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For the kids,
The Be A Number Team Share
Saturday, August 14, 2010
New Location!
The Be A Number blog has moved! Check out all our latest posts at http://beanumberteam.wordpress.com/
Still want more?! Keep up with us by signing up for the RSS feed on our blog, following us on Twitter, becoming a fan on Facebook, following us on LinkedIn, and!
For the kids,
The Be A Number Team Share
Still want more?! Keep up with us by signing up for the RSS feed on our blog, following us on Twitter, becoming a fan on Facebook, following us on LinkedIn, and!
For the kids,
The Be A Number Team Share
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Working hard, or hardly working?
Yesterday was full of planning, organizing, and designing for us. Sometime between the dozens of phone calls, emails, and social networking updates, we were able to accomplish a lot. We are so very lucky to be doing something we love: helping people while having fun along the way. Sometimes, it hardly seems like work at all.
We've been brainstorming for a while now about a couple different videos we'll be putting together soon. No, I can't tell you the details (that takes all the fun out of unveiling them!), but I can tell you that as we wandered barefoot around Kevin's backyard shooting our "example video" and used his dog, Dolly, as a stand-in actress, there were plenty of laughs to go around. The neighbors were mowing the lawn next door and I couldn't help but wonder what they must have been thinking as we laughed and filmed, sometimes at the same time. As it turns out, we should not look into quitting our day jobs to start an acting career--we had trouble remembering our lines, some of which were only a sentence long, and many clips ended in giggles.
While we certainly have plenty of fun, but we can't wait to share all our hard work with all of you. As we constantly find new, exciting ways to help children all over the United States, and soon in other countries as well, we love nothing more than being able to share the news. Keep checking in for news and updates, there will be plenty coming soon!
In the meantime, whether you work behind a desk, from home, or travel for business, try to find a way to liven up the daily monotony of work. Whether it means posting a funny picture on the wall or sharing a good laugh with someone at work, we encourage you to enjoy what you do and incorporate giving into whatever you do. At the end of the day, it will be the most fulfilling part of your job.
No matter how many emails we have to send, how many phone calls we make, or how many times we send documents back to the drawing board for re-editing, all the time spent is worth it with just one smile from a child with whom we have been lucky enough to share our message of hope.
Many thanks to all of you who have helped to make this possible by showing your support!
Until next time, make today count. Be A Number. Share
We've been brainstorming for a while now about a couple different videos we'll be putting together soon. No, I can't tell you the details (that takes all the fun out of unveiling them!), but I can tell you that as we wandered barefoot around Kevin's backyard shooting our "example video" and used his dog, Dolly, as a stand-in actress, there were plenty of laughs to go around. The neighbors were mowing the lawn next door and I couldn't help but wonder what they must have been thinking as we laughed and filmed, sometimes at the same time. As it turns out, we should not look into quitting our day jobs to start an acting career--we had trouble remembering our lines, some of which were only a sentence long, and many clips ended in giggles.
While we certainly have plenty of fun, but we can't wait to share all our hard work with all of you. As we constantly find new, exciting ways to help children all over the United States, and soon in other countries as well, we love nothing more than being able to share the news. Keep checking in for news and updates, there will be plenty coming soon!
In the meantime, whether you work behind a desk, from home, or travel for business, try to find a way to liven up the daily monotony of work. Whether it means posting a funny picture on the wall or sharing a good laugh with someone at work, we encourage you to enjoy what you do and incorporate giving into whatever you do. At the end of the day, it will be the most fulfilling part of your job.
No matter how many emails we have to send, how many phone calls we make, or how many times we send documents back to the drawing board for re-editing, all the time spent is worth it with just one smile from a child with whom we have been lucky enough to share our message of hope.
Many thanks to all of you who have helped to make this possible by showing your support!
Until next time, make today count. Be A Number. Share
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The Simple Things
Today, the yellow sun shines brightly through the leaves of the trees, birds chirp happily from their nests, and butterfly wings flutter blissfully across deep blue skies. Today, the simplest things go unnoticed far too often. In a world of "high speed" this and "faster than ever" that, sometimes it seems the greatest luxury is to simply stop. To marvel at the wonders of how the world works is a pastime that has become far too rare.
