The 16th Annual Twilight Walk For Wishes benefiting Make-A-Wish Northeastern California and Northern Nevada takes place Aug. 15 in Sacramento. Take part in this great event to help grant more wishes for kids in the area who are facing critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish Northeastern California and Northern Nevada has granted more than 5,000 wishes since 1983, and Walk For Wishes is a wonderful way to help them reach even more children this year.
This July, you can make a difference by helping to raise awareness about sarcoma, including its symptoms and risk factors. Sarcoma is a cancer that affects the connective tissues in the body. Approximately 1 percent of adult cancers and 15 to 20 percent of childhood cancers are sarcomas of the bones or soft tissues. Sarcoma is relatively rare, accounting for an estimated 12,000 cases of cancer in 2015. That's why Sarcoma Awareness Month can be the perfect opportunity to learn more about sarcoma and share what you learn with friends and family who might not be aware.
July is not only the hottest month of the year in the United States, it's also UV Safety Month. This month is about helping adults and parents learn about the best ways to stay safe from harmful UV rays. What you might not know is that skin is an organ – and it's the largest one. Skin plays an important role in keeping bacteria out of the body, minimizing water loss and regulating body temperature.
When anyone – adults or children – spend too much time in the sun, the overexposure can cause serious damage to the skin, cause age spots, wrinkles and even increase the risk of skin cancer. One of the challenges of keeping your skin healthy is finding the right sunscreens to use. Your choices aren't only plentiful, they can also be confusing.
According to the Food and Drug Administration's 2015 regulations, sunscreens that pass the broad spectrum test will provide protection against both ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) and ultraviolet A radiation (UVA). Sunburn is primarily caused by UVB, although both UVB and UVA can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging. Under the new regulations, sunscreen products that protect against all types of sun-induced skin damage will be labeled "Broad Spectrum" and “SPF 15” (or higher) on the front.
However just because you're trying to protect children, doesn't mean you need to use a "children's" sunscreen. Consumer Reports says that the FDA doesn't make the distinction between kids' sunscreen and other types of sunscreens. It also doesn't hold kids' sunscreen to higher safety standard because it's for kids.
Know What You're Putting On
According to the Environmental Working Group, several popular chemicals used in many sunscreens can pose problems if inhaled or if it penetrates the skin to reach living tissue. Mineral-based sunscreens can offer protection with more less-harsh ingredients.
Other Great Reminders For Sun Safety
Who wants to bother with health reminders before spending a fun day at the beach in the middle of summer? Unfortunately, the reminders really are for your protection. During UV Safety Month, take a moment to learn more about the health risks of UV light, and about ways to protect your skin and eyes.
- Check the UV index in your area before going outside. This tool from the EPA can help you prepare better if you're spending a day in the sun.
- The sun is most intense from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. It's best to avoid being in full sun for too long during these hours.
- Experts recommend wearing sun protection such as long sleeves, sunglasses and sunscreen, even when it's cloudy. UV light can still pass through clouds and haze.
- If you are outside on the water or near windows, you are at risk of getting sunburned: These surfaces can reflect more UV rays onto you.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of between 30 and 50. Make sure you apply it 15 minutes before heading outside and reapply it every two hours, especially when swimming.
- You can still get sunburned in winter, especially when it's sunny and reflecting off the snow. If you are skiing, snowboarding, tubing, or just playing outside, take caution.
Protect Your Eyes, Too
Overexposure to UV light can also have negative effects on your eyes. UV light can increase your risk of eye conditions such as cataracts, growths and cancer in the eye. You also have to check your sunglasses carefully because all are not created equally. Make sure to only buy sunglasses labeled "UV400" or "100% UV protection." Darker lenses don't always mean better protection.
