Team Kids Press Releases

Team Kids Celebrates 10th Birthday

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2011-05-17T16:28:36-07:00

Team Kids Celebrates 10th Birthday
Receives more than $80,000 in Donations
‘Spirit Award’ lauds OCFA Captain and Irvine Philanthropist Kelly Smith.
Over
Irvine, CA – May 16, 2011 – Team Kids, an Irvine-based nonprofit, raised more than $80,000 to benefit children during its 10th Birthday Celebration/Imagine event at Il Fornaio Restaurant in Irvine.

“When I started Team Kids 10 years ago, our goal was to help young children to be powerful, compassionate citizens,” said Team Kids Founder and CEO Julie Hudash. “During that time, more than 35,000 children have raised $370,000 for others, and 100 percent of what children raise – every sticky quarter – has been donated to another charity. That’s why we’re so grateful for the support we’ve received from our community and why we’re looking forward to the next decade of Team Kids.”

As nearly 300 birthday-party attendees looked on, the Team Kids Spirit Award was presented to Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Captain Steve McHale, a founding Team Kids board member, and Kelly Smith, Irvine philanthropist, founder of the OC Center for Living Peace, parent and Team Kids supporter.

“Team Kids started out helping elementary school children follow their passion to help save a little boy’s life,” said Team Kids Founder and CEO Julie Hudash. “Captain Steve saw the commitment young children can bring to solve adult-sized issues, and, together, we raised the funds to save Jeremy’s life.

“A few years later, Kelly’s young children introduced her to Team Kids when they announced they were going to help other kids. That was music to Kelly’s ears, and she’s been a valued supporter of Team Kids every since.

” Just a few weeks ago, children throughout Orange County and across the country sold cookies and cups of lemonade, as part of Team Kids LemonAIDTM, to raise more than $40,000 for Japan. “Our generous supporters are vital to our mission of helping kids help others,” said Hudash.

About Team Kids
Team Kids is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community wide programs. Since its founding, more than 35,000 kids have generated over $370,000 in donated items and funds for local non-profits. For more information, visit: www.teamkids.org

Kids Pitch in to Help Japan at Great Park Farmers Market

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2011-03-27T14:58:07-07:00

Team Kids Launches 10th Year

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2011-05-16T14:53:41-07:00

Press Release Contact: Julie Hudash
Phone: 949-633-5700
Email: jhudash@teamkids.org

Team Kids Launches 10th Year
of Helping Kids Change the World!

Irvine, CA – October 16, 2010 – More than 100 guests gathered to launch Team Kids’ 10th Year of Service, raising $15,000 to support programs, while attending the Inaugural Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament at Shady Canyon Country Club.

celebrated the launch of
Team Kids' 10th year of youth service by participating in a Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament at the exclusive Shady Canyon Country Club in Irvine.

A spirited group of 49 players competed to win great prizes and help raise close to $15,000 to support Team Kids' school based and community wide youth service programs.

“We are proud of the tremendous outcomes children have created since Team Kids’ inception,” said Team Kids Board President Bethany LaFlam, “we are celebrating the launch of our 10th Year of inspiring and empowering youth to serve others.”

Team Kids' Board Members, served as dealers, while guests enjoyed the friendly competition knowing their support would inspire 1,000's of children as passionate community leaders.

“In 2001, kids worked with firefighters and police to raise more than $35,000 to save the life of a little boy,” said Founder and CEO Julie Hudash, “since then more than 24,000 students have completed our month long program, raising close to $250,000 in resources to their communities.”

Jim Yang, who won first place in the tournament, had a special partner by his side. Just before sitting at the winning table Jim won the top raffle prize, which was a framed, Limited Edition piece featuring Bugs Bunny playing poker.

"If you have Bugs Bunny on your side," said Craig Kausen, Chuck Jones Grandson, "you are sure to win!"

A special thanks to Mike and Wendy Cupps generously underwrote the Inaugural Poker Tournament. Mike serves as Vice President on the Team Kids Board of Directors. Fellow Board Member Laura Baden, and her husband, CEO of Oakley Colin Baden, helped to underwrite fabulous Oakley Prizes for the top 8 winners

About Team Kids
Team Kids is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. Since its founding, more than 24,000 kids have generated over $250,000 in donated items and funds for local non-profits. For more information, visit: www.teamkids.org

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Team Kids Imagine Event Honors IUSD Superintendent Dr. Gwen Gross

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2010-05-03T14:52:19-07:00

Press Release Contact:
Linda Ames
949-300-2545
linda.ames@cox.net

Team Kids Imagine Event
Honors IUSD Superintendent Dr. Gwen Gross
‘Spirit Award’ lauds partnership between children’s non-profit and schools.

5th Annual Imagine Event

Irvine, CA – May 3, 2010 – Team Kids celebrates the 5th Annual Imagine Event on Sunday, May 23, at Il Fornaio restaurant in Irvine.

“Our Imagine fundraiser honors our innovative community and business partnerships and invites attendees to imagine what is possible when we see the needs of others through the eyes of our powerful, compassionate children,” said Julie Hudash, Team Kids founder and CEO.

Irvine Unified School District Superintendent (IUSD) Dr. Gwen Gross will receive the Team Kids Spirit Award. This award is presented to an individual who demonstrates exceptional dedication to empowering youth to make a positive difference in their school, their community and the world.

“Dr. Gross is an inspiration,” said Hudash. “Even with the severe budgetary challenges schools are faced with, she always keeps the ultimate goal clearly in focus – doing all we can to prepare our young people to be responsible, resilient citizens. Team Kids is proud to work with Dr. Gross, the school board, and the wonderful teachers and staff of IUSD.”

Team Kids, a nine-year-old nonprofit based in Irvine, partners with police officers, fire fighters, and other role models to provide service programs in elementary schools and in the community. All collaborative efforts such as LemonAID have one thing in common, they are all championed by children. More than 24,000 students have raised over $200,000 in good and services since 2001, with 100 percent going to other youth-serving charities.

