2005 Fast 50

HELPING YOU BE THE STAR YOU ARE!

Cynthia Brian
Founder/CEO/President, Be the Star You Are! 501 (c)(3) charity
Moraga - CA US

What did you accomplish in 2004?
Launched an upbeat passionate radio program, Starstyle® Be the Star You Are!, which is syndicated and broadcast globally as an outreach service of Be the Star You Are!, a 501 ©(3) charity empowering families and youth at risk through increased literacy and positive media. Every week Cynthia Brian writes, produces, and hosts the show interviewing authors and role models in genres of personal growth, business, success, family, and relationships. Listeners learn life skills, discover their purpose, gain effective conflict management tools while building self-worth. Her teenage daughter, Heather Brittany, co-hosts "T-4-2: A Mother/Daughter Brew" debating the issues between generations..

How did you do it?
When our volunteers discovered startling statistics, we knew we had to do more than just collect books, read to kids, and donate products. The cost of illiteracy to businesses and to taxpayers is $20 billion per year. Low literacy and communication skills have been identified as the major cause of conduct disorders, criminal behavior and suicide in adolescents. In our highest-poverty schools, 70% of children fail to read at a basic level. For America's poorest children, the biggest obstacle to literacy is the lack of books and appropriate reading materials. We wanted to spread the news that we must BE the stars we already are.. To live and prosper in any society, we must all be lifelong learners with access to knowledge to sustain our lives at home, at work, at school, and in our communities. We coined the phrase, "To be a leader, you must be a reader." St. Mary’s College grad students created a new business plan for the charity and determined that radio was the most promising means to reach the masses. But how could we start? Cynthia was a guest on numerous radio stations promoting her book, "Be the Star You Are! 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference" which is the signature book of the charity. Each time a host or producer would compliment her on her radio acumen, she would use the opportunity to ask if the station was looking for a new program. Ask and you shall receive!

What were the major obstacles that you faced?
The lack of money was our monumental obstacle. The charity is 100% volunteer operated and the little monies we had paid the rent and utilities. We don’t have a director of fundraising to solicit monetary contributions. When an internet radio station invited us to broadcast, we were unable to produce, record, or duplicate because our dinosaur computer equipment was outdated. We had no internet connection in the office as we had no funds. Volunteers suggested we close shop, celebrate our successes, cut our losses, Not teen, Heather Brittany, who was the first to mail a check for $100 with a note begging the charity to survive as inspiration to others. Learning of this young woman’s generosity, the butterfly effect flapped its wings around the world and donations arrived. Dan Esbensen of Touch Technologies flew to San Francisco to buy us new computers. He paid for DSL installation.. We began recording fantastic interviews with enlightened authors and informative experts, learning the ropes as we went. Then one morning without any warning, the radio network went off the air and we were once again plunged into finding a home to broadcast our message. Desperation darkened our spirits as we scrambled to re-group.

What was the result?
Churchill said, "Never, never, never give up!" We couldn’t and we didn’t! WPMD, 1700 AM picked us up followed by World Talk Radio who volunteered to engineer an hour long program from their state of the art studios in San Diego. We syndicated to Leisure Talk Radio and are currently broadcasting around the world. Everyday we get emails, letters, or phone calls from people across the globe who have found a love of books through our radio broadcast. Listeners are introduced to authors and resources they may never have heard about in any other way. Sometimes we are told that a book has saved a life or helped change a difficult situation. Authors and publishers are now extremely aware of the power of our radio show to touch millions of lives as well as sell their books. They are partnering with us to expand our mission to encourage literacy and positive programming by donating books to Be the Star You Are! charity. We, in turn distribute to juvenile halls, drug abuse programs, homeless shelters and other family groups at risk. We are saving trees and the environment as we rescue books from destruction by shredding or burning. Leaders ARE readers.

What are your goals for 2005?
Our major goal/challenge is to raise $500,000 to expand our services, liquidate our expenses, salary our Producer, Hosts and hire an Executive Director to manage the daily workings of this growing charity. We realize that to be effective and flourish, we can not remain 100% volunteer. Touch Technologies is developing an automated software program that will match publishers to youth charities that need the resources. We will sell 900,000 copies of our Be the Star You Are! book to corporations/schools, syndicate our radio program to100 new markets, and launch a Be the Star You Are! TV show. Help us shine? Thank you.

