Good Deed Week #31

Good Deed #212. I donated to the pajama program which provides comfort and love in the way of new pajamas and books to children in need and children waiting for permanent homes. By providing pajamas and books, they help to create a warm and nurturing bedtime environment for vulnerable kids living under difficult circumstances.


Good Deed #213. Another way to help kids, I donated to First Book. First Book provides new books to children in need, addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books. An innovative leader in social enterprise, First Book has distributed more than 60 million free and low cost books in thousands of communities.



Good Deed #214. Once again, I went to my monthly habitat for humanity meeting. We are still preparing to create new materials and displays to place outside each home we are building. Not much has changed since the previous post.

Good Deed #215. As I was sitting at home watching my FAVORITE show, Ellen, I saw this awesome group of very intimidating men that are part of Rescue Ink. These guys will stop at nothing within the bounds of the law to protect animals at risk. They intercede without hesitation when they are informed of a situation that needs to be addressed, and they address it. If they need to convince people to do the right thing ... they can be very convincing, they will even buy animals if that's what it takes to get them away from abusers. Rescue Ink™ is all about zero tolerance when it comes to animal abuse and neglect. Their ranks are growing every day, as Americans from coast to coast are reaching out to join in their efforts. How could I NOT donate to them!?! Check them out: Rescue Ink on the Ellen Degeneres Show


Good Deed #216. Today, I clicked to help air a public service announcement protesting Canada's baby seal hunt. I mean, who doesn't want to help the baby seals?!?!

Good Deed #217. I have now nicknamed Ryan my "superstar." He is such an asset to the team and is a pleasure to have around the house. Things are still going well -- even though he can kick our ass at every Wii game we own. Hopefully one day he will learn that it is only polite to let your host family win every once in a while.


Good Deed #218. Alright, I have officially passed the "half-marathon" mark. This past Saturday I ran 14 miles. So, now I know I can run a half-marathon if something happens. It is a great motivator to know that I really am making progress and this is actually going to come true. I don't know if this will make sense to you, but I don't really realize that I, Little B, will be running a marathon. I realize that is what I signed up to do and I realize that is what all my donors are expecting me to do, but really....me...run a marathon?!?!

Good Deed Week #30

Good Deed #205. I donated to a project that will serve 150 children by offering them the opportunity to get out from their slums, to express their feelings and open their minds to the world. It also creates a positive dynamic for the whole community by providing jobs. The project targets children who live in poor and marginalized areas of Casablanca, Morocco.


Good Deed #206. Through DonorsChoose.org, I donated to a teacher at my former high school. Mrs. B's students love the CBS Numbers show, which uses math to solve crimes. In order for her class to complete the "forensic" type activities they need a data collection tool. My donation is helping them purchase a Casio EA-200 graphing tool. This tool will allow them to collect real-world data and transfer that data to graphing calculators. Then, students can analyze the graphs and the equations and make generalizations about what could happen next.

Good Deed #207. Imagine being a child, away from home, scared in the dark! That is what happened to many of the children in Mrs. D's classroom when a tornado knocked out power for hours at their school. I donated to her project so they can have good flashlights and emergency radios. These simple pieces of emergency equipment can make sure these stressful situations are easier to handle for both the children and adults.

Good Deed #208. As we all know, I try my best to support military men and women. So, it shouldn't be a surprise that I donated to the USO, which is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the troops by providing morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform.



Good Deed #209. I clicked again and saved 7.4 sq feet of rainforest. I still have no clue how much that really is, but it sounds good. If you too want to save the rainforests or carbon emissions click here.

Good Deed #210. Ryan is still living with us and is still playing some great baseball. The hours are long and hard, but he is managing the schedule incredibly well. Overall, this has been a great summer and we are happy to be a part of his career and life.


Good Deed #211. Thank goodness this was a recovery week. As you know, last week we had to run 12 miles, this week we only had to run seven miles. However, I am starting to realize that our "down" weeks means harder and longer hills. This week I received two very generous donations from Rich G. and Rhonda. Rich is technically a friend of a friend, but I like to consider him a friend of mine now. I have done a few good deeds with him this year (Race for the Cure for his mom and Guitars Not Guns). Rhonda is a fellow Boise Hawks host mom (she has a pitcher).

