3225 East 2nd Avenue

Denver, CO 80206

970.405.8060

dmahoney@csg-pr.com

http://www.csg-pr.com

Actor and Activist Tank Jones Launches “Feed the 5,000” Campaign to Help Phoenix Families in Need during Holiday Season

Film star (Breaking Bad, Stitched) & advocate Tank Jones, along with his 501 ©(3) organization, Choices Empowerment, announces the launch of a valley-wide campaign to deliver food and gifts to families in need during the holiday season.

Phoenix, AZ, November 14, 2011 - Film star (Breaking Bad, Stitched) & advocate Tank Jones, along with his 501 ©(3) organization, Choices Empowerment, announces the launch of a valley-wide campaign to deliver food and gifts to families in need during the holiday season.

On December 17, 2011, partners of the project, dubbed, Feed the 5,000, will disseminate food, donated clothing, and gifts for children at 4 distribution sites across the north, south, east and west ends of Phoenix.

Individuals, communities & businesses are encouraged to make donations directly on the Choices Empowerment website to underwrite the initiative at: http://www.whatischoices.com/feed5000/index.html. According to Jones, even $10 will help provide a meal for a family.

Local food pantries, non-profits and faith based organizations serving needy communities should contact Choices Empowerment via email at: choices@email.com or by phone at: 480.382.4446 to enlist as recipients for Feed the 5,000.

A Personal Mission: Empowering Others to Succeed

Drawing from his faith background, the idea to help 5,000 people was inspired in part by a personal experience from years back.

“I belonged to a church where we would participate in “drive-by blessings.” We’d leave food and clothes for families in need. When you see the joy on a child’s face – and the relief on a parent’s – when they receive a toy, well, it feels great to know they’re going to have a joyous holiday in the midst of their struggles. We can be an answer to prayer.”

After achieving Hollywood success, Jones, who attended ASU and splits time between Phoenix and L.A., was not content to merely rack achievements for himself – but to give back.

Jones founded Choices Empowerment to spread an affirming message to youth. “Every person has the power within himself to improve his quality of life,” said Jones. “But we want to walk alongside and offer encouragement.”

No stranger to hardship, during one particular dry spell in his life, Jones made the decision to sell his plasma in order to get money for food. “I know what it’s like to be in need around the holidays,” he said.

For a personal message from Tank Jones, visit: http://www.whatischoices.com/feed5000/index.html, and find him on Facebook.

Contact:

Scott Kelly

Black Dog Promotions

9920 S. Rural Rd., Ste 108

Tempe, AZ, 85284

480-206-3435

scott@blackdogpromotions.com

http://www.blackdogpromotions.com