BBF Celebrates 5th Annual Heroes Awards

The Book Bank Foundation, an inner-city children’s charity founded by celebrity sports agent and philanthropist Glenn Toby (at left), honored neurologist Dr. Carlisle L. St. Martin and 21-year old child welfare reform advocate Jamel Robinson at the 5th Annual BBF Hero Awards on Sunday, December 7th, 2008 in New York City.

Dr. Carlisle L. St. Martin received the Vanguard award for his exemplary leadership and achievements within the medical community. Robinson was presented with the Hero award for his courageous efforts to improve outcomes for children in the New York City foster care system.

Originally from Trinidad, Dr. Carlisle L. St. Martin immigrated to Brooklyn at the age of 5. The oldest of eight children, he was raised in a poor single parent home by his mother, a public health nurse. As a young child, his eyes were badly crossed. At nine years old, he went through a series of rigorous eye surgeries, leading him to his vocation of "helping people like the doctors that helped him." In 1972, he was awarded a scholarship to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and completed medical school at SUNY Downstate. After his residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital, Dr. St. Martin opened his own medical practice in Forest Hills, Queens in 1984. He credits his childhood mentors, the nuns at St. Barbara's Elementary School, for giving him the foundation to excel in his studies. "Once you can read you can achieve anything," says St. Martin. As an attributed neurologist who has helped hundreds of people nationwide, he is also an active member of The Book Bank Foundation.

Jamel Robinson was born in 1987 to a drug addicted mother. Two months later, he was placed in foster care, where he remains to this day. With both drugs and alcohol in his system at birth, Jamel was diagnosed with a series of physical and psychological ailments including: Failure to Thrive, Mild Cerebral Palsy, Quadriplegia, A.D.H.D and other learning disabilities. Within the foster care system, he was subject to neglect and sexual abuse. In 2001, he dropped out of high school and by 2005, he was incarcerated.Despite these unfortunate circumstances, Jamel has become a voice for youth in the foster care system holding NYC's child welfare system accountable to the success and failures of all children in its care. He has served as a keynote speaker at colleges, foundations, community organizations, youth forums and community meetings. "It is my undying, unwavering overall commitment to improve the outcome and quality of life for NYC's most disenfranchised youth and my peers in our city's foster care system," says Jamel. He is currently completing his studies at the City College of New York, in hopes of becoming an attorney.

Like the honorees, Glenn Toby also had his share of difficulties early in life. He frequently travels the country to share his rise from homelessness to representing well known athletes and entertainers. He shares, "Jamel is evidence that our youth play a significant role in the enrichment of our community. For a young man raised in the foster care system to become such a great voice for the abused and underprivileged within the same system, not only is heroic but an ultimate act of selfless service to society." Mr. Toby continued, "Dr. St. Martin is one of the most prominent neurologists in our community who has given so freely and quietly that it often appears as if it does not happen at all. I can't count how many times he has given free medical care to New Yorkers in need."

Thanks to all who attended this inspiring evening!

We look forward to our next event as we visit homeless shelters across New York City for our annual Shelter from the Streets, December 18th, 2008.

Bringing Thanksgiving to Atlanta's Homeless Families

Just before Thanksgiving the Book Bank Foundation team brought gifts to encourage the hearts of homeless men, women and children in Atlanta.

April Wilson reports, "The 2008 Book Bank Foundation Family Day in Atlanta, was a great success. We were able to touch over 2000 families by providing education, food, clothes, books, shoes, and accessories to all those in need. I would say this was one of our best years. The ladies, men and baby's showed great appreciation toward The Book Bank Foundation. We made a positive effort to ensure everyone left with a few items, a smile and an uplifting message. It's not just about passing out goods, we wanted to touch the hearts of our people. We let them know they have choices, they can come out of the struggle and disappointments they've endured. Life can take a positive path, and they have to want to change for the better. I do believe they not only heard us, but will apply want they have learned. I would like to thank all of our volunteers and donors. Without you, this Family Day would not have been a success."

Literacy Fair at Carmelo Anthony Center in Baltimore!

