Life is often referred to as a journey. We choose to walk down certain roads and hope we go the right way, do the right thing. Some times along the way, we face obstacles and just hope we find the strength to forge on.
For Jimmy Wayne his life has not been an easy journey. He survived an abusive and turbulent childhood, one that no child should have to endure. With a father who abandoned the family and a mother in prison, Jimmy then survived and escaped from a stepfather who tried to kill him. Jimmy was homeless and become lost in the foster system; he was shuffled to a series of foster homes. He became very independent relying on wit, determination and spirit to live from day-to-day.
As a homeless teen, he found a home - and hope - with a couple from North Carolina, Russell and Beatrice Costner. Although the Costners were an older couple, they took a risk with Jimmy, took him in and gave him a second chance at life. In addition to providing a stable family environment, they encouraged Jimmy and his love of music. Jimmy remembers writing and singing all genres of music; he loved it all…country, rock, opera, rap. Then, as a senior in high school, he was moved by a performance of a convict from a local prison. The prisoner told his story through a country song – the music touched the audience; and Jimmy knew then he wanted to be a country singer. Jimmy also wanted to move people with his music and his story.
On a Sunday morning in 1998, he moved to Nashville – Jimmy started down a new road on his life’s journey…he started down the road of his dreams. Fast forward ten years, Jimmy released “Do you Believe Me Now” and it soared to the top of the charts, was No. 1 for three weeks and became one of the biggest hits of 2008-2009. In 2009 he toured with Brad Paisley and Dierks Bentley and lived to the fullest playing in iconic places such as Madison Square Gardens. It was after this tour that Jimmy decided to embark on a life-changing crusade.
In late autumn of 2009, he recalls relaxing in his house and a feeling of guilt overcame him. He remembered his feelings from his earlier life of being without a family, without a home and without hope. So, he began Project Meet Me Halfway to raise awareness of the plight of homeless youth and young adults. As someone that faced the same dead end roads, Jimmy is determined to help these kids, especially those who are aging out of the foster system and have absolutely nothing.
Project Meet Me Halfway kicked-off on January 1, 2010, and is a 1,700-mile trek that Jimmy is walking from Nashville to Phoenix. In speaking with Jimmy, I was amazed at his positive attitude and persevering spirit. I asked him, what is the most difficult aspect of this crusade? And, without hesitation, he said the loneliness; he then followed up by saying that he also has an on-going battle against blisters on his feet. However, he didn’t state this in a complaining sort of way. He said that this was his way of giving back and raising awareness for those who grow up like he did.
Jimmy’s voice lights up when he talks about the best part of his trek…the people he is meeting along the way. He remembers names and towns – Justin Jackson, the Warren Family, Gary Luftman, Lt. Col. Jason Garkey. He loves small town America and the hospitality he has received in places like Dixon, Tennessee; Caddo, Arkansas; and Tuscahoma, Oklahoma.
Meet Me Halfway is raising awareness and raising funds for two worthy organizations: Monroe Harding in Nashville, and Home Base Youth Services in Phoenix. Monroe Harding partners with at-risk youth and families to provide a bridge toward independence and success. Home Base Youth Services address the growing needs of at-risk and homeless youth age 21 and younger. The programs and services offer real life solutions to the physical, mental and emotional abuse and neglect these youth have suffered.
Jimmy firmly believes in the mission of these two organizations. They address and target the needs of the kids and young adults aging out of the foster system. The facts are bleak for this group - more than 20% of young adults aging out of the system experience homelessness. Jimmy humbly says how lucky he is to have escaped this world - every one of his foster brothers is either in jail or dead.
We all must work together to reduce the number of young people aging out of the foster system and to greatly improve the outcomes of those youth that do age out. We must unite with Jimmy to help make a difference in the lives of these kids. We must help to make a light at the end of the tunnel so these “lost kids” can find a way out and end the cycle of homelessness.
Denise Vasquez and Wo+Men 4 a Cause
Rarely do we find a true Renaissance man in our world. A person who finds the time and has the talent to excel in a myriad of areas. However, there is always exceptions and Denise Vasquez is just that - a modern day Renaissance woman. She is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, photographer, writer, illustrator and actress. She loves art – she loves music – she loves to create and she conceives her work from her soul.
