Cambridge Who's Who Member Andrea Maki

Andrea Maki is a contemporary visual artist who believes in human responsibility and action. In response to a critical state of affairs, Andrea is dedicated to creating Wild Love Preserve as a unique wildlife preserve in the Northern Rockies.  As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Wild Love Mission is to protect and preserve our iconic wild horses in their native habitat, while nurturing the legacy of this unique wild ecosystem in a responsible and sustainable manner, now and for future generations.

Born on the west coast in 1966, Andrea graduated from New York University in 1988 with a degree in painting. Her professional art career spans almost 25 years, and includes large-scale projects, private commissions and exhibiting nationally in galleries and museums, with her work represented in numerous art collections. Andrea also uses her art as an interactive tool to spread awareness and promote support for our environment and wildlife.  On April 1, 2010, Andrea had thought she was out to photograph wild horses for her mixed-media artwork, but instead she found herself making a life-changing promise, eye to eye, with 21 wild mares, most pregnant, from a 2009 government roundup.  What began as an intimate promise, set in motion the Wild Love Mission.

Only Feet Away, Wild Stallion Charges by Andrea at Wild Love

Andrea’s Wild Love Preserve is dedicated to the greater good of our wild planet. This is not a fenced wild horse sanctuary, and key to Andrea’s approach is her interest in finding common ground between all involved parties. In the autumn of 2010, Wild Love Preserve began introducing itself to the Bureau of Land Management, regional ranchers and locals.  While opinions are varied, differences heard, Wild Love Preserve believes that only by working together, is there an opportunity to create something new, special and lasting.  In opening doors there exists the ability to turn a new page in our history books.  Due to a series of unique logistics, her specific working intent goes to the source in the wild and works towards solutions which put an end to the inhumane helicopter round ups and displacement of our wild horses and their families in the first place. Andrea’s tack focuses on all-inclusive and responsible ways to manage the wild horse population which do not require their removal in this manner.  Without a change in course from current policy, this American Icon is destined to become a distant memory and mere wild west fodder.  Most are unaware of this dire reality in which wild lives are paying the ultimate price, and are equally unaware that these roundups and long term holding facilities are funded by American taxpayers.

The operational facility of Wild Love Preserve consists of 432 acres + grazing parcels, surrounded by public lands and forest.  At one time a cattle ranch, this large ecosystem has been returned to it’s native state and is filled with flora, fauna and wildlife, including endangered salmon and fish species, wild horses, wolves, coyote, elk, deer, bear, mountain lions, native birds, raptors and more.  Adjacent   to this target property is a Herd Management Area (HMA) which exists as such because it has been the native home to numerous bands of wild horses for centuries.  However this same public land is also divided into multiple grazing parcels for private and corporate ranching outfits to graze their livestock.  Wild Love’s intent is to create an expansive protective corridor within this HMA on our wild public lands and strives to implement a wild horse management program by working jointly with the BLM and supportive locals who want to see their unique heritage, of which they are so proud, preserved.  In Andrea’s words, “Wild Love Preserve is about us all, a reflection of our humanity.  The time is primed, good will and energy are abundant.  Communication and open doors lead the way to saving wild lives.”

Wild Horses Running in the Wild that Andrea Strives to Protect

Over the last 18 months Andrea has been building the foundation of her non-profit and daily progress is ever-evolving.  Necessary funding is the only critical component missing and therefore slowing key negotiations with the BLM.  Rightfully so, she is very concerned because a traditional BLM Roundup is scheduled for 2012.  Paramount floodgates of forward movement will open with Wild Love Preserve’s proof of ownership on their target property and operations base, hence Andrea actively seeks sponsors and donors, along with avenues to market the Wild Love Brand products she has also created to directly support the cause.  Wild Love Preserve does not seek tax-payer dollars, but instead is privately funded.

We invite you to please visit Andrea Maki’s website,  http://www.wildlovepreserve.org/, to learn more about Andrea and Wild Love Preserve. For more about her art and works available visit Andrea Maki directly at http://www.andreamaki.com.