Good Deed Week #29

Good Deed #198. As I attempt to help our planet, I donated to a project to help Northwestern students in Panama. The community of Santo Domingo is located in Chagres National Park in Panama. It is isolated; a 10 km dirt road separates it from the nearest town. After the Northwestern group assisted in installations of solar panels and lights at the local school and church, the community proposed the electrification of individual houses through solar energy. This project will benefit the community’s health, economy, and environment. Northwestern will provide technical expertise, training, and 50% funding for materials.



Good Deed #199. I donated to a project that will provide a regular supply of basic foods and other items to the elderly population in parts of rural Guatemala, while educating families on age related issues. My small donation, will feed one elderly person for a month.

Good Deed #200 and #201. The genocide continues. 400,000 people are dead. How this is allowed to go on day after day doesn't make sense to me. I know this isn't much, but if we all sign and if we all fight for them, maybe (just maybe) we can put an end to this. To do my part, I joined and donated to Save Darfur. Please watch the videos on this site: http://www.voicesfromdarfur.org/page/content/voicesfromdarfur and the video below:



Good Deed #202. In order to offset the emissions I released during my shower today, I clicked to donate to stop global warming. It's easy, for you it would just be one click on this page and another on care2's website.

Good Deed #203. Ryan is still with us. We fear (mostly me) that he will be called up at any minute to the bigger leagues. Our players are being called up on a weekly basis, so our time with him could be over at any minute. He has the talent to move up and we sure will be happy if he does, but I selfishly want him to stay. So far, so good.


Good Deed #204. Ouch, ouch, ouch. We ran 12 miles this Saturday. Ouch. I hurt everywhere and walking seems impossible. They warned us about blisters and bloody toes, but when it actually happens you really realize how much it hurts. Oh well. It's done and over with and next week will be an easier week.

Good Deed Week #28

Good Deed #191. The benefits of solar power are rarely enjoyed by the low-income households who need the savings the most. GRID Alternatives brings together a grassroots network of volunteers, as well as rebates, grants and low/no interest loans, to install solar for low-income families throughout California. “These projects bring together environmental and economic sustainability on a local level while helping folks gain hands-on experience with solar,” says GRID Alternatives co-founder Erica Mackie. My donation is helping to bring solar power to 10 families in California.

Good Deed #192. I donated to a project that contributes to the rehabilitation of children and youth who have experienced severe stress and trauma due to war of summer 2006 and the following internal conflict in Lebanon by means of regular sport activities. Through guided sport activities the participants are provided with a healthy regular routine in an otherwise chaotic environment. So far the project has been provided psycho-social support to roughly 400 children, affected by the recent conflict in Lebanon.

Good Deed #193. Of the more than 1 million people displaced by Hurricane Katrina, some 300,000 are children. After the storm, Boys & Girls Club moved quickly to assist children who were forced from their homes. I donated to help provide a safe place for kids to recover from the traumatic events, a place to learn, play and make new friends. Currently, there are about 500 displaced kids participating in the programs that will run throughout this school year and next summer. Boys & Girls Club provides after school programs at Scotlandville Middle School and weekend activities at FEMA trailer parks.


Good Deed #194. My donation to poor farmers in Brazil helps establish them as organic farmers and agroforestry producers. This project was created with the purpose of donating vegetable gardens and tree nurseries and offering courses on environmental and agricultural matters. Basically, irrigated vegetable gardens are provided for Brazilian rural families, resulting in food, work and better habitat and environmental conditions.

Good Deed #195. I signed a petition to move landmark legislation through Congress that will allocate federal resources to non-profit and research organizations focused on finding a treatment and/or cure for SMA.

• SMA is an inherited genetic disease that results in loss of nerves in the spinal cord and weakness of the muscles connected with those nerves.
• SMA is the #1 genetic killer of children under the age of 2.
• SMA is estimated to occur in nearly 1 out of every 6,000 births.
• The gene mutation that causes SMA is carried by 1 in every 40 people or nearly 7.5 million Americans.
• There is currently no cure, but the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) have selected SMA as the disease closest to treatment of more than 600 neurological disorders.
• Researchers estimate that we are as close as only a few years away from finding a treatment and/or cure.

