BDPA Future Campaign * $250,000 by 3/31/2018

For over 40 years BDPA has been committed to the development of the careers of its membership and other interested parties in Information Technology and other IT related fields. Through its work, at no cost, with tens of thousands of students; its professional development programs and the ever-important opportunity for member professionals at all levels to develop the skills necessary to move to the next level on their career path, by learning and practicing those skills well before they become part of their career requirements.

BDPA has been and continues to be committed to its mantra 'From the classroom to the boardroom'! In order to continue and expand its efforts, BDPA needs your assistance.

Through its BDPA Education and Technology Foundation, BDPA has launched a Crowdrise fundraising campaign. We are asking you to participate by visiting https://www.crowdrise.com/BDPAFuture and make a contribution, at whatever level is affordable. No contribution is too large or too small!



BDPA will continue to devote itself to supporting you in your career efforts. Let others know that you appreciate BDPA and believe its efforts should be supported. Thank you for participating with BDPA and look forward to continued and improving programs and opportunities as we move BDPA forward!

BDPA Regional VP Michael Wulf Rides Across the Country for Charity

Michael Wulf is a longtime BDPA member currently serving as vice president of our BDPA Midwest region. He received the President’s Volunteer Service Award in both 2012 and 2013, acknowledging his tireless work with the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program hosted by our BDPA Twin Cities chapter.

Michael & Elizabeth Wulf

Michael found a new and unique way to raise money for the SITES program that is offered free-of-charge by BDPA volunteers. He and his wife Elizabeth plan to ride their motorcycles around the perimeter of the United States to raise needed funds to jump-start the creation of an academy that will run on a hosted online course management system. The 'Ride-4-Charity' fundraiser takes place from June 8-18, 2014. Michael and Elizabeth will ride over 7000 miles, across 26 states, during those 10 days.

Funds are being collected by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation. Donations go directly towards the creation of an online course room that will be used for software, infrastructure and ongoing support. Online course rooms will be deployed across the United States taking free volunteer-led technical training out to communities and community centers where they can benefit most.

BDPA has the volunteer base and passion to serve future IT professionals and leaders. Their motto is 'from the Classroom to the Boardroom'. Volunteers will collaborate with students and guide them through training they normally would not get. This 'facilitated' style of training creates the confidence needed by students as they consider post-secondary education and careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). BDPA and the Wulf family want kids in the United States to be the inventors, creators or innovators and not just consumers.

To find out more or support this cause, please check out www.Ride4Charity.org or Facebook: Ride4Charity.

Related articles

• BDPA iRadio Show - March 25, 2014

This Week in BDPA (Oct 16-22)

BDPA has 45 chapters around the nation. You can always find programs, services or networking activity here or here or here. BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry.

Our hope is that you find reasons to provide tax-deductible support to us here, here or here!

Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the centralized BDPA calendar :

• Oct 19: Philadelphia - Program Meeting, 'Recruiter's Roundtable'
• Oct 20: Cincinnati - Program Meeting, 'Mult-Generational Wealth Management'
• Oct 21: Chicago - Program Meeting, 'Careers in Technology'
• Oct 21: New York - Program Meeting, 'Cyber Threats Beyond the PC'
• Oct 22: New York - Workshop, 'Online Identity Theft'
• Oct 22: Greater Columbia - Fundraiser, '5th Annual Golf Tournament'

We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the centralized BDPA Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events! Please let us know of other BDPA events that we may have missed. Most importantly, let us know if you plan to attend any BDPA events this week.

Fundraiser: Kroger Plus Community Awards

We are pleased to report that BDPA is approved for the Kroger Community Awards Program. This means that BDPA can make money every time that you shop at Kroger or buy gas at a Kroger gas station. Are you a Kroger customer? If so, we hope you will take a moment to help BDPA.

All you need to do is register your Kroger Plus Card so that BDPA receives credit for the money you spend at Kroger. If you are a Kroger shopper and don't have Kroger Plus Card, you can pick one up at the customer service desk of any Kroger store.

