Winterfest 2022! Positively one of the most joyful events of the holiday season! Happiness + memories created for over 500 kids in foster care.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - December 11, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

Speak Up For Kids of Palm Beach County is honored to host the eighth annual Stanley Klett Sr. Winterfest Carnival at 4620 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. This complimentary private event for foster youth and their caregivers includes a full carnival, interactive craft stations, food, music, face painting, activities, and a visit from Santa Claus and Christmas Belle!

Event founder, Stanley Klett Sr., donated endless hours as a Guardian ad Litem volunteer advocating for hundreds of children and families over his twenty years of service. Though he passed away in 2009, his  Stanley Klett, Jr., has vowed to ensure this event continues, preserving his father's legacy of service and bringing holiday magic to Palm Beach County youth.

"Our business partners work together to keep this event free for our children and their families," says Coleen LaCosta, Speak Up for Kids Executive Director. Over 70 volunteers help make the day special for foster kids by transforming the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) grounds into a winter wonderland. Local sponsors, IBEW, Domnick Cunningham & Whalen, Networking to Help Children, Gold Law, Tire Kingdom, Jones Foster, Kiwanis of Palm Beach Gardens, Brett Colby Group, and The Happy Princess Club have extended their support to make Winterfest 2022 a magical event.

"I spend most of the holiday season shedding tears of joy," says LaCosta. "Experiencing the outpouring of love from our community and watching kids' faces light up are two of my favorite things. The day is amazing."

About Speak Up for Kids: Speak Up for Kids champions best-interest child advocacy. Through effective advocacy, the cycles of abuse, violence, and crime are being broken one child at a time, and children's futures are being rewritten. 

Contact Information:
Coleen LaCosta
Executive Director
[email protected]
5614087779


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Original Source: Speak Up For Kids Hosts Eighth Annual Winterfest. Holiday Wonderland Serves 500+ Foster Children!

For homeowners looking for an easy and cost-effective way to enhance their landscaping and maximise the potential of the backyard, a pergola can be an excellent addition.

MELBOURNE, Australia - December 12, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

Offering shelter from the sun and protection from the weather, pergolas provide a unique aesthetic appeal, and the right design can completely transform any backyard space. Here, the experts from Softwoods, an independent South-Australian-owned company offering high-quality outdoor structures, explain how. 

According to Softwoods, regardless of whether homeowners do a lot of entertaining or simply want a place to relax outside, pergolas are the ideal way to define an outdoor space. Creating a central focal point to complement landscaping, a pergola also helps to maximise the backyard's potential by making the space useable in all weather conditions. 

As well as offering protection from the sun and rain, Softwoods explains that pergolas can also offer privacy from neighbours, enabling homeowners to entertain and relax without interference. By adding colour, plants and other decorative objects, pergolas contribute to the overall visual appeal of an outdoor space, plus these structures are also an ideal place for seating or an outdoor kitchen.

Offering DIY pergola kits that are truly unique in their versatility, Softwoods says the addition of a pergola to any backyard space will create a distinct environment that can't be achieved with any other landscaping feature. From timber varieties to the endless shapes, sizes and combinations of designs, the pergola kits from Softwoods can be personalised to exactly suit the needs and preferences of the homeowner. 

Designed with flexibility in mind, the DIY pergola kits from Softwoods feature structures pre-cut to the precise measurements supplied by the customer and include all fittings, roofing and guttering. 

For those who prefer a hands-off experience, Softwoods also offers a complete solution encompassing custom-designed and built pergolas. Helping homeowners realise the design they have in mind, Softwoods uses unique software to draw up precise council plans and submits them along with documentation on behalf of the homeowner. 

In addition to offering pergolas, Softwoods also provides decking, carports, fences and screens. To learn more, contact the team today.

Contact Information:
Softwoods Australia
Marketing Manager
(08) 8346 1499


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Original Source: Experts Explain How a Pergola Can Transform Any Backyard Space

Inspiring Vacations reveals that from tours of Cape York to tours to Egypt, overseas travel is back in a big way for Australians, according to recent research from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

MELBOURNE, Australia - December 12, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

After two years of ducking in and out of lockdowns and battling tight restrictions and closed travel borders, Australians have proved that they have well and truly been bitten by the travel bug in 2022. Inspiring Vacations dissects the findings of recent ABS data on international travel from Australia.

