Friday, March 6, 2015

Major Publisher issues Essential New Fundraising Guide That Launched Nationwide Wednesday, March 4th

Does your non-profit need help in improving the effectiveness of its fundraising program? Almost 60% of nonprofit board chairs and executive directors identify fundraising as one of the most important areas for board improvement.

Monterey, CA, March 06, 2015 — Does your non-profit need help in  improving the effectiveness of its fundraising program? Almost 60% of nonprofit board chairs and executive directors identify fundraising as one of the most important areas for board improvement. Help is now at hand with the new e-book, “Informed Fundraising: An Introduction and Guide,” written by veteran nonprofit executives Ron Wormser and Josiah Stevenson IV.

The book has been published by BoardSource, the leading organization and publisher focused on the governance of nonprofit organizations.

The book, now available online, is designed to equip board members and executive directors, particularly those leading smaller and/or newer nonprofits, with a solid understanding of what it takes to construct and execute an effective and successful fundraising program. The book will also be of interest to current and prospective board members who are unfamiliar with fundraising for nonprofits.

“Too many nonprofits are not successful in raising the money they want or need,” says lead author and Carmel, Ca. resident Wormser. “Based on our years of experience working with nonprofits, we have concluded that this is because many board leaders and executive directors— particularly of small and  newer organizations — have limited knowledge and experience about fundraising and what it takes to do it effectively.”

Wormser and Stevenson, who both have had decades of nonprofit fundraising experience, say that many nonprofit board members are missing the information they need to excel at this key  function.

“Uninformed, they approve plans and programs that yield disappointing results,” says Wormser. “Our book  will equip nonprofit leaders with the concepts and tools that will enable them to make informed, strategic fundraising decisions. If we succeed, more nonprofits will become financially stable and sustainable, and thus able to better serve those who rely on their programs and services — that is our ultimate objective.”

The book focuses on what the authors have identified as the three key components of successful fundraising:

Understanding — Developing familiarity with the fundamentals of raising money which form the foundation for effective fundraising programs

Preparation —  Becoming aware of the components, of what it takes to create informed, purposeful programs

Execution — Knowing how to effectively carry out fundraising programs and how to monitor and assess  their progress.

The Guide includes sample worksheets that illustrate the concepts discussed and how to translate those ideas into practice.

“Informed Fundraising” will also be useful to faculty and students at colleges and universities who are teaching and learning about nonprofits and their management.

In addition, organizations maintaining lists of nonprofit resource materials available to others, such as community foundations, state and local associations of nonprofits, professional associations about nonprofits, and others, might want to add the book to their libraries as well.

Lead author Wormser’s 40-year career was spent working for four different nonprofits — the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the State University of New York at New Paltz, the Institute of International Education headquartered in New York, and The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

Since retiring and relocating to Carmel Ca. in 2007, Wormser has been giving back to the nonprofit community as a volunteer with the Arts in Crisis program of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with various Monterey County nonprofits and as a board member, executive coach, and consultant of the Monterey Peninsula Chapter of the Stanford Alumni Consulting Team.

“Informed Fundraising: An Introduction and Guide” is now available at https://www.boardsource.org (search for Informed Fundraising in the upper right corner search field). Wormser is available for interviews by the media.

Contact Marci Bracco Cain at (831) 747-7455 or marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com to schedule an interview.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
https://www.boardsource.org

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Holman Ranch Announces Its Wedding Packages

Sunday Wedding Special at Holman Ranch.

Sunday’s just got sunnier at Holman Ranch. Book your wedding on a Sunday from July – September 2015 and Holman Ranch is offer 25% off the site fee. Book with promotion code SunnySunday. (Does not apply to already booked events.)

Carmel Valley, CA, March 05, 2015 - Holman Ranch is full of romance and history. It is rustic and sophisticated, secluded and special. The hacienda offers the charm of its native gardens, the wonder of its olive groves, the magic of its vineyards as well as the serenity and privacy of the estate itself. A world away yet close enough to everything guests could need or desire, Holman Ranch offers unlimited possibilities for weddings, engagements, anniversaries, family reunions, and any other occasion. Holman Ranch a place for togetherness, celebration, friends, family, and good times. Truly a special place to create memories.

Imagine the feeling you’ll get as you pull into Holman Ranch…all the splendor that Carmel Valley holds…the sunshine, the vineyards, the mountains, and the sheer beauty of nature…all for you to enjoy on your special day or proposal day. You will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience that begins the moment you arrive and stays with you for years to come.