Donate A Vehicle To Help Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish chapters around the country are dedicated to help children with life-threating medical conditions. If you want to help their goal of granting wishes, please consider making a car donation to Wheels For Wishes, the car donation program benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer you a great tax deduction, free towing and an easy way to support an important cause. To donate your car, boat, RV, motorcycle or other vehicle, please call [chapter_phone] or fill out our online car donation form.
The American Cancer Society estimates more than 74,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with bladder cancer this year, with approximately 16,000 deaths. As one of the more common cancers in our country, a lot needs to be done to reduce its prevalence. Researchers are looking at new ways to find and treat bladder cancer, such as urine tests and, potentially, DNA tests. Research is also being done to see if certain foods, vitamins, supplements and drugs can prevent bladder cancer from returning in those who have already had it.
If you like to golf, the Target Corporation Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Make-A-Wish North Dakota is for you. Taking place on Friday, Aug. 1, participants can golf in teams of four to help grant the wishes of kids living in Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks. Register or become an event sponsor to help make wishes come true for kids in your community.
There's nothing like a long walk on a mid-summer's morning afternoon. But what if you could do that and raise money for a great cause? That's exactly what the Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area Walk For Wishes aims to do. And there are two opportunities to get involved for this fabulous cause!
The first event is the East Bay Walk For Wishes at St. Mary's College in Moraga on Saturday, August 8, with the Walk For Wishes South Bay on Saturday, August 22 at Google's Mountain View campus. Participation in the walks is free, but fundraising is encouraged. The goal of the walks is to be able to grant 36 wishes.
A Morning Full Of Fun
Walk day includes food and entertainment, with a focus on wish-granting and Make-A-Wish wish children. On each walk day from 8-9 a.m. there is registration, breakfast and pre-walk entertainment. The walks begin at 9 a.m. with food and more entertainment available at the finish line from 10-11 a.m. You can also bring your own food for a post-walk picnic. Click here to learn more about the walks, and you can pick which event you want to sign up for – or sign up for both.
Raise Money, Win Prizes
The most important part of the walks is to help raise valuable funds for Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area. The more you raise, the more prizes you'll be eligible to win. Raising more than $100 gets you an official Walk For Wishes 2015 t-shirt. If you raise more than $250, you get a t-shirt and Make-A-Wish tumbler.
Raising more than $500 gets you into the Power Walker Club, which gets you a t-shirt, tumbler, Make-A-Wish logo sunglasses, a special Power Walker button to wear on event day, and listing in the Walk For Wishes Hall of Fame for a year on www.walkforwishesbayarea.org. Click here to learn more about the incentives for individuals and teams.
Share Your Donation To Inspire Others
Studies show that people who make a donation to their own fundraising efforts ultimately raise more in donations from other people than those who don't. Making a personal donation is a great way to show your network that Make-A-Wish isn't something you're just asking them to support, but that you're a supporter too! Once you've made your self-donation, don't forget to share it on Facebook and Twitter for all to see!
Help Make-A-Wish Even If You Can't Attend
You can still help to grant wishes for a local kid in your community even if you can't attend this wonderful Make-A-Wish event. Consider making a car donation to Wheels For Wishes benefiting Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area.
Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area grants the wishes of kids living in San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Oakland, and Fremont. When a child has their greatest wish granted, they are given the chance to feel like a celebrity for a day, but it also gives them the hope and strength that they need to get through the difficulties that they are faced with.
Wheels For Wishes accepts vehicles in any condition so Make-A-Wish can continue to grant wishes for local kids in your community. Donate a car, truck, SUV, RV, motorcycle, or boat, and help turn your unwanted vehicle into a wish come true.
To donate a vehicle to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish, please call [chapter_phone] or fill out our easy vehicle donation form. You won't regret it.
On July 25, you won't want to miss the annual Oyster race taking place in downtown Denver. This urban adventure race features a new secret course each year, making it a fresh challenge each time. Whether you're on your own or with a team of friends, you'll have a blast biking, running, and walking through the city completing a series of obstacles, puzzles, and other challenges. Best of all, the event benefits Make-A-Wish Colorado and helps them grant more wishes for local kids. Register today to claim your spot!