As soon as the announcement was made in 2021 that international and state borders would finally reopen for travel, Australians immediately began booking exciting getaways, says Inspiring Vacations. From historical Egypt tours and treks across Thailand to tours to Cape York and everything in between, it seems that every corner of the earth has been filled with Aussie tourists throughout 2022 - but which destinations have been the most popular for Australian travellers?

Recent research conducted by the ABS has revealed that while Australia hasn't yet reached pre-pandemic levels of travel, the country is well on its way there. The data shows that the top 10 most popular locations for international travel from Australia in 2022 have been Auckland, New Zealand; Bali, Indonesia; Queenstown, New Zealand; Christchurch, New Zealand; Fiji; London, United Kingdom; Singapore; Wellington, New Zealand; Bangkok, Thailand; and Los Angeles, United States.

Inspiring Vacations explains the data also revealed an interesting trend: Australians aren't searching for the same, tried-and-true destinations they were travelling to pre-pandemic. Travel research is increasingly inclined to new destinations that Aussie tourists may not yet have visited. Otago, Naples and Saint-Tropez are amongst the top five destinations in which Australians have been booking accommodation this year.

As Australians search for new, exotic destinations, Inspiring Vacations can help tourists plan the perfect trip. Discover everything from guided tours Egypt-wide to Cape York tours and more.

Contact Information:
Inspiring Vacations
Marketing Manager
[email protected]
1300 88 66 88


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Original Source: Australia's Current International Travel Landscape is on the Come-Up, Says the Australian Bureau of Statistics

Placing foster children at the forefront, Robert and Michelle's Annual Holiday Party engages the community and holiday spirit to spread Joy to foster Kids during the holidays.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - December 10, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

Local heroes Robert Donohoo and Michelle Stokes hosted Palm Beach County's premier Holiday Party and Toy Drive, which raised over $100,000 on Dec. 4 at La Masseria Restaurant. Once held at Donohoo's home, attendance at this annual event grew exponentially, and it is now an anxiously awaited annual staple. This year did not disappoint. Over 250 people attended, bringing enough toys to fill a box truck!

"This is a magical time of year where we get the privilege of serving the most vulnerable in our communities," says Scott Penney, Speak Up for Kids Board President. "In any way we can, we want to make the holidays brighter for our children."

"Robert and Michelle are proof that not all superheroes wear capes! Although, sometimes, they are Palm Beach chic," quips Coleen LaCosta, Speak Up for Kids Executive Director, as she references the attire for the evening's festivities. LaCosta continues, "This event marks the epitome of what the holiday season is about. To see Robert work his magic engaging the community along with his team of 'elves' fills our hearts with joy and gratitude - it's life-changing."

Donohoo is all about helping the kids and spreads that passion. This year the team took it to the next level and secured sponsors, Flagler Bank, Paley Orthorpedic & Spine Institute, Marsha McGinn's Blue Bloods and the Fischer Family Foundation plus tremendous silent auction items.

La Masseria, located at 5520 PGA Boulevard, Suite 104, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418, is the perfect backdrop for the evening, coupling authentic Italian fare with the warmth of holiday giving. The owners and staff support the event and are as festive as the attendees. 

About Speak Up for Kids: Speak Up for Kids champions best-interest child advocacy. Through effective advocacy, the cycles of abuse, violence, and crime are being broken one child at a time, and children's futures are being rewritten.

Contact Information:
Coleen LaCosta
Executive Director
[email protected]
5614087779


Press Release Service by Newswire.com

Original Source: Over $100,000 Raised by Robert and Michelle's Annual Holiday Party and Gift Drive Benefitting Speak Up for Kids and 1,600 Foster Children

HONG KONG - December 10, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

The respected team at Halytus, made up of fitness lovers and deep tech enthusiasts creating innovative home gym solutions, just announced the launch of HooKee, a new smart home gym that can be used for over 100 fitness exercises with up to 100 lbs of resistance. This lightweight and compact home gym system lets busy people get in shape and stay in shape faster, conveniently, at home or on the road. Combining high technology and intelligent workouts, HooKee is an important tool for a healthier lifestyle and is available for pre-sale now.

HooKee is a revolutionary smart home gym device. Based on HydroFlex technology, it can output a variable resistance that makes it easy to perform both low-impact exercises and heavy lifting with a maximum of 100 lbs constant force. Built around this HydroFlex system, HooKee provides constant force output for a more balanced exercise. This innovative flexible materials design, driven by hydraulics allows maximum versatility in a compact package without adding extra weight and lets people work out in a more convenient way at home that is safe even for beginners. 

