GiveBackAmerica.org Blog

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2

Athletes and Philanthropy
2008-04-11 21:36:00
I was just reading Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling's blog (www.38pitches.com) and it got me thinking about the relationship between athletes and philanthropy, because Curt is an avid supporter of charities that deal with ALS.  Although some athletes participate in charitable activity because they are forced to by their teams or leagues, I believe most contribute because they truly enjoy it.  Also, many athletes understand that they have been truly blessed to be in the position that they are, and that helping out those less fortunate than they are is a very easy decision for them.Athletes in this country are role models to millions of children, and these children will take notice to the charitable work that the athletes do.  Helping children realize the importance of helping out those in need at a young age is very important, and athletes have the opportunity to achieve this.There are two organizations listed on our site that were started by star athle...
More About: Philanthropy

Without Your Health?
2008-04-09 06:50:00
I remember growing up and being consumed with trying to accomplish "GOALS".  You are supposed to get good grades - get into a good school - and get on a good career path.  It all seems so simple, what could possibly stand in my way?Throughout our youth and young adulthood, some people would always say "it's all for nothing without your health".  Although I heard them, I never listened.  Actually, I never gave much SERIOUS thought to it.  Then in my mid twenties, I began experiencing health issues.It's amazing how you go from giving zero thought about your health (taking it for granted), to having it consume 100% of your thoughts.  Some people are fortunate enough to learn this lesson at an old age while others are born with challenges that never afford them the luxury of taking their health for granted. 
More About: Health

Autism Awareness Month
2008-04-04 06:53:00
April is recognized throughout the world as being Autism Awareness Month .  During April, you will see many television news specials and reports, magazine features, and newspaper articles covering autism.  I find it fascinating that there is still much that is unknown about autism, with all the research tools we have available to us today.  Also, it is very interesting that many people disagree on a number of points dealing with autism, and how it should be classified.  We feature many organizations that are autism related, and whatever your beliefs, you should be able to find one that you can support.  To see a list of our autism related charities, visit our homepage, then choose autism from the drop-down "Cause" menu on the middle of the page.  As always, if there is a specific charity you would like to see listed on this site that isn't already, please let us know.

Recent Store Additions
2008-03-20 05:29:00
We have added a number of new stores to the shopping mall recently, here are some of the additions:ActivaAirFarePlanetAuto AnythingCheapPetStore s.com Choice HotelDell Small BusinessDockers Finish LineFoot SmartGoDaddyJohnston MurphyKmartLens CraftersMotorola StoreQuickbooksSpeedoStubHubUnited AirlinesWest MarineCheck back often as we are constantly adding new stores to the shopping mall.  Also, if there is a store you would like to see us add, please email me us at info@givebackamerica.com.  
More About: Recent

New Charity Introductions
2008-03-11 21:10:00
We would like to introduce the following six charities that were recently added to GiveBackAmerica.org.Animal Cruelty FightersAnimal Cruelty Fighters is an organization dedicated to ending animal cruelty. We believe animals have rights, and should be treared with the respect that any normal human gets.Familia Unida Living with Multiple SclerosisThe mission of Familia Unida Living with Multiple Sclerosis (FULWMS) is to Enlighten, Educate, and Unite Families affected by Multiple Sclerosis and other debilitating diseases in our culturally diverse communities and to offer support services to diverse populations that request our attention. It is our ethical responsibility to promote awareness of the growing number of individuals afflicted by MS and provide culturally sensitive programs. We advocate for preservation of cultural diversity and enhancement of the quality of life. Lifeline for Pound BuddiesLifeline for Pound Buddies is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization located in Muske...
More About: Charity

Guest Blog
2008-02-05 09:53:00
The following is a Guest Blog written by Michelle Wing.  Michelle is the Third Party Chairperson from Diabetes Youth Services, which we are happy to have listed on our site.Diabetes Youth Services is a non-profit organization serving children in the Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan area. The motto of the DYS is to support local children challenged by diabetes and provide their family, school and community supportive services. They achieve this by offering Big Shots Resident Camp and Little Shots Day Camp. These camps offer children living with diabetes a chance to be normal for a week. Everyone at camp has diabetes. Some of the things they learn about are carb counting, highs and lows, sick days, and insulin pump operations. My son has participated in the Little Shots Day Camp program for two summers. He comes home with a better understanding of his condition and is more prepared to care for himself after the camp. He looks forward to camp each year and...

