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I’d Rather Help Kids in America-My Own Country First

“I’d rather help kids in America,” is something DJ Schuetze, President of Door of Faith Orphanage in Mexico hears at times and is taken back by the reaction, which he explains why below.

DJ Schuetze is the President of Door of Faith Orphanage: Changing lives through serving others; President of Strong Tower Ministries: Helping people fulfill their life’s purpose; Author of: Reciprocal Missions – Short-term Missions That Serve Everyone
DJ’s Amazon author’s page can be reached here: Amazon Authors

By: DJ Schuetze

It doesn’t happen often, but now and then, people have an odd reaction when they hear that I work at an orphanage in Mexico. They say, “I’d rather help kids in America.” This statement brings up so many uncomfortable and unhealthy issues. The snarky side of me really wants to say, “Great, what are you doing for kids in America?” I can almost guarantee they aren’t doing anything for anybody.

Photo courtesy of: Door of Faith

The idea that we should only help people in our own country goes against everything Jesus taught. We are called to help wherever there is a need. The fact that mankind has set up arbitrary lines and fences across land masses doesn’t change the fact that there are needs everywhere. When I get asked, “Why Mexico?” my response is, “This is where my feeble efforts can have more of an impact.”

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I’d rather help kids in America-My Own Country First

In much of the US, children in need have a variety of safety nets, both private and government run. In most of the world, kids fall through the cracks. The other reason I like serving here is “return on investment,” a small donation in the US can help, the same amount used in poorer countries can dramatically change lives. We need to be helping wherever we feel called, and where we can have the most significant impact.

Photo courtesy of: Door of Faith

The bigger question about where and who to serve is, in-spite of our first reaction, what’s the difference? More and more, it’s becoming a little “gray” as to what nationality is. I don’t want to go down the road of the current immigration debate, but it’s not always clear where a child should be. Questions of nationality are not always easily figured out.

Although our children’s home operates in Mexico, we sometimes find that a child in our care is, in reality, a legal American citizen who wound up in Mexico. It’s always interesting to see the reaction to that, both from the child and from others who find out. It shifts identity, expectations, and entitlement. We are in large part defined by our history; it’s who we are. Our heritage also identifies us, it’s where we come from. But sometimes it’s hard to pin down. A child born in the US to someone undocumented is legally a US citizen; it’s in our constitution. If the parent winds up back in Mexico for whatever reason, what should that child’s nationality be considered? They are legal US citizens with all of the rights and privileges that brings; they are also Mexican by blood. But why should that matter if the child is in need?

Photo courtesy of: Door of Faith

I’d rather help kids in America-My Own Country First

Years ago, we received a cute little blond-haired, blue-eyed, little boy. Wow, the drama that caused. He was an American, born outside of Chicago, abandoned by a parent on drugs with a neighbor here in Baja. It was interesting to see and listen to the reactions people had. We had a few American children in our home at the time but because this one child was “white” people went crazy. Someone called Child Protective Serves in the US, a network news crew showed up, it was a big deal. We kept asking ourselves, “Why is this child more deserving of attention just because of his skin tone?” “Why is everyone stepping over other needy children to get to this one with blue eyes?” We know the answers, but it’s still frustrating. Because of the attention this one child received, within 30 days he was placed with a family in Southern California. A child going back to the US almost never happens, and never quickly. This little boy just happened to win the genetic lottery. Why are the other children not deserving of a healthy loving home?

Photo courtesy of: Door of Faith

Ultimately, we are all the same family. The plot of dirt we happen to be born on should not impact whether or not we’re deserving of help, opportunities, and people who care for us. I’m not blind to the differences between countries, but if we share one Heavenly Father, aren’t we all by definition one family? If we have the right perspective, if we see the bigger picture, we need to be working to balance the scales. We need to raise children up, wherever they’re from, with opportunities to grow, learn, and become all that God has laid out for them to be.

I’d rather help kids in America-My Own Country First

Should we be helping kids in America? Sure. We should also be helping wherever there is a child in need, wherever there is an injustice, wherever God is looking down and asking, “Who will help this child of mine?”

Matthew 25:40 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

September 22, 2018 admin

Sandemans Free Walking Tour of Berlin-AMAZING!