“We are very proud that our programs are offered to schools without charge, and that100% of everything raised by children is donated to community charities,” says Hudash. “Team Kids hosts two or three events a year, to help support the organization and sustain our programs. Our fifth annual Imagine event will be the biggest and best ever! Once in a lifetime experiences and prizes have been donated for our live and silent auctions. One opportunity offers the highest bidder to join Oakley CEO Colin Baden for a helicopter and a tank ride, followed by a private tour of Oakley’s World Headquarters. Another amazing auction item is a Chuck Jones Limited Edition “Sandlot” featuring his Looney Tunes Characters playing baseball in a backyard field, which is signed by the Angels Players.”

“From a business standpoint, Team Kids is an incredible investment. Every dollar I give to Team Kids helps a kid raise another few dollars which benefits several other nonprofits. Every investor in OC should come to Imagine to check out Team Kids!” says Team Kids Board Member Mike Cupps.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our supporters, who make it possible for Team Kids to help kids help others.” says Hudash.

About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org

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Team Kids Honors Community Leaders, Philanthropist & Kids

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2009-05-04T14:51:55-07:00

Press Release Contact:
Linda Ames
949-300-2545
linda.ames@cox.net

Team Kids Honors Community Leaders, Philanthropist & Kids
Nearly 300 gather at 4th annual Team Kids Family Celebration

Irvine, CA – May 4, 2009 – “It’s all about the kids,” said Team Kids Founder and CEO Julie Hudash when she welcomed nearly 300 supporters of the Orange County organization to its 4th annual Team Kids Family Celebration.

Irvine police and school leaders, Teen Council Presidential Service Award winners and a Newport Beach philanthropist were honored during the Sunday, May 3 event at Irvine’s Il Fornaio restaurant.

Irvine Deputy Police Chief, retired, David Mahalik, and Vista Verde Elementary and Middle School Principal Jean Milan, PhD, received the 2009 Team Kids Spirit Award.

Mihalik, who chairs the Team Kids board of directors, started one of Team Kids’ most treasured programs, Shop with a Cop. Uniformed officers take children who were living in a local domestic violence shelter on a holiday shopping trip, bringing joy and forging friendships between the children and the police officers who protect them. “It’s important we show kids real everyday heroes, not just the spots stars or celebrities of the day,” said Mihalik.

In 2001, Milan hosted the first Team Kids Challenge event, during which children joined together to raise funds for a fellow student’s medical care. “I have been fortunate to be a part of Team Kids and have witnessed the hopes and dreams on the faces of children who have been involved. We cannot always build the future for our children, but Team Kids can build our young people for the future,” she said.

Seven Team Kids Teen Council members performed more than 150 hours of service and received the Presidential Service Award. The award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation on behalf of the President of the United States. It recognizes the best in American spirit of those who improve their communities though volunteer service and civic participation. Award recipients were: Francesca Apollonio, Keiko Arzouman and Carly Dahl, University High School; Kelly Marshall, Corona del Mar High School; Sasha Glasser, Orange County High School of the Arts; and Caitlyn Kelly and Lang Peirce, Irvine High School.

The group thanked Kelly Smith, Newport Beach philanthropist, for donating $200,000 to Team Kids. “I believe in the benefits of Team Kids for a number of reasons. Each time the Team Kids Challenge goes to a school, up to five charities receive the benefits. On top of that, the kids in the program see themselves as powerful community leaders,” said Smith.

“Every can of food and toy donated or penny raised by kids during our school-based Team Kids Challenge program goes to youth-serving charities,” said Hudash. “That’s why the organization itself depends on the generosity of amazing people like Kelly.”

Also thanked for their roles in bringing Team Kids Challenge to schools in Newport Beach were: Principal Charlene Metoyer, Harbor View Elementary School; Principal Mary Manos, Andersen Elementary School, and Captain Glenn White, Newport Beach Fire Department.

About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org
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Kids Wanted: Host a MLK Day

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2011-01-10T14:51:33-08:00

Press Release Contacts:

Julie Hudash
949-633-5700
jhudash@teamkids.org

Michelle Franco
949-633-5700
mfranco@teamkids.org

Kids Wanted: Host a MLK Day LemonAID Stand; Serve Others
Team Kids inspires children to raise funds for PTAs and other charities.

Irvine, CA – January 10, 2011– Kids around Orange County are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day by serving others.

Team Kids, an Irvine based non-profit, holds its annual Team Kids LemonAIDTM stand project January 15-17. Children can “Make it a Day On, Not a Day Off,” honoring the civil rights leader’s legacy by raising funds for their school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and other charities.
“The holiday is a time to remember Dr. King’s commitment to making our nation better,” said Julie Hudash the CEO of Team Kids, “Dr. King exemplified civil rights, civic responsibility, and uniting people of all backgrounds to act on community concerns. There is no better or more meaningful way to honor his legacy than by serving others.”

All funds raised by the Team Kids LemonAID project will be donated to other charities. This year 50% of the proceeds are being donated to each participant’s school PTA, and 50% will be given to the charity, which the children vote on themselves.

The Team Kids LemonAID Stand project was initiated as an effort to mobilize children following the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. Orange County Fire Authority Captain Steve McHale, then Founding Team Kids Board President, was in New Orleans on the original search and rescue when interviewed by an embedded Orange County Register reporter. Kids raised $11,500 in response to his challenge to help. Team Kids LemonAID has been hosted several times since then, and close to $40,000 has been raised, one sticky quarter at a time.

Last year stands were held in every Orange County city and beyond. To host a Team Kids LemonAID stand, log onto www.teamkids.org. Register your stand, tell us the name of your school and vote for the charity you’d like to see receive proceeds.

“PTA is proud to have been chosen as the beneficiary of 50% of the Team Kids LemonAID Stand proceeds,” says Steffanie Early, Irvine PTA Council President. “These funds, raised by the children will support youth programs in our schools during a time of critical need.”

