Props to the Walt Disney World company for making a huge $10 million contribution to the Florida Children’s Hospital! Because of the large donation, an official name change is in store for hte hospital, and it will be adopting the Disney name in some form. (The name has not been announced yet.) Considering that it’s corporate identity has always revolved around children, this is the perfect recipient of Disney’s cash. It seems fitting that they give back to the community and state who has supported their company for so long, and that children end up being the real winners in this deal.

I’ll be walking 60 miles through Tampa in October as part of the Breast Cancer 3-Day, but I’m also committed to a shorter walk 2 weeks before the 3-Day, for another important cause. The memory walk is a 2-3 mile walk to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. Since this group was put together in 1980, they’ve put $185 million towards Alzheimer’s research. Local chapters of the group provide help to families who have a loved one suffering from this disease. Support groups, education, safety services - all of those things are funded through your donations. My grandfather had Alzheimer’s and the support services my grandmother had access to through groups like this were a god send for her. Knowing she could send my grandfather off to a senior day care for a few hours where he would be supervised and cared for made a huge difference in HER quality of life. It’s so important that we work to find a cure for this disease, but that we not forget that the caregivers and families suffer just as much as the Alzheimer’s patient in this process.

Should you wish to donate to the Memory Walk, I am accepting donations - every bit helps. My goal is to raise $500 for the walk. Please leave me a comment on this entry and I’ll get back to you with donation instructions.

This post was graciously sponsored by Navtej Kohli:
http://navtej-kohli.livejournal.com
http://www.bumpzee.com/users/view/Navtej_Kohli/
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/11/prweb471351.htm

If you’re a Miami resident, or plan to be in the area from July 11th through the 15th, be sure to check out Zo’s Summer Gove! ZSG is an annual event put on, and sponsored by Alonzo Mourning Charities. AMC raises money to provide support for children and families in at-risk situations. The event is the largest put on by AMC, and kids of all ages can participate in the events, which include basketball clinics and a youth summit.

The general public can join in to raise funds as well, by participating in the following events:

Thursday, July 12, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
City Furniture ZSG Golf Classic - Participants will tee-off and enjoy one of the most popular courses in South Florida alongside Alonzo and a host of friends from the world of sports and entertainment at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa.

Friday, July 13, 8 p.m.
Heineken ZSG Comedy Show/Concert at Hard Rock Live - Alonzo will host comedians Mike Epps, Gary Owen, Marvin Dixon and Benji Brown at one of the most anticipated events of the ZSG line-up. Tickets are available at http://www.zsg.com.

Saturday, July 14, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Publix ZSG Benefit Dinner – Held at the Intercontinental Hotel Miami, guests, including local celebrities, sports stars and some of the hottest entertainers around, will enjoy a cocktail reception, musical entertainment, a silent and live auction featuring exotic trips, one-of-a kind sports memorabilia, and celebrity experiences.

Sunday, July 15, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Volkswagen ZSG Block Party – Located at American Airlines Arena, this free, fun-driven community event features music, delicious food, lots of giveaways, fun rides, and entertainment from local and national performers outside American Airlines Arena, just before the ZSG All-Star Basketball Game. Kids can meet and greet Nick Jr.’s Go, Diego Go! and his animal friends, and get up close and personal with creatures from the tropical rainforest.

July 15, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Carnival Cruise Lines ZSG All-Star Basketball Game – Immediately following the Block Party at American Airlines Arena, some of the league’s best and most exciting basketball stars will play some great ball during a fun and high flying game featuring giveaways, contests and entertaining performances. Tickets are available at http://www.zsg.com.

Our schools do a good job of educating kids about the dangers of drugs. I absolutely love the D.A.R.E. program and what they’ve done to help kids all over the US. But as we all know, kids grow up, and the forget what they’ve learned. They give into peer pressure, and they experiment. What’s a parent to do when your child is in need of help? One thing you can do is to call this drug rehab hotline - it’s toll free, and you can get free advice on finding a drug rehab program in your area for your child, your loved one, or a friend. You’ll find a shoulder to cry on, someone to talk to, and solid advice on what your next step should be. Even though this isn’t a service based on Florida, you can find rehab centers right in your own area.

I grew up in a house with dogs. I can’t ever remember a time when we didn’t have a dog as a pet. From Porky the basset house/German shepherd mix, to Brandy the Brittany Spaniel, to Penny the dachshund…I am a dog lover.

When my husband and I got married, I already had a little dachshund named Penny. After she left us, we decided a family dog was in order, and decided to get our lab, Bailey. She’s been a wonderful family pet, but a few years ago, I got the dachshund itch again. Those of you who have a doxie will know that once you get one…you’ll always love them. I didn’t want a puppy, so after looking around, my husband and I decided that a rescue dog would be the best fit for our family. Thanks to FLDR.org, also known as Florida Daschshund Rescue, Lola entered our lives in 2004.

I can’t say enough good things about the people at FLDR. Lola (she was then known by the name Wonder) was being fostered in the panhandle and I was able to talk with her “foster mom” at length about her needs and how she’d fit into our family of 3 kids and a big dog. FLDR also sent someone to our house to make sure we knew the special requirements of the breed and taking in a rescue dog. They transported Lola to Orlando, where she was spayed, received a dental, and had shots, and we picked her up. The fee for all of this? Only $250. It’s really an amazing organization, and if you’re considering adding a dog to your life, check out Florida Daschshund Rescue - you won’t be sorry!