It is an interesting paradox between inner and outer beauty in a world where the latest diet fads or who's topping the Forbes income list is the focus of what seems to be the majority of youth when considering their futures. But what about the kids who are truly fighters--the ones who face each day with as much optimism as they can gather-- who have faced a constant struggle and still find a way to smile?
Recently, we received news that we would be able to accompany several families with children with Pallister-Killian Syndrome (PKS) to New Jersey to learn more about what they face every day. PKS can present with deformities and mental delays, but the children it affects still find time to smile. Their beauty shines through in their ability to laugh and to overcome their daily struggles.
We are so excited to meet and talk to the children and their families at the conference, and, of course, hand them a Be A Number shirt of their own. We want to show them that they are so special to all of us and that they can change the world as well--with a simple smile and love for others. Share
It is an interesting paradox between inner and outer beauty in a world where the latest diet fads or who's topping the Forbes income list is the focus of what seems to be the majority of youth when considering their futures. But what about the kids who are truly fighters--the ones who face each day with as much optimism as they can gather-- who have faced a constant struggle and still find a way to smile?
Recently, we received news that we would be able to accompany several families with children with Pallister-Killian Syndrome (PKS) to New Jersey to learn more about what they face every day. PKS can present with deformities and mental delays, but the children it affects still find time to smile. Their beauty shines through in their ability to laugh and to overcome their daily struggles.
We are so excited to meet and talk to the children and their families at the conference, and, of course, hand them a Be A Number shirt of their own. We want to show them that they are so special to all of us and that they can change the world as well--with a simple smile and love for others. Share
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Inspiration
Inspiration comes in many forms, a beautiful view, a close friend, or a even a good book, but often it is what we don't see that has the most impact on us.
Recently, we had an opportunity to speak with middle school children at a school in Flint, Michigan about making a positive impact in their own worlds and how they could take small steps to make all the difference in their own lives and their community. The school was fairly typical, with kids' artwork tacked to the hallway walls and posters next to the chalkboards with a few encouraging phrases. The kids were very attentive, and even came up with some business ideas of their own that would help those around them. Their response to the Be A Number movement was one of enthusiasm and wonder--they had so many questions and loved asking Kevin about playing football and where he gets his ideas. We were so impressed with how respectful and interested all the students were.
However, on the drive into and out of the area surrounding the school, we noticed many things that made us think about what many children don't have. Thousands of families in the Flint area don't know where their next meal will come from, shops were boarded up, and homes and businesses had bars on the windows to prevent robbery. What didn't we see? A place for children to laugh and play and forget about the troubles of the world, a place for them to turn to when times were getting rough, a place to keep them off the streets.
As the rain spattered the windows of the pick-up truck we were driving, I couldn't help but think about the kids without a roof over their heads, without a mother or father, and without a hot meal. These mental images are the driving force behind our deep desire to help as many children as possible. The children we reach will finally have material proof that we haven't forgotten about them, though the world often overlooks them. The children in our own surrounding cities can be helped, and we are determined to reach as many as possible.
So as you go about your busy days, take a second to notice things that you usually wouldn't, but also take the time to notice what you can't see. It's truly amazing how motivating it can be. Share
Recently, we had an opportunity to speak with middle school children at a school in Flint, Michigan about making a positive impact in their own worlds and how they could take small steps to make all the difference in their own lives and their community. The school was fairly typical, with kids' artwork tacked to the hallway walls and posters next to the chalkboards with a few encouraging phrases. The kids were very attentive, and even came up with some business ideas of their own that would help those around them. Their response to the Be A Number movement was one of enthusiasm and wonder--they had so many questions and loved asking Kevin about playing football and where he gets his ideas. We were so impressed with how respectful and interested all the students were.
However, on the drive into and out of the area surrounding the school, we noticed many things that made us think about what many children don't have. Thousands of families in the Flint area don't know where their next meal will come from, shops were boarded up, and homes and businesses had bars on the windows to prevent robbery. What didn't we see? A place for children to laugh and play and forget about the troubles of the world, a place for them to turn to when times were getting rough, a place to keep them off the streets.
