I wished for a passion and found "Wish Upon a Wedding"

My life has been stale lately. Stale as an old Ritz cracker. One may ask, how can that be, you're always so busy? Busy - absolutely. Loving life and feeling passionate - not so much lately.

Then I stumbled upon Wish Upon a Wedding, a non-profit that grants wedding and civil union ceremonies for adults with terminal illnesses, at destinations across the United States. This was it! Finally something to give me goosebumps!

Truth be told, I won't be planning my own wedding anytime soon or getting excited about my own nuptials (read completely single), so why not get jazzed about someone else's dream!?

The Houston chapter had their launch party at the Westin Galleria Wednesday, where I got to mingle with some of the finest photographers, event planners/coordinators, DJs, makeup artists, florists, bakeries, etc. in the great city of Houston. I am photographed here with one of my new BFFs (and amazing diva and volunteer) Crystal of Professional Socialites where we went crazy brainstorming ways I could get Charity Chicks Houston involved!

After watching the video of Rehanna and Christian and their special day, I knew this was a cause I had to spread the word about! I can't necessarily volunteer my services because I'm not in the industry, but I know lots of people that may want to help.

So here are a few ridiculously easy and heartfelt ways YOU can help this amazing group:

1. Do you know someone that deserves a wedding that may be facing a terminal illness? Submit an application for them.

2. Are you (or do you know someone) who is in the wedding industry that wants to be a Wish Granter? Post a small blurb (link to this blog, their website, etc.) on twitter, facebook, email, etc. - you never know who your positive word will reach.

The group was officially launched in January of this year and they already have a ton of chapters. If you live in one of these areas and want to help or learn more (or start your own chapter in a city not listed), please reach out to them.

Current Chapters:

-Northern California

-Chicago

-Southern California

-Seattle

-Orlando

-St. Louis

-The Carolinas

-Colorado

-D.C. (Maryland, Virginia, D.C. and West Virginia)

-Portland

-HOUSTON

-Las Vegas

-Atlanta

-South Florida/Miami

-Philadelphia

.jl.

taking my show ON THE ROAD

My sincere apologies for being a tad absent to this blog lately. This particular post is neither the time nor the place to go into full detail about how insanely busy I've been lately, but I did want to take a minute and tell you about a project I am working on that is surely going to be the biggest yet.

On April 1st I will be departing from Houston and heading on a 2000+ mile trek ending on April 10th in NYC. No surprise to many of you, it's for charity. But not just any charity. A charity that I hold near and dear to my heart, The Jed Foundation focusing on depression and suicide prevention for college students.

I have a personal story about how a friend's suicide has left a lasting effect on my life, but my main drive for this trip (no pun intended) is simply to let people know that depression and suicidal thoughts are not something you should be embarrassed about. Depression has affected millions of people...from pop stars that we idolize, to politicians, to the girl in 5th grade that could hold handstands longer than you.

Please don't be afraid to reach out to a friend or family member if you're feeling depressed and need to talk. Don't suffer in silence for fear of being judged because the people that care about you would never judge you on something so serious. Speaking from experience, we would all rather hear the thoughts haunting our friends instead of finding out about it when it's too late.

Depression...it's not embarrassing.

If you have a moment, please this information around and help us get donations and raise awareness. This is a great cause and I feel extremely blessed to be a part of this journey.

I knew at an early age that God had something crazy and silly in store for my life...I'm thinking this might be it?

www.roadshowblondes.com

twitter @roadshowblondes

roadshowblondes@gmail.com

You can read my personal blog posts and keep up to date with our ROAD SHOW, as well as DONATE to the wonderful cause at ROADSHOWBLONDES.com.

[photo strip courtesy of Sunshine Winters]

.jl.

Bosom Buddies (Oct issue of Envy, pg. 80)

here is my article in the October edition of Envy Mag for our BRAtober 16 event. loving seeing my name in ink, but after this event, love planning huge events that raise massive money and awareness for worthy non-profits such as Save the Ta-tas.

Cupcakes and Cleavage TONIGHT

Charity Chicks Houston present Cupcakes and Cleavage!

Join us tonight at the Galleria from 6-9 to help Save the Ta-tas! We'll be at {intimacy} near the Borders wing..stop in for a goodie bag and a great girls night out...

