- Tuesday, December 24, 2013
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Prem Joseph from the Marriott is making news all over India. Watch for more updates on his journey to raise awareness in India for leprosy and for Rising Star Outreach.
Pictures and updates are constantly being added on his facebook page. Follow him if you are interested in what he is accomplishing and experiencing on this 6000 km journey.
Article clipped from The Hindu- Metro plus newspaper on page 1- Dec 11, 2013.
Pictures and updates are constantly being added on his facebook page. Follow him if you are interested in what he is accomplishing and experiencing on this 6000 km journey.
Article clipped from The Hindu- Metro plus newspaper on page 1- Dec 11, 2013.
- Wednesday, December 11, 2013
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“ Blessed is the
season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!”
At this time of year there is a wonderful spirit of giving
because the seasonal celebrations of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza engender
feelings of joy and love. At Rising Star Outreach we also feel the excitement of the
season, and because of your help we are providing for the needs of those
affected by leprosy and also the important gift
of hope.
The students on our campus recently received an early
holiday surprise when our Sponsorship Coordinator, Emily Wilson—and many of her friends, treated the Rising Star
students to a holiday party, complete with personal stockings filled with
practical items and fun treats! Kudos to
Emily and her family and friends for generously sharing their time and
resources. Our campus was filled with
gleeful sounds of cheer and expressions of gratitude.
At the end of December, Rising Star students and staff will
enjoy a holiday break to spend special time with their families. The campus
will be quiet, but not for long because our “Goals for Girls” group will enjoy
a volunteer session during the first week
of January. (BTW--Check out
our Volunteer Sessions for 2014—our
celebratory year! What a great gift to give to your family or an individual
child—the opportunity for adventure and service through volunteering at Rising
Star. One of our volunteers recently shared with me that it was the “best
experience I have ever had in my entire life.”
Sign up now!)
Our Holiday Gift
Giving Campaign begins this month and we need your help! You can help with
a single one-time gift in four simple steps. Visit our web site at www.risingstaroutreach.org and click on WISHLIST.
(On the right hand side of the page under Donate, Volunteer, and Sponsor a
Child.) Once you click WISHLIST, it
will take you to a page of gift ideas for your friends, family, co-workers,
clients, and it’s a nice way to involve children or grandchildren. You can even
make a donation in an individual’s name, which is a kind way to show you are
thinking of them and that you are mindful of the needs of others.
If you are interested in EDUCATION, donate money to purchase
books
for the Rising Star campus library—a gift that will help a child enjoy the
magical world of reading, or give the gift of a Classroom Achievement Board, which highlights the work of our
awesome students. Our goal is to get one in every classroom!
Another simple way to participate in giving is to Sponsor a Child. By sponsoring one of our students, you give the gift of education, and when you educate
a child, you begin to lift the next generation. The sponsorship is less than a
$1 a day! Get your family involved and spread the love.
MEDICAL CARE continues to be a priority at Rising Star
Outreach. Our goal is to have not only medicine, bandages, and other medical
devises available to all patients, but also a
bathing bucket, a towel, nutritional drinks, a warm blanket, clothing, and
seasonal wear such as a hat, an umbrella, or a raincoat. Protective footwear is an incredible
gift to help prevent infections, and mobility devices such as tricycles, canes, and walkers give
patients freedom of movement. Join together as colleagues or as a family to
donate toward the purchase of several AED’s
(Automated External Defibrillator), a life saving device. With your help every patient will receive proper
medical care! 
We often hear the saying, “You can give a man a fish and he eats for a day. You can teach a man to
fish, and he eats for a lifetime.” By teaching and supporting those
affected by leprosy, they become self-sufficient and their world dramatically
changes and thereby, the world changes! Begging demeans, but a simple
MICRO-BUSINESS lifts the individual and their family, which has a powerful
impact on the entire community! Consider in your gift-giving this year a $45
donation to purchase a goat, which
will provide milk, meat, and money for an individual. A donation of $160 or
only 44 cents a day, will help Rising Star purchase
sewing machines for those who would like to start a tailoring business.
What a blessing to give someone the gift of dignity—something that is more
meaningful than many tangible gifts.
My heartfelt appreciation to all who give to Rising Star
Outreach during this blessed season that “engages the world in…love.”
From all of us at
Rising Star: Warm wishes for a lovely Holiday Season!
