Artist Kit Carson created this bracelet for the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix

Enough with the chocolates and flowers already. Enough with holidays that tell us when, where and how to express our love. Enough with token gifts fraught with misgivings rather than meaning.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day if you must, but get your heart on with gifts that truly matter — enriching experiences and choices that enhance our communities — instead of mere bon bons or bling.

Choosing Valentine’s Day gifts for children? Support our local hospitals and medical centers by hitting their gift shops for playful presents like games, stuffed animals and craft kits.

I’m eagerly awaiting the opening of the new Phoenix Children’s Hospital gift shop in their stunning 11-story tower, but I’m enjoying hunting in the meantime for treasures in the east building’s gift shop.

There’s plenty to choose from in all price ranges — including jewelry, clothing with an artsy feel, art activities and board games you might not find in your typical toy store.

Museum gift shops offer lots of fun finds for children and adults. Think the Heard Museum for gifts with an American Indian theme. The Musical Instrument Museum for all things music-related. The Phoenix Art Museum for sweethearts who appreciate art in every nook and cranny, even the kitchen.

Plenty of performing arts venues have gift shops full of unique fare with an artistic flair. Think Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Mesa Arts Center, Tempe Center for the Arts and more.

Watch for gift boutiques when you attend performances by Valley arts organizations. I often encounter fun goodies when seeing the Phoenix Symphony, the Arizona Opera or Ballet Arizona perform at Symphony Hall in Phoenix.

Some arts organizations, including the Great Arizona Puppet Theater in Phoenix, have their own on-site gift shops — and invite folks to stop and shop even when they’re not there for a performance.

There are plenty of options for those of you still rushing to put together that perfect Valentine’s Day experience. No need to panic with those pesky pajama grams.

Instead of dinner and a movie, treat your beloved to a film festival (perhaps a romantic trip to the Sedona International Film Festival) or a night out to enjoy art, dance, music or theater. (Better yet: Pop for season tickets.)

I suppose I won’t reject any bon bons or bling that might come my way this year, but I’ll have to fight the urge to turn everything over and search for evidence it came from one of the community causes I so love to support — even in small ways.

– Lynn

Note: Don’t forget the charm of homemade gifts of art with heart — your local bead shop or pottery painting store can help with ideas, materials and even execution of your project

Coming up: The fine art of daily blogging

U.S. News evaluated almost 5,000 hospitals to rank the best in 16 adult specialties from cancer to urology. Death rates, patient safety, and reputation with more than 9,000 specialists went into the 2010-11 rankings. Of 152 hospitals ranked in at least one specialty, 14 are featured in an Honor Roll for landing near the top in at least six specialties.

Childrens Hospitals

For the 2010-11 rankings, U.S. News requested data from 170 pediatric centers and used survey results from thousands of physicians in 10 pediatric specialties who were asked where they would send the sickest children. In all, 62 hospitals ranked in at least one specialty. The Honor Roll features eight hospitals that ranked in all 10.

Nursing Homes

The 12 nursing homes listed alphabetically below, culled from more than 15,500 homes in the latest U.S. News America’s Best Nursing Homes rankings, make up the Honor Roll. They had to get four straight quarters of perfect five-star ratings from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in each of the three categories in which the agency evaluates nursing homes: health inspections, nurse staffing, and quality of care. Several are pediatric facilities, defined as nursing homes because they provide Medicaid-funded long-term care or skilled rehabilitation services.

New Yorks Best Nursing Homes

New Jerseys Best Nursing Homes

Connecticuts Best Nursing Homes

Recently I met a wonderful new friend on my Linked in network!

http://ca.linkedin.com/in/laarawilliamsen

Her name is Sylvia and she lives in France.  She introduced me to a project

smiles project france, S.A.B.+M.Wysoczynski JUST PRESS TO VISIT THE SITE

AND YOU CAN JOIN TOO!

SEND YOUR SMILES TO

sylvia adjabroux  » smilesprojectfrance «

24 rue Arnaud Miqueu 33000 Bordeaux France

This  project was started by M. Wysocrzynski in Poland and is now spreading around the world.  This very simple idea is to share a drawing of a SMILE, and then it will be placed into the hospital wards of sick children!

There you go!  How easy is that!  So I drew three Smiles with pastels and sent them to Sylvia and now they are going to be displayed in the Children’s Hospitals!   It felt wonderful to contribute to this worldwide offering to hopefully bring a bit of cheer to little children who are suffering from terminal illnesses.

You can join too. Here is Sylvia’s message to you!