The Baltimore Chapter of the Book Bank Foundation (BBF) hosted its first annual Literacy Fair the first weekend in August. Jennifer Lewis of the NYC BBF chapter attended the event.

Jennifer reports, "The BBF provided books and back to school supplies to approximately 100 children. The director of The Living Classrooms Foundation, located at the Carmelo Anthony center along with Marika, Leon Pinkett and Aaron Pinkett (Baltimore chapter members of the BBF) did an amazing job in spreading the word about the literacy fair in addition to getting the local area residents excited about the entire event.

On site at the event was a representative form the local library that signed children and their guardian's up for library cards. A special thank you should go out to Pilot John Addison with South West Airlines. SW airlines provided snacks, beverages in addition to pizza for the children and their families. Overall the event was a success and we are looking forward to doing it again next year !"

Book Bank Foundation chapters are popping up all across the country! If you want to be a part of an organization committed to bringing about positive change to the community, please let us know. We'd be glad to work with you to get a chapter launched in your area.

Many Blessings,
Patricia Omoqui
Executive Compliance Officer

http://www.thebbf.org/

Book Bank Founder Glenn Toby Goes to Capitol Hill

On June 6, 2008, founder of the Book Bank Foundation, Mr. Glenn Toby addressed the Congressional Black Associates with a compelling dialogue at Capitol Hill.



Glenn's life is a true rags to riches story, enduring homelessness as a child to becoming C.E.O. of his own company Glenn Toby Enterprises. Glenn Toby Enterprises is an international holding corporation dealing in real estate, asset management, athlete representation, talent management and more. Glenn has been the recipient of countless awards including The Philadelphia Liberty Bell Award and Harvard University: Man of the Year (Vanguard Award).



Mr. Toby commented, "It's an honor and a duty to be able to have the ability to express and share my thoughts and ideas on Capitol Hill," says Toby "a pro active voice without action is nothing. What makes the United States constitution work is work; plain and simple. We as a people have to challenge ourselves as well as the system. There is a difference between government and our constitution, and that difference is we the people."



Mr. Toby established The Book Bank Foundation in 1997, with its primary focus on reaching homeless youth. He credits his success to reading and as a result has used literacy as a catalyst to promote his vision for empowering the next generation. With over 450,000 hours of community service, the Book Bank Foundation has directly aided hundreds of thousands of people in need through clothing distribution, medical supervision and counseling.



The Book Bank Foundation congratulates Glenn on being such an outstanding person. He is a leader amongst leaders and a hero to so many. We admire Glenn for his vision, his passion and his determination to bring about widespread change to communities across the World.



Sincerely,
Patricia Omoqui
Executive Compliance Officer
www.thebbf.org

The Book Bank Foundation Celebrates Mothers!

The Book Bank Foundation joined mother's at Concourse House in the Bronx, NY, for a special Mother's Day celebration. Special activities and crafts for the children allowed the moms to relax as they heard inspiring messages from BBF speakers. Each mother was given a gift bag full of books, motivational articles, lotions, toothpaste and other essential items.

We surprised the families with a special appearance by NFL player, Jesse Chatman of the NY Jets! Thanks to Jesse for spending the afternoon with us to bring a special Mother's Day to the families. We wish you an amazing season ahead!

We also send out a big thanks to Marvin Brown for all of his hard work bringing this event together. Marvin shared the following thoughts on the event with us, "I think the mother's day event was an absolute success. . . from the testimonies to the art and crafts we were able to share with the children, everything was wonderful. It's always rewarding seeing the faces of the women and children we were serving. . . I feel truly blessed to be able to volunteer for the BBF."

We want to take time to thank some of our donors for the event. A big thanks goes out to Esther Romero for toiletry items, Joe Rosdao for printing book marks, Lanard Mattocks and Craig Taylor for creating BBF t-shirts, Kevin Donaldson for donating the BBF t-shirts, Jean-Ann from the Church on the Hill in Flushing for collecting toiletry items and clothes. We are blessed to have such wonderful volunteers across the country who help us make these events possible.

Our website, http://www.thebbf.org/, has just gone through a major renovation! Please check out our site for news, videos, pictures and the calendar of upcoming events. We thank Scott Allen for his hard work on the website!

