WW: SOFT Picnic {Linky}

In July I went to a picnic in support of SOFT, which is a nonprofit organization. They push research for children born with Trisomy 13 and 18. My nephew Emerson has Trisomy 18.

First off I designed their logo. Oh my goodness it was a designer's nightmare. They wanted blue, yellow, and red to be a part of the logo. Many logos are just 1 or 2 colors. They wanted a rainbow and balloons in the logo as well.

After that my sister wanted me to design t-shirts for the event. It was to be in Omaha, so she wanted the SOFT logo to be a part of it, but it to also say Omaha. I worked with the "O" in SOFT, incorporated the Omaha skyline, and a few animals because we have the best zoo in the world right here along with a kid in a wheelchair. I think with all the stuff they kept adding it turned out pretty good.

I just wish I would have gotten photos of some people wearing the shirts. 

Instead here's my nephew Edison who got his arm painted. My sister was so busy with the conference, I did odd things like wait in the face painting line with Edison, help serve cake, and did a lot of cleaning up in the end. 

My Mom had a 2 month old baby before me that passed away from Trisomy 18. My sister and Mom are rare carriers of Trisomy 18. They handed ornaments out to those that lost a child. 

Here's my nephew Emerson that couldn't stay for the fun. He had/has hand, foot and mouth disease. He was in long enough for my brother-in-law to eat, and left.

A few older ones with Trisomy 18. I love with all her problems, she was persistent in pushing the wheel chair around. *Note you can see one of my t-shirts back there.

Part of their ceremony, balloons are let go when their son or daughter's name is called off. I only knew 2 names, but felt like crying with every name.

My nephews:

 My sister Terra:

Balloons that represent people that have passed away.

If you want to read more about Trisomy 18, please read here: https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/health/their-kids-rare-condition-was-long-seen-as-fatal-but/article_418762d4-4528-560b-8528-cfeeca7fd47d.html.

Gift Card Karma “Impacting Lives One Gift Card at a Time”

I'm super excited to share with you a nonprofit I discovered this year.

The nonprofit is called Gift Card Karma. 

The founder of Gift Card Karma believes that what you give, you get.  She also believes that great things are done when small things are brought together. 

What is Gift Card Karma? 

Gift Karma is a nonprofit organization that helps other local nonprofits. They collect unwanted gift cards, and donate them to organizations in need.

Did you know that the average U.S. household has over $300 in unused gift cards sitting in purses, wallets and desk drawers?  

Gift Card Karma’s mission is to connect unused or partially redeemed gift cards with small, local charities that use them to directly impact lives throughout our community.

• A homeless shelter for pregnant women used gift cards from Babies R Us to purchase diapers and formula. 

• A pet shelter for senior dogs used PetSmart gift cards to purchase dog food and shampoo.

• Starbucks or Scooters gift cards have been used for a local safe house for homeless teens bought coffee for their kitchen. They've also been used for a horse riding academy for physically challenged children and vets used them to buy bulk coffee to serve to the 150 volunteers that work at their facility each week.

Below is a picture of my nephew Emerson at the same horse riding academy that Gift Card Karma helped supply gift cards to.

Gift Card Karma’s experience dealing with local charities ensures your contribution always supports a good cause. 

Got gift cards cluttering your purse, wallet, desk, and sock drawer?  

They are a valuable resource for those in need.  It’s easy to donate!

There is an option to upload a photo of your gift card. Please donate today at giftcardkarma.org/donate. 

Visit Gift Card Karma on their website, their facebook page, and on their twitter page.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in anyway to write this post. I truly believe that Gift Card Karma is a great way to give back to our community.