Beads for Deeds Mardi Gras Masquerade

On the night of February 11th, 2010, The Fanatical Change Foundation will enthusiastically host the 2010 Beads for Deeds Mardi Gras Masquerade at Houston's newest hot-spot, House of Blues. This spectacular celebration, not to be missed, will include Live New Orleans Party Jazz, and hors d'oeuvres Cajun cook-off, Silent Auctions, Raffles, Blackjack, Roulette and much, much more for attendees and donors to enjoy. Graciously hosted by the House of Blues - Downtown Houston, this breathtaking room and ensuing party will accommodate over 300 guests, all of whom will enjoy the company of fellow Houstonians, young and old. All attendees and donors enjoy sharing a common interest in Fanatically Changing the impact of recent life-altering tragedies in the lives of Houston families. Don't miss what is sure to be a life-changing event, for you, and those your attendance will benefit. Change your calendar, Change a life!

The Charity Chicks Houston!

We are pleased to announce that our next event, The Fanatical Change Mardi Gras Masquerade Party, will feature The Charity Chicks! This is a fanatically fantastic group of women (and some men) who are committed to giving and creating positive change in their community. With their assistance in promoting this event it is sure to be our most successful event yet! Please visit their website at http://www.charitychickshouston.com/ for more information about who they are and what they do.

Our Latest Board Meeting

We just wrapped up our latest board meeting and the momentum is beginning to build! We are very close to choosing a venue. There was a lot of discussion about the theme of the party. Masquerade masks will be available, beads will be given out for deeds and we will name a Mardi Gras King and Queen. We will have the first Fanatical Change Top Chef Award who will be chosen from the participants for the Creole Cook Off.


We were happy to welcome two new volunteers and Mira Hays Perkins has taken on the position of Interim Executive Director! Thank you Mira!


Our next Board Meeting is scheduled for December 8th at Panera Bread on Post Oak and San Felipe at 6:30 pm. Come one come all. All ideas are welcome. We are committed to making our Mardi Gras Masquerade Party the best event yet!

What's Next?

In less than 12 months we've raised nearly $35,000, and we've made a significant impact on the lives of 8 different families. So, two major events, a Mayor Bill White Proclamation and a Michael Jackson autographed Thriller Album later, it's time to plan the future events of Fanatical Change.

Please join us on Tuesday, November 24th at 6:30PM at the Panera Bread located at 1709 Post Oak (Corner of San Felipe and Post Oak) for a Fanatical Change Foundation Volunteers/Board of Directors Meeting!

Let's see what we can make happen!

Thank You TJP Faith!

TJP Faith is the latest corporation to join the Fanatical Change Foundation's great sponsors. They are donating 10% of their website profits to The Fanatical Change Foundation and 100% of profits for every Fanatical Change Foundation t-shirt they sell. Now let's buy those shirts at tjpfaith.com. TJP Faith thank you for your outstanding support.

"You Guys Saved Our Family"

We have received another heartfelt letter, this time from the generous family of Lewis Holiday.

Words cannot describe what we feel for all the prayer and hope. We wanted to thank you guys for all the support Fanatical Change gave with open hearts to us.

We really appreciate all your organization has done.

All the kids received everything they needed and some. God Bless you guys and if our services are needed at any time, please feel free to contact us. You guys saved our family.

Thank you,

Holiday Family

Letter from the Family

If the video footage and photographs of the families assisted by all of your generous donations weren't enough proof of the impact The Fanatical Change Foundation has made on them, then maybe this letter from Victor McDonald's (read his story below) family will show just how far your belief in our cause went. The following letter was sent to Fanatical Change's Vice President, Juan Cuevas.


On behalf of my family, we really appreciate your generosity shown towards Victor. We understood the challenges he would be facing upon his return to Houston, however you all have made the impossible, possible. You all have provided him with a fresh start to resume his life and to pursue his dreams of being an entrepreneur in the ice cream business. Your organization is truly phenomenal, I was literally moved to tears by your stories posted on your website. I know this thank you is bit informal, but I wanted you and Fanatical Change Foundation to know that as Victor's big sister; you all are doing great work and to say, " Thank You".

Best Regards

Deidre


People all over the community are finding themselves with a restored faith in humanity as a direct result of your work and ours. Imagine if the entire world took part in a cause like this and letters like the one above were being written at a constant rate. That is the world The Fanatical Change Foundation hopes to create. Keep the Change!

Warmly,
Sara Cousins
Interim Executive Director

24 Hours of Fanatical Change Photos

The Results are in!