We celebrate Mother's for the love, care and support they give to raising a generation of children who are bound to bring beautiful change to our World!

Committed BBF Volunteer Wins Award from Toyota!

The Book Bank Foundation is proud to announce that Derrick Wallace, an Atlanta-based volunteer, was given the Community Star Award by Autonation and Toyota for his commitment to helping the community. Derrick commits an average of 50 hours each month in service to his community!

Derrick graciously took the time to tell us more about his involvement with The Book Bank Foundation:

"I got involved with the BBF back in the fall of 2006 when I met Glenn Toby. He and I had a common bond when it comes to caring for those in need."

When asked Derrick why he is so passionate about the work of The Book Bank Foundation, Derrick went on to say, "I myself have gone through a period of loss. I was forced from my home at one time and had to cope with the fact that everything I had in my possession was gone. My family has always a been strong worry-free family so I took on those traits but vowed to always continue being the happy person I am and help others as I always did even before my own loss. I know that I can never fail as long as I’m helping others because the blessings are spiritual and BBF seems to hold these same values.

I travel from place to place. I pick up donations, collect funds, and create proposals between our foundation and other companies. I also organize, plan, and give full participation in the Pre-Thanksgiving Celebration that takes place on the 21st of November with the help of my dealership in Atlanta, Team Toyota. Around Atlanta, I spend time networking and finding new sponsors, business partners and volunteers for the BBF."

I asked Derrick if he had a special memory from his time with the BBF. He replied, "I like to think all the experiences are amazing. The smiles are always the most touching. Its always been a happy experience during all our events and I have yet to classify one moment as being more touching than the next."

Derrick's advice to people who are interested in volunteering with the BBF is, " I would tell that person that our foundation is strictly the apex of charity! We do these things from the heart with healing and educating on our minds. We never look to the material things in life as a reward for our caring! They should know that the BBF always leaves the door open for other warm hearts. We plan to change lives one person at a time and even if we are never recognized we will always be remembered by the lives we touched."

If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of others like Derrick Wallace, please contact us right away at info@bookbankfoundation.org or call us at 718-989-2168.

In other Book Bank Foundation news, we want to thank Triple Crown Publications for their donation of 80 new books! We also want to send a big thanks to the Women's Regional Business Council in Philadelphia for their willingness to collect donations at their May Monthly meeting.

In upcoming months The Book Bank Foundation will be holding some amazing events around the country to brighten the lives of the homeless and impoverished. In May we will be holding a Mother's Day event at a women's shelter in NYC. Soon after we will be holding a Back to School Tour in Baltimore, Boston and NYC. If you have donations to offer us for any of these events, please contact us right away!

May you have a week full of purpose!

Sincerely,

Patricia Omoqui
Executive Compliance Officer
www.thebbf.org

The Book Bank Foundation Goes Hollywood

Hello month of April and hello to all. Spring is here and The Book Bank Foundation is certainly springing into new and exciting things this month. We are excited to announce our new project, a documentary called “Return to Sender.” Founder Glenn Toby was in Los Angeles this past weekend filming the documentary that records the lives of homeless and destitute individuals trying to survive on the streets of America.

Mr. Toby gave his account of what he saw and experienced while filming on the streets of Los Angeles. Glenn Toby on Location:

I'm in Los Angeles filming “Return to Sender” a documentary film about homelessness and the lost, the lonely and the forgotten. This is a movie I have been directing and filming for four years now, with the help of René Napoleon, the Glovers, Anthony White and the entire Book Bank Foundation executive board, staff and membership.

I went to skid row, the homeless section of Los Angeles and taped the testimonials of some of the most forgotten about people on the planet. We then went to Beverly Hills to show the difference between access and excess. From seeing 20 million dollar homes to people that can't even get 20 dollars to feed their families. It's shocking to think that the super wealthy and people suffering in ‘third world country’ conditions, are just minutes away from each other.

We documented the suffering and needs of people here in California, from Beverly Hills, to Venice Beach and back to skid row. It’s the same problem with a different face and address or worse faceless with no address. We all share a common bond. We are human with basic needs and an ability to understand each other when we want and need to.

