SPOTLIGHT: Blair Beinhaker Friendship Award

Looking back...

The Blair Beinhaker Friendship Award
Blair showed how you can be a best friend to many and give of yourself selflessly, even under adverse conditions. She was brave, courageous, and never lost hope... always loving and kind.

Friends nominated friends...

Honoring Friendship:
- A young woman whose courage, and spirit brings out the best in others
- With Hope and confidence she faces adversity
- Through her warmth and sweetness she teaches others to enjoy life
- Through integrity and strength of character she helps others respect their classmates and themselves.
- She is a selfless team player.
- SHE KNOWS WHAT A SHOULD BE!

Recipients: 
2003- Leigh Piccolo
2004- Talya Lyon
2005- Brittany Blankmeyer
2006- Erin Hazen
2007- Elizabeth Hodge
2007- Alicia Ryan
2007- Dianna Simon
2008- Molly Hess
2008- Krista Scorsune
2009- Moire Kelly
2009- Carolyn Barrett
2010- Brenna Lade

Hug Someone Today

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5756/10-Reasons-Why-We-Need-at-Least-8-Hugs-a-Day.html

Hugging therapy is definitely a powerful way of healing. Research shows that hugging (and also laughter) is extremely effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress.

Research shows a proper deep hug, where the hearts are pressing together, can benefit you in these ways:

1. The nurturing touch of a hug builds trust and a sense of safety. This helps with open and honest communication.

2. Hugs can instantly boost oxytocin levels, which heal feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger.

3. Holding a hug for an extended time lifts one's serotonin levels, elevating mood and creating happiness.

4. Hugs strengthen the immune system. The gentle pressure on the sternum and the emotional charge this creates activates the Solar Plexus Chakra. This stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and balances the body's production of white blood cells, which keep you healthy and disease free.

5. Hugging boosts self-esteem. From the time we're born our family's touch shows us that we're loved and special. The associations of self-worth and tactile sensations from our early years are still imbedded in our nervous system as adults. The cuddles we received from our Mom and Dad while growing up remain imprinted at a cellular level, and hugs remind us at a somatic level of that. Hugs, therefore, connect us to our ability to self love.

6. Hugging relaxes muscles. Hugs release tension in the body. Hugs can take away pain; they soothe aches by increasing circulation into the soft tissues.

7. Hugs balance out the nervous system. The galvanic skin response of someone receiving and giving a hug shows a change in skin conductance. The effect in moisture and electricity in the skin suggests a more balanced state in the nervous system - parasympathetic.

8. Hugs teach us how to give and receive. There is equal value in receiving and being receptive to warmth, as to giving and sharing. Hugs educate us how love flows both ways.

9. Hugs are so much like meditation and laughter. They teach us to let go and be present in the moment. They encourage us to flow with the energy of life. Hugs get you out of your circular thinking patterns and connect you with your heart and your feelings and your breath.

10. The energy exchange between the people hugging is an investment in the relationship. It encourages empathy and understanding. And, it's synergistic, which means the whole is more than the sum of its parts: 1 1 = 3 or more! This synergy is more likely to result in win-win outcomes.

There is a saying by Virginia Satir, a respected family therapist, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth.” 

SPOTLIGHT: SCHOLARSHIPS FLASHBACK

Over the years, the BBFF has awarded scholarships to honor loved ones.  Instead of focusing on academics, recipients of the scholarships were awarded by showcasing other aspects of their personalities from kindness and friendship to being their true selves.

Here is a recap of the scholarships we have awarded:

The Madelyn Lillianfeld Kindness Award
This award honored a senior girl with a positive attitude, warmth, tenderness, caring, a sense of community, family, and a contagious passion for life.  Madelyn Lillianfeld exemplified all these qualities.

Recipient: Devon DeGilo

The Poppy Award
Born in Brooklyn, Nelson Farber was a real New Yorker and die hard Giants fan.  At the age of 83, 'Poppy,' passed on just one week after dancing his heart out at a family Bat Mitzvah.  He lived his life to the fullest and beat to his own drum.  He was co-owner of 'Mike & Nellie's' restaurant and as a daily presence, he had a unique way of making everyone he met feel special around him.  Nelson was a family man, married to Harz for fifty years and lovingly known as Poppy to his seven grandchildren.