(and the cupcakes are from the ever popular Oh la la !!)

.jl.

Fight Breast Cancer One Bra at a Time

Contact: Jayme Lamm jaymelamm@yahoo.com

August 3, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Introducing BRA ART – A New Way to Fight Breast Cancer

Houston – Charity Chicks Houston continues to fight strong with their promise to raise awareness and money for worthy non-profits in a fun, creative way as they roll out BRA ART.

BRA ART is a unique themed bra decorated with love, hope and courage by groups or individuals raising money and awareness for breast cancer and The Save the Ta-tas Foundation. The group welcomes and encourages creativity for each bra to be a masterpiece of art, whether it’s in honor of someone who’s battled the disease or something completely out of the ordinary. This is Houston’s chance to show what creativity and good will lurks in each and every mind.

“We got the idea from an event in Virginia, where the other Charity Chicks founder is from,” said Tam’ra Powell, co-founder of Charity Chicks Houston. “We wanted to take the idea 10 steps forward and really make it fun. We are so blessed to live in a large urban city with artists coming out of the woodwork, we really wanted to appeal to those groups.”

The group will showcase the Top 50 BRA ART entries at their BRAtober 16th event at the Bering and James Art Gallery where the winner will be based on People’s Choice. The BRA ART and BRAtober 16 event will give all net proceeds to The Save the Ta-tas Foundation. The Save the Ta-tas Foundation exists for the advancement of breast cancer awareness, education and prevention, and to aid in the fight to find a cure. This national organization is supported by a growing base of like-minded individuals and businesses who share the view that "laughter heals" which is similar to the volunteers Charity Chicks recruits.

The winner will receive an unprecedented amount of paparazzi-like attention at the event and in the press, as well as be named the co-donor of raised funds to The Save the Ta-tas Foundation. The only 2 rules to submit a BRA ART entry are to be creative and to include nothing X-rated on the bras. The bras were generously donated by Maidenform. To sign up or learn more, visit the website and donate $50 to The Save the Ta-tas Foundation. All entries must be submitted by October 3 in order to be eligible.

“We feel every person has some sort of creative gene in their body so this ‘contest’ really does give everyone an equal chance. The winner is judged on creativity and it’s all in the name of ta-tas, so bring on the donations. Thankfully Maidenform donated plenty of bras, so don’t hesitate if you want to decorate a couple of them!” Powell continues.

-- CCH --
Charity Chicks Houston got the great idea from Charity Chicks Orlando (unaffiliated, but a truly inspiring group of women) and then added their own flair to the group in Houston.
The group meets throughout the year for a host of reasons and causes. Charity Chicks Houston plans at least one event per quarter to support a local charity either by volunteering or raising money - or both. The group also attends and helps with other activities throughout the year to continue to promote the plethora of charitable events in the great city of Houston.
The events and the organizations CCH chooses to support vary throughout the year based on current situations and the passion of members. The group is not affiliated with any particular non-profit organizations. The group is unpaid and there are no time or financial commitments to join or participate.

.jl.

Houston, You Need a Haircut.

If you're new to Houston and haven't found a hair dresser or a good group of fun-loving friends, then check us out at the Michael Saldana Hair Salon on Wednesday, June 17th from 4-8pm in Midtown.

The appointments are $50, which is a hell of a deal considering the salon and all the proceeds benefit Autism Speaks, the nation's largest Autism organization. (There are also make up makeover appointments if you don't want to cheat on your current hair dresser and there will be a party on the patio for a $10 donation from 6-9.)

Call 713.528.3699

If you can't make the event, but would like to make an online donation, click here.

Read below for the entire press relase:

Contact:
Jayme Lamm
jaymelamm@yahoo.com

May 26, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Charity Chicks Put on a Fun-Razor for Autism

Houston – Charity Chicks Houston partners with the Michael Saldana Salon bringing a Fun-Razor in Midtown directly benefiting Autism Speaks.

On Wednesday, June 17th, the stylists at Michael Saldana Salon located at 1319 W. Webster will donate haircuts and styles for a discounted rate of $50 with 100% of the proceeds going to Autism Speaks. “We are thrilled to support Autism Speaks through this creative and fun event. Autism has affected many of our members personally, as well as their friends and families and we are excited to raise money and awareness for the nation’s largest autism organization”, said Tam’ra Osborne Powell, Co-Founder of Charity Chicks Houston.