Good Deed #196. Ryan Keedy has had another great week! He has had several key plays that knocked in a few runs. In general, the hawks are playing strong even though many of our players are being moved up to other teams. Keedy played one home game and 5 away games this week. The picture below is him being interviewed for being player of the game.


Good Deed #197. Thank goodness this week was an easier week. We only had to run 6 miles! The training is going well and the donations continue to come in. This week I received a donation from Michael Goldfarb (former coworker -- he had the unfortuante pleasure of having to share an office with me).

Good Deed Week #27

Good Deed #189. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is home to caribou, snow fox and millions of migratory birds. But this natural treasure is constantly under siege. Time and time again, the oil industry has sought to open this special place to harmful new drilling, threatening all of the wildlife that depend on it for survival. And now President Bush has called for drilling in the Arctic Refuge by 2010 in his new budget proposal. I signed a pledge urging congress to permanently protect the Arctic Refuge! If you would like to sign, please click here.

Good Deed #190. In Billi, 512 households face an increasing water crisis. Severe drought over the past couple of years has severely depleted the water tables and most of the public water points run dry for 7 months a year. Other wells are contaminated with arsenic and are blocked from use. Families often resort to getting their drinking water from open, contaminated sources. These problems are further compounded by poor sanitation practices, leading to increased incidences of diseases and child mortality. My donation is helping a project that consists of constructing 20 new borehole wells with hand-pumps and drainage systems, and pit latrines for 512 households. The project also includes health education, community development and technical training.

Good Deed Week #27

Good Deed #182. I received a tip from my brothers fiance and made a donation to the Homeless World Cup. The disparity of wealth in the US, which has worsened in recent years, breaking apart the traditional family and disrupting education among the poor, has created a growing underclass, increasingly young, that is homeless and excluded. Through inclusion and mentorship street soccer offers them a chance to become part of a team to address drug dependency, find a home, training, a job.


Good Deed #183. I also made a donation to help Afghan boys trade guns for books. Many Afghan boys want schooling but are too old and must work. The goal is to help 360 boys who have been refugees and/or soldiers get an education that will prepare them for successful, peaceful futures.



Good Deed #184. I made another donation to help provide an education to the first generation of children in remote areas of Nepal. These disadvantaged children would remain illiterate, and continue their life of poverty without any hope of change.


Good Deed #185. I supported The Nyaka School which helps to alleviate poverty by providing free primary education and extracurricular activities to children who have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS in rural villages of Uganda.


Good Deed #186. 80 stitchers are making tough, repairable leather soccer balls & volleyballs in Africa for kids who hardly get to see a proper ball. Each ball carries a simple HIV/AIDS or Malaria awareness message. My donation will cover the cost of printing & delivering a set of 10 HIV/AIDS awareness posters to a school.


Good Deed #187. Well I was really nervous about my run this Saturday -- it was my first double digit run. I successfully ran 10 miles, but the even more exciting part was that it was pretty EASY. I know, I couldn't believe it either. I felt really strong out there and had NO knee pain!!! This week I also received donations from Carolyn and Jamie (former roomies), Ronald Stonehouse (dad's coworker who just lost his wife to cancer), Al Pleasants (my old neighbor), and Katie Scott (Brian's sister and my future sister-in-law).

To date, I have raised $2,417.30. Therefore, I have $1582.70 to go!!!


Please support me in the race to fight blood cancer! Click to
DONATE NOW

Good Deed #188. What a great week! Ryan was Player of the Game for the third time! We have only had three home series (I think) and he has already been picked three times!!! This week had a lot of great games -- including one that Ryan hit in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth. The best part was the fact his Dad was able to fly out here and watch the games as well. It was awesome having both of them here at the house and things aren't the same without them around.

Good Week #26

Good Deed #176. Okay, we all know the next organization that I donated to. Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has given hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. From our humble beginnings with one boy’s wish to be a police officer, we’ve evolved into an organization that grants a child’s wish in the U.S. every 40 minutes.

