If I Had A Million Bucks

eBook update 1-24-12

2012-01-24T21:53:00.000-08:00

The response has been a little slow thus far and I have not received replies to at least half of the organizations I have contacted. I am very excited about those who have responded, and I look forward to featuring them in If I Had A Million Bucks. If I sent you an email, I hope to receive a reply in the next seven days.

In February, I will send out my proposal to a whole new group of organizations, in hopes of getting enough response to move forward. I realize it's not easy to trust people on the internet. It's challenging at times to decipher the genuine folks from the creeps (for lack of a better word at the moment...I'm not running on much sleep). I assure you I am not naive to the drama of cyberspace. For that reason, I invite you to email me with any questions you may have. I'll answer them promptly, and there is no risk to you whatsoever.

I'm just one person, but I encourage you not to underestimate what one person can do to help. All is takes is for one domino to fall to start a chain reaction of crashing dominoes, right? We see that daily on social networking sites.

My mission is to get the word out about organizations who are making a difference both local and around the world, and how people can contribute to those organizations. That's all. It's that simple. The eBook will be available to download free of charge, to anyone who can open a PDF. That's a whole lot of people.

Let's do this, and do it well.

Many thanks,
Kelli
millionbuckscharity@gmail.com

2012-01-12T01:40:00.000-08:00

I've never posted a video blog on this page before, but I felt that this one from New Years Eve was somewhat appropriate to share here. I hope everyone has a wonderful 2012. Let's do all we can to do some good in the world, ok?

eBook update 1-7-12

2012-01-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

Responses are starting to come in! I am hoping to hear from the first forty charities by the end of January. I feel that six weeks is ample time to reply to an email. I will send out the next set of emails soon.

I'm excited about the organizations I've heard from so far, and I look forward to featuring them!

Again, if you received an email from me and you have questions, just ask. I don't bite!

Video blog coming soon. Until next time, be kind and do some good in the world!

-Kelli

millionbuckscharity@gmail.com

Just a quick eBook update!

2011-12-30T18:57:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I trust that you have had a wonderful holiday season.

I wanted to let you know that I am beginning to receive responses concerning If I had A Million Bucks, the eBook, and I will be compiling a Q&A for those who are asking questions. I will send a reply to those who have asked these questions, and also post the answers here on the blog for future reference.

Also please note that the NEW email address concerning the eBook is millionbuckscharity@gmail.com.

A happy and blessed 2012 to one and all!

The eBook is in progress

2011-12-15T00:07:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who suggested charities for my upcoming free eBook that features dozens of great charities! I wanted to let you know that research is in motion and I will keep you posted!

-Kelli

If I Had A Million Bucks, the eBook

2011-11-19T15:30:00.000-08:00

If you were to read a book about charity, large and small, both local and around the world, which charities would you want to see featured? This is in reference to needs-based charities, not political non-profits and not exclusively religious in nature (but they can be faith-based...that certainly won't disqualify them).

Please give it some thought and share the charities you love, why you love them, and links with more information about the organizations. I must be able to research them to be considered. I would like a strong list of 100 charities by the beginning of December.

Email me at ugottafriend4life@gmail.com

Thanks for your input!

God help our children

2011-06-28T13:38:00.001-07:00

America, allow me to introduce you to REAL "reality TV". If you are in a position to help someone, please don't pass them by. Each one, reach one...if at all humanly possible.

Mario Marathon 4 is here!!!!!

2011-06-25T04:08:00.000-07:00

I love these guys! They hold an annual Mario Marathon to raise money for Child's Play Charity, who provides toys and games to children in hospitals. They have been playing for less than a day and have already raised almost $40,000! Incredible!

You can watch live at http://www.mariomarathon.com! Consider making a donation if you can! It's for the kids!!! :)

URGENT HELP NEEDED!!!

