Long Lasting Impact

Here’s an outline of Cardz for Kidz!.

1.       Inside Scoop!!! The founder did NOT think of the name, Cards for Kids! The first event was set up for a conference in 2010. He decided to simply get attendees to partner with kids from church to make cards for patients at the hospital he volunteered at, Lurie (at the time known as Children’s Memorial). The people from church said he needed to create a title. Interesting. But the founder wasn’t creative enough to think of a good name. Some other participants decided to call it Cards for Kids.

Unfortunately, neither of the groups at the first event decided to ever hold another event! L We tried to orchestrate more events with either of those groups, but to no avail.

2.       Then in 2011 he took it to work. These events started to pick up around the agency. First, one sister company, located in the same building, joined in. Then another company from upstairs, Mindshare, made cards on their floor. Of the 3 companies, Mindshare was the only one who held another event.

As often happens in the advertising industry the two Mindshare employees who led the first events moved on to other companies. Cardz for Kidz! was over, right? WRONG!  Not sure exactly how she learned about it, but soon after another Mindshare employee started hosting events. She created office wide events which led to the production of over 45 cards!! Another transition followed and she left the agency as well. That’s the end right? WRONG. Within a quarter another TEAM reached out stating they started a new committee and wanted to host events again. This team was able to quickly host an event and produced 70+ cards. In addition, several of them attended the ‘Pledge Allegiance’ event! #thanks

Amazing how with some groups if one person does not take the lead and plan it for everyone, nothing happens. Some folks may say ‘wow it’s just an amazing company culture’ OR ‘they clearly just hire plenty of nice people’. No matter what sparked the successful transitions, we’re thankful! 

As of April 15, 2014 well over 50 groups have hosted Cardz for Kidz! parties. No matter how many more groups join in, Mindshare will always be the 4^th group to ever host an event. And since so many people have stepped up to help, we’re sure Mindshare will continue to have a long lasting impact on our kids!

Currently Mindshare has produced 293 cards!

#upliftingspirits #passthebaton #longlastingimpact

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! Also, the websites coming soon, www.cardzforkidz.org!!

Too Consistent

“Okay now I’m just confused.”

“Here’s this group I’ve never heard of making all these name changes!”

People are still trying to learn the spelling of Cardz for Kidz!  (Z rather than S) and we’re adding on more elements! Yes…we understand it’s confusing because we’re adding so much before we even launched a website. But even with those questions we’re still making sure we have all THREE Cardz __ Kidz!:

• Cardz FOR Kidz!: This is our #1 focus. The goal is to get homemade/custom cards into children’s hands while they’re going through difficult periods or events. This can range from children battling cancer to students impacted by a school shooting. Also, one of the locations we have sent cards to on a quarterly basis, Orangewood Foundation, is a safe haven for kids who have been physically or sexually abused. So no matter how many more services we add (i.e. art boxes or even scholarships in the future) our title will not change.

• Cardz FROM Kidz!: We’re partnering with a couple of locations where we can reach “solemn seniors”. We’ve sent a total of 93 cards to elder residents of Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly and Salvation Army Booth Manor. Thankfully they’ve replied with a total of 162 cards. So we’re making sure child participants have the option to reach seniors or other children.

• Cardz WITH Kidz!: This is our way of “rewarding” hard work. Since we’re still in the growth phase we can’t provide any type of special/expensive “gift” for amazing art projects. As our reward we invite the top artists (if we can get a hold of them) to come make cards with patients and their families at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

Two consistent themes throughout the names are Cardz and Kidz. Our overall goal is to impact children. This can range from them feeling encouraged knowing their helping someone’s grandma, all the way to them believing they received a gift from a friend. We’ll always associate with two things, Cards and Kids, because we believe there’s no such thing as Too Consistent!

#upliftingspirits #tooconsistent

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! Also, the websites coming soon, www.cardzforkidz.org!!

When We Grow Up

What do you want to be when you grow up?

                          A Doctor                                                    A Teacher   

        A Lawyer              an astronaut                  A Football Player   

                      A Ballerina            A Derivatives Analyst for a Global Investment Bank[i]

Do you remember those days? When you used to ANNOUNCE to teachers, classmates, or family members exactly what we wanted to do in the future. Okay since Cardz for Kidz! is about to celebrate its 4^th birthday we can start making proclamations. We want to provide a scholarship. Here’s a story that fueled our desire:

___

In high school I had a 3.8 GPA and since I was a part of several extracurricular activities, I actually got into the University of Michigan on a full tuition scholarship. I remember being sooo excited when I got the letter!! I later got admitted into the Ross School of Business after my sophomore year!! On top of that, I was invited to be in some of the business school brochures!! My world was so perfect.  #AMAZING

THEN EVERYTHING CRASHED.

July 12, 2004 (yeah still got the date memorized) was the first time I was rushed to the Emergency Room. After the first set of testing I was told that I had a BRAIN TUMOR. In tears I immediately went to my academic advisor and told her that I was going to take a year off. After a slew of tests including every letter in the alphabet (PET, MRI, WADA, EEG, etc), I was told that I needed to have Brain Surgery (BS). The part that was operated on is the area effecting short term memory and/or speech. After all the testing and disputes with insurance, the actual surgery took place on August 5, 2005. Because of the scholarship and fear of falling even farther behind, I decided to return to school in September 2005. However, there was a tiny bit of difficulty getting the scholarship reinstated. Thankfully I knew someone, who knew someone, who knew someone that was able to expedite the process. Within a couple weeks everything was all set (to this day I’ll never forget receiving the call from school when the administrator guaranteed that he personally would look into my situation and make sure the scholarship was settled ASAP).

Studying, taking notes and doing homework less than 30 days after having the portion of the brain operated on that controls short term memory was a wee bit difficult. One thing that I’ll always remember is trying to remember the 4 P’s of marketing.

“Product, Place, Price”…..can’t remember the last one. I would read through my notes “PROMOTION”! Then I would try again. “Promotion, Place, Product”….once again couldn’t remember the final P. It took a LONG time before I was able to get all 4. That was before I tried holding on to S.T.P., Multiple/Combined targeting approach, Primary/Secondary target and a couple other distinctive characteristics. I still remember looking down at my first post-surgery exam and immediately getting disheartened. As expected my grades plummeted after the surgery; out of the 20 post surgery classes, I only got 2 A’s – both in Communications courses. Nearly half were a B- or below.

But let’s think about it. What if the surgery would have happened in high school? Then I wouldn’t have been able to play sports, while doing extracurricular activities and retaining a strong GPA. Thinking about it, I’m lucky that my scholarship and everything was ALL set before the whole brain ordeal began! I know there would’ve been no way to get any financial assistance with the grades I would’ve been able to make after my BS.

Participants name was removed due to HIPAA regulations.

__

It is these types of stories that inspire us to start a grant/stipend/scholarship for youth who have been hospitalized for a week or more. Grades will not be the determining factor for eligibility; rather it’s the students’ desire and diligence to succeed or continue despite their hardship that will be considered.

Don't worry we're not getting our priorities mixed up:

1. We want to get more Cardz for more Kidz!. That’s our name and always our #1 goal!
2. Purchase art supplies and DVD players for small hospitals!

In summary, uplifting the spirits of current disheartened children will always be our goal, but WHEN WE GROW UP we’d love to reach kids/former patients in more than one way.

#upliftingspirits #whenwegrowup

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! Also, the websites coming soon, www.cardzforkidz.org!!

---

[i] (yeah you remember that kid? We intentionally didn’t give’em pretty font or bright colors J)

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!