We here at the Robert J Fischer Team and RJF Team Cares have partnered with Emerald Lawns to bless others while creating awareness and a safe opportunity for the community to give back as well. We want to be a force of good in the world, serve others and bring the community together to help those in need. That’s why we’re hosting the second RJF Team Cares Community Voting initiative to assist Central Texas charities throughout September.
The three charities below help to make life better for the people of Central Texas, and we need you to vote for the charity that you want to receive the most donation funds from RJF Team Cares. This month we’ll be giving away a minimum of $5,000 with the first place charity in the vote receiving 70% of the funds, second place receiving 20%, and third place receiving 10%. The donations will be presented to each of the three groups in early October. We’ve also provided a method for you to donate directly to any of the three charities at RJFteamCares.org.
Here are the stories behind the three charities eligible for the current RJF Team Cares Community initiative. Voting will be open at RJFteamCares.org until midnight Central Time on September 30.
Clay Madsen Foundation
The Clay Madsen Foundation was established for the purpose of honoring the name and memory of a lost friend and role model by aiding families in his community who have loved ones stricken with cancer. Clay Madsen, a star football and baseball player before being stricken with cancer during his junior year at Round Rock High School, lost his battle to the disease November 4, 1992. Clay was not only an outstanding athlete, but an exemplary student, leader, role model and friend.
The foundation has raised over $150,000 in the last 3 years and gives 100% of money raised back to families with children who are battling cancer. We meet with RRISD counselors twice a year to get our applications to the students and families that are battling cancer. We then meet with the families and give them the grant money raised to help with any costs they might have while they are fighting this battle. Some families need this grant to help pay any bills, such as medical/household/mortgages, etc. This year we have had 7 applicants within RRISD. Please check our website www.claymadsenfoundation.com for more info or visit our Facebook page. We will be having our 3rd Annual Boots and BBQ Fundraiser this year at the Old Settlers Association Building on November 12th.
Swan Songs
Swan Songs is an Austin, Texas based non-profit that fulfills musical wishes at the end of life by organizing private concerts for individuals with a terminal illness. At their request, a favorite style of music or local musician is brought directly to the home or healthcare facility. The concert allows patient, family and friends to focus beyond the illness and come together through the medium of music.
When someone is nearing the end of their life and they need the comfort and inspiration that music can bring, usually they can no longer leave their home to hear a live performance. So, Swan Songs organizes a private concert tailored to their specific musical request.
Swan Songs recognizes that the talent and expertise of our musicians are an invaluable part of our success. Therefore, musicians are offered an honorarium for their time. Some are able to donate that back to the organization, but most are grateful for the experience and also appreciate the compensation and the respect that it represents. There is no charge to the recipient or facility; Swan Songs is able to offer this gift through donations, an annual fundraising gala, and foundation and corporate grants.
Concerts have been held in Austin, San Marcos, Kyle, Round Rock, Bastrop, San Antonio, Wimberley, Georgetown, Lockhart, Dripping Springs, Seguin, Taylor and Pflugerville, to name a few. Swan Songs has facilitated over 350 requests since its founding, and is on track to organize 100 concerts in 2016.
The feedback received from the granddaughter of a Swan Songs recipient says it all:
“Last night grandma was so energetic and talkative. She stayed awake until 11:30 talking about her life, fun times, etc…all of us laughed so hard, including her. I know it was the energy brought in the house from her concert.
Love to you all for such a wonderful organization and passion for what you do. It will be forever remembered.”
Visit www.swansongs.org to learn more.
Discovery
[Discovery is] an investment in people in your community and beyond. Discovery is a three-part program that helps people find peace with their past, some tools to successfully negotiate the present, and vision to discover their purpose and put it into play to make a difference in their lives and the world around them.
The power statements for the three core programs and other programs options are:
- D1: FREEDOM: Breaking through the walls of your past
- D2: EMPOWER: Empowering you to face the daily challenges with victory
- D3: PURPOSE: Living in the moment with passion & purpose.
- D R&R–REFOCUS & RECHARGE: Conquer to continue Living Life on Purpose with Passion
- D ELEVATE: Ignite Your Personal Spiritual Power
Our philosophy is to make the program as affordable as possible and our mission is to “Unleash the Power in YOU”. To do this we need your financial support to make Discovery available to anyone. Program fees do not cover all costs. If program fees were to fully fund our program, we do not believe our mission would be open to all.
Over 2,500 people from all walks of life have attended Discovery in Austin. Our experience has shown that one-third of these folks have been sexually abused or raped. Many have been bullied or ignored. Not heard. We have experienced similar percentages struggling with suicidal thoughts and abusing drugs and alcohol. We ALL have wounds of some sort from life. When people are wounded, neglected or our needs are unmet, we may go down self-destructive paths and not live happy and productive lives.
Discovery is ultimately about victory and celebrating life! Our experience is no matter how difficult the challenges; they can be overcome for a life with freedom, passion and purpose!
Visit RJFteamCares.org today to vote for one of these charities. Each organization will receive a donation from us this month, but it’s up to you to decide who walks away with the most money during this Community Voting Initiative. Vote today and share with all your friends!