When Tim Leonard first looked into the open Wolf Pack athletic director position, he was asked on a number of occasions what intrigued him about the job.
“It’s Nevada,” said Leonard, who was named Wednesday one of three finalists for the position. “That’s what intrigued me. It’s a great place. It has a ton of history. It’s a big-time program. It’s an exciting place. It’s funny because I’ve received that question a lot, and it’s Nevada. That’s as simple as I can put it.”
Leonard, 44, currently the senior associate athletic director at SMU, is joined as a finalist by Washington State senior associate AD John Johnson and Utah senior associate AD Doug Knuth.
The top selling point for all three finalists was their ability to raise money, but none of the candidates has had as much experience in that field as Leonard, who has a 21-year career in athletics fundraising.
Leonard, a 1992 Boise State graduate, came to SMU in 2008 and has raised more than $100 million in donations, including an increase in annual giving each year he’s been with the Mustangs. Last year, he was named the “fundraiser of the year” by the National Association of Athletic Development Directors.
In fiscal year 2012, total giving to SMU athletics exceeded $19.2 million, more than Nevada’s entire athletic budget of $18.1 million. Leonard also spearheaded a season-ticket sales push that resulted in a school-record 11,000 season tickets being sold.
In addition to his stint at SMU, Leonard has spent time in the athletic department fundraising offices at Central Florida (1999-2008), Boise State (1997-99) and Illinois State (1992-97). He’s had success at each spot, although he didn’t brag about the financial boosts he’s provided each school.
“I’ve just been fortunate to be around great coaches and great ADs where we’ve had projects that people have been excited about,” Leonard said. “I’ve also been fortunate to be around great donors. I’ve just been the conduit to bring those ambitions, those hopes and those dreams out to the community and fortunately the communities I’ve been in have been put in a position to respond. A lot of it is luck and a lot of it is the fact we wore out the leather on the bottom of our shoes.”
At Central Florida, Leonard sold the naming rights to UCF’s football stadium to Bright House Network for $15 million. Annual giving at UCF increased by 25 percent during his decade-long tenure at the school.
UNR president Marc Johnson, tasked with making this hire, has been clear that the Wolf Pack’s next athletic director must have a strong fundraising background, one of Leonard’s strong suits.
“This person must have a couple of real excellent skills,” Johnson said last month. “One would be in fundraising, which means communicating with the public what the needs are of the athletics unit and then being able to develop relationship with folks who trust you so you have that trust where people in the community are willing to invest in athletics. That will be a big key element.”
While Leonard, a native of Twin Falls, Idaho, is the only one of the three candidates without experience at a BCS school, he does have brief athletic director experience. He was the interim AD at SMU from May-August 2012 after Steve Orsini was fired last year. It was during that period when Leonard knew he wanted to be a full-time AD.
“It was something I enjoyed immensely,” said Leonard, who will be the first candidate to have an on-campus interview next Monday. “It just felt natural. I didn’t have any hesitancy. There was nothing that threw me for a loop. It just so natural that I knew it was something I wanted to do.”
2013年2月26日星期二
A little more than that could buy a child clothes
With no safe haven, more than 1,200 Syrian refugees pour into Lebanon daily.
Most of them are mothers and children with no idea where they will live. Because Lebanon does not have any refugee camps, the government is concerned that could create a long-term crisis.
One family of 20 from Homs had waited all day to cross at the Syrian-Lebanon border.
One woman said they would stay in Lebanon as long as the situation was bad in Syria.
“We have nothing. We will live with what we can,” she said. “I think we will build a tent and live there.”
The parents’ only worry: keeping their children safe no matter where they ended up.
In Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, families lived anywhere they could.
Aid workers from Save the Children told ABC News about refugees living in an abandoned prison.
At the former jail, a woman who spoke English told ABC News that five people lived in one cell.
“Very cold!” she said.
She said that she’d been an English teacher in Damascus; her husband, a banker. Their beautiful home was destroyed in Syria and now she lives in a small cell.
The former prison is now home to more than 60 children. There are bars on the windows and bare cement floors — stark reminders that they are no longer home.
Hamid, 10, saw his neighborhood bombed by President Bashar Assad’s forces. Dead bodies littered the streets.
“I want to see my dad,” he told ABC News.
Another little girl noded when asked whether she missed her father as well.
It has been months since these children have seen their dads.
More than half of the refugees in this crisis are children, according to the United Nations. Many of them have been out of school for nearly two years.
Programs like Save the Children have stepped in to fill some of the need. Save the Children told ABC News that $20 could purchase an entire student kit including pencils, paper and a backpack — everything they need for a school that the organization has set up nearby.
“We are teaching them the basics so they don’t fall behind,” one teacher said.
Funding is limited and only 550 children are able to receive services here. Thousands still wait.
A little more than that could buy a child clothes and shoes.
When night falls, the families struggle to stay warm in the dark. It is so cold that families have to cook inside their tents.
Two days ago, 17 of the tents burned to the ground. The families lost everything: clothes, food, blankets, pictures, all of their documents.
“Yes, everything,” one man said. “I can’t even provide for my children. … I can’t even buy them a toy if I want. I have nothing to offer them.”
The nights are long and with limited electricity, the families must turn in early. Many of the children are sick. They cough as they go to bed. In the morning, the coughing only gets worse.
Many suffer from respiratory infections and are struggling because of the smoke from the stoves, their thin clothing and sandals despite the freezing temperatures.
There is a real need for more food and fuel for cooking andwarmer clothing including shoes.
Everyone told ABC News that they missed their homes, their families and their ways of life. They are without money and cannot afford phones.
In the former prison, ABC News lent the mothers cell phones so they could call their families in Syria. It had been months since they’d spoken with their relatives.
Most of them are mothers and children with no idea where they will live. Because Lebanon does not have any refugee camps, the government is concerned that could create a long-term crisis.
One family of 20 from Homs had waited all day to cross at the Syrian-Lebanon border.
One woman said they would stay in Lebanon as long as the situation was bad in Syria.
“We have nothing. We will live with what we can,” she said. “I think we will build a tent and live there.”
The parents’ only worry: keeping their children safe no matter where they ended up.
In Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, families lived anywhere they could.
Aid workers from Save the Children told ABC News about refugees living in an abandoned prison.
At the former jail, a woman who spoke English told ABC News that five people lived in one cell.
“Very cold!” she said.
She said that she’d been an English teacher in Damascus; her husband, a banker. Their beautiful home was destroyed in Syria and now she lives in a small cell.
