For All Supporters of Fanatical Change...

Tonight there will be a Board of Directors Meeting from 6p-8p at Panera Bread Company, located at Post Oak Blvd and San Felipe. Anyone that is interested in The Fanatical Change Foundation cause or knows someone that is, should really try to make it to the meeting tonight! Everyone is invited! There is a fantastic team doing phenomenal things behind the scenes of this foundation. Stay tuned for upcoming meetings; the dates and times will be posted.
Feel free to contact me at 724 977 8705 with any questions.
Hope to see you all there!
Thank you!
Sara Cousins
Interim Executive Director, Fanatical Change Foundation

You Can Make a Difference!

The Fanatical Change Foundation is providing many people the rare and unique opportunity to help other people with a completely devastating life event. What is rare and unique about this is that the devastating life event hasn't even occurred yet! On the week of August 9, we will search all local media outlets for local families who have just suffered a life-altering tragedy. On Thursday, August 13, we will host the 24 Hours of Fanatical Change event from 6p-9p at Mosaic. From 9p when the event ends to 9p Friday, August 14 we will hand-deliver the proceeds to as many families as we can possibly help.
Imagine the impact! One moment these families are in a severe state of desperation and devastation, and the next moment, their miserable states are completely transformed! They are no longer entirely alone and helpless in their tragedy. They now have an entire Fanatical Change community caring for them and meeting needs that otherwise were impossible to meet.
You can make a difference in a phenomenal and fanatical way! It's just this simple: make a donation, request that your company make a donation, get your friends together to make a group donation, or come to the event on August 13! Don't pass up this opportunity to make a fanatical change in the lives of people just like you and me. It's just too good to miss!

Exciting News for our 24 Hours of Fanatical Change event!

It's official!  The Fanatical Change Foundation's next event, 24 Hours of Fanatical Change, will be held at Mosaic!  You can view photos of the exquisite venue by going to:  http://www.mosaic-houston.com/photo-gallery.htm

This promises to be a fun, unique and very memorable event, with some quite interesting entertainment.  Stay tuned for further developments! 

Keep the Change Event Donors

Here's to the generous donors from our first Keep the Change event! Many thanks to all of you! The impact created by your support is undeniable. Let's say we keep it going with our next 24 Hours of Fanatical Change event! Who's in?


Monetary Donors:
The Realty Investment Club of Houston
Ameriprise Financial
Cbeyond
Fidelity National Title
The Laird Law Firm
SSG Financial Group, LP
K & K Plumbing



Silent Auction Donors:

Alan Cable Workshop

Benjy's

Brianna Greenspan

Brilliant Lecture Series

Christine Meeker Studios

Crescent Moon Wine Bar

Frenchy's

Gauguin Design

Griffin Law Firm, PLLC Holly Hoyt Photography Houston International Festival Landauer Art Studio Niko Niko's Office Effects RA Sushi Silver Smith Boutique Spa Nordstrom Tangelo The Art Institute of Houston The Houstonian Hotel Westin Hotels Zeus Mortgage

Fashion Forward for Fanatical Change Recap

On April 30, Fast Forward, the Intown Chamber Young Professionals, held Fashion Forward, an event which benefitted The Fanatical Change Foundation.  Attendees enjoyed a plethora of hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and music, while overlooking the beautiful Houston evening from the seamless windows of the event's venue, The Mosaic.  Guests were given plenty of time to enjoy their food and browse the silent auction before the start of the fashion show.  Auction items included everything from a book about Hurricane Katrina to a manicure at a local spa to a wine party for 10.  The event's main attraction began about halfway through the evening with a variety of young models strutting across the platform in business attire provided by Anthropologie and Jos A. Bank.

It wasn't until after the fashion show, however, that the most exciting and poignant subject was introduced.  At this time, Steven Kaufman, the President of The Fanatical Change Foundation, approached the audience with a Fanatical-Change-focused presentation filled with passion and promise.  In his presentation, Steven spoke about the devastating tragedies which befell the families who were assisted by the proceeds from Fanatical Change's Keep the Change Event, held in March.  He followed this by describing the uplifting and emotionally-charged memory of the moment in which the Fanatical Change volunteers got to personally deliver the gifts to the families.  This short introduction alone, inspired several individuals and a few representatives to join our cause in making a fanatical change in the lives of local Houstonians no different from you and me!

