By Steve Hamm

SOURCE:IBM

DESCRIPTION:

Through its new Health Corps program, IBM plans to dispatch interdisciplinary teams to six destinations around the world starting in 2016 -- and more in subsequent years. Health Corps is modeled on the company’s Corporate Service Corps and Smarter Cities Challenge, pro bono programs that send teams of IBMers to help communities solve problems that they choose. The focus this time is on healthcare -- improving the quality of healthcare, increasing access to care, and addressing the social and environmental determinants of health, including clean water, safe transportation and access to healthy food.

To learn more about IBM's Corporate Citizenship Contributions around health,  see the IBM 2015 Corporate Responsiblity Report.

Related Resources
IBM Announces Health Corps to Help Communities Around the World Address Public Health Challenges

Tweet me:.@IBMHealthCorps: new pro bono program helps communities improve healthcare access. #IBM2015CR http://bit.ly/2ax3m9p

Contact Info:

Kristina Kloberdanz
IBM Headquarters, Corporate Responsibility
kristina@us.ibm.com

KEYWORDS: Health, Philanthropy, IBM, #2015 CSR Report, IBM Health Corps, pro bono

Follow Friday: Keep America Beautiful Affiliate Stories

SOURCE:Keep America Beautiful

DESCRIPTION:

Bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Georgia’s City of Brunswick and Glynn County reap the benefits of a rich coastal estuarine and beach ecology. In this pristine ecological area, land-based litter – especially cigarette litter – pose a significant challenge to the health of the vital salt marsh estuaries because storm drains transport litter directly to the sea. Found on the ground, spotted in the marsh and seen floating in the ocean, cigarette litter is a huge problem in the Golden Isles of Georgia.

Realizing both land and sea are adversely affected by cigarette waste, Keep America Beautiful affiliate Keep Golden Isles Beautiful (KGIB) utilized a third Cigarette Litter Prevention Program grant to continue a community-wide comprehensive cigarette litter prevention program, “This is Litter Too.”

Cigarette litter also becomes less of a problem when committed volunteers, such as Sam Rumph, a Starbucks’ barista on St. Simons Island, take it upon themselves to help spread the message that cigarette butts are litter.

“When I’m on my break, I’ll go outside and pick up cigarette butts and other trash,” 25-year-old Rumph told reporter Larry Hobbs from The Brunswick News. “And I do that pretty much everywhere I go. If I see a cigarette butt, I’ll pick it up. I try to keep it positive. I won’t preach to anybody else — I just want to show by example that it’s the right thing to do.”

Rumph’s efforts began after talking to a co-worker who had brought in KGIB’s educational information about the campaign to their Starbucks location. Rumph’s co-worker “was so inspired by our campaign, she did exactly what we hope others will do – she spread the message about what she learned,” said Lea King-Badyna, executive director of KGIB.

Rumph, who was a smoker at the time, committed to changing his behavior of flicking his cigarette butts on the ground and started to clean up around the store. So much so, in fact, that he accumulated more than 100 hours of volunteer time for KGIB, a milestone which led to a $1,000 contribution by Starbucks to KGIB.

“He stopped smoking altogether and now he’s out there picking up trash,” King-Badyna said. “He’s one of the people in the Golden Isles that is truly making a difference.”

With the help of volunteers like Rumph, KGIB continues to spread the word throughout the Golden Isles. “We are mega-excited with how our Cigarette Litter Prevention Program is going this year,” added King-Badyna, who reported the affiliate distributed 3,000 “This is Litter Too”-branded bio-degradable drink coasters to 19 local bars and restaurants in the past week using funds from its Keep America Beautiful grant.

Continue to read more about KGIB volunteer Sam Rumph and KGIB’s litter prevention efforts in The Brunswick News.

Tweet me:#FF @kabtweet Affiliate Stories: Super volunteer helps #KeepGoldenIslesBeautiful combat cigarette #litter http://bit.ly/2blsgsR

Contact Info:

Mike Rosen
Keep America Beautiful
+1 (203) 659-3008
mrosen@kab.org
http://www.facebook.com/keepamericabeautiful
http://www.twitter.com/kabtweet
https://www.instagram.com/keepamericabeautiful
http://www.youtube.com/kabnetwork

Larry Kaufman
Keep America Beautiful
+1 (203) 659-3014
lkaufman@kab.org

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Volunteering, Keep America Beautiful, Cigarette Litter Prevention Program, Keep Golden Isles Beautiful, Starbucks

Serrano Pepper Product Grown in New York City

SOURCE:JetBlue Airways

SUMMARY:

•  Fiery Bronx Based Condiment Brand Selected For JetBlue’s Second BlueBud Program
   
• Each Bottle Directly Supports the Bronx’s Burgeoning Economy and the More Than 40 Bronx Community Gardens and Farmers Who Produce These Peppers 

DESCRIPTION:

NEW YORK, August 15, 2016 /3BL Media/ – JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU), New York's Hometown Airline®, recently announced The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce as the next winner of its “BlueBud"  business mentoring program. BlueBud (buddies + budding new companies) focuses on pioneering food companies and taps into JetBlue’s goal to offer more nutritious and flavorful onboard food options.

BlueBud was designed as a way for JetBlue to connect with diverse suppliers starting with environmentally and socially conscious companies and start-ups that have similar responsible practices. BlueBud helps feed the airline’s pipeline of sustainable and innovative food products. Small companies learn what it takes to break into the aviation catering space while remaining true to their social mission.

