"Good leaders make people feel that they're at the very heart of things, not the periphery. Everyone feels that he or she makes a difference to the success of the organization. When that happens people feel centered and that gives their work meaning."
-- Warren Bennis
Alex's Lemonade stand
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation is a unique foundation that has evolved from a young cancer patient's front yard lemonade stand to a nationwide fundraising movement for childhood cancer. Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation is committed to: Raising money and awareness for pediatric cancer causes, primarily research into new cures and treatments. Encouraging and educating others, especially children, to raise money for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for childhood cancer.On August 1, 2004, Alex died peacefully at the age of 8 after battling cancer for 7 ½ years. Alex's spirited determination to raise awareness and money for all childhood cancer while she bravely fought her own deadly battle with cancer has inspired thousands of people, from all walks of life to raise money and give to her cause. Alex's family and supporters are committed to continuing her inspiring legacy through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501c3 charity. For more information, go to:http://www.alexslemonade.org/index.php.
Teen sings for toys
Brooke Robison sings for toys. Brooke, 16, belts out Christmas carols in toy stores to encourage donations to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. When she found out that gifts for teens were in short supply, Brooke started Toys for Teens in her home state of Utah. Thanks to her efforts, nearly 3,000 Utah teens have received holiday gifts. The program is now expanding to 13 other states. The Build-A-Bear Workshop recently named Brooke one of its 15 Huggable Heroes-kids who make a difference in the lives of others. She will be featured in Build-A-Bear's calendar and will attend this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Brooke recently spoke to Teen Newsweek associate editor Mary Kate Frank about her work.
St. Catherine’s Big Sisters Program
Margaret Reynolds, a 16-year-old student at St. Catherine’s School in Richmond, VA received an award from the Points of Light Foundation for her work in youth leadership and volunteerism. With a grant from the Youth Philanthropy Project in 2001, Margaret started a mentoring program that works with the children at St. James’ Children’s Center, a local daycare center at St. James’ Episcopal Church. The program pairs middle and high school girls with the at-risk children at the daycare. Margaret says, “I knew how much these children needed individual attention and love, and a strong and steady role model.” After approaching the principle of her school and the director of the daycare center, she received support to make her idea a reality. Following an assembly at her school where Margaret spoke about the new program, 12 other girls signed up to be mentors. The program has now grown to include about 30 mentors. The “Big Sisters” visit the children each week, working on art projects with them, reading stories to them, or merely listening to what they have to say.