The former prison is now home to more than 60 children. There are bars on the windows and bare cement floors — stark reminders that they are no longer home.
Hamid, 10, saw his neighborhood bombed by President Bashar Assad’s forces. Dead bodies littered the streets.
“I want to see my dad,” he told ABC News.
Another little girl noded when asked whether she missed her father as well.
It has been months since these children have seen their dads.
More than half of the refugees in this crisis are children, according to the United Nations. Many of them have been out of school for nearly two years.
Programs like Save the Children have stepped in to fill some of the need. Save the Children told ABC News that $20 could purchase an entire student kit including pencils, paper and a backpack — everything they need for a school that the organization has set up nearby.
“We are teaching them the basics so they don’t fall behind,” one teacher said.
Funding is limited and only 550 children are able to receive services here. Thousands still wait.
A little more than that could buy a child clothes and shoes.
When night falls, the families struggle to stay warm in the dark. It is so cold that families have to cook inside their tents.
Two days ago, 17 of the tents burned to the ground. The families lost everything: clothes, food, blankets, pictures, all of their documents.
“Yes, everything,” one man said. “I can’t even provide for my children. … I can’t even buy them a toy if I want. I have nothing to offer them.”
The nights are long and with limited electricity, the families must turn in early. Many of the children are sick. They cough as they go to bed. In the morning, the coughing only gets worse.
Many suffer from respiratory infections and are struggling because of the smoke from the stoves, their thin clothing and sandals despite the freezing temperatures.
There is a real need for more food and fuel for cooking andwarmer clothing including shoes.
Everyone told ABC News that they missed their homes, their families and their ways of life. They are without money and cannot afford phones.
In the former prison, ABC News lent the mothers cell phones so they could call their families in Syria. It had been months since they’d spoken with their relatives.
2013年2月25日星期一
which is the future site of a new retail complex
Family-owned Bender’s Shoes has been going strong in downtown Hibbing and Grand Rapids for years.
But when Richard N’s Shoes closed at Duluth’s Miller Hill Mall about a year ago, Bender’s Shoes owner Craig Bender saw an opportunity in Duluth.
“We thought there were unmet needs in what we carry and the customer service we provide,” he said.
He started talking with Chuck Morris, the longtime manager of Richard N’s, about opening a store in Duluth.
“They carried a lot of the product we will carry,” Bender said of Richard N’s Shoes. “And then, with Chuck’s background in the shoe business, we were able to find the right spot.”
That came when the June flood filled the building at 2116 Maple Grove Road with 2 feet of water, driving tenant Verizon Wireless out.
“The visibility is just tremendous, being close to the mall,” Bender said of the site just off Miller Trunk Highway. “The mall has really good traffic. And it has 20 parking spots. We don’t have to compete with somebody else for parking on a busy street. They can pull up right up to the door.”
As a result, Bender’s Shoes & More will open in the refurbished building on Friday, with Morris serving as the new store’s operations manager.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to come to Duluth,” Bender said.
The store is next to the old Ground Round building, which is the future site of a new retail complex.
“Ideally, we would have opened at the same time, but we couldn’t wait for their plans to come together,” Bender said. “But to see the site developed will be very advantageous for us.”
His limited liability company, Bender Property LLC, purchased the 4,000-square-foot building for $705,000 in a deal that closed Dec. 7.
The space was gutted, insulation replaced and new sheetrock, walls, flooring and electrical wiring and heating ducts installed.
“When it gets wet, everything has to be replaced,” Bender explained.
Much of the work was done by Bender and his brother, Brian, who served as general contractor.
All totaled, Bender has invested more than $1 million in the startup, including the building purchase and renovations.
The other Bender’s Shoes stores are full-service family shoe stores also offering clothing and accessories. The smaller Duluth store will also be full service, but just carry men’s and women’s shoes, with an emphasis on casual, comfort, outdoors and athletic shoes. It will also carry accessories such as purses, socks and orthopedic aids but not clothes.
“In Duluth, there seems to be more of a need of men’s and women’s footwear,” Bender said. “We thought we wouldn’t have room for clothing and kids’ shoes.”
Prices will range from $50 for sandals to $200 for some boots. Bender’s carries numerous brands, but its five top-sellers are Dansko, New Balance, Merrell, Keen and SAS.
“I can’t wait to get open,” Bender said. “It’s going to be a pretty cool store.”
Improvements to the building’s exterior, however, will have to wait for warmer weather. Plans are for some painting, stonework and new signage.
But when Richard N’s Shoes closed at Duluth’s Miller Hill Mall about a year ago, Bender’s Shoes owner Craig Bender saw an opportunity in Duluth.
“We thought there were unmet needs in what we carry and the customer service we provide,” he said.
He started talking with Chuck Morris, the longtime manager of Richard N’s, about opening a store in Duluth.
“They carried a lot of the product we will carry,” Bender said of Richard N’s Shoes. “And then, with Chuck’s background in the shoe business, we were able to find the right spot.”
That came when the June flood filled the building at 2116 Maple Grove Road with 2 feet of water, driving tenant Verizon Wireless out.
“The visibility is just tremendous, being close to the mall,” Bender said of the site just off Miller Trunk Highway. “The mall has really good traffic. And it has 20 parking spots. We don’t have to compete with somebody else for parking on a busy street. They can pull up right up to the door.”
As a result, Bender’s Shoes & More will open in the refurbished building on Friday, with Morris serving as the new store’s operations manager.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to come to Duluth,” Bender said.
The store is next to the old Ground Round building, which is the future site of a new retail complex.
“Ideally, we would have opened at the same time, but we couldn’t wait for their plans to come together,” Bender said. “But to see the site developed will be very advantageous for us.”
His limited liability company, Bender Property LLC, purchased the 4,000-square-foot building for $705,000 in a deal that closed Dec. 7.
The space was gutted, insulation replaced and new sheetrock, walls, flooring and electrical wiring and heating ducts installed.
“When it gets wet, everything has to be replaced,” Bender explained.
Much of the work was done by Bender and his brother, Brian, who served as general contractor.
All totaled, Bender has invested more than $1 million in the startup, including the building purchase and renovations.
The other Bender’s Shoes stores are full-service family shoe stores also offering clothing and accessories. The smaller Duluth store will also be full service, but just carry men’s and women’s shoes, with an emphasis on casual, comfort, outdoors and athletic shoes. It will also carry accessories such as purses, socks and orthopedic aids but not clothes.
