Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-02-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – In recent years, Gen Z has emerged as a pivotal force in the climate industry, significantly influencing the way climate change is addressed in our local and regional communities across the United States. This generation is not only actively participating in the climate conversation but also reshaping it with a diverse and inclusive perspective.

The Tom’s of Maine Incubator

One example is the Tom’s of Maine Incubator, which is designed to resource the next generation of leaders from underrepresented communities who are driving environmental solutions. The program provides funding, mentorship, amplification, and support to early-career changemakers to empower them to Do Good. For Real. The program was first introduced in 2023, and a second cohort of Gen Z leaders has been identified to address climate change in the year ahead:

Brittney Portes, Founder of Gardens of Sol based in Montclair, NJ. Brittney uses her business to raise awareness about sustainable agriculture and farming in her local community.

Danielle Lee, Content Creator of Battery Girlie based in San Francisco, CA. Danielle uses her platform to help Gen Z build impactful careers fighting climate change.

Diamond Spratling, Founder and Executive Director of Girl+Environment based in Atlanta, GA. Diamond created Girl+Environment to empower Black and Brown women to stand up for environmental justice.

Jasmine Lamb, Chair of the Sipayik Resilience Committee based in Orono, ME. Jasmine is committed to improving community resilience against climate change and elevating Native American voices in the climate movement.

Zanagee Artis, Founder of Zero Hour based in Washington, D.C. Zanagee founded his organization with the goal of elevating the voices of young people of color and people on the front lines of the climate crisis.

Representation in the Climate Movement

In the United States, Gen Z’s influence is particularly evident at the local and regional levels, as seen with this year’s Incubator Members. They are not just participants in climate discussions; they are initiators and leaders of grassroots movements, community projects, and policy advocacy. For instance, the Incubator Members are working with local governments to develop climate action plans, advocating for renewable energy projects, and raising awareness about sustainable practices within their communities. Their hands-on approach ensures that climate action is not just centered around certain individuals but speaks to the wider population, ensuring those most impacted by climate change are included in finding solutions.

Tom’s of Maine believes that addressing climate change is crucial for several reasons. First, it’s about preserving the planet for future generations. Climate change poses significant risks to our environment, health, and economy. By taking action now, you can help mitigate these risks and ensure a sustainable future. Secondly, addressing climate change is essential for social equity, as its impacts often disproportionately affect marginalized communities. As climate change continues, the increased risk from hurricanes is likely to disproportionately affect Black communities, according to McKinsey & Co.

The Power of Gen Z

Gen Z understands the challenges impacting marginalized communities and they are changing this narrative by bringing diverse voices to the forefront. They recognize that the impacts of climate change are not uniform and that solutions must be equitable and inclusive. By diversifying the climate movement, Gen Z leaders like those in the Tom’s of Maine Incubator ensure that the conversation reflects a broader range of experiences and perspectives, leading to more sustainable solutions.

As Gen Z continues to shape the conversation, you can take action at the local and regional level to address climate change in your community. You can help support and amplify the efforts of the Tom’s of Maine Incubator members, volunteer in climate change activities near you, and make a small difference for the health of our planet.

2024-02-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – This fall, students participating in the EcoCAR EV Challenge returned to their garages to kick off the second year of the four-year collegiate competition. The EcoCAR EV Challenge, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), General Motors (GM) and MathWorks, prepares college students to meet the changing demands of the automotive industry by providing them with hands-on training and knowledge of electric vehicles (EVs), connected auto technologies and autonomous vehicle systems.

Following the first year of the competition, which was primarily focused on student teams conceptualizing their vehicle designs, GM provided each team with a 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ which the students are reengineering to add new energy efficient and automated features.

This year, EcoCAR students get the full experience of designing, developing and deploying their own automated vehicle systems. Teams will explore these features with a unique focus on minimizing energy consumption through making energy-mindful decisions, integrating eco-driving control strategies and deploying connected vehicle technologies.

With an all-electric future on the horizon and autonomous mobility continuing to advance, the automotive industry is currently undergoing a once-in-a-century technological revolution and is grappling with massive shifts in technology, workforce, supply chains and its manufacturing base as a result. Vehicles with automated driving features are growing in popularity, with the capability and refinement of these features progressing rapidly year over year as automakers look to Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) features to improve vehicle safety and driver experience.

