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NEWSLETTER - May 2003

It is not now, and has never been, our intention to send this free newsletter to anyone who does not want it.  If you received this in error, please respond with "REMOVE" on the subject line.  Forward this to anyone who you think may be interested in its contents.  If this was forwarded to you, and you want to receive it monthly, reply with "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Visit our web site at http://www.bethestaryouare.org.  Please note, by responding to this email, you do not reach the charity.  To reach Cynthia Brian directly, email her at cynthia@bethestaryouare.org. Thank you.

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Reading

By Stephanie Simons 

Why do we turn on the tube without excuses, but seem to need a long list of reasons to curl up with a good book? This list is designed to motivate you to share the gift of reading with yourself…and the ones you love. Introducing the Top Five reasons to turn off the TV and read:

#1 Reading is contagious.
When your children see you reading they are more likely to develop an interest in books and when reading is a family interest, it’s a lot more fun! You can schedule weekly or monthly "treasure hunting" trips to the bookstore. Pitch a tent in the backyard, bring a flashlight and take turns reading scary stories to each other.

#2 It’s the least expensive form of travel. 
Books can transport you to another era, another country, or another galaxy! Using your imagination forces you to think visually, which enables you to experience the beauty and majesty of other cultures from your own bedroom.

#3 You’ll always have something to say.
 Books are pocket professors that boost your knowledge and vocabulary. Challenge yourself to read books about a foreign subject or with sophisticated language and you’re on your way to becoming a better, brighter you.

#4 It nourishes the soul.
Books about faith are powerful, satisfy the soul and allow you to regain perspective about your priorities. They require your undivided attention and your own special interpretation.

And, finally, for all the single folks out there…
#5 When combined with a hot bath, and a cup of cocoa, reading can be better than dating.

There’s always something to do on Friday night when you have a fabulous home library. You’ll be thankful you stayed home and curled up on the sofa with the original Prince Charming, instead of kissing a real life toad.

Stephanie Simons is a volunteer with Be the Star You Are!™ as well as a regular contributor to Diablo Magazine, Style Columnist, and other magazines.  Thank you, Stephanie, for your writing contribution to our newsletter this month.

OUR MISSION:

Be the Star You Are!™ is a library of books and other media donated to youth at risk to raise their skills and self esteem to improve their daily lives. This media ranges from education and advisement to inspiration and guidance which covers every aspect of life from abuse through money management. Be the Star You Are!™ has no religious or political agendas or affiliations as it caters to the literate and illiterate by providing audio tapes and videos as well as books to give these kids a head start in their lives so they can beat the odds.

MIRACLE MOMENT

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe."

                                 Anatole France
                                 1844-1924, French Novelist

THANKS FOR THE DONATION:

Thank you to Bob Skelton of  The Pull-Out Shelf Company , who co-sponsored the Women’s Retreat at St. Boniventure’s Catholic Church in Concord on May 20, where our Founder, Cynthia Brian, spoke on Be the Star You Are!™  Bob was also the co-sponsor of our November fundraiser as he is a dedicated supporter of our charity.  Visit his web site at: www.pulloutshelfman.com.   We can always count on Bob.  Thanks, our friend!

Thanks to Sunny Express and Jason Vinet for shipping our spring distribution of resources to the beneficiaries.  Jason, you have been a gem and we value your participation.  Thank you so much for continuing to support the efforts of Be the Star You Are!™

Rey DeBorja deserves a big thank you as well for organizing our distribution of books and tapes.  Rey has taken over the Program Director’s position from Pat Hallberg.  We appreciate both of you. 

CAN YOU HELP US WITH SHIPPING?

We need shipping money or a company who would like to donate shipping by using their UPS, FED EX or other account for the following:

1.     The publishers of Traveler’s Tales have over 3,000 books sitting in a warehouse in Reno that they wish to donate to our charity if shipping costs can be provided. Most of the  boxes are the following dimension: 
     10.5" x 10.5" x 8.5"
     Approximate Weight: 24 lbs
     Address of origination: 1170 Trademark Drive, Reno, CA  89511 

2.     Patrick Combs, author of Major in Success, would like to donate another few hundred books to our beneficiaries.  We need shipping from San Diego.  Again, the size of the boxes and weight is about the same as above. 

If you or your company would like to help out with any part of these two needs, we would be most appreciative.  Remember, it is a tax deductible donation. 

NEW NEWS!

We are working with Dan Esbebsen of Touch Technologies, Inc. and his engineers to create an advanced database system whereby Be the Star You Are!™ can identify, and connect, authors and producers who have resources to donate with the correct charities across the country so that our distribution system can be enhanced, streamlined, and expanded.

We thank Dan for his interest and dedication to helping a small, but mighty charity to serve others more efficiently.

SOMETHING NEW….OUR ON-LINE AUCTION:

Generous donors have made it possible for us to create an on-going
auction site.  Here’s how it works:

Items or services are donated.  A minimum bid and a buy-out bid are listed.  Email us with your bid and you’ll be notified if you won. (You’ll automatically win if you bid the buy-out!)  If you’d like to donate an item or service to our on-line auction, send us the item or a gift certificate for services to PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556. If it is a very large item, please do not send, call us first 925-376-7126.  TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND FUN!  