2011-04-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.redcross.org

http://www.servealabama.gov/2010/default.aspx

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Toomers-for-Tuscaloosa/127019264041188

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trojan-Hearts-for-Bama-Nation/147685898633167

http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?funnel=&item=1753180&go=item&section=10369&&campaign=113655231&cmp=KNC-113655231

Help Tornado Victims

2011-04-28T05:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.handsonbirmingham.org/specialevents/viewSpecialEvent.php?_mode=eventDetail&_action=eventDetail&ixSpecialEvent=419

Hundreds of tornadoes have rolled through the southeast U.S. this month, killing over 200 people and leaving countless homeless and jobless. The most recent spawn of activity devastated beautiful north Alabama. Hands on Birmingham is now seeking volunteers and support to help victims of this natural disaster.

Thank you for your consideration.

Two Kisses For Maddy

2011-04-20T15:54:00.001-07:00

Everybody needs to click on the photo above and buy my pal Matt's book. He's an awesome daddy raising a darling child who looks just like her beautiful mother who died shortly after giving birth. Matt is a blogger who will make you laugh and cry at the same time, and I have no doubt his book will have me snorting and snotting and sobbing all over the place.

(My copy is en route, via Amazon.com)

And while you're at it, visit his charity at The Liz Logelin Foundation.

You know I support good people. Matt is one of them. Show him and Madeline some love.

Thanks for looking,

~ Kelli

Change Lives Now

2011-03-10T16:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.changelivesnow.org/

I look forward to attending a charity dinner to benefit this great new organization. Please visit their website and watch the video to see what they are doing to change lives in Africa.

A New Heart for Veiyah

2011-02-18T22:48:00.000-08:00

http://kargfamilyupdates.blogspot.com/

Please pray for little Veiyah who will have yet another heart surgery soon. This baby girl needs a transplant so she can be a joy to her family for years to come.

Consider giving to V's heart fund, and keep her and her sweet family in your thoughts and prayers.

Relay For Life

2011-01-22T05:57:00.000-08:00

The American Cancer Society's annual Relay For Life has kicked off. If you're like me and can't participate in the relay itself, you can donate $10 or more to support a relay team. I am attaching the link for my friend Andrea's page.

Thank you for your consideration!

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11MS?px=18299817&pg=personal&fr_id=28680

The Pillow Project is Complete!

2010-12-22T18:26:00.000-08:00

In front of Ronald McDonald House

Between five of us, we donated 28 new pillows to Ronald McDonald House of Mobile, Alabama for their new expansion of 14 rooms. That means every bed pillow in the new section of the house came from us. That makes my heart happy!

I received a nice thank you letter from RMH today, and it reminded me to come here and give y'all an update.

THANK YOU FRIENDS AND HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

To Write Love On Her Arms 2010

2010-11-12T21:32:00.000-08:00

"Love" Henna Tattoo 11/12/10

To Write Love On Her Arms Day is Saturday, November 13th, 2010. Visit the website and/or Facebook page and join the worldwide movement of bringing awareness and support to those affected by abuse, self-affliction, and suicide.

To Write Love On Her Arms

Mission Trip Giveaway!

2010-10-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever dreamed of taking a mission trip to Africa?

One amazing lady is giving one away - ALL EXPENSES PAID - right now!

http://mycrazyadoption.org/biggest-craziest-giveaway-ever

GO!!! And spread the word!

The Pillow Project Update

2010-10-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

I've taken 14 pillows to Ronald McDonald House. A friend has donated 4 more, so that's only 10 to go!!!

PayPal: ugottafriend4life@gmail.com

THANK YOU!!! <3

The Pillow Project

2010-09-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

Ronald McDonald House of Mobile is in immediate need of 28 new standard-sized pillows for their new 14 room house. I spoke with them today and they have none. I've bought 4, so 24 more are needed.

If 8 people gave $10, it would cover the cost almost to the penny. I need to deliver the pillows to them in October. We can do this, right? Eighty bucks, that's all.

