Cleaning For A Reason works with local cleaning services nationwide to provide free home cleaning for local women undergoing cancer treatments. Founded in 2005 with a few supporting cleaning services in Texas, the program is rapidly expanding and now covers most major markets, in all 50 states and four Canadian provinces.

“We focus on the home so women can focus on their health,” said Cleaning For A Reason founder Debbie Sardone. “With Hoover’s help, we can help even more women in communities across the country.”

Hoover will provide funding and equipment to facilitate local service partners, and will help the organization raise additional funding through special marketing campaigns to drive awareness and individual donations.

“We are an iconic brand with a wide reach and we are putting that power to work to help women when they need it the most,” said Brian Kirkendall, vice president of marketing for Hoover. “Having a clean home is one small way to help families, and we want to help. We are proud to partner with Cleaning For A Reason.”

Cleaning For A Reason recruits local maid services to provide professional cleaning at no cost to area cancer patient participants. Cancer patients apply for free service online, although currently demand is so high that applications are only accepted during a small window of time each day. Cleaning For A Reason connects applicants with local service partners to provide the free cleaning service, typically once a month for four months. Since its inception, the Foundation has been actively recruiting local cleaning services to help and the partnership with Hoover will help drive participation and support.

“With Hoover, we can further our commitment to providing the gift of a clean home to women with cancer,” added Sardone.

For more information about Cleaning For A Reason, go to www.cleaningforareason.org. Find out more about Hoover’s commitment and activities in coming weeks at www.Hoover.com and become a fan at www.Facebook.com/Hoover.

Team In Training (TNT), The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) leading endurance sports charity training program, has reached a remarkable milestone of raising over $1 billon to support blood cancer research and patient services. Since its inception in 1988, when a team of 38 runners trained together for the New York City Marathon and raised $320,000, TNT has prepared more than 440,000 people—approximately 40,000 participants annually— to achieve their dream of completing a marathon, half marathon, triathlon, 100-mile (century) bicycle ride or hike adventure. The enormous success of this program has helped make possible advances in blood cancer therapies and treatments that have prolonged and enhanced the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients

I remember when I was younger, my mom always did a ton of running. Every marathon, 5K, 10K, she was in it. One time she thought it would be awesome if I joined. I signed as a runner and finished as a walker. Not my cup of tea at all haa! (Funny thing was I got a Coffee Cup for finishing!) But, my mom always does these for good causes. If it’s raising money for cancer, kids, anything, then its more rewarding and fulfilling.  That’s probably where I got my mushy heart from. I melt when anything comes up for a cause. (Hence my work with Dreamcatchers For Abused Children.)  Then again I pretty much stalk the Girl Scouts around cookie time too. Like this year my neighbor comes over to sell her cookies and the 1st thing i say ” How many more do you need to sell?!” So 10 boxes later, I still have 4 in the freezer.

Well, my mom is a big supporter of LLS. The 1st time she signed up, I helped fundraise and the money was helping this little girl in our area. We got to even meet her and get to know how the money would help her. It makes you work 100 times harder! Every year has been rewarding as she has raised thousands.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visitwww.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET

This year I believe has the largest amount. She has stepped up to raise $5550. She does actually have about $500 raised so far. She went to her local IHop on National Free Pancake Day and helped out while earning some donations. There isn’t much time left and the economy has certainly not been kind to anyone. However we have $5000 left to raise so that she can help another family this year and run her next marathon. The marathon chosen is the Rock N Roll San Diego Marathon on June 5th. She needs the money turned it by April 24th.

In exchange for raising funds, participants receive: four to five months of high caliber training by certified coaches, a supportive group of teammates, and lodging and airfare to the event of their choice. Participants also receive tools and support to attain their fundraising goals, including a personalized fundraising web page. Participants can choose from more than 200 accredited national and local events in the United States and abroad, including: The Nike Women’s Marathon: A race to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, in San Francisco; Women’s Running Magazine Women’s Half Marathon & 5K to Benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in St. Petersburg, FL.; the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon & ½ Marathon to Benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; Bank of America Chicago Marathon; Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C.; the Honolulu Marathon®; St. Anthony’s Triathlon in St. Petersburg, FL.; The Nation’s Triathlon to Benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Washington D.C.