As the development of EVs and new CAV technologies continues to advance, programs such as the EcoCAR EV Challenge are critical for helping to bridge the current skills gap and build the talent pipeline needed to meet the industry’s future needs through cutting-edge automotive engineering education and practical application. The competition is uniquely designed to support the workforce pipeline needed to produce the next generation of EVs, enabling participating students to graduate with the skills and experience to immediately contribute to the development of EVs and CAV systems and drive new auto innovations.

Working closely with mobility and government leaders on a curriculum specifically tailored to align with future industry needs, programs such as EcoCAR and other Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTCs) managed by Argonne National Laboratory help address the toughest mobility challenges facing our nation, while building a skilled workforce that reflects the diversity of North America. They help prepare the auto industry leaders of the future by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skillsets to secure high-paying, highly desired roles post-graduation and pave the way for tomorrow’s auto industry advances.

To learn more about the EcoCAR EV Challenge and to follow along on each team’s journey, visit avtcseries.org and like, follow and subscribe to the competition’s Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels.

2024-02-01T12:01:01

(BPT) – In honor of American Heart Month this February, you can make positive changes to your well-being by evaluating how your everyday lifestyle affects your heart health. To get started, take steps to understand your risk, then consider making healthier choices to help lower your chances of heart disease.

Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares a few of her tips to help you live a heart-healthy lifestyle, starting with your routine wellness visits.

1. Know your risk

Getting regular health screenings as part of your annual exam is crucial to understanding your risk for heart disease. By consulting with your primary healthcare provider on a regular basis, you can ask questions and get advice on practical steps you could take to improve your well-being.

“Regular wellness visits are a crucial part of staying healthier,” Blatner advises. “And it’s always recommended to talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine or nutrition program.”

2. Stay active

Try to fit 30-60 minutes of physical activity into your day, which can include walking, gardening or household chores as well as swimming, dancing, playing a sport or taking a fitness class. Various aerobic activities that get your heart rate up, strength exercises to build muscle, plus yoga or stretching for flexibility are usually a good mix.

Make it easier to exercise enough each day by breaking up activity into smaller chunks rather than doing it all at once.

3. Reduce stress

The good news is that many of the activities you can do to keep physically active have the added benefit of reducing your stress levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise can improve your mood, reduce tension and help you focus throughout your day.

Apart from exercise, you can try meditation, breathing exercises and any other relaxing activities that help you feel calm and reduce anxiety.

4. Focus on foods that boost wellness

Eat a variety of nutritious foods to help improve your blood pressure and cholesterol, including veggies and fruits, whole grains, healthy fats like avocado, lean meats and eggs.

“When it comes to eggs, I always recommend Eggland’s Best,” Blatner adds. “Eggland’s Best eggs have more than double the Omega-3’s compared to ordinary eggs, which support heart health in a variety of important ways such as boosting good cholesterol, lowering triglycerides, and promoting healthy blood pressure.”

In addition, Eggland’s Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs, which helps support healthier blood cholesterol levels and overall heart health. Eggland’s Best eggs also have more than double the amount of Vitamin B12, ten times more Vitamin E and six times more Vitamin D.

To help you include more eggs in your daily diet, Blatner shares this recipe from the American Heart Association and Eggland’s Best for easy-to-make egg tostadas that are a delicious and hearty snack or breakfast.

Eggland’s Best is a national supporter of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative. To learn more, visit EgglandsBest.com.

POACHED EGG TOSTADAS WITH AVOCADO-TOMATILLO SALSA

Prep time 10 minutes; cook time 20 minutes.

Ingredients

· 4 Eggland’s Best eggs, large

· Cooking spray

· Four 6-inch corn tortillas

· 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Salsa Ingredients

· 1 medium avocado (diced)

· 1 medium Anaheim pepper (seeds and ribs discarded, diced)

· 1 medium tomatillo (papery husk discarded, diced)

· 1/2 medium tomato (diced)

· 1/4 cup diced red onion

· 1/4 cup chopped, fresh cilantro

· 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

· 1 medium garlic clove (minced)

· 1/8 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray.
2. Arrange the tortillas in a single layer on the foil. Lightly spray the tortillas with cooking spray. Using a fork, pierce the tortillas a few times to prevent them from filling with air. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to serving plates.
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, bring the water and vinegar to a boil over high heat.
4. In a medium bowl, gently stir together all the salsa ingredients. Set aside.
5. Once the water has come to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer. Break an egg into a cup and then carefully slip the egg into the simmering water. Repeat with the remaining eggs, placing them in the water so they don’t touch. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the whites are completely set and the yolks are beginning to set, but aren’t hard. Using a slotted spoon, drain the eggs well. Place each egg on a tostada. Serve with the salsa.