This is what is possible when people come together to make a difference. Congratulations to all of you that donated to The Fanatical Change cause. This is the phenomenal impact you made on the community.

We sincerely thank all of you who donated and attended the event. None of this would have been possible without your support.

Warmly,

Sara Cousins

Interim Executive Director

Fanatical Change August 14, 2009 from Picture Perfect Productions on Vimeo. Filmed by Emilio Bennett.

Watch The Change Happen!!!

To our Donors:

This section is for you. This is so you can witness the impact of your generosity. None of the following would have been possible if it was not for you:
Below you will see the families listed and the life altering tragedy that they experienced. Then you will see how you helped to provide life changing assistance to these families.

The Badger Family

The Tragedy:

Elena Badger was traveling on the Sam Houston Toll Way with her two teenage daughters. When the car began overheating, the teen pulled over to the far-right lane of the service road and turned on the emergency flashers. While waiting for help, a Ford truck rear-ended the Honda. Mrs. Badger was ejected from the vehicle and her daughters were both taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital. Her daughters are currently fighting for their lives and suffering from severe internal injuries and third degree burns on their legs and face. They will face a long recovery at the hospital.

The Fanatical Change!:

Fanatical Change, determined to make this tragedy as bearable as possible, drove down to Sugarland the morning after the event to provide assistance to this family in need. After carefully planning the logistics of the day and obtaining the items that we deemed would be the most impactful based on the needs of the family, the FCF board members arrived at the Badger home. We were welcomed by James, their stepfather, their grandparents and their 6 year old brother, Niko. Since both Alexia and Melina, ages 15 and 16 respectfully will face a long recovery we felt that connectivity with their friends family and not to mention their schooling would be a great tool to help them have the support they will need. We brought them both new laptop computers from Micro Center. Since they are music lovers who both sing in their school’s choir, we brought them each $100 i-tunes gift cards. Since James will need to make some adjustments to their home we provided him with a $750 gift card to The Home Depot and a $450 gift card to H-E-B for help with the groceries. The amount of new prescriptions this family will have to contend with be extraordinary so we provided them with a $500 gift card to CVS Pharmacy. Once Melina and Alexia are well again they will enjoy a day of pampering at the Genesis Spa in Sugarland. For Niko, who is an avid Wii, soccer, basketball and football player, a $1000 gift card to Target will help in the short term to help him just play and be a little kid and a $1000 savings bond in honor of his mother Elena, will help him to remember all of you long into his future.

Victor McDonald

The Tragedy:

Victor McDonald was employed at ENRON for thirteen years. The subsequent layoff and the loss of his 401k drove Mr. McDonald to change careers. He began working for a contractor for Marriott traveling the country upgrading Marriott information systems. As the economy declined the slow of the hospitality industry caused Mr. McDonald to find himself once again out of work. At the time of this layoff his car had broken down. This caused him to be ineligible for unemployment as he was unable to continue to interview. Willing to take any position to keep food on his table he began driving an ice cream truck. On August 7 while driving his truck through a Tomball neighborhood three men began shouting racial slurs at him and then drug him from his truck and severely assaulted him. He suffered a cracked skull, broken nose and lost significant sight in his left eye.

The Fanatical Change!:

Since Victor is out of state recovering from his injuries with his mother, we met up with his cousin Carlos who accepted the aid on his behalf. Victor is facing a long recovery period. The three months of rent that we paid for his apartment will give him the time he needs to heal from this event both physically and emotionally. During his recovery he will be able to get $500 worth of groceries from H-E-B. We feel that what happened to him was inhuman. We wanted to let him know that thanks to people like you who donated he can restore his faith in humanity. He will be able to interview effectively not only because the$500 worth new business attire he can now purchase Suit Mart but also because Christian Brothers Automotive has restored his means to get there.

Shaquinta Bingham

The Tragedy:

Shaquinta Bingham is a mother of two children ages 15 and 8. She had been living at the Lake Crest Apartments on Tidwell Road in Northeast Houston. On July 31st her apartment was one of 11 units that was engulfed in flames torching all of the school supplies, clothes and personal items that she had been acquiring over the summer to prepare her two children for the coming school year. Ms. Bingham did not have renter’s insurance. All of her family’s personal belongings were lost in the fire. Unprepared to move she is in need of the deposit and first month’s rent for a new apartment. Even though we cannot provide Ms. Bingham with all of the pictures and memories that are now in ashes, we can provide her and her children with new clothes, school supplies and household items to help her and her family feel whole again.