Fun Fact about my mom- The Pittsburgh Marathon TNT ..she finished 5 Hours 20 minutes !

See that big ol’ donation box? Please help us with any amount you can. You can use any Credit Card, or PayPal.  Feel free to pass the widget on by using the Copy button on it. Also if you feel better giving a donation on her LLS page, simply click HERE. (oh the receipt directly through PayPal will have her business name on it. Just a heads up lol)

Update– We are at $130 donated from Facebook, twitter, & blog friends, & $700 from local fundraising.

Team In Training has had a tremendous impact on the growth in endurance sports, and in particular, the explosion of women’s participation. Overall, 73 percent of TNT participants are women, with an average age of 32.
TNT is the leading endurance sports charity training program, preparing amateurs and seasoned athletes. The reasons cited most often for joining the program are: the opportunity to meet new people and have fun as part of a supportive team; and the cause, raising money to help find cures and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Taking on a personal challenge, accomplishing a goal and getting fit are also aspects that attract people to the program. Many participants dedicate their time and energy in honor of a friend or loved one who has had blood cancer. Still others are themselves cancer survivors who want to prove that they have stamina to take on a physical challenge.
Local blood cancer patients, known as honored teammates, cheer participants along from training to event weekend. TNT participants often say their greatest inspiration and motivation come from their honored teammates, who themselves face even greater challenges in their battles against cancer.

Special Thank You to those sharing the widget and donating!!

http://www.my-magnificent-obsession.com/

http://www.nyaproductreviewer.com/

http://insanityisforthelame.blogspot.com/

http://chicnsavvyreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-fundraising-page.html

http://www.asmomseesit.com/

http://dreamcatchersforabusedchildren.com/

http://militarytravelmama.com/

http://www.6dailyblessings.com/

http://www.mnmrheinlander.blogspot.com/

Dawn from http://MommyPR.com/

http://www.alittleoftheother.com/

http://www.paperroxscissors.com/

http://www.mommieswithcents.com/2011/03/can-you-help.html

This is a personal post written by me. No sponsorship or endorsement is being paid or given.

One third of all handpumps installed in the last twenty years in developing countries are now broken. And 4,000 children die every day because of lack of clean drinking water. We feel that’s unacceptable. So we’re thinking differently.

Instead of drilling more wells, we’re using our charitable gifts for something revolutionary – to train and employ handpump mechanics. The mechanics earn an income, bringing themselves out of poverty, and they save lives – turning water back on for thousands of people each year.

Today’s World Water Day. Our goal is to inspire 100 bloggers to turn their words to action, and inspire ten readers to donate $20 – enough to turn water back on for three people in India.

One third of all handpumps installed in the last twenty years in developing countries are now broken. And 4,000 children die every day because of lack of clean drinking water. We feel that’s unacceptable. So we’re thinking differently.

Instead of drilling more wells, we’re using our charitable gifts for something revolutionary – to train and employ handpump mechanics. The mechanics earn an income, bringing themselves out of poverty, and they save lives – turning water back on for thousands of people each year.

Can YOU Help?

100% of every donation is tax-deductable, and will support The Adventure Project’s Keep It Clean Campaign for India.

This is NOT a sponsored post. Information, photos, widget was provided.

Malawi is one of the poorest nations in Africa where only 50% of women are able to read and write, and 40% of the population lives below the poverty line. Yet, research shows that empowering and educating young women leads to greater success in the fight against global poverty.  Join My Village raises money to provide secondary school scholarships and bring female teachers and role models to Malawi so that more girls have an opportunity to learn critical skills, contribute to their family’s income, and escape a life of illiteracy and impoverishment.

By visiting www.joinmyvillage.com, you can release General Mills charitable dollars by simply engaging on the website. This innovative click-to-commit concept does not ask participants to donate directly to the cause, but rather encourages online users to learn more about the issue by watching videos, reading stories and testimonials and by engage with other activists through social media platforms. Now, with Merck’s contribution and when combined with that of General Mills, the total of individually-influenced donations will be upwards of $1 million!

