Pencil Boy's Place

Mary Lou is awarded a Spirit Stick!

2012-01-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

Posted by: Traci

Every quarter, A Gift For Teaching staff members submit Spirit Stick nominations. These are awards for volunteers, organizations, financial and in-kind donors who help us out in the true spirit of philanthropy.

Mary Lou is an Orange County Public Schools employee who volunteers regularly after her work hours are complete. She began by helping out in our Free Store, checking teachers in and out for their shopping trips. Now she also assists a lot with administrative duties, helping with database entry and running reports. We appreciate her smiling face, cheery spirit and helping hands.

Get Pampered at School You: Brain Bowl Challenge

2012-01-20T09:15:00.001-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

It's always a good idea to reserve a little "me" time. Pamper yourself or treat someone else to a little TLC, with one of these great School You: Brain Bowl Challenge auction items.

Sanctuary Salon & Day Spa

Their unique massage experience is guaranteed to melt away the tensions of life. Treat yourself to a 50-minute Swedish Massage, which uses long gliding strokes to relax and improve circulation.

The Peabody Orlando

Get away without going anywhere. Enjoy a two-night staycation for two. Be sure to make time to see the March of the Peabody Ducks during their traditional 11 a.m. processional or 5 p.m. recessional waddle.

LP Personal Luxuries

Adorn yourself with a two-strand candy jade necklace hand-crafted by LP herself, designer Lindy Pomerantz.

These packages and more are all available to the highest bidder on Saturday, February 11th, at the School You: Brain Bowl Challenge! Get your tickets by clicking here.

School You: Brain Bowl Challenge

Saturday, February 11, 2012

6:30 - 10 p.m.

Orlando Museum of Art

2416 North Mills Ave. / Orlando, FL 32803

Tickets: $75 each

Get Cultured at School You: Brain Bowl Challenge

2012-01-19T08:30:00.003-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

Do you appreciate the arts? We do too. You'll see that our own A Gift For Music program has donated the talents of their student-musicians to our School You: Brain Bowl Challenge. Experience Orlando's art scene with these packages.

A Gift For Music String Quartet

Enjoy up to one hour of classical music from four of the Chamber Orchestra's top musicians.

Orlando Ballet

Take a new look at a classic tale of the struggle between beauty and betrayal, and the duality of human nature, told through elegant ballet and Tchaikovsky’s stirring score, with two tickets to Swans: Black and White.

Bach Festival Society of Winter Park

From the classic to the romantic, Vienna has inspired some of classical music’s greatest pieces. Enjoy two (2) tickets to Spring in Vienna, a Bach Choir Christmas cd and 25th anniversary booklet.

Painting with a Twist - Orlando
Want to really experience the arts? Create your own with four (4) gift certificates for a 2-hour painting class. Paint, canvas, and brushes are provided, as is an experienced and enthusiastic local artist who can lead you step by step through the process of recreating the featured artwork. This is not your average art class. This is art entertainment.

These packages and more are all available to the highest bidder on Saturday, February 11th, at the School You: Brain Bowl Challenge! Get your tickets by clicking here.

School You: Brain Bowl Challenge

Saturday, February 11, 2012

6:30 - 10 p.m.

Orlando Museum of Art

2416 North Mills Ave. / Orlando, FL 32803

Tickets: $75 each

Get Active at School You: Brain Bowl Challenge!

2012-01-18T09:45:00.002-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

New Year. New You. If fitness is one of your 2012 resolutions, then these packages may be for you. We encourage you to get outside, get moving, and get active. Check out these opportunities that will be up for auction at the School You: Brain Bowl Challenge.

Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard

Witness world-class PGA Tour Golf in Orlando with two (2) tickets good for any single day of the tournament.

barre 54

Benefit from one month of unlimited classes at Orlando’s first fitness studio dedicated to the barre workout technique. barre54 offers a full body, cardiovascular workout using Lotte Berk exercises fused with pilates and yoga stretches, using a ballet barre.

College Park Yoga

So you want to try yoga? This is the perfect trial size package for someone just getting started. You'll receive three (3) yoga sessions, which includes mat and towel rental.

These packages and more are all available to the highest bidder on Saturday, February 11th, at the School You: Brain Bowl Challenge! Get your tickets by clicking here.

School You: Brain Bowl Challenge

Saturday, February 11, 2012

6:30 - 10 p.m.

Orlando Museum of Art

2416 North Mills Ave. / Orlando, FL 32803

Tickets: $75 each

School You: Teacher Competition WINNERS!

2012-01-17T17:02:00.002-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

(Clockwise from Top Left: Mr. Reedy, Ms. Shayestehpour, Ms. Whittlesey, Ms. Knapp)

On Sunday, January 8^th, A Gift For Teaching (AGFT) hosted the School You: Teacher Competition. In this preliminary round to our School You: Brain Bowl Challenge, teachers independently answered questions about our organization, history, pop culture and other topics. We would like to congratulate the top four contestants, who were rewarded with an extra shopping coupon for our teacher Free Store and a spot on one of our pre-selected Brain Bowl Challenge teams, where they will be paired with a student, AGFT donor and local celebrity. They are Jerry Reedy (Chickasaw Elementary School, Fifth Grade), Elizabeth Shayestehpour (Lake Gem Elementary School, First Grade), Sharon Knapp (Chickasaw Elementary School, Media Specialist), and Julie Whittlesey (Chickasaw Elementary School, Instructional Support). As the grand champion of the teacher competition, Ms. Whittlesey also earned a Curtis Earth Trivia Classroom Experience!

The Teacher Competition, which was new this year, was a great opportunity for us to get better acquainted with some of our teacher shoppers. We really appreciated everyone who joined us on a Sunday evening, the winners allowing us to photograph them in the signature School You glasses, and their willingness to be a part of our annual fundraising event.

Special thanks go to Bikes, Beans & Bordeaux for opening their restaurant just for us. We’d also like to thank Curtis Earth of Earth Trivia. Curtis hosts trivia nights regularly throughout the greater Orlando area, and donated his time and services to our event. The teachers had an opportunity to get accustomed to Curtis’ brand of trivia, as he will rejoin us this year as Brain Bowl Challenge host.

School You: Brain Bowl Challenge is a silent auction that raises money in support of our programs and services. In addition to the entertainment of the Brain Bowl Challenge game, guests enjoy gourmet hors d'oeuvres, fine wine, live music and a silent auction showcasing AGFT's signature Crayon Masterpieces - student recreations of masterful works of art.

Tickets are still available for this event, and can be purchased securely from our website (http://www.agiftforteaching.org/donate). We invite you to attend and show these teachers your support!

School You: Brain Bowl Challenge

Saturday, February 11, 2012

6:30 - 10 p.m.

Orlando Museum of Art

2416 North Mills. Ave. / Orlando, FL 32803

Schedule your group to volunteer at AGFT!

2012-01-13T09:02:00.001-05:00

Posted by: Traci

A Gift For Teaching has several opportunities for you to schedule volunteering experiences for groups of five or more people. To make coordinating schedules easier, we've added a Group Openings calendar to our website.

Working together in groups is a great way to build a sense of team among your co-workers or members of social organizations. Now group organizers can better communicate to their teams when A Gift For Teaching has available volunteer slots, to select a date and time that best works for them.

We also welcome individuals to volunteer on their own. Individual opportunities can be found by clicking here.

AGFT Observes MLK, Jr. Day

2012-01-11T12:10:00.000-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

Please note, A Gift For Teaching's Free Store and offices will close in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy. There will not be teacher shopping this Saturday.

Click here to see video of how the stained-glass style image used in this post was created by artist, Timothy Teruo. He shares the creation of his piece, set to the audio from Dr. King's legendary "I Have a Dream" speech.

THANK YOU for Going Above & Beyond!

2012-01-10T15:05:00.004-05:00

Posted by: Meredith

On behalf of everyone at A Gift For Teaching (AGFT), and most importantly the students and teachers that we serve, THANK YOU! There are so many deserving non-profit organizations in our community. We are humbled and thankful that you make AGFT a priority when choosing which organizations to support.

During our year-end campaign, we shared stories from teachers of the realities they face in their classrooms. We challenged you to match $30,000 in gifts that we had received in early December. We asked that if you couldn’t give financially, that you assist us by telling your friends and family of our efforts.

You listened, but more importantly you acted. You went above and beyond. You spread the word, and we heard from new donors – both corporate and individual. Your gifts contributed another $33,000, and resulted in AGFT’s most successful year-end campaign to-date (just over $63,000).

Your generosity sent 2011 out on a great note and leaves all of us feeling hopeful for 2012. Thank you for the outpouring of warmth and love you show local kids and teachers through your gifts.