I had no camera man so I had to interview, shoot and navigate around police, angry groups of displaced people and fumble with equipment when moving from location to location.

I want to thank Kevin Donaldson a new member of the Book Bank Foundation for supporting and assisting me in the research as well as security and most importantly offering love and support to the many people we came in contact with.

I fell a bit ill. You know we don't use masks or gloves when in the concrete jungle so often times you are vulnerable to flu or colds. Intense training and years of survival allow you to navigate through the risks and challenges. This is not work for just anyone to jump up and start doing.

Our organization and its members are searching for caring people that want to change the world with love, humility and proper resources to heal, help and inspire. Reporting from the Los Angeles, California on behalf of the lost, the lonely and the forgotten, I am Glenn Toby, the founder of the Book Bank Foundation.

Remember you can be the change you want to see in our world. We are in need of investors, equipment, talent and any other resources to help us complete this mission. Join the Book Bank Foundation today. If you have any questions please contact us at: info@thebbf.org or (718)989-2168

Community Service Tour: Tony Yayo & The BBF

This week we welcome Tony Yayo as our reporter and guest for our 2008 "Community Service Tour" in New York City. Here is Tony Yayo's perspective on working with The Book Bank Foundation:

"I would like to thank Glenn Toby and The Book Bank Foundation for allowing me to join their Book Bank Foundation Community Service Tour.

I was granted the right to join them because of my prior hard work and sincere commitment to people in need. I was ordered to perform community service for a case I had in NYC. We chose this organization because they are visible and active in our community.

My ten (10) ten day tour allowed me to help people by doing physical labor and inspiring them to stay on the right path. I brought the people we served clothing, pizza, and candy and I bought some dvd players.

Any rapper or citizen can join The Book Bank Foundation and contribute to society. I have been doing this for (4) four years now. Glenn Toby is not biased. The whole hip hop community needs to step up and do more for the people of New York that are in need.

I visited churches, schools, homeless shelters and joined The BBF with there fight against homelessness in Jamaica Queens."

Tony Yayo

We thank Tony Yayo for sharing his perspective on the importance of the work that The Book Bank Foundation is doing in New York City.

The Book Bank Foundation is active all over the country! In recent weeks, some wonderful authors have donated books. We want to send a big thanks out to Candace Sandy and Dawn Marie Daniels for the autographed copies of Souls Revealed that they donated to us.

The BBF is looking for individuals or companies to sponsor storage units where we can house the generous donations we receive from our volunteers and donors. If you are interested in sponsoring a storage facility, please drop us an email at info@thebbf.org .

The BBF could use your donations of gently used spring and summer clothes. We also welcome your donations of toys, books (both new and used), toiletries, blankets and non-perishable food items. Please contact us if you have any of these items ready for donation and we will arrange to pick them up!

In humble service,

Trish Omoqui

Executive Compliance Officer

www.thebbf.org

The Humble, Loving Heart of Our Volunteers

It is an honor this week to feature one of the volunteers of The Book Bank Foundation, Mr. Marvin Brown. In addition to being a volunteer, Marvin is also the Program / Community Relations Director for The Book Bank Foundation.

I first met Marvin last July at a basketball tournament in New York City. What struck me as I talked with him was how gentle and kind his spirit is. He has a quiet demeanor but the words that come from his heart are powerful. It is my pleasure to share with you this week his perspective on working with The Book Bank Foundation:

"I've been a loyal member of THE BBF for quite a few years now. I'm proud to say that I'm more excited now about being involved than ever.

It brings great joy to realize the impact we (THE BBF FAMILY) have on so many lives. Even after countless hours of commitment it seems like I get more and more energized with the service we provide.

In January of 2007 I had the great pleasure of being involved in the HOMELESS OUTREACH POPULATION ESTIMATE where we walked the streets of New York City to get a count of the individuals who live on the street.

I have to say that one of the greatest moments for me had to be when a gentleman approached me and said, "HEY YOU'RE THE GUY THAT GAVE ME THE COAT THAT I'M WEARING RIGHT NOW." After the gentleman and I finished conversing he offered to help as a volunteer with the homeless outreach population estimate.