The recipe for The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce was created by acclaimed chef King Phojanakong, a native of New York City. Not only are the serrano peppers green, with each purchase the Bronx is a little bit more green. More than 40 Bronx greenmarket farms and community gardens grow these peppers.  Each bottle sold directly supports these gardens and farmers, helps to revitalize the Bronx’s budding economy and asserts the borough as the next big culinary destination for local food in New York.

“We agree with a certain pop star, hot sauce should always be in your bag,” said Sophia Mendelsohn, JetBlue’s head of sustainability.  “BlueBud supports food products made right here in New York. The program connects innovation with impact and our mission of inspiring humanity with budding companies. The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce lives this purpose by sourcing their peppers directly from local community gardens and greenmarket farms.”

Throughout the fall, The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce will participate in a variety of initiatives with JetBlue which may include taste test events and a tour of an airline catering facility to better understand how food (literally) gets onboard. The hot sauce brand will receive special access to JetBlue’s business leaders and the airline’s distinct product development culture, as well as valuable industry insights from JetBlue teams including strategic sourcing, purchasing, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, communications, marketing, brand and onboard product.

”Being selected by JetBlue is an incredibly meaningful development opportunity for a young company like ours,” said John A. Crotty, Senior VP at The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce. “The elements required to grow a small community-oriented business like ours will be greatly enhanced by mentoring from JetBlue. Their commitment to helping us grow will produce stronger more vibrant community gardens where they are needed most.”

“As one of New York’s leading airlines, JetBlue’s partnership with The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce will have a meaningful impact on our borough by supporting more than 40 greenmarket farms and community gardens that supply serrano peppers to this local small business,” said New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, representing the 83^rd Assembly District in the northeast Bronx. “The partnership is also great for our state. Small businesses make up 98 percent of the businesses in New York State and employ more than half of the state’s private sector work force, so having a large business like JetBlue support a small business is great for our state’s economy.”

"There is no matching the talent or diversity of our homegrown companies, and that's especially true when it comes to food. Firms like The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce create good jobs right here in the five boroughs. JetBlue is giving them an incredible opportunity to grow their business and access new customers. We are thrilled to see this kind of innovative partnership take off," said New York City Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development, Alicia Glen.

“The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce is a great product that was designed to help local gardeners showcase the diverse flavors of our borough and their communities,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The partnership between JetBlue and The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce is a great way to highlight the amazing efforts of so many individuals who are committed to our community gardens, and all the great things that are happening in our great borough.”  

The first winner of JetBlue’s BlueBud program was Hot Bread Kitchen – a social enterprise bakery based in Harlem. The bakery creates economic opportunity through careers in food, through a paid on-the-job training in bread baking for foreign-born and immigrant women. After a year of mentorship, the bakery learned what it takes to partner with an airline, and then pitched their product to JetBlue. Although being part of BlueBud is no guarantee to making it onboard, JetBlue was impressed by Hot Bread Kitchen’s pitch and introduced the bakery’s challah rolls onto its Mint brunch menu. Mint is JetBlue’s unique take on premium service and is available on select routes.

A Taste of the Bronx– The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce can be used to spice up a variety dishes. One of Chef King Phojanaking’s favorite recipes is Bronx Royal Sauce. For more information and recipes or to purchase The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce, visit BronxHotSauce.com. Share your favorite recipe at Facebook.com/bronxhotsauce or  Twitter.com/bronxhotsauce, #BronxHotSauce. 

BRONX ROYAL SAUCE, By King Phojanakong

Yield: (10oz)

Ingredients                                          Amounts

Equal parts Ketchup and Mayo               4oz each

Bronx Hot Sauce                                  2oz or to taste

1. Mix the Ketchup and Mayonnaise with a fork, stir until fully mixed.

2. Stir in Bronx Hot Sauce to taste, anywhere up to half total amount

Great as sauce with cooked burgers or other grilled meats and vegetables.

JetBlue Food For Thought - BlueBud is an example of the airline’s inclusive mindset. JetBlue cares about its BlueCities and the businesses that fuel their local economies. The airline’s hope is to create greater access to JetBlue opportunities one BlueBud at a time.  JetBlue’s product development, strategic sourcing, diversity and inclusion and sustainability teams work to ensure there are a variety of nutritious options available on all onboard food and beverage menus. Visit Jetblue.com/green/food/ for more details.

About JetBlue                                                                                                                                    

JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 35 million customers a year to 96 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 925 daily flights. For more information please visit jetblue.com.

About The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce

The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce is a product of collaboration with GrowNYC, Bronx Greenup and the 40+ participating Bronx community gardens. The product was conceived to broaden the appeal of locally grown produce while creating a permanent funding stream to support the local gardens and their remarkable work. Each customer gets superior quality and unique NYC flavor that goes well on most proteins as well as a great addition to many recipes and marinades. It’s the easiest, cheapest way to share true NYC flavor with both current New Yorkers and those New Yorkers that find themselves living elsewhere.
 

MEDIA CONTACT

JetBlue Corporate Communications
Tel: +1 718 709 3089
corpcomm@jetblue.com 

Tweet me:Fiery Bronx Based Condiment Brand Selected For @JetBlue's Second BlueBud Program http://bit.ly/2aVyS4Y @bronxhotsauce

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Jetblue, ‘BlueBud’ Business Mentoring Program, The Bronx Greenmarket Hot Sauce, New York City, csr

SOURCE:FSG

DESCRIPTION:

The current volume of worldwide refugees is staggering—20 million people are categorized as refugees out of 60 million displaced from their homes according to the United Nations Human Rights Council—and the pace of this overall crisis has greatly increased since the beginning of the Syrian conflict. What Frontex classifies as ‘illegal border crossings’ have shot up six-fold in 2015 versus 2014 to the EU alone, even twelve-fold in the Q4 comparison. And the problem is here to stay: The average length of conflict-induced displacement is 17 years according to a United Nations study. The complexity of this situation requires new solutions beyond traditional government response, and the private sector in particular has an important role to play.

