The grant will fund youth programs like My Brother's Keeper and Girls Opportunity as well as the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.

NEW YORK - December 7, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation (RFLF), one of the oldest African American and Asian private foundations in the world, is pleased to announce a milestone $5 million grant to the Barack Obama Foundation (https://www.obama.org) to support their mission to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of leaders.

The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation's grant will go toward supporting the Obama Foundation's general operations and impact work, including support for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, and other national and global programs like the My Brother's Keeper Alliance, which addresses persistent opportunity gaps boys and young men of color face in society and the workforce, and the Girls Opportunity Alliance, an international initiative that seeks to empower adolescent girls around the world through education, enabling them to achieve their full potential and transform their families, communities, and countries.

"It is an honor to contribute to President Obama's ongoing work to educate and empower young people to become leaders in their communities and around the world," said Loida Lewis, Chair of The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation and widow to the late entrepreneur Reginald Lewis. "I know President Obama attended a speech Mr. Lewis gave at Harvard Law School while the President was there studying for his law degree. Both Mr. Lewis and the President show how education helps exceptional people break barriers and accomplish wonderful things, and I know, if he was still here, Mr. Lewis would be proud to help President Obama carry his work and legacy forward." 

"We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation. It's through vital partnerships like this that we are able to build sustainable programming at the Obama Foundation centered around supporting boys and young men of color and girls all over the world through education," said Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett.

In partnership with the Obama Foundation, a room at the future Obama Presidential Center will be named in memory of Mr. Lewis, with the hope of continuing to preserve his ongoing legacy and inspire others for years to come. Mr. Lewis, a pioneering financier, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, has been selected by President Obama as an honoree alongside other influential figures "on whose shoulders we stand" and whose significant contributions to society advanced justice and equality in America. 

The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation and the Obama Foundation are excited to continue working together in the pursuit of education, cultural enrichment, and positive change.

Contact Information:
Christina Lewis
Vice Chair
[email protected]

Chris Bolman
Head of Marketing, BFO21
[email protected]
6179054416


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Original Source: Reginald F. Lewis Foundation Makes $5 Million Commitment to Obama Foundation

Pet wellness advocate and radio personality Tracie Hotchner creates award to honor former Dr. Elsey's employee Gina Zaro at the annual NY Cat Film Festival.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - December 7, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

With the premiere of the fifth annual NY Cat Film Festival sponsored by cat product brand Dr. Elsey's, the event has announced filmmaker Kim Best as the winner of the Gina Zaro Visionary Award.

Inspired by Gina Zaro, Dr. Elsey's loyal employee of many years, Tracie Hotchner explains that this award has been created to keep inspiring filmmakers and their love for cats. "I created the Gina Zaro Visionary Award for Kim Best," Hotchner stated. "[It was] named in honor of the woman who inspired the festival itself and bestowed on Kim because her work embodies everything this festival is about: finding joy and humor in our relationship with cats and celebrating all the ways kitty cats touch our lives."

With her films making it into the top selections for the festival for the past five years, Hotchner decided that this was the perfect way to recognize both an incredible filmmaker, Kim Best, and a colleague who worked above and beyond to get the festival off of the ground, Gina Zaro.

As the founding sponsor, Dr. Elsey's has made it a mission to donate a portion of the festival's ticket sales to a non-profit pet organization in the area. As stated on the festival's website, the festival is meant to "shine the spotlight on these magnificent creatures and the humans devoted to them." 

Learn more about the NY Cat Film Festival here and read more about the story of the Gina Zaro Visionary Award over on the blog.

About Dr. Elsey's 

Dr. Elsey's is a veterinarian-owned cat product brand dedicated to creating products that solve the complex needs of pet owners. Founded in 1987 with the first all-natural clumping cat litter, Dr. Elsey's line of products has since grown to include a variety of premium litters that address the health and behavioral needs of cats in every stage of life. With the mission to enhance the lives of pets to the degree in which they enrich ours, Dr. Elsey's strives to put heart, soul and science into their line of specialty cat litters and food.