Thank you to the Intown Chamber of Commerce and everyone who attended the Fashion Forward Fashion Show for supporting The Fanatical Change Foundation!

Sara Cousins, Interim Executive Director of Fanatical Change

Photos from the Fashion Show for Fanatical Change

Fanatical Change Month: April 2009

Young charitable organizations struggle to earn credibility.  Many donors  are willing to give time and money but are cautious with whom they             associate their name.  That is why it is such a momentous event for                Fanatical Change Foundation that our mayor, Bill White, proclaimed April 2009 Fanatical Change Month.  Not many other things could lend or give  our young charitable organization such credibility.

Thank you Mayor White and the City of Houston for proclaiming April       2009 Fanatical Change Month! And thank you for believing in Fanatical   Change and its mission!!  We are very honored by this proclamation.

Fashion Show for Fanatical Change

Business Casual? After Five? Casual Friday? If you have questions about today's office fashions, please join us on Thursday, April 30th from 6:00 to 9:00pm at Mosaic, 5925 Almeda Road for FASHION FORWARD!

FASHION FORWARD is a fashion show, networking event, silent auction and cocktail party for Houston's up-and-coming professionals. Enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d'Oeuvres. A portion of the silent auction proceeds will benefit The Fanatical Change Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) charity which provides immediate life-changing assistance to selected families that have very recently experienced a major life-altering tragedy.

$30 for members (Intown Chamber of Commerce)

$40 for non-members

Complimentary valet parking available.

To purchase tickets, please call 713.524.1739.

Where'd the Money Go?

Thank you for your participation and interest in the life-changing opportunities made possible by assistance through our corporate sponsors, individual donors, friends and volunteers. You have made it possible for The Fanatical Change Foundation to provide immediate life-changing assistance to three selected families whom have very recently experienced a major, life-altering tragedy, at the time of their deepest need. Below you can experience the details and results of the Fanatical Change each of these families were provided by way of your donations.

Family #1
Tuesday, March 24th, Man Disappears off Galveston Coast.
Tony Blocker, 28, of Maumelle, AR, vacationing with Eunique Powell, their small child and five young family members, went missing 40yards off the Galveston Coast Tuesday, March 24th. A young father and dedicated partner of 8 years, Tony was only inches from his long-time love and Mother of his child, Eunique when he was pulled under by rough surf. Eunique Struggled to make it back to shore, Lifeguards, Galveston Police Helicopters, Coast Guard and concerned citizens have continued to search. Blocker has not been found. The children, Eunique and respective family are hopeful.
Service Officials are presuming no good news for the Blocker family. OOO

Friday, March 27th, Delivery of Fanatical Change
Astonishingly, and VERY unfortunately, Tony Blocker’s body was found off the Galveston coast only hours before
Fanatical Change arrived with our donors’ assistance. Throughout the course of the search, approximately ten additional family members from Arkansas had joined Eunique and the children for support. Upon our arrival, the devastating news was very fresh, and it was clear that amidst bereavement, this family was in crisis-management mode. It became quickly apparent that this was an opportune time for Fanatical Change in this family’s life.
Friday morning our Board of Directors was able to identify the Blocker and Powell family’s most acute needs through communication with close and distant family and friends. Through the power given to us by our donors and sponsors, we were able to Fanatically Change this grieving family’s life by delivering immediate assistance reaching to all levels of this tragedy. A $1,000 U.S. Savings bond was given to his young son, Denton. Financially unable to stay in Galveston to view the body and make arrangements, the family’s stay at their Resort was extended as necessary. Living, food, and travelling expenses were donated as well to carry them through their stay and subsequent trip, doing everything our Foundation could do to ensure the remainder of their stay was appropriately focused, and comfortable. In addition to assistance with Funeral services, the family also identified a need to separate from the environment in which this tragedy had occurred. An all-expense paid trip to Moody Gardens for the family of fifteen was arranged, including admission, dining and funds for miscellaneous expenditures. This family was clearly moved, and honored to have been a part of this effort, offering repeated gratitude to all of our donors. Thank you for helping our Foundation Fanatically Change this family’s life.