Many corporations have recently made headlines for their efforts to help refugees: Google is a prominent supporter, helping build an information hub for refugees by installing low-cost WiFi in refugee camps, helping to design and launch a mobile website to provide information to refugees in their journey, and a new application that frontline relief workers can use to communicate with refugees in multiple languages. LinkedIn is using its corporate assets to help refugees network for jobs through Welcome Talent; likewise Ikea is supporting a number of initiatives, including accelerating its support for “Better Shelters” in its partnership with the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Keep Reading Corporations Can Accelerate Solutions to the Worldwide Refugee Crisis > 

Tweet me:How are corporations accelerating solutions to the worldwide #refugeecrisis? via @FSGtweets http://ow.ly/WOyE3039llG

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Finance & Socially Responsible Investment, refugees, Refugee Crisis, Ikea, chobani, united nations, Human Rights, FSG

Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Camp attendees get free eye care

SOURCE:VSP Global

DESCRIPTION:

Imagine you're a young boy or girl in the outfield and a ball's sailing your way. You prepare yourself for the catch, moving slightly left and then right. The game's outcome depends on your successfully pulling in the ball. Then, it drops just a few feet in front of you. But the failed attempt occurs not because you were unprepared but because you couldn't see the ball clearly.

Read more here. 

Tweet me:.@VSPVisionCare and @Nationals team up for free eye care for baseball camp kids (via @WashInformer) #MillionMore http://bit.ly/2bsZdDU

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Health, VSP Global, washington nationals, Anthony Rendon, eye care, kids

SOURCE:Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

DESCRIPTION:

Ed Anderson is cycling cross-country to raise $1-million dollars for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

“There are more than 107,000 kids in foster care in the United States,” Anderson says. “I just want to do something to help them find their mom and dad.”

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption works to find forever families for children in foster care in the United States and Canada.

Listen to Ed’s update from Pittsburgh:

http://www.ouramericannetwork.org/story?title=Ed-Anderson-s-Tour-de-Adoption-Cross-Country-Bike-Ride-Call-In-1

To Help Ed reach his goal, visit us here.

Tweet me:Hear an update from @Wendys franchisee Ed Anderson as he bikes for #adoption http://bit.ly/2bsTYEn @DTFA #edsadoptiontour

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Dave Thomas, foster care, adoption, Recruiter, forever family, Wendy's, Our American Stories, Ed Anderson, Bike ride

SOURCE:VolunteerMatch

DESCRIPTION:

In honor of VM Summit 16, which is all about corporate/ nonprofit collaboration, this series of volunteerism-related blog posts will take one topic and explain how it’s relevant to both groups. Today’s topic? Communication in Corporate/ Nonprofit Partnerships. Check out our other blog, Engaging Volunteers, for the same topic from the perspective of nonprofit volunteer managers.

Communication is the single most important part of any relationship, including the relationship with your nonprofit partner.

Yes, I have a degree in public relations with a minor in communication theory. Yes, I sometimes volunteer to help nonprofit organizations with their communications strategy. Yes, I revel in wordsmithing and strive to find perfect content that resonates with my audience.

But I promise I’m not only a little biased when I say, communication is paramount in your nonprofit partnerships.

Why is communication so important?

Imagine this scenario: After spending some time researching nonprofits and areas of need in your community, you finally find a cause that’s a good fit. It aligns well with your company’s values, and it sounds like something your employees could get excited about. So you contact the nonprofit and they tell you they’re interested in partnering, too.

Learn how the VolunteerMatch Network makes it easy to find volunteer opportunities for your employees.

You’re probably eager to get started right away. You immediately start sharing ideas on how your employees can help. “We want to send a group of our employees for a day of service. How soon can we come?” or “We have engineers that can offer pro bono tech support, and an excellent marketing team that can help with your communications strategy.”

Here’s the issue: when you communicate closed questions like these,  nonprofits — especially under-resourced ones — can be afraid to say no to offers of support. (Overall, I think we’re getting better at saying “no”, but the negative connotations associated with doing so, especially in the nonprofit sector, still exist).

By creating shared expectations before embarking on a new relationship, you save time in the long run.

Creating Shared Expectations

Before telling a nonprofit what your employees can offer them, set aside some time to have an open, two-sided conversation. And during that conversation, ask them what they need. From there, you can determine together if what you have to offer aligns with what the nonprofit needs.

Here are some more helpful questions for setting up shared expectations:

“What would a successful partnership look like to you?”

“What do you envision as the endpoint of this partnership?”

“What methods of evaluation will we use?”

“Do you have any hesitations?”

You’ll want to document the expectations of both parties before getting started: say them out loud, write them down, share them with other stakeholders, etc. Having a reference point to benchmark alleviates misunderstandings, reminds you of the “why” behind the partnership, and helps you recognize if and when the partnership steers off course.

Continue the Conversation

It’s not enough to foster open communication solely at the onset of your partnership. Make it the norm for the duration of your relationship and into future partnerships.

Defining communication channels at the beginning can help with this. Be sure to ask questions such as,

“Who is my main point of contact at your organization?”

“Who do I reach out to if they’re unavailable?”

“Do you prefer updates by email or by phone?”

You’ll also want to schedule regular check-ins to ensure things are going as planned, while addressing any issues or complications that may arise.

