UNICEF has installed 20 new prefabricated classrooms in Tartus, Syria, and rural areas of Damascus, thanks to a generous donation from the Leo Messi Foundation.
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The donation has enabled more than 1,600 Syrian children affected by the conflict to attend school with fully furnished classrooms.
“More than 60 per cent of children attending these schools have been displaced from their homes due to the fighting,” said UNICEF. “School provides children affected by war with a routine, structure, and a sense of normality in a situation that is far from normal. We are grateful to the generous support of the Leo Messi Foundation to help hundreds of children access education.”
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After more than six years of conflict, 1.75 million children in Syria are out of school and millions more are at risk of dropping out. One in three schools cannot be used as they have either been destroyed or are being used as shelters or for military purposes.
The functioning schools are overcrowded, and some have had to add shifts to accommodate more children, reducing study time and affecting the quality of education.
Over seven years, the Leo Messi Foundation has supported UNICEF’s work for children in countries including Haiti and Nepal, among others.
Last week marked the start of the fifth-annual Global Moms Relay, an annual campaign co-created by Johnson & Johnson and the United Nations Foundation to improve the health and wellbeing of families worldwide.
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The campaign is designed to raise awareness of critical issues facing families, children and infants, while providing an opportunity to make a difference just by sharing content.
Global Moms Relay asks 25 community leaders, experts and everyday parents to answer one question: “What do you wish were true for every family, everywhere?” The responses will be featured on GlobalMomsRelay.org, ending on June 16. Each time the response is shared on social media, Johnson & Johnson will donate $1, up to $500,000, to its philanthropic partners dedicated to solving challenges facing moms worldwide, including Girl Up, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund, Shot@Life and Nothing But Nets.
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The Global Moms Relay kicked off with a one-day summit called Moms + SocialGood at the AXA Event and Production Center in New York City. This yearly event unites advocates and everyday moms and dads to discuss the challenges facing families, ways to create change and the role social media plays in improving the quality of life for children across the globe.
Conversations featuring experts and influential speakers such as Zoe Saldana, Rachel Zoe, Laura Dern, Juju Chang, Elizabeth Cousens, Anthony Lake, Carolyn Miles, Kimberly Chandler, Dr. Alaa Murabit and many more, provided insight and guidance on how everyone can turn small actions into successful solutions for creating a better world and a brighter future.
Over the last five years, the Global Moms Relay has raised funds for hundreds of thousands of vaccines; ensured access to education for thousands of girls around the world; provided thousands of mothers and families with pre-pregnancy and early childhood health information directly through mobile phones; reduced household air pollution in hundreds of homes by supplying access to clean cookstoves; provided thousands of bed nets to protect families against malaria; and helped save thousands of premature babies. In this fifth year, the Relay will also provide training to health workers, along with supplies and support to reach thousands of the world’s most vulnerable women during pregnancy and early motherhood.
This builds on the longstanding relationship between Johnson & Johnson and the United Nations Foundation who have worked together to create change across the globe since 2004. Global Moms Relay and Moms + SocialGood are among the most powerful initiatives developed through the partnership, and are being supported this year by BabyCenter, Global Citizen, Fatherly and Charity Miles.
Everyone is encouraged to participate through social media sharing and buzz generation using the hashtag #GlobalMomsRelay and #JNJ. Sharing and engagements directly result in charitable donations, giving everyone the opportunity to change lives and support families lives one social media post at a time.
Oscar nominee and Emmy and Tony-Award winner Laurence Fishburne (BLACK–ISH) will join Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna (CRIMINALMINDS) to host the 28th annual edition of PBS’ NATIONALMEMORIALDAYCONCERT.
For almost three decades, PBS has inspired viewers with this deeply moving and reverential night of remembrance dedicated to our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all those who have given their lives for our country. Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise (CRIMINALMINDS: WITHOUTBORDERS), who has co-hosted the concert for the past eleven years, will present a 75th anniversary salute to the Doolittle Raiders, the daring aviators who changed the course of World War II in the Pacific.
The all-star line-up for the event includes: distinguished American leader General Colin L. PowellUSA (Ret.); world-renowned four-time Grammy Award-winning classical superstar Renee Fleming; multi-platinum recording artist and star of television, film and the Broadway stage Vanessa Williams; country music superstar Scotty McCreery; Grammy nominated, multi-platinum selling artist John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting; acclaimed actor John Ortiz (A DOG’S PURPOSE; KONG: SKULLISLAND); Broadway and television star Christopher Jackson (HAMILTON, BULL); distinguished actress Ana Ortiz (UGLYBETTY, DEVIOUSMAIDS); legendary Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan; and the UK’s best-selling cross-over artist Russell Watson; in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly (additional performers to be announced). The gifted actress and singer Auli’i Cravalho (MOANA) will open the show with a special performance of the “National Anthem.”
Broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the 28th annual broadcast of the NATIONALMEMORIALDAYCONCERT airs on PBS Sunday, May 28, 2017, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m., before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network. The concert will also be live-streamed online on Facebook Live and www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert and available as Video on Demand for a limited time only, May 28 to June 10, 2017.
Also participating in the event are the U.S Joint Chiefs of Staff with The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Chorus, The Soldiers Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, the Armed Forces Color Guard and Service Color Teams provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.
The 2017 NATIONALMEMORIALDAYCONCERT will feature the following segments:
• A celebration of the 70th anniversary of the United States Air Force and some of the most skilled aviators of World War II…the Tuskegee Airmen. These legendary, African-American pioneers will be honored at the U.S. Capitol by Laurence Fishburne, who was Emmy-nominated for his role in the highly acclaimed THETUSKEGEEAIRMEN.
• Severely injured in an IED blast, Captain Luis Avila’s injuries were so extreme that his doctors did not see hope. His wife, Claudia, never gave up. With extensive treatments and the emerging technique of music therapy, Captain Avila has made remarkable progress. The Avila’s story is one of courage, faith, perseverance and hope.
• 2017 marks the 75th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid, the daring bombing mission over Tokyo that changed the course of the war in the Pacific. The concert will honor the bravery of the Doolittle Raiders, recognizing sole surviving member, 101 year-old Lt. Col. Dick Cole, and pay tribute to the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War II.
• America’s Gold Star families of all generations bear the burden of battle long after the death of their beloved service members. The concert will share the healing journey of a Gold Star family from the Vietnam era, now supporting other grieving families from recent conflicts.
• A moving tribute to the legacy of Jerry Colbert, Founder and Executive Producer of Capital Concerts, who passed away in January, 2017.
The program is a co-production of Michael Colbert of Capital Concerts and WETA, Washington, D.C. Executive producer Michael Colbert has assembled an award-winning production team that features the top Hollywood talent behind some of television’s most prestigious entertainment awards shows including the GRAMMYAWARDS, COUNTRYMUSICAWARDS, TONYAWARDS, SATURDAYNIGHTLIVE, and more.
May 08, 2017 09:00 am
Cast members from CBS’s hit series “Criminal Minds,” Joe Mantegna (David Rossi), Kirsten Vangsness (Penelope Garcia) and Paget Brewster (Emily Prentiss), star in a new public service message inviting viewers to take part in The Longest Day, an Alzheimer’s Association event taking place on June 21, 2017.
A philanthropic nod to the ongoing storyline with Jane Lynch (Diana Reid) portraying the mother of Matthew Gray Gubler (Dr. Spencer Reid) who is living with Alzheimer’s disease, “Criminal Minds” cast members are encouraging participation in The Longest Day to raise funds and awareness to support more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and their over 15 million caregivers.
Held annually on the summer solstice, The Longest Day symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Participants will do what they love – biking, hiking, playing bridge, swimming, knitting and more – to honor a caregiver, someone living with Alzheimer’s, or someone lost to this devastating disease. Together, participants will raise funds and awareness to advance Alzheimer’s Association care, support and research programs.
Kathy Ireland is set to co-host the YWCAGLA Phenomenal Woman Awards.
Designating the 2017 YWCA Greater Los Angeles’ Phenomenal Woman Awards as “an occasion to emphasize how women have assumed leadership in expanding the horizons and impact of Los Angeles most compassionate and forward-looking programs for young people,” YWCA Greater Los Angeles President and CEO Faye Washington has announced that awardees at the nationally respected organization’s honors luncheon this year will be Deborah Borda, 17 year President and CEO of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, now departing to head the New York Philharmonic, Lakers Youth Foundation Executive Director Kiesha Nix, Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Michelle King and Los Angeles CBS2 News Anchor Pat Harvey. The event will transpire at the Omni Hotel in downtown Los Angeles Wednesday, May 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
“These four honorees have used their vast talents and stature to break through the glass ceiling. A mirror can capture images and in many instances can define perspectives of ourselves and or others. These amazing women capture images of success, perseverance and tenacity. They just don’t give up. The battle they fight is not theirs, it’s for others- the generations to follow with a unique prescription of what it takes to make life for others happen. Our honorees have helped shape our nation’s future by expanding the horizons and achievable hopes of our citizens-in-training.