In speaking with Denise, only one other aspect of her life trumped her desire to create – she has an intense desire to give back. Her list of causes that she banners is lengthy – the American Red Cross, I’m 2 Young For This, Cancerpalooza, Peace Thru Music, and Make A Wish Foundation in conjunction with the 501st Legion.
In 1999, Denise discovered a way of coupling her two passions – she started Wo+Men 4 A Cause. Wo+Men 4 A Cause is a movement to assist women in the art community and provide them support and awareness. The first Wo+Men 4 A Cause event was held in 1999 in the U.S. Virgin Islands and featured ten artists. Denise grew this movement and in 2006, Wo+Men 4 A Cause held an event in Los Angeles. The half day long celebration of women and arts featured ten female comedians and twenty-six women led bands/musical acts. Not only did the event bring much needed awareness for the female artists but also Denise used the event as a vehicle to host a blood drive for the American Red Cross.
Through Wo+Men 4 A Cause, Denise has found a way to create and give. She applies her creativity to the benefit of others and helps so many. Denise is truly dedicated to her Wo+Men 4 A Cause and hopes to make it a not-for-profit entity someday. Her dream is to always provide women support, awareness and a plethora of opportunities in the art community. In addition to the advancement of women in arts, she hopes to develop events that can also give back to the community in some way.
As she says about herself, “an artist who creates because it is part of her being.” And, I believe she gives back because it is part of her soul.
In speaking with Denise, only one other aspect of her life trumped her desire to create – she has an intense desire to give back. Her list of causes that she banners is lengthy – the American Red Cross, I’m 2 Young For This, Cancerpalooza, Peace Thru Music, and Make A Wish Foundation in conjunction with the 501st Legion.
In 1999, Denise discovered a way of coupling her two passions – she started Wo+Men 4 A Cause. Wo+Men 4 A Cause is a movement to assist women in the art community and provide them support and awareness. The first Wo+Men 4 A Cause event was held in 1999 in the U.S. Virgin Islands and featured ten artists. Denise grew this movement and in 2006, Wo+Men 4 A Cause held an event in Los Angeles. The half day long celebration of women and arts featured ten female comedians and twenty-six women led bands/musical acts. Not only did the event bring much needed awareness for the female artists but also Denise used the event as a vehicle to host a blood drive for the American Red Cross.
Through Wo+Men 4 A Cause, Denise has found a way to create and give. She applies her creativity to the benefit of others and helps so many. Denise is truly dedicated to her Wo+Men 4 A Cause and hopes to make it a not-for-profit entity someday. Her dream is to always provide women support, awareness and a plethora of opportunities in the art community. In addition to the advancement of women in arts, she hopes to develop events that can also give back to the community in some way.
As she says about herself, “an artist who creates because it is part of her being.” And, I believe she gives back because it is part of her soul.
Rick Moore and Camp Twin Lakes
When asking around about the experience people have when dining at the River Room, I hear things such as …fabulous food, elegant setting, extensive wine list…and the positive accolades go on and on. And, I have to agree – since being introduced to this dining destination about five years ago, I always enjoy my time at the River Room.
Now that I have met Rick Moore, the owner, I will now more than ever enjoy dining there. I learned that Rick is much more than a leader in the restaurant industry, he is a dedicated community servant. Rick donates time, money and services to an organization that is very dear to him, Camp Twin Lakes.
Camp Twin Lakes is a not-for-profit organization that offers year-round recreational, therapeutic, and educational programs for children facing serious illnesses and other physical, emotional and life challenges. With its network of partners, Camp Twin Lakes provides life-changing experiences for thousands of children each year at its state-of-the-art, fully accessible facility, located on 500 acres in Rutledge, Georgia, and at other locations throughout the state.
Their mission is to provide places and paths for children with serious illnesses and life challenges to experience the joys of childhood and grow in their confidence and capabilities. It is seeing this joy and confidence in the eyes of the children that inspires Rick…and we hope it inspires you. Please visit their website at www.camptwinlakes.com to donate or learn more about the variety of volunteer opportunities with Camp Twin Lakes.