All this conversation — especially at the start of a new partnership — can feel like a lot. And honestly, it can be. However, having these conversations up front (and having regular check-ins) will ultimately create efficiency, and it will increase the impact your company and employees have in your community.

After all, that’s the point, right?

Tweet me:When partnering with #nonprofits, communication is key: http://bit.ly/2aUWY9P via @VM_Solutions #CSR #Volunteer

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Diversity & Human Resources, Partnerships, working with nonprofits, vm summit 16, VolunteerMatch

SOURCE:Booz Allen Hamilton

DESCRIPTION:

For 7 years, Booz Allen Hamilton has partnered with the Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA) to help the organization meet its mission to “empower veterans, one fairway at a time.” The firm sponsors SMGA’s Wounded Veteran Golf Tournament, a series of golf events at 17 locations across the United States that support the SMGA effort to provide rehabilitative golf experiences to wounded American veterans injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. To date, SMGA has helped over 2,000 veterans, offering more than 80 golf clinics a year. Last year SMGA tournaments raised $100,000 for veterans—and the group expects to raise even more this year.

This year, more than 100 Booz Allen employees will donate hundreds of hours of their time to plan the golf events and/or to volunteer at one of 17 tournaments to be held in cities across the country.  Booz Allen Associate Jenna Coffman (pictured, above right) has volunteered with the SMGA tournaments for 3 years, and is the volunteer coordinator for the San Diego tournament, one of the largest in the series.  She says, “The SMGA tournament has brought me to really appreciate all that our service members do for our country.  The sacrifice and the dedication of these men and women is extraordinary, and it’s an honor to be able to give back to them a small token of appreciation.”

To read more about SMGA’s work for our nation’s veterans, and to sponsor or volunteer at one of this year’s tournaments, visit:  http://smga.org/booz-allen-hamilton-tournament-series/

To learn more about Booz Allen Hamilton’s commitment to veterans, visit: www.boozallen.com/veterans

Tweet me:Proud to partner with @SMGAWarriorGolf to empower #veterans, one fairway at a time: http://bit.ly/2aYGH5V

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, SMGA, Booz Allen Hamilton, Veterans, golf, rehabilitation

Donations and needed supplies to assist organizations leading the flood relief efforts.

SOURCE:Walmart

DESCRIPTION:

Tweet me:.@WalmartGiving sending donations and needed supplies to assist organizations leading the flood relief efforts http://bit.ly/2btzxat #Hope

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Health

Fund supports higher education for children of Cox employees

SOURCE:Cox Enterprises

DESCRIPTION:

August 16, 2016 /3BL Media/ - Cox Enterprises announced today the recipients of scholarships provided by The Jim Kennedy Scholarship Fund. The Fund supports children of Cox employees and annually awards ten $10,000 scholarships.

The scholarship is automatically renewed for up to three additional academic years - reaching a total value of $40,000 – if the student meets the established criteria.

“My grandfather was a school teacher before he founded Cox Enterprises,” said Cox Enterprises’ Chairman Jim Kennedy. “He always knew that education was important. He also placed a high value on our employees and credited them with our company’s success. This scholarship fund is a way to give back to our employees and support their children’s higher education.”

The 2016 recipients spanned across eight states and include:

• Dayvion Broach: A graduate of Grayson High School in Loganville, Ga.
• Kaylani Brown: A graduate of Olympian High School in Chula Vista, Calif.
• Taylor Cronin: A graduate of West Warwick High School in West Warwick, R.I.
• Joshua Diaz: A graduate of Desert Pines High School in Las Vegas, Nev.
• Michael Grigsby: A graduate of Midwest City High School in Oklahoma City, Okla.
• Ayanna Howard: A graduate of the Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Ga.
• Tristan Loser: A graduate of Chaska High School in Chaska, Minn.
• Gabriella Marchione: A graduate of Northview High School in Duluth, Ga.
• Joseph Mazurkiewicz: A graduate of Great Neck South High School in Lake Success, N.Y.
• Sophia Sandoval: A graduate of Yutan High School in Yutan, Neb.

The scholarships are funded by Jim Kennedy and are open to high school seniors with a parent who has worked full time at a Cox company for at least three years. Cox Enterprises’ major divisions are Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group.

View a Jim Kennedy Video about the Fund.

About Cox Enterprises:
Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of $18 billion and approximately 60,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms).

The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim. Through Cox Automotive, the company's international operations stretch across Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America. To learn more about Cox's commitment to people, sustainability and our communities, please visit CoxCSRReport.com.

Tweet me:Jim Kennedy Scholarship Fund opens doors of opportunity for children of @CoxEnterprises employees #HigherEducation http://bit.ly/2aQsw6E

KEYWORDS: Awards & Recognition, Education, Jim Kennedy, Cox Enterprises, Cox Communications, Cox Automotive, cox media group, scholarships, higher education

SOURCE:CITGO Petroleum Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

LEMONT, Ill., August 16, 2016 /3BL Media/ Thirty-nine employees from the CITGO Lemont Refinery raised approximately $35,000 in the annual Bike MS: Tour de Farms, a two-day bike ride to raise money and awareness for those affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). Hosted by the Greater Chicagoland Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the annual Bike MS: Tour de Farms in DeKalb is the largest charity event of its kind in Illinois.

“For the past 19 years, our employees have looked forward to Bike MS: Tour de Farms because they can share their love of cycling while making a difference for those living with MS,” said Jim Cristman, vice president and general manager of the CITGO Lemont Refinery.

MS is a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information between the brain and body. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS is thought to affect more than 2.3 million people globally. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society works to identify the cause of MS, improve treatments and find a cure for the disease. Funds from Bike MS: Tour de Farms will go directly toward improving the lives of people living with MS in Illinois through programs, services and research.

