In the winter session, we worked with 3 new great organizations for our Project Goodness giving projects;  Heifer International, The Children’s Safe Drinking Water Program, and Operation Smile.

This time around, the students giving projects were bigger and involved more of their school.  For example, the 5^th grade class that chose Operation Smile as their giving project, not only learned in depth about the organization, but they put together a short video explaining what the organization does (gives free surgeries to children around the world that are born with cleft lips and cleft palates) and it was presented to the entire school. They also sold “Smiley Grams” at recess and lunch for 50 cents, with the goal of raising at least $240 (the cost of an Operation Smile surgery.) When all was said and done, these students raised an impressive $340, enough to pay for a life changing surgery for a child and some additional medical equipment and tools for the volunteer staff.  The students felt empowered as a class and rewarded in compassion for knowing that they were able to help change someone’s life for the better.

One of the 2^nd grade classes learned about the importance of clean and safe water.  Many times when you teach children about poverty and the difference between what we have here in the states, and what some countries deal with on a daily basis, it can be very eye opening.  This was exactly the case for this class.  We learned all about poverty and what that means, and we learned about different countries and communities that live in poverty. Countries like Ethiopia and Uganda were discussed quite frequently.  The Children’s Safe Drinking Water Program is a charitable organization through Procter and Gamble, and this organization has created “safe drinking water packets” through PUR drinking water.  A tiny packet is poured into 2 ½ gallons of dirty and unsafe water, and within a matter of minutes, the water is purified right before your eyes.  The dirt sinks to the bottom, and the bacteria and parasites are killed.  Children living in poverty are dying daily because of the unsafe drinking water they consume.  With every sip of water they are taking a gamble with their life.  With these small packets from PUR we are helping entire communities live longer, healthier, disease free lives.

When the students learned that each packet only cost 10 cents, and that $1.00 could give a child clean drinking water for 50 days, they were on a mission to make a difference.  They presented the water experiment with the PUR packet in front of the whole school, along with facts about children living in poverty and how they don’t have access to clean water.  They inspired their entire school to help.  When all was said and done, they had raised enough money to provide 2,150 PUR packets to communities living in poverty!  (or  we were able to provide someone with clean drinking water for 10,750 days! OR 29 years & 4mos!) OR, we helped 7 families (of 5) have clean water for an entire year. We were all so overjoyed with their accomplishments!

The other 2^nd grade class worked with an organization called Heifer International.  Heifer is an amazing organization that has been around for many years.  They provide livestock animals for families in need, helping to create a sustainable environment.  They look to give people a “hand up” not a “hand out.”  By giving these families a cow, a goat, a sheep etc. they are then able to take the milk from the cow or goat, or wool from the sheep, and provide nutrition or goods for themselves, but also they are able to sell the rest. With the profits of their sales, they are then able to send their children to school, pay for medical and housing needs, etc.  Heifer trains all the families in sustainable and eco friendly farming methods.  Heifer also requires that the animal’s first born female baby be passed along to another family in the community.   Heifer calls this “passing on the gift,” and it ensures that more and more families, and eventually entire communities will be able to support and educate themselves.  This was a great way for the children to understand the “pay it forward” mentality.

Heifer also provides fabulous lesson plans and resources for teachers, and I was able to get a lot of help with the lesson plans this way.  They sent along a fabulous book to read to the class that was based on a true Heifer International story.  The book is called “Beatrice’s Goat,” and tells how a young girl living in Uganda gets a goat from Heifer, and how it changes her life for the better.  After reading that story, my students were determined to raise enough money to buy a goat.  A goat cost $120.  Besides the in class Giving Jar, these students participated in a program called “Read to Feed.”  They had family and friends “sponsor” them monetarily for every book they read.  This encouraged reading of the students, so the parents and the teachers LOVED this!  On our last day of class we added up all our money, and found out that they had raised an astonishing $500.34!!  That was enough money for 4 goats and a flock of ducks!  They were more than thrilled with their accomplishments, and I couldn’t have been happier!