The reason I got involved with THE BBF was to fulfill my obligation as a servant and exercise my abilities to help in the healing process with the homeless and less fortunate. I think as human beings it's our responsibility to help, give back, pay your debt to society or however you would like to phrase it.

Another major reason why I am proud to be a part of this organization is because of how much THE BBF promotes literacy in children as well as adults. The more we read, the more educated we become. The more educated we are, the more information we will be able to share. The more informed we are, the more impact we will have on the less fortunate."

If you have a heart like Marvin Brown, we invite you to become a volunteer for The Book Bank Foundation. At The Book Bank Foundation we believe in the power of joining together people who share in a passion to help others so that we can spread change in communities across the United States.

In other news, The Book Bank Foundation sends a big thanks out to author Terri Levine for donating a case of her widely read book "Work Yourself Happy" to those in the shelters.

We also celebrate the amazing hearts of the people in the Philadelphia area. We received an outpouring of clothes, blankets, hats, gloves and books from our focused request for donations in February of items that warm the homeless. I especially send thanks to the employees of Corporate Call Center in Blue Bell, PA, for the bags of donations I picked up this week. We truly appreciate the generosity of those who are willing to share with the homeless.

Next week kicks off The Book Bank Foundation 1st Annual Community Service Tour, featuring Queens, New York rapper Tony Yayo. Yayo will join Book Bank founder Glenn Toby from March 10 - 15th in New York city promoting literacy while visiting various schools and homeless shelters. We are excited about the positive impact that will come about from this tour!

Have a blessed week.
Please contact us if you have an interest in volunteering! We can use your heart, energy and hands to bring about positive change!

Sincerely,
Trish Omoqui
Executive Compliance Officer

http://www.thebbf.org/

Book Bank Foundation - Celebrating Champions

This week we have a special guest, a true champion who willingly contributed his thoughts about the work of The Book Bank Foundation. Asante Samuel of the New England Patriots had a remarkable season this year -- being named to the 2008 Pro-Bowl team as the starting cornerback for the AFC!

Asante Samuel is not only a champion on the field, he is a champion for the homeless and for literacy. This week Asante writes in,

"My name is Asante Samuel of the New England Patriots. I want every person that comes to this website (http://www.thebbf.org/) to take a long look at the work we are doing. I have been a member (of The Book Bank Foundation) in full and good standing. My agent and friends Glenn Toby and Alonzo Shavers have guided me through tough times and shark filled waters but my heart and instincts have allowed me to give all I can to assist those in need.

The Book Bank Foundation is an education based foundation. We assist people in their quest for knowledge and provide those in need with the essentials to be able to live and focus so they can learn.

Ok, let's talk about it. We lost the Super Bowl but we won the opportunity to compete and improve for the next challenge in sports and in life. I got close to an interception but was out of position to grab it and run it back for a touchdown.

Come on and join me in the fight to combat illiteracy and destroy homelessness. Don't drop the ball - get active now and join The Book Bank Foundation (written by Asante Samuel, #22, New England Patriots 2 -time Super Bowl Champions)."

What makes Asante special is that he has tapped into his true potential as a football player. We all have unlimited potential within us. At The Book Bank Foundation we believe that each person on the Earth is valuable. Each person is full of gifts and talents. Each person deserves the opportunity to experience joy in life. Each person has the capacity to be a true champion.

Today, we celebrate that amazing resilience and courage that we see in those we serve. We are looking for champions of all types to join us in the work we do at The Book Bank Foundation. Champions are in action -- they have vision and they act swiftly to bring their vision into reality. Champions have passion in their hearts for using their talents to make a difference in the World. Champions have stamina -- they push themselves to get better at using their talents, resources and skills in the field of life every day.

Will you help us champion this cause? Will you be a champion for bringing about change in our World?

As we wrap up February we want to highlight some exciting champions. We send a big thanks to Claudia Timbo and her Corporate Call Center team based in Blue Bell, PA (http://www.corporatecallcenter.com/). We had the opportunity to visit their location this week and share with them the work we do at The Book Bank Foundation. Donations are already streaming in from their employees! In addition, they made a generous contribution of funds to buy children's books for those in the shelters that we serve. We look forward to a continued partnership with them in the year ahead!