Sandemans free walking tour in Berlin is the perfect introduction to the city for first time travelers or for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the area.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

Anyone who travels knows how expensive globetrotting around the world can be. Between flights, accommodations, food and excursions it’s easy to see your bank account dwindle down to nothing. Traveling on a shoestring can be tough, but Sandemans makes jetsetting much more affordable. Even those on the tightest budget can swing this tour because it’s free!

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

That’s right–a 2.5 hour Sandemans walking tour of the city with a professional, insightful guide won’t cost you anything but a tip. Since this was my first time in Berlin I wanted to see a much as possible. But I was a little nervous to get around on my own since I was by myself for the first few days of my vacation. So being part of this tour was great. I didn’t have to worry about where I was going. I just followed the guide for the Sandemans free tour around and I got to see the main highlights of the city. In addition, I learned so much about the history, which I didn’t know before.

Gendarmenmarkt

Duarte was my guide for the Sandemans free walking tour and he was really knowledgable about the city. He talked in-depth about historical events that took place in Berlin and was very friendly. He always made sure everyone in the group was together and was super easy to talk to.

My one minor complaint about the Sandemans tour was that I didn’t feel like we had enough time to take photos. For instance, at the Berlin wall, we didn’t actually walk down to it. We stood nearby and listened to Duarte as he gave interesting details about it. But we didn’t get to see it up close. We weren’t given time to explore, however it did look like it was about to rain. So we rushed through a few things in order not to get caught in the bad weather. It is a free tour, I saw so much of Berlin and I loved the guide, so can I really complain? No!

Near the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie

Everything else was wonderful though and I enjoyed my time with Sandemans. I’d absolutely recommend doing the tour, which is easy to set up. Go to the site and choose the city you want. Sandemans free tours are offered in 20 cities around the world, so make sure to select the right one for you. Sign up and then you will instantly receive an email with your ticket. Once you arrive at your meeting point, show it to your guide and you’re all set. At the end you tip your guide. I suggest at least 10 euros per person.

For more information go to http://www.neweuropetours.eu/

September 22, 2018 admin Leave a comment

American Church Berlin–Wonderful Volunteering Program

American Church Berlin is an amazing experience where volunteers help the local community.

By: Heather Newgen

Germany is known globally for its beautiful landscape, luxury cars, influential contribution to the arts and violent history. But the country has also become known for its thriving economy. According to The World Factbook, Germany has the fifth largest economy in the world. The European country greatly benefits from a highly skilled work force. However, 15.7% of the population are living in poverty.

While the economy is prosperous for many, for others the need is great. The American Church Berlin is helping people in their local community by distributing free food on a weekly basis. Every Friday evening people come to the American Berlin Church and are given free produce, bread and flowers.

When I knew I was going to be in Berlin for a few days I wanted to find an English speaking volunteer opportunity, which proved to be a little challenging. After researching for awhile, I finally found the American Berlin Church who welcomes all volunteers–not just people who know German. Volunteers work at the American Berlin Church on Fridays only from 5:00pm to 7:00pm setting up, handing out food and cleaning up afterwards.

Heather Newgen volunteering at the American Church Berlin

In just two hours, the church serves an estimated 70-150 people and gives out countless bags of groceries that’s donated by local markets. In addition, the American Church Berlin needs volunteers to help pick up the produce and van driving. Before the doors open, volunteers participate in a prayer circle. There’s another one at the end of your volunteer shift. While I’m Christian and enjoyed the prayer circle, it’s not mandatory. You also don’t need to have any sort of religious affiliation to volunteer at the American Church Berlin. Anyone can give back.

The amazing group of volunteers I worked with.

The moment I arrived to the American Church of Berlin, I was enthusiastically welcomed and greeted warmly. The staff and regular volunteers were so happy to have an additional person helping out and were all very sweet and really helpful. Since this was my first time to Berlin, I didn’t know how to maneuver public transportation. I’m from Los Angeles and I drive everywhere. So learning international public transportation can be intimidating. I took an Uber to the church to avoid learning the train system. But one of the volunteers walked me to the station afterwards, bought my ticket and told me where to go. It was really thoughtful and just one more reason why I loved volunteering at the American Church of Berlin. The volunteers were amazing.

