15 Animal Care Non Profits Win Toyota Cars

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100 Cars for Good

Toyota announced the first 25 winners of the 100 Cars for Good program that will award 100 cars to 100 nonprofits over 100 consecutive days. This first group of fortunate beneficiaries of the national philanthropy Toyota is sponsoring includes a range of local causes advocating for kids, communities affected by natural disasters, homelessness and other social challenges as well as assorted charitable groups concerned with the well-being of domesticated pets and wild animals.

Rescue kitten, Image from Hope For Paws

I'm not only a believer of teaching kids to give back to local community, I am also an animal lover who volunteers at animal shelters whenever I have the opportunity. So it really warms my heart to know that more than half of the initial winning nonprofits in Toyota's giveaway are involved with a menagerie of 15 very worthy animal causes with hard working staff and devoted volunteers.

U.S. animal groups to win Toyota vehicles so far this year:

Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati, Ohio
Lehmi County Humane Society, Salmon, Idaho 
Pibbles &More Animal Rescue, Ridgewood, New York 
Recycled Doggies, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio 
Hope for Paws Animal Rescue,Los Angeles, California 
SPCA International's Operation Baghdad Pups, New York, New York 
Petfinder Foundation, Tucson, Arizona 
Detroit Dog Rescue, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 
Fences for Fido, Portland, Oregon 
Central Vermont Humane Society, East Montpelier, Vermont
K9 Services German Shepherd Rescue, Inc., Middleburg, Florida
Animal Aid, Inc., Oakland Park, Florida
Shore Hearts Golden Retriever, Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey
Last Chance Ranch, Quakertown, Pennsylvania
Rikki's Refuge Animal Sanctuary, Rapidan, Virginia 

Sweet rescue dog, Image from Hope For Paws

About 100 Cars for Good

One new winner is selected each day of the campaign through public voting on Facebook at www.100carsforgood.com. Continuing daily through August 21, five more nonprofit organizations will be profiled with the organization earning the most votes at the end of each day winning a new Toyota vehicle. The four runners-up of the day each receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota. 

FTC Disclosure: I am a member of the Toyota Women Influencers Network TWIN community through a program with Clever Girls Collective. The opinions expressed herein are mine, and do not reflect the views of Toyota or any of its brands. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Twitter Party Calendar This Week June 11 - 17 Schedule Continuely Updated

Twitter Parties

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Updated 6/15/12

Guess what? More family friendly Twitter parties with prizes this week!  This comprehensive Twitter Party Calendar lists many of them and is constantly updated so check back as new events are added to the lineup -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added daily. You'll also get a sneak peek at Twitter parties coming up in the weeks ahead. Be the first to know when next week's Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live by following MBE on Twitter, Facebook and/or by subscribing to this blog.

THIS WEEK

Monday, June 11

It's the Monday night #TMom Twitter Party at 9 pm EST this week talking about traveling with Dad in honor of Father's Day. Panelists @PaulEisenberg @RJSingleDad @FourCornersGuy @TravelingMoms @KimOrlando and @DebMomof3 . Use #TDad #TMom hashtags to participate. Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card, RSVP

Tuesday, June 12

Don't miss the #JuneDairyMovies Twitter Party at 1 pm EST. Talking about cool dairy recipes and summer movies. Prizes include one Safeway gift card in each of the following denominations $25, $50, $75 and $100. RSVP

Join @EnergyStar for the #TeamEnergyStar Twitter Party at 2 pm EST. Chatting about how to teach kids to save energy.

Win a ticket to the #Fitbloggin 2012 Conference plus other prizes at the Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Hosted by @DietsinReview RSVP

Wednesday, June 13

You're invited to join host @eMeals at 11 am EST for a Twitter Party talking about summer and healthy eating. Panelists @theMomiverse @cherriodical @thePeacefulMom. Prizes ONE (1) 6 months membership to eMeals, ONE (1) Cherriodical prize package, ONE (1) $50 gift card to be used at any Darden restaurant (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, and Eddie V's #eMealsKP RSVP

It's the weekly @TheOnlineMom Twitter Party at 9 pm EST.  Prize: TBA. Must RSVP & participate in party with hashtag #iLearnWith. Prizes: THREE (3) $50 iTunes Gift Cards.

Thursday, June 14

Join @MomCentral for the #GLADOneBag Twitter Party at 3 pm EST. Sponsored by @glad2wasteless brand with eco-experts @KeikoVeasey and @VibrantEvents. Prizes include 2 pre-party winners who tweet ahead of the party will each receive a $50 Amazon gift code and Glad prize pack plus SIX (6) winners during the Twitter Party will each get a $50 Amazon GC and Glad prize pack. RSVP.