 

Comments that readers have made about this submission:

Inspirational.
Eleanor Dugan - San Francisco, CA U.S.A.

Fantastic effort! Very dedicated.ü
B. Sheaff - Concord, Ca. uSA

Your work is magnificent. Hugs to you!
Suzanne Winters - Carlsbad, CA, USA

Making a REAL difference. Cynthia's dedication and perserverance are inspirational.
Sherry donnell - Encinitas, CA USA

Cynthia is a true Star...and she's willing to share her good qualities! Thank you!
Scott Globus - SF, CA USA

The hope and strength given to many by Be The Star Your Are programs derives directly from the courage one woman has to love without borders. Cynthia, thank you and God Bless.
Thomas M. Easley - Ossining, New York, USA

Be the Star You Are is one of the most sincere, worthy ventures in our country today. We all want to see it succeeed and flourish. It is selfless, generous of time and money and helps so many.
M. Conte - Novato, CA, USA

A lot of energy and effort! 10++
Shelley Hyder - San Francisco, CA

Be the star you ae show is great and dines positivity to our youth and promotes good values to our future
caesar ortega - san diego, ca. usa

This is a charity that deserves to be supported. A simple idea that can touch and change many lives for the better.
Nora Nordan - Oslo, Norway

Very Empowering!!
M. Lanza - Fairfield, CA, USA

Wonderful human being with a mission to help the unprivileged. I admire the effort and the dedication involved.
Lena Martin - Alamo, CA

Cynthia's charity is a MUST !
Carolann Wright - Oceanside, CA

I think the purpose of this organization is great and truly focuses on children who are at risk and are in need of inspiration and guidance.
Jason Vinet - Danville, CA, USA

Be The Star You Are: Cynthia is by far the hardest working and most inspirational person I know. If anyone deserves a helping hand for giving her hands in help its Cybthia and the BE THE STAR YOU ARE effort on behalf of children everywhere. Go for it! David Loveall
David J. Loveall D.C. - Pleasant Hill, CA

The entery is wonderful, and very inspiring.
Neema Mahdavian - Moraga, Ca. USA

I gave a copy of "Be The Star You Are" to all the very special people in my personal and business life...it is inspirational , written beautifully and carries Cynthia's message about living your dreams with her beautifully written true stories. I couldn't think of a better gift...she is an amazing lady!
Eileen Goodis - Los Angeles, California

Putting together a worthy cause, with the inspirational qualities of Cynthia Brian is a "can't-miss" winner. Cynthias love and energy are evident in her work, and the underserved youth are the most appropriate group who deserve our help. Congratulations!!.
Eric Strom - Los Angeles, Calif. USA

Cynthia Brian is an amazing force in this world. Who she is has inspired me to be who I am today. May her butterfly effect reach the stars. She sure is one!
Christine Louise Hohlbaum, author - Paunzhausen, Germany

Cynthia's sincerity and desire to help others is contagious. Speaking as a guest on her show, it was a pleasure to be interviewed by her and her daughter.
Nancy Anderson - Mill Valley, CA USA

Cynthia Brian life mission is evident in the work she does. She is a bright light and her work must carry on!
Darlene Montgomery - Toronto, Canada

"This is a truly exceptional program to help people rise up from times of despair and difficulty. Cynthia Brian's joyful enthusiasm combined with her passion for helping people shine their brightest help make BE THE STAR YOU ARE the rising star it is."
Cynthia Sue Larson - Berkeley, CA USA

What's more important than our kids? Talk about an investment in our collective future!What Cynthia Brian has done with Be The Star You Are is simply wonderful. Doing it all on a shoestring is nothing short of phenomenal. This worthwhile effort deserves to be kept afloat, for the sake of so many. Thanks, Cynthia, for all you do!
Nancy Casey - San Diego, CA

Cynthia Brian is doing some wonderful work with writing and helping the literacy issue we have in this country. I know that I do my part by volunteering with the Adult Literacy Program, but she takes helping so much FURTHER THAN ANYONE! Great job!
Loralei Matisse - Denver, Colorado USA

Cythia has done incredible in saving our troubled youth. I give her a 10!
Eva Fry - Valley Center, CA USA