The Fanatical Change!:

It was a stroke of luck that we received the phone call from Shaquinta informing us that she had been approved for her apartment. It was just after we finished with Victor McDonald's cousin, Carlos. She informed us that the office would close at 5pm. It was 4:39. We were downtown and she was on the northeast side. Luck was on our side again when we did not encounter any traffic and made it just in time to surprise her with a new lease on life! We might not be able to replace the memories that were lost in the fire, but thanks to everyone who donated Shaquinta and her two children will be making new ones. We presented her with a $1,500 gift card to Ikea, $1000 from Target, $450, from H-E-B and paid the deposit and three month’s rent. Her children will be in their new home in time for the new school year. Thanks to everyone that donated they will be going with the clothes and the school supplies that they need.

Lewis Holiday

The Tragedy:

On the night of Sunday, August 2nd, Lewis Holiday’s girlfriend became worried when he did not pick her up from work. She had a family member give her a ride over to Lewis’s house where she also lived. She found Lewis lying on the floor in their home and an ax nearby. Lewis had been struck at least twice in the head with the ax, causing his death.
Lewis Holiday leaves behind six children with ages ranging from five to seventeen. The responsibility to raise his children has fallen on Lewis’s mother, Florida Island. We will help the family adjust to this new living arrangement forced upon them by stocking her pantry full of food and other items they will need.

The Fanatical Change!:

It was getting close to 6pm when we arrived at Florida Islands’ home. We found her with her family who were all obviously in a numbing pain as they were roused from what could be described as a vacant stare brought on by the untimely vacancy of their loved one, Lewis. They were very friendly and just seemed to be in a state of disbelief and graditude as we presented them with a brand new desktop and laptop computer to help the kids with their studies, $500 from H-E-B for groceries for the new mouths to feed, i-pods to keep them entertained and $1000 to spend at target to keep them clothed. They told us of Lewis’s generosity and how he opened his door to those who no one else was willing to take a chance on. It seems only fitting that this same spirit of generosity now will help to nourish his children in his absence. It is your generosity that makes fortuitous ironies such as these possible.

Nikki Gates

The Tragedy:

On Wednesday July, 29th Nikki Gates, a woman nine months pregnant, was able to save herself and her two young sons from flames engulfing her mobile home but was unable to save her cousin who died in the inferno. She had lived there for five months with her children, ages 2 and 4, and her grandfather. Two of her neighbors tried to save her cousin but the flames were too much for them to advance into the burning home. On Monday her grandfather passed away from ailments unrelated to the fire. His funeral washeld on August 14. We headed down to Hitchcock to deliver to Ms. Gates means to start rebuilding her life out of the ashes.

The Fanatical Change!:

It was close to 8:30pm when the long drive down to Hitchcock was over. We arrived at Nikk’s grandparent’s home. Her neighbors were friendly but obviously grief stricken having had attended her grandfather’s funeral earlier in the day. The biggest welcome came from Elvis her dog that at first shouted cautious barks but soon relented and became playful out on the salty, sea sprayed lawn. Nikki walked slowly, labored from both the now overdue baby and the weight of the stress of losing her cousin, her grandfather and everything that she owns in the span of a week. We let her know that we had come to do everything possible to make her life get back to normal as soon as possible. We presented her with a $1000 gift card to Babies “R” Us so she can be prepared for when the stork’s late train arrives. We let her know that she would not have to worry about restocking her fridge because the $450 from H-E-B would help her to do that. For those times when a single mother of three is too tired to cook, we gave her $50 for Burger King. Her two boys T.J. and Kaiden will remember you all long from now when they are able to use the $1000 savings bonds we purchased for each of them. She was so grateful. Her whole body language had changed. When she first sat down to listen to why we had come she seemed to be slouching a little. Once we had presented the items to her she seemed to be sitting strait up in her chair. We would love to think that some of the weight was lifted of her shoulders but the reality is her baby was most likely kicking.

Afterword:

On the way home, Steven Kaufman, David Winters, Christine Jaques and I were commenting on the day and how thoroughly enjoyable it was. At 9pm the previous day our event "24 Hours of Fanatical Change" an event five months in the making had drawn to a close. We had spent an exhausting yet overwhelmingly fuflfilling day driving all over Houston delivering good will on behalf of our donors. We happened to notice the clock and it was 9:04pm. At this point the exhaustion had kicked in and I don’t think one of us at that point even remembered that we had named the event “24 Hours of Fanatical Change”. It was quite surreal.

Special thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers and corporate

sponsors!

Once again my life has been changed forever by participating in another Fanatical Change event. Your life could be changed as well. Please contact us if you wish to volunteer at our next event. One thing that you can do to help that can have a enormous impact is spread the word! Tell 2 people about Fanatical Change, encourage someone to visit our website or add us as a cause on Facebook.