As the rain spattered the windows of the pick-up truck we were driving, I couldn't help but think about the kids without a roof over their heads, without a mother or father, and without a hot meal. These mental images are the driving force behind our deep desire to help as many children as possible. The children we reach will finally have material proof that we haven't forgotten about them, though the world often overlooks them. The children in our own surrounding cities can be helped, and we are determined to reach as many as possible.
So as you go about your busy days, take a second to notice things that you usually wouldn't, but also take the time to notice what you can't see. It's truly amazing how motivating it can be. Share
In The Beginning
It seems like everyone has a life-changing experience that drives them into action these days, but to be honest, that's not how Be A Number came about. Kevin was (and still is) just a regular guy. At 21 years old, a football player, and a typical college kid, Kevin works for his dad's pizza place on holiday breaks, studies from time to time, and makes appearances at social functions. Back in September 2009, he got to thinking. He was a senior, getting ready to look at the rest of his life, trouble was, he had no idea where he was headed. The phrase "he got to thinking" is pivotal-- all this thinking led to an idea: Be A Number. All of a sudden, it was 4 am and the coffee pot was getting the workout of a lifetime. A few scribbles and some big ideas led to where we are now: traveling the world, spreading awareness of kids who need help and giving them hope through a t-shirt.
Over the next few days, Kevin told friends and family about his idea and got a lot of support. But what did they really think?
I, for one, had no idea who this Kevin Hershock guy was. I was perfectly content in my little world running my TOMS Shoes campus club and studying hard to complete two majors. One afternoon, I was in the student union at our school--Hillsdale College-- talking with a friend, Tyler. He mentioned that his friend was thinking about starting a business similar to TOMS and that he had given him my name.
Being a psychology major, I figured I knew everything there was to know about typical college students. "Yeah," I thought, "so you gave him my name, but I bet he'll never actually contact me. People our age rarely do that, it seems."
As it turned out, I was very wrong. I got back to my room later that evening and checked my email, expecting to find school announcements, meeting reminders from my sorority, and maybe a question or two from my TOMS committee. Mixed in with those were two emails, each about a paragraph long. Those two emails were what I can honestly describe as a turning point in my life.
After a brief introduction, he ended the email with:
"I was hoping that maybe we could meet up sometime and just talk about some things that I may be looking over or for you to give me some pointers if you could. If it is easier you can just email me. Thanks for everything!
Kevin Hershock"
In the second email, he apologized for never explaining the business idea in the first place and went into a quick description, followed by "ok, I hope you like my idea! -Kevin"
I remember meeting up with Kevin a few days later to tell him what I knew about TOMS, but I also remember thinking something along the lines of "you've got to be kidding me. This big football player who probably parties all weekend every weekend really wants to do this? There's no way he's serious."
Months later, here I sit, writing a blog, editing the new website design, setting up video sets, scheduling speaking engagements, and making more phone calls and sending more emails than I want to attempt to count. To me, though, it's more than just a great cause. It's a constant learning experience from the moment I realized I was wrong to think he wasn't serious just because he was a football player, to the moment I helped hand out the first 250 donated shirts to children in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Their smiles will be one of my favorite memories for the rest of my life.
So how does something like this start? Sometimes it's just an idea, but one idea can change the world-I know it's changed mine, and it changes the lives of children worldwide every single day. Share
Over the next few days, Kevin told friends and family about his idea and got a lot of support. But what did they really think?
I, for one, had no idea who this Kevin Hershock guy was. I was perfectly content in my little world running my TOMS Shoes campus club and studying hard to complete two majors. One afternoon, I was in the student union at our school--Hillsdale College-- talking with a friend, Tyler. He mentioned that his friend was thinking about starting a business similar to TOMS and that he had given him my name.
Being a psychology major, I figured I knew everything there was to know about typical college students. "Yeah," I thought, "so you gave him my name, but I bet he'll never actually contact me. People our age rarely do that, it seems."
As it turned out, I was very wrong. I got back to my room later that evening and checked my email, expecting to find school announcements, meeting reminders from my sorority, and maybe a question or two from my TOMS committee. Mixed in with those were two emails, each about a paragraph long. Those two emails were what I can honestly describe as a turning point in my life.