In order to qualify, most companies require individuals to provide some form of military identification, as specified in each listing. We recommend that you call ahead to your participating restaurant to confirm their participation, considering many of the companies are franchised and can have separate policies. In commemoration of our American heroes, we present this information to you here.

Applebee’s is offering a free meal on Veteran’s Day to military veterans and active-duty service members, giving them seven entrées from which to choose. Military ID or proof of service is required. Last year, there were 1,024,000 free meals provided as part of their commemoration. Find locations by visiting the Applebee’s website.

On November 11, 2011, Chili’s is offering a free meal, dine-in only, to all past and present military veterans, where they can choose from one of six meals. It is necessary to show proof of military service, please check the Chili’s website for participating locations.

Golden Corral is holding their 10^th Annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation Dinner on Monday, November 14, 2011 from 5-9pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants across the country. Any person who has ever served in the US Military is invited to attend this free dinner. Find out more information by visiting the Golden Corral Military Appreciation webpage. To date, Golden Corral restaurants has provided more than 2.5 million meals to veterans, while contributing more than $4.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

Hooter’s is serving a free chicken wings meal to all military veterans who present a valid military ID or proof of military service on November 11, 2011. Veterans may choose a new specialty item from the menu and a drink purchase is required. Offer valid at participating restaurants, please check out this Hooter’s website for more information.

For desert, Krispy Kreme is offering a free donut to all active-duty, retirees and veterans on November 11th. Be sure to visit the Krispy Kreme website and call ahead to determine if your local shop is participating.

Outback Steakhouse would like to honor America’s active duty military and Veteran’s week of November 7 to the 11^th by offering them a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola. Military Personnel who have one of the following forms of identifications: a US Uniform Services Identification Card, a US Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, a Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), a DD form 214 Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), or a photograph in uniform, wearing uniform. In the past two years, The Outback Steakhouse has also donated $2 million to the non-profit organization Operation Homefront, which delivers everyday and emergency support to troops, wounded warriors and families.

On Sunday, November 13, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants is offering free lunch or dinner as part of the 13th annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event, where veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée. Veterans must provide proof of military service, space is limited and reservations are highly recommended. We recommend that you visit the M&S Veterans Appreciation Event to find a participating restaurant near you. Space is limited and reservations are highly recommended.

Texas Roadhouse is offering a free meal at participating restaurants, from opening until 4pm. Please check with your local restaurant by visiting the Texas Roadhouse website.

About Constance A. Burns: CWW lifetime member Constance A. Burns is the founding president and chief executive officer of the National Association of American Veterans, Inc. (NAAV), an organization she established and incorporated in 2005 to provide support for severely injured service members, military caregivers, combat veterans and their families of the Middle East war, delivering stress counseling, and legal, housing, employment, and financial assistance. If you are interested in providing support to our severely injured servicemen and women, disabled veterans and their families, please visit http://www.naavets.org. Corporate sponsorship is available; please call Constance directly at (202) 465-3296 to learn about additional opportunities.

CWW Member Sally Klopper

Cambridge Who’s Who member Sally Klopper has more than 20 years of successful project management experience. The assignments and programs that she has overseen have varied in size and budget — from a few thousand dollars to more than $15 million. She has also gained more than 10 years of experience as a consultant for multiple customers and accounts in various industries.

When her 7 year old grandson was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of Sarcoma cancer called desmoplasmic small round cell tumor (DSRCT), Sally experienced a calling to help other people afflicted with the disorder, and the closely-related Ewing’s Sarcoma cancer. ESFT is a malignant bone tumor, while the uncommon and aggressive DSRCT emerges as a soft-tissue cancerous tumor that aggregates, typically in young males, in the abdomen. Both cancers tend to affect children and young adults.

Sally founded GiftToCure, which is a certified 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, to support families directly affected by DSRCT and ESFT. The company provides financial assistance and emotional care to individuals, while provisioning money for research that leads to practical treatment. GiftToCure also endeavors to heighten public knowledge about these afflictions, and carries out effective advocacy initiatives.