Children will be honored and celebrated at the MLK Closing ceremony, held on Monday, January 17, 2011, from 1:00 to 4:00pm, at the University Community Center, (1 Beech Tree Lane, Irvine, CA, 92612.) Youth participants will receive a certificate of appreciation, and have the chance to enjoy kid-led carnival games.

“The Team Kids LemonAID project is a great way to bring people together to make a difference, and we hope it will be the beginning of an ongoing commitment to serve throughout the year,” said Hudash. “The needs in Orange County, especially for our schools, are particularly great right now, and service to others is a key part of the solution.”

About Team Kids
Team Kids is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. Since its founding, more than 24,000 kids have generated over $250,000 in donated items and funds for local non-profits. For more information, visit: www.teamkids.org

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Kids Come to the Aid of Japanese - Orange County

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2011-03-17T14:51:02-07:00

MEDIA ALERT Contacts:

Julie Hudash
949-633-5700
jhudash@teamkids.org

Kids Come to the Aid of Japanese Children with
Team Kids LemonAIDTM

Irvine, CA – March 17, 2011 – Team Kids, an Orange County, CA based nonprofit, is again mobilizing children to come to the aid of others.

Kids are being called upon to raise money to help children and their families in Japan. From now through Sunday, March 27, kids are being encouraged to set up home-made stands on neighborhood street corners, city parks and malls to sell lemonade, cookies and crafts as part of the Team Kids LemonAID Japan project.

All donations raised by children - 100% - are given to the selected charity. In this case, the American Red Cross will receive the donations for Japan Relief. Donations can be turned in via the Team Kids web site (www.teamkids.org), or at the closing ceremonies at the Team Kids LemnoAID Store at The Orange County Great Park in Irvine, CA from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 27. A large group photo and check presentation will take place at the Great Park 2 p.m.

“LemonAID is a proven strategy to mobilize our compassionate young leaders,” said Julie Hudash, Team Kids founder and CEO. “Children acutely feel the pain of others and instinctively want to help. LemonAID was created as a way to support the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Since 2005, kids have raised and donated more than $45,000 to charity through hosting LemonAID, in response to Katrina, the Indonesian Tsunami, the Santiago Wildfires in California, and the earthquake in Haiti.”

Team Kids LemonAID is asking business people and community members to support the children by matching LemonAID donations. Contact Team Kids through www.teamkids.org or call 949•861•4887.

“It’s all about the kids,” said Hudash. “Let’s help them help others.”

About Team Kids
Team Kids is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. Since its founding, more than 24,000 kids have generated over $250,000 in donated items and funds for local non-profits. For more information, visit: www.teamkids.org

Kids Come to the Aid of Japanese-Arlington

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2011-04-09T14:49:57-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Christine Shaubach
April 9, 2011 949-310-1213
Dir. National Initiatives
Julie Hudash
949-633-5700
CEO, Founder

Kids Come to the Aid of Japanese Children with
Team Kids LemonAIDTM raising over $35,000 and climbing!

Arlington, VA – April 9, 2011 – In response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Team Kids has launched the flagship LemonAIDTM initiative mobilizing children across the country as powerful community leaders to support the victims of Japan. Team Kids, an Irvine, CA based nonprofit, has inspired children from Hawaii to Maryland to pitch home-made LemonAID Stands asking for quarters, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Fund.

Children and families in Arlington, VA will be hosting stands throughout the weekend, and beyond, see weekend stand times and locations below. Kids will be setting up their stands on neighborhood street corners, city parks and malls to sell lemonade, cookies and crafts as part of the Team Kids LemonAID Japan project. In less than 3 weeks, more than $35,000 has been raised by children in the US, since the tragedy struck Japan.

“LemonAID is a proven strategy to mobilize our compassionate young leaders,” said Christine Schaubach, says Arlington resident and Team Kids Director of National Initiatives. “Children acutely feel the pain of others and instinctively want to help. LemonAID was created as a way to support the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Since 2005, kids have raised and donated more than $70,000 to charity through hosting LemonAID, in response to Katrina, the Santiago Wildfires in California, and the Arlington’s “Hearts for Haiti” following the Haitian earthquake.

“It’s all about the kids,” said Julie Hudash, Team Kids Founder and CEO. “Let’s help them help others.”

All children are invited to participate. Anyone interested in participating just needs to visit the Team Kids web site (www.teamkids.org), click LemonAID, register their stand, and then turn in money via the website link.

Registered stands held in Arlington County at the following places and times:
April 9, 2011
• Farmer’s Market, Arlington, 7:45am-8:15am
• 15th & Vermont, 12:00pm-3:00pm
• CVS Lee Hwy & Spout, 2:00pm-3:00pm
April 10, 2011
• Albemarle St & Delaware, 11:30am-1:30pm
• Cherrydale neighborhood, 1:00pm-2:00pm
• Rock Spring Park, 1:00pm-3:00pm
• 22nd St. & Jefferson St., 1:00pm-3:00pm
• Key & Barton St., 2:00pm-3:30pm
• Cherrydale Safeway, 3713 Lee Hwy, 3:00pm-5:00pm
• Courthouse & Clarendon, 3:00pm-5:00pm

About Team Kids
Team Kids is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. Since its founding, more than 28,000 kids have generated over $250,000 in donated items and funds for local, national, and international non-profits. As always, 100% of all funds and resources generated by kids are donated to charities, other than Team Kids. For more information, visit: www.teamkids.org

Team Kids Honors Community, Philanthropist & Kids Nearly 300 gather at 4th annual Team Kids Family Celebration

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2009-05-03T14:07:38-07:00

Team Kids Honors Community, Philanthropist & Kids Nearly 300 gather at 4th annual Team Kids Family Celebration

Irvine, CA – May 4, 2009 – “It’s all about the kids,” said Team Kids Founder and CEO Julie Hudash when she welcomed nearly 300 supporters of the Orange County organization to its 4th annual Team Kids Family Celebration.