Purchasing Your School You Tickets

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Posted by: Meredith

Our Development & Events Coordinator Amber Ferguson demonstrates how easy it is to navigate our website and purchase tickets to our upcoming fundraiser, the School You: Brain Bowl Challenge.

‎1. Visit www.agiftforteaching.org
2. Click on the yellow "Donate Now" button
(You'll be redirected to our secure donation page)
3. Check the box that says "Tickets"
4. Fill-in your contact and billing information.
5. Click on "continue"

School You Event Volunteers Needed

2012-01-09T10:05:00.000-05:00

Posted by: Traci

Would you like to help us throw a fun-filled event? We are currently recruiting volunteers to assist with our annual fundraiser, the School You: Brain Bowl Challenge on Saturday, February 11^th, at the Orlando Museum of Art in Loch Haven Park.

School You guests will bid on silent auction items, including our signature Crayon Masterpieces – framed works of art created by Orange County Public School students, to raise money in support of A Gift For Teaching’s programs and services. The Brain Bowl Challenge will pit four pre-selected teams against each other to answer questions about A Gift For Teaching, trivia and current events. In addition to mingling with old friends and new, guests will also enjoy fine wine, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and live music.

Your help would be needed to prep and execute the event, during one of two shifts. Set-up assistance is needed from 2:30 - 6 p.m., and event volunteers from 6-11 p.m. Those assisting with set-up may dress comfortably. Those who attend the event as a volunteer or guest are asked to wear cocktail attire.

Some of the duties throughout the event include:

Event Set-up: including the registration area, auction items, wine toss table, displaying crayon masterpieces, etc.

Registration: helping greet and check-in guests upon arrival, and assisting with check-out before they leave

Pitchman (or women): staffing the silent auction and answering questions about the various items (there will be cheat sheets)

Curator: overseeing the Crayon Masterpieces and helping guests pick which work of art they may be interested in purchasing

Ushers: helping guide guests to the auditorium and assisting them in finding an open seat for the Brain Bowl Challenge

Ring Master: Operating the Wine Toss and helping guests win bottles of delicious wine

Technologist: serving as a BidPal consultant (training included) to help people with the iPod Touch devices used to make their bids during the auctions

Clean-up Crew: Helping with break down and clean up after the event ends

Please contact me as soon as possible if you are interested in volunteering for the very fun event. Last year the winning Brain Bowl team was anchored by Chris Kirkpatrick, founding member of the pop group *NSYNC. Chris is back to defend his victory.

I can be reached at 407-318-3126 or traci@agiftforteaching.org.

Report Card: 1998 - 2011

2012-01-06T14:24:00.000-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

Volunteer Spotlight: Harriet Van Houten

2012-01-05T09:59:00.000-05:00

Posted by: Traci

Harriet Van Houten has been a volunteer with A Gift For Teaching (AGFT) since August 2008. She has diligently volunteered on Wednesday afternoons for the past three years. As a result of her commitment to volunteerism, Harriet has earned recognition from President Obama. She contributed nearly 120 hours of volunteer time in 2010, which earned her the Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Award. She has had some health challenges this year, which have limited her volunteer time, but she already has over 85 hours of volunteerism for 2011.

Also as a result of her steady volunteerism, Harriet has earned money for AGFT. Harriet is a Walt Disney World Resort employee and through their “Ears To You” grant program, she contributed $1,000 to A Gift For Teaching in 2011.

Congratulations Harriet, and thank you for your commitment to Central Florida's students in need!

New Monthly Schools

2012-01-03T12:32:00.000-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

A Gift For Teaching refers to schools where enrollment in the national Free/Reduced Lunch program is at or above 60% as our "Monthly Schools." In Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, each full-time instructional teacher/personnel from our list of Monthly Schools may shop once a month at their respective county store including:

Media specialists
General education teachers such as P.E., Music and Art teachers
Guidance counselors
Nurses
Principals
Vice Principals
Assistant Principals
Deans

At this time, custodians and administrative support staff such as administrative assistants and paraprofessionals are not eligible to shop. Check our Monthly Shopping Schools list to see if your school is listed.

AGFT updates our monthly eligibility list regularly to keep up with the growing free/reduced lunch enrollment numbers. The Orange County Public Schools listed in the image above were recently moved into our Monthly School shopping program.

Check Out Our "School You: Brain Bowl Challenge" Promo Video!

2011-12-22T12:08:00.001-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

Join us at A Gift For Teaching's (AGFT) second annual School You: Brain Bowl Challenge. Pre-selected teams will consist of a student, teacher, AGFT donor and local celebrity. Together they will demonstrate knowledge of trivia and current events.

For more information, please e-mail Amber@agiftforteaching.org.

To purchase tickets, please visit agiftforteaching.org/donate!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year

2011-12-21T11:09:00.000-05:00

Guest blogger: Jane Thompson, AGFT President

Just before schools dismissed for holiday recess, we received an update on the enrollment numbers for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program. At schools where the enrollment for this national assistance program is at 60% or more of their student body, we welcome every full-time instructional staff person to shop once per month in our Free Store. The additional requests were significant enough to add another seven schools to our monthly shopping program - which translates into approximately 600 more eligible shoppers each month.

Will you help us supply their students? We would like to provide for over 7,000 kids this holiday season. We're more than halfway to our goal, and with your help we can reach it.

Please consider making a gift of $70, which will fulfill an average school supply list. With our leveraging power and matching gifts this month from The Galloway Foundation and Dr. Mary Palmer, we can turn every $1 that's donated into $20 worth of supplies - meaning your $70 donation will support TWENTY students.

We would like to thank you for helping A Gift For Teaching make the holidays happier for the teachers and students we serve. Through your generosity, we have been able to increase services to meet our community's growing needs.

Please click here to connect to our secure donation page and give online. If you prefer to mail a check*, please make it payable to "A Gift For Teaching" and use the mailing address below.

A Gift For Teaching

6501 Magic Way, Bldg. 400C

Orlando, FL 32809

*Mailed donations postmarked by December 31, 2011, may be eligible for a 2011 tax deduction.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-16T15:45:00.001-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

Happy Holidays! Our Free Store has closed for the first part of the school year, but not before reaching some major milestones.

We saw a noticeable increase in the number of shoppers visiting our Orlando location this year - serving 402 more shoppers (37% more) in August 2011 than during the same month last year.
Overall, teacher shopping trips have helped us send over 1 million books to classrooms, nearly 6 million pencils, and more than $60 million in valuable tools for your students.

We wish you a safe and happy winter break. Our staff will return the first week of January, with a renewed energy and passion for our mission. Thank you for helping us serve your students in need.

Wishes Granted at A Gift For Teaching!

2011-12-14T17:38:00.000-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

Grant-a-Wish Shoppers (LtoR): Matthew, Sansarah and Alan

What child doesn’t wish for the opportunity to dash through a store, taking whatever their heart desires? I know that is something I dreamt of as a child. With holiday shopping lists adding up, what adult doesn’t wish for the same thing?

In November, we asked teachers to help us Grant-a-Wish. Via e-mail, they nominated students for a first-ever opportunity – a chance to shop for themselves in our Free Store. We read stories of how their students continue to overcome home life challenges and exceed expectations in the classroom. Each story was very compelling, making the selection of our three deserving students extremely difficult.

(LtoR) Alan, AGFT President Jane Thompson,
Matthew and Sansarah

This morning, A Gift For Teaching made that childhood dream a reality. We serve students in need all school year through teacher shopping trips, but this time we had the joy of watching the beneficiaries of our gifts race through the store grabbing anything they wanted when our doors were opened to Matthew Melton (first grade, Waterbridge Elementary School), Alan Orellana (eighth grade, Odyssey Middle School) and Sansarah Thelemarque (tenth grade, Evans High School).

One of these students lives in a hotel with a single parent. Another is the oldest of three, and must help out around the house with chores and tutoring younger siblings. The other fluently speaks three languages, and helps classmates with translation. All, model excellent behavior and take great care to make the grade in their classrooms. It was clear from their student nominations, that the respect and admiration they show for their teachers is reciprocated.

Today was a chance for these children to set aside all of those challenges, and just have a good time. We hope that this was a memory they won’t soon forget. Something our staff will remember is how selfless the kids were. When asked to share some of the favorite things that they put in their carts, all three pulled out a few items that they intended to give to siblings and parents as holiday gifts.

There were three rules: (1) Take as much as you want. If you fill up your cart, grab another. (2) Try not to run over each other. (3) Have fun!

Some of our corporate friends helped make the day great, sending additional items for us to gift following the spree. Among the treasures were goodies from The Florida Mall, Walmart gift cards, Disney stuffed animals, and family sets of tickets to SeaWorld and Aquatica. The staff members of A Gift For Teaching would like to thank everyone who helped us grant today’s wishes – teachers who nominated their students, principals and parents who allowed them to leave school for a little while, and community partners for adding to the fun. Happy holidays!