So, I hope you visit the River Room and say thank you to Rick for his efforts to help children with special needs. Be willing to be worthy – and get involved with a cause. Please visit our website at www.worthyconnections.com to learn more about charitable efforts in our community.
This Worthy Works is brought to you by the River Room and the following brands of United Distributor: Blue Moon, Absolut and Chateau St. Michelle. The River Room provide guests with Atlanta’s finest dining in an elegant and modern European atmosphere as well as offer an exquisite award-winning wine selection. For more information on the River Room, please visit their website at http://www.riverroom.com/. We also have a link to them on our website at http://www.worthyconnections.com/.
Now that I have met Rick Moore, the owner, I will now more than ever enjoy dining there. I learned that Rick is much more than a leader in the restaurant industry, he is a dedicated community servant. Rick donates time, money and services to an organization that is very dear to him, Camp Twin Lakes.
Camp Twin Lakes is a not-for-profit organization that offers year-round recreational, therapeutic, and educational programs for children facing serious illnesses and other physical, emotional and life challenges. With its network of partners, Camp Twin Lakes provides life-changing experiences for thousands of children each year at its state-of-the-art, fully accessible facility, located on 500 acres in Rutledge, Georgia, and at other locations throughout the state.
Their mission is to provide places and paths for children with serious illnesses and life challenges to experience the joys of childhood and grow in their confidence and capabilities. It is seeing this joy and confidence in the eyes of the children that inspires Rick…and we hope it inspires you. Please visit their website at www.camptwinlakes.com to donate or learn more about the variety of volunteer opportunities with Camp Twin Lakes.
So, I hope you visit the River Room and say thank you to Rick for his efforts to help children with special needs. Be willing to be worthy – and get involved with a cause. Please visit our website at www.worthyconnections.com to learn more about charitable efforts in our community.
This Worthy Works is brought to you by the River Room and the following brands of United Distributor: Blue Moon, Absolut and Chateau St. Michelle. The River Room provide guests with Atlanta’s finest dining in an elegant and modern European atmosphere as well as offer an exquisite award-winning wine selection. For more information on the River Room, please visit their website at http://www.riverroom.com/. We also have a link to them on our website at http://www.worthyconnections.com/.
Robby Kukler and Hunger Walk 2010 brought to you by Aleven Creatives
This Worthy Works is brought to you by Aleven Creatives. Aleven Creatives is a brand development, marketing consulting and marketing tracking studio for the hospitality and entertainment industries. For more information on Aleven Creatives, please visit their website at www.aleven.com/wc.html. We also have a link to them on our website at www.worthyconnections.com.
Most Atlantans enjoy the Fifth Group Restaurants. Between South City, El Taco and Ecco, Fifth Group has something for everyone. What people may not know is the amount of charity work that Fifth Group does for our community. In speaking with Robby Kukler, partner of Fifth Group Restaurants, he becomes so excited when he starts talking about his current mission – Robby is co-chair of the Hunger Walk 2010 benefitting the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
So, in addition to running some of the most popular eating establishments in Atlanta, Robby has made it his goal to raise the most money ever for this year’s Hunger Walk/Run. With his leadership he and his team have already signed on over 100 restaurants with more joining the cause every day. His passion to help the hungry is so evident…and contagious. Robby certainly has good reason to be so dedicated to the Hunger Walk/Run – the walk is a major fundraiser for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The work of the Food Bank is vital for those in need through out Atlanta and North Georgia. Here are just a few important facts to know about the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB):
• ACFB distributed 22 million pounds of food and groceries last year to more than 800 non-profit agencies in 38 counties in metro Atlanta and North GA
• 80% of the assistance goes to households with children
• 20% of Georgia ’s children live in poverty; 12% of Georgia ’s seniors live in poverty
And here is one of the most important facts:
Every $1 donated yields $7.91 in groceries and for every $1 donated, 93 cents goes directly to assistance!!!