Stay tuned for more uploads of video and photos.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, our most sincere thanks to everyone who helped to make this amazing event happen, thank you.

Sincerely,

Juan Cuevas

Vice President

Fanatical Change Foundation

On August 13, 2009 Houstonians gathered for the charity event of the year, 24 Hours of Fanatical Change. Donors enjoyed cocktails in the rooftop lounge of this ultra chic high rise building located on Herman Park. They were able to see exactly where the money they were donating was going with write ups and streaming power point presentations playing on the screens above the bar. Libations included -the “Cause”-mopolitan and the Teq-“heal”-a Sunrise. Silent auction items included an autographed Michael Jackson Thriller album and a Mohamed Ali autographed boxing glove along with many other fantastic items.

The Moment We've All Been Waiting For....

It's finally here! After months of strategic planning, it is now "game time." You don't want to miss this fantastic celebration. Join us at Montage and enjoy an assortment of hors d'oeuvres, beers, wines, specialty cocktails, karaoke and THE silent auction of the year, while overlooking the city from a luxurious high-rise. By attending, you'll not only get to spend the evening with some incredible people, but you'll also have the opportunity to spread hope, compassion and joy to families who currently have none.

We can all make a positive impact on the world, and here is your opportunity to begin! See you all tonight at Montage!

Thank You Houston Fertility Institute!

Houston Fertility Institute is the latest corporation to join The Fanatical Change Foundation's outstanding sponsors. Thank you for your support HFI. Now is the time to change those lives!

Commercial Cleaning Solutions Joins the Cause!

Thank you to Commercial Cleaning Solutions for contributing to our fanatical effort! In just a few days, your donation will completely transform the lives of very devastated Houstonian families. Congratulations to you for making it happen. Now, let's see what we can do!

Houston Press for Fanatical Change

Houston Press, one of Houston's main sources of news and entertainment, has published a fantastic ad for 24 Hours of Fanatical Change! Pick up the July 30th issue of Houston Press to see our ad. Or you can simply view it by clicking here and flipping to page 25. Also, be on the lookout for The Houston Press Street Team...they'll be handing out 24 Hours of Fanatical Change Flyers!!!

24 Hours of Fanatical Change Silent Auction

Did we mention the incredible auction items that will be available at our 24 Hours of Fanatical Change Event?? Well, on August 13th, you will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one or more of the rare following items, while helping a family in need! Our very exciting featured auction items are....(drum roll please).....

Michael Jackson autographed Thriller album

Elton John autographed album

Frank Sinatra autographed album

James Brown autographed album

BB King autographed album

Barack Obama autographed photo

Al Pacino autographed photo

KISS autographed photo by all 4

Yogi Berra autographed photo

Mickey Mantle autographed photo

Muhammad Ali autographed boxing glove

U2 autographed WAR album

Plus there will be plenty of other fantastic auction items to choose from, along with fabulous entertainment and amazing people, all coming together to make a difference in Houston. This is the networking and charity event of the year! See you all there!

Fanatical Change on Stubdog.com

The guys at stubdog have done it again! They have featured a blog on us and posted a fantastic ad (shown above) for our August 13th, 24 Hours of Fanatical Change Event. Thank you Stubdog.com! To read Stubdog's blog on us, click here.

Board of Directors Meeting!

Hello to everyone! We are now less than a month away from the big 24 Hours of Fanatical Change event! There is still a lot to do to prepare for the event that will fanatically impact the lives of local families in need! By coming to our next Board of Directors Meeting, to be held July 15th from 6p-8p, you can take your first step to changing the world! Everyone is welcome, so please don't hesitate to come. Feel free to call me at 724 977 8705 with any questions. I look forward to seeing everyone there!

Warmly,

Sara Cousins

Interim Executive Director

Houston Family Magazine Supports Fanatical Change!

The Fanatical Change Foundation is proud to announce that we have been featured in Houston's very own Family Magazine! Be sure to pick up the latest copy of Houston Family Magazine, and check out our article under the Houstonians Making a Difference section. You can also view the article online by clicking here and turning to page 32. Enjoy!

A Big Thank You to Chubb Insurance!

On behalf of all Fanatical Change volunteers, I'd like to thank Chubb Insurance for their generous $2,500.00 donation to our upcoming "24 Hours of Fanatical Change" event! This donation alone will provide dire relief for a local family who is in severe need. Imagine the positive impact of just a few more donations at this level! Let's recognize Chubb Insurance, our latest "Change Officials", for taking a leap toward a fanatical change for the world!

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