Sally Klopper Founded GiftToCure to Support Individuals and their Families with DSRCT, and Ewing’s Sarcoma

As founder and president of GiftToCure, Sally is responsible for fundraising and growth of the company. She is also charged with maintaining a competent and talented board of directors. In the near future, she aspires to deliver, with open arms, financial support to 50 families per year, while raising $1 million for research. She does this by selling awareness merchandise, hosting public fundraisers and organizing community awareness events.

Despite her goal — which Sally is steadfast and eager to reach — she admits that treatment often comes at a high cost, and is typically only found in the larger cities. This leads families on difficult hunts for aid, putting them in situations where they can lose their cars, homes and other important resources just to survive. “We could not achieve our goals without our exchange of information with other professional cancer programs, and the support we receive from our numerous volunteers, and our Board of Directors,” she says.

The ultimate goal of GiftToCure is to uncover a cure for these related cancers. Currently, the organization seeks big-hearted volunteers that will help with fundraising efforts to support affected families in need. GiftToCure also seeks grant writers and medical professionals that will provide their services, pro bono, to this worthy cause.

For a comprehensive set of informative resources about DSRCT and its related diseases, and to learn about grant and donation opportunities, please visit the GiftToCure website.

Army Portrait: Paul "Sequence" Ferguson

American veterans make up some of the most vital, yet undervalued and underrepresented populations in the United States. Many of them have been drastically injured, made sick or aged, and are forced to seek treatment at area VA hospitals.

Cambridge Who’s Who member Paul “Sequence” Ferguson started his professional career in the military in 1978. After he left the military in 1990, he had an experience at a VA hospital that changed his outlook forever. As he lay injured, bedridden and isolated, a stranger came over and asked him how he was feeling. He saw such a big difference in his life from the personal attention that he decided to devote his life to the cause of helping VAs everywhere.

Paul started Yes We Care Inc. to expressly help veterans, and give back to the individuals who strive to protect and enhance their lives. The 501 (c)(3) organization accepts tax-deductible contributions, which pay for informative flyers and literature. The funding also covers the cost of organizing visits to VA hospitals and organizing veteran meet-ups.

Yes We Care Inc. Donated 1,000 Pairs of Socks to Amputee Veterans

Yes We Care Inc. hosts guest expert speakers, providing information to veterans and organization leaders striving to improve the lives of veterans. Yes We Care Inc. operates prostate cancer hotlines to ensure male veterans have access to accurate and up-to-date information for their health. Additionally, Yes We Care Inc. constantly donates goods to our nation’s heroes — in the past several months, Paul donated 1,000 pairs of socks to veteran amputees.

Paul has had a prolific musical life as well. He has been playing guitar and keys since he was 12 years old and has performed alongside musical luminaries such as Isaac Hayes, George Benson and Dr. Donald Byrd. Whenever he can he provides smooth jazz concerts at VA hospitals all around the county, he enjoys playing and bringing smiles to veterans’ faces. He also enjoys singing and dancing with them. One of the most important aspects, though, is knowing that he has personally touched the life of an individual, much as he did coming out of the army. Paul will never forget how, when he gave a blind veteran personalized attention, he replied, “Thank you so much, that was the best. I could see and feel the music.”

Paul and his Son Perform for Veterans

Paul has also applied his talents to his photography interests and has more than 400 photographs for sale, including framing. Each and every sale assists Yes We Care Inc. in their impassioned endeavors to help vets. Paul also has a collection of music CDs and relaxation DVDs, where he has assembled compositions and performances on several albums with progressive and soulful jazz sounds. As enterprising as he is dedicated to a positive cause, Paul has started a brand new website, www.relaxationtools.net. After reading up on his fruitful music career, visitors may browse and purchase these DVDs, music CDs and a host of other relaxation products available for download. Proceeds go straight to Yes We Care Inc.

Paul is also the executive producer of a radio show named Public Matters, which is on more than 11 AM and FM stations. Public Matters is Long Island’s own 30-minute, public service radio show, which strives to raise awareness of the issues relevant to the environment, families, education, the arts and the beauty of the Long Island region. Public Matters is hosted by Jeanne Fontana. Most recently, Paul was featured on Heroes on our Island, a show that presents Long Island-based residents who are making a positive difference and doing exceptional things within their communities.