President of Rising
Star Outreach
- Monday, December 09, 2013
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Prem Joseph, the Director of Sales and Marketing,
Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre & Courtyard by Marriott,
Hyderabad, will start a journey traveling across India on his Royal Enfield motorbike. Prem will travel to all operating
Marriott hotels in the country between December 8th – 20th , 2013 to collect gift-able stay vouchers from
the hotels.
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| Ankush Sharma photo from: execmag.biz |
At the end of his 6000 km journey, 50% of the vouchers will be auctioned and the proceeds will go towards Rising Star Outreach of India which is fondly called as Marriott Home by the Marriott Team. The Marriott Home is an initiative by Marriott Hotels to raise funds for children whose parents are affected by leprosy. The funds raised would be given to Rising Star Outreach of India by a group of Royal Enfield riders joined by Ankush Sharma, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott, Chennai. What a site to see!
Prem travel across Chandigarh ,
Delhi Jaipur, Bhopal , Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune,
Goa, Bangalore , Cochin ,
Chennai and Hyderabad before their final stop at the Rising Star campus
We thank the Prem Joseph and the entire Marriott family for the love and support that they show towards our kids, their families and communities. The Marriott often invites groups of the Rising Star children to the hotel for education classes and lunch or coming out to the campus to play a cricket match. Ankush and his team are continually looking to different avenues that they can serve those affected by leprosy.
- Saturday, December 07, 2013
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The kids celebrated the holiday season with a day long party this year. The Saturday's activities were exhausting but thrilling for the staff and volunteers. Sponsporship Coordinator Emily Wilson was the leader in coordinating donations and stocking for all the kids. No child was left out and so many helpers showed their love this holiday with little items that meant the world to each of the kids.
Lily Simpson had this to say about the event:
Thank you to all who have made this celebration a day that they will remember. Thank you to those that Sponsor each of these kids and provide for them all year long with education, food and shelter as well as knowledge that they have supporters that love them.
Thank you and happy holidays to all our supporters. We love you and together we are lifting those with leprosy.
"We cooked over 600 pancakes. We had exactly enough pancakes including the last security guard who ate the last two pancakes. The fans were not working in the kitchen so we were sweating over the grill. But thanks to Padmini, she helped us to be efficient in flipping those flapjacks very quickly.
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| (left to right) Padmini, Lily, Urvasi |
The magic began Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. as we brought UKG children into the dining hall. They each put on their Christmas socks. Then we brought 1st standard in and spent a few minutes with them. As each standard entered the dining hall and slipped some Christmas socks on, the squeals and chatter escalated. Their gleeful voices and bright inquisitive eyes met surprise after surprise as each child pulled out little things from their Christmas stocking.
Everyone enjoyed eating breakfast together and spreading Nutella and syrup on their hot pancake. Can you imagine, we had only one bottle of maple syrup and one bottle of honey and it went around to everyone! Amazing!
All the children were able to participate painting a picture as their gift to their family.
In the evening, we put on the movie 'Elf' and during intermission, we served them each a cup of hot chocolate.
The next day, there were so many 'thank yous' for the happy Christmas celebration and for the many gifts that were given. Some of them asked who gave all of these gifts. I just replied, there are so many people who love you and there would be too many names to mention, it would take a long time to name each person who has great love for them."
Thank you to all who have made this celebration a day that they will remember. Thank you to those that Sponsor each of these kids and provide for them all year long with education, food and shelter as well as knowledge that they have supporters that love them.
Thank you and happy holidays to all our supporters. We love you and together we are lifting those with leprosy.
- Monday, December 02, 2013
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The giving season has officially started. If you are stuck on a gift for a friend, family member or another loved one, consider a gift that will help another this holiday season.
Wish list items have been carefully selected and asked for by the India team, who have assessed the needs of those in the colonies. Options range from nutrition drinks to help with health in the lean months of the year where its hard to get the nutrients needed. You can donate for a patient's month supply for only $30.
$20 donation will purchase cotton or wool blankets for either summer or winter months. Even though the weather feels hot to its visitors, even the slightest drop in temperature is felt by the locals.
Even a small gift of $8 will help our patients with a bucket shower set including a towel. Personal hygiene is one of the main factors of disease control, you will be giving a gift of health.
Or donate a goat for a microbusiness for $45. This is a gift of being self-sufficient, you are helping an individual with a business that will provide day after day.
Rising Star Outreach thanks all of our donors
from this year and from years past.
We have helped so many because you care.