"People today are busier than ever. Although everyone cares about their health, finding time to get to the gym can be hard. Not only that, but training with free weights or complicated machines at the gym often requires experience or the help of a trainer to ensure proper technique and avoid injury. Our goal with HooKee was to create an intelligent, easy-to-use, home and travel gym that could eliminate time-consuming trips to the gym and provide people with smart, app-guided workouts that were safe and easy to do at home. HooKee applies the latest in exercise technology with innovative materials that provide high output force, full adjustability, and a safer way to get fit. It lets you exercise on your terms, when and where you choose and save time and money." Shen, Director, Halytus

Because it utilizes HydroFlex technology rather than bulky free weights, HooKee is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry anywhere, even while traveling. Paired with various available accessories, the device can provide over 100 body-shaping fitness exercises covering all muscle groups of the body. This smart exercise system utilizes UltraLink for interaction with its App while working out, displaying data in real-time, with multiple workout routines that eliminate the need for a personal trainer and provide a modern guided workout that is fun and effective.  

This incredible new smart home gym concept with HydroFlex technology defines a new fitness experience and makes it easy for anyone to increase muscle, tone the body, and live a healthier lifestyle with fast, efficient body conditioning. HooKee is available now for pre-sale with rewards and special deals for early adopters. Learn more HERE.

Contact Information:
ZHONG SHEN
Project Lead
[email protected]
+852 34211130


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Original Source: Halytus Announces Launch of HooKee - Next Gen Smart Home Gym With HydroFlex Technology

LOS ANGELES - December 9, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

iQuanti: Online installment loans can help you cover unexpected financial emergencies, make major purchases, or pay off bills and credit card debt. They come in many forms and are available to many consumers, regardless of credit score. The terms and conditions vary, so it's important to read them carefully before taking out an installment loan. Read on to learn how borrowers can get an online installment loan in 2023.

How online installment loans work

Online installment loans are popular for their simplicity. With these short-term, unsecured loans, the lender agrees to lend the borrower a specific amount of money with a fixed interest rate. The borrower then pays the lender back in equal monthly installment payments for a specified term, typically anywhere from several months to a few years. This system makes installment loan repayments easier to budget.   

How can borrowers get an online installment loan?

It's easy for borrowers to get an online installment loan. Here's what you'll need to do to get started: 

1. Check your credit score

Lenders will check your credit score when you submit your application. You should do the same before you get to that point. Knowing what your credit score is can help you decide where to apply. If you have a poor or fair score, you may want to look for poor-credit lenders. Higher scores can provide you with more options. 

2. Compare lenders and loan options

Not all installment lenders are created equal. Spend some time researching lenders and the loans they offer online, and don't just jump on the first lending option made available to you. Every online lender has different terms and conditions. Some charge origination fees, others offer lower interest rates, and there are a few that charge a fee for early repayment. Make sure you find an installment loan that works for your budget and needs.

3. Gather all necessary loan documents

The documents you'll need for an installment loan application may include your state ID or driver's license, proof of an active checking account, and proof of employment (W2 or 1099). Some lenders also require recent paystubs. Make digital copies of these documents if you're applying for an installment loan online. 

4. Apply for an installment loan online

Fill out your application for an installment loan on the lender's website. Provide all details required, and make sure all the information you filled out is accurate. Then, submit your application and wait for approval.

5. Receive your funds

Many lenders offer instant or quick loan approval decisions, so you may find out immediately whether you're approved for an online installment loan. Once you're approved, the lender will send you a loan agreement. If everything is in order, sign the agreement. With online lenders, this is typically done with a digital signature. The funds are typically transferred to your checking account shortly after that, as quickly as the same day you apply.

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Press Release Service by Newswire.com

Original Source: How to Get an Online Installment Loan in 2023

PEOPLE Magazine, one of the most trusted news sources for American culture, has announced Vitakraft Lick 'n' Lap Snacks as the Best Cat Treat in its 2022 Pet Product Awards.

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - December 9, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

After being evaluated by PEOPLE's panel of staffers and their cats, Lick 'n' Lap Snacks were recognized for their undeniable appeal due to their squeezable, interactive format and hearty, delicious ingredients. The most popular treat in Vitakraft's lineup of unique and exciting cat treats, Lick 'n' Lap Snacks are made with real chicken and salmon and packaged in convenient, single-serve squeeze pouches designed for hand-feeding.