To watch the video and learn more about the organization, visit the Yes We Care Inc. website http://www.yeswecare.net/info-gallery.html.

Sr. Alicia Alvarado Takes on a New Initiative

Cambridge Who’s Who member Sr. Alicia Alvarado has extensive knowledge and expertise in community development and serves as a minister to the Latino population of Akron, OH. She has particularly focused on providing compassionate service to HIV/AIDS communities. Sr. Alvarado is also responsible for maintaining the success of many programs that help bring advocacy, outreach and support to surrounding communities. She is a member of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, an assemblage of Roman Catholic sisters in 37 states and six countries. Their goal is to raise awareness and spread the good news of Jesus Christ far and wide, while administering healing and help to the poor and impoverished.

Sr. Alvarado has served on many boards throughout her career. County commissioners named her the first Hispanic trustee at Cuyahoga Community College. She was a founder and one of the first board members of Esperanza Inc., a Hispanic education advocacy group. She also served as a board member for Common Wealth, a housing organization.

On May 21, 2008, Sr. Alvarado suffered from a brain aneurism. She quit her ministerial work in order to heal herself. Within two years she experienced an astounding recovery — she was ready to re-join her fellow Dominican Sisters of Peace in ministerial excellence.

Presently, Sr. Alvarado contributes to the Catholic Migrant Farmworker Network (CMFN). The organization supports farmworkers and rural immigrants by providing them with membership benefits, informational resources, and access to their network of members within the CMFN membership directory. Donations to help out the CMFN can be sent to 701 Walnut Avenue, NE Canton, Ohio, 44702; soon, there will be an option to donate on the CMFN website.

2011 signifies the 25^th anniversary of the CMFN. To further commemorate its existence, the organization has created a set of tools and resources, which help to spread information about the challenges faced by this underrepresented population. These include administering a four-session Women’s Empowerment Project in Spanish to be used with farmworker and rural immigrant women, and a Weekend Celebration with regional farmworker representatives from October 28^th to the 30^th in Sacramento, Calif.

At this milestone event, founding board members will celebrate and discuss the present reality while setting goals for the next three years. Additionally, there will be up to five pastoral visits to different areas throughout the US per year, and immersion experiences with farmworkers and rural immigrants for college students during the spring, summer, fall and winter break weeks.

Sr. Alicia Alvarado holds a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism and mass communications from Kent State University (1988), a Master’s Degree in community development from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences (1974), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and secondary education from Cleveland State University (1974). She is a Board Member of the National Farm Worker Ministry (NFWM), and a member of the Sierra Club. She once served on the Board of Trustees for Proyecto Luz, which is the cornerstone program for the Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center.

In July 2011, participating associates came together to welcome the Assembly of Sisters, who participated in prayer-filled sessions. Words came from Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, Sr. Margaret Ormond, and other members of the Dominican Family, who showed great strides in growing together as a Dominican Family. An important initiative and an integral part of this event was The Peace Connection, which is an initiative to bring all associates on the same page through information sharing, update gathering and feedback that will enhance the Dominican Family life on numerous levels.

For more information about the Dominican Sisters of Peace, please visit their website, http://www.oppeace.org/.

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CambridgeWhosWho.org, established by Cambridge Who’s Who, is a website dedicated to our philanthropic efforts and our members’ charities and worthy causes. The spirit of philanthropy is deeply embedded in the culture of Cambridge Who’s Who and reflected by our members. Cambridge Who’s Who is comprised of over 400,000 exceptional individuals who not only endeavor to become successful leaders in their industries and occupations, but also strive to better their community, improve people’s lives and lend a hand to those in need.

When you join Cambridge Who’s Who, you become an important part of our philanthropic community and while we hope you will give some consideration to the non-profits and charities featured on this website, we simply wish to encourage you to help any organization or cause that you deem worthy. If you would like to share your story or promote a charitable organization that you are a part of please contact us at membernews@cambridgewhoswho.com.

To learn more about Cambridge Who’s Who member charities, click on the links to the left. For more information on our executives and professionals, visit www.CambridgeWhosWho.com.