Please join Robby Kukler and the Fifth Group Restaurants to raise money for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The Hunger Walk 2010 is Sunday, March 14 at Turner Field – we hope to see you there!
Most Atlantans enjoy the Fifth Group Restaurants. Between South City, El Taco and Ecco, Fifth Group has something for everyone. What people may not know is the amount of charity work that Fifth Group does for our community. In speaking with Robby Kukler, partner of Fifth Group Restaurants, he becomes so excited when he starts talking about his current mission – Robby is co-chair of the Hunger Walk 2010 benefitting the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
So, in addition to running some of the most popular eating establishments in Atlanta, Robby has made it his goal to raise the most money ever for this year’s Hunger Walk/Run. With his leadership he and his team have already signed on over 100 restaurants with more joining the cause every day. His passion to help the hungry is so evident…and contagious. Robby certainly has good reason to be so dedicated to the Hunger Walk/Run – the walk is a major fundraiser for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The work of the Food Bank is vital for those in need through out Atlanta and North Georgia. Here are just a few important facts to know about the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB):
• ACFB distributed 22 million pounds of food and groceries last year to more than 800 non-profit agencies in 38 counties in metro Atlanta and North GA
• 80% of the assistance goes to households with children
• 20% of Georgia ’s children live in poverty; 12% of Georgia ’s seniors live in poverty
And here is one of the most important facts:
Every $1 donated yields $7.91 in groceries and for every $1 donated, 93 cents goes directly to assistance!!!
Please join Robby Kukler and the Fifth Group Restaurants to raise money for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The Hunger Walk 2010 is Sunday, March 14 at Turner Field – we hope to see you there!
Mark Wills and Children's Miracle Network and USA Cares
Before I wrote this article, I only knew Mark Wills as a country music star. However, from the first moment I spoke to him, it became clear that he is just a good ol’ boy who happened to make it, doing what he loves. We talked about our dogs, the kids’ activities and all the normal bustle of day-to-day life.
He has a passion for life and a spirit of giving. In addition to being a husband, father and singing great songs, he devotes his time to community service and several social causes. Mark swells with compassion and pride when he talks about his years working with the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). His first project with CMN was in 2005.
Then, he simply applauded them and their mission of raising funds and awareness for hospitals and foundations who serve children. Now, he has met (and stays in touch with) many of the children who are helped by Children’s Miracle Network; he is a proud father, and helping these children and their families is more meaningful than ever. Mark has certainly made a difference for CMN. When fans purchase a copy of his latest CD, Familiar Stranger, a percentage of the profits are automatically donated to the Children’s Miracle Network. The proceeds benefit over 170 hospitals around our nation that help sick and injured children.
Mark’s passion for giving is also very evident in his work with the United States Armed Forces. Being the granddaughter of a World War II bomber pilot and the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, I was humbled when I learned of Mark’s dedication to helping the military. He has taken several trips with the USO to Iraq and Afghanistan; and he has performed for our men and women of the Armed Forces here in the U.S. Mark is also the child of a Vietnam veteran and feels it is his duty to do what he can for those who put their life on the line for our freedom. What does he do for the troops? In Mark’s own modest words, “I just provide some music and entertainment for these brave people.” Then ask one of the many troops who have met Mark. In the words of Mike, an Army soldier who served in Iraq, “Mark is one in a million. He is real. One of the most patriotic men I know.”
Mark’s commitment to the military also includes helping the families of our troops through his work with USA Cares, an organization that helps post 9/11 military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission is to help military families with basic needs during a financial crisis; and, to assist combat injured Veterans and their families in preventing home foreclosures and evictions.
Mark is very proud to be a friend of USA Cares and he boasts of the achievements of this organization. In five years, USA Cares has received more than 17,000 requests and distributed more than $5.5 million in grants. Last year, Mark donated a portion of every sale of his album, 2nd Time Around, to USA Cares. As with his other social causes, Mark is too humble regarding his efforts to assist USA Cares but they are truly proud to boast of Mark. USA Cares Founder Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Roger Stradley states, “The fact that a nationally recognized talent like Mark would lend his name and image to our organization honors and humbles us… He is the real deal and there is a genuine passion for our troops and families that can not be faked… He has all the attributes of a great man that lives it and does not just say it.”