Heather Newgen volunteering at the American Church Berlin

There’s not anyone who checks in volunteers at the American Church Berlin, so when you arrive you’ll see people gathered in the front area. Someone spotted me and figured I was a volunteer, so they directed me where to go. But you can just walk into the main room where the food is being distributed and let anyone you see know who you are.

Not knowing German wasn’t a huge issue–I don’t speak a word. But it does help if you can speak a little so you can communicate with the people coming in. Volunteers at the American Church Berlin give out the food, people are not allowed to touch the produce. So it was somewhat difficult with those who didn’t speak English. However, the volunteers around me helped with any language barrier I experienced, so it all worked out.

The American Church Berlin is a wonderful opportunity to serve those in need in a loving, kind manner and if you have two hours to spare, I recommend using that time here.

If you’d like to volunteer you can email laibundseele@americanchurchberlin.de

September 22, 2018 admin Leave a comment

Beyoncé will Perform Solo at the City of Hope Gala

Beyoncé will perform solo for the first time after this summer’s hugely successful Otrii Stadium tour in Europe and North America at the City of Hope gala.

It was announced today that global icon Beyoncé will perform at the City of Hope gala on October 11 in Los Angeles. This will mark her first solo performance following the successful run of the biggest tour of the summer, with JAY-Z. OTRII stadium tour started in Cardiff, UK in June and is scheduled to wrap on October 4 in Seattle, Washington.

City of Hope, a world-renowned independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases, is honoring Jon Platt, Chairman and CEO of Warner/Chappell Music, with its prestigious Spirit of Life® award. Platt has worked with Beyoncé since 2005.

Inspired by the guiding humanitarian principles of City of Hope and motivated by the institution’s commitment to innovative medical research and compassionate patient care, a group of key industry executives founded the charity’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry Group in 1973. In its 45-year history, the group has raised more than $118 million for City of Hope and has honored some of the most important figures in the music and entertainment industry.

The evening’s host will be producer/entertainer Pharrell Williams and JAY-Z, multi-Grammy winner/entrepreneur, will present the award to Platt.

BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS — Presentation — 2018 BBMA’s at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada — Pictured: Pharrell Williams — (Photo by: Paul Drinkwater/NBC)

“Beyoncé agreed to perform without a moment’s hesitation, and that wasn’t just for me,” said Jon Platt. “She wanted to be part of our celebration for the patients, doctors, scientists, and nurses who make City of Hope a place where miracles can happen. That’s what makes her a cultural icon. She’s not only a genius, in a class of her own, but she has phenomenal heart and soul, and she knows how to use them. This event is going to be one for the ages.”

“I am happy to be in a room that celebrates Jon and the important work he does behind the scenes,” said Beyoncé. “City of Hope has done much needed research and has provided quality care for patients for over a hundred years. I am honored to be a part of an event that represents an organization that works so tirelessly caring for others first and foremost.”

Each year City of Hope recognizes a philanthropic leader whose work has fundamentally impacted music, film or overall entertainment. The coveted Spirit of Life® award is its highest honor. Jon Platt joins an impressive list of past honorees including Mo Ostin, Clive Davis, Quincy Jones, Frances W. Preston, Shelli and Irving Azoff, Edgar Bronfman Jr., Doug Morris, and Sir Lucian Grainge.

For more information about donating to City of Hope and purchasing tickets to the upcoming gala dinner, please visit CityofHope.org/mfei-spirit.

September 17, 2018 admin Leave a comment

L.A. Kitchen Holds City-Wide Party to Fight Food Waste, Hunger and Unemployment

L.A. Kitchen is an organization in Los Angeles that aims to eliminate food waste, hunger, and reduce unemployment.

L.A. Kitchen is encouraging Angelenos take a stand and participate in a city-wide party to raise awareness and fight food waste, hunger and unemployment.

Shared Plates is the L.A Kitchen anti-gala. It’s a weekend of dinner parties for good that invites thousands of Angelenos to sit around the table in their backyards, restaurants, business and schools.

100% of the ticket sales help in feeding LA’s homeless and senior population, offering culinary job training to the formerly incarcerated or formerly homeless and towards diverting thousands of pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to waste.

Photo courtesy of L.A. Kitchen

Over the weekend of October 5 – 7, 2018, anyone can host a Shared Plates party. Hosts choose their menu, set their own ticket price and simply invite guests to attend. Every host will receive a Shared Plates Host Kit featuring table decorations, special discounts and recipes. In addition, they can attend the VIP Host Reception on September 12th.