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All information was provided for me.

This is NOT a sponsored post.

From the hearts and hands of the people of Haiti comes the first collection of home decor handcrafts since the January 2010 earthquake. Each item is designed exclusively for Macy’s and made by hand by local artisans. The spirit and creativity of the people of Haiti is reflected in the vibrant colors and joyful patterns of each piece.

With love and care passed down from generation to generation, Haitian artisans made these pieces for the home. The purchase one of these products helps the Haitian artisans preserve their cultural history, restore their homes and rebuild their communities. As Master Artisan Serge Jolimeau states: “with help and hard work, we will rise again.” The sales of Heart of Haiti products at Macy’s put real, sustainable income into the hands of the artisans who create them, changing their lives in remarkable ways.

Brandaid Video

Meet The Artists!

If you are interested in finding a store that carries pieces from the Heart Of Haiti Collection, click here for a list.

Looking through the beautiful pieces from these amazing artists, i found several i thought would be a blessing in our home.  My favorite piece of them all is this gorgeous Heart Of Haiti Tree Of Life Picture Frame. And it’s only $25 !

If you are a blogger, interested in going  to Haiti for a real eye opening blogging experience, from FEB 22-27, please email me and i will pass over some information. Sponsorship is encouraged and the total needed would be around $900.

• Heart of Haiti on Facebook
• Heart of Haiti on Twitter
• Twitter Hashtag: #HeartofHaiti

More information on the the Heart of Haiti founder and Fairwinds Trading CEO Willa Shalit can be found here.

I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.

http://www.facebook.com/couponmountain

To help this great cause, CouponMountain.com (an online coupon code site) has pledged togive up to $50,000. But it’s up to you how much Toys for Tots will get. Because they’re going to give $1 for every Facebook Fan they have on Dec. 31.

So please – take a minute to log on and “Like” CouponMountain. Then pass it on.

How You Can Give $1 to Toys for Tots:

·      Go to: www.Facebook.com/CouponMountain

·      Select “Like”

·      CouponMountain will donate $1

·      Spread the word to your friends

Whether at a holiday party, a New Year’s Eve bash at a bar or reveling with friends, many of us will be on the road this holiday season. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Ad Council are reminding everyone that the best way to stay safe is to plan ahead and designate a sober driver before you head out for your festivities.

• Join the Twitter Q&A on Thursday, December 9^th at 2 PM ET. Follow the hashtag #buzzeddriving to get safety tips and prevention advice from NHTSA experts. You can follow the chat here: http://tweetchat.com/room/buzzeddriving

•        Designated Driver Drink List — One of the most important things you can do before going out is designate a sober driver. If you’re throwing a party, make sure to offer non-alcoholic drinks for the sober drivers. Here is a compiled a Facebook tab with 50 non-alcoholic party drink recipes.

•        Alternative Ride Locator — Global Influence has created a Facebook tab with a list of nationwide alternative ride programsthat can help keep your readers safe.

•        Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving website — Sign a pledge not to drink and drive; play “Spot the Difference,” an interactive game that simulates the effects of buzzed driving; and watch a real-life video about how buzzed driving changed one woman’s life.

Don’t ruin the holidays and the end of the year with a DUI — or worse.

A new year is coming up — do your part to lower the number of alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2011! Ring in the New Year safely.  Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before you begin celebrating. Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

The main goals of this campaign is to publicize the Water.org mission and make people aware of the magnitude of the unsafe water crisis.  In addition, we hope to emphasize that people have the opportunity to directly contribute to the cause through the CamelBak water bottle initiative that Matt Damon is getting behind as co-founder of Water.org.

Here are some of the alarming facts about this grave crisis. You can find more information about the crisis here.