Director of Hospitality, Hunter Lowder announces today the introduction of the following packages: (Click on live links to learn more)

* The Micro-Wedding

* We Love Weekdays...So Will You

* Get Married in the Off-Season and Save!

* Same Sex Weddings

* Outdoor Catholic Ceremonies and Interfaith Marriages

* Dream in Cultures

* On Bended Knee—Will You Marry Me? (Proposal Package)

Highlights of some of the packages include:

Same Sex Marriages
At Holman Ranch we offer the perfect destination for your unforgettable gay equality wedding and same sex elopement. Your love is a glorious, sacred and magnificent gift and your decision to marry is one of the most important and  profound decisions of your life. One of the most important parts of your wedding day will be your ceremony which should  be the foundation of your marriage. It should reflect who you are and your unique relationship. Whether you wish to have a spiritual, interfaith, non-religious or religious ceremony, let Holman Ranch help you create the most unique, loving, and personalized wedding ceremony that you have ever dreamed of.  It is your right to unite!

Catholic Outdoor Weddings
A wedding is a one-time event, followed by a lifetime of commitment in marriage. For centuries, people have taken their marriage vows in front of family, friends, church members and God in a local church. The vast majority of Catholic weddings around the world occur in a local church building. In recent years, many people have desired to follow the trend of holding a wedding outdoors in a beautiful surrounding. Holman Ranch offers Catholic Outdoor Weddings. Celebrate your Wedding wherever you want
On Bended Knee – Will You Marry Me!

It’s one of the most nerve-racking moments in a man’s life: the proposal. You’ve been thinking about it forever, and she’s likely been dreaming of it too. Instead of getting caught up in all the planning, grab the ring (and your girl) and let Holman Ranch provide the romantic proposal setting of her dreams. Holman Ranch has some of the most stunning vistas and perfect locations to pop the question. You only need to provide that special person and the ring. Picture yourself surrounded by rustic splendor when you bend down on one knee and pop the question. She can't help but to say "yes"! Then, toast to the future with a bottle of Holman Ranch estate wine and remember that the best is yet to come!

Follow our wedding blog. https://holmanranch.wordpress.com/tag/holman-ranch-weddings/

Holman Ranch Background:
Holman Ranch: Where the Past is Always Present. Tucked away in the rolling hills of Carmel Valley, historic Holman Ranch provides a unique and memorable setting for weddings, special events, family gatherings, corporate retreats, and team-building events. With its charming gardens, stunning mountain views and serenity, this private estate affords old-world charm while providing modern day conveniences. This stunning Property includes a fully restored stone hacienda, overnight guest rooms, vineyards, olive grove, horse stables and more.

Holman Ranch can be found at www.holmanranch.com and at its new Tasting Room in Carmel Valley located at 19 E. Carmel Valley Road. Suite C. 831-659-2640, info@holmanranch.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
http://www.holmanranch.com

Holman Ranch Wines Score Top Points From Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Holman Ranch is proud to announce that five of its wines have been rated in the April 2015 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine (The Advanced Buyers Edition is on the shelf as of February 17)!

Carmel Valley, CA, March 05, 2015 - Holman Ranch is proud to announce that five of its wines have been rated in the April 2015 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine (The Advanced Buyers Edition is on the shelf as of February 17)!

94 Point Holman Ranch 2011 Heathers Hill Pinot Noir Carmel Valley $37.00

93 Points Holman Ranch 2010 Hunter's Cuvee Pinot Noir Carmel Valley $40.00

91 Points Holman Ranch 2011 Estate Grown Chardonnay Carmel Valley $25.00

91 Points Holman Ranch 2013 0.5 Brix Pinot Gris Carmel Valley $18.00

91 Points Holman Ranch 2010 Estate Grown Pinot Noir Carmel Valley $33.00

Wine Caves:
The winery at Holman Ranch, located in The Caves, is completely underground in order to take advantage of the natural cooling and humidity held below. The 3000 square foot area maintains a constant temperature of 58°F-60 °F and contains four 750 gallon tanks, four 1200 gallon tanks, and four open top tanks that can hold two tons each. One hundred (100) French oak barrels are maintained year round. Winery operations such as destemming, pressing, fermenting and aging take place within the cool environment of The Caves, while bottling is done directly outside using a mobile bottling line. During harvest, 6 to 8 tons of grapes a day are processed. This may seem low but it is due to the fact that harvesting hours are between 7am to noon on any given day. Grapes are hand picked and loaded into half ton bins, transferred to the winery by tractor and then moved by forklift to the destemmer. White wines take around three weeks to ferment at 50°F and are bottled in February, while red varietals ferment for two weeks and are bottled in early June. All skins, seeds and stems are composted and returned to the fields. Slow months for our winery are June, July and August with the busiest time being September. The winery will produce 3000-5000 cases annually.