PROJECT

smiles project for children

est une idée simple

«   collect smiles from people

around the world,

show them at children hospitals

around the world.   »

Une idée

de Marek Wysoczynski

une  dée

partie de Pologne

qui

a franchi le temps, les front ères et toute différence

qui s’expose sur les murs des hôpitaux

offrant aux enfants

des sourires du monde des bien portants

qui s’expose dans des lieux culturels

offrant à tout visiteur une visite assurée de bonheur

à travers une galerie incroyable de dédicaces heureuses.

Cette idée

Smiles Project for children de Marek Wysoczynski

directeur culturel de l’Agence de Promotion culture Gdansk

Krzywoustego 22/14

80360 Gdansk

Poland

http://www.promocjakultury.pl

a déjà récolté plus de 10000 smiles à travers le monde à l’occasion de ses voyages culturels. Peu à peu, a wall smiles  s’est créé, peu à peu  des ambassadeurs d’autres pays d’abord autour de la Pologne puis jusqu’en Orient organisent avec lui des expositions soit dans les hôpitaux soit dans des lieux culturels et artistiques offerts au public.

jean marais

C’est en répondant à son invitation artistique d’ajouter mon « smile »  pour le Smiles Projet de Marek Wysocsynski  que cette collaboration artistique, culturelle et philosophique est venue. Le désir de faire connaître en France ce projet ainsi que le partager à mes amis artistes qui ne seraient pas encore au courant est la raison de la création de ce blog.  Vous inviter, amis, inconnus, sportifs, politiques, artistes, tous ceux à qui le coeur en dit de nous rejoindre pour qu’on arrive à faire une belle exposition de cette collection formidable, une belle exposition qui s’enrichirait de nos sourires jusqu’à une prochaine édition.

create a smile DEDICACE, your smile will make us all happy

a genious idea came from  Poland that passed time, front eras and any differences which will be exhibited on the hospital walls providing children smiles from the world of the healthy and which is exhibited in cultural centers offering every visitor a tour of happiness guaranteed through a gallery of amazing dedications – happy.
This idea -  Smiles Project for Children originated from Marek Wysoczynski the Cultural Director of the Agency for Cultural Promotion, Gdansk and has already collected over 10,000 smilies worldwide on the occasion of its cultural tours. Little by little, smiles on a wall was created, little by little ambassadors of other countries first around Poland, then in the East will be organized exhibitions with him, either in hospitals or in places of cultural and artistic offered the public.
By responding to his invitation to add my artistic « smile »for the Smiles Project Marek Wysocsynski that this collaboration of art, culture and philosophy has come. The desire to make known in France this project and share it with my artist friends who are not yet aware of it, is the reason for creating this blog. You invite friends, strangers, sportsmen, politicians, artists, anyone who tells the heart to join us so that we arrive to a beautiful exhibition of this great collection, a beautiful exhibition which would be enriched by our smiles up in a forthcoming edition.

thank you in advance for your smily participation

artistically

votre  » ambassadrice smile » artiste

SEND YOUR SMILES TO

sylvia adjabroux  » smilesprojectfrance «

24 rue Arnaud Miqueu 33000 Bordeaux France

Kenza

SEND A SMILE TO JOIN US

Autographs in the form of smiles for exibitions in children hospitals around the world.   Children are also doing
the smile workshop, learning to do something for each other.  There are smiles by musicians, sportsmen, politicians and last
but not least artists smiles meeting smiles made by children
from all over the world. See also the Smile examples on http://www.promocjakultury.pl

Hope you can also join our Smile project,
and send Smiles to our Project, and a big SMILE to you all

https://smilesprojectfrance.wordpress.com/

CHILDREN, you’re not forgotten!

SEND YOUR SMILES TO

sylvia adjabroux  » smilesprojectfrance «

24 rue Arnaud Miqueu 33000 Bordeaux France

PLEASE …..IF YOU ENJOYED THIS CONTENT….

SHARE IT ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK OR ANYPLACE ELSE YOU WISH TO!

Thanks! LOL

Laara WiilliamSen

Firefighters with the 5th Battalion, 1st District, Engine Companies 55 and 78, Truck 44 and Tower Ladder 21 gave hundreds of presents to the children.

But underneath their smiles were sorrows for their fellow firefighters who lost their lives. Many of them expressed they had heavy hearts.

[worldnow id=5410592 width=385 height=288 type=video]

“You have to reach deep and try to change gears because we have to spread joy,” said Lt. Charlie Bliss of Engine 55.

Another firefighter, Lt. Ted Kramer, said, “That would be the next most important thing that we can do, help support them and their families, just as all of Chicago supports us in our time of need right now with our loss.”