Please click here for more photos from this event.

Blogging for Non-profits

2011-12-08T14:46:00.001-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

This morning, I had the opportunity to facilitate a Peer Lab discussion for the Rollins College Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership Center. Attendees heard a 90-second pitch from each facilitator, and then chose two topics that they were interested in learning more about. My table was Blogging Do's and Don'ts for Nonprofits.

I really appreciate that people chose to spend an hour with me this morning to discuss how A Gift For Teaching started our blog, what works for us, and what hasn't. My main suggestions were:

Write from the first-person and share your organization's story
Appeal to all interested parties - those you serve, donors, volunteers, sponsors, etc.
Establish yourself as an expert in your field.
Be transparent.
Promote your events.
Include your blog as just a portion of your social media mix, which could also include Facebook, foursquare, Twitter, YouTube and other sites that make sense for your organizations.
Give your co-workers a voice by letting them contribute stories about their projects & successes.
Have a strategy, and post on a regular schedule.
Reinforce and highlight press coverage.
Show goodwill to other non-profits, by helping share their content if it relates to your audience.

I didn't have as many don'ts. You shouldn't have anything to hide, so I do not suggest deleting comments just because you disagree with them. If they are offensive to your readership, that's another story. Don't forget to include a post that says, "Some comments have been removed from this site because we found them to be offensive." (or something to that effect) If you're simply clarifying incorrect information, then make sure you include that you are an employee of the organization in your post. You want to encourage people to interact with you, but in a positive and respectful manner.

Common Craft makes really cool, easy-to-follow videos on a range of topics. Here's their explanation of blogs. The Twitter tutorial is pretty good too, if that's something you're exploring starting.

I hope that my table participants found the sessions to be helpful. I look forward to seeing their new blogs.

Show & Tell

2011-12-07T14:10:00.000-05:00

Posted by: Meredith

We would love to share our story with you. Join us, and we'll chat over lunch! Show & Tell is a relaxed opportunity for the community to visit our organization, see exactly what a Free Store is, and learn how it operates.

Please click here for our Spring 2012 dates. For more information contact me at Meredith@agiftforteaching.org, or call 407.318.3123 ext. 202-5248.

Taylor's Note

2011-12-06T11:40:00.001-05:00

Posted by: Meredith

We received this thank you note shortly after Thanksgiving, and wanted to share it with all of you. Thank you for helping A Gift For Teaching be successfull.

Get ready for School You!

2011-12-06T11:18:00.002-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

Click to enlarge.

For more information, please contact our Development & Events Coordinator Amber Ferguson. Amber can be reached at 407.318.3123 ext. 202-5244 or Amber@agiftforteaching.org.

Visit our secure website to purchase tickets ($75 each). AGiftForTeaching.org/donate

Tis' the season for music!

2011-11-30T15:29:00.001-05:00

Posted by: Sally

Please join us this month for A Gift For Music

winter concerts galore.

Click to enlarge.

Ventura Elementary

December 6, 6:30pm at The Potter’s House Church

7051 Pershing Ave., Orlando 32822

Orlo Vista Elementary

December 7, 6:30pm in the cafeteria

3 North Hastings St., Orlando 32835

Fern Creek Elementary

December 8, 6:00pm in the auditorium

1121 North Fern Creek Ave., Orlando 32803

Forsyth Woods Elementary

December 13, 6:30pm in the cafeteria

6651 Curtis St., Orlando 32807

Eccleston Elementary

December 14, 6:00pm in the cafeteria

1500 Aaron Ave., Orlando 32811

For more information please contact Sally Carter, AGFM Director, by email at sally@agiftforteaching.org, or by phone at 407.318.3128.

Save the Date. Get Schooled!

2011-11-29T16:32:00.000-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

Like trivia?

Then you'll love our annual fundraiser.

Please save the date for our School You: Brain Bowl Challenge!

http://www.about.me/agiftforteaching

Give the Gift that Unlocks What's Inside

2011-11-28T09:54:00.000-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

60 Minutes' follow-up story on children in Central Florida who are homeless an in-need creates a desire an opportunity for all of us to wrap arms around these children, lift them up and support their basic needs - from shelter, clothing, food and more - this holiday season and beyond. School is often the place where simple, things make the biggest difference. Basic school supplies such as pencils, paper, glue and backpacks are life-changing, transformative tools for children. They give kids the power to dream, create, express themselves, problem solve and experience a sense of self worth and accomplishment. These educational tools become positive, constructive outlets and provide stability in young, fragile lives.

Click to download a "Wish List" of most needed items, or here to provide direct financial support or donations. You can also drop off your contribution or donation at A Gift For Teaching - 6501 Magic Way, Bldg. 400C, Orlando, FL 32809 (near intersection of John Young Parkway and Oakridge Road) - during the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday (up to December 16). For every $1 contributed, $10 of supplies goes back to children in classrooms. That means that a gift of just $70 will provide 10 students with a comprehensive assortment of school supplies for the year.

READ the transcript of the 60 Minutes story.

WATCH the video of the 60 Minutes story.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T16:53:00.002-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

The Scribble Party

2011-11-14T11:03:00.001-05:00

Posted by: Meredith

Click to enlarge.

The Scribble Party is more than just an art show, it's a statement. This event will do more than help expand the art culture in Central Florida, it will support our local students in need - with 10% of all art sales going to A Gift For Teaching.

The Scribble Party is a group art show concept that focuses on the art and beauty of scribbling and sketching. Each artist will have one or more small works that features scribbling or sketching (or a combination of both), created in his/her own style. All works will be in black and white and/or shades of gray.

More than $60 Million Worth

2011-11-10T14:18:00.003-05:00

Posted by: Kendra

We are excited to announce that A Gift For Teaching recently reached some major milestones! Since opening our doors in 1998, we have distributed over $60 million worth of school supplies to classrooms in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. This includes essential classroom tools such as pencils, notebooks, glue, backpacks, art supplies and books.

Also of note, more than one million books have been taken to those classrooms. As school budgets continue to be cut, it’s less likely that teachers will be able to build an effective library of reading material in their classrooms. Students can access a school’s media center, but usually class visits are limited to about once every two weeks. It is therefore important for students to have classroom collections so they can constantly be exposed to new books of varying reading levels. This access will ensure that they can regularly practice comprehension, improve their vocabulary skills, and develop a genuine interest in reading.

We're keeping our eye on the pencil count now, and hope to announce giving away our six millionth soon. Thank you so much for continuing to support our efforts. Your gifts have been passed along, through our Free Store, to the students who need them most.

GoodSearch

2011-11-04T14:50:00.000-04:00

Guest Blogger: Amber Ferguson, Development & Events Coordinator

Will you switch to GoodSearch, and help raise money for students in need?

When you use GoodSearch for your web browsing, they will donate a penny to the charity of your choice! We're asking that you make the choice to support A Gift For Teaching!

Getting started is simple:

Visit GoodSearch.com, and register with the site (for free).
Type "A Gift For Teaching" into the box that asks what cause you'd like to support.
Download the free toolbar, and start Good Searching things (instead of Googling) them.

When logged in, you'll be able to see the amount you've raised simply by searching the Internet. Better yet, it won't cost you a thing. Here's how they explain where the donated money comes from:

Search engines make most of their money from companies that pay an advertising fee when users click on links during a search. At GoodSearch, we've patented a way to track and direct these search-generated proceeds to charities. In other words, a portion of advertiser dollars (and not your own!) earned as a result of your search, are now passed along to the organization you've chosen to support.

You'll also be able to see how many people have joined you in supporting our cause and the collective impact that you've all made. GoodSearch is powered by Yahoo!, so you can count on high-quality results from a reliable and powerful search engine.

'Tis the Season!

2011-11-03T14:19:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Meredtih

Make the holidays a season for success and forgo that company fruit basket. For just a $5 donation, A Gift For Teaching will send a personalized letter and holiday card made by a student to your friends, family or colleagues letting them know that you’ve made a generous donation to AGFT on their behalf.

For every card you purchase, A Gift For Teaching will be able to provide $50 worth of school supplies (including clothing, hygiene products and holiday gifts) to a classroom in a high-need school.

More than half of the students in Central Florida qualify for the free/reduced lunch program -- they can’t afford lunch, let alone school supplies. The holidays can be especially challenging for these children.

Since opening in 1998, A Gift For Teaching has distributed more than $59 million worth of product and given out more than 5 million pencils.

For more information, contact Development Manager Meredith Bekemeyer at (407) 318-3123 x 202-5248 or meredith@agiftforteaching.org, or please visit our website at www.agiftforteaching.org.

Click here to download the Season For Success order form!

AGFT: Providing the Basics for Success

2011-11-03T10:29:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Pick-up the latest issue of Orange Appeal, which features an article about how A Gift For Teaching is responding to the increased need in our community. Be sure to also read about this year's recipients of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) National Philanthropy Day Award.