• Nearly a billion people have no access to clean water and over two and a half billion don’t have proper sanitation
• Water borne diseases kill 9,000 people every day; one every ten seconds, mostly small children.
• That’s more lives claimed each year by water related diseases than by guns and wars.
• Only one in three people in the world have a toilet. More have cell phones.
• Millions of children miss school. Countless people live without dignity or the chance to lead productive lives. Communities all over the world have no economic opportunity.
• In many countries, the impact is felt most deeply by women who gather water, care for stricken children, and cope with the ramifications of this life crushing burden.

The Water.org water campaign mentioned earlier is called “Hope in a Bottle”.  With the help of CamelBak, Water.org has developed a limited edition, reusable, environmentally friendly water bottle.  The campaign is running through the holiday season and the bottle can only be purchased at gift.Water.org and 100% of the profits go directly to Water.org projects around the globe.

Hope in a Bottle gives you the chance to give a meaningful and original gift for the holidays while giving clean water to someone in need – all in the true spirit of giving.  Everyone who buys a bottle will receive a link that invites them to follow the progress of a community that their purchase is going to help.  This is great because you can actually see how your donation is being put to good use!

Did you know:

• Cholera in Haiti.  600 people have died already and Water.org’s work is vital to preventing further outbreaks.
• Helping People Help Themselves.  Water.org doesn’t just help people, it helps people help themselves, a subtle but important distinction which has led to their phenomenal record on sustainability.
• The Perfect Gift.  What makes a perfect gift?  The attributes of the gift itself are important, but when a gift can give beyond itself, it means even more.
• The Trojan Horse Strategy.  When a non-profit faces an awareness issue, what can they do?  Water.org’s answer is the gift water bottle, which hopefully thousands will drink from daily and help cause spontaneous conversations about the topic.
• Microcredit for Water.  Water.org is pioneering efforts in this area.  Last year, Gary White, its co-founder along with Matt Damon, won the coveted Skoll Social Entrepreneur Award.

Do you think you could help? Why not just send a simple tweet?

Click any one of these buttons to send out a pre-made tweet.

• Help others get clean @water by giving a Water.org bottle http://act.ly/2nl RT to sign #givelife

Tweet

• Give your friends and family a great gift – someone clean water for life. gift.Water.org #givelife

Tweet

• Help Matt Damon change the world. CamelBak bottle = someone gets safe, clean @water gift.Water.org #givelife

Tweet

Or why not add the #givelife hashtag to all your tweets to help spread awareness.

Stop over and follow Water on Facebook.
Check out Water.org on YouTube

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Water.org has provided me with the compensation and information for the promotion.

I will be compensated with product .

In support of Veteran’s Day (November 11), Snapfish is partnering with the Paralyzed Veterans of America MISSION:ABLE, a leading veterans service organization, to celebrate the men and women who have served our country.  Snapfish will be giving customers the opportunity to order their holiday cards – a great way to get a head-start on your card making, while also honouring our veterans!

 Snapfish is offering 10% off any card purchase made between November 1-30 using the code 4VETERANS at http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/storepage/storePageId=storeveterans/campaignName=missionable. What’s more, Snapfish will donate 20% of the proceeds from any card purchase made using this code, so you’re not only able to stock up on all your cards during the busy holiday season, you’ll also be giving back.

 America’s paralyzed veterans are ready, willing and able to rebuild their lives and recover their dreams. Paralyzed Veterans of America’s MISSION:ABLE  campaign is dedicated to making sure our brave veterans are:

• Able to receive the benefits they’ve earned
• Able to access the quality of care they need to live a full life
• Able to get job training and opportunities for new careers
• Able to enjoy competition and camaraderie though sports

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Disclaimer:I was not paid in any form of cash for this posting.

I did not receive product or services to keep for my testing purposes but am working in conjuction with Snapfish ans a Snapfish Select Blogger. 

We have all heard about designated driver programs for people who are “drunk” but there has been a rise in the information put out about “Buzzed Driving” because I think we can all agree. We aren’t all doctors and we don’t know our true limits. So please be safe, don’t drive buzzed, drunk, tipsy or any of the above.

Check out this great info from Miracle Momas that you can share with a friend or keep in mind for yourself.

Sign the pledge against “buzzed driving”

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Disclaimer:

I was not paid for this post. Passing it on for a great cause.