"I think it's important for mentors not only to be advocates for their mentees but also to advocate for the Seedling Foundation itself whenever possible. For instance, I may never have learned about the program if not for reading another mentor's testimonial in the newspaper. Others may not have become Seedling mentors if not for hearing and reading my testimonials. Whatever the opportunity is -- whether it's talking about Seedling to your Toastmasters group, telling a friend over coffee or writing a letter to the editor -- I think it's important that we, as mentors, share our stories and experiences to help grow the organization."
David Halpern is a lawyer, an outspoken advocate for several causes and a proud mentor and Board Member for Seedling Foundation.
"Seedling is one of several local organizations that we choose to support through time and some of our earnings. I'm proud to contribute and only wish we could do more. There are so many good causes and so many good people in need. For me, it's about the kids. I think it always will be."
In real life, who do you turn to? 9 million kids in America are growing up without an answer to this question. They make everyday choices that lead up to life's big decisions without enough guidance and support - the kind most of us count on. Every kid should have someone to turn to. Join the movement, Mentor in Real Life! Young people who are in a quality mentoring relationship are more likely to do better in school and have aspirations to go to college. They're more equipped to make responsible decisions and model good behavior too. January is National Mentoring Month, so make the decision to be someone a young person knows they can turn to.
Austin's Fab Five, a Gala Event benefiting Seedling Foundation, is coming up April 16th! Meet our Emcee and Auctioneer, Yve Rojas (You may remember her from Survivor!) Check out the event at
bit.ly/1HQAHK8 and we can't wait to see you there.
Seedling Mentor Director Sabra Fugate models the new Everyday Hero T-Shirts!
Everyday Hero Giving Club
Seedling is proud to recognize its Everyday Hero Giving Club designated for all mentors who also support Seedling Foundation with a donation of any amount. Our Everyday Hero Giving Club members receive a free Everyday Hero T-shirt. Here are the Everyday Hero Giving Club members since August 1, 2015:
Jessica Ballew Sally Baulch Aaron Caldwell Leslie Callahan Maria "Eyna" Canales-Zarate Rob Caudill Rolando Fernandez Valerie Francois David Halpern Patricia Hickey Marvin Itzep Bob Ledman Shira Ledman Corrie MacLaggan Jerry Maxwell Mike Metschan Christine Moore Leroy Nellis Jennifer Oseng KalĂ Rourke