Now in its third year, the 2017 Shared Plates campaign provided over 100 dinners arranged by participating restaurants and private individuals, engaging 1,000 Angelenos for the cause. The event has contributed over $120,000 to the L.A. Kitchen for its services to those in need.

“This is our 3rd year of Shared Plates. We love that more and more people from across the region are hosting simple dinners in their homes to support L.A. Kitchen. We love that there’s no age, income or geographic barriers to our event….anybody can be a host, anyone can participate, and everyone can benefit. This is food democracy,” Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen Founder & CEO

“Best party of the year.” – Chef Jose Andres

For more information on L.A. Kitchen visit https://www.lakitchen.org/

ANGELENOS / COMPASSION / FOOD WASTE /GIVE BACK /HOMELESS /HOMELESSNESS/ INSPIRE/KINDNESS/ L.A. KITCHEN /LOS ANGELES/ MAKE A DIFFERENCE /SHARED PLATES

September 15, 2018 admin Leave a comment

RiSE Festival: The Uplifting All-Inspiring Movement

RiSE Festival: The Uplifting All-Inspiring Movement returns to the Mojave Desert for the 5th Annual event that’s purpose is to “elevate hope, ignites dreams, and creates memories,” their Facebook page states.

RiSE Festival will return to Nevada for its fifth consecutive year on Friday, October 5th and Saturday, October 6th. Located in the Mojave Desert, about 25 miles outside of Las Vegas, festival attendees are invited to ignite the desert sky with lanterns in a life-changing experience, watching the lanterns rise, representing their hopes, dreams and wishes.

Photo courtesy of RiSE Festival

RiSE Festival, founded by Dan Hill, is a celebratory event where thousands gather in the serene Mojave Desert to take part in a single, breathtaking, headlining moment of the lantern release. Beginning mid-afternoon, attendees will listen to soulful live music by acts such coveted names such as Harry Hudson, Mardevela, Dean Lewis, and Emmit Fenn, providing inspiring and energizing entertainment. Attendees may also indulge in over a dozen food truck options and a fresh food market selling beer, wine and snacks.

Photo courtesy of RiSE Festival

To further detail the RiSE Festival finale ritual, thousands of lanterns are simultaneously released into the desert night sky, creating a breathtaking view and unforgettable experience. Each lantern represents an individual’s unique story. Together, all 50,000 lanterns give a collective voice to one’s hopes and dreams in a visually stunning display. Lanterns are 100% biodegradable and after each event, RiSE Festival staff members retrieves each lantern from the surrounding desert as well as any pre-existing litter in the area.

Photo courtesy of RiSE Festival

RiSE was the first lantern festival of its kind to take place in the United States and debuted in 2014 near Las Vegas. The festival is currently the largest lantern event in the world and has now expanded to host events in Australia and Dubai. Each year, over 20,000+ guests have joined together to lift their spirits with the release of thousands of biodegradable paper lanterns, creating lasting memories and an incredible shared experience. This year it is projected to have over 25,000 attendees, making it the biggest movement yet.

Photo courtesy of RiSE Festival

About founder Dan Hill:

As CEO of Awake and founder of RiSE Festival, Electric Run, and the Ragnar Relay series, Dan Hill has spent his career building unique and original experiences. The events he has created span more than 50 domestic markets, 20 countries and include over 600,000 participants worldwide. He created brands and events that bring people together, sparking human connections that inspire. His approach to life fosters that belief and helps people actively engage on a higher level. Dan believes that passion and experience are the currency of a well-lived life, and it drives everything he does. He has also been featured in Utah’s Top 40 Under 40.

To read the individual stories of past festival-goers, follow RiSE on Instagram @risefestival.

Tickets for the RiSE Festival can be purchased online at www.risefestival.com.

Price: Children – $69, ages 4-10 with accompanying adult. Adults $109 – $129.

Parking and Shuttles: Parking is available on-site ($29 per vehicle) and shuttles from the Las Vegas Strip ($39 per person) are also available for purchase.