Cynthia Brian's "Be The Star You Are" is Cyn-sational! No organization could have a sunnier and brighter mission. Cynthia Brian, "Be The Star You Are", founder, carries within her a spiritual solar system wherein there is only light. Lookout darkness--Cyn-sational Brian is out to lighen' you up. "Action" Jack McClendon Encourage Mint Radio host Oceanside-San Diego, CA. www.encouragemint.com
"Action" Jack McClendon - Oceanside, CA. U.S.A

Cynthia's life and work are an inspiration. Not only is she herself a terrific role model for courage, grace and productivity, but she puts the spotlight on other people who want to make a difference in kid's lives.
Libby Gill - Los Angeles, CA

Cynthia is one of the most upbeat people around, and both her show and her organization do a fantastic job of inspiring others. She spreads hope and joy wherever she goes, and empowers people of all ages to be the stars they are!
Graciela Sholander - Fort Collins, CO, USA

Cynthia Brian obviously has passion for what she does--make a difference to youth and families. Because of it, she went global FAST! I've listened to her broadcasts and loved hearing her guests and their messages. Cynchia's on a mission--and the world will be a much better place because of her.
Maria Carter - San Diego, CA, USA

This charity deserves to become the powerful force that is its founder!
Kim C. - Marysville, WA, USA

A perfect 10! Cynthia Brian is a dynamo, whether she's media coaching or doing brilliant interviews. She is a star among stars and has helped me find a whole new and exciting niche in my career. She is unstinting in her generosity with the causes she espouses and one of the most inspirational people I have ever had the honor to know. I am truly blessed to have encountered her in my journey.
Erica Miner - Carlsbad, CA USA

Cynthia should be an inspiration to us all and her organization is so worthy and needed for those who have no inspiration in their lives.
Anne Rabe - Lafayette, CA USA

Helping our youth learn to read and the importance of reading, could cure cancer, as with out a crystal ball we can nevre know from what motivation the future will hold for these young people. One of them could find the cure for all most any problem, just as long as they learn to vallue thier education.
Frederick Proudman - Concord, California, USA

incredibly uplifting and dynamic! we love cynthia's energy.
teresa morris - moraga, ca

Cynthia Brian is one of the most intuitive, creative and passionate leaders I know! Her huge heart makes an amazing difference in people's lives. Any Cause she orchestrates is first-rate on every level!
Greg Nelson - San Francisco, California

A wonderful inspiration to others! L Nance, North Carolina
Lisa Nance - Lenoir, NC, USA

"Wow!" would be the understatement of the century. Cynthia is an incredible life force who affects everyone she meets positively, and is one who truly embodies the concept of making a difference for the youth of America. How she constantly reaches for these high goals, and achieves them, is a lesson in itself. She doesn't stop at reaching for the stars -- she grabs the whole galaxy. She is worthy of all of our support, and I salute her for her tenacity and enduring positive attitude.
Wayne Repich - Concord, CA, USA

One of our best and brightest radio interviewers in the nation! Lisa D. Marino Radio Publicity Specialist Krupp Kommunications www.kruppkommunications.com
Lisa D. Marino - NY, NY, USA

Thank you Cynthia! The most inspiring person I know of! A perfect 10 without a doubt!
Michele - Colorado

Cynthia Brian is an energetic,dynamic and talented individual who is channeling her talents for a very important cause, the education of our youth. Bravo Cynthia!!
Janet Wells - Los Angeles, California

Cynthia is a very inspirational woman deserving of our accolades for her endeavors to make this world a better place.
Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR - Steubenville, OH USA

Be The Star You Are is a great cause! Cynthia Brian has a tremendous amount of positive energy and she is putting it to very good use! Very Impressive!!!
Randy Chapin - Carlsbad, CA

Cynthia is a true unsung hero whose extraordinary passion and selfless committment to others could humble even Mother Theresa.
Mark Levinson - Berkeley, CA

wonderful organization. I send so many blessing that be the star you are is given a chance to share its self with the at risk youth's of this nation.
dolce - san diego, ca, usa

Finally, a program to save America. Get more information to our children.
Wanda DeVito - New York, NY USA