Contact Information:
Mat Brost
Marketing Director at Dr. Elsey's
[email protected]


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Original Source: Dr. Elsey's Awards Kim Best With the First-Ever Gina Zaro Visionary Award

LAS VEGAS - December 7, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

Passport Technology ("Passport"), a global leader in innovative payment technology and customer engagement for the gaming industry, today announced the selection of Passport's Lush™ loyalty and rewards platform, and Mira™ player enrollment kiosks by The Point Casino & Hotel ("The Point Casino"). This is Passport's first expansion of loyalty solutions in the Pacific Northwest.  

Passport's Lush loyalty platform introduces new opportunities for casino operators to increase player enrollment, engagement, and point redemption through customizable games, promotions, and dynamic offers.  

"The system looks great, and we are excited to introduce Lush loyalty to our players," says Sam Cocharo, VP of Operations and General Manager of Point Casino. "The offers we can provide are exciting and fun, and our players are going to love this new addition to our lineup." 

As the industry's first HTML5, cloud-based loyalty and rewards platform, operators can customize an unlimited number of branding, gamification, virtual drawings, multipliers, and patron-specific promotions through Lush's secure web application. The Point Casino guests will benefit from self-service features like player club enrollment, card reprints, dynamic games, and offers through the Lush kiosk. With configurable gifting options and the industry's first Earn and Shop™ redemption portal, guests can instantly redeem points for e-gift cards, physical gift cards, real merchandise or specific property inventory.   

"The Point Casino is the right partner for Passport to enter Washington state, in line with our strategic growth strategy," said Diallo Gordon, Principal of Digital Wallet, Loyalty & Innovation for Passport. "The Point is a solid operator within a unique and competitive space. Lush will serve as a growth conduit for The Point to acquire, retain and grow its impressive customer base with a broad suite of loyalty tools aimed at customer lifetime value, self-service efficiency, and guest satisfaction."  

"For years, Passport has long provided traditional cash access, cage automation, and floor efficiency to the Washington market with a heavy emphasis on product and service," stated John Steely, COO of Passport. "Passport's ability to further serve the Washington market with Lush is an opportunity to spoil our customers, present and future, with loyalty solutions that bring our service offering full circle within the resort." 

About Passport  

Passport's pursuit of excellence is driven through diversity, inclusion, and collaboration as we strive to create opportunities for all stakeholders to thrive. Passport is a leading developer of technology-based solutions and services for the highly regulated payments, gaming, and financial services markets. The company's product portfolio includes redemption kiosks, quasi-cash, check warranty, ATM, digital payments, cash and cashless integrations, casino automation, regulatory compliance solutions, bank-sponsored transaction processing, server and web-based analytics, agnostic application management systems, and interactive content and loyalty services. Through its privileged gaming licenses and payment sponsorships, Passport has securely and responsibly settled over $45 billion in funds to casino floors across the globe. 

For more information, please visit passporttechnology.com.

Contact Information:
Max Aceituno
SVP, Marketing
[email protected]
702-266-7045


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Original Source: Passport Technology Expands the Lush Loyalty Platform to the Pacific Northwest With The Point Casino & Hotel Partnership

NEW YORK - December 6, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

iQuanti: Burglaries can happen to anyone at any time. No one is immune to this crime. In fact, according to the FBI, there are more than 2.5 million burglaries in the United States annually. That's a lot of people who have had their homes or businesses violated. So, what are the most common items that are stolen during burglaries? Here is a list of the five most stolen items and tips to help improve your home security:

1. Jewelry - Jewelry is a common target for burglars, as it can often be sold on the black market for cash quickly. Many burglars are also attracted to jewelry because of its value and relatively small size, making it easy to take out of a home or business without being noticed. 

2. Electronics - Laptops, televisions, game consoles, and other electronics are all popular targets for thieves. Electronics tend to have a high resale value on the black market and can be sold quickly in exchange for cash or drugs. 

3. Guns - Firearms are one of the most stolen items during burglaries due to their potential street value. Burglars know that if they can get their hands on a gun, they can easily turn it into cash by selling it to someone else who is looking for a weapon. 