Complimentary copies of the lastest issue are available at the following retailers:

Heathrow Country Estates/Red Tail Golf Club, Sorrento

Watson Realty, Park Place Plaza, Heathrow

Rich Hippie, Altamonte Springs

Cookie Cousins, College Park

The Tap Room at Dubsdread, College Park

Gary Lambert Salon, Winter Park

SEE Eyewear, Winter Park

Scott Laurent Collection, Winter Park

Mennello Museum of American Art

Orlando Museum of Art

Reflections Dermatology, Baldwin Park

Burlap Home , Dr. Phillips

The Pink Chalet , Dr. Phillips

ACT NOW: FREE Supplies from NASA

2011-11-02T11:16:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

NASA to Give Away FREE Supplies to Teachers

NASA at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has collected new and used excess office supplies from various onsite contractors, and they are donating them FREE to public schools in Brevard, Indian River, Osceola, Orange, Volusia and Seminole Counties. There are three ring binders, dictionaries, dry erase boards, scissors, and markers just to name a few of the over 25,000+ items.

If you are interested in these supplies they will be available on a “first come, first served” basis. Donations can be picked up beginning Monday, October 31 through Friday, November 4, 2011 at the Miracle City Mall, Unit #18, 2500 S. Washington Avenue, Titusville. Times are daily between 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. or until all materials are gone. Teachers should bring their own bags and/or boxes for the supplies.

Rule of the give-away are as follows:

These donations are for student and classroom use only.

Supplies must be picked up by school district employees only. ID will be required.

Non-district guests and/or children will not be allowed to enter the unit.

All employees agree to take only what is needed for their student and/or classroom use and not to keep any products for personal use outside the classroom.

Should you have any questions, please contact Alice Smith at Alice.F.Smith@nasa.gov.

AGFT's Wish List

2011-11-02T10:47:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Click to enlarge.

If you're interested in helping students in need, conducting a supply drive is a simple way to get involved. Our educational supply store stays remains open throughout the school year, so we are constantly restocking the shelves.

Please share this list with your co-workers, clients, social organizations, family, friends and/or associates. These are some of the things that teachers are always looking for on our shelves.

Teachers, help us Grant-a-Wish!

2011-11-01T15:44:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Click to enlarge.

Jug-ly Art & Antics

2011-11-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Sally

Click to enlarge.

ORLANDO – Americana is a term used to describe artifacts, music and folklore used to evoke a feeling of American Cultural Heritage. In a celebration of Americana, we present to you a collection of hand crafted pottered jugs and wood carvings, cigar box guitars, paintings and music created by some of the finest American Craftsmen and women around.

Friday November 4, 2011 at the Peacock Room the JUG-LY ART & ANTICS show rolls into town for a one-night performance and a three (3) week viewing Americana Art of the finest hand crafted JUGS made from clay and wood. Jim Mitchell of Cigar City CBG’s will be showcasing a sampling of his handmade CIGAR BOX GUITARS. Folk artist Panhandle Slim from Savannah will have a grouping of his American Icon paintings on display. A Collector’s reception will be held from 7-9pm with live performance by GT (of SugarFreeMusic).

Starting at 9 p.m. (w/$5 admission) the opening evening will be supported by an Americana Jamboree featuring WPRK’s, DJ White Lighting, with performances by The
Kitschy Kittens Burlesque Troupe, Lone Wolf, The Getbye, and The Bloody Jug Band!

Proceeds from art sales and door admissions will be used to for the creation of a scholarship for underserved children at Crealde School of Art and to support A Gift For Music.
A Gift For Music is a part of A Gift For Teaching and provides musical instruments instruction to children within scholastic music programs who otherwise would not be able to afford lessons.Support the betterment of arts, music and culture for our youth.

X X X

For questions or more information contact Chuck Dinkins at soultripchuckd@yahoo.com, John Theisen
at bloodyjugband@aol.com, Mendi Cowles (Peacock Room) tizmendi11@mac.coom.
.
Peacock Room 1321 N. Mills Avenue Orlando, FL 32803 407-288-0048

www.thepeacockroom.com / www.bloodyjugband.com

Whole Kids Foundation: School Garden Grants

2011-10-31T13:46:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

The mission of the Whole Kids Foundation is to improve children's nutrition and wellness with the goal of ending the childhood obesity epidemic. The Foundation's School Garden Grants are provided to K-12 schools and nonprofit organizations in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom that are developing or currently maintaining a school garden project that will help children engage with fresh fruits and vegetables. Grants of $2,000 are provided for garden projects at any stage of development - planning, construction, or operation. The application deadline is December 31, 2011. Visit the Foundation’s website to complete the online application.

AGFM Chamber Orchestra Rehearses with Special Visitor

2011-10-26T09:18:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Sally

The student musicians in the A Gift For Music Chamber Orchestra experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on Saturday, October 15. Fredy Cespedes, former concertmaster of the Bolivian Symphony and founder of El Alto, guest conducted rehearsal that day.

Fredy is the father of the Chamber Orchestra’s newest conductor, Dr. Mauricio Cespedes, principal violist of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn from an esteemed South American musician who influenced the movement to provide students in impoverished areas with music instruction and mentorship through El Alto.

Pinktober!

2011-10-21T15:58:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

LtoR: Traci Blue, Jane Thompson, Amber Ferguson, Sally Carter, Meredith Bekemeyer, Emily Magee, Valerie Kauterman, Anne Gwinn & Kendra Ferguson

It's not always about money when non-profits ask for your support. A lot of times, we are appreciative of your willingness to simply help us raise awareness for our cause.

Today, our staff is raising awareness for the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, by wearing PINK to support the fight against breast cancer.

Nap Ford Students Develop "Box City" - an Idea to Revitalize Parramore Community

2011-10-18T08:30:00.001-04:00

Source: Press Release

The Future of Parramore – Through Children’s Eyes

Nap Ford students create revitalization plan – in 3-D – for

the community

ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 14, 2011) – What do children think could help revitalize the Parramore community in Downtown Orlando? A grocery store, swimming pool and bowling alley, to name just a few ideas developed this summer by children at Nap Ford Community School.

As part of the school’s summer academy for gifted students, 25 children were tasked with creating a revitalization plan for Parramore. But this wasn’t some writing lesson. The children, ages 8 to 11, developed an elaborate-scale model to represent their concept of community. Dubbed “Box City,” the colorful display shows what they love about what’s there now and what they think could make it even better.

“As we continue to revitalize Parramore and other communities across Orlando, it’s paramount that we educate our children on how they also can make a positive impact,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Having them participate in a program like this today will make for a better community tomorrow.”

During the two-week, innovative program, professional planners and government officials, including Circuit Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., were brought in to engage and encourage the children to become change agents for the community. Speakers also discussed urban planning and zoning. In the Box City, the children used existing buildings and landmarks and created new ones to show their vision for the future. That future includes the Amway Center, Florida A&M University College of Law, the University of Central Florida Center for Emerging Media, churches, parks, the Wells’ Built Museum and several new features, such as a community pool, bowling alley, bridal shop, grocery store and a market for fresh fruit.

“Nap Ford is consistently pushing the envelope with the programs offered to its students, and this one is no different,” said Thomas Chatmon, executive director of the Orlando Downtown Development Board. “It’s impressive to see the community through our children’s eyes.”

The 8-by-8 Box City will be on display during normal business hours in the rotunda at Orlando City Hall from Monday, Oct. 17, through Friday, Oct. 21. The children’s creation will be back on display as part of Nap Ford’s annual fundraiser Thursday, Nov. 10, at The MEZZ, 100 S. Eola Drive.

The summer program at Nap Ford was funded through private donations and the Legacy Trust for Orlando Children fund of the Community Foundation of Central Florida. At completion of the program, each child received a Kindle and a $50 gift certificate for Amazon.com.

Free-school-lunch program soars as more area families struggle

2011-10-17T10:07:00.002-04:00

Posted by: Kendra


Click this link to be redirected to the article on OrlandoSentinel.com.

A Gift For Teaching uses Free/Reduced Lunch enrollment numbers to determine the need in our service areas. Since opening our doors in August for the 2011-2012 school year, we have seen a steady increase in the number of teachers taking advantage of the services and programs that we provide.

Articles such as this one show a direct relationship between what is going in our schools, and how the teachers are responding to their students' growing needs. It states that, "On any weekday, as many as 222,000 students in the five-county region may be standing in line at school to receive lunch for free or a few cents because their families are struggling." A Gift For Teaching is able to serve three of the counties mentioned in this story - Orange, Osceola and Seminole.

If you would like to help our efforts, please visit our donate now page. For every $1 received, A Gift For Teaching can provide $10 in needed classroom tools. Your gifts are greatly appreciated, as they will help us maintain and hopefully expand our offerings. Thanks for your continued support!

