Giving Back: 50 States for Good
Our 2011 Project Sponsorship Winners
A little ingenuity can bring lasting, positive change to a community and our 2011 50 States for Good winners demonstrate how the kernel of an idea can become something everyone is talking about. In October 2011 we awarded six 501c (3) nonprofit organizations a total of $150,000 in project funding. What makes this really special is that all of you helped to choose them. Thanks for taking the time to vote for your favorites. Each winner will make a difference in their community thanks to your support, and that's the best news of all. Read more about the winning organizations.
50 States for Good grand prize winner gets the good news
Project Name: Galveston Island Tree Conservancy
Galveston, TX
$50,000 Winner
NeighborWoods provides free tree plantings to interested neighborhoods. Trees filter air, lower stormwater runoff and pollutants, boost tourism, retail sales and help wildlife. With increased funding, NeighborWoods anticipates over 700 trees will be planted by 300+ volunteers in 2012 to help replace the 40,000 trees lost to Hurricane Ike.
“Tom's of Maine's '50 States for Good' program has brought national recognition to the Conservancy's efforts to replant our island in the wake of Hurricane Ike. There is nothing quite like losing 40,000 trees to highlight how important an urban tree canopy is to a small community. Tom's of Maine's support will help us continue a five-year reforestation program in the face of the worst drought in more than half a century. '50 States for Good' is an outstanding example of a private-sector company helping a non-profit to rally local citizens to do great things and rewards the dedication of everyone who gets involved. Thank you Tom's of Maine for this incredible opportunity; we are thrilled!” – Dr. Jackie Cole, President, Galveston Island Tree Conservancy.
Project Name: Philly Friendship Circle - Friends for a Caring World
Philadelphia, PA
$20,000 Winner
The Friendship Circle-Philadelphia Region South pairs teen volunteers with children with special needs for activities ranging from weekly play dates at home to structured sets of Sunday programs to Jewish holiday celebrations. Funding will allow volunteers and children with special needs to form real friendships that enrich their lives and promote empathy.
“Thanks to this grant, The Friendship Circle, Philadelphia Region South, will be able to do more to promote friendships – fun, caring relationships - between teen volunteers and children with special needs. And the online voting contest got everyone excited about supporting The Friendship Circle and participating in this year's programs. We are grateful to Tom's of Maine for helping the next generation of leaders create a kinder and more inclusive world.” – Chani Baram, Program Director, The Philly Friendship Circle.
Project Name: The Lands Council - Reforest Spokane Day
Spokane, WA
$20,000 Winner
Reforest Spokane will plant native Ponderosa Pine trees and funding for the planting will engage at least 500 volunteers in planting 10,000 native trees that will create shade, quiet traffic and beautify the city, as well as grow the community's love for its Ponderosa Pine heritage.
“The Lands Council is thrilled to be a winner in the Tom's of Maine '50 States for Good' contest! We are incredibly thankful for the thousands of individuals who voted for Reforest Spokane Day – our community really rose to the occasion. Thanks to this opportunity, on October 22, we will plant 10,000 Ponderosa Pine across our city with the help of several-hundred volunteers who are already visiting our website to take part in this community event. We are greatly appreciative of Tom's of Maine for sponsoring this program and for highlighting community efforts across the country.” – Mike Petersen, Executive Director, The Lands Council.
Project Name: Spector Dance - Ocean
Marina, CA
$20,000 Winner
Ocean is a new dance media project about the state of the world ocean and its influence on climate change. SpectorDance and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute are collaborating on a live performance piece and an educational outreach program that will expand perspectives, stimulate discussion, and contribute original solutions to the challenges facing one of our most critical resources.
“Receiving this award makes a huge different to SpectorDance and to Ocean, our new dance media project about the state of the world ocean and its influence on climate change. SpectorDance and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute are collaborating on this project to exploring issues such as ocean acidification, changes in sea level and temperature, ocean rhythms and storm patterns, and the food web. Ocean brings together art and science to investigate the effects of human activity on our world ocean, engage young audiences, foster constructive dialogue, and inspire responsible stewardship. We are so grateful to Tom's of Maine for "Joining the Wave" of support and for the opportunity for exposure on the national level.” – Fran Spector Atkins, Artistic Director and Founder of SpectorDance.
Project Name: Alamance County Meals on Wheels - Fresh Food to Seniors
Burlington, NC
$20,000 Winner
Funding will allow Alamance County Meals On Wheels to provide more fresh produce to elderly and disabled clients in the community through the help of local growers, local co-op, and traditional grocery stores, which will improve the food intake and decrease the food insecurity of those who are homebound.
“Alamance County Meals On Wheels is thrilled to be awarded funding to expand our program of providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the homebound and medically frail individuals we serve. This grant will also enable us to provide new volunteer opportunities, expand our network of fresh food providers, and improve the nutritional intake of seniors, which is crucial to living a healthy life. We can't thank Tom's of Maine enough for selecting us to compete for this award as well as the community for its overwhelming support.” – Anne Baker, Executive Director, Alamance County Meals On Wheels.
Project Name: Western Maryland Area Health Education Center
Cumberland, MD
$20,000 Winner
Funding will help with a two-day free dental clinic that provides free oral health services to over 700 people who would otherwise have no access to dental care. Upwards of 500 community volunteers, as well as 200 dentists, dental assistants, hygienists, oral surgeons, physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and dental students make this program possible.
“When Tom's of Maine informed us that we will receive $20,000 for our Mission of Mercy clinic, we literally jumped up and down, hugged and yelled for joy! This award will help provide free dental care and other oral health services to over 800 Appalachian people, including the homeless, uninsured, and disabled. Mission of Mercy will not only improve oral health, but will also improve the overall health of the patients and increase their self-esteem and sense of well-being. The passion with which our community volunteers for this project overwhelmingly shows the caring values and commitment we have for one another.” – Jen Thomas and Susan Stewart, Western Maryland Area Health Education Center.