The loss hits close to home for Kramer. He said his friends were injured in the South Shore roof collapse and he knew the two firefighters who died: Corey Ankum and Edward Stringer.

“I was actually relieved by the company that went to that fire about five minutes before it [the call] came in, and I know everyone at the scene,” Kramer said. “I know the two individuals that had lost their lives. And it’s just a great loss, it really is. So, it hurts all of us.”

But they rose up to the occasion. The firefighters showed resilience.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to give to the kids,” said Firefighter Mike Ahern.

The children and their parents were touched.

The firefighters stopped by the emergency department and the pediatric unit. They also went to Children’s Memorial Hospital and Comer Children’s Hospital.

The hundreds of gifts delivered cost about $14,000, which is money raised all year through fundraisers.

As a result, prices are going up for these specialized “orphan drugs,” some of which are also used to treat more common conditions.

Over the last 18 years, Congress has required drug manufacturers to provide discounts to a variety of health care providers, including community health centers, AIDS clinics and hospitals that care for large numbers of low-income people.

Several years ago, Congress broadened the program to include children’s hospitals. But this year Congress, in revising the drug discount program as part of the new health care law, blocked these hospitals from continuing to receive price cuts on orphan drugs intended for treatment of diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States.

The reason behind the change is murky, though some drug makers had opposed expansion of the drug discount program. The discounts typically range from 30 percent to 50 percent, and children’s hospitals say the change is costing them hundreds of millions of dollars.

Under the new law, hundreds of rural hospitals became eligible for discounts for the first time, but the discounts are not available on orphan drugs, which account for a surprisingly large share of their outpatient pharmacy costs. At the same time, children’s hospitals lost access to discounts on the drugs.

Two children’s authors sharing how they are doing it and things they have learned en route.

http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2010/10/voice-and-art-of-telling-versus-showing.html

Carol Denbow at  http://abookinside.blogspot.com has lots of writing tips and marketing tricks and lots more.

Dream Chaser Magazine  regularly features articles and interviews on new children’s writers and illustrators as well as tips and tricks by those who have been published.  Latest edition - http://www.magcloud.com/browse/Magazine/92435

Interviews and writing tips and more  - http://damesofdialogue.wordpress.com/ – recently featured illustrator, K. Michael Crawford.

GRIEFABET by Karen O. Johnson

Note – a new kind of Alphabet to use with older children, teens and adults in literacy classes!  I ust wonder if Karen has realised this potential for her amazing little book herself! Folk addressing illiteracy issues in their lives have more that just that they are trying to face, come to turns with, cope with, get past. This alphabet is for them! It is therapeutic whilst it teaches, but in an unobtrusive, non-threatening way!

Research, plan and/or chaperone for arts-related field trips

"Kate's Flower" by Kate M., Age 5

Volunteer to create/install bulletin boards or other exhibit spaces

Donate arts-related books or other media materials to the school library

Attend school arts performances — even when your child is not performing

Pay (or offer to simply do the shopping) for arts-related supplies

Invite friends, family and neighbors to school art exhibits and performances

Share information on arts events and organizations happening in the community with school art teachers

Volunteer to assist with art projects in the classroom (and school clubs)

Donate funds dedicated to professional development for arts teachers

"Lion's Heart" by Gabriel C., Age 7

Volunteer to plan, coordinate and/or execute art exhibits and other events

Suggest community partnerships that might benefit schools and businesses/other organizations

Donate arts-related items you’re no longer using at home (such as musical instruments)

Offer to fund an arts-related field tip to visit a museum or see a theater, dance or music performance

Talk to art students about your own arts-related interests, hobbies or career

"Shy Bear" by Isaiah G., Age 7

Donate art storage items such as cabinets, shelves and crates

Volunteer time to sew costumes, paint sets and more

Stay informed about arts education issues and let legislators know the arts matter in our schools

Support creative play at home with time, space and materials for making visual art, theater and more

Give arts-related gifts such as subscriptions to arts magazines dealing with teacher areas of interest

Help arts teachers develop and share their wish lists of needed materials

Photograph student art to display on the school website

"Happy Flower" by Eilene, Age 12

Volunteer to read arts-related books during storytimes

Share interesting articles you come across about arts news, education, policy and more

Donate gift cards teachers can use at art supply stores

Collect supplies arts teachers are looking for (such as newspapers for paper mache)

Volunteer to arrange guest speakers/guest performers in the arts

Let administrators and board members know you value arts education

"Cutout Snowflake" by Toby M., Age 7

When in doubt, just ask. And remember to thank and compliment your child’s art teachers when you admire their work. Encouragement and appreciation can be the finest gifts of all.

