Team Kids Celebrates 10th Birthday
05/17/11 16:28
Team Kids Celebrates 10th Birthday
Receives more than $80,000 in Donations
‘Spirit Award’ lauds OCFA Captain and Irvine Philanthropist Kelly Smith.
Over
Irvine, CA – May 16, 2011 – Team Kids, an Irvine-based nonprofit, raised more than $80,000 to benefit children during its 10th Birthday Celebration/Imagine event at Il Fornaio Restaurant in Irvine.
“When I started Team Kids 10 years ago, our goal was to help young children to be powerful, compassionate citizens,” said Team Kids Founder and CEO Julie Hudash. “During that time, more than 35,000 children have raised $370,000 for others, and 100 percent of what children raise – every sticky quarter – has been donated to another charity. That’s why we’re so grateful for the support we’ve received from our community and why we’re looking forward to the next decade of Team Kids.”
As nearly 300 birthday-party attendees looked on, the Team Kids Spirit Award was presented to Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Captain Steve McHale, a founding Team Kids board member, and Kelly Smith, Irvine philanthropist, founder of the OC Center for Living Peace, parent and Team Kids supporter.
“Team Kids started out helping elementary school children follow their passion to help save a little boy’s life,” said Team Kids Founder and CEO Julie Hudash. “Captain Steve saw the commitment young children can bring to solve adult-sized issues, and, together, we raised the funds to save Jeremy’s life.
“A few years later, Kelly’s young children introduced her to Team Kids when they announced they were going to help other kids. That was music to Kelly’s ears, and she’s been a valued supporter of Team Kids every since.
” Just a few weeks ago, children throughout Orange County and across the country sold cookies and cups of lemonade, as part of Team Kids LemonAIDTM, to raise more than $40,000 for Japan. “Our generous supporters are vital to our mission of helping kids help others,” said Hudash.
About Team Kids
Team Kids is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community wide programs. Since its founding, more than 35,000 kids have generated over $370,000 in donated items and funds for local non-profits. For more information, visit: www.teamkids.org
Team Kids Launches 10th Year
05/16/11 14:53
Press Release Contact: Julie Hudash
Phone: 949-633-5700
Email: jhudash@teamkids.org
Team Kids Launches 10th Year
of Helping Kids Change the World!
Irvine, CA – October 16, 2010 – More than 100 guests gathered to launch Team Kids’ 10th Year of Service, raising $15,000 to support programs, while attending the Inaugural Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament at Shady Canyon Country Club.
celebrated the launch of
Team Kids' 10th year of youth service by participating in a Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament at the exclusive Shady Canyon Country Club in Irvine.
A spirited group of 49 players competed to win great prizes and help raise close to $15,000 to support Team Kids' school based and community wide youth service programs.
“We are proud of the tremendous outcomes children have created since Team Kids’ inception,” said Team Kids Board President Bethany LaFlam, “we are celebrating the launch of our 10th Year of inspiring and empowering youth to serve others.”
Team Kids' Board Members, served as dealers, while guests enjoyed the friendly competition knowing their support would inspire 1,000's of children as passionate community leaders.
“In 2001, kids worked with firefighters and police to raise more than $35,000 to save the life of a little boy,” said Founder and CEO Julie Hudash, “since then more than 24,000 students have completed our month long program, raising close to $250,000 in resources to their communities.”
Jim Yang, who won first place in the tournament, had a special partner by his side. Just before sitting at the winning table Jim won the top raffle prize, which was a framed, Limited Edition piece featuring Bugs Bunny playing poker.
"If you have Bugs Bunny on your side," said Craig Kausen, Chuck Jones Grandson, "you are sure to win!"
A special thanks to Mike and Wendy Cupps generously underwrote the Inaugural Poker Tournament. Mike serves as Vice President on the Team Kids Board of Directors. Fellow Board Member Laura Baden, and her husband, CEO of Oakley Colin Baden, helped to underwrite fabulous Oakley Prizes for the top 8 winners
About Team Kids
Team Kids is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. Since its founding, more than 24,000 kids have generated over $250,000 in donated items and funds for local non-profits. For more information, visit: www.teamkids.org
# # #
Phone: 949-633-5700
Email: jhudash@teamkids.org
Team Kids Launches 10th Year
of Helping Kids Change the World!
Irvine, CA – October 16, 2010 – More than 100 guests gathered to launch Team Kids’ 10th Year of Service, raising $15,000 to support programs, while attending the Inaugural Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament at Shady Canyon Country Club.
celebrated the launch of
Team Kids' 10th year of youth service by participating in a Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament at the exclusive Shady Canyon Country Club in Irvine.
A spirited group of 49 players competed to win great prizes and help raise close to $15,000 to support Team Kids' school based and community wide youth service programs.
“We are proud of the tremendous outcomes children have created since Team Kids’ inception,” said Team Kids Board President Bethany LaFlam, “we are celebrating the launch of our 10th Year of inspiring and empowering youth to serve others.”