Don't forget to get your Hostess with the Mostess a great gift this year. The Gathering of Friends is offering a 25% donation for every book purchased online. Hardcover books are available on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and #GivingTuesday and e-books are available until December 31, 2013. Use the promo code: RisingStar
- Friday, November 29, 2013
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Rial is a special Agent of Change that is leading a generation! His mother had this to say about his recent Birthday Wish:
"Rial wanted to follow his sister’s example and donate his birthday gifts to children at Rising Star Outreach. He asked his friends if they would be willing to help contribute funds to the UKG children at Rising Star Outreach instead of bringing him a birthday gift. These children are the closest in age to Rial and his friends, so a donation was made to enable them to purchase school supplies such as paper, pencils, and stickers. This generous contribution was made possible by the kindness of his friends, who were eager to help other children in need. Rial was grateful for this opportunity to help friends at Rising Star Outreach, and to be thinking of others on his birthday."
Thank you Rial for your thoughtfulness of others and for you sharing Rising Star Outreach and it's mission with your friends. You are a true Rising Star Outreach Agent of Change!
- Tuesday, November 19, 2013
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The Peery Matriculation school has started a Student of the Month program. They have both a top student for each standard and then the top student of the school for the month. Here is the first overall Student of the Month!
The Student of the Month
Enokelee
Enokelee is in 3rd Standard and is an exceptional student. He works hard in all that he does and was a little shy about being the first student awknowledged. Not only is Enokelee attentive and achieves high marks in school but he is active and playful and very kind. He is always surrounded by a group of friends that look up to him. His brother Ebenezer also attends the school and was just an Agent of Change last month.
If you are interested in donating a Classroom Achievement Board to help them celebrate these achievements along with others in the classrooms. This is an item on the Wishlist this holiday season. It would make a great gift from a family or group of donors.
- Monday, November 18, 2013
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For as long as I can remember, I have loved that wonderful 'at home' feeling that my mother so masterfully created in my childhood home. My love for creating sweet and savory recipes started as a young girl as I watched my mother love and care for us.
As my own family grew, I learned how important it is to gather around the table to share each other’s lives. I was surprised how important a meal together became to my husband and children. Throughout the years many important things have been shared around our table.
My love for interior design, creating beautiful gathering places and entertaining in my home has been my passion and the inspiration for The Gathering of Friends cookbook series. It uniquely combines simple recipes with ingredients from your neighborhood grocery store, beautiful tablescapes that are easy to duplicate or spark your creative urges, a wide variety of menu plans to satisfy your family, delicious recipes to share for any gathering, and wonderful simple gifting ideas for any occasion.
With six volumes in the series, each is unique with no repeat recipes. Every recipe is beautifully photographed and each chapter is complete with a tablescape and shopping list to help the reader easily create their own gathering of friends. Our books have become a favorite to hundreds of thousands of readers in the past few years.
All of us at The Gathering of Friends are long time admirers of Rising Star Outreach and their unique mission. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join in helping move their vision forward by partnering with them this Holiday Season. During this time, with each purchase, 25% will go to this program that will help other entrepreneurs realize their dreams by making 100% of the funds donated by us available for micro grants. This effort will help change and shape generations to come.
Starting on December 18th use the promo code: RISINGSTAR on The Gathering of Friends Website to take advantage of their 25% donation on all e-books. This promo code can be used on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday for hardcover books.
We are told that The Gathering of Friends cookbooks are gifts that keep on giving. Now for the first time on ebook, join close to a million readers around the world who love and enjoy this unique series of recipes and entertaining ideas. These cookbooks are the perfect gifts for anytime of the year!
It is our wish that this season will bring you great joy and the richest of blessings.
--Michele Huxtable
- Friday, November 15, 2013
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We are sad to announce the passing of a great leader, social activist, woman and friend. Sarojini Varadappan has been a long time supporter and friend to Rising Star Outreach and we want to express our graditude for the example she was and still is for so many people.
Sarojini Varadappan passed on Thursday October 17th at the age of 92.
She was the President of the WIA (Women's India Association), India Red Cross Society, All India Women's Conference and All India's Central Food Council. Her talents helped Rising Star Outreach in many avenues including helping with our first mobile medical unit. She aided many women in care for their children who were trying to work after they had been widowed or aiding in the production of innexpencive sanitary napkins so girls wouldn't need to quit school when they reach puberty.
When Becky Douglas heard of her passing she said, "Sarojini was very attuned to the needs of women in India and quietly guided and led efforts to improve their lives. She was an articulate and eloquent advocate of the rights of women.
