LostNMissing, Inc. represents NH as one of 51 Finalists in the Running to Earn $10,000 in Funding
LONDONDERRY, NH, September 16, 2013 – LostNMissing Inc. (LNM) has been selected as the only finalist from NH in the fifth annual Tom’s of Maine “50 States for Good” community giving program and now has a chance to win $10,000 towards their awareness campaign, geared towards colleges and universities, to help bring awareness on the importance of always maintaining a buddy system to and from their evening and weekend activities to avoid becoming a missing person. Through a public vote at 50StatesforGood.com now through October 15, supporters can help bring the funding with the simple click of a mouse. As the only chosen nonprofit, for the State off NH, LNM hopes all residents will take a moment and cast their vote. (vote at http://www.50statesforgood.com / click on the State of New Hampshire.)
The “50 States for Good” program seeks to uncover local nonprofit groups that address community needs and engage volunteers to get the work done. LNM’s goal is to have every college and university adopt their educational awarness program, “Friends Don’t Leave Friends Alone”, nicknamed “Don’t Leave Friends”, as part of their safety programs. Posters for dorms, and local establishments, that students may frequent is part of their offerings as well as providing training to assigned college representatives to help continue the program. They are also seeing college students to volunteer and be trained for this mission.
Cynthia Caron, president and founder, states “Over 2,000 people go missing in the United States every day and many of those are college students. Unfortunately, of those missing, many are located deceased and in a situation that had they been with a friend they may have arrived home safely.” A strong number are young males. She further adds, ” We believe the majority may not have become a missing person statistic had they not ventured back home or to their dorms alone. Our goal is to bring awareness, along with educational materials, to remind students to always stay with friends, especially if a venue they are frequenting involves alcohol as too many of our brilliant young lives have been lost forever and in what we believe, unneccesarily and avoidable.” According to the www.dontleavefriends.com site, this also includes other evening venues in which no alcohol is consumed such as concerts and large group gatherings.
According to Mary Vitt, VP at LostNMissing, “Our message is the same, “you came together, you leave together.” Our goal is to implement our program in all New England Universities and Colleges by 2015 so that other states may follow suit.” explains Vitt.
Non-profit finalists from each state were selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 nominations by an independent panel of judges, featuring including star of “The Vampire Diaries” and non-profit founder Ian Somerhalder, Matt Petronzio, assistant features editor covering social good for Mashable.com, Huffington Post columnist Lisa M. Dietlin and Sam Davidson, president of Cool People Care.
“A desire to do more for a favorite nonprofit can often be hindered by a lack of time to volunteer or financial means to make a donation,” said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom’s of Maine. “50 States for Good makes it easy for anyone to have an impact and directly help organizations that are bringing goodness to communities in a variety of creative and inspiring ways.”
For several decades, Tom’s of Maine has donated 10% of its profits back to the community and encourages employees to use 5% (12 days) of paid time off to volunteer every year. For more information visit tomsofmaine.com.
Click for important campaign message by LostNMissing Inc: Don’t Leave Friends
About LostNMissing Inc.
LostNMissing Inc., is an all-volunteer national tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is organized and incorporated under the laws of the State of New Hampshire working with law enforcment and families of missing across the nation. They never charge a fee for services. Please visit www.lostnmissing.com and www.dontleavefriends.com. College students wishing to be enrolled as a representative may submit their interest via email to lostnmissing@comcast.net.
About Tom’s of Maine
Tom’s of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care carrying high quality toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant and bar soap products. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the living planet. For over 42 years, TOMs has sponsored hundreds of nonprofit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to organizations that support human and environmental goodness and by encouraging employees to use 5% (12 days) of employee time to volunteer. TOMs employees regularly contribute suggestions for improving the company’s high sustainability standards. And their ideas, from wind power to ways to improve recycled and recyclable packaging options, are critical to the company’s sensitive way of doing business. Most Tom’s of Maine products are vegan, kosher, halal-certified and all packaging is recyclable through a partnership with upcycling leader TerraCycle or participating municipalities. Tom’s of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, vendors and community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for people and the planet. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or at http://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine.