SWFL’s Own, iWannaHelp.net, is an Internet-based 501c3 non-profit designed to streamline philanthropic efforts and provide an Internet-based home for: non-profits, businesses, and the general public. All members of iWannaHelp.net are able to upload a complimentary profile, and share scholarship info, volunteer needs, donations, RSVP to local events, and Help people in need. Within 1 year, iWannaHelp.net is making a difference in the SWFL community, with over 60 non-profit members, and 1600 contacts. iWannaHelp.net encompasses the social media networking method of communication through its interactive website for the good of the SWFL community and is dedicated to helping people in need, with its recent partnership with Mercato in the ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ Campaign. To assist our community, in harmony with its mission, iWannaHelp.net joins millions of Americans across the country to spend Saturday, Oct. 24 to honor Make A Difference Day.
In conjunction with the ideals set forth by Paul Newman to create a national day of serving others, a Kick-Off Event for ‘The March to Make a Difference\' was on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at Mercato, located in Naples, Florida from 9AM to 1PM. This Kick-Off event will be held annually on the fourth Saturday of every October, in honor of ‘Make a Difference Day’ to showcase NonProfits in our community, so that the general public can get involved with volunteer projects at local charities to improve their communities and help neighbors in need. The Fun-filled Family Kick-Off Event included: Bounce House, Music by P.A. Trick, Networking booths, McGruff the Crime Dog, a TV productions crew from SWFLCharityTV.org and more. Proclamations from the City of Naples and The City of Marco Island are in effect for the month of October as ‘iWannaHelp.net Month’. In addition, a letter from Florida Senator Garrett Richter will be read at this event as it is in honor of iWannaHelp.net’s strides to unite philanthropic efforts. In addition, 10 awards of $10,000 will be donated by Newman\'s Own to charities that make the most of Make A Difference Day, in addition to National Press Coverage, totaling $100,000 to Award recipients Nationwide. iWannaHelp.net hopes our SWFL community will continue to support Charities and hopes to be one of those honored as a panel of judges will award the funds in early 2010.
This Kick-Off event provided the opportunity for iWannaHelp.net nonprofit members to receive a complimentary booth (booths limited) to showcase their cause, raise awareness, and make a difference while learning more about the upcoming event \'The March to Make a Difference\'. This event is iWannaHelp.net’s signature fundraiser scheduled for its inaugural debut on March 27, 2010. 70% of proceeds raised at ‘The March to Make a Difference’ Event will benefit participating Nonprofit members of iWannaHelp.net. Membership to iWannaHelp.net is complimentary for all users, including: Nonprofits, Businesses, and the General Public. Lastly, all those who were included in the You-Tube video request to Oprah Winfrey are gratefully thanked as TV productions crew: SWFLCharityTV.org captured the live request. Rosalia Podolak, iWannaHelp.net President/Founder states, ‘If we provide the tool for people to research how they can help – They can help for a lifetime.’ For details on this event or to sign-up as a complimentary member, visit www.iWannaHelp.net.