2024-02-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – Pet Dental Health Month (February) marks the perfect time to prioritize your pet’s wellbeing and kick-start a dental care routine. A staggering 80% of dogs, particularly small breeds and seniors, face the risk of dental disease, with 70% of cats experiencing dental issues in their lifetime.

Supporting your pet’s dental health starts with annual veterinarian visits and consistent daily at-home dental care. When done together, pet parents contribute not only to their pet’s dental health but also to their overall wellbeing, because there are many ways the two are tied together that some pet parents may not even consider.

The following are five additional health benefits your pet may experience when you prioritize their dental health:

1. Optimal nutrition and digestion

Proper digestion starts in the mouth, and healthy teeth allow pets to chew their food effectively, breaking it down into smaller, easily digestible pieces. This not only promotes improved digestion but also enhances optimal nutrient absorption. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet contributes to a pet’s overall health and immune system, promoting an active, joyful life while reducing susceptibility to illness.

2. Emotional wellbeing

Supporting your dog’s dental health with a dental chew offers multiple benefits: It helps clean teeth, exercises jaw muscles and provides mental stimulation. Wellness^® WHIMZEES^® Natural* Dental Treats for dogs acts like a chew, which helps to release endorphins (“feel-good hormones”) promoting pleasure and relaxation to help reduce pain and stress.

For cats, boost chewing with Wellness^® WHIMZEES^® Natural Dental Treats to help address the key areas vets check most: plaque, gums, tartar and breath. These daily cat treats have a crunchy, porous texture that mimics a toothbrush with an added benefit of encouraging bonding time with cat parents while treating.

3. Gut and microbiome health

Strong dental health can support a happy microbiome in the gut and safeguard against potential health risks. Neglected oral care may lead to untreated dental infections, allowing harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and potentially cause systemic infections in the heart, liver or kidneys. This imbalance can influence digestion, behavior, immune function and various other aspects of your pet’s health.

4. Reduced tooth loss and better breath

Preserving your pets’ wellbeing involves addressing the risk of tooth loss, a crucial aspect of their ongoing health. Like children, kittens and puppies naturally lose baby teeth, but adulthood should not bring tooth loss from unattended dental issues. Such tooth loss can impair a pet’s ability to eat, play and interact normally, evolving into a health concern.

Taking proactive daily measures to support dental health, such as reducing plaque and tartar buildup, can effectively minimize the risk of teeth loss due to advanced dental disease. This ensures that pets maintain vitality and enjoy various activities as they age, while also contributing to fresher breath and enjoyable interactions.

5. Positive behavior and comfort

Dental discomfort can influence a pet’s behavior, resulting in reduced food intake, irritability or mild changes in mood. Pain from dental problems may lead to avoidance of eating or difficulty with regular food consumption. Consider the last time you had a toothache — addressing it likely improved your behavior and energy levels. The same applies to our pets.

Investing in your pet’s dental health is not just an act of care; it’s a supportive move toward ensuring their physical health, comfort and overall wellbeing. Dental chews and treats are a simple way to maintain dental health at home. To learn more and find Wellness^® WHIMZEES^® near you, visit https://www.whimzees.com/.

*With added vitamins, minerals & taurine

2024-02-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – Love isn’t the only thing worth celebrating in February, it’s also important to celebrate our actual hearts.

This month is American Heart Month — which is aimed at raising awareness for heart health, educating about risk factors for heart disease and sharing tips on how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.

There are many ways you can celebrate American Heart Month. Here are just a few:

• Wear red to raise awareness for heart health
• Create a walking routine with friends and family
• Try new heart-healthy recipes and share with others
• Engage in stress-relieving activities like yoga, art, and meditation
• Get vaccinated for pneumococcal pneumonia if you have chronic heart disease

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can put you in the hospital for weeks and even be life threatening.