–Lynn

Note: If you’re an arts teacher or parent with other ideas and suggestions on supporting school arts programs, please share them with fellow readers in the comment section below

Coming up: Arts camps for fall/winter break

Artwork featured in this post is from the PCH Kids Art collection, available through Phoenix Children’s Hospital at www.pchkidsart.com. The collection includes art prints, all occasion cards, holiday cards and more — with proceeds benefiting the PCH Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reading, Writing, It’s Exciting teamed up with celebrities at Barnes & Noble in Westside Pavilion to promote literacy…

June 8, 2011 (Los Angeles, CA) The Reading, Writing, It’s Exciting! Program (RWE) recently hosted a star studded reading and literacy event at the Westside Pavilion Barnes & Noble on June 7th to promote literacy and to shine a spotlight on how important it is for parents to read with their children. To help ensure this message is heard, we invited celebrities to read a story and/or book (the children have written) and also act out the books with some of the children at our event. Our goal with the celebrity participation will hopefully inspire other parents to undertake this all-so-important activity with their own children. Literacy experts have all stated that if parents read to, and with, their children from a young age, it would solve many of our literacy problems.

Some of the celebrities that participated included: Sean Kanan (Young & Restless, Bold & Beautiful), Scott L. Schwartz (Oceans 11, 12, 13, Spiderman), Catalina Rodriguez (Watch Over Me, Dexter), David Fralick (The Young & The Restless, Changing Hands), Matthew J. Evans (Bad Teacher, Zoey 101, Drake & Josh), Kate Linder (Young & Restless), Julianna Rose (There Will Be Blood, Little Miss Sunshine, G Force, The Last Mimzy), Jennessa Rose (Enchanted, Happy Feet, Little Miss Sunshine), Danika Yarosh (A Christmas Wedding Tail –with Jennie Garth, Nerd Wars, The Wizard of Oz-on Broadway), Derek Bloom (Victorious, Beyond The Mat), and Petey Yarosh (Celebrity Ghost Stories)

RWE is a nonprofit literacy program designed to improve the reading and writing skills of at-risk children. We do this by providing one-to-one writing mentors throughout the school year for kids who are chosen by their teachers to participate. At the end of the school year, the kids get to read one of their stories at a Barnes & Noble, and then watch in special VIP seats as actors perform them for the audience.

The reason for our program is that research shows that if children aren’t writing and reading at their grade level by the end of second grade, they almost never catch up. Further research has also shown that as many as 80% of those kids eventually drop out of high school, are unemployed, are in prison or join gangs. And how accurate are those numbers? Several states actually base their future prison building plans on them! There are over 45,000 second grade students in L.A., and only 41% of them are proficient in writing and reading. We must help all of them…

For more information about RWE, please visit: www.rweprogram.org

Links:
http://www.prphotos.com/store/category.cgi?item=MGR-000013&type=store&ps=15&x-start=0

http://www.looktothestars.org/news/6439-stars-read-to-kids-at-literacy-event

http://www.exposay.com/scott-l-schwartz-reading-writing-its-exciting-at-barnes–noble-in-los-angeles-on-june-7-2011/p/47671/1/?f=Scott+L.+Schwartz

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/books/features/article_1644949.php/Reading-Writing-It-s-Exciting-at-Barnes-&-Noble-in-Los-Angeles-Pictures

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjv8WKXm

VIDEO Coverage:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MistyExtremePR?feature=mhee#p/a/f/0/rE7mePCJabo

Press/Media/Booking
Misty Griffey
PR/Marketing Coordinator
The Reading, Writing, It’s Exciting Program!
Direct: mistyepr@gmail.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Scott L. Schwartz joins the board of Reading, Writing, It’s Exciting! and is on a mission to help educate the children of Los Angeles…

February 14, 2011 (Los Angeles, CA) Actor/Producer/Director Scott L. Schwartz recently accepted the honor of becoming a board member for Reading, Writing, It’s Exciting! (www.rweprogram.org), A nonprofit literacy program in Los Angeles for children who need the most help with writing and reading between the ages of 5-7years old. Scott is aware of the importance of programs like these. He acknowledges the children of today as America’s future and wants to do his part in participating in this program. Scott would like to congratulate and praise Stephen Kogon for starting this program.

