JazzWithMe.com Gives the “Gift of Health” to Laura’s House
Posted on January 12, 2012
Tustin, Calif., Jan. 5, 2012 – For the second year in a row, Tustin-based JazzWithMe.com selected Laura’s House as their charity of choice during the holiday season. This year JazzWithMe.com donated $2,100 worth of complimentary Jazzercise classes and $400 in checks and cash to the organization.
Shawn Masse, Jazzercise instructor and owner of JazzWithMe.com, delivered the cash donation and certificates for the complimentary Jazzercise classes to Laura’s House in late December. “We encouraged our clients to help us again this year in supporting Laura’s House by making a cash or in-kind donation, and we are very pleased with the outpouring of generosity,” said Masse. “We continue to support Laura’s House because of its reputation for offering quality programs and services to families that are impacted by domestic violence. The organization services hundreds of deserving women and children each year, and we are delighted to give them the ‘gift of health’ for the New Year.
Each December, JazzWithMe.com selects one charity for their customers to think globally and act locally. This year, Karen Cawley, a JazzWithMe.com customer, donated two tickets to the Michael Jackson “Immortal World Tour” by Cirque du Soleil, which were raffled to raise money for the cash donation toward Laura’s house. "As a Soroptomist, I believe in Laura's House and their efforts to help women and children. I felt I could do my part during the holidays and donate the tickets to go along with the free Jazzercise classes,” said Cawley.
“We are grateful to JazzWithMe.com for their generosity toward Laura’s House,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “The Jazzercise classes, especially, provide our clients with a healthy way to relieve stress as they rebuild their lives free of violence.”
Masse’s Tustin/Irvine program offers 17 classes per week at various times and for all Jazzercise fitness levels, from beginner to experienced. For more information, follow JazzWithMe on Facebook, visit JazzWithMe.com, or contact Shawn Masse at 714-730-3758.
About Jazzercise Jazzercise is a dance fitness program, founded in 1969 by Judi Sheppard Missett, and hosts an international network of 7,800 fitness instructors teaching more than 32,000 classes weekly in 32 countries.
The workout program, which offers a fusion of jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, cardio, kick-boxing and Latin-style movements, has positively affected millions of people worldwide. Benefits include increased cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility, as well as an overall "feel good" factor.
About Laura’s House Annually, Laura’s House provides residential shelter services to more than 200 women and children, counseling to more than 300 clients, legal services to more than 300 clients and assists with more than 1,700 crisis hot-line calls. The mission of Laura’s House is changing social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
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Boral Roofing Donates Roof to Rebuild Laura’s House Emergency Shelter for Families Impacted by Domestic Violence
Posted on December 13, 2011
Announcement follows December 1st Grand Opening celebration attended by business leaders, Laura’s House board members, project partners and the community in Lake Forest
LADERA RANCH, Calif., Dec. 13, 2011 – Laura’s House today announced that Boral Roofing, the nation’s most sustainable concrete and clay tile roofing manufacturer, has donated the roof for its Emergency Shelter Rebuild Project. An effort to improve services to families impacted by domestic violence, the shelter rebuild has greatly increased the number of families that Laura’s House can assist in Orange County. As a leading roofing supplier with headquarter offices in the county, Boral Roofing is uniquely positioned to assist in the effort. The announcement follows the December 1st Grand Opening celebration for the shelter, which was attended by business leaders, project partners and Laura’s House board members.
Boral’s contribution to the emergency shelter rebuild is a 6300 square-foot clay tile roofing system. A lifetime product needing little to no maintenance, the roof is an earth-friendly and energy efficient solution that will help Laura’s House achieve utility cost savings, providing added benefit to the organization. “Laura’s House provides an incredible service and as a building product manufacturer and supplier here in Orange County, we were both well-equipped and thrilled to contribute to such an important organization working to help our own community,” said Boral Roofing Director of Marketing Dave Hager.
