Richard Maize: Our Foundation is Supporting Red Cross, Victims in Japan

Richard Maize: Our Foundation is Supporting Red Cross, Victims in Japan

Los Angeles --- March 22, 2011 ....... On Friday March 11, 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit Japan. This has triggered 4 metre waves in Japan and tsunami warnings across the Pacific coastline. Thousands of people are reported dead, and many more are injured or missing. The earthquake has caused fires and severe damage to buildings, leaving millions of households without electricity.

"The Japanese Red Cross has deployed medical tents and over 80 medical teams to the affected area," said Richard Maize. "Volunteers are on the ground providing first aid and search and rescue operations. The Red Cross has started Restoring Family Links activities and emergency relief planning is underway."

Maize continues: "The Red Cross says that in many respects, the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan’s northeast is rapidly becoming a disaster associated with the elderly. The three evacuation centers in the shattered town of Otsuchi are filled with the old and ill. Many are too tired or too sick to do little but lie on mattresses on the floor, swathed in blankets. The weather is taking a heavy toll on the health of the survivors in evacuation centers, many of whom are elderly. Japanese Red Cross Society doctors say there has been an increase in cases of influenza and some diarrheal diseases."

Richard Maize concludes: "If there was ever a time to donate to the American Red Cross - that time is now. The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation today made a financial contribution which we pray will comfort many children and the elderly in Japan."

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the community and worldwide by supporting meaningful programs focusing on art, culture, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives.

Richard Maize, a respected leader in the mortgage banking real estate industry, and a mentor to young entrepreneurs, has generously supported organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, USO, Haiti earthquake relief efforts, Israel Flying Aid, Maccabiah Jewish Olympic Games and the Cedars Sinai Board of Governors.

Richard Maize and his wife, Rochelle Maize, are longtime benefactors of many other non-profit organizations and Richard Maize has been recognized for his efforts on behalf of more than a dozen charitable groups and community projects.

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation supports an extraordinary number of foundations, organizations, and non-profit groups.

Richard Maize: Maize Foundation is Proud to Save, Comfort Animals In Need

Los Angeles --- February 27 ..... When Richard Maize is not helping the homeless in LA, he can be seen assembling beds for stray dogs and cats at the Los Angeles Animal Shelter.

"My wife Rochelle and I are proud to have donated69 beds to stray dogs and cats which are awaiting caring homes," says Maize. 

"We trust that our action here will serve as an inspiration to many others in helping these loyal, four legged friends of ours who are responsible for protecting our homes and making sure that they are clean of mice, snakes and crawling insects." 

"Thousands of dogs in animal shelters across the country sleep on cold, wet, concrete floors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Cats in cages have little alternatives to sleeping in their litter pans," says Maize.

"We contacted Kuranda USA, a small manufacturing company established in 1987 and based in Annapolis, Maryland. They provide "Chewproof" designs for kennels, shelters and chewing puppies. These beds are soft, off the floor providing comfort for years. They are easy to clean and deodorize."

Maize states: "These beautiful dogs and cats provide us and our children with unconditional love. The least we can do is make sure that they are safe, comfortable and being cared for in the best and most professional manner." 

There are about 5,000 community animal shelters in the US that are independent; there is no national organization monitoring these shelters. The terms “humane society” and “SPCA” are generic; shelters using those names are not part of the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the United States. 

Currently, no government institution or animal organization is responsible for tabulating national statistics for the animal protection movement. Approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats). 


Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those animals relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control. These are national estimates; the percentage of euthanasia may vary from state to state. 


According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, less than 2 percent of cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners. Most of these were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips.


Twenty-five percent of dogs who enter local shelters are purebred. 


Only 10 percent of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. About 75 percent of owned pets are neutered.


According to Ralston Purina and NCPPSP, the majority of pets are obtained from acquaintances and family members. About 15 to 20 percent of dogs are purchased from breeders, and 10 to 20 percent of cats and dogs are adopted from shelters and rescues. 