Vineyard & Winery Background:
Located at the north eastern tip of the Carmel Valley Appellation, the family-owned Holman Ranch resides approximately 12 miles inland from the Pacific Coast. Immersed in history and romance, the ranch has not only proven to be an excellent growing location for our vineyards but also for the Tuscan varietal olive trees which have flourished under the temperate climate.

Our estate-grown wine varietals are planted on approximately 21 acres of undulating terrain.

The wines produced are unfined and crafted to deliver the true varietal of the grape from harvest to bottle.

The climate and terroir of the appellation has played a critical part in the success of our wines. The warmth of our inland valley coupled with the cooling marine layer has established itself as an ideal microclimate for the production of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Our Burgundy Clones have thrived from the perfect blend of ideal climate, southern exposure and thin rocky soils.

Holman Ranch Tasting Room:
Holman Ranch’s Carmel Valley tasting room offers the perfect backdrop to swirl, sip and savor the different complexities of Holman Ranch Vineyard and Winery wines. There is something for everyone (4 varietals in fact), from the full-bodied Pinot Noirs to the light, fruity flavors of our Pinot Gris and lightly oaked Chardonnay. Holman Ranch also offers estate grown and bottled Olive Oil available for tasting and purchase at the Tasting Room.

The Tasting Room showcases the estate wines of Holman Ranch which includes our Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé of Pinot Noir. Carefully hand-harvested, cold pressed and bottled, the Extra Virgin Olive Oil produced from the fruits of our Tuscan trees has a delightful spice followed by a buttery finish.

Three tasting flights of three wines each (White, Mountain and Pinot Noir) are available 7 days a week. The Tasting Room also holds a series of cooking demos called In Your Backyard. For more information, call (831) 659-2640.

Olive Grove:
Holman Ranch has its own distinctive olive grove located on a south facing hill of our vineyard. The grove is comprised of 100 trees with multiple cultivars planted. These cultivars consist of 25 Frantoio, 25 Leccino, 10 Mission, 25 Coratina, 5 Pendolino, and 10 Picholine, all of which were originally planted in 2194 in a Carmel Valley orchard then replanted at Holman Ranch in 2007. These mature olive trees allowed us to produce olive oil right away. They are planted in shale for the best production and harvesting results possible. We harvest our fruit by hand in December, which is then milled, producing a superb, high quality product. Although the Olive Grove is not certified organic, we do employ organic practices when farming our trees. Our mill, however, is certified organic. An interesting fact is that olive trees are alternate bearing, which means that one year they may produce 650, 375ml bottles worth of oil, while next year they may produce only 50, 375ml bottles.

Holman Ranch Background:
Holman Ranch: Where the Past is Always Present. Tucked away in the rolling hills of Carmel Valley, Californian historic Holman Ranch provides a unique and memorable setting for weddings, special events, family gatherings, corporate retreats, and team-building events. With its charming gardens, stunning mountain views and serenity, this private estate affords old-world charm while providing modern day conveniences. This stunning Property includes a fully restored stone hacienda, overnight guest rooms, vineyards, olive grove, horse stables and more. www.holmanranch.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
http://www.holmanranch.com

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Hofsas House Launches Pin It to Win It Contest

Tell the Hofsas House where you’d love to visit and why and you could win a 2 night stay!

Carmel, CA, March 04, 2015 - If you are like us, you love some good Pinterest time! Full of fun recipe ideas, fun ideas and beautiful photos, we can get lost in browsing the beautiful beach scenes. Pin your favorite beach pic and one lucky winner will win a two-night stay! These can be any beautiful beach pics from around the world!

To enter the contest simply:

Follow our board: http://pinterest.com/hofsashouse/beach-pics-we-love/

Pin your favorite pics using the hashtag: #hofsashouse

Email a link your board to: marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

One lucky winner will win a 2-night stay at our hotel!