The roof was recently installed onto the new emergency shelter, which nearly doubles the number of beds, from 28 beds to 44 beds and 10 cribs, effectively increasing the shelter’s annual capacity by 93%, and enabling the organization to serve 175 additional clients annually. In expanding its emergency shelter, Laura’s House is also increasing countywide capacity for serving individuals impacted by domestic violence by 15%.
“Boral Roofing’s contribution is an integral component in the completion of our new facility,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “We are grateful for their generosity, and contributions to this project which are ultimately helping us to meet our goal of increasing capacity the capacity of our shelter to serve more who are in need of our services.”
The Emergency Shelter Rebuild Project is part of the Cornerstone Capital Campaign, a fundraising initiative that was officially launched in September 2010 to raise $4.5 million to fund the shelter re-build project and the expansion of the Laura’s House Step Ahead transitional housing for shelter graduates. The grand opening of its emergency shelter for families impacted by domestic violence was held December 1, in partnership with HomeAid Orange County at Portobello Road Resale Boutique, located at 23635 El Toro Road in Lake Forest. Residents have begun to move into the facility.
During the grand opening ceremony, development and building partners for the shelter re-build project were recognized with certificates of appreciation for their contributions to the success of this project. Among the more than 30 companies partnering with Laura’s House in the shelter re-build are Lutzky Associates Development, LLP; William Hezmalhalch Architects, Inc.; Huitt-Zollars, Inc.; GMU Geotechnical, Inc.; Option One Engineering; Salehi Engineering, Inc.; Western National Group Contractors; Style Interiors Design, Inc.; Fidelity National Title Company; Land Concern Ltd.; La Jolla Pacific; Morrow Management; Paskerian, Block, Martindale and Brinton, LLP; Focus 360; Constructor’s Bonding, Inc.; Firesafe Planning Solutions; Mestre Greve Associates; Friedmann & Friedmann Insurance Services; Phillips & Associates; PMC Consulting; Robert Rooks Photography.
Subcontractors and manufacturers who have partnered with Laura’s House include Aliso Air, Inc.; Capital Drywall; Boral Roofing; CPS Security Solutions; Fiber Care Baths, Inc.; Gateway Plastering; GE Appliances; Milgard Windows; Olsen Pavers; RSI Cabinetry; Smart Systems Technologies; Terra Tile; TLS Laboratories; Titan Sheet Metal, Inc.; Walker Windows; and, Yo Fire.
In 2010, 269 individuals, including 152 children, received services through the Laura’s House emergency shelter program.
About Boral Roofing Boral Roofing is a division of Boral USA, the country’s largest premium provider of complete roofing and re-roofing solutions for architects as well as commercial and residential builders. Boral Roofing which includes US Tile and MonierLifetile, operates 15 clay and concrete tile manufacturing plants throughout the U.S. and Mexico. More information can be found at www.BoralNA.com.
About Boral USA Headquartered in Roswell, Georgia, Boral USA employs approximately 1,500 individuals at more than 140 operating and distribution sites across the United States. The U.S. operations include the country’s largest brick manufacturer and the largest clay and concrete roof tile manufacturer.
About the Cornerstone Capital Campaign The Laura’s House Cornerstone Capital Campaign was officially launched in September 2010 to raise $4.5 million to fund the shelter re-build project and expansion of transitional housing for shelter graduates. The campaign committee is chaired by Wayne Pinnell, who most recently serves as the chair for Laura’s House board of directors. Campaign committee members include Beth Adkisson, Chris Aitken, Jennifer Boyer, Laverne Friedmann, Randy Harmat, Wayne Pinnell, Casey Wolin and Brenda Zalke. The capital campaign has the full support of the Laura’s House Board of Directors. Honorary chairs of the Cornerstone Campaign are Bette and Wylie Aitken.
More information on the Cornerstone Campaign can be found at www.laurashouse.org or by calling (949) 361-3775.