Get ready for our exciting March & April Focus -- DRIVE FOR CHANGE! Yes, one coin at a time we will be driving for change across the country. Please ask anyone and everyone you know to collect their spare change through the next 60 days and donate it to help The Book Bank Foundation. Change happens one moment at a time, one thought at a time, one life at a time. . . and one coin at a time. We value all contributions big and small because it helps us to bring joy, peace and hope to those who need it the most!

The Book Bank Foundation celebrates champions this week. . .we know that as you look inside your heart and as you gaze in the mirror this week you will begin to notice the champion that you have within you!

With enthusiasm and excitement for change,

Trish Omoqui

Executive Compliance Officer

http://www.thebbf.org/

Embracing Our Power

How much power do each of us have to make a difference in the World? More than we have begun to understand. We often create so much chaos and busyness in our lives that we feel weak, overwhelmed and worn-down. Yet, when we get inspired and begin to consciously create our lives so that we are focusing our time, energy and resources on what we are passionate about, we begin to tap into our power in a new way!

Are you ready to embrace your power? Are you ready to take baby-steps each day towards bringing about positive change in our World? If so, we at The Book Bank Foundation encourage you to contact us and help us in our efforts.

• By simply sending out an email to ask for people to provide donations of clothes, coats, blankets and books, you will be amazed at how generous people are willing to be!
• By putting a change jar at home and putting all the excess change you collect during the day in the jar, you will be amazed at how quickly you can personally raise several hundreds of dollars to donate to The Book Bank Foundation!
• By setting up a concert or a bake sale -- whatever it is that gets you excited, you can quickly raise funds that will enable the Book Bank Foundation to be even more effective in our efforts!

So, embrace your power this week and take some steps towards helping the Book Bank Foundation!

Jennifer Lewis writes in, "That is what the Church on the Hill located in Flushing Queens, NY, did this week! They donated approximately 25 new blankets as well as travel size lotions, soaps and shampoo. They are also going to have a book drive in the near future! We celebrate their efforts and say a big "THANK YOU!!!"

This week I'd like to share with you a message from Rene Napoleon, the C.E.O. of The Book Bank Foundation. Rene has a huge heart and an endless amount of energy available for serving those who need our assistance:

"The Book Bank Foundation has always been about fostering a culture of service. Service to families, service to my past, service to my mentor's past. There is nothing more fulfilling to the soul or more profitable to the spirit as serving the needs of those who can't serve themselves.

Inspiring for educational growth or just showing that someone cares means a great deal to those who do not receive it. Those things help abolish the mentality that holds many people back or the fear of being great that stifles growth.

At The Book Bank Foundation we work to serve the soul, the heart, the mind, and the future.

To close this message, I would like to share these words, that have served as inspiration to me:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightening about shrinking so other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the Glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some; it's in all, everyone. And as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." (By Maryanne Williamson, First heard by me in the 1994 Nelson Mandela Inaugural Speech.)

Thanks to Rene for sharing such words of inspiration. Thanks to all of our volunteers working in the field to collect items for our February Focus! Thanks to those working behind the scenes to raise money for the Book Bank Foundation. Thanks to those volunteers who are planning upcoming events for the spring, summer and next fall!

Let's stay focused on service:)

If you are ready to take some baby-steps this week towards service, please contact us and we will be glad to share with you some ideas of things you can do to help us out!

With gratitude and power,

Trish Omoqui

Executive Compliance Officer

http://www.thebbf.org/

Where in the World is the Book Bank Foundation?

A wonderful question. . .let me tell you:

The Book Bank Foundation is spreading across the country! In the past week the BBF has been part of events in Arizona, Atlanta and New York. From raising money to accepting awards for the work the BBF is doing, our volunteers are on fire and working tirelessly to bring about change.

A quick recap of each event will bring you up to speed on the happenings for the week.