4. Cash - It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that burglars target cash when they break in. Burglars know that if they can get their hands on some cash, they can use it to buy whatever items they need or want without having to worry about being tracked. 

5. Cars - Stolen cars are also a popular target for burglars, as they can quickly be sold on the black market or used as getaway vehicles. Additionally, many stolen cars are never recovered and provide an easy way for thieves to make some money without leaving any evidence behind. 

Tips to improve your home security

Protecting your home or business from burglary is no small task, but there are some things you can do to bolster your security measures. 

1. Install security systems - Invest in a security system with round-the-clock professional monitoring. This way, you will have the added protection of having a team of professionals on your side who can respond quickly and effectively in the event of a burglary. Opt for systems with outdoor and indoor security cameras, motion detectors, and alarms. Furthermore, choose a provider that has a mobile app that will help you monitor your property, even when you're away.

2. Use motion-activated lights - Motion-activated lights are great for discouraging burglars, as they will be triggered and turned on as soon as someone approaches your property. Moreover, many motion-activated lights come with audio alarms that can startle intruders and alert neighbors that something is amiss. 

3. Invest in strong locks - Investing in quality locks for your doors and windows is a great way to make sure that burglars won't be able to get into your home or business. Make sure to use deadbolts and other high-security locks that are resistant to tampering and can stand up against even the most determined of thieves. 

4. Keep shrubbery and trees trimmed - Burglars often hide behind overgrown shrubs and trees when breaking into houses. To minimize the chances of this happening, keep your plants and trees well-trimmed so that there is no place for a burglar to hide if they attempt to break in. 

By following these tips, you can help make sure that your home or business stays safe from burglars and other criminals. Just remember to stay vigilant and invest in security cameras, motion-activated lights, and strong locks for added protection.

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


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Original Source: 5 Common Items Stolen in Burglaries

Unique Travel Inspiration for the Winter and Holiday Seasons

ATLANTA - December 6, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

Travel expert Meggan Kaiser says that while holidays should be about family, the season can also provide enough time to squeeze in an adventure. Just in time for the holidays, the travel expert who literally wrote the book about affordable trips is sharing her secrets for travel this season. Meggan is a TV host, blogger and author of EVERYWHERE FOR NOTHING: FREE TRAVEL FOR THE MODERN NOMAD. 

CHOOSING A PLACE TO STAY

Holiday travel can be a balancing act, which is why Meggan recommends Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. With over 20 brands and thousands of hotels such as Microtel, La Quinta, Days Inn and Super 8, Wyndham keeps everyone close to their loved ones while giving them space for themselves. Plus, there is free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, Wyndham Rewards points and more. Best of all, they are offering a great deal just in time for the holidays: stay two nights or more and earn 3 times the Wyndham Rewards points. Get all the details at WyndhamHotels.com.

MUST-HAVE ITEMS FOR TRAVELING 

Phones have everything like GPS, photos, and contacts, so keeping it protected and charged up is important. With all the holiday commotion approaching, be prepared with stylish and protective cases and power products from Otterbox. OtterBox has a case to keep everyone in the family protected into the new year and charged up with a full line of power products. Find all of these cases and more at ATT.com and in AT&T stores.

A GREAT PLACE TO RESEARCH TRAVEL DEALS

Whether looking for luggage, trip deals, or the best credit card to maximize travel rewards, start by visiting Slickdeals.net. It is a community of millions of real people working together to save, so anyone can be confident they are getting the best deal. There are 12 million shoppers helping other shoppers vet and vote-up the very best deals from top retail sites like Amazon and Expedia. Be confident in actually getting the best value. It is like having millions of friends to help share and find the very best quality deals.