Our heart and lungs work closely together and that’s why it’s important to take a holistic approach.

If you have chronic heart disease, you are at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia — and getting vaccinated can help protect you.

Adults 65 or older and adults 19 or older with certain other chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes are also at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and should consider asking their doctor or pharmacist about vaccination.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike at any time, in any season. Vaccination is available all year round, so now is the time to ask your doctor or pharmacist if vaccination is right for you.

Even if you’ve already had a previous pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine, your healthcare provider may recommend additional vaccination to help prevent the disease.

Kick off American Heart Month strong by asking your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination and visit knowpneumonia.com to learn more.

Brought to you by Pfizer.

2024-01-31T14:01:00

(BPT) – Carter’s is starting off the year with a bang, launching its first-ever Most Loved Sale. Live now, the new sale is two full weeks of deals on the brand’s bestselling, most-hearted styles. And as the #1 most trusted brand of apparel for babies and young children, Carter’s is the perfect place to stock up on all the essentials for your little ones. Ready to start shopping? We’re breaking down the must-have, must-buys here:

The Original Bodysuit™: Carter’s #1 all-time bestseller; one sold every second

As any parent knows, bodysuits are a must when it comes to babies. The more, the better. Carter’s Original Bodysuit™ is a historic favorite for a reason. With 30 million bodysuits sold and loved per year (that’s 1 sold every second!), bodysuits have become Carter’s all-time bestselling baby item, and now they’re at the lowest price of the season. You know what that means — it’s time to stock up.

Let’s talk features: Strong, long-lasting snaps that hold up after wear, wash, repeat; overlap shoulders that expand over baby’s body for easy changes (life saver!); 100% cotton that’s gentle on baby’s skin; and of course, all the fun graphics and loveable prints.

Shopper tip: Multipacks are a must. Shop 4- & 5-pack bodysuits now on sale from $2.40 per piece ($12+ for the pack). Because as any parent knows, you can never have too many.

5-Star Sleep & Play™: The do-it-all style purchased 10,259 times per day

Another baby must-have, the 5-Star Sleep & Play™ truly does it all. Known as the day-to-night, tummy time, nap time, anytime staple, this is the most practical outfit for new babies, featuring both snap and 2-way zip options, as well as fold-over cuffs for preemie and newborn sizes so you can skip the mittens. The best part? It’s now on sale from just $8 — the lowest price of the season — so be sure to add to cart (we recommend getting 5 to 8).

Most-Hearted for Toddler & Kid: The top sellers worn & loved by millions last year

Our most loved styles for toddler and kid? Simple. It’s the day-in, day-out favorites they love. It’s the top-selling graphic tees, with 9 million worn and loved last year, and 25,000 (!) sold every single day. It’s the tried-and-true leggings that 6 million children wore and loved last year. It’s the go-to colors — black, navy and knit-denim — that never go out of style. It’s the outfit sets that take the thinking out of getting dressed. And it’s the new additions like moisture-wicking BeCool™ activewear. So don’t miss out on all of this and more, because these bestsellers speak for themselves.

The styles you love. The sale you’ve been waiting for. Now through February 14 at carters.com and oshkosh.com.

2024-01-31T23:01:00

(BPT) – If only there was a way to predict the future. It would be helpful for quite a few things, especially retirement planning.

Figuring out how much money you’ll need to live the life you want — for the entirety of your retirement — is one of adulthood’s biggest challenges. And managing the possibility that you won’t outlive your savings has a name: longevity risk. No matter what, proactive financial planning is necessary to give you the greatest chance for success.

As you plan and set goals for the year ahead, now is a good time to think about longevity risk and develop strategies to ensure your retirement funds last as long as you do. After all, what good is a nest egg if it runs out early? And on the flip side, what good are hard-earned savings if you don’t spend them out of fear of running out?

Better planning for better outcomes

Over the past few decades, there has been a shift from traditional pension plans, where you get a defined monetary benefit in retirement, to 401(k)s and other defined contribution retirement plans, which puts more responsibility and stress on the shoulders of individuals to contribute a large portion toward their retirement savings. Fortunately, you don’t need an MBA to know that better planning leads to better outcomes; so here are three ideas to build a retirement plan that you feel confident in and have the resiliency to follow.

Planning idea No. 1: Lifestyle is important. So is keeping options open.