If you would like to participate, my PayPal is ugottafriend4life@gmail.com.

Thanks for your consideration,

Kelli

Killing It With Kindness

2010-09-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

Please consider following

Whatchagonnado.org

and blessing families who are affected by Cancer.

Thank you.

PLEASE VOTE to help a Gulf Coast area food bank!

2010-07-01T17:27:00.001-07:00

The Bay Area Food Bank is a nominee on the NBC Today Show to receive a $100,000 grant! I know the Bay Area Food Bank very well, as my half-sister and her stepfather both work there. The BAFB is located in Mobile, Alabama and serves the Gulf Coast. They need this money badly...this is so easy and quick! Please vote and pass it on!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Thanks so much!!!

Kelli

EDIT NOTE: WE WON!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mario Marathon for ACT!

2010-06-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

I love The Speed Gamers! They play Mario Marathons several times a year to benefit charity! A week long marathon began today, June 11th to help families with Autistic children...check it out!

http://www.thespeedgamers.com

Save The Gulf of Mexico

2010-06-09T13:19:00.001-07:00

As I'm sure you've all heard, there was a terrible tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, resulting in millions of gallons of hazardous oil continuously gushing into our waters and spreading.

My cousin was working on a rig when the explosion happened. He was one of the first responders, and is still out there now. I am so thankful that he is alive, but others are not. First and foremost, please pray for the loved ones of the eleven people who lost their lives in this terrible accident.

And of course, those of us who live on the Gulf Coast greatly appreciate your thoughts and prayers as the oil arrives on our shorelines. I live right on the Gulf of Mexico on the Mississippi/Alabama state line, where my family has been in the seafood industry forever. We are heartbroken to see our coast once again devastated, less than five years after losing everything in Hurricane Katrina. This one is a little different, as it is a man-made disaster that continues to get worse every day, and there is little that we can do to help. I wish it was as easy as going to the beach with soap and towels, but this is an extremely complex situation involving uncontrolled hazardous material. Only those trained and licensed to handle the oil, tar, and affected animals are allowed to lend a hand. I understand this completely, but it doesn't make it any easier to sit back and watch our livelihoods at risk yet again.

On top of daily weather forecasts on the news, we are now receiving daily "oil spill forecasts". It is truly sad.

Pray for us, friends. If you would like to stay up to date on the oil spill from a local Gulf Coast source, there is a group on Facebook that is going strong. Click below to check it out.

Many thanks to all around the world for your thoughts, prayers, and support during this stressful time.

Kelli

We Give Books

2010-05-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

This is a cool site...We Give Books is a campaign to distribute books to kids around the world. For every book you read online, they donate one to charity. It's that simple.

Check it out at http://www.wegivebooks.org

Operation Gratitude

2010-03-23T22:52:00.000-07:00

Visit http://www.opgratitude.org to see what you can do to support our troops!

To Write Love On Her Arms

2010-02-13T18:42:00.000-08:00

Helping those suffering from depression, self-affliction, and suicidal tendencies. Join the movement at http://www.twloha.com.

21 Day Rice and Beans Challenge for Haiti

2010-01-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

Having gone through several major hurricanes, including Elena and Katrina which heavily damaged my home and city, I know the stress involved in not having basic necessities for an extended period of time. Friends, Haiti is rock bottom and everyone is in tremendous need of food, water, shelter, medical care and more. I can't help but think about the children who have lost their parents. Who is taking care of their needs in this moment? What in the world is going to become of them?

A few months ago, a blog friend inspired me by committing to a rice and beans challenge to raise money for orphan adoption around the world. I thought about it for a while, and decided that now is the time for me to act on this inspiration.

Beginning today, January 17th, through Saturday, February 6th, my largest meal of the day will consist of beans and/or rice to raise awareness of poverty around the world. Specifically, I will give 100 percent of donated funds to Compassion International’s Haiti Outreach. Compassion is a sponsorship program that provides basic necessities and more to children and their families all over the world. I have been involved with them off and on since I was a teen, and know that they are the real deal.