She visited our campus on several auspicious occasions for dedications. She was loving and kind to all. We will miss her terribly."
If you would like to know more of her life please visit The Hidu for an article dedicated to her.
We thank Sarojini Varadappan for her life's work and example that will remain effecting generations.
From the Rising Star Outreach Family to her's, we express or sincere gratitude.
- Monday, November 11, 2013
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“I will praise the name of God with a
song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.”
Psalm
69:30
Several members of our team,
including our new Executive Director, Tyler Vigue, just returned from India,
where there were numerous opportunities to witness the incredible success of
our key initiatives: medical care, micro-grants, and education. Dr. Susan, our
remarkable Managing Director, continues to lead our hard working staff, which
includes many new members. We are excited for them to share their expertise in
their respective positions. We want to thank
everyone on our campus in India for giving their all to Rising Star Outreach—with
their dedication our work continues going forward at an incredible pace!
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| Dr Susan Hilton visiting Lourde Nagar Colony |
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| Dr Susan, Ms. Padma Venkatraman and Pres. Sally Read |
While in India we held
important board meetings with Ms. Padma
Venkatraman, Chairman of the Board of Directors in India and other Indian Board
Members, including Mr. Sakthivel Venkatraman, Mr. K.V. Nair, Dr. V. Mirasu
David, and Dr. Rachel Jebaraj. We also met with the Chairman of our School
Board, Mr. Ankush Sharma, and other School Board members and felt their commitment
in helping Rising Star meet the needs of those we serve.
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| Mr. Rajeev Menon |
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| (left to right) Sankar, Indu, Jagadeesh and Tushar |
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| (left to right) Manodaya, Megala, Logeshwari, Sally Read, Karpagavalli and Soniya |
At this time of thanksgiving, I also want to express
sincere appreciation to the many foundations that support our work in such
profound and meaningful ways. These generous grants make it possible for us to
sustain the programs we have committed to provide to those who live with the
affects of leprosy.
As written in Psalms, “(We) will praise the name of God…and will
magnify him with thanksgiving.” Becky Douglas, Founder of Rising Star
Outreach, has often said that God has a way of bringing people to Rising Star
that expand our efforts. We recognize this blessing and express sincere gratitude
to all of you during this month of Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Sally
President
Rising Star Outreach
PS While in
India we traveled to colonies that are quite a distance from Rising Star and that are in desperate need of assistance. Many
of us were shocked by the living conditions and are hopeful we can acquire new
funding to help these colonies as we try to expand into these areas. If you
want to be involved in these efforts, please contact our team at Rising Star Outreach at
(801) 820-0466.
- Monday, November 04, 2013
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This past month Rising Star Outreach was blessed to have the extremly talented members of the Intel team visit the campus. They were not only our guests but were here to work with out teaching and IT staff. Intel donated 15 kid friendly (hard to damage) laptop computers to be used in multiple standards within the school. These laptops are contolled by the teacher's main laptop though a wifi signal sharing planned, computer based learning and activities. Lessons are used to demonstrate theories, reinforce past learning and introduce new concepts.
Teachers were trained for multiple days on the most effective classroom techniques. The last day of the Intel visit was the day where teachers used this technology without the Intel team. All were excited with the outcome with not only the teachers success but the sucess and interest of the students. They have helped in the goal of creating an anvironment where students are excited and eager to learn.
Intel has given these children another opportunity to stengthen their knowledge and most importantly opportunities. We believe that education gives opportunities.
Education was not just for those in the Peery Matriculation School. Intel also supplied computer support and new technology to the Barathapuram Colony Computer Lab.
Upgraded technolony was installed on computers assisting us in moving from the more bulky towers to small boxes behind the monitors.
This lab is used by many in the colony as well as those from closer surrounding colonies as a classroom to teach skills and software that can be used for employement.
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| (left to right) Sankar, Indu, Jagadeesh and Tushar |
The Intel team was able to join us on a tour two of our leprosy colonies, Walajabad and Barathapuram. The team consisted of 4 Indian born, where 3 are originally from the state of Tamil Nadu. Locals coming home to serve their communities and are an example for so many!
Sankar, Indu, Jagadeesh and Tushar
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| Jagadeesh pumping water for medical in Walajabad. |
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| Talking with the locals about there lives. |
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| They were able to ask questions to President, Sally Read and Social Worker, Raja. |
Thank you Intel for being a Change Agent for so many people. You service will change the lives of generations.
- Thursday, October 31, 2013
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