If you’re like most people, you have ideas about what you want to do in retirement, like owning a second home, traveling or volunteering in your community. Your plan should have the flexibility to balance your desired lifestyle with what you can afford. To do this, trade-offs such as delaying retirement, part-time work or waiting to collect social security all may need to be on the table as you’re planning.

Planning idea No. 2: Knowledge is power

A lack of preparedness can lead to undesirable spending cuts, but you can guard against this by getting educated about available solutions.

One of the biggest steps you can take to increase your income and ensure that it will last your lifetime is waiting to claim social security. Simply delaying your claim from age 67 to 70 results in a nearly 25% increase in payments, and that larger payment will grow with cost-of-living adjustments.

Another is insured products. For many, protected savings and lifetime income options limit risk and insulate assets from the effects of market volatility — all while generating predictable income streams for fixed expenses in retirement. Such products are available from Prudential and can help improve retirement security for a lifetime. But they’re not for every person or every situation, so discuss the possibilities with a financial advisor. Which leads us to the final planning idea…

Planning idea No. 3: Don’t go it alone

If you are open to getting help, but don’t know where to start, there are many tools and resources to help you plan, with a trusted financial advisor being at the top of the list. Advisors will likely start the conversation by asking about your current financial situation and desired outcomes. If you’re clear on those outcomes, it will be easier to make choices from the range of options and strategies.

And if you’re not quite ready to meet in person with an advisor, there are online tools to help. The web-based Prudential Stages for Retirement will unlock your personalized Retirement Confidence Score and generate custom projections of your retirement income and spending over time. When you’re ready to kick things up a notch, you can connect virtually or in person with a financial advisor to help you define, refine and realize your financial goals.

Remember: There is no time like the present

As we dive into a new year, now is the ideal time to think about building a plan to reach your goals. Every day counts, so get started today and good luck on your financial planning journey — you’ve got this!

This material is being provided for informational or educational purposes only and does not take into account the investment objectives or financial situation of any client or prospective clients.

The information is not intended as investment advice and is not a recommendation about managing or investing your retirement savings. If you would like information about your particular investment needs, please contact a financial professional.

Annuities are issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ, and its affiliates.

Prudential Stages is an umbrella marketing name for Pruco Securities LLC (sometimes referred to as “Pruco”) under the marketing name Prudential Financial Planning Services (PFPS), pursuant to a separate agreement. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Pruco, a registered investment advisor.

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2024-01-31T06:01:00

(BPT) – Agriculture is Arkansas’ top economic driver. Tourism is second. Combining these two industries to develop a meaningful visitor experience has led to a thriving agritourism sector in Arkansas.

Arkansas is known as The Natural State for its scenic beauty and abundance of natural resources that provide year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. But that description also refers to the fertile soil and advantageous climate for agriculture.

As such, Arkansas is a destination for producers of wine and spirits because they can locate breweries and distilleries near the crops used in making the product. Chefs also regularly use Arkansas-grown produce and meats to treat customers to a complete farm-to-table meal.

Napa Valley of Sake

Origami Sake in Hot Springs is putting the state on the map making Arkansas the “Napa Valley of Sake.”

The company uses a special variety of Arkansas-grown rice from the Isbell Farm in Lonoke County, Arkansas, which is located less than 100 miles from the company’s facility. The water for the sake comes directly from the underground springs of Hot Springs National Park.

In March, the company is hosting the 2024 American Craft Sake Festival in Hot Springs for the first time ever. Last year, Origami co-founder Ben Bell was named one of Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Future Tastemakers for paving the way for sake production in North America.

The brewery is open to tourists for taste-testing and for gaining a greater appreciation for the farm-to-bottle process.

Vodka originating from the Delta dirt

When Harvey Williams committed to invest his life savings into building Delta Dirt Distillery in his hometown of Helena, Arkansas, it was truly a personal decision.

Harvey’s family has farmed in the Arkansas Delta since the 19th century when his great-grandfather was a sharecropper on the land. The main crop is sweet potatoes.

Harvey and his family went about perfecting a recipe for sweet potato-based vodka and gin. Truckloads of sweet potatoes are brought in from the Williams family farm to the distillery, then processed and bottled.

The story behind the distillery’s success is just as interesting as the making of the vodka and gin, and Harvey himself is at the distillery on most days to take you through the experience.