More than 20 percent of people who leave dogs in shelters adopted them from a shelter. 


Five out of ten dogs in shelters and seven out of ten cats in shelters are destroyed simply because there is no one to adopt them. 

"This bed for pets thing was not my idea nor was it even on my radar as possible donations for me and my foundation.  A dear friend of mine called me and asked if I would be interested in donating some money to give dogs beds so that they would not have to lay on cold concrete while waiting and hoping for a good home," says Maize.  

"After waiting for 3 weeks after the ordering of the beds, they finally arrived.  My friend and I couldn't wait until we drove up to the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter to see that the caged dogs were in fact on the beds.  Someone else donated blankets to be placed on these beds.  Many of these dogs found the beds in their spacious cages and where happily laying there." 

"Two of the volunteers with tears in their eyes came over to hug me. They told me how grateful they were and what a difference it made to the well being of the dogs during these cold months."     

 

Richard Maize continues: "I have been involved in many charitable acts and all are great.  Up to now, I found giving directly to the needy (i.e. - the homeless) was a very rewarding experience. This was as good or even better in a way then that great experience. These innocent animals that are in critical need of being rescued are at least today living a little better."  

"We thank Lt. Castillo and the LA Animal Shelter for its unselfish work in contributing to our community. In keeping these loving dogs and cats warm, out of the rain and well fed,"  says Richard Maize.

"We remain ready to contribute both our time and efforts again in the future for these beautiful and loving animals."

Richard Maize: Will Fannie Mae Abandon The Mortgage Industry?

Richard Maize: Will Fannie Mae Abandon The Mortgage Industry?

When not addressing real estate and mortgage issues,
Maize helps out the homeless.

Los Angeles --- February 16 ..... Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) whom is commonly referred to as government guaranteed “conforming” loans to the common borrower may be withdrawing from the mortgage business.

"President Obama’s administration feels that it is way too much of a drain of American taxpayer’s money to support this guarantee and continue with huge losses that they have been experiencing especially during the last 4 years," says Richard Maize. 

 "The government sustained about 100 billion dollars and continues to grow by the day.   Fannie Mae (and Freddie Mac (Fannie’s co part)) currently is holding half of 11 trillion dollars worth of outstanding mortgages.  In many states, the conforming (Fannie Mae) is about $729,000 (this varies to the area and also is higher for units up to four)."  

"What will happen to the mortgage market without conforming loans?  Then, how does this affect the housing prices and the overall residential real estate market?," asks Richard Maize.

"The mortgage market will be run by individual investors similar to that of “jumbo loans” (loans over the conforming limit).  The loans will be funded using banks and other institutions and either held by that specific institution (the funds from depositors) or sold by the use of mortgage back securities (bonds).  Overall the cost and interest rates are higher in the “jumbo” arena," says Maize.  

"It is also more difficult to qualify as the government loans had easier underwriting guidelines for these loans (generally speaking).   The government sponsored such loans as “first time homebuyers” programs which even makes the rate and terms much more favorable for the borrower.  Also, that program is easier to qualify on many levels than even the conventional (conforming) market.  Unless the private sector (institutional lenders) picks up the slack and follows the old conforming loans criteria, this can and likely will have another hit for the potential borrower and that of the hurting residential real estate markets."  

Richard Maize adds: "As stated above, the real estate markets in the majority of the country (outside the high end cities in California, New York, Chicago and many of the other major cities in a number of states)  will show signs of additional sluggishness when the buyers will be further diminished by difficult and costly borrowing guidelines.   The high end properties may not feel the same direct effect providing we don’t have a domino effect by the loss of value to the houses that require a loan for about $730,000 or less."  

"Although, the Obama administration plans on removing the government backed loans in a slow methodical manner, I think this will have the market spooked and buyers may wait on the sidelines to see the effect of this action."

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the community and worldwide by supporting meaningful programs focusing on art, culture, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives.

