Client Profile: Esperança

I have enjoyed working with Esperança for the past three years.  They are an international nonprofit based in Phoenix.  Since 1970, Esperança has been providing programs to improve the health and well being of the world’s poor.  They provide volunteer surgical missions, health education, training of community health workers, home building, clean water projects, food-related micro business, agricultural development, oral health education, and send donated medical equipment and supplies to project sites around the world. Esperança’s goal is to improve health and provide hope for families in the poorest  communities of the world through sustainable disease prevention, education and treatment.

Esperança is holding a summer drive to collect surgical equipment for its international programs and hygiene supplies for its domestic programs. This fall, Esperança will send an entire sea shipment container full of donated medical goods to their partners in Central and South America for use in their clinics and hospitals.  They accept both expired and non-expired materials and supplies. However, they are not able to accept medications or liquids of any sort (i.e. saline, iodine solution, ointments, pre-filled syringes, etc.)

They are also collecting toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap, dental floss, lotion for its domestic program that helps low-income and underserved families in South Phoenix.

Donations can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., at Esperança’s office, located at 1911 W. Earll Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85015 or you can call Anna Ortiz, Surgical Program Coordinator at 602-252-7772 Ext. 114 to arrange pick-up.

For a complete list of medical items they are seeking, visit http://www.esperanca.org/donate-supplies/.

Client Profile: The Max Schewitz Foundation

I have been incredibly honored to work with The Max Schewitz Foundation for the last five years.  Max Schewitz, age 20, died suddenly on September 29, 2005 from a hidden heart condition.  Like many young people who die of SCD, Max had no previous medical conditions or warning signs. 

His family and friends created The Max Schewitz Foundation to support education, prevention and research of sudden cardiac death in young people and additionally to support environmental conservation, a lifelong interest of Max’s. 

Sudden cardiac death, which can have multiple causes, accounts for approximately 300,000 deaths per year in the United States.  The Max Schewitz Foundation provides free EKG testing for Chicago area high schools and colleges through its Screens for Teens program. To date, they have tested over 45,000 area students and found over 800 students with abnormalities. 

The Foundation’s 9^th Annual Maxtravaganza is at Lake Forest Sportscars on Saturday, June 21.  The event kicks off the summer with a sought-after list of live and silent auction items, innovative foods and drinks and lively entertainment.  There is an extraordinary raffle as well and you don’t need to be present to win!

To read more about The Max Schewitz Foundation or Screens for Teens visit www.maxandthewildthings.com or if you are interested in purchasing a raffle ticket click here.

Client Profile: The Pat Tillman Foundation

I have been incredibly honored to work with The Pat Tillman Foundation for the past four years.  This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the race and over 35,000 people are expected to gather in Tempe for Pat’s Run on Saturday, April 26.  The 4.2-mile Run/Walk to honor Pat and raise scholarship funds for Tillman Military Scholars will wind through the streets of Tempe, finishing at the 42-yard line of Frank Kush Field, symbolic of the #42 jersey Pat wore as an ASU Sun Devil.

In addition, 33 shadow runs will take place in select cities around the United States, on or near April 26.  Pat’s story has inspired so many people and his legacy lives on through the Tillman Military Scholars. 

To date, the Foundation has provided $4.6 million in college scholarships that have put 290 veterans or their spouses through school.

To read more about Pat Tillman’s legacy and the work that Marie Tillman is doing through The Foundation check out this article featured in The Arizona Republic on April 20, 2014 www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/2014/04/20/marie-tillman-peace-pats-run/7932297/ or visit www.patsrun.com.  

Hoping to see many familiar faces on Saturday morning! 

Instagram: Is it Right for Your Business?

Instagram has seen a 23% increase in active users in the last 6 months, which makes it the fastest growing social media site worldwide.  In addition, over 1,300 brands and companies have joined to date.  Do you have an Instagram page for your business, restaurant or non-profit?  Have you been reluctant to use Instagram because you didn’t think it would be a beneficial way to market your brand?

Here is a great article by Social Media Examiner that details how to get your customers to post pictures to your Instagram account and how it can help increase your audience’s engagement with your company or non-profit.