Microbreweries

Arkansas is the number one rice producer in the United States, with products being sent to feed people all over the world.

Lost 40 Brewing is a craft microbrewery located in the heart of downtown Little Rock and uses rice grown by Arkansas farmers to make its year-round and seasonal menu of beers. Its beers are highly decorated, having won major national and international awards from the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup competition.

Arkansas entrepreneurs are growing a thriving craft beer culture with microbreweries located throughout the state.

Arkansas’ 150-year-old wine industry

While the production of sake and vodka are new to Arkansas, wine is not.

Wine grapes have been growing in the Arkansas river valley since the 1870s, when Europeans settled there. The regional climate proved to be ideal for growing a variety of grapes including Niagara, Enchantment and Muscadine.

Some of the families that started the industry in Arkansas 150 years ago are still making wine generations later.

Farm-to-table

While our distilleries and wineries are using homegrown crops in making products, so, too, are Arkansas’ chefs. They are sourcing meat, produce and grains that are grown in The Natural State to feed their patrons.

In many Arkansas-owned restaurants all over the state, chefs are using locally sourced eggs to make breakfast, farm-fresh vegetables for the salad at lunch, and Arkansas ranch-raised beef and poultry for the evening full-course meal.

Arkansas feeds the world with our abundant crop production featuring rice, soybeans, and corn, and satisfies the discriminating taste buds of wine and spirits connoisseurs.

Come to Arkansas to see, swirl, smell, sip and savor our state’s unique products and enjoy our thriving agritourism industry.

To plan your next agritourism trip, visit https://www.arkansas.com/articles/9-farm-table-experiences-arkansas.

2024-01-31T04:01:00

(BPT) – During the pandemic, little Kennedy and her family practically lived in their backyard all day, every day. Together with her three brothers and her parents, Kennedy loved to engage in active play outdoors, like jumping on their trampoline — even putting up with the nuisance of pervasive sticker burrs throughout the lawn so she could stay outside.

Being at home meant even more to Kennedy and her family since she was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 3. While her medications and treatment sometimes prevent her from enjoying the active play she loves so much, now 6-year-old Kennedy expressed her heartfelt wish to Make-A-Wish — a total backyard makeover.

“Kennedy is obsessed with unicorns, princesses, rainbows and butterflies,” said her mother, Kendra. “She loves to play outside, jump on the trampoline, and she loves gymnastics and cheerleading!”

Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children like Kennedy with critical illnesses in the U.S. and nearly 50 countries worldwide. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide, the organization delivers hope and joy to children and families when they need it most.

To see Kennedy’s wish granted, Make-A-Wish partnered with Topgolf, a sports entertainment complex that features an inclusive, high-tech golf game that everyone can enjoy. Topgolf has been a national corporate partner with Make-A-Wish since 2016, helping raise more than $4 million to help grant wishes just like Kennedy’s. Year-round, Topgolf donates $1 to Make-A-Wish from the sale of each order of their injectable donut holes, and also hosts an annual fundraising campaign every April. The company also hosts wish celebrations, send-off parties, wish reveals and welcome home parties for wish kids.

Wishes do come true

The plan for Kennedy focused first on a new in-ground trampoline with a turf perimeter and twinkle lights, together with all new sod to replace the lawn full of the pesky stickers that often made outdoor playtime a challenge.

To add extra fun for Kennedy, Topgolf referred Make-A-Wish to SynLawn, which graciously donated one of their Greenmaker putting greens to the project. Make-A-Wish staff helped the Topgolf crew piece together the Greenmaker putting green (and a new set of just-her-size golf clubs from Topgolf) to help set up the backyard space for the amazing wish reveal day.

Because the wish took a while to grant due to distance and vendor availability, Topgolf invited Kennedy and her family for a day of play at Topgolf in The Colony, Texas, while they were waiting for the big day to arrive. The Topgolf team was very eager to help Kennedy and her brothers play hard and have fun.

“Topgolf pulled out all the stops to shower Kennedy with love from the moment they walked through the front door to the time they left,” said Meredith Clements, senior wish manager for Make-A-Wish North Texas.

The big day

To help Kennedy celebrate her big wish reveal day, her parents, her aunt, her cousin, both sets of grandparents and of course Kennedy’s three brothers were there, waiting for Kennedy to get home from school.