January 31, 2008 - Scottsdale, AZ

Mr. Tajji Sharp, CEO of the Echelon Event Group hosted a fantastic evening that combined a party atmosphere with a warm, good-hearted spirit in the midst of the Superbowl festivities. Tajji reports after the event, "It is truly an honor to be involved with the Book Bank Foundation which is the emodiment of conscientiousness at its best. I am ecstatic about the future prospect of the Book Bank Foundation in the Phoenix metropolitan area."

Our founder, Glenn Toby, remarked about the event, "The Book Bank Foundation has come to the desert. We are searching to heal souls, inspire and discover new methods to educate and uplift those in need. The Echelon Event Group hosted a fudraiser at Club Farenheit 128 at the Super Bowl in Scottsdale, AZ, last night (January 31, 2008). We joined with the Worthy Institue, a local charity, to combine our energy and resources to rectuirt talent, funds and assitance for our charities. Of course the CEO of the promotional marketing company did a presentation fit for a royal family and provided a great netwroking environment but shared all of his resources to platform us to the wonderful people in Arizona. I felt the spirit of celebration for a great cause. Nothing comes close to serving people in need. The wonderful people from various cities who joined us at the event made this a memorable night!"

Across the country in Queens, NY, the same night. . .

Jennifer Lewis, Executive Secretary of the BBF writes in, "The BBF, in addition to a few other organiations, attended a "thank you" recognition ceremony on 1/31/08 for everything we have done for the residents of the Jamaica Family Center. Rene Napoleon, CEO, spoke to the group and received a plaque which the BBF was awarded. Residents shared their personal stories and thanked everyone for always remembering them--for the kind gifts and inspirational messages shared. Chris Daniel, Rene Napoleon and I also attended the event."

Not more than a few days later in Atlanta you find another BBF event . . .

Cosmopolitan Concierge hosted an initmate fundraiser on Fat Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at the Voila Market Cafe in Decatur, GA. The mood was festive and the event was attended by many of the Atlanta based volunteers as well as others in the Atlanta area who were getting introduced to the Book Bank Foundation for the first time. Art Franklin, two time Emmy award winning journalist, was the Chef Du Jour for the evening. Art's new book, Give it All You Got, a Message to My Young Brothers, is a must read for all of you looking for a great, inspirational book.

From my perspective, the highlight of the night was when the volunteers for the Book Bank Foundation took the stage and told the audience about why their hearts were on fire for the work the BBF does -- from a journalist who wrote an article about the BBF, to a long-time volunteer who was able to get a car dealership to give some vehicles to the BBF, to a young hairstylist in Atlanta who is collecting clothes at her salon -- volunteer after volunteer recounted how touched they are by being involved with the work of the BBF.

We thank Art Franklin, the owner of Voila Market Cafe, and Craig Caldwell and Rebecca Witmer of Cosmopolitan Concierge for hosting such a wonderful event!!

So, you can see the Book Bank Foundation is spreading across the country quickly.

Are you ready to get involved?

Is your heart on fire for bringing about change and touching the lives of the underserved in your community? If so, please join us in our FEBRUARY FOCUS.

Our February Focus is: collecting items to WARM the bodies and spirits of the homeless.


Here's how you can help -- we ask for your assistance in helping us to collect more items that will bless the thousands of homeless men, women and children that we serve. As winter winds down and comes to a close, please donate any hats, scarves, gloves, coats, blankets, sweaters, long sleeve shirts, warm pants, hooded sweatshirts -- anything warm that you've outgrown or no longer use will be put to great use by the Book Bank Foundation.

Please let us know if you have items that need to be picked up. We will arrange to get these items from you. Just drop us an email at info@bookbankfoundation.org or call us at 718-989-2168.

If you would like to organize a local campaign to collect items, we encourage you to do so! Help your friends and colleagues clean out their closets. Also, empty your book shelves of books that are collecting dust -- we can use them. We need children's books, novels and non-fiction books. . . we are happy for any and all books that you send our way!

So, Where in the World is the Book Bank Foundation??

The Book Bank Foundation lives in the hearts of its volunteers all across the country. The Book Bank Foundations is in the streets of New York, Atlanta, Baltimore. . . we are traveling the U.S. finding opportunities to give our gifts and talents to bring joy, hope and love to those in need.