ADVENTURE/ DAN HILL /DREAMS /EXPERIENCE/ FESTIVAL/ FESTIVALS/ INSPIRE /LANTERNS/MOJAVE DESERT/ NEVADA /RISE/ RISE FESTIVAL/ TRAVEL/ UPLIFTING

September 14, 2018 admin Leave a comment

Kris Rhymes-The Art of Giving Back to Others

Kris Rhymes is a Phoenix, Arizona based artist who has grown his craft of creating provocative pieces of art that evoke imagination and profoundness through encouragement from others and he’s now giving that support and inspiration to kids at LeBron James’ school I Promise.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

When it was announced that basketball superstar LeBron James launched his I Promise, school, which is housed under his nonprofit, and aims to help underserved children in Ohio, where James is from, Rhymes knew he wanted to get involved.

To help support the school, he created a beautiful painting of LeBron and donated it to I Promise, in addition to talking with the students about his background and what it takes to make it as an artist.

“I had to be around the right people, the right amount of support to become the artist I am today. So being able to teach the youth not only the arts, but being able to inspire them to achieve their future endeavors was the perfect combination,” Kris Rhymes told The Voluntourist.

“There’s a lot of children in there that have so much potential so I was glad to be a good influence on them for that day,” he added. “I was so happy to do that, especially in the city of Akron because there’s so much potential, but with very limited resources. With the school opening up it’s going to pave the way for many people to come.”

As a creative talent, Kris Rhymes knows the level of dedication and resilience it takes to succeed and wanted to instill that in the students he spoke with.

“It’s all about perseverance and strength to become better. There’s a lot of things that are going to happen in your journey and you have to continue to move forward because that’s what makes you stronger. I think that’s something that a lot of people don’t touch upon. When people fall down a lot of people look at that as weakness, but really it’s something to grow from. You can’t really grow from everything being great,” Kris Rhymes said.

Another great lesson Kris Rhymes wanted to pass on to the kids was to not limit your creativity.

“Thinking outside the box and going a different route [is important]. As artists we’re creators. There’s no filter, there’s no structure to what you can do. So you can’t put yourself in a box, you have to stay out of the box,” he said.

For more information on Kris Rhymes and to see his artwork, check out his site http://krisrhymes.com/about/

September 14, 2018 admin Leave a comment

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Continues the Fight Against Cancer

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is fighting childhood cancer one lemonade stand at a time.

By: Lanae Brody

Often in the summer I drive down a street and see a couple of kids outside with their parents running a lemonade stand on their front lawn. If I have a minute to spare, I pull over and buy a cup of lemonade and a cookie and tell the kids how great it is that they’re learning the importance of work.

But one little girl named Alexandra Scott changed my outlook and perspective of lemonade stands across the country. Alex was was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a very rare form of pediatric cancer the week of her 1st birthday. As she got older and learned of her condition, she wanted to do something to find a cure and to help those who couldn’t get the care they so needed and deserved. So at just four-years-old she set up a lemonade stand in her front yard, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and raised thousands for cancer research in just one day.

Jay Scott and Liz Scott pose as LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand presents the 9th Annual Food and Wine Event at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, September 8, 2018
(Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

From there her operation grew as others heard about Alex’s Lemonade stand and became inspired to help. People opened their own stands and donated to her cause. Alex’s battle with cancer ended in 2004 when she was just eight. Before her untimely and unfortunate death, Alex raised $1 million for other sick kids all just by selling lemonade. After her passing, her parents took things into their own hands and officially launched ALSF, or the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, in her honor, which has now raised over $150 million to date.

To support their efforts, every year notable chefs from all over the country gather for the LA Love’s Alex’s Lemonade Stand fundraiser to not only remember Alex, but celebrate what a lemonade stand meant to her.

Giada de Laurentiis gives a cheesy smile as LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand presents the 9th Annual Food and Wine Event at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, September 8, 2018
(Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

“There’s something really special about this event,” Alex’s mother and co-executor of Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Liz Scott, said to the crowd after a moment of silence took place. “My spunky 4-year-old daughter Alex had a dream with a lemonade stand. She was just a little girl. She raised $2,000 that day. When I asked her what she thought about that day she said it was the best thing that ever happened to her.”

The Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is the leading childhood cancer charity in the U.S. It gives kids with cancer and their families the gift of hope. Alex’s father Jay Scott told the crowd that since September 2017, the last time L.A Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand was held in Los Angeles, more than 250,000 children were diagnosed with cancer. The charity gives grants all over the country to doctors for research since various cancers need various treatments at different hospitals. They also fund clinical trials using the building of cells in a lab. In fact, funding came from this event just last year for a successful project to save a child.

LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand presents the 9th Annual Food and Wine Event at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, September 8, 2018
(Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

“Every patient that were able to save, you guys have a piece of that,” Jay Scott told the hungry and charitable foodies. “We’re trying to make a difference with all these kids and we couldn’t without all of you.”

The event itself is every foodie’s dream. Hundreds of chefs and mixologist are flown in from all over the country in thanks to Delta Airlines who helps sponsor the event. Their generosity cuts down overhead for those traveling to bring their best dishes to life in Los Angeles for everyone to taste in one venue. Famous chefs such as Giada de Laurentiis and her Vegas team were making amazing chicken meatballs as her daughter served the plates with her friends. Host Suzanne Goin was nearby at all times making sure her delicious fried chicken dishes were plated properly. The line for Adam Perry Lang was around the field per usual, just to try a freshly cut rib straight from his large smoker he brought on hand. These are just a very few of the several big names the event brings out every year.

Mixologist Christiaan Rollich participates as LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand presents the 9th Annual Food and Wine Event at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, September 8, 2018
(Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

But what would an LA event be without someone in the entertainment world? Longtime supporter Jimmy Kimmel and his adorable family were in attendance as they are every year, and Jimmy exclusively told The Voluntourist just why it’s so important for him to be there with wife Molly every year.

Molly McNearney, Jimmy Kimmel, Jason Bateman, Francesca Bateman and Amanda Anka pose as LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand presents the 9th Annual Food and Wine Event at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, September 8, 2018
(Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

“Because it is a great charity,” Kimmel, who has attended 8 years in a row said. “It’s become this major international charity event that does so much good work and they do so many important things to fight pediatric cancer and on top of it, I love food and this is really the only place where you’ll get 150 of the best chefs in America to each set up a stand and feed everyone.”

Kimmel’s ties run deeper than his love for the charity as he’s also very tight with several chefs who makes it out each year. In fact, he and his large group of chef friends take part in auctioning off a big ticket dinner where he hosts and entertains and they cook. Kimmel even took the stage to get the crowd amped up for bids.

Jimmy Kimmel joins auctioneer Billy Harris in fundraising as LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand presents the 9th Annual Food and Wine Event at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, September 8, 2018
(Photo: Benjamin Shmikler/ABImages)

Kimmel wasn’t the only person to push people to open up their checkbooks a little further. Pediatric cancer survivor Cooper Grey, 10, spoke to the crowd about his battle with stage 4 kidney cancer that spread to his lungs. The young boy shared how he took on chemo for 37 weeks like a total champion and his story of survival and how kids really are the future.

“I was in the hospital. To me, it seemed like it lasted forever, but look at me now! Today, you can’t even tell that I’m sick! Today, I am a survivor. I truly believe kids can make a difference.” Cooper alone has raised $100,000 for pediatric cancer but hopes to raise $1M sometime in the near future.

You could feel the warmth in the air at the event, and not just the heat that radiated from the LA sun. In total, this year’s event raised $1.5M according to their official Instagram account, and though little Alex was most likely shining that warmth and light down on the crowd, nobody missed little Alex, who would be 22-years-old today, more than her mom.

“We accept the past but we have a fighter’s determination for the future,” Liz Scott said through tears. “It’s an absolute honor to be Alex’s Mom.”

If you want to learn more about ALSF and how to donate, please visit https://www.alexslemonade.org/.

September 13, 2018 admin Leave a comment

Burning Man-The Greatest Escape and Sense of Freedom

Burning Man is an annual event that takes place at the end of summer for nine days in the desert of Black Rock City, Nevada. For 33 years, thousands have gathered to produce a temporary self-reliant and self-sustaining community where it’s encouraged to express oneself through art, fashion, music and any other inner creative powers one possesses. While I was apprehensive at first to go, I have now become the unexpected burner.

Burning Man
Photo by: Jennifer Birn

I once read, “Trying to explain Burning Man to someone who’s never been is like trying to explain color to someone who is color blind.”

When I grudgingly went for the first time seven years ago it was the early days of Instagram and I didn’t have the look inside many first-timers have today. Now there’s an inundation of photos and videos that make their way to the internet as soon as festival-goers resurface from days with little to no Wi-Fi. Guilty.