"We are elated to be recognized for the hard work we put into developing a truly unique cat treat that is loved by our cats - they literally can't resist," says Miguel Gonzalez, Chief Marketing Officer at Vitakraft. "Whenever a new treat is being added to our lineup, it always undergoes rigorous testing and reviewing from Vitakraft's panel of cats. To date, the Lick 'n' Lap Snacks have had the highest approval rating and are also the treats we receive the most positive feedback about."

To wrap up the year, PEOPLE Magazine staffers and their pets review products in a variety of categories including best beds, toys, and treats for dogs and cats. For this year's fourth annual Pet Product Awards, 11 products were chosen, with Vitakraft's creamy Lick 'n' Lap Snacks as the Best Cat Treat.

Winning the award has been a validating experience for the brand. "With the support of our fans and the experts we work with, we have been confident that our Lick 'n' Lap Snacks are an irresistible treat for cats," Gonzalez says. "Knowing that we earned this award to confirm that is an incredible honor."

Lick 'n' Lap Snacks are a perfect treat for all stages of a cat's life and are expert recommended for bonding and training. The squeezable snacks can be enjoyed straight from the end of the sachet, squeezed onto a plate, or even put on your finger. All Lick 'n' Lap varieties, including Snacks, Smooth Jelly, and Meaty Gravy, are in 5-packs of Chicken and Salmon flavors at an SRP of $3.49.

Vitakraft Cat Treats can be found in-store at Walmart, Petco, PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus, other major pet supply stores, and across the U.S. in your neighborhood pet shop. Online retailers include Amazon and Chewy.

For more information on Vitakraft, go to www.vitakraft.us/cats

Like Vitakraft on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VitakraftUS

Follow Vitakraft on Instagram at www.instagram.com/VitakraftUS

For more exclusive content on the Pet Product Awards winners, visit www.PEOPLE.com and pick up the Dec. 19, 2022, issue of PEOPLE Magazine at a newsstand near you.

Contact Information:
Hayden Ari
Marketing Manager
[email protected]
9734054600


Press Release Service by Newswire.com

Original Source: Vitakraft Lick 'N' Lap Snacks Named Best Cat Treats of 2022

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - December 9, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

Rivers are Life is proud to present "Keepers of the North," a film that takes viewers on a never-before-seen cross-country journey of Alaska's plastic waste as it becomes something usable, hope-inspiring, and new.

WHO: The film explores a unique collaboration between Gulf of Alaska Keeper (GoAK), FedEx, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, Dow, Pyxera Global, and the Center for Regenerative Design and Collaboration (CRDC), who have teamed up to take the harmful trash left in Alaska's hard-to-reach shores and recycle it into an innovative, durable construction material dubbed RESIN8^TM.

The film focuses this story through the perspective of River Hero Chris Pallister, founder of GoAK. "From a cruise ship two miles off shore, Alaska's shoreline looks pristine, but it's not," says Pallister. "It's a ... mess up here and people need to realize that."

WHAT: "Keepers of the North" explores the challenges of cleaning up the Gulf of Alaska while exploring a new, scalable approach to making plastic waste useful.

As trash levels on Alaska's gulf coast continue to rise, waste management, and the costs associated with it, have become a focal point to continue supporting cleanup efforts. "The difficulty with marine debris cleanup in Alaska is 33,000 miles of coastline," explains Lori Aldrich, Hazardous Waste Project Manager with the State of Alaska. "Half of Alaska you cannot reach by road - you've got to take a plane, you've got to take a boat, you've got to take a combination of different things."

"Keepers of the North" is the first official project presented by Rivers are Life. Rivers are Life played a lead role in bringing together these like-minded collaborators to overcome structural and natural barriers to collect and recycle the waste collected from Alaska's coastline. From small, community-focused initiatives to large, multi-stakeholder efforts, Rivers are Life projects make a positive impact on river ecosystems and are scalable through the support of public and private sector collaborators who share common values and goals.

WHEN: Rivers are Life began filming "Keepers of the North" in July 2022. The film premiered on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022.

WHERE: The story begins in the remote reaches of the Gulf of Alaska, where litter accumulates through ocean currents, fishing routes, and tourism. After local volunteers collect the garbage, they are faced with a new problem - what to do with it?

This film follows the litter collected by GoAK along its journey via FedEx shipment to a CRDC facility in Pennsylvania - where new technology is recycling historically hard-to-break-down ocean plastics into a better, durable product for bricks, concrete, and other important structural building substances. "Keepers of the North" is an inspiring film that shows how innovators can come together to test and scale solutions for waste and recycling.

"Keepers of the North"  is now available for viewing at RiversareLife.com.