Here is some more feedback from the students and teachers about the Winter Session:

“Project Goodness has taught me that I have the power to change the world for the better.” ~Anita 5^th grade

“One of the most meaningful lessons that Project Goodness has taught me is that “every little bit counts.” It really got me thinking that anyone can make a positive difference if they try.” ~Josh  5^th grade

“If you teach children about kindness and goodness, they will be able to teach others the lessons they’ve learned.  Sometimes adults need to be reminded of these lessons too!” ~Boyan 5^th grade

“It’s important to teach children about compassion because there is so much conflict in the world.  I love learning about positive ways to make a difference—it empowers me!” ~Rachel 5^th grade

“Kids are our future, and if they learn about kindness, our world will be a better place.” ~Ashlyn 5^th grade

“It’s important for kids to understand that even a little kindness can make a BIG difference.” ~ Sami 5^th grade

“Project Goodness has taught me that if you believe in yourself, you can do anything!” ~Shelby 5^th grade

“Before Project Goodness I never thought about doing anything for others.  I didn’t really know that I could do anything helpful because I’m just a kid!  But Project Goodness taught me that I CAN make a difference no matter what my age—I understand that now!” ~Jack 5^th grade

“I’ve learned from Project Goodness that no matter how big or how old you are, you can still make a difference.” ~ Alli 2^nd grade

“Project Goodness taught me that “every little bit counts,” and that means even if you help out, even in a tiny way, it still means something.  Small things count because it means we can all make a change if we try.” ~Isabel 2^nd grade

“It is important to teach children about kindness and goodness, so they won’t be hurtful to others or make bad choices. Instead;  they’ll help others.” ~Nicole, 2^nd grade

“Project Goodness taught me a lot of good things that I didn’t really do or know.  Now that I know, I want to grow up and be a philanthropist like Ms. Alli.”

~ Madison 2^nd grade

“We spend most of our time now in schools teaching academic standards.  I feel personal growth is very important to children.  Project Goodness is a wonderful and organized way to start children on their own path of personal growth. Project Goodness helped my children realize that their life can be full of wonderful possibilities that they can actually initiate and accomplish.”

~Joni Simon, 5^th grade teacher, Westlake Hills Elementary

“It is so important to teach our children about kindness, goodness, compassion and giving back—all the values taught in the Project Goodness program.  At this age children learn life lessons that stay with them forever—it leaves and impression that can help shape who they become as adults!”

 Kathy Zika, 2^nd grade teacher, Beckford Ave. Elementary

Project Goodness has just started the Spring Session this week in 2 more schools.  The Spring session will go until June 2011. 

Besides being incredibly busy and involved with the actual Project Goodness programs, Project Goodness is also fully functioning as a non-profit organization.  We are currently in the process of putting together our board of directors (we have some very experienced and powerful people who are interested in helping Project Goodness grow, which is incredibly exciting!)  We are also looking at long and short term goals regarding fundraising, applying for grants, etc.  We have already done some smaller fundraisers and have been able to raise some additional funds in public donations.

In conclusion, Project Goodness has had an immense amount of forward movement since we have won our Pepsi Refresh grant.  The Pepsi grant has allowed Project Goodness to become a reality and a truly inspiring program.  We plan to continue our journey of empowering more students one little hand at a time, and to continue to teach the Project Goodness mantra of, “every little bit counts!”

I am elated to announce that PROJECT GOODNESS is an official $25,000 grant winner of the Pepsi Refresh Campaign!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I want to thank each and every one of you for all your love, support, help, belief, & encouragement that you have given to me & to PROJECT GOODNESS over the last 90 Days.

This entire process was quite a roller coaster ride (especially towards the end there!)  but you all stepped up and fought for me & for PROJECT GOODNESS, & for that–I am honored, humbled, and grateful beyond words.  You all have shown the heart of what PROJECT GOODNESS teaches– “every little bit counts.”  Every vote, click, & text that you did and helped PROJECT GOODNESS get, made us grant winners.  THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all of your love–& I am literally moved to tears by the amount of support that has come out of this entire process.  Please help spread the word to those whom I don’t even personally know, who voted and supported PROJECT GOODNESS–it means so much!

I will definitely keep you all posted on the next phases of PROJECT GOODNESS.  We are already in 3 schools in the fall–and the plan is to continue to expand, & reach schools all over.

The next step is to fill out a bunch of paperwork, & then it seems not only will the funding be coming in pretty rapidly, but I will now have a professional team who will help expand the vision of PROJECT GOODNESS!  This is truly an amazing opportunity for me & PROJECT GOODNESS, & I am SO lucky to have all of you–my own team of loving, supportive, “good” people who have cheered me on.  I am SO incredibly grateful for all of your continual love & support, I know this opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without all of you!