At the time. I thought Burning Man sounded like the epitome of my hell on earth. I’m open to doing nearly anything, but I’d sooner jump out of a plane on a dare than have a desire to go to ‘the burn.’ I don’t like to do drugs, I don’t particularly care for EDM music, I only like camping when it comes with great hikes and I really like showers and the morning paper. Yes, still.

Yet, a week prior to the start of the festival in 2012, after a couple of bottles of wine with my Burning Man-going friends Jerry, JJ and Aude melted my adamant refusal to join them when I was shown the video “Oh, the Places You Will Go…at Burning Man”:

That, a shopping list that looked like I was preparing for the end of the world and some serious trust later, I went with primarily new friends to the city that only exists for just over a week each year.

Burning Man
Photo by: Jennifer Birn

That first time I likened the experience to being Alice, sliding down the rabbit hole into Wonderland and wondering, ‘Is this real?’ Within the first five minutes I was hugged by two people who besides plastic monkey heads and body paint were stark naked. Then I’d been introduced to a few people in Camp Morningwood, a very welcoming camp where I’d spend my first three burns – and lost everyone I knew other than Trek Thunder Kelly, who I’d met five minutes before. And yes, that’s his given name, not his ‘playa name’ -a nickname people take on reserved only for the ‘playa,’ what ‘burners,’ call the vast open desert dotted with art installations.

Sensing my thinly veiled panic, Trek, who’d been at least a dozen times by then, said to me, ‘You’re here for four days without any way to get out, so you can choose to be happy and enjoy it, or you can choose to be miserable. The choice is yours.’ A default optimist, I chose the former and from that moment, committed to being present in the moment and practicing the ‘radical self-reliance,’ that’s one of the ten principles of Burning Man.

Burning Man Photo by: Jennifer Birn

When I returned from Burning Man that year it took several weeks to process and make sense of a lot of what I saw, but I knew I loved the freedom of riding a Christmas light decorated Paul Frank beach cruiser for hours through the 5 square mile city, with a caravan friend and on my own. The wind blowing through my hair in the heat of day, I’d enjoyed it as much as riding bikes through villages and rice patties in Bali, one of my favorite parts of my Bali trip – and was a reminder, sometimes you don’t have to travel to far to feel the same reward.

And, the ‘being present’ stayed with me. It would take a few more trips to the desert before I realized all lessons learned there can stay with you in the real world.

Other things I’ve learned while riding my now flower-wrapped Schwinn in the desert sun during the day and under the moon and stars at night while marveling at and often times climbing various pieces of usually interactive artwork include:

Burning Man
Photo by: Jennifer Birn

-I’m a big believer in ‘playa magic,’ that if you think something at Burning Man, often times it happens…And it gives you what you need when you need it because this has generally been true for me there. But, manifesting begins with knowing what you want and asking for it – maybe something I do there more than in my day-to-day life. In truth, I believe the magic exists everywhere, there we just take the extra second to look for it.

-You can’t do everything or explore every path at Burning Man, so thoroughly enjoy the one you’re on without what if-ing too much about the others. There’s triumphs and challenges down every road, be happy with yourself and you’ll make any journey enjoyable…Whether you chose to stay up for sunrise, or chose to get some sleep.

-A smile is worth a lot of words. I’ve learned this traveling to several foreign cities where people are caught off-guard when you smile at them on the sidewalk. At Burning Man, an attempt to create a utopian society, it’s almost expected and subtle connections are made through a friendly smile every second. What if we all smiled at strangers more often? Friendly shouldn’t be reserved for vacation – or as an experiment in cities that don’t really exist.

Burning Man
Photo by: Jennifer Birn

This is a short list of some things I’ve learned on my trips to Burning Man, and it doesn’t even include ways my life has been enlightened by it – from the sense of community in camps (Big Imagination, you have this in spades!), to the friendships made, outfits that got to be worn (catsuits, tutus, glitter, wings and things!) – to the people I’ve had the privilege to bring and see transformed by the experience.

I’ve now been to Burning Man five times and every time is an entirely different adventure – from falling in love to discovering new things about myself – and it’s nothing people preconceive it to be.

