New Definition

Andrew: “Hmmmm I don’t know what that is Ashley. Adam do you know?”

Adam: “I think I’ve heard of it before, but I’m not really sure. Angie?”

Angie: “Yeah...don’t know. Just GOOGLE it!”

“Google it.” That’s a phrase that most of us have used at least once! According to Merriam-Webster it means:

Google (v) (googled googling)- to use the Google search engine to obtain information about (as a person) on the World Wide Web.

We’re not sure how Google became a verb, BUT we have a verb of our own; ArrowStream or Stream.

Thankfully there have been 50+ groups who have held a Cardz for Kidz! event. This ranges from world renowned universities to small community groups. One reason folks like to participate is that, EVERY CARD COUNTS. So whether it’s a HUGE event that produces 300+ cards (thanks CervantesKids!) to a small ‘Girls Night in Party’ that produces 21 (yup we still remember Ms Lavers!), we appreciate all cards. Also, we’ve learned that people have heard about Cardz for Kidz! in all different types of ways. This has ranged hearing about us in class (looking forward to seeing those cards USG) to seeing a sign we posted in a Starbucks (still remember the email from Harley Davidson!).  We definitely understand that groups get busy at different times. Also, there are some folks who simply prefer to make cards around special holidays.

But one thing that’s clear is that ArrowStream is the only group who’s ArrowStreamed or Streamed it.

Arrowstream (v)- (Streamed, Streaming). Independently host Cardz for Kidz! events without any member of the organization checking in to see if they are still interested and/or requesting cards for a special event.

Sorry we’re number guys so we gotta show some stats! 

In total, as of March 28, 2014 we’ve received cards from 101 different events. Among those, only 28% of participants held an event the following quarter. To narrow it down even more, ArrowStream is the ONLY group who’s held an event 4 quarters in a row!!! Shocking right? It’s clear everyone enjoys the excuse to use glitter glue while uplifting spirits, but based on time constraints they’re often unable to host another event.

What’s even more surprising is that every quarter they reach out to update us that they had an event! No need for us to remind or request any cards. 

So yes...we haven’t forgotten:

• No, they’re not our #1 producer of cards (just 11 cards away from being a Gold level contributor).
• No, they have not cracked the overall Top 10…yet.

But YES. They have consistently uplifted spirits without us requesting. Currently at four quarters and that can still increase!

Now we understand there are time constraints, but it would be AMAZING if more groups would create a new definition and ArrowStream/Stream it! 

And sorry guys, but now we’re spoiled and expecting it to continue! :)

Top 10 cards from Q1 2014

#upliftingspirits #newdefinition

To see more pictures and stories please check out our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter , visit our Google+ page, or visit our LinkedIn page! Website coming soon, www.cardzforkidz.org!

Who You're Telling

Here’s a brief story about a “special” taxi ride:

__

One day back in April 2013, I left work and tried to catch a cab to the Bulls game.  As many of you know, it can be tough finding a cab downtown, during rush hour.   After about 10-15 minutes a cab pulls up, but by this time there was also a young lady waiting for a cab as well.  Trying to be a nice guy, I told her that she can have the cab and that I’ll just catch the next one.  She was so appreciative of the gesture that she offered to share the cab.   It turns out that she was going to the Bulls game as well! Because of her kindness, I told her that I would expense the cab ride.

During the ride, we chatted about our jobs and what we enjoyed doing in our free time.  As I began to talk about my interest and position with Cardz for Kidz!  she mentioned that her company, Roundarch Isobar, would love to participate.  That quarter they held a simultaneous event with their Chicago, Boston and New York offices.

Now here’s the most interesting part. In Q4 2013, participants produced a total of 1,390 cards.  At the end of the quarter it turned out that Roundarch produced 4 of the overall Top 10 cards.  It’s wild to think that if I didn’t mention the organization, there would have been 164 children who wouldn’t have received a card to brighten their day.  A perfect mix of quality and quantity!

___

Now we just ask you to spread the word. Okay- maybe your cab ride results may not be as powerful, but you never know WHO YOU'RE TELLING. Maybe they’ll be responsible for creating more world renowned cards! :)

Overall Top 10

Top 10 from Isobar's Offices

We're actually not 100% sure there's a Detroit office. We just noticed the return address on one of the packages was from Detroit and there were a BUNCH of quality cards! :)

#whoyouretelling #upliftingspirits

To see more pictures and stories please check out our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter , visit our Google+ page, or visit our LinkedIn page!

We All Are!

Who’s in first? It seems like it is always changing! One quarter College Students are the top participants (Q3 2013 – 375 cards). Then, out of nowhere, the next quarter is dominated by B to B companies (i.e. Q4 2013 – 449 cards).  One consistent trait is that independent contributors have always been pretty stable!

As of February 2014, here’s the breakout for the different segments:

Among those participants here are the top producers (as of 2/18/14):

• Grade School:
• Mayfield Junior School – 250 Quality Cards
•  College or Above:
• DePaul – 628 Quality Cards
• Community Group:
• Little Brothers- Friends of the Elderly – 100 Quality Cards
• B to B Company:
• Ogilvy Chicago – 395 Quality Cards
• B to C Company:
• Quicken Loans – 163 Quality Cards
• Independent:
• One family who wished to remain anonymous – 175 Quality Cards

In a previous post we were trying to see who benefits the most from all these cards. It was a tossup, but it seems that everyone involved is happy. Thankfully the children who received cards or “artists” who made cards have enjoyed the experience. What we’re excited about is that sooo many people have participated!