Irvine police, school leaders, Team Council Presidential Service Award winners and a Newport Beach philanthropist were honored during the Sunday, May 3 event at Irvine’s Il Fornaio restaurant.

Irvine Deputy Police Chief, retired, David Mahalik, and Vista Verde Elementary and Middle School Principal Jean Mylen, PhD, received the 2009 Team Kids Spirit Award.

Chief Mihalik, who chairs the Team Kids board of directors, started one of Team Kids’ most treasured programs, Shop with a Cop. Uniformed officers take children who were living in a local domestic violence shelter on a holiday shopping trip, bringing joy and forging friendships between the children and the police officers who protect them. “It’s important we show kids real everyday heroes, not just the spots stars or celebrities of the day,” said Mihalik.

In 2001, Dr. Mylen hosted the first Team Kids Challenge event, back in 2001, during which children joined together to raise funds for a young boy to receive needed heart surgery. “I have been fortunate to be a part of Team Kids and have witnessed the hope and dreams on the faces of children who have been involved. We cannot always build the future for our children, but Team Kids can build our young people for the future,” she said.

Seven Team Kids Council members performed more than 150 hours of service and received the Presidential Service Award. The award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation on behalf of the President of the United States. It recognizes the best in American spirit of those who improve their communities though volunteer service and civic participation. Award recipients were: Francesca Apollonio, Keiko Arzouman and Carly Dahl, University High School; Kelly Marshall, Corona del Mar High School; Sasha Glasser, Orange County High School of the Arts; and Caitlyn Kelly and Lang Peirce, Irvine High School.

The group thanked Kelly Smith of Newport Beach, for donating $200,000 to Team Kids. “I believe in the benefits of Team Kids for a number of reasons. Each time the Team Kids Challenge goes to a school, up to five charities receive the benefits. On top of that, the kids in the program see themselves as powerful community leaders,” said Smith.

“Every can of food and toy donated or penny raised by kids during our school-based Team Kids Challenge program goes to youth-serving charities,” said Hudash. “That’s why the organization itself depends on the generosity of amazing people like Kelly.”

Also thanked for their roles in bringing Team Kids Challenge to schools in Newport Beach were: Principal Charlene Metoyer, Harbor View Elementary School; Principal Mary Manos, Andersen Elementary School, and Captain Glenn White, Newport Beach Fire Department.

About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org
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Orange County Philanthropist Challenges Others to Give

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2011-05-03T14:07:23-07:00

Orange County Philanthropist Challenges Others to Give
“This $200,000 donation to Team Kids is an investment that won’t disappear.”

Irvine, CA – April 22, 2009 – It may be tough to get a good deal in the stock market these days, but Newport Beach philanthropist Kelly Smith says, “The real investment value is in our children. That’s why I’ve continued to support Team Kids. It’s the highest impact, most innovative youth-focused organization I’ve found.”

Smith donated $200,000 to Team Kids, the Orange County nonprofit that brings partners from both law enforcement and firefighters into elementary schools to get kids involved as young community leaders at an early age.

“When my children came home from school and told me they were helping Team Kids collect food, clothing and books for kids who needed them, I offered to help,” said Smith. “They told me they didn’t need my help. They were doing it themselves. That’s how I learned about Team Kids, and its innovative programs continue to inspire me.”

During the past eight years, more than 21,000 students have participated in the Team Kids Challenge, helping others and sending the funds and resources they’ve raised to community organizations.

“Every can of food and toy donated or penny raised by kids during our school-based Team Kids Challenge program goes to youth-serving charities,” said Team Kids founder & CEO Julie Hudash. “That’s why the organization itself depends on the generosity of amazing people like Kelly. We’ve included more schools in Team Kids’ programs, even though we don’t have the resources to bring our programs to all the schools that have requested them.”

As Smith explained, “Giving to Team Kids amplifies the return I get on my investment. Each time the Team Kids Challenge goes to a school, up to five charities receive the benefits. On top of that, the kids in the program see themselves as powerful community leaders.

“Kelly’s gift is wonderful, and we continue to encourage other generous donations, both large and small, so we can expand the Team Kids Challenge throughout and beyond Orange County,” said Hudash.

“I’m challenging other donors to find their own path to help Team Kids, because I believe it is the best investment you can make right now,” said Smith. “Even in this economy, it’s important for those who can help not to hold back in our giving. We need to make our good intentions count,” Smith said, “and we need to preserve the optimism and certainty our children have that they can make a difference.”

Community members can learn more about Team Kids by attending its annual Imagine luncheon celebration on Sunday, May 3, at Il Fornaio Restaurant in Irvine. Go to www.teamkids.org for additional information.

About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org

Team Kids Fosters Passion for Community Service among Irvine Children

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2009-05-15T14:07:01-07:00

Team Kids Fosters Passion for Community Service among Irvine Children
Community leaders team up with New Horizon students to mentor and inspire service through
4-week Team Kids Challenge!