With tears in my eyes, love in my heart, & a passion to make a difference,

Alli D. Seigel

Founder/Executive Director/President of PROJECT GOODNESS

EVERY VOTE COUNTS.  EVERY CLICK, EVERY TEXT.  EVERYTHING! Click the tab below to vote, then text in your FREE vote by texting to the number 73774 (Pepsi) & in the message type 100222.  EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS, because as one of my students said “every little bit adds up to a lot a bit.” That’s right.  It does.  If you all told 10 people, who told 10 people, who told 10 people and so on, we would, as another one of my students said, “have a goodness ripple.”  Please help me continue that ripple!  We are SO close & you can help!  THANK YOU!

25K would do HUGE things for PROJECT GOODNESS–allowing us to continue to bring FREE goodness programs to elementary schools.  Our children need to know that they CAN make a positive difference in our world, and that “every little bit counts.”  PROJECT GOODNESS teaches this as well as many other valuable lessons to our kids. Please help PROJECT GOODNESS get that Pepsi Refresh grant by voting for 8 more days!  Click the VOTE NOW image below to vote for PROJECT GOODNESS & our August Partners!  Then please text in your vote–Texting 100222 to 73774 (fast, free & easy).

In addition to supporting PROJECT GOODNESS, I would like to remind you of one of our August partners who need your votes too! Please read more about GATEWAY:

Theater Collaborative of Somers Point New Jersey is working hard to fill a large cultural void in their charming town.  Four years ago, the Gateway Playhouse (100 years old this year!) closed down due to lack of funding.  Since then, the community has been without a place to cultivate local talent and educate local children in the performing arts.  The Theater Collaborative, made up of professional performers, is inspired to help restore the playhouse and bring affordable, high-quality entertainment back to the region.
Please also Text in your vote for GATEWAY today by texting 100534 to 73774.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING PROJECT GOODNESS & OUR AUGUST PARTNERS.  WE HAVE 8 MORE DAYS TO KEEP OUR SPOT IN THE TOP 10–PLEASE HELP US STAY THERE!

THANK YOU!

1. Click the VOTE NOW image below to vote for PROJECT GOODNESS & our August partners (we need your support EVERYDAY!)

2. Text in your vote for PROJECT GOODNESS by Texting 100222 to 73774 (Pepsi)

3.  If you are reading this via Facebook, please click that big yellow button you see on my personal page to vote for PROJECT GOODNESS via Facebook.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

In addition to voting for PROJECT GOODNESS daily, I want to remind you of one of our partner projects: THE LOMA LINDA FOUNDATION that needs your support too!

For more than 15 years, the Gingerbread House Project at Loma Linda University Medical Center Children’s Hospital has brought joy and smiles to sick and terminally ill children.  Providing a much-needed distraction from hospital life, workshops are held where children celebrate creativity as they build and decorate their own gingerbread houses.  Children feel a sense of accomplishment and pride as all of their completed houses are displayed in the hospital lobby as a “gingerbread vilage” for all to see.

Please also Text in your vote for The Loma Linda Foundation today by texting 101128 to 73774.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING PROJECT GOODNESS & ALL OF OUR AUGUST PARTNERS DAILY!

Please also text in your votes for Beads of Courage daily:  Text 100217 to 73774

Thanks so much for supporting PROJECT GOODNESS, Beads of Courage & our entire August team today!

Today I would like to spotlight our one of our August partners, THE SKIP PROGRAM:

The idea for the Skip Program grew out of a family tragedy.  Lisa Johnson, having unexpectedly lost her Uncle Skip, wanted to do something to keep his spirit alive and celebrate his life.  Using the inheritance left to her by her grandmother, she created a program that gives underprivileged children the financial assistance they need to participate in sports and community activities.  Lisa is following in her grandmother’s footsteps, making a positive difference in her community by helping make the dreams of underprivileged children come to life in memory of her Uncle Skip.

Please support The Skip Program today in additon to supporting PROJECT GOODNESS!

Text 100847 to 73774 to vote for The Skip Program.

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING PROJECT GOODNESS & ALL OUR PARTNERS IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST!

