IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Angelina Musik-Comp
210-557-4780
Angelina@TheRedDressSociety.com April 23, 2010
Oregon: Campaign for your Social Cause for a Red Dress Society ‘Angel’ Award
The Oregon nomination and voting process is underway for communities to recognize, market and supporting funding those behind social causes through http://TheRedDressSociety.com website.
Nominate a woman or couple making a difference in the community, encourage supporters to share through comments while promoting their cause to and invite potential funders an opportunity to witness nominees demonstrating their assertiveness and commitment to campaign for their cause.
Former Angel award winners, Tracey Fontenot & Kacey Wernli of Kinetic Kids share, "The Red Dress Society process has been fun. Sometimes we don't sit back recognize how many families we've touched and it’s nice to take a moment and do that, as we charge on to do more."
Daniel and Angelina Musik-Comp lead with the experience of growing their own social cause MOMtrepreneurs, twice awarded by the U.S. SBA, for its early implementation of social community, media, marketing and web technology strategies. It was recognized by Governor Rick Perry for facilitating the success of women in business at a quicker rate compared to traditional methods. MENtrepreneurs has just started its nomination process for the Enterprising Men of ‘Valor’ Award, alongside business workshops.
"The goal of our workshops to help small business owners, and those behind social organizations, to recognize what's broken, who needs to be hired to delegate their weakness to, and how to collaborate with peers, instead of crashing as the lone ranger, and how to creatively give back," said Musik-Comp.
The couple held their first Red Dress Society ‘Angel’ award event in San Antonio, Texas, last fall, where they moved away from in 2008 to Mosier, Oregon, to assist with Oregon rural economic development, such as: Central Oregon Micro Enterprise, the City of Maupin and Integrated Fruit Production, through their media, marketing and web technology company Intelligent Netware.
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison said, “I salute your powerful vision for women. As a woman who has been able to attain a position of leadership, I understand the importance of empowering women. Your contributions play a large role in the advancement of women everywhere.”
Former Angel award winners, Janet Grigsby & Michelle Ryan of StandUP for Kids say, “We were honored to be a part of the Red Dress Society Angel Award event. I believe that you are really onto something in this endeavor. Keep it up and keep perfecting it.”
"The Red Dress campaigning for causes and awarding the women behind them is ingenious! To see these women confident enough to tell others to share the impact their work has made deserves to continue to be funded and recognized," comments a seasoned philanthropist.
Meet some of Oregon’s nominees, those who nominated them and why.
Nancy Engeman,Co-founder/Exec Dir, Come Rest Awhile’ in Lake Oswego, Oregon, nominated by Lillian Hurlock who says, “Nancy has dedicated her life to helping women in their recovery from substance abuse. CRA offers a safe and supportive home with a family atmosphere for women recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. In the spring of 1997, an evening of melodrama and a spaghetti dinner provided seed money that paid for two computers and non-profit statues and so it began. We are so excited about this ‘Angel’ award process. What a wonderful thing you and your husband do, Angelina,”
Susan Finch, President/Founder, Binky Patrol Comforting Covers for Kids in Portland, Oregon, nominated by Marlys D. Vaughan who says, “Susan is an inspiration to all of us who work with her and it gives me great pleasure to nominate her for this award. We make blankets and give them away to children and teens in need of comfort.”
Patricia Gainsforth, Board Member, Wy'East Resource Conservation/Development Council of Bend Oregon, who was nominated by Merlin Berg, “She's been committed to helping entrepreneurs for many years; and has served the public faithfully as a Board Member of the Wy'East Resource & Conservation District.”
Laura & Tom Mansfield, Creators, ‘Parenting Unplugged’ Radio Show in Portland, Oregon, nominated by Patricia Ten Broeke who says, “I nominate Laura and Tom Mansfield. Laura is tirelessly committed to bringing the ideals of intentional parenting to the public. She and her husband, Todd, launched a radio show in February 2009 and the listenership has expanded so rapidly they are now launching an entire network - all around the idea that families are the most important things in our society.”
Kathryn Clark, Founder, Your Best Foot Forward in Gresham, Oregon, nominated by Ryan Brasell who says, “Kathryn was laid off twice in 2009. Since then she has been helping other unemployed people have nicer business/casual clothing for job interviewing and the first few days of work. She charges nothing for the clothing that she receives through friends, neighbors, or online. To date many people have benefited from her generous heart.”
Monica Beemer, Exec Dir, Sisters of the Road, in Portland, Oregon, nominated by Maureen A. Kenney and Sue Staehli who say,” Monica is a truly inspirational and visionary leader. She realizes that we are not separate. And, she approaches her work with deep compassion and listening. She makes all people feel welcomed and valued. ~ Monica has shown me how nonviolence, gentle personalism and consensus-based decision making can become foundational to a strong culture of growth and innovation."
Joan Cramer, Puppeteer/volunteer in Portland, Oregon, nominated by Lynette Jelinek who says “Since 1994 ,Joan has been volunteering for Kids on the Block Awareness Program educating children in our schools and community on social, safety and Health issues. She transforms powerlessness in the face of our community into empowerment to make a real difference in specific situations by the use of puppets.”
Shafia M. Monroe, Founder, International Center for Traditional Childbirth in Portland Oregon, nominated by Marguerite Hall who says, “Shafia has pioneered the cause of reducing infant mortality among the Black populations in the world and African-Americans in the United States since 1983. Miss Monroe runs her grassroots organization with limited resources, the dedication of volunteers and a minimal staff.”
Cathy Nechak, Founder, Oregon Friends of Shelter Animals (OFOSA) in Portland, Oregon, nominated by Cyndi who says, “Cathy’s tireless dedication to the animals and the over 300 volunteers is inspiring. Cathy has personally taken on the medically fragile animals that would otherwise not have made it out of the shelter and found them the treatment they needed to recover and find a forever home.”
Sharon Strauss founder and director of Sunshine Pantry in Beaverton, Oregon nominate by Becky Pardo-Jarvis who says, “Sharon Straus is a woman with a big heart and an incredible mission to help our local community with food, household goods.” Dave Bishop, Beaverton Police Chief shares, "She's the most giving person I've ever met and is a godsend to us. We send people her way and she's there for them."
Amy Henderson, Founder, the Geezer Gallery in Portland, Oregon, nominated by
Natasha Niro who says, Amy challenges ageist thinking and stereotypes by providing opportunities for older adults to participate in the creative arts for both financial profit and personal edification. Ms. Henderson’s desire is to create a platform supporting artistic endeavors for older adults”
Donelle Manton, Founder, The Tres Islas Orphanage Fund in Umpqua River, Oregon, nominated by her husband Tom Manton who says, ” I believe it's important to share her story with others, to touch their hearts, to inspire them, give them hope and a chance to develop a sense of purpose. This began 23 years ago when Donelle was sent to Mazatlan on an assignment to "photograph the children of Mexico."
Pam and Michael Hughes, Creators, Hood River Life Skills, in Hood River, Oregon, nominated anonymously who says, “Pam and Michael Hughes started a Life Skills Program Center which has been an incredible resource to many families. They have a heart of gold, serving with little public recognition. Their outreach saves people lives, marriages, and so much more by addressing their core issues.”
The Oregon nomination and voting process will continue at http://TheRedDressSociety.com for at least another three months before announcing its results.
For media inquiries, donations or to become a sponsor to support this endeavor and benefit from the website voting traffic please contact Angelina Musik-Comp at 210.557.4780, Angelina@TheRedDressSociety.com.
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