Bette Midler might be known for her distinctive curly hair, powerful voice and sharp, exuberant wit, but there is another side to her that some people may not fully recognize, and I venture to say has a far greater impact. Since the 1960s, the glamorous singer, actress and comedian has brought her style and charm to the silver screen and to the recording studio, starring in movies such as “Beaches” and producing albums including “Broken Blossom.” Born in Hawaii, Midler moved…
I know that “Buying American” is a good idea, so Randy Erwin’s Buy American Challenge blog strikes a chord with me. In 2010, Artful Vision launched as a creative alternative in product fundraising. The twist is that the products offered are created by American artists, crafters, musicians and authors. Artists who live and work in the U.S. want to make a difference. On Artful Vision they do that by donating 20% of every purchase to a participating non-profit of the customer’s choice. Even…
Rocker Jon Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea Hurley, are truly masters of the art of making a difference! The duo recently opened an experimental community restaurant called the Soul Kitchen. Located in Red Bank, New Jersey, the Soul Kitchen serves quality food to anyone who walks through its doors – regardless of their ability to pay. Diners who have the cash can leave a donation on the table when they have finished their meal (envelopes are on the tables); and those who cannot pay are encouraged…
Jeff was just 12 years old when he was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerves. For Jeff, the tumor on his optic nerve resulted in a dwindling ability to see. Jeff began chemotherapy and radiation when the tumor threatened to leave him totally blind. Jeff’s parents, Julie and Hal gave him a set of watercolors, so that while he was in treatment he would have something fun to do. It was when he began painting on notecards that they discovered his…
The impact of a tough economy is evident everywhere. One of the many side effects, is the drop in donations to charities and non-profits. In prosperous times, a majority of Americans make donations to worthy causes during the year. Unfortunately, donations have diminished significantly, and the drop in donations has now reached billions of dollars. At a time when there is a need for increased support services , the cruel irony is that the public has less to give. A new study by the Non-profit…
Written by Ashley Hennen. Posted on December 1st, 2011 in The Hub A mosaic that’s reminiscent of Van Gogh’s Starry Night hangs in the lobby of Mariners Inn, the Cass Corridor shelter and treatment center for homeless men. The blues and golds look like that famous painting, but instead of a night sky spanning across this triptych, there’s a bridge that spans from dark to light as the mosaic tiles move toward the door. “It’s transformation,” says Maxine Gardner a volunteering artist…