###

ABOUT RIVERS ARE LIFE: Rivers are Life is on a mission to raise awareness of the true force and fragility of our river systems while showcasing their interconnectedness with all of us, our planet's wildlife, and the ocean waste problem. Created to serve as a collective voice for global river ecosystems, Rivers are Life is comprised of River Heroes, organizations, and businesses dedicated to making a difference in local communities one project at a time. In sharing the stories of our waterways and those working to protect them, Rivers are Life believes we can cultivate a greater awareness of the importance of our planet's rivers while driving innovative solutions, inspiring sustainability, and addressing waste.

Contact Information:
Julia Regeski
Digital Marketing Manager, BeAlive Inc.
[email protected]
404-578-7180

Katie Horning
Senior Account Manager, BeAlive Inc.
[email protected]
989-491-1019


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Original Source: Rivers are Life Premieres 'Keepers of the North' Film to Illustrate Innovative Way of Recycling Plastic Waste

Christmas markets, skating rinks, theatrical performances, thermal baths and many more surprises make Hungary's capital the ideal destination to enjoy a white Christmas this year

BUDAPEST, Hungary - December 9, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

Visit Hungary invites travelers to spend the holidays abroad as the capital city of Budapest offers a variety of seasonal activities, eye-popping decoration, and authentic Hungarian traditions. From Christmas markets, thermal baths, candle lighting ceremonies, theatrical performances and mulled wine accompanied with strudel, visitors will discover the city's most magical time of the year. 

Picturesque Christmas Markets

The Christmas markets attract the most attention in a city where the holiday spirit can be found in every corner. The atmosphere of these markets, located smack dab in the city center, turn Budapest into a fairytale setting full of lights and decorations. There are many stalls offering delicious sweets and beautiful crafts at the markets.

Considered one of the most beautiful markets in Europe, the Vörösmarty Square fair is now open and can be enjoyed until Dec. 31, where the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread fill the air. Another must-see is the market in St. Stephen's Square, known as the Advent Feast at the Basilica. It is one of the most important Christmas markets in Budapest, boasting more than 100 exhibitors and 200 activities right through until Jan. 1.

Christmas Beyond the Markets

As well as the traditional Christmas markets, Budapest offers many other options to enjoy this holiday season. One of the most popular is ice skating. There are illuminated ice rinks throughout the city. The most famous is at the foot of Vajdahunyad Castle built in baroque style. Skating under the stars at this Városliget Ice Skating Rink, the largest in Europe, is an unforgettable experience. After skating, make sure to walk around the castle while enjoying typical roasted chestnuts.

After these wonderful outdoor experiences in a city where you can find even snow, if you are lucky, it never hurts to warm up. Budapest makes this easy at its famous thermal spas, with their wonderful restorative waters. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the largest in the capital and well worth a visit, as is the Rudas Bath at the foot of Gellért Hill, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city from its rooftop hot water pool. At the foot of Gellért Hill, you can also try the popular Gellért Bath, one of the oldest baths in a city with more than 1,500 thermal springs.

Running through the end of December, Budapest's iconic "Advent Tram" transports locals and visitors throughout the city in beautifully decorated trams. A QR code allows riders to support the nursery school for homeless children of Oltalom Egyesület.

Cultural Programming

The first comprehensive exhibition of El Greco's oeuvre ever organized in Budapest can be viewed at the Museum of Fine Arts through Feb. 19, 2023. The exhibition seeks to provide a broad overview of one of the foremost masters of European art, Domenikos Theotokopoulos, most widely known as El Greco (1541-1614), through presenting the complexity of his visual world and sweeping stylistic development. The almost seventy displayed works include more than fifty autograph paintings by the Cretan-Spanish master. The last comprehensive exhibition of El Greco's work on this scale in this part of Europe was in Vienna, more than 20 years ago.

The Hungarian National Museum is launching an Art & Gourmet program on Dec. 17 allowing visitors to have a special guided tour of the exhibition followed by a Hungarian dinner from the country's top chefs. The initiative will take place every Saturday from 5 p.m. 

To end the day, the best option is to enjoy a great show, of which the most Christmassy is the famous Nutcracker at the recently renovated Opera House. Listening to the powerful music of Tchaikovsky at the Opera House, it's almost impossible to not get into the Christmas spirit in a more splendid way.

For more information, visit https://visithungary.com/.

IMAGES

Contact Information:
Delfina Guemes
PR Director
[email protected]
3057759131


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Original Source: Budapest Invites Travelers to Spend the Holidays Abroad