Family #2
Friday, March 20th, Two Teenage Brothers Shot at apartment complex in SW Houston
Markese Donahue was killed trying to stop a group of men from breaking a hole in the fence that surrounded his apartment complex. He'd heard the kicks from inside his unit at the Willows Apartments. The sun was setting as he went outside to tell the men to stop. They argued and shots were fired. One of the bullets hit him in the chest. Marquis had a newborn child, Ironneesha, who is only 4months old. Markese was getting married only later this year. Anthony Smith, Markese’s younger brother, was visiting him when the argument started. Anthony was shot in the leg.

Friday, March 27th, Delivery of Fanatical Change
Markese Donahue was an inspiration and a gift to his family and his community, his good-spirits reached out even to many who never had the opportunity to cross his path. In his mother’s words, Markese “Loved to smile…” He was described as a young man choosing the path of goodness and generosity, survived by his fiancé, who he was set to marry this year, and his deeply loved four month old daughter. Markese’s love for life, and dedication to his daughter and his family was unsurpassed, and he is deeply missed, while still alive in the hearts of those whom he touched. Because of his love for his daughter and his family, the Fanatical Change made possible by your donations was focused on these individuals, specifically his profoundly adored daughter, 4 month old Ironeesha.
To begin, a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond was provided in the name of Ironeesha. Additionally, $1,000 in Babies ‘R Us spending was provided to the family to assist in upcoming expenditures for Markese’s family. The family was also given a $150 Visa checkcard to alleviate miscellaneous acute financial burdens brought about by the unfortunate passing of their provider. The family as a whole was provided an expense paid trip for 8 to an upcoming Houston Aeros hockey game. The family also identified that they had trouble gathering the funds to provide Markese with a deserving headstone. This expense was paid for in full on behalf of Fanatical Change Foundation and our donors and sponsors. Markese Donahue and his family were beyond works in their very emotional gratitude for the Fanatical Change provided by you and your peers. Thank you for being a part of this very special family’s life.

Family #3
Sunday March 22nd, 33-yr old Community Hero, Father, Falls to his Death off Freeway
In a community plagued by crime and violence, Rene Tijerina stood apart for his efforts to turn troubled lives around. Northside residents are mourning the loss of their neighbor, friend and mentor after the 33-year-old single father fell from a freeway overpass while rushing to the aid of his teenage son, who was involved in a minor traffic accident on Sunday. Leaving behind his Teenage son and a young daughter, Tijerina came from a troubled youth of drugs and violence, turning to his faith to build a life of generosity and kindness. Having recently earned a promotion in his company, Tijerina missed the days of a financially impeded attempt at opening a community center for young children. Preserving his effort, in addition to additional young community outreach, Tijerina opened the doors of his home to his neighbors, young and old, for weekly Bible study, known to draw 50-60 neighbors and friends. Tijerina’s sudden and surprising death leaves a void for the many people he touched, but none so deeply as his own family. He raced to his son’s aid when the 15-year-old called to tell him he had been in an accident on West Loop near the Galleria early Sunday morning. He found himself on the wrong side of the freeway, pulled his vehicle onto the shoulder and attempted to hop the median, not taking notice to the clearing in-between the throughways. Tijerina fell to his immediate death.

Friday, March 27th, Delivery of Fanatical Change
Rene Tijerina’s story is truly an inspirational one. Not only through numerous news releases, but stories from family, friends, coworkers and associates, Rene was a truly exemplary human being, likely partly responsible for the 3,000 attendees to his funeral service. The line into the service itself lasted from 330pm when the doors opened until 930pm that evening. To hear the stories of Rene’s community programs for small children, his outreach efforts, even taking in homeless for whom he found work, paid for odd-jobs, and included in his family’s holiday meals. Rene Tijerina was truly a man deserving of some serious Fanatical Change. Because Rene was a loving single father of his 15yr old son and 13yr old daughter, his children will now be raised by their grandparents; to assist the family with these sudden expenses, the donors of Fanatical Change provided Rene’s children with the majority of this assistance. Two $1000 U.S. Savings Bonds were issued to the children. In addition to the bonds, the children received $1000 in Target spending to assist with closing needs and school supplies. In an effort to alleviate dramatically increased food expenditures, $1000 in HEB spending was also provided to Rene’s parents. Directly from the immediate family of Rene Tijerina, and on behalf of
The Fanatical Change Foundation, Thank you, once again, for your assistance in providing
Rene’s family and his children immediate Fanatical Change.