Compassion International’s headquarters in Haiti was very affected by the earthquake. All but one staff member are accounted for and being treated for injuries. Please pray that their videographer, David Hames, is found alive…he is still missing as of today.

As rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, it will be a while before Compassion knows how their sponsored children have been affected. Those who have been accounted for have lost loved ones and need your prayers. Haiti is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, and this disaster has heightened the need for basic necessities to say the least. Food, water, shelter, and medical care are urgent. The folks at Compassion International are already established in Haiti, ready to help, all the while facing their own grief, injuries, and losses. Please pray, and give if you can.

If you are interested in sponsoring me in 21 days of rice and beans, my PayPal account is ugottafriend4life@gmail.com. Fifty cents a day is a donation of $10.50. A quarter a day is $5.25. Ten cents a day is $2.10. Anything would be appreciated. Or you can give directly to Compassion International at http://www.compassion.com.

Thank you for your consideration in helping those in desperate need.

Kelli

Please Help Haiti

2010-01-17T02:40:00.001-08:00

Haiti Earthquake

12 Days of Christmas Giving - Day 12

2009-12-25T19:17:00.000-08:00

Ever heard of the Free Rice website?

I thought it was a joke at first, but sure enough...play their trivia game, get the answers right, and help feed the hungry.

Check it out! What easier way to make a difference than this?

http://www.freerice.com

Hope everyone has a happy and blessed Christmas!

Kelli

12 Days of Christmas Giving - Day 11

2009-12-24T20:56:00.000-08:00

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org

The Salvation Army serves people all over the world 24/7/365, not just during the Christmas season. They help provide basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, and so much more. On a personal note, my family was blessed by the Salvation Army after losing everything in Hurricane Katrina. I greatly appreciate the work that they do. It gives people hope for a better tomorrow.

Please consider giving to the Salvation Army, even if it's a little change in their kettle this holiday season. By doing so, you are making a difference in the lives of those in need.

God bless and have a wonderful Christmas,

Kelli

12 Days of Christmas Giving - Day 10

2009-12-23T21:36:00.000-08:00

Compassion International is a child sponsorship program that spans the globe. They provide, food, medical care, school, counseling, and more to children who live in poor conditions. I'm sure everyone has seen commercials for these type of charities, but one thing I can tell you - this one is the real deal.

I joined Compassion when I was 16 years old. My child was a little boy named Tiago Rodriguez de Oliviera and he lived with his family in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I received letters and pictures from Tiago several times and year, and after Christmas he would always send me a photo with the Christmas gift that he received from Compassion on my behalf. One year, Compassion invited me to travel to Brazil with them to meet my child and see the work that they were doing. It broke my heart that I was too sick to make the trip. Tiago and I kept in touch until he left the Compassion program as a teenager. I received a call from Compassion letting me know that he had moved on, and gave me the option of sponsoring another child but did not pressure me at all. The people at Compassion International are very gracious and take their mission seriously. Their outreach is tremendous, and they are changing the lives of young people and their families each and every day.

If you've ever thought about child sponsorship, I encourage you to consider Compassion International. I can tell you first hand that they are who they say they are and they do what they say they do. I am blessed to have made a small difference in a young man's life for a short time. I will never forget it, and I believe that he won't either. I'm sure that Tiago has become a responsible and wonderful man, and I will always have a special place in my heart for him.

http://www.compassion.com

12 Days of Christmas Giving - Day 9

2009-12-22T23:58:00.001-08:00

I'm still thinking of my little friend Abby, who is very ill in the hospital this holiday season. In wishing that I could make her feel better, I was reminded of this great group of gamers who founded Child's Play, a charity that distributes games and toys to children's hospitals around the world. It is incredible how much money they have raised in such a short period of time! This organization has made an impression on me so I wanted to give them a plug. This is the time of year for giving toys and games to the kiddos in your life, but I challenge you to remember the little ones who are sick in the hospital...whether you know them or not, you can make a positive difference in their lives. Receiving a gift that makes them smile in the midst of their pain is something that they will never forget.

