Kelly Beard, guest blogger for Margaret May

I'm excited to have received an invitation to blog about philanthropy for Margaret May. Please visit her blog and read my post on volunteerism. I hope you enjoy!

Kelly Beard named Communicator of the Year

Kelly Beard, owner of New Growth Media, LLC, was recently honored by the Florida Public Relations Association's Treasure Coast Chapter as "Communicator of the Year for a Non-Profit Organization."

Beard was nominated by her client, Habitat for Humanity of Martin County, for her communications and marketing efforts and received the award at the 2011 Treasure Coast Image Awards Dinner.

"Kelly has the unique ability to take an idea or infant concept and develop, implement and maintain an entire marketing program or event, while also transitioning that idea into a platform for future programs to build upon," said Margot Graff, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Martin County.

New Growth Media, LLC specializes in cultivating effective and meaningful communications, marketing and social media strategies that drive positive results. To learn more, visit NGMedia.biz or call (772) 538-3222.

Meet Margaret May

I'd like to introduce you to Margaret May, an inspiring individual with whom New Growth Media has had the pleasure of working with this past year.

Margaret empowers women to create their public and private wealth legacy unique to their passion and purpose, inspiring them to make a difference in the world. She is an accomplished author, trainer, thought leader and public speaker. Her financial expertise, experience in estate planning, philanthropic giving and ability to speak from the heart allows her to bring a unique and inspirational message to her clients and audiences. Her latest book, co-authored with Niki Nicastro McCuistion, is “Women, Wealth & Giving, The Virtuous Legacy of the Boom Generation,” published by John Wiley & Sons.

New Growth Media has worked closely with Margaret to establish a blog and social media sites through Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Vimeo and You Tube.

In addition, New Growth Media worked with CommuniGraphics to unveil a new website and e-newsletter for Margaret May.

Please visit the links above and follow Margaret as she inspires "transformation through virtuous philanthropy."

To learn how New Growth Media can cultivate your message, visit NGMedia.biz.

Rock-A-Thon to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County

Proceeds from rocking chair relay event will help build homes for deserving families

Habitat For Humanity of Martin County is gearing up for the 2010 Rock-A-Thon, Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lowe’s, 3620 S.E. Federal Highway in Stuart.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to support Habitat for Humanity, even if they’re unable to help with the construction of homes on the job site,” said Mary Jones, director of volunteer services for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County. “The beauty of a Rock-A-Thon is that almost everyone can rock in a rocking chair!”

The event will take place at Lowe’s in the parking lot across from the garden center and will feature live entertainment, children’s activities, a silent auction featuring robust gift baskets, raffle prizes and refreshments. Funds raised will help build homes for deserving families throughout Martin County.

Join Habitat volunteers, homeowners, students, civic groups and local congregations at this fun-filled event to support the Habitat mission. There are several ways to get involved:

• Rock as a team or individual – sign up now to begin fundraising!
• Pledge to sponsor a rocker or team – donations start at $1 per minute.
• Sponsor the event – sponsorship opportunities range from $50 to $250.
• Enter to win a 32-inch LG television – tickets are $10 each or six for $50.
• Stop by the Rock-A-Thon (it’s FREE!) and cheer on the rockers and enjoy the live entertainment.

To register or to learn more, visit HabitatMartin.org or call Habitat for Humanity of Martin County at (772) 223-9940.

Special thanks to Lowe’s of Stuart for hosting the event, as well as the generous “Rock Star” sponsors, 99.7 Jack FM, Advanced Technologies Group, Bank Atlantic, E-Z-On, New Growth Media, Pampered Chef, and Roegiers, Goldin, Chappel, Nall & Associates.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, call (772) 223-9940 or visit HabitatMartin.org.

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County kicks off Women Build 2011 with luncheon and shopping event

Building Blocks Luncheon offers unique opportunity to purchase materials needed for Women Build home

STUART, Fla., Sept. 7, 2010 – Habitat for Humanity of Martin County will kick off its 2011 Women Build program with a special “Building Blocks Luncheon” and shopping event at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at Harbour Bay Plaza’s Palm Room, 3720 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart.

Beginning at 11 a.m., attendees will have a unique opportunity to buy everything needed to complete the 2011 Women Build home, even the kitchen sink! The shopping list includes all the necessary “building blocks,” from footer concrete, paint and roofing nails to doors, cabinets and appliances. Items are listed per unit at Habitat’s actual cost, ranging from $12 to $3,500. All donations are tax-deductible and tax receipts will be provided.

The luncheon and presentation will begin at 12 p.m. with passionate testimonials from Habitat volunteers and staff, as well as past and present Women Build home recipients, detailing the profound impact this program has on the Martin County community and its female participants. Renato’s Italian Ristorante will cater the luncheon with a menu featuring a salad, choice of chicken marsala or eggplant parmesan and dessert.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to build our fourth Women Build home for a very special family,” said Mary Jones, director of volunteer services at Habitat for Humanity of Martin County. “Habitat is blessed with amazing staff members, volunteers and community partners who contribute their sweat and tears, time and money to this wonderful cause. We look forward to working with them and meeting new faces at our upcoming luncheon.”

The 2011 Women Build home will be built for Shameeka Dixon and her two 4-year-old boys in the Hobe Sound community of Banner Lake. Dixon is already contributing to Habitat’s sweat equity requirement of 300 volunteer hours and construction of her home will begin in January. She will purchase the home with a no-profit loan and her monthly mortgage payments will be used to build more Habitat homes.

