Hannah and Joseph Salwen, ages 15 and 13, convinced their parents to sell their Atlanta mansion and donate half the money to help the poor in Ghana.
Centers will be set up in Ghana villages that contain food banks and libraries for the benefit of the townspeople, who survive on less than a dollar a day.
When Hannah Salwen saw a homeless man near her home in Atlanta, GA, she realized that she and her family of four possessed far more riches than they needed. She and her brother Joseph asked their parents to sell their house (which contained seven bedrooms and an elevator) and downsize to a more modest home so that they could help the poor.
“We really like the concept of ‘half’ I mean, if you took half the things in your room and gave it to Goodwill…probably half the stuff in your room you don’t even use,” Hannah suggests.
The Salwen’s house has not sold yet, but when it does, they will go according to plan and give half of the money they get to Ghana villagers.
Other Links:
http://ypwr.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/05/hannah-and-joseph-salwen/
http://beacham.com/propertyfinder/propertyDetails.php?Type=RES&prop_type=&id=3738609
http://www.hannahslunchbox.com/HL_Site/Welcome.html
Monday, December 8, 2008
Hives for Lives
Molly and Carly Houlahan run their own organization called Hives for Lives, through which they sell home-produced honey and donate the money toward cancer organizations.
The sisters started Hives for Lives several years ago when their grandfather died suddenly of esophageal cancer. Molly and Carly decided to use their hobby, beekeeping, for a worthy purpose. They have been operating Hives for Lives for five years and have raised $150,000 for cancer research and treatment.
One in every two men and one in every three women are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. “That number is far too great, and so we wanted to do something about it.”
The sisters plan to continue their beekeeping to keep the Hives for Lives organization alive. They encourage other kids to raise and sell bees for Hives for Lives. However, Molly and Carly want young people find many ways in which they can apply their hobbies to do good works.
“Find your passion and apply it…to create change and do good in the world.”
Other Links:
http://hivesforlives.com/
http://www.peerdreams.com/p2d
Shop at Avon and support the fundraiser for breast cancer:
http://www.avon.com/1/3/indexd206.html
The sisters started Hives for Lives several years ago when their grandfather died suddenly of esophageal cancer. Molly and Carly decided to use their hobby, beekeeping, for a worthy purpose. They have been operating Hives for Lives for five years and have raised $150,000 for cancer research and treatment.
One in every two men and one in every three women are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. “That number is far too great, and so we wanted to do something about it.”
The sisters plan to continue their beekeeping to keep the Hives for Lives organization alive. They encourage other kids to raise and sell bees for Hives for Lives. However, Molly and Carly want young people find many ways in which they can apply their hobbies to do good works.
“Find your passion and apply it…to create change and do good in the world.”
Other Links:
http://hivesforlives.com/
http://www.peerdreams.com/p2d
Shop at Avon and support the fundraiser for breast cancer:
http://www.avon.com/1/3/indexd206.html
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Jonas Brothers
Musicians Kevin, Nick, and Joe Jonas (collectively known as the Jonas Brothers) joined Jay Leno on The Tonight Show this past Monday to promote their new book, Burning Up: On Tour With the Jonas Brothers.
Originally from Wyckoff, New Jersey, the Jonas Brothers band debuted in 2006. Nick Jonas, now 15, began performing at an early age on Broadway. It was he who started the band as a solo project, to be joined later by his two older brothers.
The Jonas Brothers are Christians. Their lyrics, topics, and attitudes are positive and encouraging onstage and off. Unashamed to represent Christian values like abstinence and refraining from drug abuse and alcohol, the Jonas Brothers influence thousands of young fans to live upright and moral lifestyles.
Joe Jonas stated that he and his brothers made “a promise to ourselves and God that we’ll stay pure till marriage.” His younger brother Nick said that the purity rings all three brothers wear are “just one of our ways of…being different than everybody else out there.”
Coming up for the Jonas Brothers are several film debuts, including a sequel to their 2008 hit, Camp Rock, their Disney Channel Original Series, J.O.N.A.S., and a new family film based on the book Walter the Farting Dog. The brothers also hope to make a record with Chris Brown in the future.
Watch the Jonas Brothers’ interview on The Night Show:
http://neonlimelight.com/2008/11/25/jonas-brothers-perform-on-the-tonight-show-with-jay-leno/
Visit the Jonas Brothers Official Website:
http://www.jonasbrothers.com/
Read about popular Christian singer/actress Miley Cyrus, a close friend of the Jonas Brothers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miley_Cyrus
Originally from Wyckoff, New Jersey, the Jonas Brothers band debuted in 2006. Nick Jonas, now 15, began performing at an early age on Broadway. It was he who started the band as a solo project, to be joined later by his two older brothers.
The Jonas Brothers are Christians. Their lyrics, topics, and attitudes are positive and encouraging onstage and off. Unashamed to represent Christian values like abstinence and refraining from drug abuse and alcohol, the Jonas Brothers influence thousands of young fans to live upright and moral lifestyles.
Joe Jonas stated that he and his brothers made “a promise to ourselves and God that we’ll stay pure till marriage.” His younger brother Nick said that the purity rings all three brothers wear are “just one of our ways of…being different than everybody else out there.”
Coming up for the Jonas Brothers are several film debuts, including a sequel to their 2008 hit, Camp Rock, their Disney Channel Original Series, J.O.N.A.S., and a new family film based on the book Walter the Farting Dog. The brothers also hope to make a record with Chris Brown in the future.
Watch the Jonas Brothers’ interview on The Night Show:
http://neonlimelight.com/2008/11/25/jonas-brothers-perform-on-the-tonight-show-with-jay-leno/
Visit the Jonas Brothers Official Website:
http://www.jonasbrothers.com/
Read about popular Christian singer/actress Miley Cyrus, a close friend of the Jonas Brothers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miley_Cyrus
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sailor in the Spotlight
Zac Sunderland is attempting to sail around the world by yacht, all alone. His goal is to beat David Dicks’ record of being the youngest person to sail non-stop and solo around the world.
If Zac’s trip is successful, he will be the youngest American sailor since 1965 to attempt a solo global circumnavigation.
Zac was born to a family of “yachtsmen and shipwrights.” His first home was a 55’ Tradewind in Marina Del Rey, California, and his childhood was filled with sailing trips to New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and Mexico. When Zac presented his dream to circumnavigate the globe to his parents, they were supportive and helped him find an affordable yacht.
When asked how they could allow their son to undertake such a trip, Mr. and Mrs. Sunderland described all the top-notch equipment Zac has and how communication is quick, easy, and very often. “Zac has had so much experience already at sea and is the type of person who needs a challenge,” they say. “He is smart, strong, [and] level-headed…we are proud as can be that he has set this goal and achieved so much. If he chose to stop tomorrow, we would welcome him home with open arms.”
Zac departed from Marina Del Rey on June 14, 2008. He made his first stop in Hawaii on July 11 before continuing West around the globe. He will turn 17 on November 29.
Check out Zac’s blog:
http://www.zacsunderland.com/blog/index.html
This is a link to Zac’s official website:
http://www.zacsunderland.com/index.html
Read an article about Zac in the Los Angeles Times:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2008/06/zac-sunderland.html
If Zac’s trip is successful, he will be the youngest American sailor since 1965 to attempt a solo global circumnavigation.
Zac was born to a family of “yachtsmen and shipwrights.” His first home was a 55’ Tradewind in Marina Del Rey, California, and his childhood was filled with sailing trips to New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and Mexico. When Zac presented his dream to circumnavigate the globe to his parents, they were supportive and helped him find an affordable yacht.
When asked how they could allow their son to undertake such a trip, Mr. and Mrs. Sunderland described all the top-notch equipment Zac has and how communication is quick, easy, and very often. “Zac has had so much experience already at sea and is the type of person who needs a challenge,” they say. “He is smart, strong, [and] level-headed…we are proud as can be that he has set this goal and achieved so much. If he chose to stop tomorrow, we would welcome him home with open arms.”
Zac departed from Marina Del Rey on June 14, 2008. He made his first stop in Hawaii on July 11 before continuing West around the globe. He will turn 17 on November 29.
Check out Zac’s blog:
http://www.zacsunderland.com/blog/index.html
This is a link to Zac’s official website:
http://www.zacsunderland.com/index.html
Read an article about Zac in the Los Angeles Times:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2008/06/zac-sunderland.html
Camera Man
Michael Rothermel, a 16-year-old homeschooled student, recently turned his photography aspirations into reality. With the support of his mother and help from many friends, Michael strives to kick off his career by doing “the harder things,” pay attention to important details, skillfully market his art, and wisely manage his business.