“In Duluth, there seems to be more of a need of men’s and women’s footwear,” Bender said. “We thought we wouldn’t have room for clothing and kids’ shoes.”
Prices will range from $50 for sandals to $200 for some boots. Bender’s carries numerous brands, but its five top-sellers are Dansko, New Balance, Merrell, Keen and SAS.
“I can’t wait to get open,” Bender said. “It’s going to be a pretty cool store.”
Improvements to the building’s exterior, however, will have to wait for warmer weather. Plans are for some painting, stonework and new signage.
2013年2月24日星期日
The big reliever is now with Texas after being dealt
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has given U.S. special forces two weeks to leave a key battleground province after some U.S. soldiers there were found to have tortured or even killed innocent people, the president's spokesman said on Sunday.
The decision by Karzai could further complicate negotiations between the United States and Afghanistan over the presence of Americans troops in the country once most NATO forces leave by the end of 2014.
Speaking at a news conference in Kabul, Karzai's spokesman Aimal Faizi said villagers in Wardak province had lodged a series of complaints about operations conducted by U.S. special forces and a group of Afghans working with them.
The decision was reached at a Sunday meeting of the Afghan National Security Council, chaired by Karzai, Faizi said.
"The Ministry of Defense was assigned to make sure all U.S. special forces are out of the province within two weeks," he said.
"After a thorough discussion, it became clear that armed individuals named as U.S. special forces stationed in Wardak province were engaging in harassing, annoying, torturing and even murdering innocent people," Faizi added.
A statement from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan said: "US Forces Afghanistan is aware of the reporting of Presidential spokesman Aimal Faizi's comments today. We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and go to great lengths to determine the facts surrounding them.
"But until we have had a chance to speak with senior Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan officials about this issue, we are not in a position to comment further."
Sunday's announcement came days after Karzai issued a decree banning all Afghan security forces from using NATO air strikes in residential areas, in a bid to curb civilian casualties.
That was in response to an operation in Kunar targeting four Taliban members which resulted in the deaths of ten civilians, including five children, during an air strike.
Karzai has long warned his Western backers that the killing of civilians could sap support for the foreign troops in the country and fuel the insurgency. Josh Lindblom has had a unique experience while playing only one full season in the major leagues: He has already been traded twice for All-Star players.
The big reliever is now with Texas after being dealt during baseball's winter meetings from Philadelphia with another pitcher for longest-tenured Rangers player Michael Young. That came less than six months after Lindblom had gone from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Phillies in a four-player deal for Shane Victorino.
"I don't think you ever get used to having to pick up and move cities and teammates," Lindblom said. "It's kind of like the first day of school all over again."
More unique for Lindblom is that both times he changed teams, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound right-hander basically replaced a long-time fan favorite on the roster.
"Coming here and replacing Michael, I don't look at it that way. I kind of got caught up in that when I went to Philly, coming in and trying to be what Shane was to that city and to that team," he said. "Just realizing that I can only be me, so you know when I come in here, I can't be Michael Young, I can't be the person that he was for the community, for the team, for the city. Michael Young is going to go down as one of the greatest Rangers ever to put on a uniform."
Victorino played 7 1/2 seasons in Philadelphia, where he was twice an All-Star before the non-waiver deadline deal last July 31. Young was a seven-time All-Star infielder for the Rangers, spending a dozen years with a team that went from last place to consecutive World Series appearances and becoming their career hits leader.
While Lindblom is wearing the No. 25 jersey that belonged to Mike Napoli, the slugging catcher who left in free agency for Boston last winter, at least it's not Young's No. 10.
"All we want (Lindblom) to do is be Josh Lindblom," Texas manager Ron Washington said. "If he tries to live up to the expectation that Michael Young had around here, then he's barking up the wrong tree because there's nobody going to fill those shoes. ... Just be Josh and he'll be fine."
Lindblom said he has come to the realization that he can only be himself and that the Rangers traded for him "for a reason, because they think I can help this club."
Lindblom is expected to be a primary setup man in a vastly changed Rangers bullpen. He struck out the side in his only inning of his first instrasquad game a week into camp.
In a combined 74 appearances last season for the Dodgers and Phillies, Lindblom had a 3.55 ERA with 70 strikeouts and 35 walks over 71 innings. He had a 4.63 ERA in 26 games after being sent to Philadelphia.
"There's kind of a bitterness toward the team that traded you. Because I figured I would always be with L.A," Lindblom said of the team that picked him in the second round of the 2008 draft. "I love that organization, but trying to justify the trade, trying to go out and be like you know what, you got me for a reason, I'm here to do a job. You feel like you have to be lights out and that's not the case at all."
The decision by Karzai could further complicate negotiations between the United States and Afghanistan over the presence of Americans troops in the country once most NATO forces leave by the end of 2014.
Speaking at a news conference in Kabul, Karzai's spokesman Aimal Faizi said villagers in Wardak province had lodged a series of complaints about operations conducted by U.S. special forces and a group of Afghans working with them.
The decision was reached at a Sunday meeting of the Afghan National Security Council, chaired by Karzai, Faizi said.
"The Ministry of Defense was assigned to make sure all U.S. special forces are out of the province within two weeks," he said.
"After a thorough discussion, it became clear that armed individuals named as U.S. special forces stationed in Wardak province were engaging in harassing, annoying, torturing and even murdering innocent people," Faizi added.
A statement from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan said: "US Forces Afghanistan is aware of the reporting of Presidential spokesman Aimal Faizi's comments today. We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and go to great lengths to determine the facts surrounding them.
"But until we have had a chance to speak with senior Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan officials about this issue, we are not in a position to comment further."
Sunday's announcement came days after Karzai issued a decree banning all Afghan security forces from using NATO air strikes in residential areas, in a bid to curb civilian casualties.
That was in response to an operation in Kunar targeting four Taliban members which resulted in the deaths of ten civilians, including five children, during an air strike.
Karzai has long warned his Western backers that the killing of civilians could sap support for the foreign troops in the country and fuel the insurgency. Josh Lindblom has had a unique experience while playing only one full season in the major leagues: He has already been traded twice for All-Star players.
The big reliever is now with Texas after being dealt during baseball's winter meetings from Philadelphia with another pitcher for longest-tenured Rangers player Michael Young. That came less than six months after Lindblom had gone from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Phillies in a four-player deal for Shane Victorino.