Good Deed #177 + #178. I fed and helped protect a chimpanzee, gorilla, bonobos, and other endangered primates by clicking here. I also clicked here to write three letters of support to to stop violence against women.

Good Deed #179. I went to my monthly habitat for humanity meeting. We are preparing to create new materials and displays to place outside each home we are building. Also, we are ready to do a home dedication in the coming weeks. It's great to see progress being made.

Good Deed #180. I ran a much easier 6 mile route this week. The pain was greatly reduced from the week before (thank goodness). I received a RIDICULOUSLY HUGE donation from a friend from college -- Dan Askin. He is a two time cancer survivor and a major motivator for my running. I am still in tremendous shock from his donation!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! Simply amazing!

Please support me in the race to fight blood cancer! Click to
DONATE NOW


Good Deed #181. It has been another great week for Ryan. We are currently preparing to have his dad stay with us for the next week. Overall, this has been a great experience. We get to go to the games for free and spend the the night with the other host families who are just the greatest group.

Good Deed Week #25

Good Deed #169. I saw this group on Ellen and decided to make a donation. Most people know that Sophia from Golden Girls lives inside of me so it shouldn't be too surprising that I think this is awesome. Check out Young @ Heart for yourself:



Good Deed #170 + #171. I helped Oceana save dolphins, whales and sea otters as well as help keep pollutants out of the oceans with a free click.

Also, with more than half of breast cancer cases remaining unexplained by traditional risk factors, scientists increasingly indicate that these cases have environmental links. So, I clicked on the "Prevent Breast Cancer" button, and an advertising sponsor will donate approximately $.005 to the Breast Cancer Fund's environmental health legislative and outreach work. This work helps ensure that you and your family are safe from radiation and cancer-causing chemicals in your everyday life. Every click helps the Breast Cancer Fund support its work to prevent causes of this devastating epidemic. Make prevention your daily deed and schedule your clicks today or visit one of the links on the left to see how you can help.

Good Deed #172. Alright, who do I love???? That's right FIREFIGHTERS (Allan that includes you now!!!) So it was only a matter of time before I donated to the Leary Firefighter Foundation. The Leary Firefighters Foundation was founded in 2000 by actor Denis Leary in response to a fire that broke out in an abandoned warehouse in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts, his hometown, in December of 1999. Over 75 firefighters ran into what some have called "the perfect fire" and six of them never came out. One was Denis' first cousin, Jerry Lucey and another Lt. Tommy Spencer, was a childhood friend and high school classmate. In an effort to find a positive way to deal with this overwhelming loss, Denis established The Leary Firefighters Foundation in the spring of 2000. The Leary Firefighters Foundation is dedicated to providing fire departments with funding and resources for up-to-date equipment and training.



Good Deed #173. 2008 is a landmark year in the fight against poverty and disease. The world is halfway to 2015 when the Millennium Goals must be achieved, but Africa is perilously off track. 2008 is also the halfway point between 2005 and 2010 when many G8 promises to Africa must be met such as the commitment to provide an additional $25 billion in effective aid for Africa. The G8 are dangerously behind on these landmark commitments. So help the fight, I signed the following petition at One.org.

We call upon you to build on recent success in fighting extreme poverty by delivering your commitments on healthcare, agriculture and education and by helping citizens in developing countries in their efforts to improve governance and fight corruption.

Good Deed #174. Alright, this was a tough week. On Saturday I ran 8 miles and struggled the final mile or so. As most of you know, my knees have always had problems and well the pain finally arrived. I finished the eight miles, came home put some ice on, and rested my tired legs. This week I received donations from Mahan, Amanda, and Uncle Frank. Thank you to each of them!!!!!!!

Please support me in the race to fight blood cancer! Click to
DONATE NOW

Good Deed #175. Alright, so Ryan has finished his first series as a professional baseball player!!! Things are going well and he is heading out to Everett for his first professional road series.

Good Deed Week #24

Good Deed #162. I made a donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children which is a one-of-a-kind international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to the age of 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate are eligible for admission and receive all care in a family-centered environment at no charge – regardless of financial need.

