Getting back to “finding” after two weeks away may be a bit tough, but not as tough as going back to work today. Today’s post will highlight some great initiatives that support Hurricane Sandy Relief and other not for profit groups. As we were leaving, I was blown away by the quick response to Hurricane Sandy and the almost immediate relief and donation efforts that sprang up around NYC, NJ and the nation after the storm. [I have not had a chance to go through my backlog of deals, but I promise to have lots of Friday Finds for Black Friday!]
Here are some that I found:
> I wrote about efforts from KIND and NY Mouth– do support these awesome companies when you can!
> After the ING NYC Marathon was cancelled, there was a feeling of frustration about runners coming into the city and using resources needed by locals. Runners responded with a whole lot of helpful hands (and feet). Among other things, Runners organized a fun run in central park on the original marathon route and collected needed supplies and money (see my run report here on this run and other NYRR efforts). NYC Marathon of Relief 2012 (NYC MORE 2012) created a Facebook page and organized runs to impacted areas to clean up and donate supplies. They continue to organize efforts in the Rockaways, Coney Island, Staten Island and more. Race2Recover NYC is a website that appeared almost immediately to help marathoners who were not coming in to donate their hotel rooms to impacted people who needed them. So many awesome efforts – when runners got lemons, they made lemonade!
> The Jersey Shore was hard hit, so my friend (& 50 State Marathoner) Eric Rubinson started a fundraising campaign called “Track Friday”. He suggested runners turn Black Friday into “Track Friday” by skipping the shopping and running laps on a track. He decided to run on his hometown high school track in Middletown, NJ on the badly hit Jersey Shore and to support the Monmouth County Food Bank. He encouraged friends to make teams and fundraise, as well, for their local organizations that are in need of help. So far he has 23 runner who have raised over $8,600 dollars. Check out the razoo site for more information. Way to go, Eric!
> Gilt, along with a consortium of other leading companies, announced the launch of the Donate Today, Save Tomorrow initiative. The effort will support economic recovery and aid residents and businesses impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The Donate Today, Save Tomorrow site is a site developed by Gilt for people to donate funds to the hurricane relief effort. In return for $25, $50 or $75 contributions, donors get a voucher for a discount of up to 50% off, or other special offers from participating merchants. There are over 70 participating merchants from eight states, with more signing up each day and 100% of donations go to 6 charities to support relief and rebuilding efforts in NY and NJ. Check it out! One more great reason to buy at Gilt.com! (Like we needed one ;))
> Mashable.com had a great list of 6 Innovative Fundraising Campaigns for Sandy Relief posted just days after the storm (and a “bonus” of 15 photos that represent great acts of kindness during the storm, as well. They are guaranteed to make you smile.) I liked all of these, but especially the “wedding” registry idea and the photos of all of the kindnesses!
> In non Sandy news, here is a no brainer to help fight childhood obesity! Click “Like” on the Kashi Real Project Facebook Page and Kashi will donate $10 to Healthcorps, a not for profit that fights childhood obesity. Act now – this is good until Thanksgiving only!
What were your favorite innovative fundraisers for Sandy Relief or other cool new initiatives you have seen recently? Spread the word and you have a chance to win!
Tell me about your favorite Hurricane Sandy or other cool fundraising initiatives for a chance to win a women’sKlutch Club box from October. It contains: Yurbuds headphones, Good Greens bar, Pure Matters vitamins, King Arthur Whole Flax Meal, Devita Natural Eyeliner, Hungershield, To Go Brands Acai Natural Energy Burst Chews, Coromega Omega3+D Squeeze Supplement and a YumUniverse recipe guide & coupon.
To be entered to win, please post a comment on this blog post or my Facebook post telling me about the initiative that you found, likes or supported. I will select a winner randomly on all entries by Sunday, November 25th.
Have a great week!