"I don't think you ever get used to having to pick up and move cities and teammates," Lindblom said. "It's kind of like the first day of school all over again."
More unique for Lindblom is that both times he changed teams, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound right-hander basically replaced a long-time fan favorite on the roster.
"Coming here and replacing Michael, I don't look at it that way. I kind of got caught up in that when I went to Philly, coming in and trying to be what Shane was to that city and to that team," he said. "Just realizing that I can only be me, so you know when I come in here, I can't be Michael Young, I can't be the person that he was for the community, for the team, for the city. Michael Young is going to go down as one of the greatest Rangers ever to put on a uniform."
Victorino played 7 1/2 seasons in Philadelphia, where he was twice an All-Star before the non-waiver deadline deal last July 31. Young was a seven-time All-Star infielder for the Rangers, spending a dozen years with a team that went from last place to consecutive World Series appearances and becoming their career hits leader.
While Lindblom is wearing the No. 25 jersey that belonged to Mike Napoli, the slugging catcher who left in free agency for Boston last winter, at least it's not Young's No. 10.
"All we want (Lindblom) to do is be Josh Lindblom," Texas manager Ron Washington said. "If he tries to live up to the expectation that Michael Young had around here, then he's barking up the wrong tree because there's nobody going to fill those shoes. ... Just be Josh and he'll be fine."
Lindblom said he has come to the realization that he can only be himself and that the Rangers traded for him "for a reason, because they think I can help this club."
Lindblom is expected to be a primary setup man in a vastly changed Rangers bullpen. He struck out the side in his only inning of his first instrasquad game a week into camp.
In a combined 74 appearances last season for the Dodgers and Phillies, Lindblom had a 3.55 ERA with 70 strikeouts and 35 walks over 71 innings. He had a 4.63 ERA in 26 games after being sent to Philadelphia.
"There's kind of a bitterness toward the team that traded you. Because I figured I would always be with L.A," Lindblom said of the team that picked him in the second round of the 2008 draft. "I love that organization, but trying to justify the trade, trying to go out and be like you know what, you got me for a reason, I'm here to do a job. You feel like you have to be lights out and that's not the case at all."
2013年2月20日星期三
The hearing was to examine the itemized deduction for charitable
Karen Rathke, president of the Heartland United Way, asked Congress last week to keep charity contributions as tax deductible in the federal tax code and not to limit the charitable deduction for taxpayers.
"If you look at cutting programs for the most basic needs for the people in our communities at the same time that you talk about removing incentives for people to give to charities, who are also trying to balance an increased demand on programs and services with a reduction in funding for those programs, you are kind of caught between both doors," she said, explaining that, if the sequester cuts happen, it will have a double impact on communities.
Rathke, who said she was in Washington, D.C., for National United Way meetings already, was one of about 43 people from different sectors of the country who testified on Feb. 14 in front of the House Ways and Means Committee. Representatives of health care, education, religious and arts organizations also testified.
The hearing was to examine the itemized deduction for charitable contributions as part of the committee's work on comprehensive tax reform.
"At a time when government is contracting, it is critical that the nonprofit sector be as healthy and resourced as possible," she told the members of the committee, adding that United Way's donors are encouraged to make larger gifts because of the charitable deduction. "Any action which has negative impacts on the sector only puts further demand on an already stressed system."
United Way Worldwide Chief Executive Officer Brian Gallagher, as well as a dozen other state and local United Way CEOs, testified on the charitable tax deduction and spoke about the central role that charitable giving plays in strengthening communities.
House Ways and Means ranking member U.S. Rep. Sander Levin of Michigan pointed out that the charitable deduction is widely used by millions of taxpayers. The deduction was established in 1917.
"The charitable deduction is among the 10 largest tax expenditures in the code, benefiting almost 1.1 million charities and more than 37 million Americans who contribute to Section 501(c)(3) organizations every year," he said. "In 2010, it is estimated that individuals donated $210 billion to charitable organizations, of which they claimed $170 billion on their tax returns."
Eleven congressional groups have formed to examine different aspects of tax reform, including one assigned to focus on charitable and other tax-exempt organizations. After the groups' work is completed, the Joint Committee on Taxation will prepare a report for the full Ways and Means Committee that is due by April 15.
Rathke called her testimony "an awesome experience" and said she felt that the congressmen and women really listened to the testimony.
"I think, as they go forward with these tax reforms, that they want to be sure they have looked at it from all angles," she said. A few of them, including U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, asked her questions after her testimony.
"I think what they heard was that giving to charities is doing some really great things," Rathke said. She had the chance to visit with some of the representatives outside the chambers.
She also shared stories on the local impact that charitable giving has on people in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties, including how United Way's partners helped a 7-year-old girl whose face was swollen from tooth decay and infection, a mom rationing out her blood pressure medicine and a 9-year-old boy who was picked on for his clumsiness as he wore oversized shoes.
"The good life, as many people refer to living in Nebraska, is tougher these days for many," Rathke testified. "In Grand Island Public Schools, 67 percent of the students qualify for free and reduced (price) lunches, which means limited resources to handle life emergencies. This fall, 26 kids woke up on the first day of school with the homeless shelter as their address.
"If you look at cutting programs for the most basic needs for the people in our communities at the same time that you talk about removing incentives for people to give to charities, who are also trying to balance an increased demand on programs and services with a reduction in funding for those programs, you are kind of caught between both doors," she said, explaining that, if the sequester cuts happen, it will have a double impact on communities.
Rathke, who said she was in Washington, D.C., for National United Way meetings already, was one of about 43 people from different sectors of the country who testified on Feb. 14 in front of the House Ways and Means Committee. Representatives of health care, education, religious and arts organizations also testified.
The hearing was to examine the itemized deduction for charitable contributions as part of the committee's work on comprehensive tax reform.
"At a time when government is contracting, it is critical that the nonprofit sector be as healthy and resourced as possible," she told the members of the committee, adding that United Way's donors are encouraged to make larger gifts because of the charitable deduction. "Any action which has negative impacts on the sector only puts further demand on an already stressed system."
United Way Worldwide Chief Executive Officer Brian Gallagher, as well as a dozen other state and local United Way CEOs, testified on the charitable tax deduction and spoke about the central role that charitable giving plays in strengthening communities.
House Ways and Means ranking member U.S. Rep. Sander Levin of Michigan pointed out that the charitable deduction is widely used by millions of taxpayers. The deduction was established in 1917.