Good Deed #163 + #164. I clicked to save 11,314.29 sq ft of tiger habitat and to provide a young child with food, medical attention and education for 30 days. If you would like to help, click here.

Good Deed #165 + #166. When I visited Amanda and Allan in Boulder, Co., we went to a movie at a local theater. Not only did our ticket proceeds go to a great cause, but we were witness to one of the most amazing stories. I highly recommend viewing the movie Blind Sight. I also made a donation to Braille without Borders (a main focus of the movie).

At the very least, please please please watch the movie trailer: http://www.blindsightthemovie.com/multimedia.html



Good Deed #167. Alrighty, we are slowly adding miles - this Saturday I ran 6 miles with my Team in Training group. This past week I received a donation from Gail Hartsoe (Dad's coworker).

Please support me in the race to fight blood cancer! Click to
DONATE NOW

Good Deed #168. Woohoo! We got a player!!!! We are now the host family for a guy from Alabama! Ryan Keedy is the first baseman for the Boise Hawks. He had his first exhibition game on Sunday and we had a bbq with the players afterwards. To see more pics from his exhibition game click here.

Good Deed Week #23

Good Deed #155 - 157. I worked on an elderly woman's house for three days as part of the Weyerhauser's Paint the Town team. I mostly helped with landscaping and preparations to paint the house. Overall, it was an amazing experience and I am glad we could make a difference.





Good Deed #158 - 159. More than 319,000 harp seals will be clubbed or shot to death this year in Canada. 96% of them will be less than 3 months old, and some may even be skinned alive. I clicked here to support airtime for IFAW's TV campaign and build public pressure against this cruel and inhumane hunt. I also clicked here to help vaccinate one cat in need.

Good Deed #160. I made a donation on GlobalGiving.com to help provide a glass of milk to 1000 kids attending Care & Share Charitable Trust's literacy centers in five of Vijayawada's poorest slums.

Good Deed #161. It is week three of training and I completed a 5 mile run on Saturday, in addition to all my weekly runs. The training is still going well, some slight knee pains, but overall things are good. I have received donations from my dad, Rick Havasy (my dad's coworker), and Robert Huggins (my dad's coworker).


Please support me in the race to fight blood cancer! Click to
DONATE NOW

Good Deed Week #22

Good Deed #149 + 150. With a simple click of a mouse, I saved 7.4 sq feet of rainforest. Let's be honest, I have no clue how much that really is, but it sounds good. I also clicked and saved one pound of carbon emissions (equivalent to my hot shower). If you too want to save the rainforests or carbon emissions click here.

Good Deed #151. I made a donation to the Rosie the Riveter WW II Home Front National Historical Park that was established in Richmond, CA in 2000 to tell the story of how Americans at home pulled together in a unified effort to win World War II. There are many threads to this story about “The Arsenal of Democracy,” including the first time in American history that minorities and women were integrated into and became an essential component of the industrial workforce and the first time that child care was routinely provided for working women and the establishment of a comprehensive health care system. Richmond, CA was chosen as the national park’s location because it was the location of the largest and most productive shipyard in the world in WW II, and much of the historic infrastructure is still intact.


Good Deed #152. I also made a donation to FARM-Africa which works at a grassroots level with rural communities in eastern Africa, providing long term solutions to poverty. By working with farmers and herders to introduce new and innovative ways to increase food production and manage natural resources, FARM-Africa aims to improve their food security in a sustainable way.

Good Deed #153. On Saturday, I ran 4 miles with Team in Training. It wasn't too difficult, but my legs were tired from running during the week. On Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday I ran for 35 minutes. My main concern is whether or not my knees will be able to handle the constant pounding. To date, I have received very generous donations from Allan and my bestest Erin!
Please support me in the race to fight blood cancer! Click to
DONATE NOW

Good Deed #154. As I stated last week, we are preparing to become a host family for a Boise Hawks player. Brian and I attended our orientation meeting and learned all about our responsibilities as a host family. Basically, we provide a home, meals, transportation, everything for the player. We are excited and just really hope we are picked (its not a guarantee that we will get a player because we have more host families than player).

