Tag: charity

Help homeless kids ascend to new heights!

An event in downtown San Diego called Towerthon raised money for Father Joe's Villages Toussaint Academy, which educates homeless youth.
An event in downtown San Diego called Towerthon raised money for Father Joe’s Villages Toussaint Academy, which educates and assists homeless youth.

We all have the opportunity to help homeless kids in San Diego ascend to new heights–even if you didn’t participate in today’s Towerthon, where generous neighbors raised money for Father Joe’s Villages Toussaint Academy by climbing the stairs of the 20-story tall 550 Corporate Center building in downtown San Diego.

During my absolutely incredible morning walk (stay tuned–you’ll see why), I paused for a couple minutes to absorb the humanity of the charitable event and snap some photos.

Would you like to help homeless kids in San Diego? I don’t need to tell you how horrible life on the street can be. Being homeless can be depressing, highly stressful, dangerous–eventually breaking both body and spirit. Many youth became homeless because of unspeakable physical abuse and emotional pain.

Toussaint Academy has been providing homeless youth with a high quality education and other services since 1992. Please click the link above to learn more, about how Toussaint Academy not only save lives, but enables young people to heal, flourish and finally experience true happiness. You might feel inspired to make a donation or provide help in your own special fashion!

(I challenge other bloggers reading this to find charities in your own neighborhood, and help them out!  Your efforts add up and actually help!)

Participants in the charitable stair climb check the standings board in the plaza in front of 550 Corporate Center.
Participants in the charitable stair climb check the standings board in the plaza in front of 550 Corporate Center.

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Are you a blogger? Do you want to make the world a better place? You might want to join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

Help non-profits educate, unite, heal the world.

Use your words to speak in a kind way. Help others as you go throughout your day...
Use your words to speak in a kind way. Help others as you go throughout your day…

If you didn’t have a chance to visit the International Non-Profits Fair in Balboa Park today, here are some photos that might inspire you. I walked through and met many smiling people, all of whom are working unselfishly to make this world a better place.

The fair, put on by The Worldview Project, is all about people from different cultures coming together for mutual understanding, increased tolerance, education and peace. It’s about positive people working to create a better, more happy world. I just strolled through casually, talking to some exhibitors and learning a little, taking a picture here and there. Perhaps you’ll see something that makes you want to explore further. Click the photos to enlarge them, if you’d like to read a poster or bit of information!