Before my first time someone said to me, “Your grandmother could go. She might not go back again the next year, but she’ll never say she wishes she didn’t go.” So, if you’re thinking about it – just do it.

September 13, 2018 admin Leave a comment

RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center-How Horses Help Special Needs

RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center is a unique non-profit started by Dr. Wendy Schonfeld that helps children, adults and local veterans with special needs one horse ride at a time.

By: Lanae Brody

Dr. Wendy Schonfeld is a mom, chiropractor, special olympics coach and a PATH certified equestrian instructor. As if that wasn’t enough, she’s also a philanthropist who launched her own nonprofit RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center in the countryside area of Clover South Carolina, and although she has many ambitions, her organization and what it does to help others is her passion.

“RideAbility is a therapeutic riding center and we work with children and adults with special needs,” Schonfeld explains to The Voluntourist. “We get to do all our great work while they’re riding a horse.”

The organization works with people with disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injuries just to name a few. Schonfeld and her team of pre-screened volunteers, spend time working with patients both physically and mentally.

“We’re working on building core strength, balance, coordination, stability, working on focus and attention and completing taskly skills,” she explains all while getting exercise in.

But that’s not all. It helps the students in several ways.

“Students can gain physical, emotional, and mental rewards from horseback riding. A person with a physical disability may experience improvement in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength through gentle and rhythmic movements of the horse,” their website states. “An individual with mental or emotional disabilities may also form a unique relationship with a specific horse, which will lead to improved self-esteem and confidence. People with learning or developmental disabilities are motivated to increase their concentration, focus and attention. At RideAbility riding is for everyone.”

And that includes any age. The Therapeutic Riding Center and Dr. Schonfeld are happy to take on just about anyone who wants to ride on a horse. Her patients currently range in age from 4 to 72-years-old.

“The autism spectrum is so wide, and we work with children that are high functioning, verbal to lower functioning to non verbal. So our lesson plans have to be personalized for our riders to achieve their individual success.”

What’s even more amazing about the RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center program is the fact that they do not turn those away who cannot afford to ride. The organization, which is also a 5013C, provides funding for a little over half of its riders, and Schonfeld is constantly focused on raising money so everyone can participate.

“We’re going out there, whether it be writing grants, having horse shows and hosting numerous fundraisers,” she explains of her community who has helped immensely along the way. “With rent and hay and doctors, we are constantly out there trying to find sources so that people can continue to ride with us.”

All of the horses go through training in order to work with Schonfeld’s clients and although they are an imperative part of the Therapeutic Riding Center, so are the volunteers. Most people ride once or twice a week and they need a three to one ratio during riding lessons.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our organization,” Schonfeld said. “We have over 50 volunteers a week that help our center succeed. With 25 certified special Olympic coaches to help prepare for both North and South Equestrian Special Olympics. We also need volunteers in the barn getting the horses ready, doing the barn, the stalls, the trough and of course our lessons, keeping the riders safe, encouraging them, supporting them and helping them achieve incredible things.”

Since a young girl growing up in the Bronx she has always had a love for horses. No one knew how or why. She just needed to be near them, touch them. She began volunteering any place she could just to be around them and learn to ride. Dr. Schonfeld has been involved with special Olympic since she was in high school and has always had a passion working with children and adults with amazing ABILITIES. She never thought of it as a disability. The athletes were extrodinary.

Dr. Schonfeld’s daughter was born with bilateral clubfeet and horses were the one sport that she could do and do incredibly. When she was riding her feet issues didn’t matter. She was able to ride just like everyone else. Horses became her passion too.

Schonfeld was watching a young boy riding one day laughing and giggling from his belly when he was done they lifted him into a wheelchair. It was that day she knew all of her passions would come together.

“I want to make a difference for their lives and give back to them,” Schonfeld says of why she does this. “They’ve taught me more about love and pureness and happiness and joy and patience than anybody in the world could.”

No matter what the disability may be, everyone is included at RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center. Schonfeld also uses sensory riding areas and has ramps for those who are in wheelchairs.

“Our riders say they feel free because our horses give them their legs which is really cool. We get to be the encouragement for our riders. We get to be the support. Nobody judges here. It’s just a beautiful thing to be a part of every day.”

For more information on RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center, visit their site www.rideabilitysc.com

And if you’re like to donate to their PayPal page, click here.

September 10, 2018 admin Leave a comment

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