Thanks for visiting http://childsplaycharity.org/

12 Days of Christmas Giving - Day 8

2009-12-21T19:53:00.000-08:00

My little friend Abby Riggs is in the hospital again with complications from chemotherapy. Lately, I've been thinking about her and all of the precious children who suffer from cancer. It's so unfair. Somehow, we have got to find a cure. We just have to.

Here's one of many ways to help:

http://www.stjude.org

12 Days of Christmas Giving - Day 7

2009-12-20T20:57:00.000-08:00

Click on the logo to see how you can lift the spirits of someone who is seriously ill.

12 Days of Christmas Giving - Day 6

2009-12-19T20:06:00.000-08:00

Pink Heart Funds is a cancer charity on the Mississippi coast. They provide wigs, prosthetics, education, and support for cancer patients of all ages. They run solely on monetary donations and hair from you and me! Unlike other hair charities, Pink Heart Funds will accept short hair (minimum 6 inches) or long, dyed or permed...doesn't matter! They will take almost any hair.

On June 13th this year, I donated my hair for the first time:

BEFORE:

AFTER!

I was able to donate 10.5 inches of hair! I am planning to do this every year now that I know about Pink Heart Funds. If you have some hair or funds to donate to the cause, please visit the Pink Heart Funds website! Thanks!

12 Days of Christmas Giving - Day 5

2009-12-18T20:27:00.000-08:00

For the past several years, I've had a special place in my heart for Penelope House. It is the only domestic violence shelter in Mobile County, Alabama and serves Mobile and Washington Counties. Penelope House takes in women and their children, and they are always at double, sometimes triple capacity. This Christmas, please consider helping Penelope House or your local domestic violence shelter. You never know what your contribution could do for a mother and children who are desperate and hurting this holiday season.

It is an unexplainable feeling to hit rock bottom and need to escape a situation. Thank God for organizations like the Daughters of Penelope who rescue women and and their children, and help them create a safe new life. Shelters like Penelope House run solely on donations and are in great need of basic necessities such as antiperspirant, underclothes, toothbrushes, linens, and more. You can view Penelope House's current wish list HERE. If you happen to be local and wish to donate items to Penelope House, please email me at ugottafriend4life@gmail.com and we can make arrangements for pickup.

Thank you for your consideration.

12 Days of Christmas Giving - Day 4

2009-12-17T20:23:00.000-08:00

Art With Heart Mississippi is a registered non-profit organization serving the entire Mississippi coast as well as parts of Mobile County, Alabama. They provide art therapy, art classes, and art supplies free of charge to all ages in the community. Art With Heart also actively promotes and participates in several charities local and international, including United Cerebral Palsy, Gulf Coast Women's Center for Non Violence, Disability Connection, and more. As Secretary and therapeutic art assistant, I have seen firsthand the impact that Art With Heart is making on the Gulf Coast.

Visit the Art With Heart website and see what we're up to! Feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions or wish to contribute in some way. Thanks so much for your consideration.

Kelli
kellibosarge@art-with-heart.org

12 Days of Christmas Giving - Day 3

2009-12-16T20:27:00.000-08:00

http://showhope.org/

If you've ever heard of musician/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman or the Chapman family, then you probably already know about their incredible story of adoption, the tragic loss of their daughter Maria Sue, and their amazing mission to care for orphans. Show Hope (formerly called Shaohannah's Hope, after the Chapman's first adopted daughter Shaoey) is a ministry that provides grants and support to adoptive parents as well as care for special needs orphans. I dare you to visit this website, read the stories, and watch the videos without crying! Not possible! :)

The Chapman family is making a difference in the lives of babies all over the world, and blessing couples who are pursing the loving option of adoption. You can help by giving to Show Hope and/or spreading the word. Every one of these precious children deserve loving care and a family to call their own.