People in San Diego's Balboa Park have gathered to learn how to make the world a better place. Many non-profits were represented at an annual fair put on by The Worldview Project.
People in San Diego’s Balboa Park have gathered to learn how to make the world a better place. Many non-profits were represented at an annual fair put on by The Worldview Project.
Some of the values highlighted at the Kids For Peace table. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Some of the values highlighted at the Kids For Peace table. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Nice ladies from the United Nations Association of the USA, San Diego Chapter, smile for a roving blogger's camera!
Nice ladies from the United Nations Association of the USA, San Diego Chapter, smile for a roving blogger’s camera!
A few musical instruments from around the world were on display at this table.
A few musical instruments from around the world were on display at this table.
The Center for World Music promotes awareness, skills and knowledge of the rich performing arts traditions of the world in San Diego area schools.
The Center for World Music promotes awareness, skills and knowledge of the rich performing arts traditions of the world in San Diego area schools.
The San Diego Asian Film Festival is coming up! It runs April 28 to May 5 at the UltraStar theater in Hazard Center.
The San Diego Asian Film Festival is coming up! It runs April 28 to May 5 at the UltraStar movie theater in Hazard Center.
These friendly folks are representing the German American Societies, who host El Cajon's authentic Oktoberfest!
These friendly folks are representing the German American Societies, who host El Cajon’s authentic Oktoberfest!
More nice people! These guys tried without success to get me to dance. Sorry! The Cabrillo International Folk Dancers meet at the Balboa Park Club.
More nice people! These guys tried without success to get me to dance. Sorry! The Cabrillo International Folk Dancers meet at the Balboa Park Club.
CRY America has a hopeful vision of the world, where all children, everywhere, have equal opportunities to develop to their full potential and realize their dreams.
CRY America has a hopeful vision of the world, where all children, everywhere, have equal opportunities to develop to their full potential and realize their dreams.
Survivors of Torture International. Sometimes we might forget how horrible life for some in this world can be, and the unspeakable suffering they experience.
Survivors of Torture International. Sometimes we might forget how horrible life for some in this world can be, and the unspeakable suffering they experience.
One way to help Survivors of Torture International is to enroll in a free community program when you shop at Ralph's. Please read this poster for more info.
One way to help Survivors of Torture International is to enroll in a free community program when you shop at Ralph’s. Please read this poster for more info.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County needs you! Operation Bigs seeks civilian, retired and active military adult volunteers to serve military children.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County needs you! Operation Bigs seeks civilian, retired and active military adult volunteers to serve military children.
Map of San Diego County shows hundreds of children ready to be matched with caring adults. We need more bigs!
Map of San Diego County shows hundreds of children ready to be matched with caring adults. They need more “bigs”!
Climate Kids educate youth about climate change through art, storytelling and science.
Climate Kids educates youth about climate change through art, storytelling and science.
The American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties was represented at the international non-profits fair in Balboa Park.
The American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties was represented at the International Non-Profits Fair in Balboa Park.
License to Freedom works to stop violence in refugee and immigrant communities in San Diego County.
License to Freedom works to stop violence in refugee and immigrant communities in San Diego County.
You are loved. Your are so strong. You are worthy. Life is beautiful!
You are loved. Your are so strong. You are worthy. Life is beautiful!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Are you a blogger? Do you want to make the world a better place? You might want to join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

Help Balboa Park win funds with a simple online vote!

Kids play by fountain in San Diego's crown jewel, Balboa Park, one of the world's great cultural treasures.
Kids play by fountain in San Diego’s crown jewel, Balboa Park, one of the world’s great cultural treasures.

Hey you guys! Please, please, please–can you all do a super easy favor? You know how awesome Balboa Park is? One of our local casinos (Harrah’s) is giving away $100,000 to non-profit organizations that make our community a better place. The Friends of Balboa Park–the organization that oversees the park’s improvements, coordinates volunteers, supports educational programs and historical preservation and other vital projects–needs our online votes!

All you have to do is visit this webpage, then scroll down to Friends of Balboa Park and cast a vote using your email! I just did it a couple minutes ago! I don’t know if Harrah’s will email you stuff, but under the law there should be a one click unsubscribe option should that happen. That’s all you gotta do! It would be really, really awesome to help out Balboa Park, which provides joy to millions of people!

Many of you know that Balboa Park needs additional funds very badly.  So please share this info with other people who have a soft spot for Balboa Park! Let’s get his ball rolling. Let’s try to get thousands of votes!

Thank you everybody!

Richard

Helping veterans heal through creative art.

A U.S. military veteran creates art while watching folklorico dancing at a popular festival in San Diego's South Bay.
A U.S. military veteran creates art while watching folklorico dancing at a popular festival in San Diego’s South Bay.

Today I met Anthony A. LoBue for the second time. With a great big smile, he was manning his Arts For Veterans tent at the International Mariachi Festival and Competition in National City. (I chatted briefly with him once before at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, during a special concert raising funds for Operation Rebound.)

“Tony the Vet” helps other veterans heal through creative art. He’s the founder of Support Our Veterans Association and the Arts for Veterans Project. The latter organization’s purpose is to: Engage, Educate, Employ and Empower Veterans in the Creative Arts. He provides art classes for military veterans at the Veterans Museum in Balboa Park, Veterans Village, and other places where healing, hope, wholeness and art education are welcome.

He believes the healing power of art dramatically changes lives. It’s an enormous benefit for those returning from war with psychological trauma. Art provides connection, joy, self-empowerment. Art literally saves lives.