Team Kids' Board Members, served as dealers, while guests enjoyed the friendly competition knowing their support would inspire 1,000's of children as passionate community leaders.
“In 2001, kids worked with firefighters and police to raise more than $35,000 to save the life of a little boy,” said Founder and CEO Julie Hudash, “since then more than 24,000 students have completed our month long program, raising close to $250,000 in resources to their communities.”
Jim Yang, who won first place in the tournament, had a special partner by his side. Just before sitting at the winning table Jim won the top raffle prize, which was a framed, Limited Edition piece featuring Bugs Bunny playing poker.
"If you have Bugs Bunny on your side," said Craig Kausen, Chuck Jones Grandson, "you are sure to win!"
A special thanks to Mike and Wendy Cupps generously underwrote the Inaugural Poker Tournament. Mike serves as Vice President on the Team Kids Board of Directors. Fellow Board Member Laura Baden, and her husband, CEO of Oakley Colin Baden, helped to underwrite fabulous Oakley Prizes for the top 8 winners
About Team Kids
Team Kids is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. Since its founding, more than 24,000 kids have generated over $250,000 in donated items and funds for local non-profits. For more information, visit: www.teamkids.org
# # #
Orange County Philanthropist Challenges Others to Give
05/03/11 14:07
Orange County Philanthropist Challenges Others to Give
“This $200,000 donation to Team Kids is an investment that won’t disappear.”
Irvine, CA – April 22, 2009 – It may be tough to get a good deal in the stock market these days, but Newport Beach philanthropist Kelly Smith says, “The real investment value is in our children. That’s why I’ve continued to support Team Kids. It’s the highest impact, most innovative youth-focused organization I’ve found.”
Smith donated $200,000 to Team Kids, the Orange County nonprofit that brings partners from both law enforcement and firefighters into elementary schools to get kids involved as young community leaders at an early age.
“When my children came home from school and told me they were helping Team Kids collect food, clothing and books for kids who needed them, I offered to help,” said Smith. “They told me they didn’t need my help. They were doing it themselves. That’s how I learned about Team Kids, and its innovative programs continue to inspire me.”
During the past eight years, more than 21,000 students have participated in the Team Kids Challenge, helping others and sending the funds and resources they’ve raised to community organizations.
“Every can of food and toy donated or penny raised by kids during our school-based Team Kids Challenge program goes to youth-serving charities,” said Team Kids founder & CEO Julie Hudash. “That’s why the organization itself depends on the generosity of amazing people like Kelly. We’ve included more schools in Team Kids’ programs, even though we don’t have the resources to bring our programs to all the schools that have requested them.”
As Smith explained, “Giving to Team Kids amplifies the return I get on my investment. Each time the Team Kids Challenge goes to a school, up to five charities receive the benefits. On top of that, the kids in the program see themselves as powerful community leaders.
“Kelly’s gift is wonderful, and we continue to encourage other generous donations, both large and small, so we can expand the Team Kids Challenge throughout and beyond Orange County,” said Hudash.
“I’m challenging other donors to find their own path to help Team Kids, because I believe it is the best investment you can make right now,” said Smith. “Even in this economy, it’s important for those who can help not to hold back in our giving. We need to make our good intentions count,” Smith said, “and we need to preserve the optimism and certainty our children have that they can make a difference.”
Community members can learn more about Team Kids by attending its annual Imagine luncheon celebration on Sunday, May 3, at Il Fornaio Restaurant in Irvine. Go to www.teamkids.org for additional information.
About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org
“This $200,000 donation to Team Kids is an investment that won’t disappear.”
Irvine, CA – April 22, 2009 – It may be tough to get a good deal in the stock market these days, but Newport Beach philanthropist Kelly Smith says, “The real investment value is in our children. That’s why I’ve continued to support Team Kids. It’s the highest impact, most innovative youth-focused organization I’ve found.”
Smith donated $200,000 to Team Kids, the Orange County nonprofit that brings partners from both law enforcement and firefighters into elementary schools to get kids involved as young community leaders at an early age.
“When my children came home from school and told me they were helping Team Kids collect food, clothing and books for kids who needed them, I offered to help,” said Smith. “They told me they didn’t need my help. They were doing it themselves. That’s how I learned about Team Kids, and its innovative programs continue to inspire me.”
During the past eight years, more than 21,000 students have participated in the Team Kids Challenge, helping others and sending the funds and resources they’ve raised to community organizations.
“Every can of food and toy donated or penny raised by kids during our school-based Team Kids Challenge program goes to youth-serving charities,” said Team Kids founder & CEO Julie Hudash. “That’s why the organization itself depends on the generosity of amazing people like Kelly. We’ve included more schools in Team Kids’ programs, even though we don’t have the resources to bring our programs to all the schools that have requested them.”
