"Pass It On" Campaign Provides Driving Inspiration

One communications vehicle I have always had an infatuation with is billboards. I think it started when I was young and was growing up in the country... at that time, billboards signified to me that we were in the "big city" and in turn, closer to our destination. Regardless, I have always paid attention to them. After all, what else am I supposed to stare at when driving alone?

It's no surprise that I've Googled information I've seen on billboards (one being lavender scented tires...but we won't go there), however, one powerful billboard campaign that catches my eye every time is the "Pass It On" campaign (think a person's photo + red box with white worded phrase such as "inspiration," "hard work" or "devotion," etc).

These simple billboards often bring a tear to my eye while driving (including the one shown above). So, who puts them out and what's the scoop behind them anyways?

After doing some digging, I discovered this little campaign was brought to us by The Foundation For A Better Life. Since I tend to write about all things positive, this proved to be a nice fit for this blog.

So what is this foundation, anyways?

It's really pretty interesting. The Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to sharing the values that make a difference in our communities. Through various media efforts, the Foundation's hope is to inspire us by displaying others who live their life to the fullest through positive values.

You can't donate money to the foundation, nor do they give money away to those in need. In short, to me, they exist merely to make us say to ourselves "Holy crap, I can do anything!"

And lucky and inspired is what I feel when I see them.

I highly suggest you check out some of the other billboards here. I also encourage you to read the stories that are the inspiration behind the billboards. They are quite moving. Some of the faces pictured you'll recognize (Einstein, Mother Teresa, Kermit the Frog, Ghandi, etc.), others you won't know, but I assure you, you'll be amazed by their heartfelt stories.

So, go to the site and feel the love. Then PASS IT ON to someone else.

Cuddle Alert: New Site to Benefit Local Charities

Many people sink into a deep depression during Michigan's winter months... we don't want to go outside unless we absolutely have to, the sunshine turns to gray and driving is an icy nightmare. In fact, I can't think of many reasons winter is much fun at all. However, one thing does come to mind and that’s cuddling. Who doesn’t like to do that?

It's a good thing to do too, especially for your health. According to research, along with hugs (see earlier post on hug health benefits), cuddling increase hormones that can decrease the risk of heart disease. And since heart disease is the number one killer in America, I’d say it’s safe to say we can all use some cuddling in our lives.

With this in mind, Chuck Gadica, a well-known weatherman from the Detroit area, has launched a new Web site called cuddlealert.com, based on the phrase he coined more than 20 years ago. The site currently sells clothing, hats, blankets and baby items. There's also Cuddles the bear and Cuddle Alert bumper stickers in which proceeds benefit our local children's hospitals.

The best part of this new site according to the Great Lakes IT Report, is that Chuck has indicated that the site has a potential opportunity to raise funds for a worthy charity or provide a way to donate products to those in need. He said he's investigating organizations to be the beneficiary of the Cuddle Alert concept.

That means potentially great news for all my non-profit friends out there.

So Michigan: bring on the cold. We're ready for cuddle alerts. But Chuck, please turn up the heat on your Web site and raise some dough for the area nonprofits in need!

Red Scarves Benefit Orphans

Crafters alert! Can you knit or crochet?

I surely can't, but I've been inspired to learn... After doing some research for a client, I came across this great organization that's making waves in the lives of our nation's orphans. It's called the Red Scarf Project and is a way a unique way to send warmth and encouragement to college-bound foster youth. I know as an ex-college student how much a care package from parents (or anyone for that matter) can bring sunshine to your day. Check out the site and the cause and knit away!

A great blog has started too as a result of this fabulous project, find it here: nownormaknits.