"The charitable deduction is among the 10 largest tax expenditures in the code, benefiting almost 1.1 million charities and more than 37 million Americans who contribute to Section 501(c)(3) organizations every year," he said. "In 2010, it is estimated that individuals donated $210 billion to charitable organizations, of which they claimed $170 billion on their tax returns."
Eleven congressional groups have formed to examine different aspects of tax reform, including one assigned to focus on charitable and other tax-exempt organizations. After the groups' work is completed, the Joint Committee on Taxation will prepare a report for the full Ways and Means Committee that is due by April 15.
Rathke called her testimony "an awesome experience" and said she felt that the congressmen and women really listened to the testimony.
"I think, as they go forward with these tax reforms, that they want to be sure they have looked at it from all angles," she said. A few of them, including U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, asked her questions after her testimony.
"I think what they heard was that giving to charities is doing some really great things," Rathke said. She had the chance to visit with some of the representatives outside the chambers.
She also shared stories on the local impact that charitable giving has on people in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties, including how United Way's partners helped a 7-year-old girl whose face was swollen from tooth decay and infection, a mom rationing out her blood pressure medicine and a 9-year-old boy who was picked on for his clumsiness as he wore oversized shoes.
"The good life, as many people refer to living in Nebraska, is tougher these days for many," Rathke testified. "In Grand Island Public Schools, 67 percent of the students qualify for free and reduced (price) lunches, which means limited resources to handle life emergencies. This fall, 26 kids woke up on the first day of school with the homeless shelter as their address.
2013年2月18日星期一
The recent addition of an adolescent mental health
SHIRLEY is a strong, well-educated and articulate woman. She is good at what she does and as a professional has spent a number of years in a leadership role in a fairly large Toowoomba-based organisation.
When I met with her late last year I entered a secret world that most of us know far too little about. She has an adolescent son with a mental illness.
Those of us who are parents have had the momentary chilling experience of a child going missing for a few hours. We fear the worst and become increasingly frantic as none of the usual options check out. Try having a child disappear for days and even weeks at a time.
Add to this the fact that your son or daughter is prone to risk-taking behaviour and the terror must be paralysing.
Readers may remember young Declan Crouch who at 13 went missing for three months in the Cairns district. When his body was discovered it was later revealed that he had taken his own life.
When Shirley's son has an episode he ranges from being extremely violent, where she fears for her own safety, to the darkest of deep depression with self-harming behaviour a constant factor.
Last year a relative of mine who lives in one of our capital cities had his daughter present with a severe mental health condition. Incredibly in a rich nation like Australia, in a well-resourced Australian city - when my relative picked up the phone for help there was very little out there.
One of the key challenges is the lack of ongoing support.
Support is so thin on the ground that families lurch from crisis to crisis. They get to know the police well, they know the accident and emergency section of the hospital very well but there is little in the way of early intervention or ongoing support.
On occasions Shirley's son knows that he "is not feeling well" and both he and his mother have a fair idea that there will be a major episode in four days time.
There is very little out there to help him and his family. Eventually when the episode arrives Shirley waits it out until he is picked up off the streets - hoping and praying that somebody will find him before it is too late.
The recent addition of an adolescent mental health unit is a welcome service for the Toowoomba region. It means that families with young people no longer have to travel for what often is life-saving treatment.
Last year Shirley told me it was a three-month wait to see a public psychiatrist. A case worker was only available for a half hour session every two to four weeks.
This level of support is too little and tragically in some cases is too late. Shirley told me that her son is not the only one - and often in a homeless shelter you will find young people suffering from a mental disorder.
The need for respite for parents in these situations is acute - but who can step into the breach?
On Friday night Queensland's 730 Report on ABC television featured a story on a crisis in youth mental health in far north Queensland. Local Federal member Warren Entsch highlighted the fact that we cannot continue quibbling over money when young people's lives are at stake.
Young people and their families are in a constant crisis in southern Queensland as well. If this was another health issue affecting young people, we as a community would not stand for it.
But the stigma surrounding mental health means that the juvenile justice system and our jails eventually take the issue away from our glance. Out of mind - out of sight. We find the budgets for police and corrective services to deal with young people suffering - but we can't find the money for health professionals and programs proven to work.
I can't imagine walking a mile in Shirley's shoes - but I hope that one day we as a society will create a way in which her son is safe and flourishes and that she can finally have a good night's sleep.
When I met with her late last year I entered a secret world that most of us know far too little about. She has an adolescent son with a mental illness.
Those of us who are parents have had the momentary chilling experience of a child going missing for a few hours. We fear the worst and become increasingly frantic as none of the usual options check out. Try having a child disappear for days and even weeks at a time.
Add to this the fact that your son or daughter is prone to risk-taking behaviour and the terror must be paralysing.
Readers may remember young Declan Crouch who at 13 went missing for three months in the Cairns district. When his body was discovered it was later revealed that he had taken his own life.
When Shirley's son has an episode he ranges from being extremely violent, where she fears for her own safety, to the darkest of deep depression with self-harming behaviour a constant factor.
Last year a relative of mine who lives in one of our capital cities had his daughter present with a severe mental health condition. Incredibly in a rich nation like Australia, in a well-resourced Australian city - when my relative picked up the phone for help there was very little out there.
One of the key challenges is the lack of ongoing support.
Support is so thin on the ground that families lurch from crisis to crisis. They get to know the police well, they know the accident and emergency section of the hospital very well but there is little in the way of early intervention or ongoing support.
On occasions Shirley's son knows that he "is not feeling well" and both he and his mother have a fair idea that there will be a major episode in four days time.
There is very little out there to help him and his family. Eventually when the episode arrives Shirley waits it out until he is picked up off the streets - hoping and praying that somebody will find him before it is too late.
The recent addition of an adolescent mental health unit is a welcome service for the Toowoomba region. It means that families with young people no longer have to travel for what often is life-saving treatment.
Last year Shirley told me it was a three-month wait to see a public psychiatrist. A case worker was only available for a half hour session every two to four weeks.
This level of support is too little and tragically in some cases is too late. Shirley told me that her son is not the only one - and often in a homeless shelter you will find young people suffering from a mental disorder.
The need for respite for parents in these situations is acute - but who can step into the breach?
On Friday night Queensland's 730 Report on ABC television featured a story on a crisis in youth mental health in far north Queensland. Local Federal member Warren Entsch highlighted the fact that we cannot continue quibbling over money when young people's lives are at stake.
