Hello 2012!

It has been a while since my last post - I apologize. What's that saying, "The cobbler's children go without shoes..."? Well, that's certainly the case here. I've been busy helping around town... but here's a recap before I resume blogging (it's already mid-March 2012!).

• Mr. Stud Finder Charity Auction (Jan. 26, 2012), benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Martin County's 2012 Women Build, raised $30,000! Many thanks to everyone involved with making this event a success.
• The Martin County Library Foundation hosted another successful 'Dr. Seuss Days' in early March to celebrate Dr. Seuss' Birthday and share the gift of reading. I had the honor of reading and gifting the book, 'The Lorax' to students at Apple Tree Academy in Stuart. What a pleasure!
• The Power Ride cycling poker ride (March 11) - which also benefits Habitat for Humanity of Martin County's Women Build - brought in $10,000!
• Stuart Nursing & Restorative Care Center celebrated its 40th anniversary on March 15. They received a lovely feature in the Martin County section of the Stuart News, a proclamation from Mayor Christie and the City of Stuart, and had a wonderful party to commemorate this achievement and honor employee milestones. Congratulations!
• And tommorow (March 17) is the 4th annual Singlefin Showdown at Stuart Beach. This unique surfing event is hosted by Ohana Surf Shop and benefits the United Way of Martin County.
  

Stay tuned for more updates and post-event recaps!

New Growth Media, LLC provides marketing, communications and public relations services. Let us know how we can help cultivate your message. E-mail kelly@ngmedia.biz or visit www.NGMedia.biz.

Rock-A-Thon raises $7,500 for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County

STUART, Fla., Dec. 13, 2011 – On Dec. 3, champions of Habitat for Humanity of Martin County rocked their way to more than $7,500 – funds that will be used to build homes for deserving families throughout the community.

The Rock-A-Thon fundraiser took place at Lowe’s of Stuart and was quite a success for the local Habitat affiliate. The rocking chair relay event kept attendees of all ages entertained with live music, activities, refreshments and more.

"The outpouring of community support for the Rock-A-Thon is a testament to the Habitat mission,” said Mary Jones, director of volunteer services for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County. "We are very pleased with the results and so grateful to the volunteers, performers, sponsors and staff that made this event possible.”

The event included live entertainment from local bands including 99 for One of First United Methodist Church of Stuart, One Last Chance Band, and Medicine Cabinet; and children’s activities including a Lowe’s kids clinic and Boys & Girls Club craft table.

Special thanks to Lowe’s of Stuart for hosting the event, as well as the generous "Rock Star” sponsors, Bank Atlantic; Bushdogs Parties, Picnics and Casual Catering; Centex; EZ-On Products of Florida; and Water Pointe Realty Group. "You Rock" sponsors, Braddock Electric and Air, CSL Plasma, Empire Environmental, Forum Financial Group, Freedom Homebuilders, Natural Flow, New Growth Media, Premium Painters, Treasure Coast Propellers, Whiticar Boat Works, and River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp. "Rocker" sponsors, Accurate Tile & Marble, Ampersand Shirt Shack, Atlantic Insurance Advisors, Hurricane Boat Lifts, Koplas & Company, CPA, PA, Sterling Mortgage, and Beachcomber Fiberglass Technology.

We also want to thank Stewart with Hurricane Mountain Sound for providing the sound, Karen with KMF Entertainment who provided face painting and balloon art, Bushdogs Catering for providing the delicious food and sweets, and the Chick-fil-A for Santa Cow making an appearance.

To learn more about Habitat volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit HabitatMartin.org or call Habitat for Humanity of Martin County at (772) 223-9940.

About Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a not-for-profit organization that works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to help eliminate substandard housing by building homes for others, revitalizing neighborhoods, and transforming lives. Since its inception in 1986, Habitat for Humanity of Martin County has built 94 homes in Hobe Sound, Indiantown, Jensen Beach, Port Salerno and Stuart. For more information, call (772) 223-9940 or visit HabitatMartin.org.

Luncheon raises $4,000 for Habitat's 'Women Build'

Many thanks to all who attended Habitat for Humanity of Martin County's 'Women Build Kickoff and Building Blocks Luncheon' on Oct. 12 at Harbour Bay Plaza in Sewall's Point, Fla.

Through the support of attendees, donors, sponsors and volunteers, the event raised more than $4,000 for the 2012 Women Build home for the Sanchez Family. The home will be located in the Carter Park community in Indiantown, Fla and construction will begin in January.

View New Growth Media's photos from the event by clicking on the slideshow, below.

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.