Now Reading
Johns Hopkins' HOPE Honored as the 2006 Nonprofit of the Year
Johns Hopkins' HOPE Honored as the 2006 Nonprofit of the Year
Published 08-21-06
Submitted by LegalZoom.com
BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 21, 2006--LegalZoom.com, the nation's #1 online legal document service company, announced today that it has selected HOPE (Hospital-based Online Pediatric Environment) as the 2006 Nonprofit of the Year. The award was presented today at a surprise event at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, where LegalZoom.com CEO presented a check for $10,000 and Xbox 360 consoles to HOPE founders.
HOPE, is a network that will allow pediatric patients to meet online, relate to, and, most importantly, play games with other patients in hospitals around the country. HOPE gives chronically ill children the opportunity to escape stresses inherent in their conditions by providing distraction through gaming and comfort via peer contact. Through a virtual world of Xbox 360 consoles, HOPE's founders hope to stave off depression, reduce pain and improve the quality of the children's lives.
"HOPE is a prime example of concerned individuals who saw a problem and provided a successful solution by creating an organization that has the children's welfare and health at the forefront of their cause," said LegalZoom.com CEO and Co-Founder Brian Liu. "HOPE is a national model for how nonprofit organizations can succeed with a simple, yet powerful, idea to make a difference in the lives of children staying in the hospital. With LegalZoom.com's award and gift, we hope to strengthen HOPE's mission to bring a smile on children's faces in hospitals across the nation."
The first annual LegalZoom.com Nonprofit of the Year award recognizes one nonprofit organization from across the nation that has been recently established (12 months or younger), has the promise of growth and sustainability and is making a positive impact in the lives of children, families and communities.
"HOPE was inspired by founder Arun Mathews' belief that chronically ill children struggling with the burden of prolonged medical treatments and tests should be allowed and encouraged to explore other worlds, meet new people, and engage in mentally challenging quests even if these are imaginary," says Children's Center nephrologists Susan Furth, M.D..
HOPE's goal is to allow every child with a debilitating ailment to captain a virtual football team and slay virtual dragons while interacting with other children in similar circumstances.
This is the first year that LegalZoom.com has recognized a nonprofit for its contributions to the community, children and families. LegalZoom.com reviewed hundreds of nonprofit organizations from across the nation that formed their nonprofit using LegalZoom.com.
About LegalZoom.com
LegalZoom.com is the nation's number one online self-help legal document service. Co-founded by attorney Robert Shapiro in 2001, LegalZoom.com (www.legalzoom.com) offers consumers access to affordable, easy-to-use legal documents online without needing a costly attorney. Legal documents available through LegalZoom include: Wills, Living Wills, LLC Formations, Living Trusts, Power of Attorney, Divorces, Prenuptial Agreements, Incorporations, Small Claims, Trademarks and Copyrights. All documents are securely stored online, reviewed by trained professionals, filed with the appropriate courts and governmental agencies and are up-to-date on current laws and procedures in all 50 states.
Just recently, LegalZoom.com launched its nonprofit formation service, which allows charities to save time and money when forming a not-for-profit corporation. LegalZoom.com will prepare all of required legal documents, file it with the Secretary of State, and even prepare the 501(c)(3) application. LegalZoom.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or counsel.
Copyright Business Wire 2006