Come to the @MomsandBrands #NewinNaturals #MomsandBrands Twitter Party at 7 pm EST. Prizes from sponsors TBA. RSVP

You're invited to join @MomTalkRadio for the Disney's Cars Land Twitter Party at 8 pm EST. FIVE (5) Disney Cars Prize Packs to be given away. Also follow @resourcefulmom @MomSelectAmy and @LauraSpencerOne RSVP

Don't miss the Summer Soiree @FabFitFun @Marshalls and @TJMaxx Twitter Party at 8 pm EST. Prizes: giftcards and surprises from Marshalls and TJMaxx RSVP

Join the @MomSpark @MomSparkMedia #Amdro Twitter Party at 8 pm EST. Sponsored by @AMDROAssistance. Prizes TWO (2) $50 American Express gift cards and ONE (1) $100 AmEx GC. RSVP

PBS #SummerReading #gno Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Brand Panelists @PBSKids @iVillage @Scholastic @SuperWhyTV @LizardZack and @PBSParents with @MomitForward and other moderators.Prizes: FIVE (5) PBS Kids Summer Reading prize packs ($50 ARV).  RSVP 


Friday, June 15

Join the #theonlinemom #VZWBuzz @VerizonInsider for the weekly Twitter Party hosted by @theOnlineMom at 3 pm EST. Prizes: TBA. To be eligible for prizes participate in the party and RSVP

NEXT WEEK

Tuesday, June 19

You're invited to the #GoodCall Twitter Party at 1 pm EST. Be sure to follow @WisconsinMommy and @theMommyFiles before the party. Prizes: FIVE (5) 8 iG1 GoodCall bluetoothed enabled handsets. RSVP

Come to the #SummerFluff Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Hosted by @theEcoChic. Loads of prizes. RSVP


Wednesday, June 20

Time for the Procter & Gamble Have You Tried This Yet  Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. To participate follow @_WorkingMother_ @PGEveryday @AhorrosparaMama @MyBrownBaby and use hashtag #WMPGtryit. Prizes: THREE (3) $500 Visa Gift Cards will be given away during party. RSVP 

It's the weekly @TheOnlineMom Twitter Party at 9 pm EST.  Prize: TBA. Must RSVP & participate in party with hashtag #thonlinemom. Prizes: TBA.


Thursday, June 21

Join @Shespeaksup and @ventepriveeUSA  for the ventee-privee #vpstyle Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Prizes valued at over $1,000 including a premium Moncler designer handbag and vente-privee gift cards to discover the brands you most desire!  RSVP


Friday, June 22

Join the #theonlinemom #VZWBuzz @VerizonInsider for the weekly Twitter Party hosted by @theOnlineMom at 3 pm EST. Prizes: TBA. To be eligible for prizes participate in the party and RSVP

COMING SOON

TBA

About this Weekly Twitter Party List Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com

Twitter Parties are listed free of charge in this weekly schedule. If you'd like to add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party Calendar email janis at janiselspas dot com with Twitter Party in the subject line including all the details and links in the body of your message.

Also available, for a nominal fee, to host, co-host or serve as a panelist for your own brand Twitter party. To inquire, please email janis@janiselspas.com for information with Consulting Query in the subject line.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter parties as a guest and also works as a host, co-host, and panelist on some. However, I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

How to Choose a Preschool Tips - 6 Must Ask Questions to Find the Best Fit For Your Child

Parenting

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How can you be certain that the preschool you're considering is right for your particular child? No longer just a place to learn how to play and have fun with other kids, modern preschool is now an important part of a child's education, building a foundation for developing skills that lead to later school success.

My son w/ his partner collaborating on a preschool project

“The expectations for school readiness have shifted," says Claire Haas, vice president of education for Kiddie Academy. "Before, kindergarten was the precursor to formal education. In contrast, today it marks the beginning of a child's school career with specific state requirements and standards. Clearly the stakes for being ready nowadays for school are higher than ever. As such, preschool curriculum has evolved to encompass academics as well as developmental and social expectations.”

Image from Kiddie Academy

Haas suggests parents of soon-to-be preschoolers ask some very important questions

• Does the preschool program provide curriculum-based education and enrichment activities? Developmentally-appropriate academic programs prepare children to be lifelong learners.

• How does the facility help to prepare your child so that he or she will meet state standards upon entering elementary school?

• Evaluate the arts program. Are the projects child-driven? Are students given materials with freedom to be creative in constructing the end result, thus expressing themselves through art? 

• Review the physical fitness plan. Does the center provide activities that focus on health and fitness? 

• How is technology integrated into lessons? Today's best preschools offer multiple ways to utilize computers and technology to enhance learning experiences. 

• Does the center offer your child a variety of ways to interact with other children throughout the day? By exposing your child to a range of participation formats—independent, small group and large group—your child becomes a more well-rounded individual, better prepared for kindergarten and beyond. 

If you're choosing between several options, give some serious thought to how each preschool approaches the topics above. Once you've done your research thoroughly you'll have what it takes to make an informed decision that's right for your family. 

For more education and parenting tips, visit the Kiddie Academy Family Blog.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.