Recently, we expressed our gratitude for an amazing year by pledging to donate $1,000 to 10 charities that were important to our TWIST community. We asked you to nominate the non-profits that were near and dear to your heart. And the responses came pouring in: BrandTwist clients, Brand School Alumni, and our strategic partners introduced us to some wonderful organizations that are doing great work. Ultimately, we chose ten worthy organizations, detailed below, who are finding new TWISTS to tackle important social issues. From galavanting goats to hard-working humans- these organizations are making a difference, and applying creative solutions – that we can all learn from whether you are involved in a non profit or for profit enterprise. We are proud to do our part in supporting them and we encourage you to learn more and see how you might be able to help as well.
Goats of Anarchy is a unique animal sanctuary that provides rescued goats with medical care such as surgery and prosthetic legs and allows them to live out happy lives. The goats have become superstars attracting volunteers to the farm as well as significant social media followings chronicling all of their adorable antics. We love so many of the TWISTS here, not least of all the wonderful organization name – so memorable and fun. It makes you want to learn more and become involved.
At The Brink Dance Projects provides dance performances and experiences that help audiences to grow, learn and find hope and guidance to take their next step. It works with communities traumatized by tragedy and violence to heal through the power of dance. We had the pleasure of working directly with Founder Erin Pryor in our Brand School a few years back. We love how Erin TWISTS her passion for dance and her personal experience as the daughter of a 9/11 first responder to create the Brand Promise “moving together through healing.”
Doors to Dream in an organization based in Charleston South Carolina that brings joy to vulnerable children, often those undergoing treatment for cancer, by uniting the community and the family to build a customized clubhouse and a celebration of childhood just for them. We saw first hand the power of this organization in December, at a conference where I was the Keynote speaker at the 2018 Learning Summit of SITE (Society of Incentive Travel Executives) Southeast chapter. Rather than just talking about giving back to the local community, the busy executives at SITE added a TWIST to their packed agenda and spent an entire afternoon out with Doors to Dream building clubhouses for these well-deserving families.
Greyston Bakery makes amazing brownies, but more importantly they do it with a TWIST. All of the yummy brownies are baked by individuals that benefit from their Open Hiring program. Open Hiring, means hiring without interviews, resumes, background checks or applications. Beyond the critical first step of providing an opportunity to work, the Open Hiring Model includes community services programs to support new employees and their neighbors. We had the pleasure of working with Greyston in Brand School helping them sweeten their messaging.
Girls Inc serves girls ages 6-18 with research-based programming delivered by trained professionals who focus on the development of the whole girl, supporting, mentoring, and guiding girls in an affirming, pro-girl environment. We love their TWIST on girls empowerment. We love their bright bold red colors and their Girls Inc. Bill of Rights which including #2 on the bill “girls have the right to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm.” Thank you to BrandTwist client, and former Girls Inc. Board Member, Joan Bluestone Landorf for introducing us to this amazing organization.
Virgin Unite was founded by Richard Branson to unite people and entrepreneurial ideas to create opportunities for a better world. Their TWIST is using the power of business as a force for good. During my tenure as the VP Brand for Virgin in North America I had the pleasure of working with this group and witnessing first hand their impact. I recently reunited with old colleagues for a “100% Human at Work” discussion. This latest Virgin Unite initiative is encouraging companies around the world to move beyond a sole focus on employee profitability to how we can help people achieve their highest potential and purpose – which will naturally positively impact the bottom line.
Help Us Adopt issue grants to help families with the significant financial costs of adoption. It awards $400,000 annually to help couples and individuals with outstanding adoption expenses. The unique TWIST of this organization is that they look at a very specific and significant pain point in the adoption process. It was nominated by Brand School Alum Janice Spector.
The Alzheimer’s Association is on a mission to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. This is a terrible disease that has directly impacted my own family and was nominated by Westchester chapter board member Jamie O’Connell.
Save the Children is doing important work in the US and around the world to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. It believes that every child deserves a future. Every last child. It’s messages are effectively communicated through the TWIST of focusing on specific hot zones that need immediate attention, like Yemen. This important organization was brought to our attention through BrandTwist media collaborator FaboverFifty and Founder Geri Brin.
The DOE Fund breaks the devastating cycles of incarceration, homelessness, poverty, and recidivism by transitioning men back to mainstream society by providing work through it’s “Ready. Willing. And Able” program among others. We love the TWIST of the iconic bright blue uniforms, providing instant brand recognition. The DOE Fund and its important work was nominated by Brand School Alum Nola Kende Long.
We couldn’t stop at 10 donations
. Our BrandTwist Chief Barking Officer (CBO) Teddy vigorously campaigned (and barked) to include the SPCA of Westchester a no-kill shelter dedicated to saving homeless, abused and abandoned animals. It has a special place in our hearts, as this is where we were rescued by our wonder Beagle.