12 Days of Christmas Giving - Day 2

2009-12-15T19:29:00.000-08:00

Do you knit? Sew? Make cards or jewelry? Love to do crafty things?

Would you like to use those gifts to help others in need?

Homespun Helpers would love to have you!

I've been a member of Homespun Helpers for 3 years now. I don't know how to sew or knit like the other fine folks at HH, but it doesn't matter! We all have our own talents. I found mine in making greeting cards for our troops overseas.

Anything homemade that benefits charity counts towards our annual tally. Homespun Helpers are from all over the world, and have contributed thousands of items to various charities and relief organizations!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE HOMESPUN HELPERS MAIN SITE!

or find us on Facebook, Twitter, or Livejournal by searching for Homespun Helpers.

12 Days of Christmas Giving - Day 1

2009-12-14T20:39:00.000-08:00

It is officially 12 days until Christmas Day! Here on If I Had A Million Bucks, I will feature a wonderful charity/ministry each day through Christmas. What better way to celebrate Jesus than to share His love with others!

It's day one, and I want you to run over to JUMPS4JOY and see what 15 year old Lexi is doing to help people across the world. She is a tremendous example that one person CAN make a difference! I have made a contribution to The Water Project through Jumps 4 Joy, and I received word today that they have raised enough money to build a water well at a church in Sudan! This impact is life-changing not only for the people who will benefit from having clean water, but for all involved in making this happen. What a blessing!!!

Every time I visit J4J, it brings tears to my eyes. Thank you Lexi for your incredible mission to help others in need!

TOMS Shoes - One For One

2009-11-16T20:22:00.001-08:00

When you buy one pair of shoes from TOMS...

...they put a pair of shoes on a child in need.

I went through the McDonald's drive-through today and wasted seven dollars and change on junk that I didn't need. It's so easy to spend money on things we don't need, isn't it?

So I decided that I wanted to do something with the money that I received this week for teaching...something other than spend it on more junk at McDonald's. I thought about getting something that I could use. I own three pair of shoes (including those god-awful crocs...ha!), and thought that I could use a pair of casual flats...something that I could wear to church or something. I imagine folks would appreciate not having to see my uglier-than-sin crocs every time I enter the room. So, I went to TOMS and ordered the above pair. $44 + tax + shipping = 50-something bucks. That's the most I've ever spent on shoes in my entire life...

...and it was worth every penny.

I never thought shoes could make me cry like a baby...

...so much for that. :)

Go to TOMS.com. Join their mission. Make a difference.

To embrace life is to truly live
Never taking more than what you give ~Me © 2008

Children of the Night

2009-10-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

I'll never forget being introduced to Children of the Night by musician Richard Marx. He has given hundreds of thousands or dollars and promoted COTN through this music for many years. I love him for it.

(From their website)

Children of the Night is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt organization founded in 1979. We are dedicated to assisting children between the ages of 11 and 17 who are forced to prostitute on the streets for food to eat and a place to sleep. Since 1979 we have rescued girls and boys from
prostitution and the domination of vicious pimps. And we provide all programs with the support of private donations.

We are making a difference in the lives of hundreds of children each year. Our commitment to rescuing these children from the ravages of prostitution is shared with a small but committed group of detectives, FBI agents, and prosecutors in Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Ana, Anaheim, San Diego, other areas of California, Las Vegas, Portland, Billings, Montana; Seattle, Washington; Miami, New York, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Phoenix, Hawaii and Washington D.C. — all stops on the child prostitution circuit. And our numbers keep growing as more and more dedicated individuals become concerned about the welfare of these desperate children.