Now if someone looks over the statistics and says, “wow over 6,000 delivered. That’s a lot of cards! Who’s responsible for all those?” Our response can be “We All Are”!

#upliftingspirits #weallare

To see more pictures and stories please check out our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter , visit our Google+ page, or visit our LinkedIn page!

Both Inside and Out

“You’re beautiful both inside and out.” That’s definitely one of the most uplifting compliments of all time. Gentlemen, if you’re trying to uplift the spirits of a longtime girlfriend or possibly attract a new crush, that’s a phrase to remember.

We agree. We use that phrase all the time but we say “You’re valuable both inside and out.” And by that we’re referring to the children both inside and outside of the United States. But let’s be honest, clearly we are focused on the US. 97% of our cards have been delivered within the United States and since Cardz for Kidz! originally started in Illinois the majority of our hospitals are located in this state.  69% of cards were delivered to hospitals in IL.

But now we’re growing. Not including the United States, we've sent cards to 5 separate countries in 4 different languages and we’re looking to expand. As of 2/10/2014 we've sent 192 cards globally. We understand that these children are truly excited to receive these gifts from their “friends” in the United States. 

Children in Benin

Patient in Haiti

Children in Ghana

We definitely want to make sure that each hospital here in the US has more than enough cards to impact all of their patients, we would love for your help to reach even more children. We want to want to make sure kids Both Inside and Out of the US feel loved!

#upliftingspirits #bothinsideandout

To see more pictures and stories please check out our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter , visit our Google+ page, or visit our LinkedIn page!

They're Thankful!

Thanks for your help! On a consistent basis we've asked for your help in order to deliver cards to pediatric patients.

Thankfully we've received increased participation when we've made "special" deliveries. Even though these locations often get a bunch of donations, your cards make an impact. 

Here are two quotes from the recipients:

• Sandy Hook Elementary School, Connecticut: "Thank you so much for all those beautifully decorated cards and snowflakes! They were absolutely gorgeous and the most wonderful spirit-lifters for all these children at Sandy Hook."
• Berrendo Middle School, New Mexico: "The cards were amazing - thank you!"

Those schools received A LOT of donations, but they definitely appreciate YOUR help....THEY'RE THANKFUL!

#upliftingspirits #theyrethankful

To see more pictures and stories please check out our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter , visit our Google+ page, or visit our LinkedIn page!

Please Help!

WE NEED YOUR HELP! 

As many of you heard, there was a school shooting at Berrendo Middle School in New Mexico. Since our overall goal is to uplift the spirits of hospitalized and/or TRAUMATIZED children we're going to send a shipment of cards.

On January 30th, we'll send our package to that school. The tough part is that so far we still need 1,000+ cards to deliver to the hospitals we currently partner with this quarter. If you could partner with coworkers, friends, classmates and/or group members to make a couple of cards that would be TRULY appreciated. 

Don't worry even if you can't get the cards by 1/30/2014 we DEFINITELY still need a bunch throughout the quarter.

We Agree

“No! I disagree!”

That was the first part of our conversation with one of our trusted advisers. This was sparked when we highlighted our first “big” donation to a hospital….a standard DVD player. They highlighted how they still have all their old school Disney movies AND some of their overall favorite movies on VHS. So when it came time to consider getting a DVD player, they disagreed. Later we asked if they had DVD player.  Turns out they had a DVD/Blue Ray player. And owned the majority of those movies on DVD and/or blue ray.

“I just think that money should go to hospital supplies!” We definitely agree that gloves, gowns, medication, etc are all essential. The only thing is that our overall goal is to uplift the spirits of these children. We strive to take their mind off their condition by doing fun things such as opening a card or watching a DVD; able to simply tap one button and automatically skip a “scary” scene in a movie.

We’re thankful that some of the hospitals we partner with have the latest systems in their playroom and independent TVs for each room. That’s soooo important. But it’s a shame, that although there are multiple patients in a room, some hospitals don’t have a TV in any of the patients’ rooms. So we’re going to focus on partnering with some of the smaller hospitals we send cards and provide them with “fun activities”. Here are pictures from one of the playrooms:  

           

At that hospital they only have a VCR in their playroom with VHS tapes. We learned they have a partnership with Disney. Based on that they have some DVDs, but those can only be played on the two “mobile” TVs with video game systems that can play discs.

So although a trusted adviser doesn't think that we should spend money uplifting spirits with electronics, We Agree that we can continue to find ways to brighten these kids’ day. Here’s a pic of the staff holding the brand new DVD player, as well as, posing with some cards.

 

Now we just need to make sure they have the best movie of all time, The Lion King!....yeah we're a bit biased.... but the adviser who disagreed has it too!!

#upliftingspirits #weagree

To see more pictures and stories please check out our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter , visit our Google+ page, or visit our LinkedIn page!