“Each rider has a different reason for participating. Maybe they know someone with MS or they enjoy coming together with other cyclists; however, over the years, one common theme I hear is that riders enjoy the personal challenge of increasing their miles and setting new fundraising goals,” said Greater Illinois Chapter President Holly Messick.

This year, the CITGO Lemont Refinery is celebrating 90 years of fueling good in the community. Over the years, the CITGO Lemont Refinery has raised more than $200,000 for research and programs that support individuals and families in Illinois affected by MS and other debilitating diseases. In addition to its commitment to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the refinery supports ongoing volunteer efforts with the Special Olympics and Muscular Dystrophy Association.

About the CITGO Lemont Refinery
For over 90 years, CITGO Lemont Refinery has employed more than 750 Chicago area residents on a full-time and contract basis in support of the local economy. In addition to producing high quality fuels for a large portion of the network of nearly 5,500 locally-owned CITGO stations across the country, Lemont Refinery employees also make a major positive impact on the community. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer hours and thousands of dollars are given in support of community programs such as Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Way and a variety of environmental and preservation programs. Operations at the Lemont Refinery began in 1925 with a major expansion, doubling the facility, in 1933. Over the years, new units were added to meet the demand for a better quality of gas for automobiles, aviation fuel for WWII, and the production of asphalt. Petróleos de Venezuela, PDVSA, acquired 100% ownership of the refinery in 1997 and began operations as CITGO Lemont Refinery. For more information, visit www.citgorefining.com/Lemont.

About CITGO
CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information, visit http://www.citgo.com/. 

Tweet me:.@CITGO Lemont Refinery employees bike to cure #multiplesclerosis in 35th annual #BikeMS Tour De Farms: http://bit.ly/2btEdwM

Contact Info:

Fernando Garay
+1 (832) 486-1489
fgaray@citgo.com

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Energy, Citgo, bike ms, Tour de Farms

A collection of exemplary CR and sustainability case studies

SOURCE:Ethical Performance

DESCRIPTION:

The Summer 2016 issue of Best Practice includes CSR and sustainability case studies from thought leaders across several industries:

• CDL embarks on its next phase of sustainability innovation - City Developments Limited
  CDL integrates sustainability into its business strategy to provide a holistic account of its value creation for stakeholders.
  ​​
• Valuing the Workforce to Improve Performance - Fyffes
  Fyffes’ CR policies apply best practices to improve business performance – and support employees
   
• Royal Mail delivers the post—and many community services, too - Royal Mail
  ​The company’s CR and community investment policies are geared towards maximizing its position as a national company with a local presence in every community.
   
• ​Giving back the Aimia way to create real social value - Aimia
  A Data Philanthropy model pairs analytics experts with specific charities to drive greater social impact through new knowledge and insights. 
   
• Arrow “guides innovation forward” by helping children become the innovators of the future - Arrow
  Arrow takes on the challenge of bringing technology to people with no electricity.
   
• Benevity innovates in corporate giving and volunteering with new technology - Benevity
  ‘Spark’ software programme ensures simple, secure and easy giving so grassroots philanthropy can be part of everyday life. 

For more information on how your organization can be featured in an upcoming issue of Best Practice, click here.

Tweet me:The latest issue of #BestPractice is now available http://bit.ly/2bvwRsy via @ethicalp #CSR #Sustainability

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Corporate Social Responsibility, Best Practice, Ethical performance, sustainability, csr

By: Claudia Reid, a rising senior from Southside High School in Alabama.

SOURCE:AT&T

DESCRIPTION:

This summer, DIRECTV, now part of the AT&T family, and FOX Networks (parent company of National Geographic) sent 4 amazing high school students from across the United States and Latin America on a National Geographic Student Expedition through the Nat Geo Mundo Explorer competition. These once-in-a-lifetime adventures took the 4 students on immersive learning trips, where they explored exciting destinations with National Geographic photographers, scientists and writers from all over the world. Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing their trip stories, beginning with Claudia Reid, a rising senior from Southside High School in Alabama. 

Namaste! My name is Claudia Reid and this summer I was given the life-changing opportunity to travel to Nepal with National Geographic Student Expeditions. I spent 18 days in this beautiful country learning the history of Kathmandu, serving in a children’s home in the Talamarang village and seeing firsthand the damages from the 2015 earthquake. I even had the chance to ride an elephant through the jungle in Chitwan! Through it all, I was given an incredible new perspective on a country 8,000 miles away from my own, and a newfound respect and admiration for its people.

The trip began with 2 days in Kathmandu, where we visited museums, met the “Living Goddess” Kumari, and spent time exploring the holy Monkey Temple. We then made our way to a Children’s Home in Talamarang to engage in our community service projects, which included building irrigation systems and a meditation sanctuary, cementing a goat pen, clearing gardens, teaching English to the children and educating them on the importance of hygiene. Spending time with these children and working with this community was one of the highlights of my trip, enabling me to answer the calling I have long felt to serve others. While I felt I could have stayed forever, we were quickly off on our next adventure... the Namo-Buddha Monastery in the Kavrepalanchok District.

While visiting the Namo-Buddha Monastery we were given the opportunity to dine with monks and nuns and even engage them in a game of soccer. We participated in a traditional Buddhist ceremony where we observed the religious practices of the people and learned the rich roots of Buddhism. After a 7-hour bus ride through the “humpy bumpy roads” as Kollyan, our guider from Nepal would say, we finally arrived at our next destination of Chitwan National Park. 