Tony has a huge positive vision. He wants to expand his Arts for Veterans program so that it might benefit as many people as possible.

Would you please visit his website and see it you can help in some way?

Art heals. Art provides joy, connection, hope. Art helps to give life meaning and purpose.
Art heals. Art provides joy, connection, hope. Art helps to give life meaning and purpose.

Brian Meyer was painting at the Arts For Veterans tent. I spoke to him. He’s a veteran of Desert Storm. He’s a super guy and deeply thoughtful. And his watercolors are amazing. That’s a glimpse of a work-in-progress above.  He frequently paints the live musicians at Panama 66 next to the San Diego Museum of Art. Please check out his website!

Hand-drawn art cards with hearts and flags thank service members for their sacrifice.
Hand-drawn art cards with hearts and flags thank service members for their sacrifice.
People at the International Mariachi Festival and Competition in National City were making special greeting cards for patients at the VA Hospital.
People at the International Mariachi Festival and Competition in National City were making special greeting cards for patients at the VA Hospital.
Gifted watercolor painter Brian Meyer and Anthony A. LoBue of Arts For Veterans.
Gifted watercolor painter Brian Meyer, and Anthony A. LoBue of Arts For Veterans.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Are you a blogger? Do you want to make the world a better place? Please join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

Help high school students Build a Miracle!

Members of the Helping Hand Club of Mt. Carmel High School raise funds in Balboa Park for Build a Miracle.
Members of the Helping Hand Club at Mt. Carmel High School are raising funds for Build a Miracle.

Students belonging to Mt. Carmel High School’s very cool Helping Hand Club would like you to help Build a Miracle!

Today I came across a bake sale in Balboa Park. Two very generous MCHS students had a table full of brownies and other treats; they were raising donations for Build a Miracle, a charity that constructs and furnishes homes for needy families in Mexico. Between 1999 and 2014, Build a Miracle has built 185 homes and 3 community centers. They have touched literally thousands of lives, offering hope and a pathway to a brighter future.

Should you wander through Balboa Park and see smiling members of the Helping Hand Club, perhaps you could offer your own hand! Or check out the Build a Miracle website and see if you’d like to help!

Two awesome students are working to make the world a much better place.
Two awesome students are working to make our world a better place.
Donations welcome. Help us reach our goal to build and furnish a house in Mexico.
Donations welcome. Help us reach our goal to build and furnish a house in Mexico.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy more Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Are you a blogger? Do you want to make the world a better place? Please join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

Give your hand to the Helping Hands Foundation!

Thank you for supporting our kids!
Thank you for supporting our kids!

I was walking along the Embarcadero today when I happened upon a super nice lady who was trying to raise support for the Helping Hands Foundation! What is this organization? They help parents and children affected by a very unfortunate circumstance. According to their website, “Every year, 1 out of 2,000 children in the United States is born with an upper limb anomaly. During childhood, many more lose hands and arms to accidents or disease.”

I learned from the volunteer that they’re sending 100 kids with developmental disabilities, autism and other very difficult physical problems to our world-famous San Diego Zoo! How cool is that?

Would you like to provide a little support for this worthy cause? You’ll make the lives of children and their families so much better. You will add a little needed sunshine to this sometimes difficult old world. What could be more important?

Please visit their website!

This wonderful, smiling lady is spreading sunshine. She's trying to help unfortunate kids live a better life, with days full of joy and happiness. Can you help
This wonderful, smiling lady is spreading sunshine. She’s trying to help unfortunate kids live a better life, with days full of joy and happiness. Can you help?

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Are you an unselfish blogger? Do you want to make the world a better place? Please join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

Horse therapy helps veterans recover from trauma.

The Pegasus Rising Project, based in San Diego County, assists U.S. military personnel recovering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.
The Pegasus Rising Project, based in San Diego County, assists U.S. military personnel recovering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Every year, Pegasus Rising works to heal around 1000 veterans suffering from trauma. The San Diego County-based organization uses horse therapy to help U.S. military personnel recover and return to civilian life after experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury.