For those women already committed to their hairdressers, the salon is also offering $50 professional Make-up Makeovers with all proceeds benefiting Autism Speaks.

Call 713.528.3699 to make a hair or make-up appointment from 4-8pm on June 17th. Booker and Sarah from HOT 95-7’s Morning Show will be at the salon broadcasting live with today’s hottest music.

Join the supporters of Autism Speaks on the patio of the Michael Saldana Salon from 6-9pm for a $10 donation. The donation gets you free drinks, free food courtesy of Lucky’s Pub, and most importantly, the great feeling that comes along with supporting a valuable cause.

“We realize that people lead busy, hectic lives especially in Houston,” Powell said. “We wanted to give our members and friends a fun mid-week event to support this wonderful cause.”
Charity Chicks Houston is looking for support in a variety of ways. For more information, please visit www.charitychickshouston.com. If you can’t attend the event but still want to donate, there is a link on the website to make an online donation to Autism Speaks

-- About Charity Chicks Houston --
Charity Chicks Houston got the great idea from Charity Chicks Orlando (unaffiliated, but a truly inspiring group of women) and then added their own flair to the group in Houston.
The group meets throughout the year for a host of reasons and causes. Charity Chicks Houston plans at least one event per quarter to support a local charity either by volunteering or raising money - or both. The group also attends and helps with other activities throughout the year to continue to promote the plethora of charitable events in the great city of Houston.
The events and the organizations CCH chooses to support vary throughout the year based on current situations and the passion of members. The group is not affiliated with any particular non-profit organizations. The group is unpaid and there are no time or financial commitments to join or participate.

-- About Autism Speaks --
Autism Speaks is the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks funds more than $30 million each year in new autism research, in addition to supporting the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange, Autism Clinical Trials Network, Autism Tissue Program and a range of other scientific and medical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning, multi-year national public service advertising campaign with the Ad Council. Autism Speaks' family services efforts include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit and the distribution of community grants to local service providers. Its government relations department, through its Autism Votes initiative, has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the federal government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to require insurers to cover medically-necessary autism therapies. Each year, Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraising events are held in more than 70 cities across the country, as well as Canada and the United Kingdom. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

.jl.

Charity Chicks and Astros Support The Parish School (press release and flyer)

Contact:
Jayme Lamm
jaymelamm@yahoo.com

May 19, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Charity Chicks and Astros Support The Parish School

Houston – Charity Chicks Houston continues on with their efforts to raise money and awareness for non-profits in Houston. As the Houston Astros gear up to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates, the members of Charity Chicks Houston gather at Minute Maid Park on June 6th to support of The Parish School.

The Parish School is a local private school for children with autism and other learning differences and has been located in Houston since 1983.

Tickets for the June 6th game are on sale at charitychickshouston.com or astros.com/parish and by using password “PARISH” $2 for every ticket sold will be donated back to the school. “After meeting with the administrators at The Parish School and touring their beautiful campus, we saw the amount of hard work that goes into the education and enrichment of those children’s lives of the students,” said Tam’ra Osborne Powell, Co-Founder of Charity Chicks Houston. “This event isn’t strictly about raising money for the school. The focus of Charity Chicks Houston is threefold: raising money, raising awareness and having fun. We want to raise awareness for The Parish School as well as offer the kids a fun time just as the summer starts.”

The group is also giving the first 50 students from the school a free Astros gift in the Union Station Lobby at 5:30.

The Astros have offered a deep discount for the game where field Box seats can be purchased for $23, Bullpen for $16, Mezzanine for $13, View Decks for $10 and $8 and anyone can take advantage of these discounts and support the school. Visit astros.com/parish and use password “PARISH” to take advantage of this offer.

-- About Charity Chicks Houston --

Charity Chicks Houston got the great idea from Charity Chicks Orlando (unaffiliated, but a truly inspiring group of women) and then added their own flair to the group in Houston.
The group meets throughout the year for a host of reasons and causes. Charity Chicks Houston plans at least one event per quarter to support a local charity either by volunteering or raising money - or both. The group also attends and helps with other activities throughout the year to continue to promote the plethora of charitable events in the great city of Houston.
The events and the organizations CCH chooses to support vary throughout the year based on current situations and the passion of members. The group is not affiliated with any particular non-profit organizations. The group is unpaid and there are no time or financial commitments to join or participate.