Michael’s primary focus and passion are promotional photos for musicians, speakers, writers, etc. because of the creative freedom this genre grants him. However, he also enjoys any other types of portraiture and event photography.
In 2004, Michael obtained his first camera and took well over 40,000 photos, learning from trial and error and studying the work of other photographers. He continued to cultivate his skills, buying a “beautiful” Canon DSLR in 2006, and finally got his first paying shoots in May 2007.
Homeschooling, Michael says, has been an advantage. “It gave me more free time to work on improving my skills, building up my business, and now scheduling photo shoots.” Michael’s schedule, unlike a public school student’s, can be re-arranged in order to make room for photography. “I wasn’t simply doing it to meet requirements for a class, but because I had a passion for it.”
Now in the process of “getting [his] name out there” and earning enough money to make a profit, Michael works hard to be manager, marketer, accountant, I.T., sales representative, AND photographer of the business all at once. However, his love and ability to take unique photos makes it all worth the effort.
What’s the philosophy behind this young man’s determination? “I think everyone has many abilities they’ve never even thought they had. They haven’t discovered them because they’re stuck in their comfort zone and don’t strive for something more. You are meant for more,” Michael concludes. “Don’t settle for mediocre. Pursue your dreams. Fly.”
This is a link to Michael's website:
http://www.rothermelphotography.com/index.html
Check out the work of other teen photographers:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/christianteens/
Want to see your own photography published? See:
http://www.teenink.com/Contests/CoverPhotoC.php
Michael’s primary focus and passion are promotional photos for musicians, speakers, writers, etc. because of the creative freedom this genre grants him. However, he also enjoys any other types of portraiture and event photography.
In 2004, Michael obtained his first camera and took well over 40,000 photos, learning from trial and error and studying the work of other photographers. He continued to cultivate his skills, buying a “beautiful” Canon DSLR in 2006, and finally got his first paying shoots in May 2007.
Homeschooling, Michael says, has been an advantage. “It gave me more free time to work on improving my skills, building up my business, and now scheduling photo shoots.” Michael’s schedule, unlike a public school student’s, can be re-arranged in order to make room for photography. “I wasn’t simply doing it to meet requirements for a class, but because I had a passion for it.”
Now in the process of “getting [his] name out there” and earning enough money to make a profit, Michael works hard to be manager, marketer, accountant, I.T., sales representative, AND photographer of the business all at once. However, his love and ability to take unique photos makes it all worth the effort.
What’s the philosophy behind this young man’s determination? “I think everyone has many abilities they’ve never even thought they had. They haven’t discovered them because they’re stuck in their comfort zone and don’t strive for something more. You are meant for more,” Michael concludes. “Don’t settle for mediocre. Pursue your dreams. Fly.”
This is a link to Michael's website:
http://www.rothermelphotography.com/index.html
Check out the work of other teen photographers:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/christianteens/
Want to see your own photography published? See:
http://www.teenink.com/Contests/CoverPhotoC.php
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Chandler Borland's Story
Although fourteen-year-old Chandler Borland has Cerebral Palsy, he is optimistic, witty, and a favorite among students at his high school. As of 2004, Chandler plays the role of “ambassador” for the Easter Seals Society, an organization that has helped disabled children live almost as independently as their “able-bodied peers.”
Despite the doctors’ suggestions that Chandler’s mother abort him because of the health problems he would have, Mrs. Borland-Comartin gave birth to Chandler—12 weeks early. After spending months in an incubator, Chandler was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. His mother watched and worried as he rapidly lost weight, and at age one, stopped eating altogether. But just in time, Chandler’s life was saved by a computerized feeding system from the Easter Seals Society. His weight is still an issue (just 70 lbs on a good day), but Chandler’s cheerful outlook on life is not hindered by health problems.
“I have CP but it’s a lot less severe than other kids,” he remarks, “It’s important for people to know never to give up, no matter how bad it gets…I just want to tell the world to give back.”
Chandler believes he was born with Cerebral Palsy for a reason. For now, he is happy to make life more cheerful for others and to promote the work of the Easter Seals Society, in the hope that more disable children may benefit from its efforts the way he has.