About Laura’s House Annually, Laura’s House provides residential shelter services to more than 200 women and children, counseling to more than 300 clients, legal services to more than 300 clients and assists with more than 1,700 crisis hot-line calls. The mission of Laura’s House is changing social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
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Families impacted by domestic violence can obtain a fresh start in 2012 with end-of-year giving to Laura’s House
Posted on December 12, 2011
Monetary, in-kind donations of goods and services are gratefully accepted. Through Center for Car Donations, supporters still have time to donate a vehicle and receive a 2011 tax receipt.
LADERA RANCH, Calif., Dec. 12, 2011 – With the end of the 2011 tax year just around the corner, Laura’s House would like to remind the community that there is still time to donate monetary, and in-kind goods and services before the end of the year, and receive a 2011 tax receipt for the donation.
“As the year closes, we invite our supporters to consider those families in need who are just starting a new and healthier life in coming year,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’ s House. “There are many ways to help Laura’s House, including making a year-end donation in honor of a loved one or family member, donating gently worn clothing to our Resale Store, or donating a used vehicle to Center For Car Donations.”
For vehicle donations, Laura’s House partners with the Center for Car Donations, a national organization whose mission is to assist charities nationwide by providing them with a means to accept donated vehicles.
“100 percent of the proceeds that we receive from the sale of used vehicles through the Center for Car Donations is used to support our counseling and shelter services that Laura’s House provides to families impacted by domestic violence,” continued Bayston. “We have partnered with the organization since 2006, during which time we have received more than 75 car donations, and raised more $45,000. We are grateful to Jacquie Elliott at Center for Car Donations for helping us raise the much-needed funds that enable the families we serve to build lives that are free of violence.”
Individuals wishing to donate an unwanted or unused vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, boats, trucks or RVs, can call 877-411-DONATE to set up a convenient pick-up time for the vehicle. Same day and weekend appointment may be available. The donor can then designate that the proceeds from the sale of the vehicle be allocated toward Laura’s House. Upon the sale of the vehicle, donors will receive a receipt for the sale amount.
To qualify for a tax deduction during the 2011 tax year, all vehicles must be picked up by the Center for Car Donations by Dec. 31, 2011. Vehicles do not have to pass a smog test, be operational or registered. However, the donor must be the legal titleholder of the vehicle, and must show clear title. Additionally, all donated vehicles must have an engine and be towable.
The IRS allows the taxpayer, to claim a tax deduction of :
- The value of the vehicle up to $500 or
- If the vehicle for more than $500 donors are notified by mail, stating the exact amount for which it sold, which is the value that can be stated for tax purposes.
For additional information, the IRS provides A Donor's Guide to Car Donations at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/pub4303.pdf. Donors are also encouraged to check with their tax professional to determine the exact benefit of their donation.
Through the end of the year, Laura’s House is also offering several other ways that the community can help the families its serves through the “Spirit of Empowerment Program.” To help the families served by Laura’s House regain their dignity and self esteem by providing directly to their individual needs with Gift Cards to Barnes & Noble; Costco; CVS Pharmacy; Kohl’s; Local Grocery Stores; Gas & Phone Cards; Old Navy; Payless Shoes; RiteAid; Target; Toys-R-Us; Wal-Mart; bus passes; and for local restaurants including Denny’s; Jack in the Box; McDonalds; Taco Bell; TOGO’S; Subway; Bagel Shack and Starbucks Coffee.
More information on the Laura’s House “Spirit of Empowerment” holiday program can be found at www.laurashouse.org/events or by calling (949) 361-3775.
About Laura’s House Annually, Laura’s House provides residential shelter services to more than 200 women and children, counseling to more than 300 clients, legal services to more than 300 clients and assists with more than 1,700 crisis hot-line calls. The mission of Laura’s House is changing social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
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Laura’s House “Lunch & Learn” Series Educates Verizon Wireless Employees about Domestic Violence
Posted on December 8, 2011
As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Laura’s House joined forces with Verizon Wireless to prepare employees on how to help when they suspect a co-worker, friend or family member is experiencing an abusive situation
LADERA RANCH, Calif, Dec. 7, 2011 – Domestic violence is gradually evolving from a home-related incident to one that spills over into the workplace. To help build greater awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence among its employees, Verizon Wireless partnered with Laura’s House, a nonprofit organization that serves families impacted by domestic violence, to bring “Lunch & Learn” sessions to its Irvine, Calif. headquarters, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2011.