Many of you have seen my posts for quite some time, and may have flirted with the idea of actually pushing that vote button, but haven’t “gotten to it” quite yet.  Well the time has come my friends.  PROJECT GOODNESS needs you now more than EVER! We need your votes, your clicks, and your texts.  You can vote all 3 ways in less than a few minutes, and you really are helping me make a difference in the lives of many.  Click the VOTE NOW image below to vote for all 10 of our partners this August.  After you are done with that, text in your vote for PROJECT GOODNESS by texting 100222 to 73774–very quick and easy.  And finally, after reading this, click that yellow button on my facebook profile page, and share the idea on your page as well.  The mantra of PROJECT GOODNESS is “EVERY LITTLE BIT COUTNS,” and I know that holds true with these votes as well! So PLEASE help PROJECT GOODNESS stay in that Top 10 spot!

And while you are supporting PROJECT GOODNESS, I want to share with you another partner that we are supporting this month as well.  Let me introduce you to HEALTHY HABITS:
Healthy Habits Nutrition Tool  offers a simplistic visual to encourage families to track their daily nutritional needs.  Chris Scapini, a loving mother of 3, developed the Healthy Habits Nutrition Tool so that her children could become independent and aware of healthier food choices.  By providing a tool that visually tracks food categories, water consumption and exercise, Chris hopes to help families everywhere create a healthier way of thinking.

Please also text in your vote for Chris at Healthy Habits (sweet Chris just lost her mother this past week, so we need to show her something extra love)  Text 100214 to 73774 to vote for Healthy Habits in addition to PROJECT GOODNESS!

12 Days to go!  Thanks so much for all your support!

Definitely something I should do EVERYDAY in August to support PROJECT GOODNESS

In addition to supporting PROJECT GOODNESS, today I want to share with you about another partner we are supporting: POP!:
POP! (Performing Arts Outreach Program) focuses on helping and empowering at-risk children in desperate need.  Using a curriculum that enforces core life lessons through the arts, POP! teachers reinforce respect, self-efficacy, and responsibility.  Dr. Nancy Coppola has been working with at-risk-youth for 5 years, and through the POP!  program teaches our younger generation that they have the power to take the future into their own hands.  POP!’s goal is to change the world view of our children into one of HOPE.

Please support POP! along with PROJECT GOODNESS today!

You can text in your vote for POP! by texting 100843 to 73774

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!!

Just like yesterday, and the days before that, PROJECT GOODNESS & our August partners need your votes and support today! PROJECT GOODNESS & our partners are all in the running for grants with the Pepsi Refresh Campaign.  We need to keep our spots in the Top 10 so we can do what we do best–help change our world for the better!  You know the drill click that inviting “VOTE NOW” image below to vote for all. And have I mentioned, I want your text.  That’s right baby, text.  Support PROJECT GOODNESS with yet another vote, by texting 100222 to 73774.

Today, we are going to share about our partner, MOLLY’S ADOPT A SAILOR:

Molly’s Adopt a Sailor is an idea that started with the expression of one mother’s love for her child.  Molly’s goal is simple: Ship care packages to our troops to show them we care.  Molly’s 100% volunteer force is comprised mostly of mothers whose children are in the military; the comfort they give these young men & women (so many of whom are still teens!) brings a mother’s love to harsh and distant soil.  With Molly’s big heart leading the way, our troops know they are loved form home, and, more importantly, they are reminded that they are NOT FORGOTTEN.

Please show your love and support not only for PROJECT GOODNESS today, but for Molly as well.

You can text in your vote for Molly, by texting: 100521 to 73774

THANKS for being such good people, & supporting such great causes!

And, as we’ve been doing everyday, I will be sharing with you a bit about one of our partners for August.  Another fabulous project that we are supporting and you should too is GOT BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Got Bragging Rights is determined to Heal the Nation through positive action. Hit by a string of personal tragedies and overwhelmed by the increasing negativity in our lives today, Keala Tyler (GBR founder) realized that many of us have lost the balance in our lives. To remind ourselves of the great things that everyday people are doing and to bring positive influence back into focus, GBR is creating a rewards & recognition program for student role models who have been inspirational in their efforts to improve themselves, their community or the lives of others.

Let’s help support Got Bragging Rights today and everyday in August!

Text in your vote for GBR too!  Text: 100511 to 73774

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for bein’ so good and helping make the world a better place one little click at a time!

GATEWAY:
Theater Collaborative of Somers Point New Jersey is working hard to fill a large cultural void in their charming town.  Four years ago, the Gateway Playhouse (100 years old this year!) closed down due to lack of funding.  Since then, the community has been without a place to cultivate local talent and educate local children in the performing arts.  The Theater Collaborative, made up of professional performers, is inspired to help restore the playhouse and bring affordable, high-quality entertainment back to the region.