This summer, there are a few great opportunities to benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois. If you have an unwanted vehicle that you no longer want or need, vehicle donation might be the perfect opportunity for you to help Make-A-Wish Illinois. Not only is vehicle donation green and eco-friendly, but it also helps to fund wishes for kids living in areas like Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, Joliet, Rockford, East Saint Louis, and Aurora. Vehicle donation also gets you a great tax deduction, plus free pick up or towing of your vehicle.
Are you looking for ways to benefit Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana this summer? If you are, we have plenty of opportunities for you to help make wishes come true for kids in areas like Akron, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Louisville and Lexington. You can donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish, or participate in one of three upcoming Walk For Wishes events taking place in Columbus, Indianapolis, and Cleveland.
If you're looking for a great way to help wishes come true for Connecticut children this summer, don't miss Sunflowers For Wishes this July. Now in its 12th year, Sunflowers For Wishes has raised nearly $1 million in donations. If you'd like a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers to brighten your home, be sure to stop by the Buttonwood Farm (473 Shetucket Turnpike) in Griswold July 18-26.
This July, golfers and motorcyclists have three great opportunities to help grant wishes in Iowa. This July there are two Wish Upon A Par events and one Wish Ride that you can attend to benefit Make-A-Wish Iowa. Your attendance will help grant wishes in places like Des Moines, Davenport, Cedar Rapids and everywhere in between.
If you're looking for a fun activity that helps a great cause this July, you have seven opportunities through Make-A-Wish South Dakota! With three golf events and several other happenings, there's something for everyone this summer. Get out your golf clubs, your motorcycle, or bring the family out to one of these events to help Make-A-Wish South Dakota grant more wishes to deserving kids this year.
World Environment Day (WED) falls on June 5 of every year and is the biggest day for positive environmental action. Plus, it’s easy to get involved! There are plenty of activities to partake in around the world, and you can even register an event of your own. Help to encourage worldwide environmental awareness on WED and make a difference during this year’s theme of "Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care."
Mother’s Day is right around the corner, which means it’s time to come up with the perfect gift ideas to show your mother just how much she means to you. Whether your mother is into jewelry, arts and crafts, baking, or adventure, we’ve got you covered!
Wednesday, May 6 is National Nurses Day, which kicks off the weeklong celebration of nurses, National Nurses Week, from May 6-12. If your life has been touched by a nurse or you have a nurse in the family, you know just how important nurses are in our lives. You can thank a nurse who's made a difference for you any day, but May 6 is an extra special day to show your gratitude!
During the month of June, you can get fit while enjoying the gorgeous June weather, and while helping to grant wishes at the same time! Make-A-Wish helps to grant the wish of a child with a critical illness every 38 minutes. When you participate in a local Walk for Wishes event, you can play a part in helping to make this possible. Make-A-Wish depends on generous donors, supporters, and volunteers to accomplish everything that they do for local children.
Whether you're a novice or expert hiker, the Make-A-Wish South Carolina Trailblaze Challenge is a great way to help grant wishes while having a blast on the beautiful Foothills Trail. Make-A-Wish South Carolina hopes to grant more than 160 wishes this year, and you can help them reach that goal by taking on the Trailblaze Challenge.
For most of the country, June is when it really starts warm up and feel like summer is truly near. Depending on where you live, you could be close to a golf outing that can help your local Make-A-Wish chapter.
Golf To Benefit Make-A-Wish Central New York
June 1, the Bellevue Country Club (1901 Glenwood Ave.), hosts the 28th Annual Onondaga Beverage Corporation Make-A-Wish Open. This tournament, which sells out each year, gives golfers the opportunity to make a big impact in the lives of deserving children throughout Central New York. The event offers food, drinks and fun on the golf course. This year, golfers have the option of either Team Best Ball or Captain & Crew formats. Registration is at 10:30 a.m. and the golfing starts with an 11:45 a.m. shotgun start.