Good Deed Week #21

Good Deed #141 - #143. I did it! I joined Team in Training! I accepted two new challenges and adventures—I decided to run in my first marathon AND raise $4,000. I’m not sure which task is more daunting at the moment, but I am both excited and nervous. I joined Team In Training (TNT) with the hope of helping to stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. My commitment to this challenge is not light-hearted. I know physically I can cross the finish line on Oct. 19th, but I need your help to raise the $4,000.

A key element of the TNT experience is training in honor of a local blood cancer survivor whose courage provides motivation and inspiration. I will be training and running with Kaden’s mom. Kaden was 2 years old when he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia on June 9, 2006. Kaden will be in treatment until Fall 2009—that is 3.5 years of treatment!


So, what is Team In Training? The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training (TNT) is the largest endurance sports training program in the world. Participants raise funds to help find cures for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Since Team In Training’s inception in 1988, more than 360,000 participants have raised over $850 million to support the Society’s research and patient services programs. Last year TNT raised $18.5 million dollars through The Nike Women’s Marathon.

Currently, I have already gone to an informational meeting, kickoff meeting, and our first training run (3 miles). I will update the blog constantly with all my training and fundraising success. But, I'm graciously asking you to please donate and to please share my donation page with your friends and family. I can't do this alone.

Please support me in the race to fight blood cancer! Click to
DONATE NOW


Good Deed #145. Okay, after reading about Team in Training and then reading this good deed, you might think I have lost my mind (which is very possible). But, Brian and I signed up to adopt a Boise Hawk's Baseball player for the summer. The player will arrive in mid-June and will be in Boise for 38 games of a 76 game season. I'll keep you posted on which player we adopt and how it is having a roommate for the summer.

Good Deed #146. On Saturday, I worked with Boise Life to clean up Table Rock. The flat topped outcropping of sandstone with the white “B”, cross and dozens of communication antennae overlooks the city and the entire valley. From Table Rock you can easily see in excess of 100 miles into Oregon and Owyhee County. The sunsets are spectacular, the forested mountains at Bogus Basin seem close enough to touch. You can look DOWN on airplanes landing at Gowen Field and it is a great map lesson for young and old alike to identify streets, the Depot, Capitol Building, and other landmarks. Unfortunately, many teenagers and adults use Table Rock as a trash dumpster. In the few hours we were there, we vacuumed layers of broken glass, painted the graffiti bench, and filled more than 30 bags of trash and recyclables. Thanks to Boise Life for organizing this outing!





Good Deed #147. While at the grocery store, I bought a "buddy poppy" and donated to the Veterans of Foreign Wars for Veterans Assistance Programs.

Good Deed #148. For Memorial Day, I donated to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund which relies on our support to continue their programs that advance the education and healing that began with the raising of The Wall. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a symbol of America's honor and recognition of the men and women who served and sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War. Inscribed on the black granite walls are the names of more than 58,000 men and women who gave their lives or remain missing. Yet the Memorial itself is dedicated to honor the "courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty and country" of all who answered the call to serve during the longest war in U.S. history.

Good Deed Week #20

Good Deed #133. Today there are close to 700,000 children in the U.S. with at least one parent deployed, according to the American Psychological Association. Additionally, Pentagon reports indicate close to 19,000 children have had a parent injured in the military since September 11, 2001. As the U.S. reaches its 6th year at war, it becomes increasingly clear that kids are suffering the most. The children of deployed, injured and fallen heroes just may be the strongest and most forgotten heroes today. For some kids the adjustment to a deployed or injured parent can be difficult to understand. But, there is hope -- Camp Cope. I recently made a donation to this great organization with the hopes of giving one kid a chance to smile again.




Good Deed #134. Today, there is an estimated 200,000 homeless dogs and cats roaming the streets and beaches of Puerto Rico. With 4 shelters/4 control agencies on an island the size of Connecticut, 90% of these animals will either die of starvation, illness, or murder. That is why I donated to Island Dog, Inc., which is an animal welfare organization focused on raising public awareness concerning the sufferings and cruelty animals endure in Puerto Rico.