Young people and their families are in a constant crisis in southern Queensland as well. If this was another health issue affecting young people, we as a community would not stand for it.
But the stigma surrounding mental health means that the juvenile justice system and our jails eventually take the issue away from our glance. Out of mind - out of sight. We find the budgets for police and corrective services to deal with young people suffering - but we can't find the money for health professionals and programs proven to work.
I can't imagine walking a mile in Shirley's shoes - but I hope that one day we as a society will create a way in which her son is safe and flourishes and that she can finally have a good night's sleep.
2013年2月16日星期六
who prefer to workout independently on Norwegian
Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that New York City’s revolutionary, high-energy indoor cycling studio, Flywheel Sports, will open studios on board the line’s newest ships, Norwegian Breakaway in May 2013, and Norwegian Getaway, in February 2014, through a partnership with Mandara Spa. The line also unveiled details about Norwegian Getaway’s state of the art fitness center and expansive spa area, featuring a tranquil thermal suite and therapeutic salt room.
Flywheel Sports will give fitness-conscious guests the ultimate adrenaline rush as they step into the ship’s authentic, high-tech indoor cycling studios. Named “Best Fitness Classes in NYC” by Daily Candy, Flywheel launched in 2010 and has quickly become a fitness phenomenon nationwide, with over 20 studios in 11 states. In each class, highly motivational instructors lead the way, suggesting target resistance levels and RPM’s for each rider to strive for. But ultimately, the riders decide how far they want to push themselves by controlling the proprietary technology on their individual bikes, arranged in stadium-style seating. Channeling the high-energy of New York City and the intoxicating vibe of Miami, each ride leaves the participants feeling energized, and motivates them to ride harder and faster than they ever thought they could.
An amazing escape that challenges the body and relaxes the mind, Flywheel classes are fully choreographed by certified Flywheel instructors and taught in a dimly lit studio, giving riders the opportunity to get lost in their workout and push themselves to the limit. Every ride is set to an incredible heart-pumping custom playlist created by the instructors from a collection of music carefully curated by Flywheel’s in-house DJ and rides are synchronized to the intoxicating beats. The 45-minute class includes “climbs” and “descents,” along with an upper body workout utilizing weighted bars that are attached to each bike.
Unlike bikes in other indoor cycling classes, the custom Flywheel bikes are tailor-made and feature proprietary performance tracking technology. Guests can set the positions that fit their body and comfort levels, from which they can best control their “tech-pack,” an exclusive Flywheel feature, that displays the rider’s resistance (“torq”), speed (RPM’s) and power output (current and cumulative for the class), allowing riders to stay aware of their performance at all times. Riders with a competitive edge can even opt in to participate in the in-studio “Torqboards,” large, flat-screen displays that occasionally flash leaderboards that show how each rider is performing in relation to others in the class.
Flywheel is just one exciting elements found in Norwegian Getaway’s 23,000 square foot Mandara Spa and fitness center complex. In addition to Flywheel, guests can choose from a range of innovative fitness options to really get their heart pumping. Norwegian Getaway will feature Nexersys interactive fight training modules, offering guests the opportunity to engage in high-intensity, interval training against an avatar, through the use of a simulator. Boxing lovers will also enjoy Norwegian’s all new “Norwegian Fight Klub,” which combines Nexersys training with a cardio boxing class, utilizing the fitness center’s 12 heavy bags.
Norwegian Getaway’s fitness center will also offer a variety of all-new low-impact classes such as “Pure-Form Pilates,” a Pilates-inspired class that utilizes weighted balls for added resistance; and “Chi Ball Yoga,” a group class inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, combining elements of yoga, tai chi and meditation that completely exercise both the mind and body. Additional fitness offerings include TRX, Fight Klub and Body Sculpt Boot Camp classes. Personal training sessions will also be available, along with nutritional consultations and metabolic testing.
Guests who prefer to workout independently on Norwegian Getaway will enjoy the latest Technogym cardio equipment and weights. All cardio equipment synchs to iPod music devices and features a large, HD screen from which guests can watch television, follow a set training program or navigate the playlist on their iPod.
Offering the ultimate in indulgent experiences, Norwegian Getaway’s tranquil Mandara Spa and thermal suite will offer guests the ultimate escape and features a rejuvenating salt room. Popular in top spas around the world, salt room therapy has been proven to alleviate respiratory and skin ailments, strengthen the immune system, promote better sleep and have a long-term positive impact on overall lung function. Spa guests visiting the Salt Room will be immersed in a dramatic grotto setting as they enjoy this unique, indulgent and beneficial spa experience. Norwegian Getaway’s tranquil thermal suite also offers guests spectacular unobstructed views of the ocean, the opportunity to melt away on one of the 13 heated loungers, vitality pool, whirlpools, sauna, solarium and steam room, along with a full-service salon and barber shop.
Flywheel Sports will give fitness-conscious guests the ultimate adrenaline rush as they step into the ship’s authentic, high-tech indoor cycling studios. Named “Best Fitness Classes in NYC” by Daily Candy, Flywheel launched in 2010 and has quickly become a fitness phenomenon nationwide, with over 20 studios in 11 states. In each class, highly motivational instructors lead the way, suggesting target resistance levels and RPM’s for each rider to strive for. But ultimately, the riders decide how far they want to push themselves by controlling the proprietary technology on their individual bikes, arranged in stadium-style seating. Channeling the high-energy of New York City and the intoxicating vibe of Miami, each ride leaves the participants feeling energized, and motivates them to ride harder and faster than they ever thought they could.
An amazing escape that challenges the body and relaxes the mind, Flywheel classes are fully choreographed by certified Flywheel instructors and taught in a dimly lit studio, giving riders the opportunity to get lost in their workout and push themselves to the limit. Every ride is set to an incredible heart-pumping custom playlist created by the instructors from a collection of music carefully curated by Flywheel’s in-house DJ and rides are synchronized to the intoxicating beats. The 45-minute class includes “climbs” and “descents,” along with an upper body workout utilizing weighted bars that are attached to each bike.
Unlike bikes in other indoor cycling classes, the custom Flywheel bikes are tailor-made and feature proprietary performance tracking technology. Guests can set the positions that fit their body and comfort levels, from which they can best control their “tech-pack,” an exclusive Flywheel feature, that displays the rider’s resistance (“torq”), speed (RPM’s) and power output (current and cumulative for the class), allowing riders to stay aware of their performance at all times. Riders with a competitive edge can even opt in to participate in the in-studio “Torqboards,” large, flat-screen displays that occasionally flash leaderboards that show how each rider is performing in relation to others in the class.