We have included a short video of our delivery on your behalf to each of the above mentioned families. Your assistance, donations and sponsorships have, in-whole, made this change possible for these loving families. And their gratitude, as well as our own, cannot be put to words. While the video below includes clips of the receipt of this Fanatical Change, please stay tuned, as there are more videos of this change, as well as much more Fanatical Change to come, with your help. -David Winters, Director for The Fanatical Change Foundation.

The "Day After" the event

Nearly all the Board of Directors for Fanatical Change met at 9AM on Friday, March 27th to begin working on helping the 3 families located who suffered a tragedy within 5 days of our event held the night before on March 26th. We raised nearly $13,000 at that event from Houstonians like you and me who want to fanatically change the way Houstonians donate money and what real impact that money has on the lives of people who are just like you and me.

The challenge of figuring out what assistance could solve each families most acute needs was no easy task. With nearly a dozen volunteers, we drove around Houston and Galveston in a "motorcade of change" issuing what we affectionately labeled "change warrants" wherever we went that eventually ended with huge success at around 10PM that night. It's was nearly 12.5 hours of assistance to families who really needed it from money raised less than 24 hours before at our Thursday night event. The day was filled with emotion as these 3 families suffered the greatest tragedy of all by losing a loved one in the past few days. The pain was real. The emotion was real. And, the help was real.

The Timeline of Events:

November 18, 2008 - Created a new concept for donating money where there is an immediate local impact with the funds raised and called it Fanatical Change.

December 4, 2008 - Held our first Board Meeting to start planning our first event. We had no idea who the families would be that we would help until the week of the event nearly 4 months later.

March 25, 2009 - Located 3 families who suffered a life altering tragedy within the past 5 days.

March 26, 2009 - We held a fundraising event in the honor of the 3 families who we identified that week. The event raised nearly $13,000.

March 27, 2009 - Nearly a dozen volunteers gathered at 9am to spend the next 12.5 hours helping the 3 families by providing assistance to solve their most acute needs.

March 30, 2009 - The Fanatical Change Foundation becomes the fastest growing non-profit organization in Houston.

Recap of our March 26th 2009 Event

On Thursday, March 26th, 2009, between the hours of 6pm to 9pm, over 300 guests attended the Fanatical Change Foundation’s premier "Keep the Change" event in Houston, Texas to christen the mission of our charitable organization. Throughout the evening, guests were able to enjoy a silent auction of art provided by The Art Institute of Houston, jewelry designed by Alan Cable and students at The Art Institute, weekend hotel getaways from the Westin Hotel in the Galleria and from the Houstonian Hotel and Resort, Nordstrom Spa Massage Package, Houston Rockets sports memorabilia, Houston Aeros hockey tickets and memorabilia, Houston International Festival tickets and memorabilia, clothes from Silversmith Boutique, gift cards from Niko-Niko's and RA Sushi, hors d’oeuvres provided by Frenchy's and Benjy's Restaurant and the company of individuals and local captains of business like yourself who desire to see a change in Houston and how charity works. This event raised nearly $13,000 for Houston families who suffered a life altering tragedy within 5 days of our event.

Here is a small glimpse of the volunteers getting things setup (thank you and we couldn't do it without you):

Here is a small glimpse of the line that started gathering outside.

You can see the Admissions Table getting lots of action!

A little Fanatical Change humor?

We definitely took time to thank our Sponsors!

This site is updated regularly so check back frequently to see how Houstonians, like you and me, are fanatically changing the world.

Be sure to RVSP to our next event and see why Fanatical Change is Houston's fastest growing non-profit organization. -Steven Kaufman, President of The Fanatical Change Foundation

StubDog.com Honored to Support Fanatical Change!

We are so very excited to have the opportunity to promote such a fantastic event. StubDog.com has always been interested in working with people that strive to better the lives of others. We are in the midst of an exciting time in which people are looking for ways to make a difference in their community for the betterment of all. Our hope is to build a lasting relationship with Fanatical Change that helps to let others know about what you are doing. This is extremely inspiring. Keep up the great work and let us know what else we can do to help.

From all of us at StubDog.com

Houston is Changing the World!

Thank you for including me. I want you to know that I think this is a wonderful plan. I love the "Immediate Local Assistance" what a quick ROI, (return of my investment eg. $15.00) I wish I could commit to helping as a Volunteer . I will do everything I can to promote this Project and encourage others to participate. My Best Wishes for a successful event and continued success in your endeavors.

Sincerely, (a Wanna Be World Changer & Supporter of FCF)

Mary E. Parker
General Manager
Century 21 Premier Gold Properties

The "Hispanic Business Network" Speaks Out!

I am honored to be a part of the "Fanatical Change" mission to support the changing of lives and making a difference in the city of Houston. We are in a season where our world is facing many uncertainties. Families are losing hope, dreams are being shattered, and this is a time when we need each other. I believe that when others see the community coming together it will inspire everyone to lend a helping hand. We have all seen the impact of a community coming together after a devastating natural disaster. But there are devastating acts occurring everyday of our lives that we never hear about. I hope we can make a statement for others and give back hope one family at a time. Anything is possible!

Christine Jaques
President
Hispanic Business Network
http://www.hispanicbiznetwork.com/

What is a V.I.G.?

A/k/a Very Important Giver.

Do you want to be a V.I.G.? FCF will ask you this question when you arrive at the Keep the Change event on Thursday, March 26th. FCF will ask all guests for a minimum donation of $15.00 to enter the doors of the event, but you also will have the choice—and we will remind you of that sacred freedom of choice—to become a V.I.G.

V.I.G.s will be allowed into, well,…the V.I.G. room where their cups will runneth over with free wine and spirits and their hands will cramp with chopstick fatigue from eating free sushi—all donated by Club 2610. Additionally, all V.I.G.s will receive a lapel pin to wear so they may display proudly their designation to the public.

To be a V.I.G. at our event, tell the FCF volunteers when you enter the doors that you want to up the ante. All it takes is a $100.00 minimum donation.

Why Fanatical Change?

Myself and several of my peers have wanted to do something to “save the world” but felt like if we gave money to the windshield washer the money might be misdirected and if we donated to an international non-profit that our money didn’t really make an impact. So, we wanted to find a way to donate to families who just suffered a major tragedy where people who donate with us can see the impact of the donation immediately following the event. No delayed gratification for the donation and complete transparency. We created The Fanatical Change Foundation to fanatically change how Houstonians donate money and what they get in return (i.e., see the impact almost immediately). -Steven Kaufman, President of Fanatical Change

What to Expect at Our First Event?

Thursday, March 26 from 6 to 9P we expect 400 to 700 people to attend our first event. We expect, through our Selection Committee, to locate 3 families via local news outlets who suffered a life altering tragedy the Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday the week of our Thursday event. We will provide the attendees at the event a write-up/summary of each family’s particular tragedy so they know who’s getting their money. Friday, March 27, we will spend the day providing assistance to the families by solving their most acute needs based on the funds we’ve raised. We expect to record the various events so that we can post the “families receiving the assistance” on our website so donors can go there to see the impact of their donation. In short, identify them on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday…. Raise money for them on Thursday night…. Help them on Friday.

Examples of families who’d get our assistance include: Families where a young child was killed by a drunk driver and can’t afford a funeral or apartment fire victims who lost their worldly possessions. -Steven Kaufman, President of Fanatical Change

What's in the Blackbox?

Fanatical Change Foundation is not a blackbox charity. It is about restoring the intimacy to charitable giving by identifying recent victims of life-altering tragedy and letting the power behind their individual stories of suffering inspire our donors to be the change they wish to see in the world.