The Nelcorp Make-A-Wish Open is held at Traditions at the Glen in Johnson City (4010 Watson Boulevard) on June 8. The tournament provides golfers with the chance to make a difference in the lives of countless deserving children, while enjoying food, drinks and fun at the same time. Registration is at 11 a.m. and the shotgun start is at noon. The events sell out each year, so make your reservation by calling Make-A-Wish Central New York at 800-846-9474 or 315-475-9474.
Massachusetts and Rhodes Island Golf Events
The 23rd Annual Make-A-Wish Golf Tournament kicks off with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. on June 1 at the Salem Country Club in Peabody, Mass. In addition to the joy of granting wishes, golfers will also enjoy playing on a course that is consistently listed in Golf Digest's "Top 100 Golf Courses." Participants will play in a play-your-own ball (or best ball) format, where each player plays his or her own ball. For more information, contact Katherine A. Layton at 617-367-9474.
The putting greens and the registration desk for the 2015 Make-A-Wish Golf Classic event open at 10 a.m. on June 8 at the Springfield Country Club. Following that, golfers will enjoy a luncheon before the shotgun start at noon. Please contact Peg Wheble or call 413-733-9474 for sponsorship or player opportunities.
Help Make-A-Wish Georgia
Make-A-Wish Georgia's 19th Annual Tournament of Wishes is at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro on June 8. Registration starts at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start at 11. A reception for the golfers will start after the golfing concludes. The tournament day consists of a scramble format over 18 holes on two courses and an awards reception to follow. For more information, go to the event's website, or contact Kerry Milhaven at 770-916-9474 x.17.
Attend The 19th Annual Tournament Of Wishes
If you love to golf, register for the Make-A-Wish Metro and Western New York's 19th Annual Tournament of Wishes taking place on June 8. This event takes place at the Locust Hill Country Club in Pittsford (2000 W. Jefferson Rd.) at 11 a.m. For a single golfer, the registration fee is $200 and for a team of four the fee is $800. Your registration fee includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, a cart, dinner, and prizes. To register or find information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Joel Harper at joel@harperfamilyfoundation.org, or go to the event's website.
Support Make-A-Wish Wisconsin
The Make-A-Wish Golf Outing on June 15 at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva (7020 Grand Geneva Way) offers 18 holes of scramble golf on either the Brute or Highlands course. Your purchase includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, golf cart, snacks and refreshments on the course, then cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, a raffle and an awards program featuring stories from wish children and their families after the golf. Registration opens at 10 a.m. with an 11:30 shotgun start. Register at the event's website to make sure you get your spot in the event.
Golf An Elite Memphis Course
The Shaun Micheel Make-A-Wish Golf Classic has raised more than $2.3 million since its inception to benefit Make-A-Wish Mid-South. This event, on June 29 at the elite TPC Southwind (3325 Club House Dr., Memphis), is hosted by 2003 PGA Championship winner Shaun Micheel. This event has incredible Southern hospitality and Memphis-flare from the Pairings Party at the world famous Rendezvous Restaurant on June 28 to the golf on the beautiful course at TPC Southwind. For more information, call 901-680-9474 or check out the event's sponsorship form.
Help Make-A-Wish No Matter Where You Live
Whether you are a golfer or not, or don't live close enough to take part in one of these events, you can help Make-A-Wish no matter where you live. You can help bring joy to children with critical illnesses and all you have to do is to make a car donation to Wheels For Wishes benefiting Make-A-Wish. We support many local chapters of Make-A-Wish with the proceeds from car donations. When you donate a car, truck, boat, RV, motorcycle or other vehicle, you can support your local chapter of Make-A-Wish, helping them to grant more wishes for children in your community who could use more hope, strength and joy during a difficult time in their lives.