TIPS FOR KEEPING HOME SAFE WHILE TRAVELING 

Everyone wants their home safe and protected whether traveling or not, and the August Home Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Keypad provides that security and peace of mind. With the August app or Keypad,  lock and unlock that front door without physical keys. Even grant access to house sitters or caretakers or create unique entry codes for guests to use while away. Simplify life by controlling the front door from anywhere and never leave keys under the mat again. For more information, visit August.com

POST / VIDEO

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Original Source: Meggan Kaiser Shares Holiday Travel Advice on TipsOnTV Blog

Industry veteran of 35 years to lead development of company's construction solutions

SAN DIEGO - December 6, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

Agorus^®, a cutting-edge construction technology company, announced today that Joe Mazzenga joined the company as its Vice President of Manufacturing.

The 35-year industry veteran will lead the development of the company's construction solutions from conception through installation.

"Joe has been at the forefront of the construction and manufacturing industries, creating innovative systems and processes that ensure success," said Garrett Moore, co-founder and CEO of Agorus. "He is known nationally as an entrepreneur in off-site construction by linking software, equipment, and systems with lean manufacturing processes to improve the way construction gets done today. We're excited to have him on board!"

Mazzenga exhibited his entrepreneurial talent and drive to build better early in life. Shortly after high school, he became a journeyman carpenter and started a small construction business with a partner. Within 10 years, Mazzenga grew it into a successful framing contractor firm, employing over 1,500 individuals in multiple manufacturing facilities.

Long before off-site manufacturing was known in the U.S., Mazzenga produced structural wood off-site components including wall panels, floor cassettes, stairs, arches, and roof and floor trusses. As a division manager at Alpine Engineering Products, he also spearheaded the whole house software initiative by leading a team of 20 software developers to innovate whole-house engineering software. For the last decade, Mazzenga has played a significant role in more than 50 successful startups and turnarounds.

"This is the place I want to be, and I'm thrilled to join Agorus," said Mazzenga. "We will demonstrate to the industry that it is possible to digitally design a home down to every last millimeter and finishing nail. We will also empower construction teams with the ability to build an American dream home in just a few days instead of several painful months. This can and must be done if we are to close the US housing shortfall gap. I'm honored to work with this stellar team."

About Agorus

Agorus seeks to close the 5.5 million U.S. housing shortfall gap by accelerating the world's transition to off-site construction. The company leverages its technologies and automated factories to empower builders to build better, faster, cheaper, and greener. Visit www.agorus.com for more information.

Contact Information:
Dave Oates
Public Relations Manager
[email protected]
(858) 750-5560


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Original Source: Joe Mazzenga Joins Agorus as VP of Manufacturing

Giving the Gift of a Florida Vacation.

ATLANTA - December 6, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

This holiday season, take gift-giving from expected to extraordinary with a one-of-a-kind Florida experience that offers so much more. Travel expert, Jennifer Weatherhead shares her favorite Florida travel experiences and some amazing deals.

TRAVEL BEING A POPULAR GIFT

The best gift is not opened, it is experienced. That is why travel is a gift that creates anticipation, experiences and lifelong memories. Florida is a great state that offers so many different vacation experiences such as great beaches, theme parks and state and national parks. Whether looking for a romantic getaway, a girl's trip or a family vacation, Florida has something for everyone.

A GOOD TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL

There are some great deals this time of year. VISIT FLORIDA and its partners have teamed up with Expedia to offer up to 25 percent off Florida hotels this holiday season. Expedia filters hotels by region depending on the trip. There is even a chance to win the gift of a dream vacation to Florida. Just go to Expedia.Com/GiftFlorida for a chance to win a vacation to Florida with the Gift of Florida Sweepstakes. With over 825 miles of beaches, there are many options for that ultimate beach vacation. Go to Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale for a lively beach with bustling restaurants and nightlife. Or for something more laid back and relaxing, visit Northwest Florida. Northwest Florida offers spas, golf, luxury resorts and beach cottage getaways.

FAMILY TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS

Planning a theme park trip somewhere in Central Florida? Check out Magic Village Views Hotel in Kissimmee. They have three and four-bedroom villas with an array of amenities that are perfect for families and groups of all sizes. The Space Coast is also great because families can take a trip to the Kennedy Space Center. The Kennedy Space Center offers an experience to meet astronauts and see what it feels like to take off from a rocket. For wildlife attractions, there is Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine, which has a lot of birding and wildlife-watching spots. Or go to Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach to see zebras, wildebeests and even rhinos.

