When the World United in Music – Through the Years

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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

Charleston, SC Based Blackbaud Customers Find Extraordinary Ways to Serve Public During COVID-19

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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.

Media Inquiries
media@blackbaud.com

America’s Song (Original Lyrics)

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By Mark A. Leon

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, a Charleston, SC Based Veteran-owned Startup Launches to Empower and Prepare Parents of Special Needs Children Prepare for their IEP/504 Meeting

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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.

GALLERY: Is this the new normal? The Quiet Streets of Charleston, South Carolina Speak Volumes

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By Mark A. Leon

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 Enter
Waterfront Park – Closed
The future is on hold
Fleet Landing – Waterfront dining is just a puddle of water
The nationally recognized “The Spectator” is hauntingly quiet without guests
No pedestrians, shoppers or horses at the City Market – Just empty benches and streets
For the Love of Charleston, Stop COVID-19
Vacant City Market
Common Messages All Around the City of Charleston, South Carolina
No cars, No people within eyesight
A Once Vibrant Shopping Hot Spot
Parking a’ Plenty
Endless rows of bikes
Doors are open but no one is eating
The silent echoes of East Bay
Garbage on the sidewalk
Empty Cobblestone
Nobody Walking Broad Street
All Parks Closed
Silence in Government and Law
Fallen Recreation
Broad Steet and Meeting Street
Silence Streets of Charleston

All Photos Courtesy of Mark A. Leon and Charleston Daily

It’s About the Little Things We Do For One Another Now – “Tell Me About Your Day” – Original Poem

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By Mark A. Leon

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

Part II: When I See You Smile – 30 Movie Scenes that Always Bring a Smile to Your Face

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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

Part I – If you want more..

The Bus Scene – Almost Famous

Bar Insults – Roxanne

Robbing the Bank with the Baby – Raising Arizona

Soggy Bottom Boys Show Scene – O’ Brother Where Art Thou

Juno and Bleeker Sing – Juno

The Kiss – Some Kind of Wonderful

My Boy’s Wicked Smart – Good Will Hunting

I’ll Show You Out of Order – Scent of a Woman

Superman Comes Back to Kick-Ass – Superman II

I’d Just Kill You – Jack Reacher

Bond Meets Vesper – Casino Royale

Opening of Manhattan – Woody Allen

Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You – Ten Things I Hate About You

The Ending After Prom – She’s All That

Goodbye to Brian – Fast and Furious 7

Truffle Shuffle – The Goonies

The Ending – An Officer and a Gentleman

Ending Credits – Inside Out

It’s Me, Jessica – The Hot Chick

Opening Scene – Clueless

Space Age Love Song – Career Opportunities

The Essay Scene – The Breakfast Club

Do You Trust Me? – Titanic

They’ll Never Take Our Freedom – Braveheart

Glove on the Ice – Serendipity

Big Mistake. Huge! – Pretty Woman

I Wrote You Every day for a Year – The Notebook

Pottery Scene – Ghost

Shallow – A Star is Born

I Say A Little Prayer – My Best Friend’s Wedding


When I See You Smile – 40 Movie Scenes that Always Bring a Smile to Your Face (Right now we really need that)

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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

The Hanson Brothers Play Dirty – Slapshot

If I Only Had a Brain – The Wizard of Oz

Puttin’ on the Ritz – Young Frankenstein

Grow Old With You – The Wedding Singer

That’s a Prayer – Bruce Almighty

An American Symphony – Mr. Holland’s Opus

Jimmy Takes the Final Shot – Hoosiers

The Cat Scene – Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Herb Brooks Speech – Miracle

Boombox Scene – Say Anything

Happy – Despicable Me 2

Luke Destroys the Death Star – Star Wars

Afternoon Delight – Anchorman

Food Poisoning – Bridesmaids

Three Amigos Salute – Three Amigos

School Dance – Back to the Future

Sloth Scene – Zootopia

The Finish Line – Cool Runnings

You Make My Dreams – 500 Days of Summer

19 Years Later – Harry Potter


Mariah Carey sends a message of love to our first responders with her live-at-home tribute of “Hero”

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“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

Baptism of the Soul (Mood of the World) – Original Poem

By Mark A. Leon

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