Other Links:
Read full article and watch a video about Chandler Borland:
http://www.mykawartha.com/news/article/27989
This is a link to the website of a professional teen photographer:
http://www.rothermelphotography.com/index.html
This is a link to the website of Matt Grajcar, who found his purposes in his teen years:
http://mattgrajcar.com/home.htm
Despite the doctors’ suggestions that Chandler’s mother abort him because of the health problems he would have, Mrs. Borland-Comartin gave birth to Chandler—12 weeks early. After spending months in an incubator, Chandler was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. His mother watched and worried as he rapidly lost weight, and at age one, stopped eating altogether. But just in time, Chandler’s life was saved by a computerized feeding system from the Easter Seals Society. His weight is still an issue (just 70 lbs on a good day), but Chandler’s cheerful outlook on life is not hindered by health problems.
“I have CP but it’s a lot less severe than other kids,” he remarks, “It’s important for people to know never to give up, no matter how bad it gets…I just want to tell the world to give back.”
Chandler believes he was born with Cerebral Palsy for a reason. For now, he is happy to make life more cheerful for others and to promote the work of the Easter Seals Society, in the hope that more disable children may benefit from its efforts the way he has.
Other Links:
Read full article and watch a video about Chandler Borland:
http://www.mykawartha.com/news/article/27989
This is a link to the website of a professional teen photographer:
http://www.rothermelphotography.com/index.html
This is a link to the website of Matt Grajcar, who found his purposes in his teen years:
http://mattgrajcar.com/home.htm
Zach Hunter: The Abolitionist of Today
Ever met an abolitionist? 16-year-old Zach Hunter of Atlanta, GA, is a modern-day campaigner against slavery. His organization, Loose Change to Loosen Chains, collects loose pocket change to fund the efforts of national and international law enforcement to remove slaves from their bondage.
About four years ago, Zach took action on his strong desire to free modern-day slaves. He was just twelve when he heard that there are 27 million slaves in the world today. He started the powerful campaign LC2LC and collected over $10,000 of American pocket change to further the abolitionist cause world-wide.
“Slavery can be anything from making bricks…to working in an agricultural plantation to working in a restaurant or brothel,” Zach says. He holds up authentic iron shackles while speaking at high schools or conferences, demonstrating the kind of bondage slaves endure as they work. “They probably would have been used on a 5-year-old boy while he was sitting…all day long, rolling cigarettes.”
Steve Carter, a youth pastor who arranged for Zach to speak to his youth group, commented, “He’s just This is who I am and this is what I have to offer,” and that “He says deeply compelling things.”
Zach continues to fight for freedom. He urges his peers to find the purpose, or passion, that God has given them, and to go after it. “…our passion is freeing slaves. If that’s not your passion, there’s gotta be something else. God intends for you to use whatever you’re good at for the good of the world.”
Other Links:
Read an article about Zach Hunter from Breakaway magazine:
http://www.youthspecialties.com/files/freeresources/breakaway_march.pdf
This is a link to Zach's blog on Breakaway Mag's website:
http://www.breakawaymag.com/alltherest/a000000686.cfm
Discover more about modern-day slavery and human trafficking:
http://www.gvnet.com/humantrafficking/
About four years ago, Zach took action on his strong desire to free modern-day slaves. He was just twelve when he heard that there are 27 million slaves in the world today. He started the powerful campaign LC2LC and collected over $10,000 of American pocket change to further the abolitionist cause world-wide.
“Slavery can be anything from making bricks…to working in an agricultural plantation to working in a restaurant or brothel,” Zach says. He holds up authentic iron shackles while speaking at high schools or conferences, demonstrating the kind of bondage slaves endure as they work. “They probably would have been used on a 5-year-old boy while he was sitting…all day long, rolling cigarettes.”
Steve Carter, a youth pastor who arranged for Zach to speak to his youth group, commented, “He’s just This is who I am and this is what I have to offer,” and that “He says deeply compelling things.”
Zach continues to fight for freedom. He urges his peers to find the purpose, or passion, that God has given them, and to go after it. “…our passion is freeing slaves. If that’s not your passion, there’s gotta be something else. God intends for you to use whatever you’re good at for the good of the world.”
Other Links:
Read an article about Zach Hunter from Breakaway magazine:
http://www.youthspecialties.com/files/freeresources/breakaway_march.pdf
This is a link to Zach's blog on Breakaway Mag's website:
http://www.breakawaymag.com/alltherest/a000000686.cfm
Discover more about modern-day slavery and human trafficking:
http://www.gvnet.com/humantrafficking/
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