Follow these steps:

1. Be sure to have your Kroger Plus Card handy when registering with Kroger.
2. Go to http://www.krogercommunityrewards.com/
3. Click on Sign In/Register
4. If you are a brand new online customer (which almost everyone is), you must click SIGN UP TODAY in the new customer box.
5. Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on your favorite store, and entering your e-mail address, creating a password and agreeing to terms and conditions.
6. You will then get a message to check your email Inbox. Click on the link within the body of that email to have your browser go to the next signup webpage in the process.
7. Click on My Account and use your email address and password and proceed to the next step.
8. Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus Card number. It is the long number under the Bar Code on the back of of the Kroger Plus Card.
9. Update or confirm your information.
10. Enter BDPA's Non Profit Organization (NPO) number: 85104, or BDPA Education and Technology Foundation. Select organization from list and click on confirm.
11. To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see BDPA's name on the right side of your information page.
12. If you use your phone number at the register (instead of a card), you can call (877) 576-7587 to get your Kroger Plus Card number.
13. When you shop, please swipe your registered Kroger Plus Card or use the phone number that is related to your registered Kroger Plus Card for your purchases to count for credit.

REMEMBER, purchases will not count for BDPA until after you register your card. Thank you for going through this important process so that we can continue to benefit from this generous Kroger Community Rewards Program!

What say u? Will you register your Kroger Plus Card for this fundraiser?

Kroger Neighborhood Reward Program

A great way to earn money for your non-profit organization with minimum selling and solicitation required.

Here's how:
• Send your completed application and copy of your 501(c)3 to Kroger Gift Services
• Place a gift card order with Kroger Gift Services
• Sell the cards to your supporters for full value
• Encourage your supporters to reload their card

Simple Reloading . . .
• The card can be reloaded for ANY amount up to $250.
• Pay for the reloaded card with cash, check or major credit card.
• When your non-profit organization reaches $5,000 with its initial order plus reloads in our four-week cycle, we will send a check to your organization for 4% of the total.

Total Purchase Earnings Your Organization Earns
$5,000 X 4% = $200

• If your organization doesn't reach $5,000 the money will carry over into the next four-week cycle.

IT'S THAT EASY

Call Gift Services for Details
1-800-294-4438

For more information:

• Neighborhood Reward Program Frequently Asked Questions 
• Kroger Neighborhood Reward Program Application

Krispy Kreme Fundraising

Krispy Kreme fundraising programs will vary from community to community so be sure to discuss details with your local store manager. Here is how it works:

• Call your local Krispy Kreme to find out what your discount is for fundraising doughnuts, certificates or partnership cards.
• Once you know the selling price and profit, you can determine how many dozens, cards or certificates you need to sell to reach your fundraising goal. We recommend preselling your doughnuts, cards or certificates, starting a couple of weeks before the date you and your local store agree on for pick-up. Your local store can provide you with presell sheets to help keep track of your orders or simply click "Fundraising Forms" above to download "printer friendly" forms.
• Collect the money as you take the order. Orders are made fresh the day of pickup or delivery. The amount of advanced notice required will vary with location. Check with the store prior to starting your fundraising to determine when your order must be placed. Deliver fresh doughnuts to your customers.

Here are the four basic fundraising programs offered by Krispy Kreme:

1. Traditional Doughnut Sales - We offer our doughnuts to non-profit groups at a reduced price, which are then resold for full retail price, or slightly higher. Pre-selling doughnuts to family, friends and neighbors or selling doughnuts at high-traffic areas such as shopping centers or community festivals can generate significant funds. Check with your local Krispy Kreme store regarding ordering details.
2. Certificates - Certificates are an alternative to selling actual doughnuts. Your customers redeem each certificate for one dozen Original Glazed doughnuts at any participating Krispy Kreme retail store. Just as delicious and customers can pick up their doughnuts right when that Krispy Kreme craving hits them!
3. Partnership Cards - If your school or organization is within 30 minutes of a Krispy Kreme store, you may want to consider selling Partnership Cards as a fundraiser. With a Partnership Card, customers get a free dozen Original Glazed doughnuts with the purchase of a dozen of their choice. Their card gets punched each time they use it and they can use it up to ten times (limit of 3 free dozen per visit).
4. Coffee - Krispy Kreme's Signature Coffees are now available for fundraising in participating markets. We have four great coffee blends: Smooth, Bold, Rich and Robust Decaf. Try selling 12 oz. bags on their own or with our other fundraising products. When you sell Krispy Kreme Signature Coffees for your fundraising activity, your profit is $3.00 or more per bag. Ask store managers for details.