As she walked into the backyard, all the people she loves held up the letters of her name and cheered as they took in the sight of the totally transformed play space. She first cut through the Make-A-Wish banner at the entrance to the yard, then gleefully jumped on the new trampoline with her brothers and practiced her putting with her dad, Gunter.

“Finding out your child has cancer is one of the hardest things you could ever hear,” said Gunter. “When I wondered, ‘Why did she wish for a backyard makeover?’ I realized that Kennedy put a lot of thought into her wish. I feel like it’s going to be making up time for what was lost — the times she couldn’t go outside — and now she can do that anytime she wants. She can enjoy walking out of her back door to play golf, jump on the trampoline and do the things she loves.”

If you’d like to help make wishes come true for kids just like Kennedy all over the U.S., visit Wish.org — or you can plan a fun trip to a Topgolf location today to buy an order of donut holes or make a donation. Find a venue near you at Topgolf.com.

2024-01-29T23:01:00

(BPT) – Research reveals a fascinating truth: The anticipation of a vacation can boost your happiness, perhaps even as much as the vacation itself. This is why National Plan for Vacation Day, January 30, is not just a celebration of travel but the joy that comes with planning your perfect getaway. Whether you’re seeking serenity on sun-kissed beaches or cultural immersion and adventures in exotic locales, planning a stay full of memories is an integral part of the overall experience. Here are 5 tips to guide you in planning a vacation in 2024 that turns your travel dreams into a reality.

1. Define your ideal vacation

Start by envisioning what you want from your vacation and stay experience. Is it lounging on a beach with a cocktail in hand, local cultural experiences such as exploring ancient ruins, or indulging in gourmet dining? Let your passions guide your destination choice. For a hassle-free, elevated experience, consider all-inclusive resorts that cater to a variety of ages and interests, ensuring that every day of your stay is as relaxing or as adventurous as you desire.

2. Choose the right resort

The secret to an extraordinary vacation lies in where you stay, as it can make or break any trip. Families might seek resorts with kids’ clubs and activities that can keep little ones engaged and entertained, while couples might prefer quiet pools and intimate dining. Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts, for example, offer family-friendly properties and adult-only retreats with unique experiences that align with your vacation goals, such as cultural immersion programs like mezcal tastings and salsa lessons, to wellness options like yoga and meditation classes.

3. Consider timing and duration

The timing of your vacation is another key aspect to consider. Off-peak travel can provide more tranquility and booking options. Equally important is the length of your stay. Opting for a longer stay allows you to fully embrace a resort’s offerings, from leisurely enjoying extensive amenities and activities to exploring the local culture and surroundings without feeling hurried. But don’t overlook the appeal of a quick getaway to an all-inclusive resort, even in off-peak season. These resorts are adept at helping you get the most out of your hard-earned vacation time, regardless of your length of stay.

4. Seek all-in vacation experiences

Nothing says vacation like a stay that offers everything you desire, and all-inclusive resorts provide just that through a seamless and simplified experience. Hilton’s all-inclusive resorts around the globe combine gorgeous accommodations, gourmet meals, unlimited beverages, and a wide array of activities like water sports and premium entertainment. If taking in all of these experiences isn’t enough, by ensuring you’re signed up for Hilton’s award-winning guest loyalty program, Hilton Honors, you can earn Points for future stays and experiences while going all-in on your current stay.

5. Leave room for spontaneity

While planning is important, flexibility can add a layer of excitement to your vacation. For example, all-inclusive resorts offer a range of activities and excursions available on demand. You could wake up and decide to join a fitness class by the beach, partake in a cooking workshop, or embark on a last-minute snorkeling adventure. This flexibility can add an element of surprise to your vacation, making your stay even more memorable. Additionally, all-inclusive resorts often boast an array of dining venues, each offering distinct international and gourmet experiences. This variety allows you to be spontaneous with your dining choices, deciding on a whim whether to indulge in Italian delicacies one night or savor local seafood the next.

There is a whole calendar ahead of you, beckoning for new discoveries and moments that turn into cherished memories. Remember, where you stay is just as important as the destination, and with these tips as your guide, go ahead, mark your calendar, and start planning your all-inclusive all-extraordinary getaway at Hilton.com.