As Smith explained, “Giving to Team Kids amplifies the return I get on my investment. Each time the Team Kids Challenge goes to a school, up to five charities receive the benefits. On top of that, the kids in the program see themselves as powerful community leaders.
“Kelly’s gift is wonderful, and we continue to encourage other generous donations, both large and small, so we can expand the Team Kids Challenge throughout and beyond Orange County,” said Hudash.
“I’m challenging other donors to find their own path to help Team Kids, because I believe it is the best investment you can make right now,” said Smith. “Even in this economy, it’s important for those who can help not to hold back in our giving. We need to make our good intentions count,” Smith said, “and we need to preserve the optimism and certainty our children have that they can make a difference.”
Community members can learn more about Team Kids by attending its annual Imagine luncheon celebration on Sunday, May 3, at Il Fornaio Restaurant in Irvine. Go to www.teamkids.org for additional information.
About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org
Grant will help Irvine students work with charities
05/03/11 14:06
Grant will help Irvine students work with charities
BY SEAN EMERY
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A new three-year, $86,000 state grant will bolster a joint Irvine Unified School District and Team Kids program that teaches students to work with local charities.
IUSD will team up with Team Kids to craft a “service-learning” program meant to mix community projects with classroom instruction focusing on academic and civic skills.
Team Kids is already well established at Irvine schools, helping to connect students with police officers, fire fighters and other role models, teaching them about real life issues such as hunger, homelessness and the environment, and raising money for charity. More than 20,000 kids have taken part in Team Kids since 2001, raising more than $200,000 for local charities.
This year, 22 Team Kids and IUSD teachers will take part in the new “service-learning” program, along with 2,800 students from five elementary schools. The program will begin at Vista Verde, Alderwood Basics, Deerfield, Springbrook and University Park.
The teachers and students will begin by coming up with a menu of possible community projects, which they will apply for “minigrants” to carry out. At the end of the first year, teachers will begin crafting a districtwide curriculum and future plan for the “service-learning” program.
The number of students and teachers taking part in the program is expected to double by its second year, and then triple by the third, IUSD Service Learning Facilitator Abby Edmunds said, as middle and high schools enter the mix.
If the program proves successful, the district would become eligible for another three-year “sustaining” grant from the California Department of Education
BY SEAN EMERY
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A new three-year, $86,000 state grant will bolster a joint Irvine Unified School District and Team Kids program that teaches students to work with local charities.
IUSD will team up with Team Kids to craft a “service-learning” program meant to mix community projects with classroom instruction focusing on academic and civic skills.
Team Kids is already well established at Irvine schools, helping to connect students with police officers, fire fighters and other role models, teaching them about real life issues such as hunger, homelessness and the environment, and raising money for charity. More than 20,000 kids have taken part in Team Kids since 2001, raising more than $200,000 for local charities.
This year, 22 Team Kids and IUSD teachers will take part in the new “service-learning” program, along with 2,800 students from five elementary schools. The program will begin at Vista Verde, Alderwood Basics, Deerfield, Springbrook and University Park.
The teachers and students will begin by coming up with a menu of possible community projects, which they will apply for “minigrants” to carry out. At the end of the first year, teachers will begin crafting a districtwide curriculum and future plan for the “service-learning” program.
The number of students and teachers taking part in the program is expected to double by its second year, and then triple by the third, IUSD Service Learning Facilitator Abby Edmunds said, as middle and high schools enter the mix.
If the program proves successful, the district would become eligible for another three-year “sustaining” grant from the California Department of Education
Irvine kids try to break reading record
05/03/11 14:05
Irvine kids try to break reading record
BY SEAN EMERY THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
IRVINE School kids looking to smash the world record for reading the same book on the same day took part in the national Read for the Record campaign on Thursday, breaking out their copies of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”
Organized by Team Kids and Jumpstart, the Irvine Read for the Record events focused on kindergarten and first-grade students.
The campaign also corresponded with a book drive, with students and parents asked to donate “gently used” books to benefit those who don’t have books to read at home.
Among those taking part in the event were Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang and Police Chief David Maggard, who read to kids at Alderwood Elementary, and IUSD Superintendent Gwen Gross, who read to kids at Turtle Rock Elementary School and the Early Childhood Learning Center
BY SEAN EMERY THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
IRVINE School kids looking to smash the world record for reading the same book on the same day took part in the national Read for the Record campaign on Thursday, breaking out their copies of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”
Organized by Team Kids and Jumpstart, the Irvine Read for the Record events focused on kindergarten and first-grade students.
The campaign also corresponded with a book drive, with students and parents asked to donate “gently used” books to benefit those who don’t have books to read at home.
Among those taking part in the event were Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang and Police Chief David Maggard, who read to kids at Alderwood Elementary, and IUSD Superintendent Gwen Gross, who read to kids at Turtle Rock Elementary School and the Early Childhood Learning Center