Tickets!…Get your tickets here!…Tickets!

2011-10-12T16:11:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Traci

A Gift For Teaching appreciates all of our volunteers, donors and supporters very much! We could not do what we do without you. As evidence of that appreciation we have a couple of FREE ticket offers for you.

First, we have some FREE tickets to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic taking place at Walt Disney World. This tournament marks the final Fall Series event of the PGA Tour calendar. The passes are good for any one day from Oct. 17-23.

Oct. 17-19 are the Pro-Am Practice Rounds which will take place on Disney’s Palm and Magnolia golf courses.
Oct. 20 marks the first round, with tee-off at 7:45 a.m., on Disney’s Palm and Magnolia golf courses.
Oct. 21 marks the second round, also with a 7:45 tee-off on the same courses.
Oct. 22 is the third round, featuring the top 70 PGA Tour Professionals only, with a 7:45 tee-off time at Disney’s Magnolia course.
The final round takes place on Oct. 23, featuring the top 70 PGA Tour Professionals only, with a 7:45 tee time at Disney’s Magnolia course. All rounds from first through final will be aired on the Golf Channel.

If you are interested in tickets, please contact Traci Blue at traci@agiftforteaching.org and let her know how many tickets you would like. You can pick them up at A Gift For Teaching either during your volunteer shift or during regular business hours (8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)

We have another opportunity for you to enjoy the theater. We have been offered tickets to attend The Mommies, A Musical Blog, which is being performed at the Orlando Science Center. This is a must-see celebration for Moms (and Dads) of all ages. It will be interesting if you ARE a mom, are a FRIEND of a mom, or HAVE a mom. From online to laundry line, The Mommies is your musical journey of the joys and (sigh) oh-joys of living and loving…from cradle to college. Filled with the magical moments and mayhem of mothering, this 90-minute party of laughter (and a few tears) will remind you of all of the reasons you became a “Mommie”.

If you are interested in attending one of these performances, please contact Traci Blue at traci@agiftforteaching.org and let her know how many tickets you would like. The show runs through Nov. 20, 2011.

We appreciate your support and your assistance and hope that you will take advantage of these wonderful offers. Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail if you have questions.

Fall Furniture Event

2011-10-12T15:01:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Today our staff learned about ergonomics - the study of the relationship between workers and their environment, especially the equipment they use. The presenter shared with us how simple adjustments to our chair and desk settings could improve our posture, while reducing aches and pains.

This presentation was timely, as this Saturday, October 15th, is our Fall Furniture Event! During regular shopping hours (8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.), teachers who visit the Free Store may select a piece of furniture as one of their line items. Offerings will include desks, chairs, rolling carts, file cabinets and bookshelves. Each teacher will be limited to one piece, and we will continue to distribute furniture items while supplies last.

We know that as teachers, you are on your feet most of the day so it is important that you also consider wearing comfortable shoes. For the times that you are seated at your desks, be sure to have:

your feet flat on the floor,
your chair adjusted to a height that allows your elbows to bend at a 90 degree angle,
and can view your monitor at eye-level.

Be sure to shop early for the best selection of desks and chairs that could improve your ergonomics and make your work (life) a lot more comfortable. Another simple tip that we learned was that we should be giving ourselves stretch breaks throughout the day. Your students could probably use the mini break too!

Itty Bitty Homework

2011-10-11T10:19:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

In this digital age, we greatly value the time taken to hand-write a heart-felt note. When it's written in crayon, it's even better.

While everything we distribute to the teachers who shop in our Free Store is given at no financial cost to them, we do ask that they help us thank our donors. Itty Bitty Homework Assignments are thank you notes, creatively crafted by the students who ultimately receive our supplies.

The assignment gives the teacher an opportunity to share with the students that the community cares about their education, and donates items to a place that will help equip them for the future. Younger students draw pictures of themselves using the supplies that they've received. Older children really understand this message, and write brief expressions of gratitude.

When teachers turn in their homework, they are able to spin our wheel and receive an item from the Treasure Box or Treasure Book table - above their regular allotment.

Tales from the Classroom: Ms. Fitch

2011-10-05T08:00:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

While trying to guide my kindergarteners around a class that was walking in the opposite direction our first week, I kept repeating, "Come on. Walk this way."

I then had one of my students start to whisper sing Aerosmith's song, "Walk this way. Talk this waaay."

Submitted by: Ms. Fitch, Lake Gem Elementary

iWin 5 iPads!

2011-09-30T09:29:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

(Click to enlarge)

Middle and high school teachers have a chance to add new technology to their lesson plans this month. As advertised in this month's A+ Newsletter, our friends at Siemens have donated 5 brand new Applie iPads for use in your classroom. Enter to win during your next shopping trip!

We will select the winner through a drawing, and contact the lucky teacher in November. Please see the image above for restrictions. GOOD LUCK!

Gatorland 's Field Trip Special

2011-09-29T11:14:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Tales from the Classroom: Ms. West

2011-09-28T08:00:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

My story isn't funny, but it's very touching. I teach ninth grade English at Wekiva High School. I also have an older brother who has Asperger's Syndrome, so I am often given the students who fall somewhere on the Autism spectrum.These are great kids, and this year is no exception.

After telling the class about my brother, and explaining that Asperger's has nothing to do with your backside on a bun, I was approached by a student who shares his diagnosis. He looked concerned and asked, "Is he smart, Miss? Does he have friends? Did he graduate from school?"

It almost made me cry to see how vulnerable he was. I was able to tell him that my brother owns his own home, is married, has dogs, 4 cars, and a great job. And yes, he finished high school!

Submitted by: Ms. West, Wekiva High School

Cocktails For Crayons

2011-09-27T11:44:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Meredith

The Basics

2011-09-27T10:30:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

We've just updated Pencil Boy's Products, our online shop. "The Basics" is our new line, and represents the four items that we guarantee to always have available to teachers when they visit our educational supply store - pencils, paper, crayons and glue.

With two variations, these designs highlights two of the most basic school supplies - pencils and paper. Products include: coffee mugs, travel mugs, aluminum water bottles, tote bags, and mouse pads. Clothing includes long and short sleeve t-shirts in sizes for men, women and children, as well as children's sweatshirts.

A portion of every sale benefits A Gift For Teaching*. Have a look around. There's more to see than just "The Basics."

*Proceeds from any of the items featuring our A Gift For Music program will be set aside to benefit that program.

Tales from the Classroom: Ms. Brooks

2011-09-21T08:00:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

I'm not one to wear much make-up, if any, but one day after lunch I had reapplied some lipstick. One of my first graders came up to me and said, "Miss Brooks, my mom told me that if you wear too much make-up and smile, your face will crack and fall off."

"Thanks," I said. I guess you can really tell when they like you.

Submitted by: Ms. Brooks, West Oaks Elementary School

Who will be crowned queen of the playground?

2011-09-19T15:36:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Summer is over and the Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls are back and ready to brawl. Take a lesson at the school of hard knocks on September 25th with the Arkham Assailants, the Serial Thrillers, and the Sunnyland Slammers and see who gets schooled! Only one team will rise to victory!

School Yard Brawl is this Sunday, September 25th. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the first jam rolls out at 5 p.m. Save $3 on admission (regularly $10) when you donate school supplies for A Gift For Teaching. Watch these teams whip it for Central Florida's students in need.

Click here to get advance tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/195741

Tales from the Classroom: Ms. Frost

2011-09-14T08:00:00.002-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

I was administering a screening assessment with a kindergarten student. One of the questions ask for their address. She didn't know her address so I asked, "Where do you live?"

"In the big house," she said.

I then asked on what street was her house. She said, "I think its called Sesame Street."

Submitted by: Ms. Frost, Meadow Woods Elementary School

Disney Gives Students Back-to-School Support!

2011-09-12T11:12:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Tales from the Classroom: Ms. Blackstone

2011-09-09T14:14:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

When giving a letter sound test in kindergarten I asked, "Now please tell me what sounds these letters make."

One student said wide-eyed, "They make sounds!" Then he put his ear to the paper to hear them.

Submitted by: Ms. Blackstone, Audubon Park Elementary School

CRAVE Cares!

2011-09-07T14:35:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Meredith

We're proud to share that A Gift For Teaching is CRAVE Restaurant's September CRAVE CARES partner charity. Through CRAVE CARES, the restaurant focuses on significant efforts to support organizations in our community by hosting fundraising events, creating special menus to raise funds and awareness, and through silent auction donations.

During September, when you dine at CRAVE a portion of the proceeds will benefit A Gift For Teaching! Those that also donate school supplies at the restaurant will receive a $10 CRAVE Dining Credit.