-- About The Parish School --

The Parish School is the only school in Houston, public or private, which offers a multi-age, language-based, developmental curriculum for children 18 months through fifth grade. Children served have communication and learning differences, but average to above average learning potential. These differences may include problems with speech/language, learning to read, focusing attention, visual motor areas, social skills, and auditory processing.

The Parish School utilizes a classroom based therapy program implemented by certified teachers and speech/language pathologists. Classroom ratios are low and treatment/education plans are individualized to maximize the success of each child. The state-of-the-art facilities include parent/therapist viewing areas, built in assisted listening devices, play and picnic areas, gardens and large, bright classrooms. The creative and visual arts play a large role in the academic program and incorporate the focus on expressive, receptive and pragmatic language skills while giving children a creative outlet in which to express themselves.

.jl.

Grab your shoes and run for a cause

Get your running shoes on..Charity Chicks Houston has picked their first official event:  Run for the Rose benefitting the Marnie Rose Foundation (Sunday, March 29th).  We chose the Marnie Rose Foundation because Marnie was a truly inspiring woman having battled a rare form of brain cancer at the age of 27 (my exact age). We all know I'm a fan of reality TV and this brave woman battled her cancer on national television for the entire world to see.  

Since Charity Chicks Houston is comprised of inspiring individuals and those looking for inspiration, this was a perfect kickoff event for our group. Personally, I hold the Marnie Rose Foundation near and dear to my heart as it benefits brain cancer research. A very dear family friend lost her battle with brain cancer a few years back and I know just how much this has affected my friends and family.

The 5k run/walk is on Sunday, March 29th starting at Reliant Park. If you live in Houston and want to join our team for this wonderful cause please click here.  If you live outside of Houston or cannot attend but would still like to donate, please click here.  The cost for registration is $25 and is sure to be an uplifting time for all involved. (Even though our name is chicks, GUYS are 100% welcome and encouraged to join our team..we promise you'll have fun!)

.jl.

Announcing Charity Chicks Houston..

My friend Tam'ra and I just started Charity Chicks Houston and I'm so excited to be a co-founder of this great organization. (Kudos to Paul Carola for creating our logo!)

The Short Version

Charity Chicks Houston is a slew of chicks (and even some guys) in Houston that get together to do charitable work for various non-profits.

The Detailed Version

Tam’ra and Jayme (the founders) got the great idea from Charity Chicks Orlando (unaffiliated, but a truly inspiring group of women) and then added their own flair to the group here in Houston.

We get together throughout the year for a host of reasons and causes. Charity Chicks Houston plans one event per quarter (subsequently 4 a year) to support a local charity either by volunteering or raising money - or both! Aside from planning our own shin-digs, we also attend and help with other activities throughout the year to continue to promote the plethora of charitable events in the great city of Houston. We also get together every so often for no reason other than to enjoy the occasional happy hour.

The events we choose to attend or plan and the organizations we choose to support vary throughout the year based on current situations and the passion of our members. We are not affiliated with any particular non-profit organizations…we are just Charity Chicks.

Sounds amazing, right? You can be a Charity Chick in a variety of ways:

Super Woman Charity Chick - You attend events, raise money and awareness for the causes, help plan activities and logistics of events, attend meetings and anything else that interests you.

Sugar Mama Charity Chick – You help secure donations, auction items, raffle items, food/beverages and other items for charitable events.

Fun-Loving Charity Chick – You have the good in your heart to be every kind of Charity Chick, but for now you just want to attend the events for fun and support…and of course, you bring your friends with you!

Charity Chick Fan - You want to be included on the email list, but can’t yet commit to Charity Chicks. if you get an email that looks good, you’ll help spread the word about Charity Chicks Houston by telling your friends, family members, colleagues and contacts about our events and efforts.

Our Peeps - We welcome the participation and support of our male friends, who we lovingly refer to as our peeps.

If you or anyone you know is interested in getting on board with this great group for wonderful causes all throughout Houston, leave a comment or shoot us an email at chicks@charitychickshouston.com

.jl.