Here’s what we are offering this month at www.bethestaryouare.org/auction.html:

* Donation of a local walking excursion from Pedal Pusher Adventures.
* Two-night stay at Taylor House Bed & Breakfast in Boston, MA.
* Vintage Christmas Card collection from the 1940's-1980's.
* NEW!  Two Armand Cabrera Oil Paintings have been generously donated for our auction!  Here are the details:

Armand Cabrera’s paintings reflect the skill and discipline gathered from years of experience as a successful production artist in the computer games industry where he created conceptual designs, background art, special effects animation and storyboarding.  Now a full time fine artist, he has become a dedicated landscape painter. Armand paints in the alla prima style, completing his work in one sitting. 

Born in San Francisco in 1955, Armand currently makes his home in beautiful Marin County, California where he is inspired by a wealth of visual information.  In his spare time, Armand teaches plein air and studio painting workshops.

 

 

A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER:

Thank you to everyone who has sent prayers and good wishes with the recent illness of my husband.  Everything was greatly appreciated by all of us. I’d like to share with you some words by a wonderful woman I had the pleasure to work with once, Audrey Hepburn.  Her "beauty tips" sum up best the importance of loving one another and serving others.

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others."

May you all have a beautiful, healthy, and happy summer.  Thank you so very much for supporting kids at risk with your contributions to Be the Star You Are!™

Cynthia Brian
Founder
Be the Star You Are!™ charity, a 501 ©(3)
PO Box 376
Moraga, California 945456
925-376-7126
http://www.bethestaryouare.org

EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT THIS CHARITY

PURPOSE: Be the Star You Are!™ is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that collects and distributes books and other positive media to youth at risk as a way to raise their life skills and self esteem. This media ranges from education and advisement to inspiration and guidance and covers every aspect of life, from abuse through money management.  Be the Star You Are!™ is an ALL volunteer organization that operates through contributions, in-kind donations, and proceeds from fund-raising events.  Be the Star You Are!™  does not receive state or federal funding and is solely dependent on contributions from the community and corporations. Be the Star You Are!™ has no religious or political agendas or affiliations.

Be the Star You Are!™ believes that information infused with inspiration has the power to transform and change lives. Be the Star You Are!™ is a library of books and other media that empower youth at risk to improve their daily lives. Be the Star You Are!™ is committed to providing positive role models for kids to help them grow into valued citizens. Through its newsletters, web site, radio, TV, and READING SPELLS SUCCESS literacy outreach programs, Be the Star You Are!™ promotes and distributes its ever-growing list of informative positive videos, tapes and books to young audiences who would otherwise never obtain these materials. Recipients of Be the Star You Are!™ products and services include other non profit youth at risk groups, juvenile hall facilities, youth camps and children's hospitals. 

In an era when violence and skepticism dominate the airwaves, Be the Star You Are!™ charity offers a refreshing, welcome alternative helping kids beat the odds encouraging the American Dream.  

Be the Star You Are!™ is making a difference in the lives of many people and their communities. We need your support to help us empower youth and to continue the numerous services we provide.

Here are SIMPLE ways you can help and have fun doing it: (All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.)

* Send a tax deductible contribution or offer a monetary tribute or memoriam to a loved one
* Donate your vehicle, running or not, and we’ll do the rest
* Purchase any of these books: Be the Star You Are!™ 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference," "The Business of Show Business", and "Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul". Every time you purchase these books at a store, you are making a contribution to this charity. When you purchase the books directly through the charity, we get an even bigger contribution, so consider buying through our order form at the bottom of the page. These books are also available for fundraisers and corporate premium sales at a discount to your organization or company. Call the charity offices at 925-376-7126 or by email, info@bethestaryouare.org.
* Book your next speaker through our speakers bureau for your event
* Donate air miles
* Donate goods that can be auctioned off at an event
* Sponsor an event making Be the Star You Are!™ the charitable beneficiary
* Ask your company to match your donation or make a contribution
* Volunteer time
* Donate books, tapes and CD’s from your own library that you don’t want anymore
* Become a Benefactor…we need an ANGEL
* Establish A Charitable Giving Account with an Investment Firm in the name of Be the Star You Are!™.

Please join our galaxy of Stars and support Be the Star You Are!™ with your contributions and/or ask your company to be on our team. Visit the web site at www.bethestaryouare.org for more information. Please send your checks to:

Be the Star You Are!™
PO Box 376
Moraga, California 94556.

We can be reached at 877-944-STAR or 925-376-7126. You will receive a receipt for your tax deductible donation.  Credit card contributions and purchases are accepted.

Thank you from the volunteers at Be the Star You Are!™. 

Cynthia Brian is the Founder and President of Be the Star You Are!™ Please visit www.bethestaryouare.org for biographical information. Be the Star You Are!™  a 501(c)(3) non profit

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Our Founder, Cynthia Brian, is a professional motivational speaker lecturing internationally on the philosophies of Be the Star You Are!™ If you are seeking an energetic, inspirational, and passionate speaker for your next conference or event, consider booking through our charity office.  You’ll get a tax deduction, the charity will get a contribution, and your group will get a dynamic speaker. Here is a listing of upcoming events where Cynthia Brian is speaking:

September 19, 20, 21 Be the Star You Are!™ at the University of Pacific Faculty Retreat, Lake Tahoe, California.

November 6, 2003 "The Power of Positive Parenting" presentation at St. Dominic’s Elementary School in Benicia.  For more information contact: 1-707-745-1266

November 21-23, 2003 San Diego State University Leadership Institute Conference, San Diego Marriott, Mission Valley.  Topic: "A Juggling Act - How to Balance Your Life Without Dropping the Balls!" For more information, contact Jennifer Johnson, 619-594-5221

^{PRODUCTS CAN BE ORDERED DIRECTLY!}