We trust the Book Bank Foundation will also be in your heart, mind and prayers.

With greatest sincerity and joy,

Trish Omoqui
Executive Compliance Officer
http://www.thebbf.org/

Getting to Know The Book Bank Foundation

The Book Bank Foundation is headed for a year of expansion and amazing growth in 2008! In light of the excitement ahead, we decided to launch a blog to keep you posted on Book Bank Foundation news and events that deserve the spotlight this year. The other purpose of this blog is to give newcomers to The Book Bank Foundation a look into the heart of the BBF -- what we stand for, what our volunteers have to say and what our vision is for 2008 and beyond.

Before we begin to highlight events for 2008, I wanted to make sure you got a taste of one of the most amazing events the BBF holds each year -- it is called Shelter From the Streets. For the past 10 years, the BBF sets aside a day near the holidays to bring donations of all types (clothes, toys, books, toiletries, phone cards and other surprises) to those who are spending the holidays in homeless shelters throughout New York City. We want to take the time to say thanks to all of our donors for the day. In particular the Book Bank Foundation sends out a huge THANK YOU to one of our donors, Zoo York, who provided us with new clothing to share with the homeless.

2007 Shelter from the Streets was my first opportunity to take part in this event. It was one of the most powerful, soul-touching events I've been a part of in my lifetime. In each location we visited, there were heartfelt exchanges of love between the volunteers and the residents of the shelters. We took the time to sing carols with our friends in the shelter, to talk with them and to even shed some tears with them.

One of the most touching moments of the day for me was at the men's shelter we visited, the New York Rescue Mission in Manhattan. It was the last shelter we stopped at for the day and we arrived around 9 p.m. The founder of the BBF, Mr. Glenn Toby (pictured above), was introduced and called to the stage to say a few words to the gentlemen in the shelter. As he began speaking, he recalled his years as a homeless child and then became silent. A few tears formed in his eyes as he stood quietly at the podium. Everyone in the shelter felt the power of the love in his voice and in his silence. The moments of silence that followed his words were so powerful -- it was as if every person in the room--volunteers, shelter staff and the homeless were all joined together as one spirit. I stood there taking in the moment and feeling so grateful to be part of this event.

There is such power in spending time and energy to share love with others, to join them where they are in their life circumstances and to share resources to brighten up their days.

In the words of another volunteer who joined us for the day, Mr. Ed Tseng writes:

"Shelter From the Streets was one of the most amazing events I have ever been part of. As a peak performance expert and mind/body/spirit trainer, I see that much of society is concerned with "me, me, me"instead of "we, we, we." There's something powerful about people helping people. Regardless of what color we are on the outside, we are all the same on the inside. We're just tying to make the most out of life and attain happiness and fulfillment. But somewhere along the line, we lost touch with our connection with others, especially those less fortunate than us. They are almost looked down upon.

The Book Bank Foundation is an organization without funding, which speaks volumes of their passion. I have never been around such "real" people with huge hearts. That includes, the homeless as well as the volunteers. I am a big fan of the BBF and am willing to help out in any way that I can. If you are reading this and are not currently a volunteer for the BBF, please get involved. It will not only change people's lives, it will change YOURS."

Ed Tseng is right on with his comments. If you have passion for helping others, then the BBF is the place for you. Join us throughout the year as a volunteer. We are already collecting toys, books, clothes and other supplies for next year's Shelter From the Streets and other similar events that are held throughout the country.

On a closing note, I want to share with you the comments Mr. Marvin Brown, long-time volunteer for the BBF, shared with me the day after Shelter From the Streets 2007: "I'm ready to get started collecting donations for next year. It is days like this that I live for -- to bring about change to our community." Marvin and all the other volunteers of the BBF live, breathe and love every opportunity they have for serving their communities. If you have that type of energy, we need your help.

To learn more about the BBF, please visit us at http://www.thebbf.org/ .

Visit our blog on a weekly basis to get updates on the difference we are making in the lives of those we serve.

With passion for change,

Trish Omoqui

Executive Compliance Officer

The Book Bank Foundation