Flywheel is just one exciting elements found in Norwegian Getaway’s 23,000 square foot Mandara Spa and fitness center complex. In addition to Flywheel, guests can choose from a range of innovative fitness options to really get their heart pumping. Norwegian Getaway will feature Nexersys interactive fight training modules, offering guests the opportunity to engage in high-intensity, interval training against an avatar, through the use of a simulator. Boxing lovers will also enjoy Norwegian’s all new “Norwegian Fight Klub,” which combines Nexersys training with a cardio boxing class, utilizing the fitness center’s 12 heavy bags.
Norwegian Getaway’s fitness center will also offer a variety of all-new low-impact classes such as “Pure-Form Pilates,” a Pilates-inspired class that utilizes weighted balls for added resistance; and “Chi Ball Yoga,” a group class inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, combining elements of yoga, tai chi and meditation that completely exercise both the mind and body. Additional fitness offerings include TRX, Fight Klub and Body Sculpt Boot Camp classes. Personal training sessions will also be available, along with nutritional consultations and metabolic testing.
Guests who prefer to workout independently on Norwegian Getaway will enjoy the latest Technogym cardio equipment and weights. All cardio equipment synchs to iPod music devices and features a large, HD screen from which guests can watch television, follow a set training program or navigate the playlist on their iPod.
Offering the ultimate in indulgent experiences, Norwegian Getaway’s tranquil Mandara Spa and thermal suite will offer guests the ultimate escape and features a rejuvenating salt room. Popular in top spas around the world, salt room therapy has been proven to alleviate respiratory and skin ailments, strengthen the immune system, promote better sleep and have a long-term positive impact on overall lung function. Spa guests visiting the Salt Room will be immersed in a dramatic grotto setting as they enjoy this unique, indulgent and beneficial spa experience. Norwegian Getaway’s tranquil thermal suite also offers guests spectacular unobstructed views of the ocean, the opportunity to melt away on one of the 13 heated loungers, vitality pool, whirlpools, sauna, solarium and steam room, along with a full-service salon and barber shop.
2013年2月5日星期二
The cyclist defended himself and sought
AGGRESSIVE drivers on Bunbury roads need to consider that being held up by a cyclist for less than a minute is better than living the rest of their lives with a death on their hands.
But the state government also needs to improve cyclist education to help keep the peace on local roads.
This was the message from the South West Cycle Club after a cyclist was attacked and nearly run down by a driver last Friday.
Bunbury Police are investigating an assault on a 42-year-old man who was riding his bike along Ocean Drive near Maidens Beach about 8am.
The cyclist was approached by a man driving a red Ford sedan.
After a short verbal exchange, the driver stopped his vehicle in front of the cyclist.
The driver then retrieved a wooden pole from his car and struck the cyclist before he returned to the vehicle and drove it towards the victim.
The cyclist defended himself and sought cover behind a nearby light pole.
South West Cycle Club president Jo Moore said her members encountered aggressive drivers regularly.
Ms Moore said club riders would head to the Ferguson Valley to avoid busy roads near the city, but some drivers still tried to intimidate riders.
She said while there was “always two sides of the story” and most drivers were courteous to cyclists, a lot of conflict arose because drivers felt they were being held up by cyclists.
“I think most aggressive drivers do not put themselves in the cyclist’s shoes,” Ms Moore said.
“They have no concept of how vulnerable a cyclist is when they overtake extremely close and pass at excessive speed.
“Often it would not take much for a serious incident to occur and then instead of being 10 seconds late, they are going to spend a lifetime dealing with the consequences.”
Ms Moore said cyclists also had a responsibility to stick to the road rules and look out for other road users.
She called on the state government to work with local organisations to improve cycling education in schools and development programs for adults.
The City of Bunbury made an application to the state government late last year to fund the Greater Bunbury Bike Plan within the city’s boundaries.
The plan would build and improve a network of cycle paths throughout the region.
The transport department was contacted for comment but did not respond at the time of publication.
Every few years, another woman is found to have given birth to her baby in the fields and left it there to die. The tragedy of this situation is obvious, but the tone of the article does not factor in the tragedy of the plight of the female fieldworker.
Oftentimes these pregnancies are unwanted. In a world where there is very little access to birth control and facing possible situations of unwanted sexual contact, these women are left with working long hours in the fields.
Prosecutor Andrea Tischler points toward the Safely Surrendered Baby Law, implying that Rosalba Cruz Moran should have known about the law.
Well, guess what? Tischler’s participation in this society as a woman of education and status gives her that privilege to know of the law. Put yourself in Moran’s shoes, do you think she knew about the law? Or do you think she had the chance, without risking her job and home, to go and leave her baby there?
I am sure this young woman would have loved to give that child a chance. It just so happens that her socio-economic position did not afford it to her. What of the father? “(Tischler) said the father isn't involved in any crime in the case,” it takes two to tango, Tischler.
I find the real perpetrator to be our community: We want cheap farm labor and we want to exploit the people that do it, but we don’t want to address larger social issues.
If these young women were given the access to birth control and family planning that other groups are afforded, there would be one less mother incarcerated.
But the state government also needs to improve cyclist education to help keep the peace on local roads.
This was the message from the South West Cycle Club after a cyclist was attacked and nearly run down by a driver last Friday.
Bunbury Police are investigating an assault on a 42-year-old man who was riding his bike along Ocean Drive near Maidens Beach about 8am.
The cyclist was approached by a man driving a red Ford sedan.
After a short verbal exchange, the driver stopped his vehicle in front of the cyclist.
The driver then retrieved a wooden pole from his car and struck the cyclist before he returned to the vehicle and drove it towards the victim.
The cyclist defended himself and sought cover behind a nearby light pole.
South West Cycle Club president Jo Moore said her members encountered aggressive drivers regularly.
Ms Moore said club riders would head to the Ferguson Valley to avoid busy roads near the city, but some drivers still tried to intimidate riders.
She said while there was “always two sides of the story” and most drivers were courteous to cyclists, a lot of conflict arose because drivers felt they were being held up by cyclists.
“I think most aggressive drivers do not put themselves in the cyclist’s shoes,” Ms Moore said.
“They have no concept of how vulnerable a cyclist is when they overtake extremely close and pass at excessive speed.