Website Upgrades and Happy Holidays
2007-12-24 03:33:00
We are currently undergoing some website upgrades that we hope will greatly enhance your experience at GiveBackAmerica.org, and will help all of the great causes listed on our site raise much needed money.  We ask that you are patient with us during this time, as we hope to have everything complete by the first of the year.  You will still be able to use our site as normal during this time.  More importantly, we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season, and a happy new years!
More About: Holidays , Website , Happy Holidays , Happy , Upgrades

Charity Introduction: The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation
2007-12-03 22:44:00
We would like to introduce The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation as one of the newest charities to be listed on GiveBackAmerica.org.  Martin Truex Jr. is a very popular NASCAR driver.  The following is a description of the charity taken from their website.The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation is dedicated to providing funds to nonprofit charitable organizations who strive to positively impact the lives of children in need. The Foundation understands that many nonprofit organizations with limited name recognition and limited budgets are making the most impact in their communities and regions. It is our goal of The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation to provide funds to these organizations in an effort to offer support for continuance of positive programs for children in need.We would like to thank Kelly and Dawn from the foundation for making this partnership possible.  To start shopping for The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation now, simply click the link below to visit our homepage.
More About: Charity , Introduction

Office Supplies Reminder
2007-11-12 20:53:00
One of the easiest ways to use GiveBackAmerica.org to raise much needed funds for your organization is to make all your office supply purchases through GBA.  Our online mall offers many great stores which offer a wide supply of office supplies at great prices.  Just a few of these stores are:DiscountOffice Supplies .comOfficeDepot .comOfficeFurniture.comOfficeMax.comStapl es.com4inkjets.com4printer.comApple StoreCompUSA.comDell Home SystemsHPshopping.comMicrosoft Windows MarketplaceIf you make a $1,000 purchase of office supplies, your organization will generate about a $50 donation.  Just imagine how much your organization will benefit if you use GiveBackAmerica.org every time you order office supplies!To start shopping for your charity today, simply click the link below to visit our homepage.
More About: Reminder

Boys & Girls Clubs of America
2007-10-25 05:46:00
We have recently added many local Boys & Girls Clubs of America to GiveBackAmerica.org.  The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.  The local clubs that are already a part of GBA are:Boys & Girls Clubs of ChicagoBoys & Girls Clubs of Danville, IllinoisBoys & Girls Clubs of Greater PeoriaBoys & Girls Clubs of Lake TahoeBoys & Girls Clubs of PasadenaBoys & Girls Clubs of Southern MarylandNantucket Boys & Girls ClubIf you would like to see your local Boys & Girls Club added to GiveBackAmerica.org, either contact them directly, or send me an email at rob@givebackamerica.com.  To start shopping for one of these clubs, click the link below to visit our homepage.

Use GBA When Booking Holiday Travel
2007-10-08 21:44:00
It's that time of year again, and we just wanted to post a quick reminder to remind everyone to use GiveBackAmerica.org when booking your holiday travel plans online.  We feature many major online travel booking sites including the following:Budget Rent A CarCheapTickets.comChoice Hotels InternationalExpedia.comExtended Stay HotelsHotels.comHotwire.comHyatt.comKayak .comOrbitz.comPriceline.comTravel ocity.co mUnitedAirLines.comClick the link below to visit our homepage and begin booking your holiday travel plans online. 
More About: Holiday , Booking

Charity Introduction: Dogs For Diabetics
2007-10-01 20:41:00
We are proud to introduce the addition of Dogs For Diabetic s to GiveBackAmerica.org.Dogs for Diabetics is an innovative non-profit organization that provides quality medical alert assistance dogs to youth and adults who are insulin-dependent type 1 diabetics through a program of training, placement, and follow-up services. Dogs 4 Diabetics dogs have been specifically trained to identify, and more importantly, act upon the subtle scent changes that hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) creates in body chemistry, changes undetectable to their human companions.  Our dogs have fun and enjoy their positive-based training.  Each day, you can see their enthusiasm to train and work.To start shopping for Dogs For Diabetics, simply click the link below to visit our homepage. 
More About: Charity , Introduction , Char

New Store: Spalook.com
2007-09-26 20:57:00
We would like to introduce a new store to our shopping mall, Spalook.com, which sells luxury skin care essentials.Here is a description of Spalook.com from their website:"SpaLook.com is the fastest, easiest way to find the largest selection of any brand with over thousands of popular choices.  Lowest prices are guaranteed, or we pay the difference plus 10%.  Free real product samples with every order - we're sure you'll love yours.  Licensed estheticians always on call toll-free by phone, live chat on our web site or 24 hours a day by email.  Your complete satisfaction is always guaranteed - take 90 days to decide - we even pay for return shipping. If you need to make a return for any reason at all, it's free - only at SpaLook.com!"If there are any online stores that are not in our shopping mall, but you would like to see there, please email me at rob@givebackamerica.com.  To start shopping at Spalook.com, click on the link below to vi...
More About: Store , Palo