Good Deed #135. Brian and I were walking downtown and saw a cell phone laying in the grass. We picked it up, realized it was still working, so we dialed "home". A man answered the phone and was confused how someone was calling from "his phone". Once we explained that we found it laying on the street, he realized he was in fact missing his phone. We arranged a date and time to meet and we returned his cell phone - he was extremely grateful!

Good Deed #136. I have worked closely with Operation Smile throughout the years, so it was only a matter of time before I made a donation. Operation Smile volunteers repair childhood facial deformities while building public and private partnerships that advocate for sustainable healthcare systems for children and families. Together, Operation Smile and donors create smiles, change lives, and heal humanity.


Good Deed #137. Wheelchair softball was born 30 years ago in the Midwest by a few individuals with spinal cord injuries and lower extremity impairments, who still wanted to enjoy America's greatest pastime. Today, the National Wheelchair Softball Association (NWSA) governs over 30 teams nationwide. Including, my favorite team the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) Cubs. The RIC Cubs have been in existence since 1993. During the last 10 years, they grew in numbers and talent. The RIC Cubs were National Champions in 2002! In support of RIC Cubs, I donated to the NWSA.



Good Deed #138. I donated to another great organization in New Orleans. The St. Bernard project is a nonprofit, grassroots organization that began rebuilding homes in August 2006 in St. Bernard Parish. The mission of the St. Bernard Project is to remove barriers for families who wish to move back into their homes in St. Bernard Parish. Mainly, they are a rebuilding organization that uses volunteer labor and donations for building supplies to rebuild homes. On average, it takes us 8-12 weeks and $12,000 worth of building supplies to completely rebuild a house that has been gutted to the studs.

Good Deed #139. I bought a discount card to a pizza restaurant and the proceeds of the card went to a local high school dance team. Mmmm...yummy pizza and a good deed.

Good Deed #140. I am still knitting the baby blanket for Operation Baby Blanket.

Good Deed Week #19

Good Deed #127. When my bestest gives me an idea for a good deed -- I listen. She told me about a baseball league that one of her students plays in and it immediately won my heart. Not only is it baseball, but it is a league that provides children with mental and/or physical challenges an opportunity to play as a team member in an organized league. There is something about playing the game of baseball that lights up youngsters’ eyes, but for children facing physical and mental challenges, that opportunity can often be a difficult first step. The Miracle League gives these children the opportunity to get out in the sunshine, and enjoy playing the game of baseball in its purest form. To help the Miracle League, I made a small donation. Thanks, Erin!




Good Deed #128. I bought several calling cards and I am mailing them to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, which is a not-for-profit transitional living facility that provides assistance to U.S. veterans of any era the opportunity to return to useful and productive lives by providing them with the skills for independent living.

photo courtesy of Catholic Explorer

Good Deed #129. Driving home on Saturday, we stopped and bought a small necklace from a lady selling homemade items. After we made the purchase, we learned she had been waiting patiently for four hours and we were the only people to stop all day.

Good Deed #130. On Saturday, I ran in my very first race in celebration of Rich's mom who is a two-time breast cancer survivor. The Boise Race for the Cure had more than 14,000 participants who either ran or walked for the cure (video of all the people). It was a true honor running in this race.

Start of the Race

Mid-race


Check out the guy behind me!


The final sprint

For more pictures visit: http://picasaweb.google.com/bwelch23/RaceForTheCure

Good Deed #131. For Mother's Day, I purchased an e-card for my mom from Charity: Water. 100% of each e-card goes directly to funding sustainable clean water solutions in developing nations. Upon receiving the card, my mother will be able to choose a country where the money will go. The great part, the donation will provide clean drinking water to another mother for 20 years! Happy Mother's Day, Mom! Love you!!!!!

Good Deed #132. After running in the Race for the Cure, I decided I would sign-up for an orientation meeting with Team in Training. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training is the world's largest endurance sports training program. The program provides training to run or walk marathons and half marathons or participate in triathlons and century (100-mile) bike rides. Since 1988, more than 360,000 volunteer participants have helped raise more than $850 million. More details to come after the meeting, but if I decide to go this route - I will need the support of all my friends and family and all your friends and family and all their friends and family. It will truly be a community support project.