Rock The Classroom restores music education in underserved public elementary schools in the Los Angeles area.  Professional musicians go into the schools and use music and songwriting to complement and enhance the required literacy curriculum.  At a time when the public schools can’t provide vital musical education and exposure, Rock The Classroom is trying to fill the gap.  Visit:  Rock The Classroom.

The foundation established a fellowship at U.C. Berkeley’s Travers Department of Politcal Science that funds graduate studies in socio-politial issues facing the developing world.  Berkeley graduate students are actively involved with the U.N. and other NGO missions to Africa and Asia.  The fellowship funds work that will help them to impact the growth and quality of life in the poorest parts of the world for years to come.  Visit:  Travers Department of Political Science, U.C. Berkeley.

The New Children’s Museum just opened in San Diego!  While our kids are still too young for some exhibits, and others need some tweaking, the museum is a boon for San Diego families.  Visit:  The New Children’s Museum

Wounded Warrior Project was started by a wounded vet to help other wounded vets.  They teach amputees to ski, play golf, or compete in road races.  Their efforts raise morale, empower wounded veterans, and set our heroes on the road to recovery, mentally and physically.  Visit:  Wounded Warrior Project

Rady Children’s Hospital is the only tertiary pediatric care facility in San Diego.  Where else would you go when you accidentally overdose your child on cold medicine by mistaking milligrams for teaspoons?  Not that we’ve ever done that…  Visit:  Rady Children’s Hospital

Autism Speaks has quickly become one of the largest foundations in the world dedicated to autism.  The organization has a dual focus on funding research and increasing disease awareness.  We’re blessed to have three healthy children and can’t imagine the struggles of the many families who contend with autism.  Visit:  Autism Speaks.

We learned about the Salute Military Golf Association through a CNN story you can view here.  The SMGA provides rehabilitative golf experiences for combat-wounded veterans.  They provide clubs, lessons, and playing opportunities.  Personally, I hate golf.  But, as you can see in the CNN story, their program is helping our wounded heros get active and get on with their lives.  Visit:  Salute Military Golf Association.

We’ve been long time fans and devotees of the San Diego Opera.  If you’ve never been to an opera and think it is all about a fat lady screeching away under a horned helmet, you’re really missing out (well, mostly missing out).  Opera was the TV of it’s time, complete with slapstick comedies and moving dramas.  Beautiful music, cool sets, great costumes, and translations projected above the stage: give it a shot.  Visit:  San Diego Opera.

Just Like My Child targets the medical and education needs of children and women in rural Uganda.  Vivian Glyck’s hands-on approach and community specific targeting have made this organization one of the best we’ve found for helping people in the developing world.  Visit:  Just Like My Child

Operation Gratitude assembles and sends care packages to U.S. troops stationed overseas.  To date they’ve sent an astounding 350,000 care packages to active service members.  Operation Gratitude care packages contain food, toiletries, entertainment items, and personal letters of appreciation.  Visit:  Operation Gratitude