Feature Charity: Valley AIDS Council
2007-09-19 19:36:00
The Valley AIDS Council , by utilizing a multi-facility system, will continue to provide and expand capacity of HIV services in South Texas . These services will be provided to individuals infected and/or affected with HIV/AIDS and related co-morbidities by providing medical care, medical training, research, social services, education, prevention and outreach. Valley AIDS Council will do this by employing and empowering professionally competent staff who desire success for the clients, the agency and themselves. The Valley AIDS Council offers many services to people living with HIV/AIDS in South Texas such as:Free HIV TestingProfessional Medical CareCase ManagementEducational PresentationsFinancial AssistanceHousing AssistanceSpiritual CounselingSupport GroupsTransportationClinical TrialsSocialization (luncheons, picnics, etc)To start shopping for the Valley AIDS Council, simply click the link below to visit our homepage.
More About: Charity , Feature , Aids

New Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Chapters Added
2007-09-04 01:36:00
We have recently added many local chapters of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to GiveBackAmerica.org.  JDRF's purpose is to raise funds for diabetes research, provide educational and informational materials, develop community-wide understanding of diabetes and its complications, and provide support services to persons in the community who are interested in and affected by diabetes.The local chapters that are now featured on GiveBackAmerica.org are:JDRF - Florida SuncoastJDRF - Lincoln, NebraskaJDRF - NW ArkansasJDRF - UtahJDRF - Northern NevadaJDRF - Mid OhioJDRF - Tulsa, OklahomaJDRF - Desert SouthwestJDRF - Northern New JerseyIf you would like to see your local chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund added to GiveBackAmerica.org, you may contact them directly, or you can email me at rob@givebackamerica.com, and I will pass it on to your local chapter.To start shopping for the JDRF, simply click the link below to visit our homepage. 
More About: Chapter

New AIDS/HIV Charities
2007-08-24 08:53:00
In the past few weeks we have added a number of charities that deal with AIDS/HIV awareness and treatment.  We are working hard to have charities available for every single cause.  If there is a charity you would like to see us add, please email me at rob@givebackamerica.com.  Here is a brief summary of some of our new AIDS/HIV related charities.AIDS Action Committee of MassachusettsFounded in 1983, AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts is a not-for-profit, community-based health organization whose mission is to stop the HIV/AIDS epidemic by preventing new infections and optimizing the health of those already infected.American Foundation for Children with AIDSThe mission of American Foundation for Children with AIDS is to improve the lives of children and youth struggling with the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. We provide cost-effective relief, services, medical and social support, education and advocacy to help these victims achieve their full life potential....
More About: Aids , Charities , Char , Hari

Back To School Shopping
2007-08-14 20:56:00
It's that time of year again, time for back to school shopping!  But this year, you can get all your shopping done from the comfort of your own home, and help out your favorite charity at the same time, at no additional cost to you.  Here are some ideas on how you can get your back to school shopping done completely on GiveBack America.org:Books from Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble (bn.com)A new computer or computer parts from CompUSA.com, Dell.com, HPshopping.com, or BestBuy.comSchool supplies from Staples.com, OfficeMax.com, or OfficeDepot.comBackpacks from CampingWorld.com or SierraTradingPost.comNew Clothes from many stores including Gap.com, OldNavy.com, and Macys.comShoes and Sneakers from FootLocker.com, FinishLine.com, Shoebuy.com, and Payless.comJewlery from BlueNile.com To get your Back to School shopping started now, click the link below to visit our homepage. 
More About: Shopping

New Charity: The Halifax Humane Society
2007-08-10 19:59:00
We are excited to announce the addition of the Halifax Humane Society to GiveBackAmerica.org.  The Halifax Humane Society (HHS) is based in Halifax, North Carolina.  They are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.  Their mission is to provide a clean and caring environment for homeless and unwanted animals until they are able to find these animals suitable homes.  They also strive to educate the public in the proper care of companion animals.  Animals placed in the care of the Halifax Humane Society reside at their Pet Adoption Center until they are adopted.The Halifax Humane Society's Pet Adoption Center is a small facility.  It contains 10 indoor/outdoor canine kennels and 8 feline containment units. In addition to these, they have 4 canine quarantine kennels and 3 feline quarantine units.  Quarantine kennels and units are reserved at all times. These areas are reserved for residents recovering from surgeries, residents und...
More About: Charity , Char , Hari

