WASHINGTON, D.C.- February 15, 2007 "“ The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network has partnered with Benevolink to help engage nonprofits and consumers in its "We Are Family" (WAF) initiative. Benevolink is a leading philanthropy platform and social networking community that connects consumers, corporations and causes to improve communities.

WAF is a project designed to provide support for victims of the 2005 hurricanes received a major boost today, as Northrop Grumman contributed $275,000 to support the effort. It is a collaboration of the Foundation and Grammy-winning producer Rodney Jerkins and involves the production of a CD-DVD featuring an all-star remake of the Sister Sledge hit, "We Are Family." Artists showcased on the title track include: Ciara, Chris Brown, Patti LaBelle, Ray J. Brian McKnight, Sister Sledge, Mary Mary, BeBe Winans, Lyfe Jennings, George Clinton, Christina Milian and Branford Marsalis. The CD-DVD will be released on February 27. For details, visit www.wearefamily2007.com.

Beginning in late February, Benevolink will provide WAF’s participating partners with professionally designed, turnkey marketing templates to download from the Benevolink Web site "“ free of charge "“ to help organizations promote their WAF fundraising efforts to supporters. Templates will include easy-to-customize flyers, e-mail copy and postcards. In addition, Benevolink’s free consumer "shop and give" program provides nonprofits an additional fundraising resource to share with their supporters "“ a year-round way to generate charitable, unrestricted funds from companies by leveraging consumer shopping.

Through the Benevolink program, consumer members earn charitable rebates "“ an average of seven percent of the purchase price "“ as they shop for everyday items such as gifts, clothing, travel and nearly every conceivable product category through Benevolink’s 400+ retailers. Participating retailers donate the contribution to their consumer member, who in turn gives the earned donation to the charities of their choice four times a year through the Benevolink Web site with a couple of clicks.

The Benevolink platform also makes it easy for individuals to give their own money with their credit card, manage their giving and connect with other like-minded individuals and causes through its new social networking features. The program is free to nonprofits and consumers. For more information about Benevolink, go to www.benevolink.com.

The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network supports the vital work of millions of volunteers who are helping to solve serious social problems in thousands of communities nationwide. For more information about local volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-VOLUNTEER or visit www.1-800-VOLUNTEER.org.

Points of Light

Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service each year, contributing $498.7 million of value in people power into communities around the world. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org. 

Partnering with Points of Light means you’ll have the expertise and support you need to mobilize your colleagues and create community impact using all aspects of civic engagement. We've helped companies with a variety of needs including implementing large-scale employee volunteer events, tackling your larger social impact vision, expanding how you engage communities and consumers, infusing new ideas to your annual employee engagement programs, connecting with peers to bring the latest and greatest ideas on impact measurement, and getting company leadership investment and buy-in. Learn more today.

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