Today, in Balboa Park, a fundraiser was held in conjunction with a special New Year’s Day concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. A good crowd turned out to learn about this very important organization.

Pegasus Rising’s small herd is comprised of Polish Arabians, who were themselves rescued. The descendants of champion horses, they had been found suffering from severe neglect. The full story can be read here. Amazingly, one of the horses “was a descendant of the great stallion Lotnik, who had been imported previously by General Patton.”

While everyone at Pegasus Rising is a volunteer, caring for and feeding horses requires money. Perhaps you or someone you know can help out. Please click on their website to donate, or learn more about their fascinating, inspiring story.

A special fundraiser for Pegasus Rising was held on New Year's Day at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during the afternoon concert. Jay the friendly horse was present.
A special fundraiser for Pegasus Rising was held on New Year’s Day at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, during the afternoon concert. Jay the friendly horse was present.
Please visit the Pegasus Rising website. You can find out how you can help this worthy organization as it helps to heal a thousand veterans each year.
Please visit the Pegasus Rising website. You can find out how you can assist this worthy organization as it helps to heal a thousand veterans every year.
An image of three Polish Arabian rescue horses in the herd at Pegasus Rising. Horse therapy greatly helps humans recover from trauma.
An image of three Polish Arabian rescue horses in the herd at Pegasus Rising. Horse therapy greatly helps humans recover from trauma.
Jay the kindly Belgian draft horse and a volunteer from Pegasus Rising, on a beautiful day in Balboa Park.
Jay, the kindly Belgian draft horse ambassador, and a volunteer from Pegasus Rising, on a beautiful day in Balboa Park.

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Santa Claus parachutes onto an aircraft carrier!

Santa Claus is ready to leap from a helicopter onto the deck of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum on San Diego Bay!
Santa Claus is ready to leap from a helicopter onto the deck of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum on San Diego Bay!

Santa has been known to make some pretty grand entrances. But this one takes the cake!

Jolly old Saint Nick paid a visit to San Diego today, and arrived by air as usual. He dropped in by parachute, landing atop an aircraft carrier!

A Toys for Tots toy drive is being held on Navy Pier next to the USS Midway Museum. Bring two new toys and you’ll receive free admission to the very popular museum. The Marines have a huge truck they need to fill up! Santa will be performing a whole bunch of parachute jumps throughout the day. Bring the kids!

To learn more about the Toys for Tots program, and how you can help, please check out my blog post from several days ago.

Look! Here comes Santa Claus! I guess Rudolph and the other reindeer are getting lazy. Or maybe they're just resting up for Christmas.

Look! Here comes Santa Claus! I guess Rudolph and the other reindeer are getting lazy. Or maybe they’re just resting up for Christmas.

Old Saint Nick nimbly descends from the blue sky in order to greet the nice boys and girls of San Diego. Beats using a sooty chimney.
Old Saint Nick nimbly descends from the blue sky in order to greet the nice boys and girls of San Diego. Beats using a sooty chimney.
Santa doesn’t need a tailhook when landing atop a huge aircraft carrier. Just a sturdy parachute!
Santa doesn’t need a tailhook when landing atop a huge aircraft carrier. Just a sturdy parachute!
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the USS Midway Museum are collecting toys today at Navy Pier. And Santa will be parachuting several more times! Just for fun, I suppose.
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the USS Midway Museum are collecting toys today at Navy Pier. And Santa will be parachuting several more times! Just for fun!
A guy checks out an ejection seat during the Toys for Tots toy drive on Navy Pier. I wonder if Santa has one of those on his sleigh?
A guy checks out an ejection seat during the Toys for Tots toy drive on Navy Pier. I wonder if Santa has one of those on his sleigh?
Marines collect toys to help spread holiday cheer, with downtown San Diego's skyline in the background.
Marines collect toys to help spread holiday cheer, with downtown San Diego’s skyline in the background.
Here's smiling Santa, with Mrs. Claus! Spectacular entrance! They wished me a Merry Christmas! And the same to you! Ho, ho, ho! Stay jolly!
Here’s smiling Santa, with Mrs. Claus! Spectacular entrance! They wished me a Merry Christmas! And the same to you!