Mark is a star in the world of country music. More importantly, he uses this stardom to help those in need - he is caring, humble and defines the meaning of worthy. He gives his time, he gives his resources, and he is honored to serve others.
He has a passion for life and a spirit of giving. In addition to being a husband, father and singing great songs, he devotes his time to community service and several social causes. Mark swells with compassion and pride when he talks about his years working with the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). His first project with CMN was in 2005.
Then, he simply applauded them and their mission of raising funds and awareness for hospitals and foundations who serve children. Now, he has met (and stays in touch with) many of the children who are helped by Children’s Miracle Network; he is a proud father, and helping these children and their families is more meaningful than ever. Mark has certainly made a difference for CMN. When fans purchase a copy of his latest CD, Familiar Stranger, a percentage of the profits are automatically donated to the Children’s Miracle Network. The proceeds benefit over 170 hospitals around our nation that help sick and injured children.
Mark’s passion for giving is also very evident in his work with the United States Armed Forces. Being the granddaughter of a World War II bomber pilot and the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, I was humbled when I learned of Mark’s dedication to helping the military. He has taken several trips with the USO to Iraq and Afghanistan; and he has performed for our men and women of the Armed Forces here in the U.S. Mark is also the child of a Vietnam veteran and feels it is his duty to do what he can for those who put their life on the line for our freedom. What does he do for the troops? In Mark’s own modest words, “I just provide some music and entertainment for these brave people.” Then ask one of the many troops who have met Mark. In the words of Mike, an Army soldier who served in Iraq, “Mark is one in a million. He is real. One of the most patriotic men I know.”
Mark’s commitment to the military also includes helping the families of our troops through his work with USA Cares, an organization that helps post 9/11 military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission is to help military families with basic needs during a financial crisis; and, to assist combat injured Veterans and their families in preventing home foreclosures and evictions.
Mark is very proud to be a friend of USA Cares and he boasts of the achievements of this organization. In five years, USA Cares has received more than 17,000 requests and distributed more than $5.5 million in grants. Last year, Mark donated a portion of every sale of his album, 2nd Time Around, to USA Cares. As with his other social causes, Mark is too humble regarding his efforts to assist USA Cares but they are truly proud to boast of Mark. USA Cares Founder Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Roger Stradley states, “The fact that a nationally recognized talent like Mark would lend his name and image to our organization honors and humbles us… He is the real deal and there is a genuine passion for our troops and families that can not be faked… He has all the attributes of a great man that lives it and does not just say it.”
Mark is a star in the world of country music. More importantly, he uses this stardom to help those in need - he is caring, humble and defines the meaning of worthy. He gives his time, he gives his resources, and he is honored to serve others.
Murphy's and Open Hand
Ask about Murphy’s, and you’ll know immediately it is one of the iconic dining experiences in Atlanta. The innovative menu is a combination of comfort food and creative flair. The environment is relaxed but hip; and the friendly staff coupled with a smart setting top-off the dining experience. The owner, Tom Murphy, has certainly set himself apart and created a dining destination. However, Tom and his beloved Murphy’s have achieved much more than providing a great place to dine.
Under Tom’s leadership, Murphy’s has become a staunch steward of the community. For several years now, Murphy’s has partnered with Project Open Hand to help those with special dietary needs. The mission of Open Hand is to help people prevent or better manage chronic disease through programs such as Comprehensive Nutrition Care and Good Measure Meals. These programs combine home-delivered meals and nutrition education for a diverse population of men, women and children with unique dietary needs. By reinforcing the connection between informed food choices and improved quality of life, Open Hand helps save and extend the lives of those in need, such as HIV/AIDS clients, senior citizens and the chronically ill. Good Measure Meals, Tom’s pet project, is an example social entrepreneurship… a for-profit business in which all of the proceeds benefit Open Hand. Compliant with American Heart Association eating guidelines, Good Measure Meals is a meal delivery business providing a gourmet fair that meets specific nutritional requirements.
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