501(c)(3) organization

Yesway Raises $600,000 at its Third Annual Golf & Clays Classic Charitable Fundraising Tournament

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 5, 2023

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesway, one of the country's fastest growing convenience store chains, continually strives to play a vital role in the communities where each of its stores is located. Through its efforts over the past three years, Yesway has raised over $1.5 million during its annual Golf & Clays Classic charitable fundraising tournaments. Held each year at the Cowboys Golf Club and Elm Fork Shooting Sports in Dallas, Texas, beneficiaries of the 2023 event include Operation Homefront, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to help build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive in the communities they have worked so hard to protect, as well as the Christian Outdoor Alliance, Walk In Their Shoes, (an Under Armor partner), whose aim is to put $5 million worth of shoes on the feet of disadvantaged youth, and various other organizations including initiatives to support local playgrounds.

Key Points: 
  • Through its efforts over the past three years, Yesway has raised over $1.5 million during its annual Golf & Clays Classic charitable fundraising tournaments.
  • Yesway also recognizes and actively supports the communities where its stores are located and in which its team members reside.
  • Many of these organizations were recognized publicly during check presentation ceremonies at Yesway and Allsup's store Grand Opening events throughout 2023.
  • Top tier sponsors of Yesway's 2023 Golf & Clays Classic charitable fundraising tournament include the following, each of whom donated a minimum of $10,000 this year, with over 90 additional donations completing the full amount raised at the event:

Latter-day Saints lawsuits raise questions over Mormon tithing – can churches just invest funds members believe are for charity?

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Three men have filed a lawsuit against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – also known as the LDS or Mormon church – and its investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, Inc.

Key Points: 
  • Three men have filed a lawsuit against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – also known as the LDS or Mormon church – and its investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, Inc.
  • LDS church doctrine requires its members to tithe – that is, give 10% of their income to the church.

3 kinds of relief

  • The men are seeking three forms of relief.
  • They’re also requesting other monetary relief, including that the LDS church pay their legal fees.
  • In February 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission found that Ensign Peak, the church’s investment arm, had failed to make required disclosures of its securities portfolio.
  • By a whistleblower’s estimate, it may be as high as $100 billion.

Donors generally have no say

  • Charitable donations, generally of money or property, are often deductible for tax purposes because churches qualify as exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  • While donors cannot get their money back when they are disappointed by a charity, they will probably stop making donations.

Fiduciary duty – for the institution

  • They argue that the church breached its fiduciary duties to its members – all of whom are also its donors.
  • Fiduciary duties encompass a special duty to act in the best interests of someone or something, based on certain legal relationships.

Allegations of fraud

  • In Utah, plaintiffs must file fraud suits within three years of when they discover or should have discovered fraudulent behavior.
  • And the Ensign Peak allegations first surfaced in 2019 – four years before the plaintiffs filed this lawsuit.
  • Their lawyers argue that the statute of limitations does not bar the case, because the LDS church hid how it used the money and plaintiffs could not have discovered the alleged fraud until recently.

Seeking relief

  • But they are also asking for the court to order the LDS church to make periodic financial disclosures and to appoint an independent authority outside the church to oversee the church’s finances.
  • Appointing somebody to oversee how the LDS church raises and spends its money would violate this doctrine.


Samuel Brunson is practicing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mars Commits Over $100,000 to Cover Cat and Dog Adoption Fees in 15 Cities Across the Country for its Biggest Adoption Event Ever

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 26, 2023

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of 15 years of finding deserving shelter pets furever homes, Mars will host its biggest-ever Annual Mars Pet Adoption Weekend, starting Friday, Sept. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 1. Mars and its family of Petcare brands including ROYAL CANIN® and Camp Bow Wow®, will cover up to a maximum of $100,000 in cat and dog adoption fees at partner shelter locations in 15 cities to help drive adoptions and further its global ambition to end pet homelessness. PEDIGREE Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping dogs in need find forever homes, will also cover up to a maximum of $50,000 in dog adoption fees in select Adoption Weekend markets. Mars Pet Adoption Weekend kicks off with the first episode in the new season of Unleashed with Katie Couric, a new pet-focused video series featuring Katie Couric and friends.