That's not all! Save the date for Cocktails for Crayons on Wednesday, September 28th (6 p.m.). Guests are invited to cheer on their favorite Orlando bartenders while they mix, shake, muddle and strain! This two-round iron bartender competition will benefit AGFT, be judged by local celebrities and award one Master Mixologist.

Join us for Earth Trivia!

2011-09-07T11:45:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Meredith

Join Orlando's master of trivia (and AGFT Mover!) Curtis Earth of Earth Trivia to test your knowledge of pop culture, science, sports, geography and more in a friendly team competition.

Support A Gift For Teaching, by contributing a $10 cash donation or bringing school supplies, in order to participate. There will be prizes, so dust off your thinking caps and tie them on tight.

Guests will play and compete for Houlihan's gift cards*:

1st Place - $100 Houlihan's gift card

2nd Place - $50 Houlihan's' gift card

3rd Place - $25 Houlihan's gift card

Enjoy half-priced appetizers and martinis, as well as 2-for-1 beer and wine throughout the evening.

Houlihan's

2600 E Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL 32803-5023
407-894-3009

*Gift cards can not be redeemed the night of the event.

Thank you for PUSHing

2011-09-01T10:33:00.006-04:00

Posted by: Meredith

Time flies when you're having fun! It seems like just yesterday we were launching the PUSH Campaign with all of our dedicated Movers at the Enzian Theater.

Thank you so much for committing to help A Gift For Teaching throughout August. With the help of many great companies who financially sponsored our efforts, and who collected supplies alongside dedicated individuals, this effort was a success. Our shelves were re-stocked and we were able to serve the most teachers ever (approximately 230) when we first re-opened on August 2nd.

PUSH may be done, but A Gift For Teaching’s work doesn’t stop here! As many of you know, AGFT remains open throughout the school year. We replenish supplies that have been worn down - like pencils, and replace those that have been used up - like paper. For those that are returning Movers, we appreciate your continued support. We hope that those whom we just met enjoyed working with us and will continue to be engaged.

You will no longer receive weekly Mover Mails, but we hope you'll enjoy our e-newsletter which is sent out every other month. You can also continue to receive updates by visiting this blog, liking our Facebook page and following us on Twitter.

Over the next few weeks, supply donations will continue to roll in. Please allow us time to tally the results, so that we can share our combined successes with you all. Thanks again for your hard work and dedication to our community's future leaders. You all are truly Movers and Shakers!

A+ Newsletter: September 2011

2011-08-30T14:35:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Extra! Extra! The September edition of the A+ Newsletter just posted.

How was the first week? We know you heard some interesting tales of how Summer vacations were spent. Perhaps some of the kindergarten students had interesting ideas about what they thought school would be like?

We love to hear from you. Please send us stories that you wouldn't mind us sharing on our blog or Facebook page. You can e-mail them to Info@agiftforteaching.org with the subject line "Tales From the Classroom."

Here are two of our favorites from last year:

Ms. Phillips (Rosemont ES) wrote, "When screening a kindergarten student on initial sounds I showed him a picture and asked, 'What sound does insect being with? He responded, 'BZZZZZZ!'"

Ms. Anderson (Shingle Creek ES) said, "One of my students kept telling me how hot she was all day. Then, she realized when she went to the restroom that she put her clothes on over her pajamas! I guess she wasn't used to getting ready that early in the morning after the long Summer break!"

Have a great year! We look forward to hearing from you.

PLEASE NOTE: A Gift For Teaching's Free Store will be closed this Saturday, September 3rd, in observance of Labor Day. Our offices will close around noon on Friday, September 2nd, and re-open Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m.

Special Hours: Labor Day Weekend

2011-08-30T10:47:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

College Football FUNdraiser!

2011-08-29T16:27:00.002-04:00

Posted by: Meredith

Click to enlarge.

Jason Albu and Steve Michalewski are hosting a watch party to benefit A Gift For Teaching! See which teams will earn early bragging rights, when you join us at the Boathouse in Winter Park for a college football kick-off.

A $10 donation is recommended. Please click their names to e-mail your RSVP.

The Boathouse of Winter Park
565 W Fairbanks Ave
Winterpark, Florida 32789
http://www.boathouseofwinterpark.com/

TheDailyCity.com Collecting School Supplies at Ford F-150 EcoBoost Challenge

2011-08-25T13:39:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

The community of Orlando is invited to join Mark Baratelli, creator of TheDailyCity.com and Orlando's participant in the nationwide Ford F-150 EcoBoost Challenge on Saturday, August 27th at the Vinyl, Books and Food Trucks event.

To wrap up the week-long fuel economy challenge, Mark will be hosting a school supply drive in support of A Gift For Teaching. Aiming to fill the bed of the Ford F-150, community members are invited to donated school supplies including pencils, paper, crayons and glue. The first 50 donors will receive a $2 voucher to be used during the Food Truck event.

A Gift For Teaching's concept is beautifully simple: local businesses take unwanted supplies or surplus merchandise that would otherwise get thrown away and donate it for distribution through our educational supply stores - where teachers shop for free for their classrooms and students in need. As an environmentally conscious organizations, we were voted the Most Sustainable Non-Profit in Florida by the Florida Council of Sustainability in 2007 and 2010. Since inception, we have diverted 4,070 tons of waste from landfills. We're happy to tie into Ford F-150's EcoBoost Challenge!

Vinyl, Books and Food Trucks Event
@ Park Ave. CDs (2916 Corrine Dr. Orlando, FL 32803)
Saturday, August 27th / 7 p.m.

Coffee for Crayons!

2011-08-22T14:25:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Do you take your coffee with cream and sugar? We encourage you to take it for crayons and paper.

Look for this poster at participating* Starbucks locations, and receive a free cup of coffee when you donate school supplies on Friday, August 26th!

*This perk is being offered primarily at their free-standing restaurants, not those located inside of other retail establishments. If you're not sure, please ask your barista!

Pay with Pencils!

2011-08-19T10:25:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Pay with pencils. Use crayons as currency! Chick-fil-A Maitland* has partnered with A Gift For Teaching's PUSH Campaign.

Monday, August 22nd through Saturday, August 27th, they will reward all those who donate school supplies during the breakfast hours (6:30 - 10:30 a.m.) with a FREE chicken biscuit. So please, "Eat Mor Chikin" to support Central Florida's students in need!

* This offer applies only to the Maitland Chick-fil-A restaurant.

Chick-fil-A Maitland
8673 Summit Centre Way
Orlando, FL 32810
407.475.0522

One Party Away to benefit AGFT!

2011-08-12T11:54:00.002-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Click to enlarge.

1-2-3… Break! Grab your team of friends, co-workers and associates and join us at Versus (formerly Primetime - 100 E. Pine Street / Orlando, FL 32801) on Friday, August 26^th. This event, hosted by One Party Away will benefit A Gift For Teaching.

For $20, enjoy all you can drink beverages (select wine, beer and liquor) from 9 p.m. to midnight. Wear your favorite sports team gear and show off your team spirit, while getting in the spirit of philanthropy!

One Party Away is made up of a group of individuals throughout Central Florida who were looking for a way to do good for the community while bringing people together. The One Party Away concept is for participants to hang out with old friends and meet new ones, while supporting local charities. Each event supports a different organization that works to better the Orlando community.

A Gift For Teaching is a Central Florida non-profit organization whose vision is to ensure every child has the basic learning tools and experiences they deserve to succeed in school and life. They do this through their educational supply stores, where teachers from Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties’ 324 public schools shop for free for their students in need. Since 1998, A Gift For Teaching has distributed more than $57 million of school supplies, including essential classroom tools such as pencils, notebooks, glue, backpacks, art supplies and books.

Zumba Fest!

2011-08-12T10:00:00.005-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Click to enlarge. (Casa de Vibe is near Dillards)

Get ready to move and shake it for Central Florida's students in need at Zumba Fest, sponsored by CFE Federal Credit Union, Oviedo Mall and Casa de Vibe!!

Join us for a great cause as we dance in this Mega-Calorie burning Zumba event with the hottest instructors... Great music♪, door prizes, lots of dancing and more. ♫

100% of the proceeds will benefit A Gift For Teaching's PUSH Campaign. Admission is just $10 advance, and $15 at the door.

To purchase advance tickets online visit AGFT's secure website, www.agiftforteaching.org/donate.

While supplies last, PUSH Campaign t-shirts and water will also be available for purchase at the event.

Purchase a T-shirt and receive a free water - $10
Water only - $1

If you've never done Zumba before, we have a few tips:

Wear comfortable work-out clothes
Wear sneakers
Bring a towel (This workout will work up a sweat!)
Hydrate!

Will you post for us?

2011-08-11T10:00:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Would you mind updating your status for us? At some point today, please update your Facebook status to read:

"I believe that all students deserve the basic learning tools and experiences to succeed in school and life. If you agree, please copy and paste this message to your status in support of A Gift For Teaching's efforts."