“According to the American Institute of Domestic Violence, nearly 8 million days of paid work are lost each year due to women being abused at home,” said Margaret Bayston, Executive Director and CEO, Laura’s House. “We are pleased to partner with Verizon Wireless in providing the informative ‘Lunch & Learn’ sessions to help educate their employees on how to detect and intervene in situations where domestic violence is a factor. By offering these sessions to their employees, Verizon continues to demonstrate their commitment and passion for education, training and advocacy.”
The “Lunch & Learn” series took place at Verizon Headquarters in Irvine during October. The program was developed by Laura’s House, and tailored to address specific topics related to domestic violence that were requested by Verizon Wireless.
Marissa Presley, prevention education specialist for Laura’s House, presented several topics during the various “Lunch & Learn” sessions including the History of Domestic Violence; Teen Dating Violence, which included two survivors as guest speakers; and the Effects of Domestic Violence on Children.
“Our goal in partnering with Laura’s House to provide these ‘Lunch & Learn’ sessions is to help our employees feel more comfortable and knowledgeable about dealing with situations that arise in the workplace as a result of domestic violence,” said Margi Simoni-Leibovitch, associate director, West Area Sales Training for Verizon Wireless. “By working together with nonprofit organizations like Laura’s House, we can help to ‘end the silence’ of domestic violence’ by arming our employees with the tools and knowledge they need to educate and prevent violence from occurring within their communities.”
The “Lunch & Learn” sessions are part of an ongoing partnership between Laura’s House and Verizon Wireless. Earlier this year, Laura’s House received a $50,000 Verizon Wireless HopeLine technology grant, which was used to purchase technology upgrades that enable survivors of domestic violence to search for jobs, find apartments, or locate schools for their children through new online tools and resources. The grant also modernized the agency’s computerized case management system to help ensure the best possible outcomes for clients.
Laura’s House plans to rollout its “Lunch & Learn” program to more local businesses and corporations during 2012. Businesses that are interested in learning more about these educational sessions can call Laura’s House at (949) 361-3775 for more information, or visit the Laura’s House Website at www.laurashouse.org.
The Verizon Wireless HopeLine program collects no-longer-used cell phones and accessories at the company’s Communications Stores. The company recycles, refurbishes and resells the equipments, using the proceeds to awards grants of cash, phones and free airtime to domestic violence prevention agencies. To learn how to donate to HopeLine, please visit: http://bit.ly/pgN2gV.
About Laura’s House Annually, Laura’s House provides residential shelter services to more than 200 women and children, counseling to more than 300 clients, legal services to more than 300 clients and assists with more than 1,700 crisis hot-line calls. The mission of Laura’s House is changing social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
About Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 106.3 million total wireless connections, including 89.7 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
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Laura’s House announces a challenge grant from Bette and Wylie Aitken and George and Julia Argyros
Posted on December 5, 2011
Through the grant, the Aitkens who serve as honorary co-chairs of the Cornerstone Capital Campaign, and the Argyros’s will each match donations toward the campaign, up to $100,000
LADERA RANCH, Calif., Dec. 1, 2011 – Laura’s House, a non-profit organization whose mission is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence, while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse, today announced a that it has received a challenge grant from local philanthropists Bette and Wylie Aitken and George and Julia Argyros. The grant is part of the $4.5 million Cornerstone Capital Campaign, an initiative launched by Laura’s House in September 2010 to raise money to rebuild its emergency shelter, and expand its transitional housing facility for families impacted by domestic violence.