How are the Families Selected?

Selection Policies:
To be eligible, the tragedy that has occurred must create an immediate need that its victim cannot fulfill without outside help. The tragic event must have had a profound effect on the everyday life of the recipient, and there must be a solution that FCF can provide in order to immediately impact the recipient’s life in a positive way.

The recipient must be at least 18 years of age and be willing to sign a release that will allow FNC to use their picture or likeness in video and print. The recipient must also be willing to agree to four follow up interviews to be conducted quarterly for the four quarters following his or her award and do a follow up story for our media partners and our website.

Selection Procedure:
We will find prospective recipients through partnerships within the local media, both television and print. Seven days before a scheduled event we will request our media contacts identify an eligible family or individual that we could assist through our fund raising events. Five days prior to the event, a description of the tragedy and the potential beneficiaries” immediate needs will be completed along with the necessary releases executed by all three potential beneficiaries.
Four days before the event, an email will go out to all Fanatical Change members and affiliates with a bio of each individual or family and a description of the recent tragedy they have endured. Members and affiliates will respond by casting electronic votes, deciding which potential beneficiaries will receive benefit from FCF.

On the day before the event at 10am, voting will be closed and all the votes will be counted and the beneficiary identified. On the fifth day we will have our fundraising event for the individual that everyone voted for.

We're Dreaming About Volunteers

Volunteer! Get involved touching lives!

People begin volunteering to help others, but continue to volunteer because of the benefits it brings to their own lives.FCF is providing opportunities to society’s neediest citizens to improve their life circumstances. Whatever your interest or available time is, this is a common mission we can all share and work toward together. The FCF volunteer program is created to get your help to make sure our events are humming along without a hitch. Take part into greeting people at the FCF upcoming events. Help us with the event admission or with the silent art auction. We have several opportunities that might fit your expertise and interest. Contact us! We are always looking for good people like you. Person interested in volunteering can complete our online volunteer application available for our volunteer opportunities.

Get involved! Enroll in the FCF Volunteer Program today.

A Word to Our Sponsors!

Dear Friend of The Fanatical Change Foundation:

On Thursday, March 26th, 2009, between the hours of 6pm to 9pm, over 300 guests will attend the Fanatical Change Foundation’s premier Keep the Change event at the exclusive 2610 (located at its namesake address of 2610 Sage, Houston, Texas 77056) to christen the mission of our charitable organization. Throughout the evening, guests will be able to enjoy a silent auction of art provided by the Art Institute, raffles of prizes, hors d’oeuvres and drinks and the company of individuals and local captains of business like yourself who desire to see a change in Houston and how charity works.

Our mission is simple and focused. Fanatical Change Foundation hosts events in order to raise funds to provide life-changing assistance to families who just suffered a life-altering tragedy where donors can personally witness the impact of their donations immediately following the fundraising event. If you donate money to a huge non-profit, your funds oftentimes can seem to not make a real impact because they are spread so thin. We want to “change” all that and provide a way for Houstonians to donate money, know who receives the benefit of those funds before they give, and see the family accepting it right after the donation. In this, Fanatical Change Foundation seeks to restore the intimacy of charitable giving between donor and recipient.

Your support as a sponsor will help underwrite a significant aspect of our premier Keep the Change event’s fundraising challenge. Your company can commit to change by sponsoring/donating at either the $500.00, $1,000.00 or $2,500.00 level. In exchange for your generous contribution, you will receive recognition on printed event materials, including signage and our website.

If you have any questions, please contact Preston Cherry at 713.561.8100 or Matthew Wright at 713.454.9508. We realize that you have a choice in where you direct your funds and that many budgets have been cut back because of the financial crisis. However, in the recent words of Bill Gates to his foundation’s partners, charitable giving is now even more crucial “otherwise we will come out of the economic downturn in a world that is even more unequal, with greater inequities in health and education and fewer opportunities for people to improve their lives.” We thank you in advance for your support.

Best regards,

Preston Cherry
Fundraising Committee Co-Chair

Matthew Wright
Fundraising Committee Co-Chair