BDPA Richmond chapter used this fundraising option in 2008 and we want to ensure that all 45 chapters are aware of the fundraising opportunity.

Fresh Faces of Philanthropy

Camera crews swiveled their lenses and a crowd of a few hundred teenagers cheered when they saw Zach Bonner stride toward the White House, the final steps of a 650-mile fundraising walk to help homeless children.There was a pause, though, before the hero's welcome, and a brief detour: He had to use the bathroom. Zach is, after all, just a kid.

At 11, he's one of cadre of child philanthropists who seem to be growing in number and visibility as corporations and colleges reward their efforts to help others.

Read the full Washington Post article here.

Amefika Geuka: Walking 1,000 Miles for African-Centered Education

Often we talk about the importance of education for our young people. For too many of us ... it is just talk. Here is the story of Amefika Geuka, a man who is willing to walk the walk. In fact, he is walking 1,000 miles from his home in Florida to Washington DC to raise awareness about the miseducation that children of African-descent get in our public education system.

“We feel the way to change that is to put a focus on education of those children being educated from their own perspective,” explains Geuka.

Which is why he and two others founded the Joseph Littles - Nguzo Saba Charter School in Florida.

“The public education system in America no matter how well intended it may be, it actually demoralizes black children and black people because it dismisses for the most part that people of African descent have ever contributed anything of any significance to the forward flow of civilization.”

Bro. Geuka documented his thoughts on African-centered Education a few years ago when he delivered a black paper at the University of Cincinnati. Geuka says once he arrives in Washington D.C. he plans on holding a rally and also reading a proclamation for African Centered Education Elevation Day.

NOTE: I appreciate the efforts of anyone ... including Amefika Geuka ... when it comes to turning around the abismyl results of our public education system. I encouage BETF-Blog readers to learn more about his travels and his school. I'm going to follow his progress via Twitter as well.

What are your thoughts on African-centered education (in general) or this man's walkathon (in particular)? What say u?

Tea Country Offers Fundraiser to Support BDPA Philadelphia Chapter

Tea Country is a provider of Gourmet Loose-Leaf Tea. The company, owned by BDPA member Howard James, will direct 20% of your purchase to support BDPA Philadelphia chapter.

All you need to do is use 'BDPA' in the 'company field' where you enter your credit card information for online purchases.

Those of you in the greater Philadelphia area can give the 'BDPA' code when you visit the store in person:

6722 Old York Road
Philadelphia, PA 19126

I encourage all BETF-Blog readers to support this fundraiser. In fact, it would be great if we could identify other fundraising opportunities like this one. Any ideas?

Use Online Auction to Meet African American Chief Information Officers

We have been exploring the issues and challenges facing African Americans in the IT industry. Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) created an online auction that provides you with a chance to continues this exploration with some truly dynamic executives in our industry.

Thirteen CIOs and Executives from global organizations have donated their time for you to have the opportunity to meet them one-on-one. The auction is open to all bidders so tell your colleagues and business associates to place their bids today!

Executive Participants:

• Derek Adams, Chubb & Son
• Shellye Archambeau, MetricStream
• Robert Blackwell, Blackwell Consulting
• Shirley Bridges, Delta Air Lines
• Bruce Carver, Cummins
• James Dallas, Medtronic Corporation
• Martin Davis, Wachovia
• Robert Dixon, PepsiCo
• Vercie Lark, EMBARQ Corporation
• Zackarie Lemelle, Johnson & Johnson
• Greg Morrison, Cox Enterprises
• Larry Quinlan, Deloitte
• Kevin Summers, Whirlpool Corporation

Proceeds raised from this online auction support the ITSMF Scholarship Fund. The scholarship promotes the success of IT professionals striving to reach the executive level by funding attendance to leadership development programming.

Bid Now! Share your thoughts via the COMMENTS link below on this online auction concept. Who do you see on this list that you would like to meet with one-on-one? Who is missing from this list that you would like to see added in future years?

SunTrust Bank Donates $100 to BDPA Foundation for New Accounts

SunTrust Bank has made community involvement an important part of the relationships they have in the communities they serve. Now, as part of their commitment, they’re offering a special opportunity that can help you help the BDPA Education & Technology Foundation.