Child prostitutes require specialized care for effective intervention. Most of the children victimized by prostitution were first victimized by a parent or early caregiver. Most have been tortured by treacherous pimps, and many testify in lengthy court proceedings against the pimps who have forced them to work as prostitutes.

In most cases these children do not have appropriate homes to return to, and the only relative who is a suitable guardian may live far away from the child’s hometown. For many the only option is an out of home placement, college dorm, maternity home or mental health program. For those who reach 18 and need additional time to prepare to enter the mainstream society, independent living programs are recommended; special education programs are advised for those who need extra help with school and alcohol or drug recovery homes are suggested for those with substance abuse problems.

Children of the Night is in demand to assist other agencies across the country and around the world to develop similar programs.

Their Website

http://www.childrenofthenight.org

Their Facebook Group

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Children-of-the-Night-Saving-Americas-Children-from-Prostitution/185199382500?ref=nf

For The Love of Tuesday

2009-10-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

http://thetuesdayfund.blogspot.com/

Today, a little girl named Tuesday should have celebrated her birthday, along with her twin sister Piper. Instead, she watches from heaven. Tuesday passed away from Neuroblastoma earlier this year, and my heart broke into pieces for the Whitt family. You can visit their blog HERE.

After Tuesday lost her battle, friends of the family started The Tuesday Fund. You can help other children who are fighting for their lives by giving to the Tuesday Whitt Fund. If you can't give, pray. If you don't pray, light a candle. But I hope you will consider doing all three. Do it for Tuesday.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

2009-10-01T22:15:00.000-07:00

www.penelopehouse.org

Penelope House is a domestic violence shelter in Mobile, Alabama. The mission of Penelope House is to provide safety, protection, and support to the victims of Domestic Violence and their children through the provision of shelter, advocacy, and individual and community education.

I hope everyone will take a moment to analyze yourselves and the situations that you live in. If your relationships are good, be grateful. If they're not good, make an effort to do something about it, even if that means removing yourself from the situation. People think that it can't happen to them, and often it's those people who find themselves in unacceptable circumstances. Please get educated about ALL types of abuse, and if you need help, know that there are resources available to you. Don't find out the hard way and make the mistake that so many of us have made...love yourself enough to make healthy decisions...FOR YOU first and foremost, as well as your loved ones.

Take care,

~ Kelli

Sarah's Covenant Homes - Rescuing Abandoned Children With Special Needs in India

2009-09-23T05:20:00.000-07:00

Please take a moment and visit Sarah's Covenant Homes. I discovered Sarah several months ago and have been following ever since. I hope to be able to visit them someday. It is incredible what is being done for these precious children...it leaves me speechless and in tears. They need our help, as they are always willing to receive more children, but do not receive any government assistance. If you've ever thought about sponsoring a child overseas, I encourage you to consider Sarah's Covenant Homes. They will accept any amount of money, and will give you updates on the child you sponsor. If you are interested, please feel free to contact Sarah directly.

http://sarahscovenanthomes.blogspot.com

Be The Change

2009-09-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

I want to introduce you to the amazing Block family. They are adoption advocates who are currently raising funds to help others adopt. The entire family is eating rice and beans for 30 days. What a tremendous example and a reminder of how incredibly blessed we are. I hope you will visit the Blocks website and consider making a difference in the life of a child. Thank you.

The Liz Logelin Foundation - supporting widows, widowers, and children who have lost a parent.

2009-09-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

An inspiration to many, Matt Logelin is taking the tragedy of losing his wife shortly after she gave birth and using his experience to assist others who have lost a spouse. Do you have $7 a month? Can you walk a 5K? How about spread the word? You can help Matt and Maddy's help others.

Meet the Logelins here. Show Matt and Maddy some love.

Support The Liz Logelin Foundation. Help someone in need.

Thank you,

Kelli

Say a prayer...