If you are able to change your your profile picture to one from your school days, that may also draw attention to your message. Thank you for your help!

For those that would like to make a tax-deductible monetary donation, you may do so at http://www.agiftforteaching.org/donate.

ALSO... We're trying to increase our fan base. Help us reach 1000 fans by liking our page and suggesting it to your friends. When we reach our goal the Lead Instructor of our A Gift For Music program, Laura Golden, will sing you all a song. It's a remix on an old favorite. We're sure you'll love it!

City of Orlando Back-to-School Drive

2011-08-11T08:00:00.009-04:00

Posted by: Traci

Click to enlarge.

The City of Orlando's VOICE (Volunteer Organization of Involved City Employees) Committee is collecting school supplies for A Gift For Teaching and qualified city employees. Please see the information above for collection sites and the items that they are requesting. Help our public servants serve the community!

Back-to-School at Saks with Mr. Richard

2011-08-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Kick off Florida's tax free shopping weekend, get both moms and kids ready for back to school, and bring school supplies for donation to A Gift For Teaching!

As their way of saying thank you, take home a gift bag containing your favorite beauty essentials.

Plus, register to win a beauty basket full of our favorite Fall fragrance and beauty must-haves!

Throughout the day:

Kids enjoy:
A special performance by Mr. Richard @ 11
A cool PINKBERRY treat @ 11
Popcorn and a Movie @ 1 and 5
Plus so much more throughout the entire day!

Mom's enjoy:
A complimentary facial or make-over from your favorite cosmetics line.*

Make-up on the move!

A personal how-to for:
- Learning tricks for application in 2 minutes or less
- Achieving a lighter and brighter face

A PINKBERRY treat @ 11.

Everyone enjoys:
Giving back! Saks Fifth Avenue Orlando will donate 10% of total sales from cosmetics, children's, and contemporary to A Gift For Teaching from Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 14.

To book your facial or make-over appointment; or for more information please call 407.816.5416.

*Appointments are suggested, confirm yours today!

Orlando
8001 South Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32809
407-812-4500
General Manager: Lori Saad

Hours
Monday - Saturday, 10 - 9
Sunday, 12 - 6

Let Us Shop for You!

2011-08-09T08:00:00.008-04:00

Posted by: Meredith

Last week, we told you about how AGFT can stretch financial donations even further this month thanks to matching grants from The Bond Foundation and The Fanny Landwirth Foundation. During PUSH, every $1 donated will equal $20 of supplies for kids in our community. But we know it's hard to grasp what that looks like so we've laid it out for you here.

If you spend $10 at a retail store, here's what you'll provide for kids in need:

1 backpack

If you donate $10 to A Gift For Teaching, here's what we'll provide for kids in need:

5 backpacks / 20 spiral notebooks / 5 binders / 10 crayons (24-packs) / 14 loose-leaf paper packs (150 sheets) / 9 pencils (24-packs) / 6 glue sticks (2-packs) / 10 five-tab divider packs

Supply Donations Accepted All Over Town!

2011-08-08T08:00:00.005-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

A Gift For Teaching wants to make donating school supplies as convenient as possible. You may bring your donations directly to us, or to one of the businesses we've partnered with around town. Some are even offering you perks for doing so! Check out our "In Good Company" post for details.

Get some Yum Yum in your tum tum!

2011-08-05T13:29:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

You say, "Mmm. Mmm." We say, "Yum Yum!"

Please join us on Sunday, August 14th. There will be plenty of dinner options from 6 - 10 p.m., but we want you to be sure to save room for dessert. The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck will be donating 10% of its sales to support A Gift For Teaching and students in need!

Is this your first time attending one of TheDailyCity.com's Food Truck Bazaars? Here are some things they'd like you to know before you go:

1. Expect to wait in long lines. While the food is delicious, it does not come fast. Why? Its not fast food. These are restaurants on wheels. Plan to wait.

2. We (The Daily City) have no control over the speed at which the lines move. The food trucks themselves control that.

3. Some trucks will run out of food. This can happen while you're waiting in line.

4. Expect to experience 1 - 2 trucks. If you get to experience more, yay!

5. Think tailgating: if you want to sit down while in line or while eating, bring a chair. Some folks also bring tables or eat in their car/truck.

6. Some trucks do take credit, but many do not, so bring cash. Ones and fives (not tens and twenties) are VERY welcome by the vendors.

Check TheDailyCity.com's Food Truck Guide to learn about the vendors. Read all about how The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck got its start.

$1 + $1 = $40

2011-08-03T11:15:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Meredith

During the month of August, A gift For Teaching's math makes a LOT of cents! Normally, AGFT is able to take every $1 that's donated and turn it into $10 of school supplies for kids in need. Thanks to The Bond Foundation and The Fanny Landwirth Foundation, that number will double! The two foundations are each matching your PUSH donations up to $5,000 ($10,000 collectively).

Financial gifts can be made in a number of ways:

From your phone – While you're thinking about it, text the dollar amount of your gift to push.agiftforteaching@mogiv.com. You'll receive a return text, and be prompted to finalize your gift online.

From your computer – Visit the secure giving page of our website, www.agiftforteaching.org/Donate

Through the mail – Send checks made payable to "A Gift For Teaching" to

6501 Magic Way, Bldg. 400C

Orlando, FL 32809

Get on Board!

2011-08-01T10:11:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Meredith

**Due to low attendance, we have cancelled the AGFT Field Trip. Thanks to Pegasus Transportation for donating their services. Those that RSVP'd will hear from us to ensure you got the message.**

Think about some of your school experiences. Remember going on field trips? That's exactly what we're offering you. In partnership with Pegasus Transportation, we are inviting the downtown Orlando business community on a field trip to A Gift For Teaching.

Busses will load on Thursday, August 11, 2011, at 11:30 a.m. AGFT staff members will talk about the organization as we travel to AGFT. Upon arrival, guests will be given a quick tour and then served lunch. We will then return our guests to their bus stops around 1:15 p.m.

Please feel free to share this information with your co-workers and friends who may want to learn more about our organization over their lunch hour. Be sure to highlight that they won't have to move their cars, and lose those sometimes hard-to-find downtown parking spaces.

AGFT Field Trip

Thursday, August 11, 2011

11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Bus Stops:

Bank of America Building

390 North Orange Avenue.

(This will be the first pick-up location. Riders should be ready at 11:30 a.m.)

American Monument Building

301 E. Pine Street

(Bus will depart from the Bank of America building, then pick-up guests from this stop)

Due to space on the bus being limited, we request that anyone interested please RSVP to our Development Coordinator Katie Moore at 407.318.3123 ext. 202-5244 or Katie@agiftforteaching.org, by Friday, August 5, 2011.

PUSH is In Good Company

2011-07-29T10:52:00.002-04:00

Posted by: Meredith

PUSH is definitely "In Good Company." We are so encouraged by the number of businesses that are offering specials throughout August to benefit our efforts. Please take a minute to learn how you can support Central Florida's public schools while also treating yourself.

Please use this link to access a clickable poster, so you can directly connect to other sites for additional information.

A+ Newsletter

2011-07-28T16:03:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Welcome back! We had a great Summer, but we are ready to re-open our doors on Tuesday, August 2. Please see the latest edition of the A+ Newsletter to best prepare for the first days of shopping.

We've included links to our updated shopping policies, our shopper registration site, and an orientation presentation for new teachers. The first couple of weeks are always a little busier, as many of you have more free time to stock your classrooms before the students return. Please be patient with our staff and volunteers. Reviewing the shopping policies and registering to shop early will help keep our lines moving.

We have a special treat for those of you that visit us during the first week! Because it has been so hot, the good people at Jeremiah's Italian Ice have offered to help keep you cool. While supplies last, we will be offering their frozen desserts to shoppers on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

New this year, we would also like to announce the Perfect Attendance Award. Make sure you shop every month to be eligible for a goodie bag filled with items just for you, to be awarded next Spring. We'll share more details throughout the year. Here's what you need to do to remain eligible:

Monthly teachers must shop once per month during the school year.
Representative schools must complete all four shops each month during the school year.
We will keep track of shopping dates and will send a report mid-year so you can see your "perfect attendance" record!
Buddy Boxes do not count toward Perfect Attendance Rewards.
Participating teachers must bring a minimum of 25 thank you notes during the school year (not 25 per month, just total over the course of the school year).
Your students are the real winners here. With a monthly visit to AGFT, you will certainly have more of the supplies they need!

PUSH Materials

2011-07-20T13:38:00.004-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

We want to make sure our PUSH Movers are equipped with all the tools needed to reach their personal goals. You all should have received your first Mover Mail message from either Katie or Meredith yesterday, with links to helpful resources.