“Often it would not take much for a serious incident to occur and then instead of being 10 seconds late, they are going to spend a lifetime dealing with the consequences.”
Ms Moore said cyclists also had a responsibility to stick to the road rules and look out for other road users.
She called on the state government to work with local organisations to improve cycling education in schools and development programs for adults.
The City of Bunbury made an application to the state government late last year to fund the Greater Bunbury Bike Plan within the city’s boundaries.
The plan would build and improve a network of cycle paths throughout the region.
The transport department was contacted for comment but did not respond at the time of publication.
Every few years, another woman is found to have given birth to her baby in the fields and left it there to die. The tragedy of this situation is obvious, but the tone of the article does not factor in the tragedy of the plight of the female fieldworker.
Oftentimes these pregnancies are unwanted. In a world where there is very little access to birth control and facing possible situations of unwanted sexual contact, these women are left with working long hours in the fields.
Prosecutor Andrea Tischler points toward the Safely Surrendered Baby Law, implying that Rosalba Cruz Moran should have known about the law.
Well, guess what? Tischler’s participation in this society as a woman of education and status gives her that privilege to know of the law. Put yourself in Moran’s shoes, do you think she knew about the law? Or do you think she had the chance, without risking her job and home, to go and leave her baby there?
I am sure this young woman would have loved to give that child a chance. It just so happens that her socio-economic position did not afford it to her. What of the father? “(Tischler) said the father isn't involved in any crime in the case,” it takes two to tango, Tischler.
I find the real perpetrator to be our community: We want cheap farm labor and we want to exploit the people that do it, but we don’t want to address larger social issues.
If these young women were given the access to birth control and family planning that other groups are afforded, there would be one less mother incarcerated.
2013年2月3日星期日
student council president and event coordinator
Ten-year-old Luke Torres hopped on to the stage, and the Gahanna Lincoln High School students finally were able to put a face to their cause.
His infectious smile and larger-than-life personality would never give it away, but Torres was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010. He has been to Ohio State’s dance marathon the past two years, but Torres was honored to accept an invitation to Gahanna’s.
He was the students’ inspiration, and they were ready to dance.
“He took a nap this afternoon so he could be here for the entire time because he was really excited,” said Rachel Torres, Luke’s mom. “Just like with BuckeyeThon, he says, ‘They need me there to see who they’re dancing for.’”More than 200 Gahanna Lincoln students crowded into the school’s gym and hallways last night for their first-ever GahannaThon.
The five-hour dance marathon raised $8,067 for the hematology/oncology unit at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, exceeding the $8,000 goal.
The students chose to have the fundraiser, in partnership with Ohio State University’s BuckeyeThon, instead of their normal winter homecoming dance this year.
“One of student council’s big missions this year was looking for a way to bring all the students together for a cause,” said Chris Wagner, the student council adviser. “They also wanted to do something different for the winter formal that wasn’t just a dance.”
Jordan Oberndorfer, BuckeyeThon’s director of high-school dance marathons, said high-school involvement in the cause has really taken off, with four high-school dance marathons in 2012 and six already scheduled this year.
But the Lincoln students brought something special to GahannaThon through their student-group involvement and friendly rivalry with Pickerington over which school could raise the most money, she said.
Brooke Motsinger, student council president and event coordinator, said more than half of the school’s student groups did an activity or performance during the student-organized event.
Key Club had a cake walk, yearbook had a photo booth and Interact Club had a game room, among other group activities. The performances included the marching band and chorale and a dance number by the football team.“One thing we wanted to do was incorporate all the different clubs in our school so they feel like they’re part of it and take ownership,” Motsinger said.
“The goal was to make students feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves.”
Students raised the money through a $15 attendance fee, by collecting money at school basketball games, by holding a fundraising competition among home rooms and with donations from relatives and community members.
For Luke, this was his first invitation to a high-school dance marathon. The Lincoln students invited him because they were touched to hear his story and those of other pediatric cancer patients that were told at BuckeyeThon.
“I’m excited for when we put up that final amount and we see how many miracles we’ve created, and see the faces of the people and the children,” Motsinger said the day before the event. “That feeling (that) we’ve done something bigger than ourselves to change someone’s life.”
His infectious smile and larger-than-life personality would never give it away, but Torres was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010. He has been to Ohio State’s dance marathon the past two years, but Torres was honored to accept an invitation to Gahanna’s.
He was the students’ inspiration, and they were ready to dance.
“He took a nap this afternoon so he could be here for the entire time because he was really excited,” said Rachel Torres, Luke’s mom. “Just like with BuckeyeThon, he says, ‘They need me there to see who they’re dancing for.’”More than 200 Gahanna Lincoln students crowded into the school’s gym and hallways last night for their first-ever GahannaThon.
The five-hour dance marathon raised $8,067 for the hematology/oncology unit at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, exceeding the $8,000 goal.
The students chose to have the fundraiser, in partnership with Ohio State University’s BuckeyeThon, instead of their normal winter homecoming dance this year.
“One of student council’s big missions this year was looking for a way to bring all the students together for a cause,” said Chris Wagner, the student council adviser. “They also wanted to do something different for the winter formal that wasn’t just a dance.”
Jordan Oberndorfer, BuckeyeThon’s director of high-school dance marathons, said high-school involvement in the cause has really taken off, with four high-school dance marathons in 2012 and six already scheduled this year.
But the Lincoln students brought something special to GahannaThon through their student-group involvement and friendly rivalry with Pickerington over which school could raise the most money, she said.
Brooke Motsinger, student council president and event coordinator, said more than half of the school’s student groups did an activity or performance during the student-organized event.
Key Club had a cake walk, yearbook had a photo booth and Interact Club had a game room, among other group activities. The performances included the marching band and chorale and a dance number by the football team.“One thing we wanted to do was incorporate all the different clubs in our school so they feel like they’re part of it and take ownership,” Motsinger said.
“The goal was to make students feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves.”
Students raised the money through a $15 attendance fee, by collecting money at school basketball games, by holding a fundraising competition among home rooms and with donations from relatives and community members.
For Luke, this was his first invitation to a high-school dance marathon. The Lincoln students invited him because they were touched to hear his story and those of other pediatric cancer patients that were told at BuckeyeThon.
“I’m excited for when we put up that final amount and we see how many miracles we’ve created, and see the faces of the people and the children,” Motsinger said the day before the event. “That feeling (that) we’ve done something bigger than ourselves to change someone’s life.”
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