“Laura’s House is grateful to the Aitkens and the Argyros’s for supporting Laura’s House in rebuilding or emergency shelter and expanding our transitional housing program,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “Over the course of the campaign, the Aitkens have generously served as honorary co-chairs of the campaign, and been instrumental in helping us raise the much needed funds to provide families who are fleeing from abusive homes, with a safe and comfortable place to begin rebuilding their lives free of violence. George and Julia Argyros have also served as steadfast supporters of our organization, and with their help, as well as that of the many other individuals and businesses who have committed both their time and financial resources to this project, we are finally able to make this dream a reality.”
To date, more than $3.5 million has been raised toward the campaign goal. During the final phase of the campaign, which begins in December, Laura’s House will raise the final $1 million that is needed to fund the purchase of the building in which it will house its Transitional Housing program.
During today’s commemorative grand opening celebration for the emergency shelter rebuild project, the Aitkens and the Argyros’s will be acknowledged for their contributions to the Cornerstone Capital Campaign. This grand opening ceremony is being held in partnership with HomeAid Orange County at Portobello Road Resale Boutique, located at 23635 El Toro Road, Ste. F in Lake Forest.
The grand opening celebration will also recognize development and building partners for the shelter re-build project, who will each receive certificates of appreciation for their contributions to the success of this project. Among the more than 30 companies partnering with Laura’s House in the shelter re-build are Lutzky Associates Development, LLP; William Hezmalhalch Architects, Inc.; Huitt-Zollars, Inc.; GMU Geotechnical, Inc.; Option One Engineering; Salehi Engineering, Inc.; Western National Group Contractors; Style Interiors Design, Inc.; Fidelity National Title Company; Land Concern Ltd.; La Jolla Pacific; Morrow Management; Paskerian, Block, Martindale and Brinton, LLP; Focus 360; Constructor’s Bonding, Inc.; Firesafe Planning Solutions; Mestre Greve Associates; Friedmann & Friedmann Insurance Services; Phillips & Associates; PMC Consulting; Robert Rooks Photography.
Subcontractors and manufacturers who have partnered with Laura’s House include Aliso Air, Inc.; Capital Drywall; Boral Roofing; CPS Security Solutions; Fiber Care Baths, Inc.; Gateway Plastering; GE Appliances; Milgard Windows; Olsen Pavers; RSI Cabinetry; Smart Systems Technologies; Terra Tile; TLS Laboratories; Titan Sheet Metal, Inc.; Walker Windows; and, Yo Fire.
In 2010, 269 individuals, including 152 children, received services through the Laura’s House emergency shelter program. The new emergency shelter will nearly double the number of beds, from 28 beds to 44 beds and 10 cribs, effectively increasing the shelter’s annual capacity by 93%, and enabling the organization to serve 175 additional clients annually. By expanding its emergency shelter, Laura’s House will also increase countywide capacity for serving individuals impacted by domestic violence by 15%.
About the Cornerstone Capital Campaign The Laura’s House Cornerstone Capital Campaign was officially launched in September 2010 to raise $4.5 million to fund the shelter re-build project and expansion of transitional housing for shelter graduates. The campaign committee is chaired by Wayne Pinnell, who most recently served as the chair for Laura’s House board of directors. Campaign committee members include Chris Aitken, Jennifer Hannigan Boyer, Laverne Friedmann, Randy Harmat, Wayne Pinnell, Kurt Ross, Casey Wolin and Brenda Zalke. The capital campaign has the full support of the Laura’s House Board of Directors. Honorary chairs of the Cornerstone Campaign are Bette and Wylie Aitken.
More information on the Cornerstone Campaign can be found at www.laurashouse.org or by calling (949) 361-3775.
About HomeAid Orange County The founding chapter of a national non-profit organization with the mission to build dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. Founded in 1989 by the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between services providers, community volunteers, builders and specialty contractors. To date, the organization has completed 47 developments that serve victims of domestic violence, pregnant homeless women, abused and abandoned children, homeless adults living with HIV/AIDS and homeless families. www.homeaidoc.org
About Laura’s House Annually, Laura’s House provides residential shelter services to more than 200 women and children, counseling to more than 300 clients, legal services to more than 300 clients and assists with more than 1,700 crisis hot-line calls. The mission of Laura’s House is changing social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
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