For those of you who may not be registered as official Movers, but still want to PUSH for Central Florida's students in need we have links for you too. Feel free to use any of the following verbiage to get your messages started, but don't forget to add a personal touch. Tell people how the donations that they're giving will help advance our cause. As we heard recently, "People don't give to you, they give through you!"

ACTion Pack - This is THE Mover Manual. You will find everything needed to help you get started, but we're still here to answer questions along the way. If your Mover Manager is Katie Moore, she can be reached at Katie@agiftforteaching.org or 407.318.3123 ext. 202-5244. For those of you working on Meredith Bekemeyer's team, your Mover Manager can be reached at Meredith@agiftforteaching.org or 407.318.3123 ext. 202-5248.

Supply Drive Poster - This poster contains a list of the items teachers most request from us. Please help your potential Shakers out by posting it in a high-traffic area. Does your office have a lot of morning coffee drinkers? Is there a water cooler? Do you share a networked copier? These are all great locations to post a list of items you're collecting. Don't forget to write-in where they should deliver their donations and by when.

Fundraising Poster - For those of you who registered to officially be PUSH Movers, please turn to page 14 of your ACTion Pack. We suggest that you set up a fundraising page on First Giving. By doing so, you can write a little story explaining why you're supporting AGFT, accept credit card donations, and most importantly track progress toward your personal goal.

For the rest of you, we've created this fundraising poster. If you're able collect financial donations for us, use this poster to direct people to our secure donation page. That way, you don't have to deal with cash or checks. Simply share the link or have people scan the QR-code, and they'll be redirected to our website.

Videos - As our creative writing teachers used to say, "Show! Don't tell." Sometimes it is better to share a video message, and we have plenty of links that will help you grab the attention of a potential donor. Feel free to use any of our YouTube videos. Embed them on your website, or include them in your social media status updates.

:30s Public Service Announcement (PSA) http://youtu.be/5BKPAIDEb-s

:15s PSA http://youtu.be/rjzT-EIA1x4

If I had...

Extended version http://animoto.com/play/YO3aJhBaorejHB759wlQmw

Dan, Traci & Sally - http://animoto.com/play/37aKdhughAVXH3dHvQXlcg

Jane, Laura & Albert - http://animoto.com/play/r1zGmgT1XLAJO2B5iC6TQw

Katie, Kenyetta & Kendra - http://animoto.com/play/munCm3IaQnvfkgLPYHfuhQ

Anne & Meredith - http://animoto.com/play/p1CIUfjo492MhVJbvg2F5w

As a Reminder, you can subscribe to text or e-mail PUSH updates on our Mogiv page. Simply go to www.Mogiv.com/agiftforteaching/PUSH, and click on "Follow This Campaign."

Kids In Need Teacher Grants Now Available!

2011-07-18T11:02:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

The Kids In Need Foundation announces that applications for the 2011 Teacher Grant program will be available online at www.kinf.org from July 15 to September 30. Every certified K-12 teacher who applies for a grant will receive $25 worth of classroom poster and bulletin board art supplies from ArtSkills.

The Kids In Need Foundation rewards creative teachers each year with grants to fund exceptional classroom projects. Grant amounts are between $100 and $500. The Teacher Grants program, open to all kindergarten through twelfth grade teachers in the United States, has awarded more than $1.2 million in grants since the program began in 1997.

Teacher Grants are offered through sponsoring retail chains, such as Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores and Fred Meyer, and education credit unions that support the program through financial donations and back-to-school promotions. ArtSkills is supporting the application process by sending each applicant a package of art supplies. It is a way for ArtSkills and Kids In Need to say thank you to teachers for what they do for kids.

To make the good ideas funded by the Teacher Grants program available to other teachers, project ideas of past grant recipients are available on the Foundation website, www.kinf.org.

T-minus 10, 9, 8... Orlando, We Have PUSH-off!

2011-07-15T14:54:00.001-04:00

Posted by: Meredith

Today's PUSH-off was a lot of fun. Thanks to all of our Movers who were able to attend this entertaining and informative launch to the third annual PUSH Campaign. It is through all of your efforts that we will successfully reach our goal of raising $135,000 and collecting 1.1 million school supplies for Central Florida's students in need.

A special thanks goes to Walker Middle School's S.A.F.E. (Student Assistance, Family Empowerment) Coordinator Mr. Matt Rebholz, for sharing stories with us from inside our schools. We'd also like to thank our media partners for hosting PUSH-off, and committing to helping us raise awareness throughout August. Above is a list of all the great companies who helped kick-off our fundraising efforts by lending financial support. Thank you all.

Here again is how our staff replied to this year's PUSH theme. "If I had a __________(school supply), I could ____________________ (verb)!

Let's give kids the tools they need so we can find out how they'd fill in the blanks. Thank you for PUSHing!

Direct Connection

2011-07-06T09:05:00.003-04:00

Posted by: Kendra

Navigating the A Gift For Teaching website just got easier. Recently, we met with our web developers at 3C Studios to discuss how we could make our site more user friendly. An immediate change that came from that conversation is an implementation of the Three-click Rule on some of our most visited pages.

The Three-click Rule suggests that information should be accessible within three clicks of the mouse, so that users don't become frustrated in their search. To make that change, we looked at the length of our extensions. When a URL or web address is too long it is hard to communicate quickly. We shortened them so that rather than clicking around our site you can directly connect.

Now you can access the information you most need by simply adding one of four single-word extensions to our standard web address. We hope this will be helpful to our donors, those interested in the A Gift For Music program, teacher shoppers and volunteers!

www.agiftforteaching.org/DONATE

www.agiftforteaching.org/MUSIC

www.agiftforteaching.org/TEACHERS

www.agiftforteaching.org/BUDDYBOX

www.agiftforteaching.org/VOLUNTEERS

Do You Follow @agift4music?

2011-07-01T11:02:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Sally

We're joining A Gift For Teaching (@agift4teaching) in the Twittersphere! Thanks to those who choose to subscribe to our feed. Our plan is to keep you updated on our program, the successes of our students and how you can help support music education.

A Gift For Music's Twitter handle is @agift4music.

We'll give you our "dating" profile summary, and would appreciate if you suggest accounts that you think would be beneficial for us to follow:

Founded: 1999

Program of: (Longest running program of) A Gift For Teaching

We believe: Every child should not just have the tools to succeed, but experiences along the way.

Services: Provides stringed instrument instruction to more than 400 Orange County third, fourth and fifth graders who normally could not afford to be involved in a stringed instrument program.

Benefits: Exposes students to classical music and instruction. They also benefit academically and socially.

Success: Since our inception in 1999, AGFM has introduced over 7,200 students to stringed instruments.

We also have a fan page on Facebook, giving you more ways to connect with us - http://www.Facebook.com/agiftformusic.

Text 2 Giv with Mogiv!

2011-06-27T14:48:00.000-04:00

Posted by: Meredith

www.mogiv.com/AGiftForTeaching

We're excited to announce that A Gift For Teaching (AGFT) is taking fundraising on the road! We've set-up an account with Mogiv, a site specifically designed to remove the common obstacles to giving, for both the giver and the nonprofit organization. Our three new mobile giving options let you text your financial support, specifying exactly where you'd like your money to be spent - AGFT's general fund, the PUSH Campaign or A Gift For Music (AGFM).

Donors simply text the amount of their gift to one of our three options detailed below. For example, texting "10" would equal a "$10.00" donation. If you're not already registered with the site, they will reply to your text with a pledge code. To fulfill the pledge you will visit Mogiv.com, enter your code, and follow instructions to securely provide your credit card information and fully register.

Text your gift amount to agiftforteaching@mogiv.com!A Gift For Teaching's general fund helps keep our Free Store shelves stocked and our programs running. With our purchasing power, every $1 donation provides $10 worth of school supplies for Central Florida's students in need. This address will be active throughout the year.

We'll be PUSHing this one heavily, soon. During August, text your gift amount to PUSH.agiftforteaching@mogiv.com! PUSH is our big back-to-school effort to help children start the school year equipped with everything they need to learn. You may hear this address on public service announcements run by our campaign media partners - Real Radio 104.1's Philips Phile, WKMG Local 6, and The Daily City.com.

Help us keep music in our schools by texting your gift amount to MUSIC.agiftforteaching@mogiv.com! Our longest running program, A Gift For Music (AGFM) provides stringed instrument instruction to more than 400 Orange County third, fourth and fifth graders who normally could not afford to be involved in a stringed instrument program. Our students not only benefit from the exposure to classical music and instruction, they also benefit academically and socially. This address will also be active throughout the year.

We've tested the system and think it is straight-forward and easy to use. Should you text a gift and forget to go online to fulfill it, you will receive another text reminder. Those messages will stop once you've completed the transaction.

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@agiftforteaching.org. For those that prefer, you can always continue to give through our website's Donate Now page.