Enter to win between March 15th – April 15th. Winner announced on April 20th.

Includes Hotel stay only- airfare, transportation, meals and other amenities not included

Stay tuned to see who the lucky winner is!

Hofsas House Background:
Owned and operated by the Theis Family, Hofsas House Hotel is within walking distance of everything Carmel has to offer, including a stunning beach, fine restaurants and shops, and wine tasting. It provides peaceful respite and European charm just minutes from Monterey , Pebble Beach, Big Sur and Pacific Grove . The Hofsas House’s 38 spacious, one-of-a-kind rooms boast European comfort and lovely views, not to mention amenities like fireplaces, private balconies, wet bars, kitchens and patios. Large suites provide the perfect stay for newlyweds and everyone else seeking an extra special getaway. Dutch doors in every room allow guests to welcome in the ocean air, and free WiFi enables them to stay connected — if they want to.

The Hofsas House Hotel family works to ensure every visitor's experience is special, striving to offer the highest quality personal services. Consider the continental breakfast, abundant with fresh French Roast coffee, tea, juice, fruit and pastries from a neighborhood bakery, or the personalized concierge services for guests and their families, including their four-legged family members, who are welcome, as well.

For large groups — wedding parties, company meetings, family reunions and others — Hofsas House Hotel offers a spacious room equipped with a fireplace and full kitchen that can comfortably accommodate 40 people. A heated pool, dry saunas, decks with views and off-street parking are on offer as well.

Hofsas House Hotel is located on San Carlos Street, north of Fourth Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For more information, call (831) 624-2745 or visit www.hofsashouse.com. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/hofsashousehotel

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
http://www.hofsashouse.com

Monday, March 2, 2015

The Ambulatory M&A Advisor welcomes Walter Cronkite School of Journalism Graduate to their Team

The Ambulatory M&A Advisor is proud to welcome Richard Romero to the team. Romero is multimedia journalist that graduated from the prestigious Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University.

Dallas, Texas, February 27, 2015 - The Ambulatory M&A Advisor is proud to welcome Richard Romero to the team. Romero is multimedia journalist that graduated from the prestigious Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. While at ASU, he participated in college radio broadcasts and wrote for various publications. After college, he assisted in creating The Western Times, a publication that informed community members of an upcoming incorporation election. Afterwards, he worked for The Yuma Daily Sun as a staff writer, covering medical-based articles.


“We are very excited about Romero joining The Ambulatory M&A Advisor, and we’re expecting great work from him,” publisher Blayne Rush says. “Having graduated from one of the premier schools of journalism and having experiences in multiple media applications, Romero adds the right mix to our team. We look forward to growing the publication and its reach.”

As a staff writer, Romero will build and maintain lasting relationships in the healthcare industry, as well as educate readers about the urgent care and ambulatory care center market. He starts Feb. 9, 2015.

The Ambulatory M&A Advisor covers business, legal and transactional updates and insights around ambulatory care center deal making. It focuses exclusively on topics for those interested in mergers and acquisition tactics, strategies, processes, dealmakers and the interrelated activities of buying and selling outpatient care centers.

Contact:
Blayne Rush
The Ambulatory M&A Advisor
18181 Midway Rd Ste 200
Dallas, Texas 75287
469-385-7792
publisher@AmbulatoryAdvisor.com
http://www.Ambulatoryadvisor.com

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Sweet Honey in the Rock Slated for Performance Tours Hosted by The US Embassy in Peru and Jamaica to Celebrate Black History Month

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the venerable and Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble who've built a legacy for merging an inimitable and distinct harmonic vocal blend with a veracious commitment to activism

New York, NY, February 22 2015 - SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the venerable and Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble who've built a legacy for merging an inimitable and distinct harmonic vocal blend with a veracious commitment to activism, social justice, equality and freedom have been invited by the US Embassy in Lima, Peru and Kingston, Jamaica for a series of concert performances and cultural community outreach workshops to support and celebrate Black History Monthprograms spearheaded by each Embassy.

"We're truly honored and excited to have been invited by the US Embassies in Ethiopia, Peru and Jamaica to perform and celebrate Black History Month," says Carol Maillard, one of Sweet Honey's founding members. "It is truly an honor to serve as cultural ambassadors and artists during this special time and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share our music and messages around the globe," she added.