Act Now. Offer extended to December 31, 2008.
SunTrust will donate $100 to the charity of your choice, or you can choose to receive a $50 Gift Card to keep for your own cause when you take 3 simple steps:

1. Open a new Personal or Business checking account from now through December 31, 2008


2. Accept a new SunTrust Visa® Check Card and make any purchase using your new card by February 15, 2009


3. Complete and submit a redemption form by February 15, 2009

SunTrust extended this promotion through December 31, 2008. This promotion is open to anyone in the nation willing to open up a checking or business account with SunTrust Bank.

We Need $2,500...

BDPA Foundation provides Jesse Bemley Scholarships to the top five teams at the national high school computer competition (HSCC) event held at the annual BDPA Technology Conference each year.

We want to provide the Bemley Scholarship to the 6th place team this year at the national competition in Atlanta, GA on August 6-9, 2008.

This is the challenge given to us by high school senior Monique Jones. Monique’s Charlotte HSCC team came in 6th place last year at the competition in Washington DC last year. She wrote, “In 2007, a new policy was opened. Instead of scholarship going to the top three high scoring chapters, they would be awarded to the top five. That year we came in 6th place, just 30 points short of scholarships for the whole team.”

Is it time to reward the 6th place team? That choice is yours to make. If we can raise $2,500 in this campaign … we will do so!

The next step is yours...

SunTrust Bank Fundraiser (Richmond)

BDPA Richmond chapter are participating in the My Cause fundraiser sponsored by SunTrust Bank. This fundraiser involves individuals and businesses opening a checking account. If the checking account is opened by June 30th and if the customer uses the debit card by August 31st, BDPA Richmond will receive $100 for each checking account. All the customer has to do is open the account with $100 and they receive the same checking account benefits as SunTrust employees. That is the extent of the fundraiser!

We encourage you to help us spread the word about this promotion to your friends, family, and personal and business contacts. The more people who are aware of the promotion and its offering, the greater the opportunity for us to receive donations from you and the rest of the community.

Other BDPA chapters might want to approach their local SunTrust Bank to see if similar fundraising opportunities are available in your geographic area.

BDPA Banquet Honors Cincinnati Youth

BDPA Cincinnati Chapter is pleased to announce that Brett Bonner, Director of Research and Development for The Kroger Co., will be the keynote speaker for its 13th Annual Education and Scholarship Banquet. Mr. Bonner will address the theme "Global Strategy for the IT Professional". The event will take place at the Marriott Kingsgate Conference Center, 151 Goodman Drive by the University of Cincinnati campus, Saturday, September 15, 2007 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Current statistics show students of African descent lag behind in the information technology arena. In an attempt to address this issue, and give our youth a competitive edge, local chapters participate in the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarships (SITES) Program. BDPA uses SITES to provide a foundation that K-12 grade students can use to explore their talents and promote interest in the Information Technology field.

Anyhow, this Cincinnati area event is an annual fundraiser that not only showcases BDPA students who participate in the High School Computer Club, High School Computer Competition Team and IT Showcase. This event will also help fund our student scholarship program and other student initiatives.

I think it is fair to say that everyone in and out of the Cincinnati chapter is proud of our students. It is hard to get a group of teenagers out of their bed every Saturday during the summer to learn how to write computer programs. Yet, the students in Cincinnati did just that. They demonstrated a level of dedication that is worthy of praise. The national team finished 18 out of 48 chapters around the nation. Jahmal Chase, a sophomore at Cincinnati's School for Creative and Performing Arts and Amber Gosby a sophomore at Mt. Healthy High School placed first and second place respectively in the high school portion of the 2007 BDPA IT Showcase held during the organization’s national conference in Washington DC. Hopefully, their experiences with BDPA will help them get ahead further in life.

Please reach out to the BDPA Cincinnati chapter if you are in a position to support them. Tickets for the luncheon are $30. For more information, call (513) 956-0636 or email banquet@bdpa-cincy.org for more information.

At a minimum ... please consider writing a comment right here ... right now ... to the Cincinnati students. We will print your comments and share them with the chapter for distribution at the luncheon on the 15th. What say u? Are you as proud of these young people as we are? If so, it is time for you to use the POST COMMENT option below!