Irvine, CA – May 15, 2009 – It’s never too early to start giving back to the community.
This idea is the driving force behind the work of Team Kids, an Irvine-grown non-profit organization that gives children and teenagers opportunities to partner with community leaders on projects that benefit local, national and international causes.
“Our goal is to inspire young people to become responsible citizens with a passion for community service,” says Founder/CEO Julie Hudash. “And while our programs give children a chance to do something for their community, they also teach values and skills that will help kids make good choices in their own lives.”
Team Kids’ signature program, the school-based Team Kids Challenge, was kicked off at Irvine’s New Horizon Elementary, a private, non-profit Islamic school on Friday. This inspirational assembly brought together preschool through 6th grade students with role models — police, firefighters, and mentors from the community — to work as a team focused on four-week challenge goals to strengthen their community. Week one will team New Horizon students up with Irvine’s Families Forward as they bring in the food “they like to eat” to fill two large barrels of food for the hungry. The second week’s goal will focus on the importance of literacy, as students bring in over 500 of their gently used books, serve as “Book Doctors” to clean and restore the books, and then donate them to Orange County’s Early Literacy Project. The book donations will then be donated through clinics and schools to children who don’t have books of their own. The third week focuses on Orange County’s homelessness issue. Students will work to fill an entire passenger van with their gently used toys and clothes to support the homeless and working poor through Santa Ana’s Southwest Community Center. Week four empowers all 200+ students as environmental advocates as they collect plastic bottles and aluminum cans, with proceeds going to the International Bird Rescue Research Center which rescues sea birds injured due to ocean pollution.
At the end of their four-week challenges, the 4-6 graders who volunteer to serve on the Team Kids Leadership Team host a youth-led, school-wide carnival to raise funds for a charity that they themselves -- the students -- have identified. 100% of what students raise goes to the charity of their choice.
More than 20,000 children have participated in the Team Kids Challenge since 2001. Collectively, kids have raised over $200,000 for local charities during youth-led efforts.
Team Kids programs have made positive impacts on children’s feelings of self-efficacy, leadership capacity, their desire to help others, and perceptions of being important contributors to their schools and the community. What’s the secret to Team Kids’ success? It’s a close collaboration with the Irvine Unified School District, the City of Irvine, Irvine Police Department, Orange County Fire Authority, University of California, Irvine, and a host of other community partners.
“This is prevention. If our officers are in the schools, building relationships with kids and honoring them for being leaders in our community, then it’s likely we won’t see these kids in trouble down the line,” said Irvine Police Chief Dave Maggard.
Orange County Fire Authority Captain Stephen McHale adds, “Adults become cynical about change. It’s so inspiring to work with children who truly believe that anything is possible.”

About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org
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Press Release Contact: Linda Ames 949-300-2545 linda.ames@cox.net

New Horizon’s Team Kids Leadership Team raised over $1,300 for Make A Wish Foundation!

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2009-06-12T14:06:29-07:00

New Horizon’s Team Kids Leadership Team raised over $1,300 for Make A Wish Foundation!
Irvine, CA – June 12, 2009 – New Horizon students exceed all 4-week goals in the Team Kids Challenge!

Approximately 200 students at Irvine’s New Horizon Elementary celebrated their recent humanitarian successes at a kid-made school-wide carnival on Thursday, June 11. These generous students spent an entire month taking action upon issues of homelessness, literacy, hunger and the environment, exceeding all four goals presented by Team Kids Challenge Program. New Horizon students raised cash and donated goods with a total value of over $5,000 to benefit other children and families in need. Even more importantly, students learned more about the power they have to make a difference!

More than forty students in grades four through six volunteered weekly over their lunch recess to serve on the Team Kids Leadership Team. These students worked with Team Kids staff and partners from Irvine Police Department to plan all the carnival games and host the celebration for their younger students. Students learned about teamwork, discussed their favorite charities, and then voted to determine which charity would serve as the beneficiary of the profits. The Make a Wish Foundation received the most votes, and will receive 100% of the proceeds from the carnival, which totals over $1,300.

Dina Eletreby, Principal of New Horizons, had a challenge of her own. She promised her students that if they exceeded each of the 4 weekly goals, she would be the first participant in a dunk tank at the carnival. “It was a lot of fun watching the kids try to hit the target and a great way to celebrate and wrap up the month of service that Team Kids brought to our school.” The student-led booths included, a magic show, face painting, crazy hair, tug-a-war, and more.
“It was a privilege to implement the Team Kids Challenge alongside the students and staff at New Horizon,” says Founder/CEO Julie Hudash. “New Horizon has a student body about a third the size of our traditional schools, yet the outcomes of their drives and fundraisers were equally successful.”

Last month the students participated in an inspirational assembly, which brought together preschool through 6th grade students with role models — police, firefighters, and mentors from the community — to work as a team focused on four-week challenge goals to strengthen their community. Week one teamed New Horizon students up with Irvine’s Families Forward, filling 3 large barrels of food for the food bank. The second week focused on the importance of literacy, and students brought in 682 of their gently used books, for the Orange County’s Early Literacy Project. The third week focused on Orange County’s homelessness issue. Students filled 3 large vehicles with their gently used toys, clothes and household items to support the homeless and working poor through Irvine’s Illumination Foundation. Week four inspired over 200 students as environmental advocates as they filled 12 large trash bags with plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Proceeds were donated to the International Bird Rescue Research Center, which rescues sea birds injured due to ocean pollution.

Team Kids programs have demonstrated positive impacts on children’s feelings of self-efficacy, leadership capacity, their desire to help others, and perceptions of being important contributors to their schools and the community. What’s the secret to Team Kids’ success? It’s a close collaboration with the Irvine Unified School District, the City of Irvine, Irvine Police Department, Orange County Fire Authority, University of California, Irvine, and a host of other nonprofits and community partners. More than 20,000 children have participated in the Team Kids Challenge since 2001. Collectively, kids have raised over $200,000 for local charities during youth-led efforts.

About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org
####

Grant will help Irvine students work with charities

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2011-05-03T14:06:15-07:00

Grant will help Irvine students work with charities

BY SEAN EMERY
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

A new three-year, $86,000 state grant will bolster a joint Irvine Unified School District and Team Kids program that teaches students to work with local charities.
IUSD will team up with Team Kids to craft a “service-learning” program meant to mix community projects with classroom instruction focusing on academic and civic skills.

Team Kids is already well established at Irvine schools, helping to connect students with police officers, fire fighters and other role models, teaching them about real life issues such as hunger, homelessness and the environment, and raising money for charity. More than 20,000 kids have taken part in Team Kids since 2001, raising more than $200,000 for local charities.
This year, 22 Team Kids and IUSD teachers will take part in the new “service-learning” program, along with 2,800 students from five elementary schools. The program will begin at Vista Verde, Alderwood Basics, Deerfield, Springbrook and University Park.