Scott L. Schwartz is widely known as the “Ultimate Bad Guy” from his acting career including: Ocean’s 11, 12 & 13, Starsky & Hutch, Fun With Dick And Jane, Spiderman, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Star Trek Voyager, among other feature films. Recently, Scott has been reprising his most cherished role, the “Ultimate Nice Guy.” Scott L. Schwartz has been helping hospitals all over the United States and visiting children’s hospitals worldwide for the past 12 years after losing his sister to lung cancer in 1998. Scott realized the value and impact of making a lasting impression on children and how important it is to make each child feel special, motivated and encourage them to learn. Scott L. Schwartz’s goal for Reading, Writing, It’s Exciting! is not only to help the children of Los Angeles, but to expand this program into all major cities and eventually take this mission nationwide. Scott hopes to make sure that no children are without the proper education and mentors to help them succeed, learn to read and write before they reach third grade.

The mission of Reading, Writing, It’s Exciting! is to mentor children during their first and second grades. According to the California Department of Education, only 41% of LAUSD students are proficient in Language Arts (reading/writing). Research has shown that students who are not reading and writing at grade level by the 3rd grade fall further and further behind their classmates, and rarely ever catch up. Other research has proven that 50-80% of these children who can’t read or write eventually drop out of high school, are unemployed, commit crimes, or join gangs. Several states actually base their future prison building plans on these numbers. Reading, Writing, It’s Exciting! hopes that by reaching these children now, they won’t become a part of these statistics…

The Scott L. Schwartz Children’s Foundation is making a difference in the lives of each child in need by continuing to visit hospitals, helping Reading, Writing, It’s Exciting!, Santa’s Gift, Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), and Toys For Tots Foundation of Seal Beach. For more information please visit: http://www.scottlschwartzchildrensfoundation.wordpress.com or for more information about Reading, Writing, It’s Exciting! program, please visit: www.rweprogram.org.

Press/Media/Booking:
Extreme Public Relations
Email: mistyepr@gmail.com
Direct: (323) 570-1328

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Scott L. Schwartz visits East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and WBIR in Knoxville, TN…

December 2, 2010, (Knoxville, TN) Actor/Producer/Director Scott L. Schwartz in association with Santa’s Gift is making an impact on Children’s Hospitals worldwide starting with a recent visit to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, TN. While visiting East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, Russell Biven & Beth Haynes from Live At Five At Four on WBIR welcomed Scott for an interview to discuss his recent charity work, they are always excited to have him on the show as this is his second visit to WBIR. Crowne Plaza (Downtown) is always Scott’s hotel of choice while visiting Knoxville, TN.

Scott L. Schwartz is widely known as the “Ultimate Bad Guy” from his acting career including: Ocean’s 11, 12 & 13, Starsky & Hutch, Fun With Dick And Jane, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Star Trek Voyager, and many more feature films. But this year Scott reprises his most cherished role of the “Ultimate nice guy”… Scott L. Schwartz has been visiting children’s hospitals worldwide for the past 12 years after losing his sister to lung cancer in 1998. After that he realized the value and impact in making a lasting impression on these children with cancer and how important it is to make each child feel special and cared about. Scott enjoys visiting the cancer centers and bringing what joy he can into the lives of every child he visits, they are always smiling when he leaves the rooms and usually begging him to return soon.

The mission of Santa’s Gift is to bring hope to hospitalized children during a traumatic time of their lives. An interactive visit with Santa allows for a child to forget their worries for a short period of time. Santa brings cheer to both the patient as well as their families. Each visit is captured on film and provided to the child along with a high quality teddy bear. Santa’s Gift goal is to visit as many children throughout the country as possible and grow the organization to bring holiday hope to as many hospitalized children as possible. Scott L. Schwartz plans on getting more hospitals on board to work with the Santa’s Gift and introduce the hospitals that he frequently visits to Santa’s Gift.

Scott L. Schwartz Children’s Foundation plans to make a difference in the lives of each child in need by continuing to visit hospitals worldwide, helping Santa’s Gift, Children’s Hospital Of Orange County (CHOC), and Toys For Tots foundation of Seal Beach.

For more information please visit: www.santasgift.com.

For Press/Media/Booking:
Extreme Public Relations
Email: mistyepr@gmail.com
Direct: (323) 570-1328

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AB Weddings & Special Events in association with Coast Anabelle Hotel & Zing Graphics have teamed up to sponsor the premiere of Name That Celebrity Cupcake…

November 18, 2010 (Burbank, CA) AB Weddings & Special Events and Coast Anabelle Hotel have agreed to sponsor the premiere of Name That Celebrity Cupcake on Saturday November 20, 2010 (2-4pm) at the Coast Anabelle Hotel. Celebrity Cupcakes is a non-profit series of charity events that was created and will be hosted by actor/director/humanitarian Scott L. Schwartz (Ocean’s 11, 12, 13, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Changing Hands, Starsky & Hutch, etc…). Each event will consist of gift bags, celebrities, red carpet, Seal Beach Marines (to collect toys), press, and media. Celebrities are invited to stop in and “name” their favorite cupcake or have the bakery to design a custom one for them… Each event will include a variety of bakeries that will create an assortment of cupcakes such as regular, organic and sugar free cupcakes for diabetics.