New Autism Related Charities
2007-08-08 08:06:00
We are very happy to announce the addition of many great autism related charities to GiveBackAmerica.org.  We strive to offer our supporters a wide variety of charities to shop for, and we are pleased to announce the addition of the following:AUTISM SOCIETY OF CONNECTICUTAUTISM SOCIETY OF GREATER ORLANDOAUTISM SOCIETY OF GREATER MADISONAUTISM SOCIETY OF DALLASDAYTON AUTISM SOCIETYAUTISM SOCIETY OF INDIANAThe mission of the Autism Society of America is to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum and their families, to be fully participating, included members of their community.  Education, advocacy at state and federal levels, active public awareness, and the promotion of research form the cornerstones of ASA's efforts to carry forth its mission.These five chapters of the Autism Society of America will hopefully be followed by many more.  Contact your local chapter and tell them about GBA if you would like to see them adde...
More About: Related , Charities , Char , Hari

New Store: CafePress.com
2007-08-02 08:59:00
We would like to let everyone know that we have added CafePress.com to our shopping mall.  Launched in 1999, CafePress.com has empowered individuals, organizations and businesses to create, buy and sell customized merchandise online using the company's unique print-on-demand and e-commerce services. Today, CafePress.com is a growing network of over 2.5 million members who have unleashed their creativity to transform their artwork and ideas into unique gifts and new revenue streams.  CafePress.com is very popular among many bloggers, who both create their own products and sell them on the site.If you shop at CafePress.com, remember to visit GiveBackAmerica.org first, select your favorite charity to receive the commission, and then proceed to the shopping mall.   
More About: Store

3 Steps Away from Helping Your Favorite Cause
2007-07-30 02:59:00
We appreciate your interest in www.GiveBackAmerica.org. We are changing the way America gives, one purchase at a time by allowing you to give without spending extra money. Simply click on www.GiveBackAmerica.org before you shop online.Please follow the www.GiveBackAmerica.org 3 step system to fully maximize your contribution to your favorite charity.IndividualUse www.GiveBackAmerica.org every time you shop onlineTell all your friends about us with our six degrees of giving programSave GiveBackAmerica.org to your favoritesRepeat steps 1 and 2 every monthWorkplaceEncourage co-workers to use www.GiveBackAmerica.orgLook for  Internet fund raising opportunities (via www.GiveBackAmerica.org) at workdoes your company book online travel?does your company order online office supplies?does your company allow you to send out emails promoting your cause?Change in Purchasing HabitsWhat purchases do I make today that can be done over the Internet?ExamplesGroceries - ...
More About: Favorite , Favor , Steps

Charity Introduction: The Unicorn Children's Foundation
2007-07-25 03:45:00
We are proud to introduce The Unicorn Children's Foundation ; the newest charity to GiveBackAmerica.org.  The Unicorn Children's Foundation is an international organization dedicated to education, awareness, and research programs related to the learning and communication challenges associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc.  With approximately 1 of 5 children currently impacted by a neurodevelopmental disorder and the number of children affected continuing to soar, they are working diligently to assure that every child affected by these disorders, regardless of severity, is given the greatest opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential.Their efforts include:Funding groundbreaking research programs to identify effective treatmentsSponsoring educational programs designed to help professionals and parents address the challenges that these children faceIncreasing awareness of these devastating disorders and their ea...
More About: Charity , Introduction , Char

Charity Introduction: The Nexus School
2007-07-22 06:52:00
We would like to introduce The Nexus School to GiveBackAmerica.org.  The Nexus School is a non-profit school for children in the autism spectrum, located in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania.  The primary focus of The Nexus School is on the social development of autism spectrum children, which is their greatest deficit.  They strive to provide an educational and nurturing environment with comprehensive and integrated therapies tailored to the needs of each child.  The Nexus School is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Education, and serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade.To start shopping for The Nexus School, click the link below to visit our homepage.  Click on Pennsylvania from the state map, choose The Nexus School from the charity list, and proceed to our mall of over 200 major online stores.
More About: Charity , Introduction , Char , Hari

Diabetes Hits Home
2007-07-17 16:07:00
My name is Kevin DiQuattro and I am co-founder of GiveBackAmerica.org. Diabetes is not just another worthy cause for me, this ailment is personal. My father has been living with Type 1 Diabetes since he was 17 years old. A wonderful man and a great father to me and my three brothers, my dad is beginning to show the effects of this disease. After 45 years with diabetes, diabetes is starting to win. Please help us raise money and awareness so diabetes can't win with anyone else. Things started going down hill about 10 years ago when my father was rushed to the hospital after suffering a heart attack (from diabetes). My mom came home with only a few minutes to spare to perform CPR on my dad. At the hospital, my mom was removed from the room as my dad was labeled code blue as his heart continued to fail from a massive block of his artery. Well it was our lucky day and 10 years have gone by with our father in our life. While we have treasured every bit...
More About: Home , Hits