The US Embassy in Lima,Peru has invited SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK to celebrate Black History Month and draw attention to Rule of Law/Administration of Justice related activities. Program dates are from February 20-24 (2/22-24 in Lima 2/21 in Ayacucho).

Their activities in Peru will target at risk youth, Afro Peruvian populations, artists, activists, alumni, the police community, incarcerated youth and general audiences. The visit to Ayacucho will be the first public event for the U.S. Mission for a number of years and signals the return of U.S. interest in the area. The group's mini-tour will be capped by a performance at the prestigious Gran Teatro Nacional in Lima followed by a special reception hosted by the US Ambassador to Peru, Brian A. Nichols.

Immediately following their stay in Peru, Sweet Honey will travel to Kingston, Jamaica to participate in several Black History Month events hosted by the US Embassy in Kingston., February 26-27. The Embassy has beenworking tirelessly on the theme “Equal Citizenship for all Jamaicans”. This theme also supports the “Respect Jamaica” (private sector initiative) and “Respect” campaign of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).Persons with disabilities and those who practice alternative lifestyles (i.e. based on sexual orientation/gender identification) are often on the margins of society and not treated equally in several ways. The Embassy's campaign this month emphasizes that human rights are not special to any group (majority, minority or marginal) and that it is simply everyone’s right to be valued and protected in the society in which they live.

Sweet Honey will be honored as special guests of the US Ambassador to Jamaica, Luis G. Moreno and will perform at a privatereception at his residence on Feb. 26th. Earlier in the day, Sweet Honey will host two culturally inspired workshops for youth and adults at "Blues on the Green," Emancipation Park in New Kingston. On February 27th, they will headline the Embassy's annual Black History month concert for an estimated 7000 people at "Blues on the Green," Emancipation Park.

Earlier this month Sweet Honey was invited by U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to contribute to several Black History Month cultural and educational events highlighting the contributions of African Americans, and in particular African American women, have made in the fields of music, art, politics and business. Their visit to Ethiopia (Feb 2 - 5) was kicked off with special reception andperformance at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa.

They also collaborated and performed a concert with the Ethiopian female a cappella musical group Yegna at the Mulualem Hall in Bahir Dar on February 3rd, hosted a master class at the Mekaneyesus Jazz School in Addis Ababa on February 4th and performed on February 4th at Mama’s Kitchen Restaurant and Night Club in Bole.

Last year, Sweet Honey made their premiere US Embassy tour (August 27- 31) as part of the longstanding Arts Envoy program to Belize. The Arts Envoy Program is a longstanding outreach program and initiative by the US State Department that's hosted by the US Embassy in Belize. Sweet Honey performed concerts in Belize City, Dangriga and Placentia and conducted artist exchange workshops with a couple of noted Belizean artists.

For further information about SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK go to:
www.sweethoneyintherock.org

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.mileshighproductions.com/

Legendary Singer-Songwriter and Producer Bunny Sigler Releases New Music Video and Radio Single “When I Think of You” from Upcoming Album Bundino out April 14

Going for Radio Adds March 2 Watch / Share and Embed on Youtube

Los Angeles, CA, February 27, 2015 - Four-time Grammy winning producer/singer/songwriter Bunny Sigler releases a fresh new single that will excite past and present fans. The prolific songwriter who produced the “Philly Sound” excites his audience with this highly anticipated new song continuously showcasing his classic R&B sound going back to his roots for something past fans will be excited for.


Share and Embed on Youtube

“When I Think Of You” is the first taste listeners will get until the release of Bundino, Sigler’s upcoming album out on April 14, which will be a complete work of romantic R&B, soul ballads.

Sigler takes all the right risks that will catch anyone’s ear. Known to many of his fans and peers as “Mr. Emotion”, Sigler still provides his signature smooth sound and romantic lyrics.

The accompanying music video for “When I Think Of You” is a perfect partner to the single showcasing a montage of photos dedicated to his wife and Bunny himself both old and new. Like flipping through a photo album of nostalgia, the sentimental release comes out just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Bunny has been known for working with a string of acts over the years such as Patti LaBelle, The O’ Jays, The Spinners, Curtis Mayfield, Barbara Mason, Gamble & Huff, Outkast and even Jay-Z. He continues to evolve as an artist staying in tune to what’s current in order to be a relevant songwriter to continue his long-running career in the music industry.

Bunny Sigler links: Website - Facebook - Twitter - Reverbnation

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.mileshighproductions.com/