Chitwan is a beautiful place full of exotic wildlife. While there, we went on a crocodile expedition, visited an elephant reserve and engaged with and learned from the people who work there, including participating in a local cultural dance. Our visit was topped off with the previously mentioned ride on an elephant through the jungle and a tour of the city on an ox cart.

The final leg of our trip took us back to Kathmandu for a formal goodbye dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant with singing and dancing. While each destination we visited offered exciting and new things for me to see and do, one thing I will keep with me forever was the opportunity to truly be immersed in a different culture. I will forever keep in my heart this special place and am honored to take with me many new friendships, including the students in my group, the Nepali people and especially all the children we met in Talamarang.

I am so thankful for AT&T, Nat Geo Mundo and National Geographic for making this trip happen and for this opportunity. It provided me the chance to experience so much and the trip has opened my eyes and changed my perspective on many things. I came back home more thankful for my family, friends, indoor plumbing, my bed and so much more. I love Nepal and cannot wait to hopefully visit the breathtaking country again one day. 

Tweet me:.@ConnectToGood "Adventures Through Nepal: My Journey With National Geographic Student Expeditions" #ATTimpact http://soc.att.com/2aXDsKe

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Education, AT&T, DIRECTV, FOX Networks, Nat Geo Mundo Explorer, Kathmandu, elephant, Claudia Reid, Nepal, National Geographic, Alabama

SOURCE:Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

DESCRIPTION:

Ed Anderson, a Wendy’s franchisee from Newport News, VA, is making his way across the country on his bike all to raise $1 million for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

Today Ed and his wife are in the home of Churchill Downs. Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and Anderson wanted to make a stop at a local Wendy’s to help raise awareness for foster care adoption. Just a few days ago, he rode into Dublin, Ohio and right into the lobby of the Wendy’s Headquarters. Staff from Wendy’s and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption were there to greet him, energize him and help him on his way back south.

In 1992, Dave Thomas started the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. An international nonprofit dedicated solely to increasing the number of adoptions from foster care. The Foundation furnishes grants to private and public adoption agencies through its signature program, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids. The agencies use the grants to hire specially-trained adoption recruiters, called Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiters, who use a child-focused recruitment model. It is the sole mission of these recruiters to find permanent, loving homes for the children who have been in foster care the longest.

Dave Thomas himself was adopted. Ed felt there was no better way to honor the memory of Dave Thomas than to help raise funds for his Foundation.

Ed will be on his bike from now until October 4 when he completes his journey in San Diego, CA.

Click here to learn more about Ed’s Tour de Adoption or to make a donation.

Tweet me:Louisville is the next stop on #edsadoptiontour. Read the story so far: http://bit.ly/2bm3Bol @Wendys @DTFA

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Wendys, adoption, Dave Thomas, foster care, Recruiter, forever family, Ed Anderson, virginia, Newport News, Churchill Downs, Louisville

SOURCE:Sanofi

DESCRIPTION:

Since its inception in 2004, the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser has grown to be the largest single fundraiser event in Monroe County, giving back more than $2 million to the community.  More than 480 community enthusiasts attended this year’s event, titled “Keeping It Close to Home.” Event founder, Diamond Sponsor and host Sanofi Pasteur once again covered all event costs. As a result, 100 percent of ticket sales and sponsorships directly benefitted the non-profit recipients.

To learn more about one of this year’s recipients, American Red Cross of the Pocono Mountains, click on the following link to view media coverage from WBRE-TV/WYOU-TV/Eyewitness News: http://www.pahomepage.com/news/fundraiser-helps-fire-victims

To learm more about the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser, click here: http://3blmedia.com/News/2016-Pocono-Mountains-Community-Fundraiser

Through the funds provided, The Red Cross will continue its Home Fire Campaign, which aims to reduce fire-related injuries and deaths in Monroe County homes. The Red Cross will also continue its Pillowcase Project, which teaches local children emergency preparedness and stress-coping skills. 

The American Red Cross of the Pocono Mountains website is:  http://www.redcross.org/local/pennsylvania/eastern-pennsylvania/find-your-local-chapter/poconos

Tweet me:Meet 2016 Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser Winner - American Red Cross of the Pocono Mountains http://bit.ly/2aGTNZd

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Philanthropy, Sanofi, Sanofi Pasteur, Pocono Mountains, Red Cross, WBRE-TV, WYOU-TV, community fundraiser, csr, Corporate Social Responsibility, Monroe County

SOURCE:LIVESTRONG

DESCRIPTION:

I’ve taken on a good share of charity challenges over the years including marathons, multi-day running events and more Speed Golf tournaments than I can remember. But “Going Over the Edge” in Atlanta this September fills me with more trepidation than any fundraiser that has come before.

A fear of heights + rappelling down a 20 story building = a very nervous Greg!

I know that on September 10th when the instructor guides me over the edge of Buckhead Tower I am going to need all the motivation I can get. That’s why today I am calling on our community to help us reach a big fundraising goal together: $10,000 for LIVESTRONG’s free programs and services!

If my fundraising center hits the $10,000 goal before September 10th I will strap on my safety harness and rappel down with pride, because I know how vital LIVESTRONG’s services are to individuals and families who are facing a cancer diagnosis.

I can’t reach this goal without your help. If we all rally together I know we can do it, and make a real difference to cancer survivors’ lives!

Donate now to send Greg “Over The Edge”

Thank you and LIVESTRONG,

Greg Lee
LIVESTRONG President

Tweet me:Donate to @livestronggreg today to help send him "Over the Edge" of #BuckheadTower: http://bit.ly/2bxEocx

KEYWORDS: Events, Conferences & Webinars, Philanthropy, Greg Lee, Buckhead Tower, over the edge, LIVESTRONG, Fear of Heights

SOURCE:FSG

DESCRIPTION:

“There’s a pill?!”