Key Points: 
  • PEDIGREE Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping dogs in need find forever homes, will also cover up to a maximum of $50,000 in dog adoption fees in select Adoption Weekend markets.
  • Mars Pet Adoption Weekend kicks off with the first episode in the new season of Unleashed with Katie Couric, a new pet-focused video series featuring Katie Couric and friends.
  • In the Mars Pet Adoption Weekend episode, Katie takes viewers behind the scenes for a heartwarming look at the adoption journey of Chief, an adorable three-legged dog.
  • Seventeen shelters are participating in the 15th Annual Mars Pet Adoption Weekend, located in 15 cities:

Keep Music Alive and 1,200+ Locations to Celebrate 8th Annual Kids Music Day - Friday October 6th

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 12, 2023

As a result, we are so proud to partner with Keep Music Alive and Kids Music Day to promote the value of music."

Key Points: 
  • As a result, we are so proud to partner with Keep Music Alive and Kids Music Day to promote the value of music."
  • Keep Music Alive is honored to welcome these partners helping to share the Kids Music Day message, inspiring more kids to start their musical journey.
  • Keep Music Alive is a national 501(c)(3) on a mission to help more kids and adults reap the educational, therapeutic and social benefits of playing music.
  • Major programs include Teach Music Week in March, Kids Music Day in October and year-round Musical Instrument Petting Zoo events.

Inaugural World NTM Awareness Day Marks 20-Year Anniversary and Honors Founders' Mission on August 4, 2023

Retrieved on: 
Friday, August 4, 2023

MIAMI, Aug. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NTM Info & Research ( www.ntminfo.org ), a pioneering global organization committed to addressing NonTuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) and improving respiratory health, proudly announces the first-ever World NTM Awareness Day, to be held on August 4, 2023.

Key Points: 
  • MIAMI, Aug. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NTM Info & Research ( www.ntminfo.org ), a pioneering global organization committed to addressing NonTuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) and improving respiratory health, proudly announces the first-ever World NTM Awareness Day, to be held on August 4, 2023.
  • Nearly all NTM patients have bronchiectasis, either before or as a result of NTM.
  • "We are thrilled to announce the first World NTM Awareness Day as we commemorate our 20-year anniversary," said Leitman.
  • The inaugural World NTM Awareness Day will feature a virtual webinar and panel discussion featuring renowned experts, researchers, and advocates, providing valuable insights into the latest advancements in NTM diagnosis, treatment, and support.

New York Film Academy Students to Give Fundraising Performances at Victory Theatre Center in Los Angeles

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 31, 2023

Students from the NYFA Los Angeles campus Glee, Dance, Improv, and Commedia dell’arte troupes will showcase their talent at the event.

Key Points: 
  • Students from the NYFA Los Angeles campus Glee, Dance, Improv, and Commedia dell’arte troupes will showcase their talent at the event.
  • The organization needs family toiletries, baby goods, gently used blankets, children’s socks, household cleaning supplies, and more.
  • “Our partnership with the New York Film Academy and The Victory Theatre Center stems from our collective desire to give back to our communities.
  • If you or someone you know is interested in attending the benefit, RSVP using this registration form or contact The Victory Theatre Center with questions.

In Solidarity with University of Michigan's Graduate Employees' Organization

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 3, 2023

DETROIT, April 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The SMSBF, a non-profit, sustainable business (SB) organization located in Southeast Michigan that promotes social, environmental and economic justice, stands in solidarity with the University of Michigan's (UM) Graduate Employees' Organization (GEO).

Key Points: 
  • DETROIT, April 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The SMSBF, a non-profit, sustainable business (SB) organization located in Southeast Michigan that promotes social, environmental and economic justice, stands in solidarity with the University of Michigan's (UM) Graduate Employees' Organization (GEO).
  • On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, members of GEO, the labor union that represents more than two thousand graduate students, struck the UM.
  • The GEO is demanding raises in annual compensation from $24,000 to $38,500, accessible and affordable childcare, sexual harassment protections, and other basic benefits.
  • For many, SB means correcting environmental injustices, through clean energy generation, the circular economy of reuse and recycling, and related activities.