2009-09-03T18:33:00.001-07:00

I mentioned a while back that my friend Katherine's sister Lisa was suffering from cancer at a young age. Please pray for Katie and her family, as Lisa passed away today. She was 44.

God, please help us find the solution to this terrible, terrible disease. Please.

Lifting the spirits of sick kids around the world

2009-07-13T01:15:00.000-07:00

I know how it feels to be sick in the hospital. And I know how much of a difference it makes when someone goes out of their way to make me feel better. Child's Play is a charity that does just that.

Developed by die-hard gamers, Child's Play donates games, toys, and more to children's hospitals in the U.S. and abroad. As I write this tonight, there is a small group of gamers holding their annual Mario Marathon to benefit Child's Play. You can watch them live on UStream TV right now. At this moment, 3:21 A.M. central U.S. time, they have been playing Mario for 67 hours and 21 minutes. In this same amount of time, fellow game enthusiasts have rallied together to show their support and have donated over $22,898! I have been following this effort since approximately the 35 hour mark, and I am greatly impressed by what I've seen. There is often a poor stereotype placed on "gamers", and this blows those stereotypes out of the water. Good job, guys. Thank you for being an example and blessing children around the world.

Child's Play Charity

http://childsplaycharity.org

Mario Marathon

http://mariomarathon.com

Operation Gratitude

2009-07-07T22:41:00.000-07:00

What little effort it takes to write a note, put a stamp on it, and stick it in the mailbox. Yet what a huge blessing that is to an overseas soldier!

Operation Gratitude is a great non-profit organization that is making a difference for our troops. Care packages, letters, cards, gifts...the simplest things can make a soldier's day. Last night, I made a set of 20 blank greeting cards. These cards will be given to soldiers overseas, so that they can write in them and send them back to their loved ones!

The cards are only one of several options that you have when you give to Operation Gratitude. I hope you will visit their site and see what you can do to say thanks to our troops!

http://www.opgratitude.com

I'll let the ladies speak for themselves

2009-07-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

My friend Katherine's sister Lisa is one of thousands who are affected by Breast Cancer every day. She was first diagnosed in 1991 at the age of 25, and is now being cared for by Hospice at age 44. You can visit her at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lisaprisco/mystory

There are so many others out there like Lisa, who are fighting Breast Cancer at a young age. See what the Young Survival Coalition is doing to fight this battle by visiting http://www.youngsurvival.org

Lift the spirits of someone who is sick - become a Spirit Jumper!

2009-07-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

I just joined Spirit Jump. This is a great group of people who send encouragement in the form of notes and gifts to those fighting chronic illnesses. You never know how you can make someone's day by just sending your well wishes. You can learn more about Spirit Jump at http://spiritjump.blogspot.com

July is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, and July 3rd is Independance Day...

2009-06-29T00:16:00.000-07:00

...for my precious grandmother, who suffered from cancer as well as Alzheimer's disease and was given her freedom on July 3rd, 2007. My grandmother was the greatest person I've ever known, and helping take care of her for 3.5 years and watching her deteriorate will never be erased from my memory. She took care of and outlived three husbands (two who were abusive, the other who became bedridden from a stroke), had a total of ten children (including 4 miscarriages/still births and 2 who passed away years later), and still had a smile on her face. She laughed as often as she could get away with it, loved Elvis and Baptist hymns, and had the charm to convince sworn enemies to come together for Sunday dinner. She was a peacemaker, but didn't hesitate to play a practical joke on you if the opportunity arose. She was strong, empathetic, and selfless. My grandmother is my hero, and I hope I make her proud.

She developed Alzheimer's and fought it for over eight years. My heart grieves when I think about how much this amazing woman suffered. It was the worst thing I have ever seen.

Through research, studies, and education, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's disease. To learn more, please visit http://www.alz.org.

Let's spread the word about this cruel disease, and do whatever we can for the sake of all who are and will be affected by it. Thank you for your consideration.

~Kelli