A young man named Fortune drove me to the International Convention Center in Durban 2 weeks ago to attend the 2016 International AIDS Conference. What started out as polite small talk resulted in an engaged discussion about new HIV prevention options that have recently become available on the South African market. Specifically, we were discussing oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a pill that reduces the risk of HIV transmission upwards of 90 percent when taken daily by people who are HIV negative. It is just the first of a number of new HIV prevention innovations coming down the pipeline, including other pills, a vaginal ring, and long-acting injections.

For the past year, FSG has been working as part of the OPTIONS Consortium, a USAID-funded, 5-year initiative led by FHI 360, AVAC, and Wits RHI to accelerate the market launch and uptake of new HIV prevention technologies. Fortune himself illustrated the challenges of this perfectly—with hope in his voice he asked about effectiveness, followed-up with questions about where he could get it, and then wondered why he didn’t know about it already. “Would you actually take it every day?” I asked back, channeling some of the field’s skepticism about adherence by young PrEP users. “Of course I would,” he answered, “That’s why I’m asking you all of these questions!”

Keep Reading AIDS 2016: New Options for HIV Prevention Hold Tremendous Promise >

Tweet me:"Make PrEP famous!" and other reflections on #AIDS2016 from @FSGtweets http://ow.ly/NiCi3032yUN #globalhealth

KEYWORDS: Health, Events, Conferences & Webinars, HIV/AIDS, AIDS, AIDS 2016, Pharmaceuticals, womens health advocacy, FSG

An Alumnus of the Boys & Girls Club, Cuba Promotes the Importance of Reliable Mentors

SOURCE:Whirlpool Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Aug. 17, 2016 /3BL Media/ – Boys & Girls Clubs of America has been a long-standing symbol of dependability for Cuba Gooding Jr. His local Boys & Girls Club and its mentors were an important part of Cuba’s youth and a place he counted on and attended regularly. Yesterday, Cuba visited with the Boys & Girls Club of Metrol Los Angeles/Watts-Willowbrook to talk about the importance of adult role models as a part of the Maytag Dependable Leader Award program. The Award is part of a long-standing relationship between Maytag and Boys & Girls Club of America, which has been honoring executives, staff members and volunteers for going above and beyond for America’s youth for the past six years.

Last month, Maytag teamed up with YouTube sensation Robby Novak, aka Kid President, to create a video to help drive nominations for the Maytag Dependable Leader Awards. Using Kid President’s Guide to Adulting as inspiration, Cuba spent the day with the Club discussing what they believe makes a leader dependable. Winners of this year’s Maytag Dependable Leader Award will be announced on August 29.

“Boys & Girls Club of America have so many great alumni, and we’re excited that Cuba Gooding Jr. was able to share his story and inspire others to nominate their mentors for the Maytag Dependable Leader Award,” said Brendan Bosch, Maytag senior brand manager. “Having been a Club member in his youth, Cuba really understands the importance of a dependable leader in the lives of kids and teens and we’re thrilled to have him be a part of this program.”

“Boys & Girls Club of America is an organization that has been very close to my heart for many years,” said Cuba Gooding Jr. “As an active youth at the Boys & Girls Club in Tustin, California, the leaders and volunteers that I came into contact with helped mold me into who I am today.”

To view and download full photos from the event, click here.

Recipients of the award will receive this honorable distinction along with a $20,000 financial award to support their local club's efforts to be a safe, dependable place that enable young people to achieve great futures. To learn more about the Maytag Dependable Leader Award, visit BGCA.org/Maytag.

About Maytag Brand

For more than a century, Maytag® appliances have been synonymous with dependability and durability. For over 100 years- Maytag has an enduring tradition of quality production and powerful performance. Durable, commercial-grade components are found in many Maytag® appliances – including Maytag® front-load and top-load washers and dryers. Maytag also offers a full range of kitchen appliances - Maytag® dishwashers with the PowerBlast® cycle, Maytag® refrigerators with the Powercold® option, as well as Maytag® ranges, cooktops and ovens with Power™ burner and Power™ element options. In January 2014, Maytag introduced America to the Maytag Man – a dependable machine and the human embodiment of the durability, reliability and power inside all Maytag® appliances. In addition to creating durable appliances, Maytag also is a dependable partner to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in their effort to support communities across America and help young people achieve great futures.  For more information about Maytag, please visit Maytag.com, or find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Maytag, Twitter at @TheMaytagMan, Instagram at instagram.com/Maytag or Pinterest at pinterest.com/Maytag.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,200 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at BGCA's Facebook and Twitter.

Contact:               Laura Ginter                                       Samantha DeBoer

                          Maytag Brand                                      Ketchum for Maytag Brand

                          media@whirlpool.com                          (312) 228-6821

                                                                                  Samantha.DeBoer@ketchum.com

Tweet me:Cuba Gooding Jr. Visits With Youth at @BGCA_Clubs to Celebrate the Maytag Dependable Leader Award. http://bit.ly/2aXQlJV

KEYWORDS: Media & Communications, Awards & Recognition, Maytag, Boys and Girls Club of America, whirlpool corporation

Applications Open for Individuals and Organizations Committed to Cleaner, Greener and More Beautiful Places to Live

SOURCE:Keep America Beautiful

DESCRIPTION:

STAMFORD, Conn., Aug. 17, 2016 /3BL Media/ – Keep America Beautiful’s National Awards program annually recognizes and honors the best of the best among its network of community-based affiliates and leading corporate, nonprofit and government agency partners, as well as individual volunteers across the country.