All guests attending are invited to bring a new unwrapped toy or gift card to benefit The Scott L. Schwartz Children’s Foundation (Supporting: Santa’s Gift, Children’s Hospital of Orange County & Toys For Tots Foundation).

Current cupcake sponsors include:
My Delight Cup Cakery
Creameez
Judye Sugar And Spice

DATE:
11/20/10

TIME:
2pm – 4pm

LOCATION:
Coast Anabelle Hotel
2011 W. Olive Ave.
Burbank, CA 91506
(Free Valet Parking)

For more information on Celebrity Cupcakes For Charity please visit: www.celebritycupcakes.wordpress.com.

For Press/Media/Booking:
Extreme Public Relations
Office: (323) 570-1328
Email: mistyepr@gmail.com
www.mistyepr.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Scott L. Schwartz helped raise over $40k for Alicia’s House 8th Annual Celebrity Golf Outing, Dinner and Silent Auction on September 11, 2010 …

September 21, 2010 (Los Angeles, CA) Actor/Producer/Director/Humanitarian Scott L. Schwartz was one of the celebrity special guests at Chicagoland Expo in Carol Stream, IL. While Scott was in town he helped hand out food to the needy at Alicia’s House Food Pantry (http://www.aliciashouse.org/1.html), and attended the Alicia’s House 8th Annual Celebrity Golf Outing, Dinner and Silent Auction at the Lincolnshire Country Clup and at “Tip a Star” events. Scott also visited the Ronald McDonald House as well as several Children’s Hospitals.

Scott L. Schwartz is widely known as the “Ultimate Bad Guy” from his acting career which includes: Ocean’s 11, 12 & 13, Starsky & Hutch, Fun With Dick And Jane, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Star Trek Voyager, and many more feature films. Scott L. Schwartz has also been visiting children’s hospitals worldwide for the past 12 years after losing his sister to lung cancer in 1998. After that he realized the value and impact in making a lasting impression on these children with cancer and how important it is to make each child feel special and cared about. Scott enjoys handing out food to the needy, visiting the cancer centers and bringing what joy he can into the lives of every child he visits, they are always smiling when he leaves the rooms and usually begging him to return soon.

Scott L. Schwartz Children’s Foundation is under way with upcoming appearances from Scott and events for children of all ages. On November 20, 2010 Scott will host a Celebrity Cupcake Event for charity in Los Angeles, CA. Scott plans to make a difference in the lives of each child in need by continuing to visit hospitals worldwide.

http://www.looktothestars.org/news/5096-hollywood-bad-guy-has-heart-of-gold

For Press/Media/Booking:
Extreme Public Relations
Email: mistyepr@gmail.com
Direct: (323) 570-1328
www.mistyepr.com

***********************************************************************************

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

9/7/10 – Click on this link to see Scott L. Schwartz LIVE on WGN Chicago: http://www.wgntv.com/videobeta/b6a7ccf7-cef1-4f07-8de5-d6bca964fc42/News/Midday-Fix-Scott-L-Schwartz

Carol Stream, IL Actor/Producer/Director Scott L. Schwartz will be a special guest at Chicagoland Expo from September 9-12th at the Holiday Inn, Carol Stream, IL. For more information please visit: http://www.nonsportcardexpo.com/. While Scott is in town he will also be handing out food to the needy at Alicia’s House Food Pantry (http://www.aliciashouse.org/1.html) on Tuesday September 7, 2010.

Scott L. Schwartz is widely known as the “Ultimate Bad Guy” from his acting career which includes: Ocean’s 11, 12 & 13, Starsky & Hutch, Fun With Dick And Jane, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Star Trek Voyager, and many more feature films. Scott L. Schwartz has also been visiting children’s hospitals worldwide for the past 12 years after losing his sister to lung cancer in 1998. After that he realized the value and impact in making a lasting impression on these children with cancer and how important it is to make each child feel special and cared about. Scott enjoys visiting the cancer centers and bringing what joy he can into the lives of every child he visits, they are always smiling when he leaves the rooms and usually begging him to return soon.

Scott L. Schwartz Children’s Foundation is under way with upcoming appearances from Scott and events for children of all ages. Scott plans to make a difference in the lives of each child in need by continuing to visit hospitals worldwide.