After a brief introduction, he ended the email with:
"I was hoping that maybe we could meet up sometime and just talk about some things that I may be looking over or for you to give me some pointers if you could. If it is easier you can just email me. Thanks for everything!
Kevin Hershock"
In the second email, he apologized for never explaining the business idea in the first place and went into a quick description, followed by "ok, I hope you like my idea! -Kevin"
I remember meeting up with Kevin a few days later to tell him what I knew about TOMS, but I also remember thinking something along the lines of "you've got to be kidding me. This big football player who probably parties all weekend every weekend really wants to do this? There's no way he's serious."
Months later, here I sit, writing a blog, editing the new website design, setting up video sets, scheduling speaking engagements, and making more phone calls and sending more emails than I want to attempt to count. To me, though, it's more than just a great cause. It's a constant learning experience from the moment I realized I was wrong to think he wasn't serious just because he was a football player, to the moment I helped hand out the first 250 donated shirts to children in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Their smiles will be one of my favorite memories for the rest of my life.
So how does something like this start? Sometimes it's just an idea, but one idea can change the world-I know it's changed mine, and it changes the lives of children worldwide every single day. Share
Meet Us
It seems an appropriate way to begin our nation and world-wide journey to change the lives of kids everywhere...with a brief introduction of the people that keep Be A Number working!
First and foremost, our Founder and President, Kevin Hershock. Always thinking, he's constantly coming up with new, exciting ways to make Be A Number grow and help as many kids as possible. Family is very important to him, and his little sister Abbie is his biggest fan.
Our resident techie, Alex Vanston has been incredible as we constantly keep him on his toes with new website design ideas, hundreds of questions, and off-the-wall design requests. Even though he spends a lot of time working at the local hospital, he's always got time for friends!
Then there's me- Liz. I hold down the fort while Kevin does the talking and makes connections with important people all over the country-and even the world! I work with all of our student representatives to help them spread the word on their campuses and, over the course of the last few months, have made best friends with the printer and paper cutter.
We have over 40 campus representatives that are a major part of the Be A Number movement. They've held fundraisers, sold shirts, passed out flyers, and sported their shirts all over their campuses. We're constantly looking for more representatives, so consider joining the movement!
Out of all these people, though, one more group is the most important of all: you. Each person who spreads the word, purchases a shirt, tells others, or does all three is a VITAL part of making this work. With your help, this world is well on it's way to being a better place. More importantly, children all over will know what it feels like to have hope and the knowledge that someone cares.
So, since you are all such a big part of this movement, follow the blog, comment, and tell us a little bit about yourselves- we can't wait to see where this goes with your help :)
Until next time,
Be someone to count on. Be A Number. Share
First and foremost, our Founder and President, Kevin Hershock. Always thinking, he's constantly coming up with new, exciting ways to make Be A Number grow and help as many kids as possible. Family is very important to him, and his little sister Abbie is his biggest fan.
Our resident techie, Alex Vanston has been incredible as we constantly keep him on his toes with new website design ideas, hundreds of questions, and off-the-wall design requests. Even though he spends a lot of time working at the local hospital, he's always got time for friends!
Then there's me- Liz. I hold down the fort while Kevin does the talking and makes connections with important people all over the country-and even the world! I work with all of our student representatives to help them spread the word on their campuses and, over the course of the last few months, have made best friends with the printer and paper cutter.
We have over 40 campus representatives that are a major part of the Be A Number movement. They've held fundraisers, sold shirts, passed out flyers, and sported their shirts all over their campuses. We're constantly looking for more representatives, so consider joining the movement!
Out of all these people, though, one more group is the most important of all: you. Each person who spreads the word, purchases a shirt, tells others, or does all three is a VITAL part of making this work. With your help, this world is well on it's way to being a better place. More importantly, children all over will know what it feels like to have hope and the knowledge that someone cares.
So, since you are all such a big part of this movement, follow the blog, comment, and tell us a little bit about yourselves- we can't wait to see where this goes with your help :)
Until next time,
Be someone to count on. Be A Number. Share
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