Honoring 9/11: A Time to Remember and Give Back

September 11, 2013 | suzie

9/11. A date that will forever be etched in our memory. At schools across the United States, children are being taught about Patriot Day. 9/11 is now also known as the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

For those of us who wish to participate in our nation’s recovery and renewal by serving in our neighborhoods and cities, there are so many different ways to “get involved” and make a difference.

Orca Communications is a unique public relations firm, as we represent not only great products, but also amazing non-profit organizations run by volunteers and staff who choose to make every day a “Day of Service”:

JB Dondolo, Inc (www.jbdondolo.org) is a non-profit organization with the mission to provide charitable services worldwide to impoverished communities. The focus is on those markets that cannot afford the simple, basic necessities, including the building of the Igusi Hospital in Africa. The foundation was created by the children of an orphan, farmer and humanitarian advocate, whose values and principles on giving continue to inspire his children, friends, and families across the world. JB Dondolo played a critical role in the fight against poverty during his time. Dondolo’s children saw the need to form a foundation in honor of their father so his legacy of good deeds continues.

Orca Communications is once again pleased to spread the word about The Lynn Sage Foundation (www.lynnsagefoundation.org), a Chicago-based organization committed to finding a cure for breast cancer, and its annual “In Good Taste” fundraiser. During October, more than 150 Chicagoland restaurants and spas will help raise money for breast cancer research at Northwestern University. The Lynn Sage Foundation was founded by sisters Laura and Halee Sage after losing their mother, Lynn, to breast cancer. Next month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we are doing our part to let Chicagoans know that all October long you can wine and dine and also contribute to an excellent cause. We want to help these inspired women find a cure.

In developing countries, 1 in every 100 babies born will have a congenital heart defect. Most of those children will not live to be 8 years old. The HeartGift Foundation (www.heartgift.org), based in Austin, Texas, was created to provide lifesaving heart surgery to disadvantaged children living in developing countries where specialized medical treatment is scarce or nonexistent. All participating physicians and medical practices contribute 100 percent of their services, resulting in more than $6.2 million worth of in-kind medical services in 2012 alone. Orca Communications is proud to spread the word about this organization that is responsible for saving lives.

As you can imagine, here at Orca Communications, we ‘walk the walk’ AND ‘talk the talk’. With an amazing and inspiring client roster, it’s easy to understand why our team of PR experts give back year-round within our communities. Some of us volunteer at the schools where our children are taught. Some of us jog, bike or run to raise money for charities that are dear to our hearts. Some support the U.S troops at home and overseas. We all recognize that when we take the time and effort to give to those who are in need, we end up receiving more than we ever anticipated.