Introducing New HIV/AIDS Charity
2007-07-12 19:51:00
We would like to introduce the first HIV/AIDS charity to be featured on GiveBackAmerica.org.  Bebashi, located in Philadelphia, is a full service HIV/AIDS case management agency with a special interest in serving low-income people of color with HIV disease.  Their mission is to provide culturally sensitive health related information, direct service, research, and technical assistance to the urban community.In the near future we will be adding many more national and local HIV/AIDS charities to the site.  If anyone has a specific charity they would like to see us add, please comment below or email me at rob@givebackamerica.com.To start shopping for Bebashi, click the link below to visit our homepage.  Then, choose Pennsylvania from the map, select Bebashi as your charity, and proceed to our shopping mall.
More About: Charity , Aids , Char , Hari

Multiple Sclerosis Charities
2007-07-09 19:00:00
We are currently looking to add Multiple Sclerosis charities to GiveBackAmerica.org, and we love to hear from our supporters as to which specific charities you would like to see us add.  You can either email me at rob@givebackamerica.com, or simply leave a comment below this entry.  We appreciate any input that you can give.
More About: Charities , Char , Hari

Adopting an Autistic Child
2007-05-25 19:37:00
I came across this article last night and I thought I would share it with everyone.  The author, Ralph Savarese, chronicles why he chose to adopt a 6-year-old autistic boy from foster care.  Ralph had developed a special bond with the boy, and his wife, an autism expert, tried to offer the boy's mother services to help her out.  But when the mother found it too difficult to care for the boy, she dropped out of the picture altogether, and the boy was placed in foster care.  The Savarese's were called in when the boy showed up at the emergency room, with signs of beatings he received in foster care.  Ralph and his wife felt they had no choice but to adopt the boy.The reactions that the Savarese's received from family and friends were typical, with everyone wondering why they would want to take on such a responsibility.  But, Ralp h and his wife knew that this boy n...
More About: Child , Opti , Adopt

Why I Started GiveBackAmerica.org
2007-05-23 17:06:00
My name is Kevin DiQuattro and I am the co-founder of www.GiveBackAmerica.org. The idea for GBA was inspired by both charity work I was involved with and through the rescue of my yellow Labrador Julius.As a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, I was given the opportunity to give back to the community and adopt a little brother. His name is Anthony and he was a troubled youth from a tough upbringing. While I feel my time with Anthony was rewarding for both of us, I felt a sense of frustration that I could not do enough. About that time, a friend of mine sent me a link to a local Labrador rescue website. As I was scrolling through the site, I noticed a beautiful yellow Lab named Buddy. For someone who said I was too busy for a dog, I welcomed Buddy (now Julius) into my home 5 days later. After talking to the wonderful owners of the shelter, I was shocked by the amount of animals that need care and most importantly, money to make sure they would never be put t...
More About: Tart

Football Player Michael Vick Makes Me Sick
2007-05-22 21:23:00
As many of you already know, Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback Mich ael Vick was allegedly involved in a dog fighting ring that took place at a Virginia house that he owned.  Although he is currently denying any involvement in the dog fighting, there are numerous sources who say otherwise.  It is hard to comprehend why anyone in their right mind would find pleasure in an activity that is so abusive to helpless animals.  This is not the first time that a high profile athlete has been linked to organized dog fighting.  Part of the problem is that the practice is glorified by rap stars, and in turn is celebrated by athletes.  How about this quote regarding Vick’s dogfighting from another NFL star, Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis? “I don’t know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it’s his property, it’s his dog……If that’s what he wants to do, do it.  I think people should mind their business....
More About: Football , Player , Michael Vick

Rob LaPlante Joins GiveBackAmerica.org
2007-05-21 19:40:00
Hello, my name is Rob LaPlan te and I would like to introduce myself as the newest member of the GiveBackAmerica team.  I am very excited to help out this great cause with my good friends Kevin DiQuattro and Craig Neilan.  The GiveBackAmerica concept is brilliant in that you are able to donate money to your favorite charity simply by doing your normal online shopping, all at no additional cost to you.  I have no doubts that we will be able to make a difference in the way America donates to charity.   I will be running the blog here at GiveBackAmerica.  The purpose of our blog will be to keep everyone informed about our newest developments, any news regarding our charities, and any specials promotions at our online stores.  Also, we would love to have anyone who supports our cause write a guest blog entry.  If you are interested, or if you have any other ideas or suggestions on how we can make this blog more informational and enjoyable, please e...
More About: Plant