The teachers and students will begin by coming up with a menu of possible community projects, which they will apply for “minigrants” to carry out. At the end of the first year, teachers will begin crafting a districtwide curriculum and future plan for the “service-learning” program.

The number of students and teachers taking part in the program is expected to double by its second year, and then triple by the third, IUSD Service Learning Facilitator Abby Edmunds said, as middle and high schools enter the mix.

If the program proves successful, the district would become eligible for another three-year “sustaining” grant from the California Department of Education

Irvine kids try to break reading record

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2011-05-03T14:05:54-07:00

Irvine kids try to break reading record
BY SEAN EMERY THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

IRVINE School kids looking to smash the world record for reading the same book on the same day took part in the national Read for the Record campaign on Thursday, breaking out their copies of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”
Organized by Team Kids and Jumpstart, the Irvine Read for the Record events focused on kindergarten and first-grade students.
The campaign also corresponded with a book drive, with students and parents asked to donate “gently used” books to benefit those who don’t have books to read at home.
Among those taking part in the event were Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang and Police Chief David Maggard, who read to kids at Alderwood Elementary, and IUSD Superintendent Gwen Gross, who read to kids at Turtle Rock Elementary School and the Early Childhood Learning Center

Team Kids Raises over $5,000 for Charity with LemonAID

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2011-01-19T08:53:18-08:00

Press Release Contacts:
Linda Ames
949-300-2545
linda.ames@cox.net

Julie Hudash
949-633-5700
jhudash@teamkids.org

Team Kids Raises over $5,000 for Charity with LemonAID
Kids from across Orange County honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by hosting youth-led
“Team Kids LemonAID Stands!”

Irvine, CA – January 18, 2011 – Approximately 600 young leaders from Irvine, and beyond, served approximately 10,000 of ice-cold LemonAID to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and raised more than $5,000 for their school’s PTA and the American Red Cross.

“It’s so inspiring to see the unbridled enthusiasm the kids have to serve and to know they are helping others,” says Team Kids Founder and CEO Julie Hudash. “The Team Kids LemonAID Project is a great way to bring people together to make a difference and we hope it will be the beginning of an ongoing commitment to serve throughout the year.”
Team Kids, the non-profit spearheading LemonAID, will pay it forward with 100%, more than $2,500, being donated to each organization. With the difficult budget climate for schools, Team Kids decided LemonAID was a great way to provide youth-generated support through PTA. The Red Cross was chosen, by the children to be the beneficiary of the remaining 50%.

“Team Kids empowers children to help others, and as always, 100% of all youth generated donations are given to charities, other than Team Kids,” says Hudash. “There is no better or more meaningful way to honor Dr. King’s legacy than by serving others.”
Team Kids is based on an innovative public safety partnership, and both Irvine Police Officers and Orange County Fire Authority Firefighters were out in full force, congratulating the children and supporting the stands.
Late Monday afternoon, Irvine’s University Community Center was filled with children, their parents and city dignitaries, including Mayor Sukhee Kang and Irvine Unified School Board member Gavin Huntley-Fenner, PhD. The Irvine Police Explorer Color Guard presented the Colors, followed by a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by the Woodbridge High School Chorus. Kids enjoyed free carnival games, Dr. King activities, and, of course, lots of LemonAID.

About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org

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Team Kids Launches Bi-Costal Fundraiser

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2010-01-28T17:31:13-08:00

MEDIA ALERT
January 28, 2010 Contact / Arlington, VA:
Christine Carbonel Schaubach
Dir. of National Initiatives, Team Kids
949-310-1213
cschaubach@teamkids.org

Contact / Irvine, CA:
Julie Hudash
CEO, Team Kids
949-633-5700
jhudash@teamkids.org

Team Kids Launches Bi-Costal Fundraiser: Hearts for Haiti
During Presidents Day weekend / Valentine’s Day, kids in California and Virginia will dance, sing and sell hot chocolate to raise funds to help Haitian earthquake victims.

February 13 – 15, children in Arlington, VA and Irvine, CA will join together as part of Team Kids to raise funds for Haiti. As is policy of the nine-year-old non-profit organization, 100% of all funds raised by children go to the selected charity, in this case, the American Red Cross.

“This first bi-coastal fundraiser will draw on the positive nature of patriotism and love,” said Team Kids founder & CEO Julie Hudash. “Young people feel strongly about devastating events, such as the terrible earthquake in Haiti. They need to feel more than sad. They need to feel empowered to do something about it. Personally taking part in raising funds is one important way that children feel empowered to take leadership and make a difference.”

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, more than 1,000 Team Kids volunteers in California sold approximately 18,000 cups of LemonAID to raise more than $2,000 for the American Red Cross’ work in Haiti and an additional $10,000 for Orange County Human Relations.

About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org
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More than $100,000 Donated at Imagine Event

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2010-05-31T07:55:47-07:00

Press Release Contact:
Linda Ames
949-300-2545
linda.ames@cox.net

More than $100,000 Donated to
Team Kids at Imagine Event
“It’s all about the kids!”
Over
Irvine, CA – May 27, 2010 – Team Kids, an Irvine-based nonprofit, raised more than $100,000 to benefit children during its 5th Annual Imagine event at Il Fornaio in Irvine. As 450 attendees looked on, Dr. Gwen Gross, Irvine Unified School District superintendent, was presented with the Team Kids Spirit Award. Dr. Gross was honored for her exceptional dedication to empowering youth to make a positive difference in their school, their community and the world.

“It’s all about the kids,” said Julie Hudash, Team Kids founder and CEO. “When I started Team Kids, our goal was to help empower young children to be powerful, compassionate citizens. The Imagine fundraiser honors our nine years of innovative community and business partnerships, and invites us to imagine what is possible when we see the needs of others through the eyes of a child.”

“From a business standpoint, Team Kids is an incredible investment. All the funds raised by children – 100 percent – are given away. Every dollar I give to Team Kids helps a kid raise another five dollars to benefit several other nonprofits,” said Team Kids Board Member Mike Cupps.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our supporters, who make it possible for Team Kids to help kids help others,” said Hudash.