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Do you like to read inspirational, thought-provoking fiction? Visit my Short Stories by Richard writing blog!

3 Ways to Help Others during the Holiday Season.

There are many opportunities to help others in need this holiday season, in San Diego and around the world.
There are many ways to help others in need this holiday season, in San Diego and around the world.

Tomorrow is “Giving Tuesday”. This special day, celebrated worldwide, is all about generosity and people coming together to help others who are in need.

There are countless ways to give back during the holiday season. Here are 3 opportunities that you might consider…

The Toys for Tots Program collects toys nationwide for children who could use a happy surprise during the holidays.
The Toys for Tots Program collects toys nationwide for children who could use a happy surprise during the holidays.

Provide a toy for a grateful child through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots Program. Toys for Tots works with non-profit organizations nationwide. You can find a nearby toy donation drop site or create your own by visiting their website.

The Jeffrey Modell Foundation helps those born with Primary Immunodeficiency. The disease is often fatal.
The Jeffrey Modell Foundation helps those born with Primary Immunodeficiency. The disease is often fatal.

Make a donation to the Jeffrey Modell Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to fight Primary Immunodeficiency, a genetic condition that is chronic, serious, and often fatal. Donations help provide early diagnosis, treatment, and hopefully, an eventual cure for this devastating disease. About 1 in 500 people are born with Primary Immunodeficiency.

Donate to the Salvation Army. Or be an angel to a child this Christmas, by dropping off a gift at the Salvation Army's location in San Diego's popular Fashion Valley shopping mall.
Donate to the Salvation Army. Or be an angel to a child this Christmas, by dropping off a gift at the Salvation Army’s location in San Diego’s popular Fashion Valley shopping mall.

Assist others who need a helping hand by donating to the Salvation Army! Even better, create your own online red kettle, and ask friends and family to help spread the word to fill it!

If you live in San Diego and plan to shop at Fashion Valley, you can be an angel to a child by purchasing a present, and dropping it off by December 13 at the mall. Look for the Salvation Army at the center of Fashion Valley near the Christmas tree and gingerbread house!

Bloggers Lifting Others Generously - 500 x 500

Are you a blogger who’d like to help build a better world?

You can learn more about Bloggers Lifting Others Generously by clicking here.

Please join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously!

Bloggers Lifting Others Generously - 500 x 500

I’d like to propose a new informal organization. Anyone can join. It exists in our spirit. It’s called B.L.O.G., which stands for Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

We bloggers have amazing power. Our presence on the internet is enormous. We have significant and increasing influence in the world. Together we can make a huge positive difference.

So why not flex our muscles and use that growing influence to do good?

My proposal:

To be a self-appointed member of B.L.O.G., one must make a conscious effort to help nonprofits, charities and unselfish individuals who tirelessly work to improve our world.

Bloggers Lifting Others Generously will help these deserving folks by providing them with publicity.

From time to time–when opportunities arise–members of B.L.O.G. will publish posts about charitable efforts.  One might write a post to help publicize an organization’s food drive, or a community’s environmental cleanup, or neighborhood students trying to raise money, or a walk to find a cure…

Every member of B.L.O.G. will use the power of their passionate words to support those who work to improve our world.

Here are some examples.

Will you join me? I even made a big blue B.L.O.G. graphic as you can see at the top of this post! Make your own or use mine if you’d like! It’s all about a spirit of giving and doing things that are meaningful. Isn’t generosity what’s ultimately important in life, anyway?

Let’s make this world (and the internet) a better place!