Please also text in your vote for Gateway by texting 100534 to 73774

CRESWELL:
Creswell Youth Center was founded to encourage youth to dream big and pursue their lifelong goals.  In a community where only 5% of the residents have a four-year college degree, its youth struggle to see that these dreams can become a reality.  Creswell Youth Center is grounded in the belief that it is possible to change lives and transform a community!

Please also text in your vote for Creswell by texting 100516 to 73774

Once you click the above VOTE NOW button, you will see several vote buttons for several other projects in addition to PROJECT GOODNESS.  We have teamed up with some wonderful projects, and we would love for you to just click down the line and vote for them all.

In addition to supporting PROJECT GOODNESS, you will be supporting projects such as The Loma Linda Foundation.  For more than 15 years, the Gingerbread House Project at Loma Linda University Medical Center Children’s Hospital has brought joy and smiles to sick and terminally ill children.  Providing a much-needed distraction from hospital life, workshops are held where children celebrate creativity as they build and decorate their own gingerbread houses.  Children feel a sense of accomplishment and pride as all of their completed houses are displayed in the hospital lobby as a “gingerbread vilage” for all to see.

You can also Text for The Loma Linda Foundation.  You will text to 73774 (again, that spells Pepsi) and in the message, you will text the number 101128 (That is the Loma Linda Foundation’s passcode.)

THANKS FOR HELPING PROJECT GOODNESS & OUR PARTNERS DO SOME GOOD!

Project Goodness will bring goodness projects into elementary schools, teaching children, our leaders of tomorrow, how to activate their innate goodness.  Children will learn the value of selflessness, the power of acts of kindness, and the fact that they truly can make a difference, because  ”every little bit counts.”
During each 10-week program, a group of children will work together to produce a goodness project (e.g. helping animals, homeless, children in need, etc.). While working to achieve this larger goal, children will be learning additional core lessons and values (e.g. teamwork, communication, creativity, sharing, etc.).  As they discover their own compassion, they will inspire goodness in those around them (family, friends, schoolmates, etc.).  And by having goodness in their consciousness, they will be more cognizant of having a positive impact on our world for years to come.

I know you all would love to help me get PROJECT GOODNESS up and running–and YOU can! If you have been living under a rock, I will remind you that we are currently in the running for a 25k grant with the Pepsi Refresh Campaign, and you can help us get that grant by VOTING! Click below to vote for PROJECT GOODNESS and our partners for August 2010!

Please also vote for PROJECT GOODNESS via text–so easy and free (as long as you have texting on your phone). 

Text 100222 to 73774

Everyday I will highlight another project in addition to PROJECT GOODNESS that we are supporting, and want you to support too!  By clicking above you will see our 10 partners for the month, and although we would love for you to vote for all of them everyday (waaay to easy not to) I will share with you each day a little bit about each one so you can get a feel for all the other the good projects we are asking you to support!

Please read on to learn about the great project we are supporting;  BEADS OF COURAGE:

Beads of Courage started with a nurse who decided giving stickers to children in cancer treatment wasn’t enough.  Children, she believed, should have more to show for what they endured each and every day in their courageous struggle to live.  Jean Baruch developed a method for children to RECORD, TELL, and OWN their stories of courage using (often handmade) glass beads.  Each bead is a symbol of courage, and each strand the beads make is a monument to the child’s strength.  Beads of Courage serves over 70 hospitals around the world and over 10,000 children battling with life-threatening disease.

You can help support PROJECT GOODNESS and BEADS OF COURAGE by clicking the VOTE NOW icon above!

Also please text your vote in for BEADS OF COURAGE, by texting 100217 to 73774

THANK YOU for helping us do good!  VOTE NOW!

I know you all want to help PROJECT GOODNESS bring FREE goodness programs into elementary schools teaching children how they CAN make a positive difference in this world, right?

Well, all you got to do is click on the link below to vote for PROJECT GOODNESS and all our partners for August of 2010.  We need to make sure all of our partners are in the top 10 and stay there until the end of the month!!!  Please help with a click of the button and vote for all–EVERY LITTLE BIT REALLY DOES COUNT, and your vote and click make a huge difference!  And while you’re at it, please text 100222 to 73774 to throw another vote our way!  PROJECT GOODNESS thanks you for all the love and support, now get to the clickin’!!  THANK YOU!