About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org
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Watershed Watch, 2010 Makes for a Great Earth Day

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2010-04-29T19:03:44-07:00

Press Release
Contact:
Julie Hudash
949-633-5700
jhudash@teamkids.org

‘Watershed Watch, 2010’ Makes for a Great OC Earth Day
Team Kids Youth Council steps up for clean water.

Irvine, CA – April 28, 2010 - “Our generation cares a lot about the environment, and our team loved helping out with Earth Day,” according to Team Kids Youth Council Mentor Jenny Heenan.

The Team Kids Youth Council and Inside the Outdoors joined forces with Disney’s Friends for Change and the OC Municipal Water District for Watershed Watch, 2010. The purpose of the collaboration was to raise water awareness and build connections between Orange County residents’ use of this precious resource and the understanding of where our water comes from and where it goes.

Inside the Outdoors staff and Team Kids Youth Council members conducted water awareness activities and service projects at four sites across Orange County: Crystal Cove State Park; Bolsa Chica Reserve; Orange County Great Park; and Upper Newport Bay. Activities included an interactive watershed model, “WSI: Watershed Scene Investigators” scavenger hunt, and hands-on water-quality testing.

“I think our Earth Day efforts really made a difference. We interacted with hundreds of people all over Orange County at four different sites,” said Inside the Outdoors’ Community Program Director Meghan Barron.

Kids especially loved playing with the watershed model. “I learned that there’s so many kinds of pollution in our neighborhood, from cars and pesticides and even dog poop!” said one nine-year-old boy. “The rain washes all that stuff into storm drains, down creeks and rivers, and right into our oceans!”

According to Ran Yui Goheen, the newest member of the Team Kids Youth Council, the opportunity to serve made for a great day. “We talked to lots of people about the watershed, cleared an entire field of mustard plants at Upper Newport Bay, and even got to put about 175 native plants into the ground!”

Team Kids’ mission is to strengthen innovative community collaborations that empower and inspire young people to become responsible, resilient citizens with a passion for service.

Inside the Outdoors is a self-supporting program administered by the Orange County Department of Education that provides outdoor environmental education experiences and Service-Learning projects to over 147,000 students, families, teachers, and community members each year.

Disney’s Friends for Change Project Green is an initiative that invites young people to join together to help the environment across four key areas: climate, water, waste and habitats.

###

Team Kids Raises $9,000 for Charity with LemonAID

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2010-01-20T10:14:51-08:00

Team Kids Raises $9,000 for Charity with LemonAID
Kids from across Orange County honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day during
Disney’s Give a Day, Get a Disney Day!

Irvine, CA – January 19, 2009 – Nearly 1,000 volunteers from every city in Orange County joined together with Team Kids to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as part of Disney’s Give a Day, Get a Disney Day!

The result is that kid-sponsored LemonAID Stands sold 18,000 cups of lemonade and hot chocolate – even in the rain - to raise more than $9,000 for charity - $7,000 going to Orange County Human Relations and more than $2,000 designated for the American Red Cross’ work in Haiti.

Team Kids, the non-profit spearheading LemonAID, will pay it forward with 100% of proceeds being donated to fund the youth diversity school programs, implemented by the Orange County Human Relations Council.
After the earthquake disaster in Haiti, Team Kids added Change for Haiti to LemonAid. Those who purchased a glass of lemonade were encouraged to part with their change – to be sent to the American Red Cross to benefit Haiti.
“Through Team Kids, children are being empowered to help others, whether they are in Brea, San Clement or Port-au-Prince,” said Julie Hudash the CEO of Team Kids, “There is no better or more meaningful way to honor Dr. King’s legacy than by serving others.”
Late Monday afternoon, the Irvine Council Chamber filled with children, their parents and city dignitaries, including Mayor Sukhee Kang and Irvine Unified School Board member Gavin Huntley-Fenner, PhD.
“The Team Kids LemonAID Project is a great way to bring people together to make a difference and we hope it will be the beginning of an ongoing commitment to serve throughout the year,” suggested Hudash. “The needs in Orange County are particularly great right now, and service to others is a key part of the solution.”

About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org

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Irvine kids try to break reading record

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2009-10-13T09:28:48-07:00

BY SEAN EMERY THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

IRVINE School kids looking to smash the world record for reading the same book on the same day took part in the national Read for the Record campaign on Thursday, breaking out their copies of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”
    Organized by Team Kids and Jumpstart, the Irvine Read for the Record events focused on kindergarten and first-grade students.
    The campaign also corresponded with a book drive, with students and parents asked to donate “gently used” books to benefit those who don’t have books to read at home.
    Among those taking part in the event were Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang and Police Chief David Maggard, who read to kids at Alderwood Elementary, and IUSD Superintendent Gwen Gross, who read to kids at Turtle Rock Elementary School and the Early Childhood Learning Center.

Irvine kids try to break reading record

Irvine Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Gwen Gross reads “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” to kindergarten students at Turtle Rock Elementary School in Irvine Oct. 8 as part of the district’s involvement in the national "Read For the Record" program.

Grant will help Irvine students work with charities

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2009-10-13T09:27:01-07:00

New Horizon’s Team Kids Leadership Team...

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2009-06-16T08:38:04-07:00

Press Release

New Horizon’s Team Kids Leadership Team raised over $1,300 for Make A Wish Foundation!
Irvine, CA – June 12, 2009 – New Horizon students exceed all 4-week goals in the Team Kids Challenge!

Approximately 200 students at Irvine’s New Horizon Elementary celebrated their recent humanitarian successes at a kid-made school-wide carnival on Thursday, June 11. These generous students spent an entire month taking action upon issues of homelessness, literacy, hunger and the environment, exceeding all four goals presented by Team Kids Challenge Program. New Horizon students raised cash and donated goods with a total value of over $5,000 to benefit other children and families in need. Even more importantly, students learned more about the power they have to make a difference!