“To best share this summit meeting of wisdom and dedication with our audience of power-wielding women leaders in business, philanthropy and public service, the traditional core of daring women who attend our Phenomenal Women gatherings, we continue a programming concept so successfully launched last year. Instead of having a keynote speaker, we will have a keynote seminar, an inspirational and candid conversation between our 2017 Awardees.” Christine Devine, Los Angeles Fox 11 co-anchor and a leading advocate for foster and at-risk youth, will moderate the panel, and entertainment journalism icon Mary Hart will participate as a presenter of the new Bonnie Tiegel Angel Award, honoring journalistic activism and named after one of the organization strong and beloved supporter, Entertainment Tonight’s late producer, Bonnie Tiegel.
Ms. Washington stated “the event will carry on the Phenomenal Woman tradition of presenting” a luncheon experience in which a panel of exalted glass ceiling-breakers enlighten the next wave of Los Angeles female leadership in business and activism. It is an event of insight into the subject of what it means to be Powerful, Inspired, Brilliant, Visionary and Bold women: the obligations it imposes, the challenges it invites.”
Three previous Phenomenal Women awardees will co-host the event: lifestyle designer Kathy Ireland who is YWCA Greater Los Angeles’ Ambassador; the organization’s Advisory Commissioner, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President, Cheryl Boone Isaacs and Lisa Paulsen, founding President and CEO of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) and its vast philanthropies.
Citing the achievements of 2017’s four Phenomenal Women, Ms. Washington pointed out that “they demonstrate how four great fields in which Southern California has dominance — arts and entertainment, journalism and communications, education, and sports have directed their power and popularity to benefit our nation’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens. She pointed out:
“Deborah Borda, our 2017 Phenomenal Woman of the Year, President & CEO of the LA Phil, she is considered one of the most successful arts leaders in the country: from overseeing the opening of the iconic Disney Hall, growing the orchestra’s endowment to $255 million and making it the most financially secure in the country, to bringing the incandescent Dudamel and the Youth Orchestra (YOLA) to LA. Phenomenal Woman Awards Luncheon honors salutes with gratitude her imminent departure to head up the New York Philharmonic.
Ms. Washington has led the YWCA GLA’s charge to create access for thousands of young people to a pathway of safety, education and life-fulfilling career employment. She has wielded the torch of that leadership, leading the YWCA GLA’s charge to create access for thousands of young people to a pathway of safety, education and life-fulfilling career employment. She is a champion of the effort to help all women overcome gender-related obstacles to achieve a fuller and equal portion of the American dream.
“YWCAGLA is excited to honor CBS2 Anchor, Pat Harvey, as our 2017 Bonnie Tiegel Angel Award.” Ms. Cynthia Heard, YWCAGLA, Vice President of Business Development and Communications added. “Pat receives this award for continuing the proud tradition that Bonnie Tiegel exemplified that of those in the media who give their voice and their podium to create greater awareness on some very important community issues. We salute Pat’s advocacy for children, special-needs, education and victims of domestic violence. This award is given in memory of friend and partner Bonnie, a champion in the Campaign to End Human Trafficking.”
The event also pays tribute to Michelle King as Champion of Change for her accomplishments as Superintendent of Schools for the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest district in the nation. Ms. King is a graduate of LA Unified whose respected career spans 30 years of working her way up to her current leadership, always intent on holding up the standard of MOVEFORWARD & MAKEHISTORY for the Los Angeles community’s school children and enabling that through her innovative changes and spirit.
Kiesha Nix, who will receive PWAL’s Community Game Changer honor, is the Executive Director of the LA Lakers Youth Foundation, which has given out about $7 million to non-profit charitable organizations. Noted Ms. Washington, “We are looking forward to her thoughts on how to make a lasting impact through community service and outreach from the perspective of a career that spans the worlds of finance to philanthropy. She lives by the motto, ‘Always believe in yourself and never give up.’”
Several great California institutions, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Lakers Foundation and the Los Angeles Rams have joined the 2017 Phenomenal Woman Awards’ sponsors which also include: Southern California Gas Co., Edison, Xerox, Target ,Toyota, JP Morgan Chase, County of Los Angeles, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, City National Bank, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Union Bank, and Omni Los Angeles Hotel.
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
11:30 a.m. – Arrivals and Reception
12:00 p.m. – Program Begins
May 08, 2017 06:00 am
Started by Linkin Park, Music for Relief responds to natural disasters as they occur to help victims recover and rebuild, with an emphasis on housing, education programs and resources.
The organization also recognizes the environmental consequences of global warming, which have demonstrated the capability to accelerate and strengthen certain types of natural disasters. Therefore the second goal of MUSICFORRELIEF is to help prevent and decrease future natural disasters by reducing greenhouse gasses, seeking renewable forms of energy and educating the public about climate change.