“Owning a home means everything to me. I’ll be setting up a great foundation for my children and they’ll have a place to call home,” says Dixon. “It’s also a great achievement for me to reach one of my life-long goals.”

Luncheon tickets are $35 and seating is limited. Reservations must be made prior to Sept. 30 by calling Habitat for Humanity of Martin County at (772) 223-9940. To view the “Building Blocks Shopping List” or for more information, visit HabitatMartin.org and click on “Women Build.”

About Women Build
Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity International program that encourages women and girls to have fun and make a difference by building homes and communities. Women crews around the world have built thousands of homes since Women Build’s official creation in 1998. Each year, more homes are added as affiliates, donors and sponsors discover the impact of women volunteers and their resources.

Fast Facts

• Women Build empowers women to build Habitat homes, enabling them to positively impact the lives of children by making home ownership a present reality for families.
• Women Build is not about excluding men; it's about including women.
• Women are often intimidated on a “mixed” construction site; but in the comfortable environment of Women Build, they quickly learn construction skills.
• When women come together in a supportive environment, they feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem.
• More than 12 million U.S. children – one in six – are living in poverty. Poverty is a severe threat to children's health, growth and potential.
• Women need not wait for others to address substandard housing issues. They have the capability and determination to be part of the solution.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, call (772) 223-9940 or visit HabitatMartin.org.

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County teams up with Educate Tomorrow on ‘green home’ build

STUART, Fla., July 14, 2010 – Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is receiving some much needed assistance with the construction of their green homes in East Stuart, thanks to Miami-based not-for-profit, Educate Tomorrow.

The group of 11 young adults and two adult mentors are volunteering for HFHMC through Friday, July 16, on two home sites located at the 800 block of Tarpon Avenue. The students are transitioning out of the foster system; Educate Tomorrow helps them to bridge the gap into the real world and college through mentorship programs.

“At some time in their life, these kids have been abused, abandoned or neglected,” said Erica French, chief operating officer and program supervisor for Educate Tomorrow. “As foster kids, they can go to any state or technical school for free, but often there’s no one to help them get there. At age 18, they’re out of the foster program, but if they stay in school, they can receive a monthly check to help with living expenses. It’s not easy being on your own, finding an apartment, learning to budget your expenses, and that’s where Educate Tomorrow helps out.”

Educate Tomorrow, Corp. is an international, nonprofit organization with a mission to make education an attainable goal for the most disadvantaged, so that all may be afforded the possibilities that can be achieved through learning. Educate Tomorrow supports 15-23 year olds who are aging out of the foster care system, by matching them with mentors. These mentors in turn help the young people to enroll in college and training programs, find housing and jobs, as well as apply for educational and social assistance that may be available to them.

“We’ve volunteered for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County every year for the past three years,” said French. “We know that camps and retreats are good for the students and makes for a great bonding experience.”

The group is contributing to the construction of HFHMC’s green homes, which will conform to environmentally sensitive standards, meeting gold rating requirements by the Florida Green Building Coalition. The house is expected to be complete in November.

“We’re so grateful to the students and mentors at Educate Tomorrow for volunteering their time to help our community, year after year,” said Margot Graff, HFHMC executive director. “It’s a wonderful partnership and we’re so blessed to have an opportunity to work with such an extraordinary group.”

To learn more about Habitat sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, visit HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940. For more information about Educate Tomorrow, visit EducateTomorrow.org or call (305) 374-3751.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, call (772) 223-9940 or visit HabitatMartin.org.

Photo Captions
Educate Tomorrow students Harry Mystery DuVal and David Dixon are spending a week of their summer vacation volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County.

Educate Tomorrow student Calvin Pierre helps secure a truss while volunteering at one of Habitat for Humanity of Martin County’s green homes on Tarpon Avenue in Stuart.

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County dedicates new home in Hobe Sound

HOBE SOUND, Fla., July 13, 2010 – Habitat for Humanity of Martin County (HFHMC) celebrated the con-

struction of its 86^th home at a dedication ceremony on June 24 in the Banner Lake community of Hobe Sound. The new homeowners, Gilbert and Alisena Payoute, thanked all those who worked so hard to help them reach this goal.

The Hobe Sound Community Chest sponsored the home construction, and board member Jennifer Ferrari, also executive director of the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce, presented the Payoute family with the key to their new home. Margot Graff, HFHMC executive director, explained to dedication attendees that the Payoute family had contributed 300 sweat equity hours working on their home and the homes of others as a requirement for becoming Habitat homeowners. At the end of the ceremony, the Payoute family invited supporters inside for a tour of the home and refreshments.

Through the donations of funds, materials and volunteer labor, HFHMC was able to build the home and sell it at an affordable price. The Payoute family purchased the home with a no-profit loan and their monthly mortgage payments will be used to build more Habitat homes.

“We are so pleased to present Gilbert and Alisena with the keys to their new home,” said Graff. “We would also like to thank all the volunteers who generously donated their time to help make this house a home, as well as the Hobe Sound Community Chest. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community.”

To support an upcoming build or to learn more about Habitat homeownership, visit HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County

Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization that extends the opportunity to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes to local families who would not otherwise have that chance. The three key criteria necessary in order to make homeownership a reality for families include the need for shelter, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. For more information, visit HabitatMartin.org or call (772) 223-9940.

Photo caption: Jennifer Ferrari, Hobe Sound Community Chest board member and executive director of the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce, presents Gilbert Payoute and his son, Marco, with a key to their new home. The Hobe Sound Community Chest sponsored the three-bedroom Habitat for Humanity home in Banner Lake.