Keep Music Alive Partners with Music & Arts to Celebrate 9th Annual Teach Music Week (3/20-3/26)

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 16, 2023

PHILADELPHIA, March 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 9th Annual Teach Music Week will be celebrated Monday, March 20th through Sunday, March 26th. This annual week-long holiday invites musicians, music schools, music stores and other music organizations to offer a free lesson or class to new students (both kids & adults). Over 1,100 locations in sixteen countries will participate including the U.S., Canada, Australia, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Portugal and the United Kingdom. 

Key Points: 
  • PHILADELPHIA, March 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 9th Annual Teach Music Week will be celebrated Monday, March 20th through Sunday, March 26th.
  • This year, the Music & Arts will participate in Teach Music Week by offering a free trial lesson to new students at all 250 locations nationwide from Monday March 20 through Sunday March 26.
  • Teach Music Week is celebrated annually during the 3rd week of March to coincide with national Music in Our Schools Month®.
  • Keep Music Alive is honored to welcome the following music brands and organizations as partners for the 9th Annual Teach Music Week: Alfred Music, Casio, Conn-Selmer, D'Addario Foundation, Hungry for Music, Kala Brand Music, Music Nomad, REMO Percussion, Spirit of Harmony Foundation.

Yesway Surpasses $1 Million Charitable Fundraising Mark

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 8, 2023

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As Yesway, one of the country's fastest growing convenience store chains, continues to grow, it strives to play a vital role in the communities where each of its stores is located. Through its efforts over the past two years, Yesway has raised more than $1 million during its annual Golf & Clays Classic charitable fundraising tournaments.  Held annually at the Cowboys Golf Club and Elm Fork Shooting Sports in Dallas, Texas, beneficiaries of the 2022 event included Operation Homefront, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to help build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive in the communities they have worked so hard to protect, and the Christian Outdoor Alliance.

Key Points: 
  • Benefiting local charities, civic organizations, school districts, military and veterans groups, and first responders including local police, fire, EMS, and sheriffs' departments in the communities served by its 435 Yesway and Allsup's stores
    FORT WORTH, Texas, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As Yesway , one of the country's fastest growing convenience store chains, continues to grow, it strives to play a vital role in the communities where each of its stores is located.
  • Through its efforts over the past two years, Yesway has raised more than $1 million during its annual Golf & Clays Classic charitable fundraising tournaments.
  • Additionally, Yesway recognizes and actively supports the communities where its stores are located and in which its team members reside.
  • The company donated over $54,000 in 2022 alone to the following local charities, civic organizations, military and veterans groups, and first responders including local police, fire, EMS, and sheriffs' departments, many of whom were recognized publicly during check presentation ceremonies at new Yesway and Allsup's store Grand Opening events throughout the year:

Keep Music Alive Partners with 1000+ Locations to Offer FREE Music Lessons to Celebrate 9th Annual Teach Music Week

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 2, 2023

Teach Music Week is celebrated annually during the 3rd week of March to coincide with national Music in Our Schools Month®.

Key Points: 
  • Teach Music Week is celebrated annually during the 3rd week of March to coincide with national Music in Our Schools Month®.
  • Keep Music Alive is honored to welcome the following music brands and organizations as partners for the 9th Annual Teach Music Week: Alfred Music, Casio, Conn-Selmer, D'Addario Foundation, Hungry for Music, Kala Brand Music, Music Nomad, REMO Percussion, Spirit of Harmony Foundation.
  • Individual locations from additional chains participating this year include Long & McQuade, Kindermusik, Gymboree Play & Music, Music Together and the legendary School of Rock.
  • They are founders of two international music holidays: Teach Music Week (3rd week in March) and Kids Music Day (1st Friday in October).