Red Lippy Project Raises Awareness of Cervical Cancer
The Red Lippy project, created by Caroline Muhlich as her project in Landmark’s Self-Expression and Leadership Programme, has gone viral in its efforts to raise awareness about Cervical Cancer. The campaign, which encourages people to wear different shades of red lipstick as an awareness tool, has been written about in the London Evening Standard and The Telegraph, and is been support by a host of individuals and organisations.
The campaign comes at a time when screenings for Cervical Cancer in the UK are at an extremely low rate, according to the telegraph. Cervical Cancer is the most common form of cancer for women under 35.
Hats from the Heart Aids Women Undergoing Chemotherapy
Recycled fabrics are being turned into a variety of hats for women who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, as part of Hats from the Heart, Debra McCauley’s project she created in the Landmark SELP. The Damascus Heritage Museum in Maryland is collecting t-shirts and polo shirts that are then turned into hats in a variety of textures and colors.
Having been there for her mother when she died of cancer in 1997, McCauley knows that simple gifts such as these hats can go a long way to brightening the world of a cancer patient. For more information, please call the museum at 301-253-1811 or drop off items at the museum at 9701 Main St. in Damascus.
My Big Fat Greek Contribution
When Sofia Vatos took part in Landmark’s Self-Expression and Leadership Program in London, she knew she wanted to contribute to her family and the town many came from, Plomari, on the island of Lesbos in Greece. Since the European Union’s austerity measures began, the once beautiful town began to crumble.
Vatos set up My Big Fat Greek Contribution to raise money for the town, and held a dinner and dance on May 17 as a fundraiser. She plans to visit the town this summer to help a volunteer group maintain the village.
Here’s more about the project in Vatos’ words:
When I go to the island of Lesvos to visit the village of Plomari, I am so proud of my heritage and the privilege of my life. I created this community fund raising charity event for the village as I really care about its future and want to honour its people. When I first started the project I thought, who is going to care about raising money for a village that only I care about. I had no idea how to make this happen, all I knew is that I wanted it to be successful, especially given the current crisis in Greece. I was unstoppable.
Thankfully my sister was enrolled and contributed so much in so many ways. I walked the streets during the day and at night and shared my event to the world and why I am doing it. I had plenty of people say ‘yes’ and ‘no’. Those who said yes, I requested payment to secure their booking immediately. This was new. In the past, I would have left it unsettled and unconfirmed, with unsuccessful results. I would make up excuses as to why I would not ask and cover up. I had a breakthrough in being straight with people and being genuine, instead of my internal dialogue running the show.
Over 126 people attended the dinner dance. Over 40 sponsors contributed door prizes and raffles. We raised just under $5,000, which I will take to Greece with me this year to spend it on community amenities. My parents are so proud of their daughters standing to make a difference for their village. I will forever recommend the Self Expression and Leadership Program. It took me on a journey, where I have never been before. Read more at mybigfatgreekcontribution.com.
‘Splash Mob’ Supports School for Homeless Children
A charity run in July in Arizona might seem like an exhausting experience, but Dan Hill’s project from his Landmark Self-Expression and Leadership Program has found a unique way to beat the heat and raise money for a school for homeless children. A 5k ‘splash mob’ run will have runners bombarded by 25,000 water balloons pre-filled by area children.
The event is on July 20th at the Big Surf Water Park in Tempe, starting early at 7am to further keep the heat away. A $35 registration fee goes towards the Children First Academy, a ranch school for homeless and underprivileged children in Central Phoenix and the East Valley. Find out more by going to www.splashmob5k.com.
Mariachi Band, Seniors Connect on Cinco de Mayo
One Illinois retirement community had an usually festive of celebration of Cinco de Mayo this year. Jana Fuelberth connected different cultures and generations with the project she created in Landmark’s Self-Expression and Leadership Program, bringing a Mariachi band, Glenbrook North High School’s Spanish National Honor Society and a variety of Mexican food to the Covenant Village of Northbrook.
Residents wanted to learn Spanish, and began a class in February. Creating the event capitalized on her own desire for getting out and having fun and the residents’ interest in Spanish and Mexican culture. Before the band played, students from the honor society explained the history of Cinco de Mayo in both English and Spanish.
Read more about the event at the Chicago Tribune’s Northbrook local site.
Parents Create Scholarship Fund, Honor Fallen Son
A recent article in The Gazette of Maryland tells the story two parents, Debbie and Scott McCauley, who, as their project in Landmark’s Self-Expression and Leadership Program, created The Staff Sgt. Michael McCauley Foundation Fund to provide grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to students. Michael McCauley was their son who served three tours of duty in Iraq and who took his own life shortly after leaving the service.
“We feel passionately about sharing Michael’s story, and how we regained hope in our lives,” said Scott McCauley. “Michael’s death has meaning and purpose. It is our hope that by establishing this fund, we can help family members of military suicide overcome obstacles that suicide brings.”
In addition to the fund, the McCauleys are working with the Wounded Warrior Project to create a group therapy program for veterans. For more information on the fund or to donate visit The Community Foundation of Frederick County website.