ADVENTUROUS VACATIONS

With 150 state parks, 700 freshwater springs and more than 1,300 trails, the Sunshine State is home to some of the best destinations for adventure seekers. Crystal River, which is located along Florida's western coastline, is actually the only place in North America where you can legally swim with manatees. The springs flow at a constant 72 degrees, which makes it perfect for swimming throughout the year. The Florida Keys is a great bucket list item and there are even adult-only resorts like the Almond Tree Inn and the Orchid Key Inn. Finally, for the truly adventurous, book a fishing or hiking excursion in the Big Cypress National Preserve or Everglades National Park.

GREAT MEALS IN THE SUNSHINE STATE

Florida offers a gastronomic experience for every traveler and budget. The new Florida MICHELIN Guide is the perfect way for a foodie to enjoy the state's culinary and cultural diversity. The guide maps out MICHELIN-recognized restaurants throughout Tampa, Orlando, Miami and even some out-of-the-way spots. Visitors will be able to try all the local food and this guide brings focus to Florida's diverse food scene.

A CHANCE TO WIN A TRIP TO THE SUNSHINE STATE

Visit Expedia.Com/GiftFlorida for a chance to win a vacation to Florida with the Gift of Florida Sweepstakes. The winner will receive a trip to the Florida destination of their choice, including a five-night hotel stay, roundtrip airfare for two and a rental car. A trip to sunshine and paradise is a reasonable drive or a short plane ride and there are many flights that go to Florida.

HOW TO BOOK FLORIDA FOR THE PERFECT GIFT TO GIVE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

For more information on giving the Gift of Florida or possibly winning that vacation, just visit Expedia.com/GiftFlorida, and for more information on activities and experiences offered throughout the Sunshine State, visit VISITFLORIDA.com.

Contact Information:
R E
[email protected]




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Original Source: Travel Expert Jennifer Weatherhead Shares Timely Information and Inspiration About Great Getaways for the Holidays on TipsOnTV

TUCSON, Ariz. - December 6, 2022 - (Newswire.com)

Sheila Page, D.O., a family physician in Aledo, Texas, and president of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), is featured in the winter issue of the of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons. She writes:  "Today physicians often feel constrained to pick from among options that are not in the best interest of patients but are 'covered' by insurance or approved by officials."

"An apparently free choice when there is no real alternative is a Hobson's Choice, and physicians must understand the political structure in which this type of 'choice' is embedded," Dr. Page explains.

"During the COVID pandemic, people often faced a Hobson's Choice of taking a shot that they believed put their life, health, or fertility at risk, or be barred from their education or career," she noted.

"Voters generally believe that they have two choices, Republican or Democrat, and that they represent extremes of political ideology. However, when they are in office, politicians behave as if they belong to the same club," she writes.

"Physicians have accepted the Hobson's Choice of either abiding by ridiculous regulatory burdens or refusing to treat the senior population," she explains. They "accept the Hobson's Choice of either standing against the oppression or keeping their 'place at the table.'" 

"The phrase 'we need to keep our place at the table to avoid being on the menu' entirely misses the point," she states. "The profession is on the table already being carved up. How many times have we been told we must choose the lesser of two evils? Either choice is still evil!"

"We must identify the enemy within," Dr. Page writes. "The medical profession must grasp the extent to which it has been manipulated by pharmaceutical, insurance, and other systems tied to medicine. We have been burdened with regulations and threats to our licenses by the same people who are selling us the solutions."

"There is tremendous profit in the existing system, but we must nevertheless offer healing and hope, learn how to fight back effectively, and reject the Hobson's Choice," she concludes.

The Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons is published by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), a national organization representing physicians in all specialties since 1943.

Contact Information:
Jane Orient
Executive Director
[email protected]
(520) 323-3110


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Original Source: Physicians Must Reject Hobson's Choice, Writes President of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS)