Musicians, actors, and celebrities coming together in song for a cause have been part of our global culture for a long time. It is times like that that we look to reflect. What better way to reflect than to look back at some of the group musical causes.
Voices That Care – Supporting ou Soldiers (March 13, 1991)
Do They Know Its Christmas – Band-Aid (Recorded November 25, 1984) – Famine Relief in Africa (UK)
Tears Are Not Enough – Northern Lights – Recorded February 10, 1985 – Famine Relief – Canada
Imagine – Unicef World Version – Recorded September 23, 2016
We Are the World – Recorded January 28, 1985 – Famine Relief – United States
We Are the World for Haiti – Recorded February 1, 2010 – United States
Artists Against AIDS Worldwide – What’s Going On – Recorded October 30, 2001
Rap Against Dictatorship – 2018 Worldwide
Playing for Change – What a Wonderful World – 2012 – Worldwide
Broadway for Orlando – 2016 – What the World Needs Now
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, is highlighting three of its many customers making a direct impact on issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As nearly every industry around the world is affected by the pandemic, the social good community continues to demonstrate its resilience and dedication to supporting those in need despite the challenges presented by COVID-19.
“At Blackbaud, our vision is to power an Ecosystem of Good® that builds a better world, which is especially critical during these times,” said President and CEO Mike Gianoni. “As COVID-19 continues to challenge all of us to work, act and think in new ways, our customers are rising to the occasion with determination, innovation and the fortitude needed to combat this crisis head-on. We wanted to shine a light on a few of the thousands of actions being taken by our customers as we all work to support one another during this time.”
Protecting Children from Abuse During Quarantine
As a nonprofit working to prevent child sexual abuse, Darkness to Light has
responded to COVID-19 with new resources to protect children impacted by the
unintended consequences of social distancing and quarantines. Darkness to Light
recognizes that 30% of children who are sexually abused are abused by family
members. Child protective organizations are concerned that although there is a
decrease in reports of abuse during this time, this is likely due to children’s
reduced contact with other adults and not reductions in abuse itself. “For so
many children, school and extracurricular activities provide a refuge, and now
they may be feeling more helpless and hopeless,” said President and CEO Katelyn
Brewer.
Darkness to Light has taken the following
actions to help children who may be more vulnerable at this time: Quickly
developing new resources for safe parents and caregivers dealing with new,
complicated situations. Compiling resources for teachers on creating a safe,
online learning experience. And releasing a completely new training resource on
protecting children during times of crisis at no charge.
Organizers have received a resounding response to the free training with more
than 1,200 signing up within the first week after the new resource was
introduced the last day of March.
Supporting and Showing Gratitude For Those on
the Frontline of COVID-19
As efforts accelerate worldwide to provide relief from the ravages of COVID-19,
PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP) and The PepsiCo Foundation recently announced a
more than $45 million initiative focused on helping people and communities most
affected by the pandemic. In addition to funding vital support—including
protective gear for healthcare workers and testing and screening services—the
company already is in the process of distributing more than 50 million
nutritious meals to at-risk populations by supporting food banks and other
partners around the world. The company also is working with Global Citizen to
support One World: Together at Home —a night of uplifting
entertainment and community to thank the people leading the fight against
COVID-19—which will air this Saturday, April 18 at 8 p.m. EDT.
Additionally, recognizing that PepsiCo employees
around the world also want to help their communities in this time of crisis,
The PepsiCo Foundation is offering a two-to-one match for all employee
charitable contributions through Blackbaud’s YourCause platform for the next
four weeks. The PepsiCo Foundation will contribute up to $2 million in support
of nonprofits chosen by employees and providing COVID-19 relief globally.
Providing Entertainment and Supporting
Performing Arts During COVID-19
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS will stream a benefit concert celebrating
Disney on Broadway’s 25th anniversary on Friday, April 17, at 7 p.m. EDT at broadwaycares.org/disney25stream and on its YouTube channel and Facebook page. The family-friendly stream, free to all,
will support Broadway Cares’ COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund. Best known for
its “red bucket” fundraising after live theater performances, Broadway Cares is
raising funds for those in the theater and entertainment communities in need of
urgent health care and emergency financial assistance during this pandemic and
work shutdown. Hosted live by Disney star Ryan McCartan from his family’s home,
the stream will also feature interviews with other Disney on Broadway
performers throughout the evening. Donations will be matched dollar for dollar
by a group of Broadway producers.
Learn more about how Blackbaud customers are
making quick shifts and taking action during the global COVID-19 crisis here.
About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world’s leading cloud software company powering
social good. Serving the entire social good community—nonprofits, higher
education institutions, K–12 schools, healthcare organizations, faith
communities, arts and cultural organizations, foundations, companies and
individual change agents—Blackbaud connects and empowers organizations to
increase their impact through cloud software, services, expertise and data
intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of
vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and CRM, marketing, advocacy,
peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate social responsibility, school management,
ticketing, grantmaking, financial management, payment processing and analytics.
Serving the industry for more than three decades, Blackbaud is headquartered in
Charleston, South Carolina, and has operations in the United States, Australia,
Canada, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Canvas of Clouds Valleys of Red Rock Rivers empty into the guardians of the hills Valleys are the eternal footprints in time Etchings in the hills Miles of green color our land
From ocean to ocean; sea to sea
In the belly of the canyon is the heart of this great land
The faces of heroes echo off the mountains
Plains stretch from state to state
Patches of farmland remind us of pastures ahead
Bison roam, cows graze, birds sing
Reach out your hands, join together and sing out loud Men, women, and children join as one Raise your hats to the sky Let the wings of freedom reign high above the clouds
(Music)
Essence of America Smiles of children Laughter like waves crashing on the shore Cliffs hover a million miles below The bottomless ocean fills out infinite dreams Cars racing search of a paradise called America
Teachers praise freedom; soldiers defend it, and children dream of it
Peace is a five-letter word that can be seen through the eyes of a newborn Mother Liberty our keeper and protector Waving at the Staten Island Ferry In her arms, freedom is safe bearing the words of our forefathers Guarding her two children peace and independence
Prisons filled with oppression Our homes a fortress Together, hand in hand we will find the answer
IEP Answers Launches
to Empower and Prepare Parents for Their Child’s IEP/504 Meeting
(Charleston, S.C., April 15) ––IEP Answers, a veteran-owned startup
rethinking the Individualized Education Program/504 Plan process, announced its
launch as a critical partner for parents seeking assistance in the IEP or 504
process for their student.
Navigating annual IEP/504 meetings is challenging, with confusing jargon that can make the process feel like learning a new language. IEP Answers breaks down the process into a parent-friendly format to increase confidence heading into IEP/504 meetings. Whether an IEP or 504, IEP Answers provides an expert review of a student’s individualized plan with identified positives and recommendations that parents can bring to the team for consideration. With tools from IEP Answers, parents can be an active team member in the IEP/504 process.
“As the father of a child with Autism, I saw firsthand the frustration
and struggle the IEP/504 process can cause families,” said Scott Herman,
founder of IEP Answers. “7
million U.S. families face this struggle each year. I believed there had to be
a better way. We assembled an amazing team and created that better way – IEP Answers.”
Through IEP Answers’ proprietary system, parents can receive
the Essential IEP Review gaining resources to succeed in their IEP/504 meeting.
Users simply upload their child’s information that is securely shared with our
state licensed reviewers. Conducted by a local expert, the results of the
Essential IEP Review offer a non-biased review in plain language about a
student’s services and/or supports.
The Essential IEP Review costs just $249 and is recommended annually
or as needed. IEP Answers is available for scheduled follow-up calls so parents
can connect with experts once a review is completed. Professionals on staff are
also available for additional related services, including speech therapy,
occupational therapy and physical therapy as needed. IEP Answers currently offers
services in Ohio, Michigan, South Carolina and North Carolina.
“IEP Answers’ goal
is to provide parents peace of mind their child is receiving adequate support
to match his or her needs,” said Herman. “Our Essential IEP Review includes
review of IEP/504 and recommendations by local educational experts. This gives
the parents the tools to be the best advocate and team member for their child.”
If our professionals feel they cannot help families, IEP
Answers offers a 100% refund. By using our technology and expert team of
professionals, IEP Answers can help families as the most affordable resource
for IEP and 504 help.
For more information, visit IEPAnswers.com and get started with the IEP Essential Review today.
Walking the streets of Charleston, South Carolina and every city in America and around the world is sobering right now. The narrative is being re-written and we are all facing a possible new normal. For Charleston, South Carolina, a city that thrives on hospitality, culture, arts and an all-around sense of Southern charm, these streets are filled with a quiet fear and uncertainty.
Businesses are closed, development has slowed and an eery distance is placed between the locals that are just trying to find some form of normalcy.
These photos taken today tell a very visual story of a town longing and waiting for better days.
Don’t Touch the Walking Buttons
Waterfront Park – Do Not EnterWaterfront Park – ClosedThe future is on holdFleet Landing – Waterfront dining is just a puddle of waterThe nationally recognized “The Spectator” is hauntingly quiet without guestsNo pedestrians, shoppers or horses at the City Market – Just empty benches and streetsFor the Love of Charleston, Stop COVID-19Vacant City Market Common Messages All Around the City of Charleston, South CarolinaNo cars, No people within eyesightA Once Vibrant Shopping Hot SpotParking a’ PlentyEndless rows of bikesDoors are open but no one is eatingThe silent echoes of East BayGarbage on the sidewalkEmpty CobblestoneNobody Walking Broad StreetAll Parks ClosedSilence in Government and LawFallen RecreationBroad Steet and Meeting StreetSilence Streets of Charleston
All Photos Courtesy of Mark A. Leon and Charleston Daily
Tell
me about your day
About the little things; the tiny details
Telling about the way you are seeing the world
I want to see it through your eyes
The way you feel others
The way you find goodness
How the sun shines in the eye of a storm
How your tears cleanse you from the drought
Your eyes light the darkness
Your hands make a child feel safe
Cry
to me
Shower me with your feelings
Be grateful with faith and hope
Tell
me about the way you found satisfaction in the laughter of a baby
Helping a stranger in need
Giving food to the mouths of those who starve
I
want to hear all the details as we lay in bed
I want to fall asleep to the sound of your voice
I want to hear how you put color in this black and white montage
Tell
me about your day
The
next day, I will kiss you gently on the lips
Promise you it will be alright
Never let the world hurt you alone
I’ll hurt with you
Be close for all time
Nothing I won’t do to protect you
Each
night with the setting sun, when you walk through that door, so beautiful with
each passing day, you tell me about your day
Until
my weary eyes close and my last vision is your beautiful soul
How lucky I must be to have you to tell me about your day for the rest of my
life
The response was so strong, we decided to create a Part II. These are some truly memorable and binge-able scenes. Enjoy Part II and enjoy the smiles and feelings of goodness they bring to your heart
We asked a panel of experts (Okay, we asked family and friends) to name movie scenes that always put a smile on their faces. Spoiler, some will make you smile and cry.
We hope in this difficult time, these scenes will remind you of the importance of happiness, love, tenderness, hope, and togetherness.
Let us kick it off:
The Rainbow Connection – The Muppet Movie
Sleepless in Seattle – Final Scene (Fateful Meeting)
Ralphie Bunny Suit – A Christmas Story
I Believe Speech – Bull Durham
Wanna Have a Catch Dad? – Field of Dreams
Dirty Dancing – Final Dance of the Season
You Had Me at Hello – Jerry Maguire
Rudy’s Victory – Rudy
I’m Alive – Scrooged
Before We Go – Final Scene
Definitely, Maybe – April Ending Scene
I’m Just a Girl Standing in Front of a Boy – Notting Hill
The Princess Bride – Poison Scenehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMz7JBRbmNo
Disney Princesses from Ralph Breaks the Internet II
Falco Winning Touchdown – The Replacements
We are Infinite – Perks of Being a Wallflower
To Me, You are Perfect – Love Actually
Oh Captain, My Captain – Dead Poets Society
Fake Orgasm – When Harry Met Sally
Ferris Bueller Opening Monologue – Ferris Buellers Day Off
“We are united in this effort and in this moment. I want to take this time to acknowledge and honor the sacrifices of those who work every day taking care of their communities in this time of need and uncertainty. The heroes that are making our daily lives possible. Let’s continue to support them and each other. This is ‘Hero'” – Mariah Carey
Me and my thoughts alone together wandering these empty streets forever No one to mind my way
Silence here; an echo there Don’t breathe too loud The evil lingers in the air
In the sky I only see a single bird reminding me of how this world used to be Fast forward this part and bring me back to the world I once knew long ago Maybe that was just yesterday
Hear my swear; reject this prayer Help me find my way
The sun below is sinking fast A shadow becoming overcast Soon the darkness will solidify and stay
In the night I feel less tight The bondage now is free
I see no faces, but hear them call from a million miles away
A thousand points of light An hourglass slowly slipping away In a boom, a sense of doom When will we get to play I’m lost in a jungle of grey but yearn to soak in the waters so blue
Lovers fear Strangers stare Too much insanity so hard to care
Find the river Cleanse this disease away All the mistakes; all the regrets; all the lingering moments of selfishness A baptism of the soul Bury the past Explore the whole
Will this light again ignite or will it burn out Will we whisper dreams and relive those romantic scenes With our hair blowing in the wind, soon we will be free again