To donate a car, simply give us a call at [chapter_phone] or use our online car donation form. Your car donation will make a positive difference for a child in your community!Â
Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida is celebrating their 21st Annual Wishmaker's Ball on May 30 which will help to celebrate all of the wonderful work that Make-A-Wish volunteers, supports, and wish granters have accomplished. The event will also help to raise funds so that more wishes can be granted for local children living in Orlando, Saint Petersburg, Tampa, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Lakeland.
Whether you are looking for a black-tie night out, or a way to get the kids out and active, Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic has two May events that you can take part in.
The first of the two May Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic events is the Evening of Wishes gala, scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on May 16 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C. Join wish volunteers and supporters at this elegant evening which will help to make wishes come true for local children. The evening includes special food, entertainment, a large silent auction and promises to be a special wish experience. Supporters big and small are invited to enjoy this great evening. Get your individual tickets today for $1,000 or purchase a table at the event for $10,000. Other sponsorship opportunities are still available including:
- Star Sponsor: $50,000
- Wish Sponsor: $25,000
- Hope Sponsor: $15,000
- Strength Sponsor: $10,000
- Joy Sponsor: $5,000
- Supporter: $2,500
Purchase your tickets or become a sponsor today. You can learn more about the Make-A-Wish Gala by visiting the event website. Learn what each sponsorship includes and how you can make a difference in 2015 by taking part in the event or donating an item for the silent auction. Make plans to attend the Make-A-Wish Gala today.
Get Your Child Active At The Sixth Annual Kids Triathlon
Whether your child is active all of the time or not, they will love taking part in the Sixth Annual Make-A-Wish Kids Triathlon. This community-wide celebration is scheduled for May 17, with opening remarks starting at 8:30 a.m. Children from ages 5-6 will begin their triathlon at 9 a.m. with older children beginning 15 minutes later. The triathlon begins at Padonia Park Club in Cockeysville, Md. Activities at the picnic area will begin following the start of the race at about 10 a.m. A picnic-style lunch will be served at 11 a.m.
Children of all ages and backgrounds will benefit from this fun event, as all participants are winners! Swim, bike and run to fundraise for children in the community facing a critical illness. Top finishers at the event will receive an award, but all participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, goodie bag and victory medal. Children can collect their awards at the awards ceremony, scheduled for approximately 11:15 a.m., following the triathlon.
The registration fee is $45 per child, but participants are encouraged to raise $100 in pledges. This event gives children the opportunity to learn about the power of philanthropy while also enjoying some time exercising outside. Those children who raise the most funds for Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic will be eligible for some great prizes. If you would like to register for the triathlon or if you have any questions, visit the event website or contact your Make-A-Wish chapter at events@midatlantic.wish.org or 301-962-WISH (9474). Parking is available onsite, so get your directions and circle May 18 on your calendar today! Children must be accompanied by an adult, and an adult is required in order to register.
Help Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic Reach Its Goals
In 2014, Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic granted the wishes of 395 children. At an average wish cost of $7,500, nearly $3 million went toward granting wishes for children in our local community. You can help when you take part in events like the Evening of Wishes, Make-A-Wish Kids Triathlon, or one of the Walks For Wishes throughout the region.
Another way you can help Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic is by donating a vehicle to Wheels For Wishes benefiting Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic. Both are great ways to help grant the wish of a local child in your community.
To benefit Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, you can donate a car, truck, SUV, RV, boat or motorcycle to Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic's car donation charity, Wheels For Wishes. Wheels For Wishes benefiting Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic helps kids throughout the region and will help turn your unwanted vehicle into a wish for a local child. Wheels For Wishes takes care of all the work for you.
Wheels For Wishes accepts most makes and models, and vehicles are picked-up or towed away at absolutely no charge to you. Plus, it's easy to donate! Cars, trucks, boats, campers – just give us a call at [chapter_phone] or fill out our online donation form. Either way is easy and will help to grant a wish for a local child!