Recipient: Christopher Marshall

The Donna Gindes Fine Arts Awards
Donna was a Morristown High School graduate whose life ended abruptly in her fifties.  She has a strong passion for writing and enjoyed the fine arts.

Recipients: 
2006- Madeline Hals
2007- Kristina Parrillo
2008- Williams Woods
2009- Jason Wicks
2010- Amanda Murphy

The Edward Lieberman Poppy Award
Edward Lieberman, also known as Poppy to his family and friends, was an overall great guy. As a veteran of World War II, Poppy was dedicated to patriotism and kindness. He was a humble man who worked seven days a week for many years, to afford his family a better life. He had an ongoing love for his country and for the generosity towards others.

Recipient: James Murphy

Donnie Roberts Community Service Award
Donnie Roberts was a bright, gentle, funny 32 year old whose life was ended abruptly.  He was a real family man. He was the father of three and enjoyed his children immensely. He was a bit of a rebel and thought outside the box. Donnie was very community oriented, was interested in all religions, and got along with everyone.

Recipient: Alex Rosa

Julie Lyn Zeller Kindness Award
Julie was a beautiful, fun-loving, energetic eight year old whose life was cut short by a drunk driver.  In her short life, she exemplified kindness to older people and was a very loving, outgoing child who was always the center of the party.  She loved to entertain...her eyes twinkled and she sparkled.  She loved dance and gymnastics.  She had a great sense of fashion and many friends.

Recipient: Kara Cannestro

Video of the Week

The internet is bombarded with lots of negativity, waste, and junk.  We will post weekly videos that should intrigue, inspire, and jumpstart your senses

TED Talks

Amanda Palmer: The Art of Asking

It is okay to be vulnerable.  It helps you connect to others.  Connections, Trust, and a Sense of Belonging are three keys to being happy.

40th Anniversary for Concert for Bangladesh

When George was asked by a journalist 'Of all the problems in the world, why did you choose this one?'

He simply responded 'I was asked by a friend if I'd help, you know, that's all.'



August 1st marks the 40 year anniversary for the first EVER organized benefit concert. George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Ravi Shankar, Bob Dylan, Billy Preston, Leon Russell, & many other great artists took part for the historic night at Madison Square Garden.

This show lead to Live Aid, Live 8, Live Earth, & many other music-related causes.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary, they are streaming the concert live on www.GeorgeHarrison.com or http://theconcertforbangladesh.com/ for a FREE 72 hours - July 29th 11.59PM (EST)- August 1st 11.59PM (EST)

It's amazing that this historic event came together so quickly just by friends asking one another to come to New York City and take part. George said it himself- he did it with a little help from his friends.

Tune into Hep C....

There's just something about benefit concerts that make everything extraordinary. The atmosphere. The crowd. The musicians. the crew. Throw in a few music legends and no one can do any wrong. Especially when members of The Allman Brothers, ZzTop, Grateful Dead, CSN, and more share the stage at one of the best music venues in the world.



Gregg Allman set the tone right from the start. It was only a year ago that he received a liver transplant as a result of his Hepatitis C - and now he was raising awareness for the cause. It's crazy to think what a year can do.



"We call the stage the perfect planet," Allman said the day before the show. "Once the music starts, you don’t feel any pain up there."



RollingStone.com recounts the incredible music that poured out of the Beacon last night in New York City. Allman Brothers Rock New York With Phil Lesh, Crosby and Nash Band also joined by Natalie Cole at three-hour Hep C Awareness Show

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/allman-brothers-rock-new-york-with-phil-lesh-crosby-and-nash-20110728


What a great Wednesday night!

PLAYLIST for FEBRUARY

February is a bittersweet month for BBFF.... but also the start of a new year. (Hence the date of our last post- sorry it has been so long!)

With our last entry about 'Feel Good' Movies, we decided it is only appropriate to keep the theme of entertainment this time around.

And...