If I could choose one person on this earth that personifies integrity, selflessness, perseverance, graciousness, intelligence, beauty and a never ending willingness to impact our future generations with positive strength and growth, Cynthia would be the one. Lets keep this going!!!
Paula Hawley - San Diego, California

Valuable site. Deserves all the support it can get. Cynthia Brian is a lovely, generous woman dedicated to doing important work.
Deb Hayden - San Anselmo, CA 94960

I am a two heart attack survivor, had 4 stents and open heart surgery a year ago. I had nurses save my life in the CCU unit of St Josephs Medical Center. I read Cynthia's 'Be the Star You Are'. Talk about an upliftin, encouraging and in your face approach to life. She made a huge difference in my recovery effort. I refer to her book every day. I intend to purchase a case of books, and each of my players a book.
Mark Miller - Linden, California, USA

As a young person, finding an adult mentor who can relate on a non biased level to provide positive influence on one’s life, is a challenging quality to find in any individual today. Cynthia Brian has not only impacted my life with never ending integrity, passion, and perseverance for doing the right thing, but she has affected the lives of so many youths that are in need of inspiration and motivation. I’m honored to call her my personal role model, and blessed to call her my mother. I love you! Beautiful wish’s to Be The Star YOU Are.
heather brittany - san diego, ca

Cynthia's dedication to opening up topics & subjects for discussion to educate and enlighten others brings "Be The Star You Are" to a whole new level of radio talk. Her supportive and non-bais views will help others to help themselves. You GO Cynthia!!
Amber Emerzian - Haiku, HI USA

It takes courage and determination to create one's dream and Cynthia Brian displays both. Her story is inspirational and her work continues to touch many lives in this world. Kudos to you, Cynthia, for giving hope to the hopeless and uplifting as many people as you have!
Randy Peyser - Aromas, CA

Apparently I hit the wrong dot!!! Please change my last entry, Amber Emerzian
Amber Emerzian - Haiku, HI USA

Cynthia Brian is an amazing women and has changed millions of lives and their are billions more she can help. I am the teen publicity director for the chairty and just working with her has changed my life! Be The Star You Are truely is a god send!
Alan Outman - Binghamton, NY, USA

Be the Star You Are performs a great service for at-risk youth. And as a Volunteer Reader, I am happy to be able to do my part to provide this service to at-risk youth! Please support the great work that this organization does any way that you can.
Kaeleigh Thorp - San Leandro, CA USA

Fantastic!
Laura Robinson - New York, NY, USA

Cynthia Brian shows amazing dedication and keeps her pulse to the evolving need in both her local and at-large community. Her openness, generosity, insight and sensitivity serve the mission of Be The Star You Are! very well. Her program should be a household word!
Paul Bogle - Orinda, CA, U.S.A.

What an inspiration! Cynthia Brian is unwavering in her dedication. She truly is being the star she can be!
Jennifer Cook - Oceanside, CA USA

Superb!
Kris Nelson - Oceanside, CA USA

Amazing, A Truly Inspiration Organization!
McWilliams - Los Angeles, CA, USA

Cynthia Brian has made a very postive impact on my life. From day one she encouraged me to live out my dreams and never relent. Today, I am doing just that. Thank you Be the Star You Are for never waivering and continuing to do fabulous work that's good for the soul!
Alexandra Morrison - Los Angeles, CA

Cynthia embodies and role-models self-esteem and cheerleading for others. I have been interviewed on her radio show - and was greatly impressed with the "heart" she puts in to everything she does! What a blessing her spirit is to the planet at this time!
Sheryl Roush - San Diego, CA, USA

Maybe I'm too cynical, but does her "spirit" actually translate into any tangible results?
Matthew Randall - Los Angeles, CA, USA

Indefatiguable is our Cynthia! Bravo! J.Morrissey Oakland ca.
jillian - Oakland ca.

Worthy cause
J. Michael - New York, NY, USA

Cynthia's heartfelt work really makes a difference! She is a credible and incredible human being whose giving spirit and enthusiasm are contagious!
Dr. Joel Goodman - Saratoga Springs, NY


empowering youth-at-risk through literacy and positive media

Be the Star You Are!™
P. O. Box 376
Moraga, CA  94556
Tel: 877.944.STAR or 925.376.7126
Fax: 925.376.7142

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webmaster@bethestaryouare.org

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