For Press/Media/Booking:
Extreme Public Relations
Email: mistyepr@gmail.com
Direct: (323) 570-1328
www.mistyepr.com

Scott L. Schwartz visits the USMC Seal Beach in honor of Toys For Tots…

June 29, 2010 Orange County, CA Actor/Producer/Director Scott L. Schwartz visited the USMC in Seal Beach. Scott wanted to show his appreciation for our USMC and their affiliation and help with the teddy bears he donated to Toys For Tots. Scott spent hours at the USMC Seal Beach base signing autographs and meeting the staff. Scott is planning on attending and helping the USMC with their upcoming events for Toys For Tots and helping raise as many Toys For Tots as he can.

Scott L. Schwartz is widely known as the “Ultimate Bad Guy” from his acting career which includes: Ocean’s 11, 12 & 13, Starsky & Hutch, Fun With Dick And Jane, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Star Trek Voyager, and many more feature films. But today Scott reprised his most cherished role of the “Ultimate nice guy”… Scott L. Schwartz has been visiting children’s hospitals worldwide for the past 12 years after losing his sister to lung cancer in 1998. After that he realized the value and impact in making a lasting impression on these children with cancer and how important it is to make each child feel special and cared about. Scott enjoys visiting the cancer centers and bringing what joy he can into the lives of every child he visits, they are always smiling when he leaves the rooms and usually begging him to return soon.

Scott L. Schwartz Children’s Foundation is under way with lots of surprises and fun events for children of all ages. Scott plans to make a difference in the lives of each child in need by continuing to visit hospitals worldwide, helping Toys For Tots foundation of Seal Beach and Toys For Tots worldwide. For more information please visit: ]]> http://larkspurmeadowscircle.wordpress.com/2010/05/14/a-taste-of-amore-for-chkd-was-a-success/ Fri, 14 May 2010 17:10:23 +0000 larkspurmeadowscircle http://larkspurmeadowscircle.wordpress.com/2010/05/14/a-taste-of-amore-for-chkd-was-a-success/ Our 6th annual dinner fundraiser was a success.  Held at the Renaissance Room in Virginia Beach, about 8o guests dined on culinary delights, were entertained by saxophonist Stan Howard, and bid on wonderful silent auction items.  The event raised approximately $7,000.00 for The Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters.

Click here to view photos from the event.

Larkspur Meadows/CHKD Agenda

Location:  Megan Zuckerman’s

Time 7:00PM

1. Welcome-
   1. KD Mission Statement:  The King’s Daughters, founding organization of the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, promotes superior pediatric wellness through dedicated volunteerism in partnership with Children’s Health System.

1. 1. King’s Daughters Fun Fact:  The free standing building of CHKD was built in 1961 and remains the only free standing children’s hospital in Virginia.
   2. Past King’s Daughters Fun Fact:  There is a wonderful video slide show about The King’s Daughters website homepage.

1. Adjustments or Corrections from Meeting March 3^rd at Burton’s
2. Treasurer’s Report- Allison
   1. 2010-2011 Dues
3. Old business
   1. The King’s Daughters is always looking for extra hands around the hospital.  If you have time to donate, call the office at 668-7098.  These hours are kept by KD office separately from your Circle volunteer hours.
   2. Additional Old Business?
4. Current and New Business
   1. On Going KD Projects

1. i.      In Kind Chair-Judy
2. ii.      Circle Volunteer Hours Chair-Reva
   1. If you are not present at the meeting, please email your hours to Reva revaks@cox.net
3. iii.      Tour de Cuisine: The 6th Annual Tour de Cuisine – a unique home and culinary experience – will take place in the picturesque waterfront neighborhood of Meadowbrook, Norfolk on Sunday May 23, 2010.  Volunteers Needed

iv. CHKD Blood Drive: The CHKD quarterly Blood Drive will be held THIS FRIDAY April 9, 2010 in the Brickhouse Auditorium from 7:00 am – 3:00 pm.  If you are interested in volunteering/working at the blood drive, please call 668.7098 by Thursday at 12noon

1. Projects Committee Report-Mandy
   1. i.      Music in Motion Performance-Mandy ($410 donation)
   2. ii.      Royal Chocolate-Reva ($100 donation)
   3. iii.      Memories Cookbook-JoAnne
   4. iv.      Grocery Bags
   5. v.      Dinner-JoAnne and Sarah
   6. vi.      Moe’s Nights-Allison
   7. vii.      Run Walk Team-Amy

1. Next Meeting: May Meeting:  Thursday May 6^th, Burton’s Grille

Future Meeting/Event Dates:

1. i.      DINNER: Sunday April 18^th
2. ii.      Tour de Cuisine:  Sunday May 23rd
3. iii.      RunWalk: Saturday June 19th

1. Additional business?
   1. Leadership positions:  President (1 year term), Vice President (2 year term), Treasurer (2 year term)
2. Meeting Ends

The purpose of  Bright Happy Power is: “To  place hope, happiness and empowerment into  the hands and lives of children and families  facing life-threatening and catastrophic challenges.”

You can find out more about Jessie at      http://www.brighthappypower.com and read  her family’s online journal at www.dok.com.

If you have books you’d like to donate to Children’s Hospital Boston, or if you’d like to contribute in some other way, you can contact Bright Happy Power by email: info@brighthappypower.org or telephone 978-356-3780.

Children’s hospitals rely on private donations and federal grants to fund education programs and medical research.  Diseases like cystic fibrosis, leukemia, epilepsy, and sickle cell anemia are treated with great care by trained professionals who have access to the latest drugs and technology.  Without the support of the community, however, many young people battling illnesses in the United States would not receive the treatment that they deserve.  Hospitals and clinics wanting to get their message across to others can do so through the use of custom lapel pins.  A powerful way to promote programs, solicit funds, and educate the public about disease, the versatile marketing tool can also help introduce a foundation to the public.

Traditional forms of fundraising are no longer as effective as they used to be.  In order for children’s hospitals to remain medically advanced, they must think “outside the box” and find new ways to reach donors.  One of the most effective ways of doing this is through the creation and distribution of custom lapel pins from Lapel Pins R Us.

Using the hospital’s logo or motto, our team of designers creates custom artwork in the customer’s choice of colors.  Once a digital proof is drafted and the design is approved, custom lapel pins can then be ordered by an individual or group and handed out to community members, families of ill children, staff, and donors as a way of spreading goodwill and getting the word out about the hospital or clinic’s efforts.

A few of the ways that custom lapel pins can be used by medical facilities are:

As an educational tool to increase awareness about childhood illness and disease.

As a promotional tool to establish a hospital’s presence in a city or state.

As an advertising tool to help announce upcoming events or new medical programs.

As a thank you gift for donors, dedicated employees, and volunteers.

Due to their many uses, custom lapel pins are indisputably valuable in children’s hospitals, clinics, and research centers.  In addition to their physical presence, the emotional impact that they make is astounding.  Conjuring up memories of teamwork, dedication, and innovation, custom lapel pins from Lapel Pins R Us help raise awareness and make progress.  Call us toll-free at 1-800-480-6822 or email info@lapelpinsrus.com for a no obligation quote and take the steps necessary to help children in need.

Caryn Smith is Manager of Lapel Pins R Us. When you need affordable, custom lapel pins created, visit http://www.lapelpinsrus.com today. Your order qualifies for fast and free delivery.

One of those works, an 80-foot mural of children’s art, was headed by artist Ian Cion.

“For patients and their families, art can be a real release and a break from the physical and emotional challenges that accompany serious medical conditions,” he said. “To have a chance to step back from being a patient and experience a different role for yourself, to think of yourself in the capacity of an artist, is refreshing for the patients.”

The creation of the artwork affects the whole family.

“When you see your kids in treatment, it can be very taxing for their parents,” Cion said. “When you see them acting like kids and making artwork, it can be a real relief for you as a caregiver as well.”

Through the support of numerous organizations, Cion spent a year creating artwork with patients. The work was originally featured on two 35-foot Capital Metro busses, which were unveiled during Art Week Austin in 2008. It was the first year the local nonprofit Art Alliance Austin, which puts on the Art Week Austin, commissioned artists to create temporary installations.

“Everything we do is collaborative, and that structure or philosophy has really come as a result from me living in Austin and feeling and experiencing the collaborative nature of the arts community here,” he said. “It’s given me a framework for creating that as a template for making programming for patients.”

Cion is now heading to Houston to work on a two-year collaboration project with M. D. Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. The Artists in Hospitals program will continue here in Austin, and he is hoping to create multi-city collaborative projects in the future.

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Can I share with you the latest gift he has shared with a “cancer kid?”

Jeff Foxworthy wrote me a kind, encouraging, supportive, and inspiring email, and guess what?!

 Mr. Jeff Foxworthy wrote a beautiful book endorsement for Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey through Cancer and Recovery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can tell by his words that he really does spend time with kids who are battling cancer.  In this world that is becoming more and more devoid of people we can look up to for an example of how to live our lives, Jeff Foxworthy has given me something to reach for.  Integrity is a wonderful thing to share.  Please excuse me while I go cry happy tears.