"One good thing about music, is when it hits - you feel no pain"

So... we wanted to share our "Playlist" for Blair's Birthday Week this year.


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Dixie Chicks "There's your Trouble"
Rickie Lee Jones "Horses"
Phish "Joy"
Steve Miller Band "The Joker"
The Beatles "Blackbird"
REO Speedwagon "Keep on Lovin You"
Counting Crows "Mr. Jones"
Leann Womack "I Hope you Dance"
Jack Johnson "Bubble Toes"
Paul McCartney "Maybe I'm Amazed"
Elton John "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters"
Lisa Loeb "Stay"
Rolling Stones "Shine a Light"
The Knack "My Sharona" (Reality Bites)
Bob Marley "Three Little Birds"
The Beatles "Something"
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Some good tunes, meaningful lyrics, & lots of memories.

FEEL GOOD time

Life has a funny way of sneaking up on people and with this awful weather and the negative and strange news of Haiti and Tiger Woods ...

We feel it is time to allow yourself to escape into a film or into a book. February is never an easy month for the Foundation, so we decided to take our own advice too.

We recently did a double feature day in NYC. First, 'Valentine's Day,' with a movie-sized popcorn. Second stop: the only real IMAX theatre in Manhattan to experience 'Avatar.'

Normally, I wouldn't recommend films when you are sad, but there are such things as 'Feel Good' movies.

This is our Top list for you... (no particular order)- They are perfect for this awful weather too! & some of Blair's favorites.

Any additional suggestions welcome!

FEEL GOOD FILMS


Reality Bites
Now & Then
Empire Records
40 Year Old Virgin
Princess Bride
Animal House
The Breakfast Club
Notting Hill
Pretty Woman
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Wet Hot American Summer
My Date with Drew
Pirate Radio
Love Actually
Dirty Dancing
Garden State
Across the Universe
Shag
Say Anything

Behind-the-Scenes of All-Campus Idol

Fox 47 came along for the ride of All-Campus Idol 2009!

Michael Johns' interview with Fox provides an inside look at the behind-the-scenes of this event. During his exclusive interview with Fox, Johns' gives his input on the new 'save' rule on American Idol, his favorites out of the Season 8 finalists, and he provides praise for the UW contestants.

Thank you for taking part in this amazing event!

Heart on my Sleeve

Music is one of the most heartwarming gifts someone can give. Blair was a diehard music fan, as most of you know, especially when it comes to The Beatles. As you may have seen on the 'Care Blairs' page, American Idol Alum, Michael Johns, honored Blair with his rendition of 'Across the Universe' during our hospital visit to UW Health's American Family Children's Hospital, earlier this week.

He also sang an original song for the intimate audience of hospital patients and their families, All-Campus Idol contestants, and hospital workers.

In fact, we were given the rare honor to spend time with a musician on the same day that this single (his first,) debuted on the radio.

Michael Johns supported BBFF, please help us support him and download his single. I promise it is worth it. Just watch and listen to this rendition.

Enjoy this amazing, heartfelt performance of "Heart on my Sleeve."



x
BBFF

All-Campus Idol RECAP

Please see a video from the Badger Herald website below. Michael Johns is interviewed at the end, so the wait is worth it.

Michael claims that he "didn't even know about the hospital visit until yesterday, but it made his trip to Madison all worth while- to see the smiles on the kid's faces." He really represents what Care Blairs are all about. Thank you Michael.




All-Campus Idol Final from The Badger Herald on Vimeo.

Michael Johns in Madison!

It'll all work out....

...when planning an event, stress is inevitable. Whether you are contacting hundreds of people, flyering your entire town, or dealing with way too much drama, event planning can be overwhelming!

As the days go by and the countdown continues though, sometimes everything seems to fall into place.

Today is March 31st- just three weeks prior to All-Campus Idol 2009. And... the event coordinator may just be able to breath a sigh of relief and let out a squeal of excitement. :)

Auditions are now over and the Top 10 finalists (although a secret,) have been chosen!

And...the special guest, American Idol Alum and sole Aussie contestant, Michael Johns has been confirmed as a judge and performer too!