More than forty students in grades four through six volunteered weekly over their lunch recess to serve on the Team Kids Leadership Team. These students worked with Team Kids staff and partners from Irvine Police Department to plan all the carnival games and host the celebration for their younger students. Students learned about teamwork, discussed their favorite charities, and then voted to determine which charity would serve as the beneficiary of the profits. The Make a Wish Foundation received the most votes, and will receive 100% of the proceeds from the carnival, which totals over $1,300.

Dina Eletreby, Principal of New Horizons, had a challenge of her own. She promised her students that if they exceeded each of the 4 weekly goals, she would be the first participant in a dunk tank at the carnival. “It was a lot of fun watching the kids try to hit the target and a great way to celebrate and wrap up the month of service that Team Kids brought to our school.” The student-led booths included, a magic show, face painting, crazy hair, tug-a-war, and more.
“It was a privilege to implement the Team Kids Challenge alongside the students and staff at New Horizon,” says Founder/CEO Julie Hudash. “New Horizon has a student body about a third the size of our traditional schools, yet the outcomes of their drives and fundraisers were equally successful.”

Last month the students participated in an inspirational assembly, which brought together preschool through 6th grade students with role models — police, firefighters, and mentors from the community — to work as a team focused on four-week challenge goals to strengthen their community. Week one teamed New Horizon students up with Irvine’s Families Forward, filling 3 large barrels of food for the food bank. The second week focused on the importance of literacy, and students brought in 682 of their gently used books, for the Orange County’s Early Literacy Project. The third week focused on Orange County’s homelessness issue. Students filled 3 large vehicles with their gently used toys, clothes and household items to support the homeless and working poor through Irvine’s Illumination Foundation. Week four inspired over 200 students as environmental advocates as they filled 12 large trash bags with plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Proceeds were donated to the International Bird Rescue Research Center, which rescues sea birds injured due to ocean pollution.

Team Kids programs have demonstrated positive impacts on children’s feelings of self-efficacy, leadership capacity, their desire to help others, and perceptions of being important contributors to their schools and the community. What’s the secret to Team Kids’ success? It’s a close collaboration with the Irvine Unified School District, the City of Irvine, Irvine Police Department, Orange County Fire Authority, University of California, Irvine, and a host of other nonprofits and community partners. More than 20,000 children have participated in the Team Kids Challenge since 2001. Collectively, kids have raised over $200,000 for local charities during youth-led efforts.

About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org
####

Team Kids Fosters Passion for Community Service...

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2009-05-16T08:52:11-07:00

Press Release

Team Kids Fosters Passion for Community Service among Irvine Children
Community leaders team up with New Horizon students to mentor and inspire service through
4-week Team Kids Challenge!
Irvine, CA – May 15, 2009 – It’s never too early to start giving back to the community.
This idea is the driving force behind the work of Team Kids, an Irvine-grown non-profit organization that gives children and teenagers opportunities to partner with community leaders on projects that benefit local, national and international causes.
“Our goal is to inspire young people to become responsible citizens with a passion for community service,” says Founder/CEO Julie Hudash. “And while our programs give children a chance to do something for their community, they also teach values and skills that will help kids make good choices in their own lives.”
Team Kids’ signature program, the school-based Team Kids Challenge, was kicked off at Irvine’s New Horizon Elementary, a private, non-profit Islamic school on Friday. This inspirational assembly brought together preschool through 6th grade students with role models — police, firefighters, and mentors from the community — to work as a team focused on four-week challenge goals to strengthen their community. Week one will team New Horizon students up with Irvine’s Families Forward as they bring in the food “they like to eat” to fill two large barrels of food for the hungry. The second week’s goal will focus on the importance of literacy, as students bring in over 500 of their gently used books, serve as “Book Doctors” to clean and restore the books, and then donate them to Orange County’s Early Literacy Project. The book donations will then be donated through clinics and schools to children who don’t have books of their own. The third week focuses on Orange County’s homelessness issue. Students will work to fill an entire passenger van with their gently used toys and clothes to support the homeless and working poor through Santa Ana’s Southwest Community Center. Week four empowers all 200+ students as environmental advocates as they collect plastic bottles and aluminum cans, with proceeds going to the International Bird Rescue Research Center which rescues sea birds injured due to ocean pollution.
At the end of their four-week challenges, the 4-6 graders who volunteer to serve on the Team Kids Leadership Team host a youth-led, school-wide carnival to raise funds for a charity that they themselves -- the students -- have identified. 100% of what students raise goes to the charity of their choice.
More than 20,000 children have participated in the Team Kids Challenge since 2001. Collectively, kids have raised over $200,000 for local charities during youth-led efforts.
Team Kids programs have made positive impacts on children’s feelings of self-efficacy, leadership capacity, their desire to help others, and perceptions of being important contributors to their schools and the community. What’s the secret to Team Kids’ success? It’s a close collaboration with the Irvine Unified School District, the City of Irvine, Irvine Police Department, Orange County Fire Authority, University of California, Irvine, and a host of other community partners.
“This is prevention. If our officers are in the schools, building relationships with kids and honoring them for being leaders in our community, then it’s likely we won’t see these kids in trouble down the line,” said Irvine Police Chief Dave Maggard.
Orange County Fire Authority Captain Stephen McHale adds, “Adults become cynical about change. It’s so inspiring to work with children who truly believe that anything is possible.”

About Team Kids
Team Kids strengthens innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become resilient and responsible citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-wide programs. While serving, students develop the values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others. For more information, visit the Team Kids Web site: www.teamkids.org
####

Press Release Contact: Linda Ames 949-300-2545 linda.ames@cox.net

Press Release Contact: Linda Ames 949-300-2545 linda.ames@cox.net

Team Kids Honors Community, Philanthropist & Kids

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2009-05-16T08:50:53-07:00

Orange County Philanthropist Challenges Others...

faux2grapher@teamkids.org — 2009-05-16T08:50:28-07:00