To honor individuals and organizations committed to creating communities that are cleaner, greener and more beautiful places to live, Keep America Beautiful opens the application period for specific categories of its National Awards to the public, while others are offered exclusively to Keep America Beautiful affiliates. The application deadline for all Keep America Beautiful National Awards is Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016.

The following Keep America Beautiful National Awards are open to the public:

• Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson Award: Given to an outstanding female volunteer for exceptional leadership with at least 10 years of experience in helping her local community.
• Iron Eyes Cody Award: Honors an outstanding male volunteer for exceptional leadership with at least 10 years of experience in helping his local community.
• Carolyn Crayton Award: Recognizes an individual Board member or Board member company or organization of a local Keep America Beautiful affiliate for long-standing service to that affiliate.  
• Young Professional Award: Honors an outstanding volunteer, under the age of 40, who demonstrates exceptional leadership in helping their local community.
• Community Improvement Recognition Awards: Awards will be offered in up to four categories (litter prevention; beautification/greening; recycling/waste reduction; overall community improvement) for businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
• Youth & Education Recognition Awards: Recognizes outstanding youth, schools and educators.
• Law Enforcement Recognition Awards: Recognizes law enforcement professionals who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community service in their approaches to enforcement of environmental laws and regulations.
• Keep America Beautiful Program Awards: Honors a Keep America Beautiful affiliate, business, nonprofit or government agency for Keep America Beautiful program activations (Great American Cleanup, America Recycles Day or Cigarette Litter Prevention Program) that have taken place in the last 12 months.

The following awards are only open to Keep America Beautiful affiliates: Affiliate Awards; Affiliate Innovation Awards; State Affiliate Innovation Awards; The Sue Smith Professional Leadership Award; The William (Bill) Nash Award; and the Keep America Beautiful State Agency Partnership Award.

For details about how to apply for the Keep America Beautiful National Awards, click here. All programs and projects submitted for consideration must have taken place within the past 12 months. Any questions about the Keep America Beautiful National Awards program should be directed to Shannon O’Donnell.

Award winners will be recognized at Keep America Beautiful's annual National Conference, scheduled to take place Jan. 24-26, 2017, in Washington, D.C.

About Keep America Beautiful
At Keep America Beautiful, we want to ensure that beauty is our lasting signature. A leading national nonprofit, Keep America Beautiful inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. We envision a country where every community is a clean, green, and beautiful place to live. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful provides the expertise, programs and resources to help people End Littering, Improve Recycling, and Beautify America's Communities. The organization is driven by the work and passion of more than 620 state and community-based Keep America Beautiful affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the support of corporate partners, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals. To learn how you can donate or take action, visit kab.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, like us on Facebook, or view us on YouTube.

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Tweet me:.@kabtweet application for National #Awards recognition opens for #volunteers, #community organizations. http://bit.ly/2aUiWjr

Contact Info:

Mike Rosen
Keep America Beautiful
+1 (203) 659-3008
mrosen@kab.org
http://www.facebook.com/keepamericabeautiful
http://www.twitter.com/kabtweet
https://www.instagram.com/keepamericabeautiful
http://www.youtube.com/kabnetwork

Larry Kaufman
Keep America Beautiful
+1 (203) 659-3014
lkaufman@kab.org

KEYWORDS: Awards & Recognition, Business & Trade, Keep America Beautiful, national awards

SOURCE:LIVESTRONG

DESCRIPTION:

In July Gyros Cycling Club hosted their 5th annual Velo4Yellow ride benefiting LIVESTRONG. This year’s charity ride had 415 riders and raised $10,000 to support LIVESTRONG cancer programs – bringing Velo4Yellow’s 5 year total to $30,000! Amazing. We caught up with Dave Brown from Velo4Yellow to hear more about this impactful community fundraising event.

LS: How have you been affected by cancer?
Dave: My father lost his battle with multiple myeloma in 2007. I was very young when my maternal grandmother died from lung cancer

LS: What made this 5th year at Velo4Yellow special? What moment stands out to you the most?

Dave: I think the round of applause and cheers from the riders, at the start of each distance, when I thanked the riders for joining our 5th anniversary struck me. It seemed like an acknowledgement from the participants that we’ve done something worthwhile, and it is appreciated.

LS: Why did you start Velo4Yellow five years ago?
Dave: We wanted to give something back to the community. Several members of our cycling club, Raleigh Gyros, have been personally impacted by cancer. As a cycling group, we also wanted to give something back specifically for the local cycling community, and LIVESTRONG matched our interests from a cancer and cycling perspective.

LS: What does LIVESTRONG mean to you?
Dave: It means not giving up, keeping the faith that you can beat tough odds and come out stronger on the other side!

LS: What is one Fundraising tactic that has been successful to you?
Dave: We don’t require fundraising for V4Y, we use proceeds from registration, along with miscellaneous donations to fund our contribution to LIVESTRONG. We really strive to make the ride more of an event, not just a charity bike ride. It’s a full day event and we work to make not only the ride fantastic, but the post ride too! That makes people want to come back, and also spread the word to help build the event, and more registrations means a larger contribution to LIVESTRONG.

Our sincere thanks to Dave and all of those who make Velo4Yellow such a special event each year. If you are inspired by this community fundraising event and want to start your own, get started here!

Tweet me:Thanks to #Velo4Yellow for raising $10,000 more for @livestrong's free cancer support programs and services! http://bit.ly/2bdK0rk

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Awards & Recognition, Velo4Yellow, Team LIVESTRONG, LIVESTRONG, Gyros Cycling Club, Dave Brown