You see... if you believe, and put enough effort in- it'll all work out.

x
BBFF

Wedding of Hope

No matter your age, there is something that can make you happy.

After watching this video, you'll understand. Don't put an age limit on your dreams.

And, be careful what you wish for because sometimes someone else is looking out for you... and it could come true.

The Jonas Brothers surprised Jayla Cooper, a 9-year-old girl battling an aggressive form of leukemia at her home in Grapevine, Texas on Sunday.

The Next Time...

Snow storms in London. 59 degrees in February in Wisconsin. Deadly bushfires in Australia.

Sometimes the weather represents life more vividly than anyone realizes. When everything seems to be turning upside down, (even the weather,) think about the things in life that don't change so much. You have to appreciate the little things and not look too far into the future- sometimes it is too overwhelming.

The next time you walk down the street, notice the people that are walking alone and are smiling to themselves.

The next time you are driving, glance in the cars around you and try to find the people singing and dancing along to their radios. I promise you'll laugh...

The next time the world seems too quiet and normal, watch David Hasselhoff's Hooked on a Feeling on Youtube and reminisce about the randomness of that song and its many encounters in the entertainment world (the 'Ooga Chucka' baby from Ally McBeal.)

I hope this made you smile...

~ BBFF

Or Just Watch it Here...

:)

In the words of Ellen DeGeneres, Dance. Laugh. Hope.

~BBFF

It's a new dawn

It's a new day
It's a new life
...
And I'm feeling good...

You have to look back on the month of January 2009 and be optimistic. MIRACLES HAPPENED. CHANGE HAPPENED. Who knows, maybe even in the midst of all of the shortcomings occurring throughout the world right now, the Miracle on The Hudson and the Inauguration of Barack Obama are two of the starting points to the shift of good things to come to America and the world right now.

The weather stayed warm enough for the hundreds of thousands in Washington on January 20th as Joe Biden and Barack Obama took their oaths as the 44th President and Vice President...and all 155 passengers on flight 1549 survived their emergency landing on the Hudson River.

I believe that everything happens in threes... so what is going to be the third amazing news story of 2009??

Almost 10 Months later... and we're still giving (because of you)

It's almost summer again and Blizzle mania has not died down... at least on this end of the spectrum. Constant questions about the next Blizzle keep arising, but the only answer I have for them is that 'one day there will be another one.' You shouldn't plan every aspect in life. Instead, live life to the fullest day by day, dollar to dollar. This could be the reason I haven't written on THE BLURB in ages.

To make something truly impactful and special is to do it in moderation. We don't want a fundraiser to JUST be an annual event. We want to make it an event and memorable night unto itself.

Since last August, all of the musicians involved have toured, created videos and albums, and have expanded their careers in one way or another. They all brought something special to that night and it is amazing to see what just ten months can do.

The Sixers toured with O.A.R and Hanson. The Blaire Reinhard Band made a cameo on MTV and created their first music video. Emily Eddey debuted at The Bitter End. Pat McGee and John Taglieri continued to tour around the country and in NJ.

No matter how big and famous these bands and people in general become though- foundations and common causes bring everyone together for the GOOD.

One of our ongoing projects, CARE BLAIRS has continued massively in 2008. We were able to send a young girl to the front row of a Hannah Montana concert and help another girl experience her prom. The little things in life are what makes everyone strive for more and exhibit kindness and heart to others.

Next time you see someone who is worse off than yourself, please extend a hand, lend them a dollar, or just hold your tongue. I am not asking you to donate everything you own and have, I just want you to know that you can make a difference by just showing up, or making an effort.

The BBFF will have another fundraiser soon, but now we are taking all of the funds and gifts we have received and helping others. We are living our lives to the fullest everyday and even being a bit selfish at times- knowing that you need to keep hope in your life, but strive for what you truly want.

And what we TRULY want for everyone is for you to have happiness in your life...no matter how you obtain it.

"You put the Happy in my ness, you put the good times into my fun..."~ Ben Harper

~BBFF

Begin Again Again

Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - Piano Man - Blizzle Fest

Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - Milwaukee - Blizzle Fest