Richard Maize, a respected leader in the mortgage banking real estate industry, and a mentor to young entrepreneurs, has generously supported organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, USO, Haiti earthquake relief efforts, Israel Flying Aid, Maccabiah Jewish Olympic Games and the Cedars Sinai Board of Governors.

Richard Maize and his wife, Rochelle Maize, are longtime benefactors of many other non-profit organizations and Richard Maize has been recognized for his efforts on behalf of more than a dozen charitable groups and community projects.

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation supports an extraordinary number of foundations, organizations, and non-profit groups.


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/01/20/prweb4983344.DTL&ao=2#ixzz1EALOB7IN

Richard Maize: It's Difficult Deciding Where, Who To Donate Charity

Richard Maize: It's Difficult Deciding Where, Who To Donate Charity

Los Angeles --- February 3, 2011 ...... "There are such a wide variety of great organizations in the US to get involved with both in time and money donations," says Richard Maize.  "Not only does a donor feel like they are doing the right thing by donating, there is a special reward and that is a tax deduction that you get from the donations you give.  I am blessed to be able to have a little extra to continue my donations to great causes." 

Maize adds: "A couple of years ago, I stumbled (through my daughters school actually) to a location in East Los Angeles whereby a wonderful organization donates and serves dinners to the homeless 365 days a year.  The meals come from the extra food from the local restaurants that they donate to this cause."

"When I first visited this site where the homeless of LA take refuge, as I reported earlier, I started to talk to these people and learned a little about how they got on the streets.  Many people are afraid of the homeless.  Some of these people are educated and whether it is drugs or just simply bad luck, they all are in similar positions no matter what their origins were." 

Maize continues: "After I left there a couple of years ago, I went to a shopping area in downtown Los Angeles called “The Alley” which sells different items for less than the department stores such as sweat clothes, underwear, socks, shoes etc.  I bought 125 items each time I went to the alley and went back to this corner (often enlisted friends and family members) to give away whatever I happened to have purchased that day." 

"The other day, earlier this week, I spent time with my wife going through all of our clothes in our closets and drawers clearing out all the jackets, sweaters and clothing we have and do not wear very often, if at all.  We filled up 4 large trash bags full of once very expensive articles of clothing.   I found that since this often giving is not an organized charity with a 501 certification, the money spent and articles of clothing previously given are not deductible.  The question is what do I do with these new donations I have?  Do I simply forget about the other worthwhile organizations and give it to the homeless?"  

"On one side, the other groups  are real needy people with open hands and needs while still getting the write off.  The other side is seeing first hand who gets my clothing that I once shopped for and wore at one time or another.  Seeing smiling and very appreciative people accepting these."

"I had to re-think on why I enjoyed helping and giving these and other clothes first hand," says Richard Maize.  "I thought about it and recognized that I always left that special corner where all the homeless in the area eat with a great deal of pride and good feelings.  I guess you know my decision on my recent donations.  Don’t misunderstand my thought process; I love giving and participating to many other organizations and we do.  But, when it comes to giving out clothing and food, it doesn’t get much better in my opinion." 

"OK, my trunk was filled up with these closed trash bags.  However, on this night, I took my elderly parents (in their mid 80s) and my wife (much younger than that) for an early dinner.  I surprised my parents by taking them along with us to this special corner.  We ate at the Grove in Los Angeles so that our drive was limited.  I asked my parents if before we went home, if we can go and hand out some of my old clothes.  They agreed."

 Maize continues: "I opened my trunk and my wife and I were doing the handing out to an orderly crowd one at a time and only taking what each thought they wanted.  Some of my dress slacks and ties were not taken but all the rest were.  I had smiles from all types of people.  From the corner of my eye, I watched my father watching me and how much pride I took by talking with these mostly kind and nice homeless people.  He left with a heavy heart and called me the next day telling me that the evening was great and how touched he was by my enthusiasm and the kindness of the people receiving the help.  He asked to go with me next time.  He wanted to go through his clothing to see if he had something to give."  

"Bless his heart. One last thing, as my wife and I were going through the bags of clothes, we came across a jacket that once belonged to her deceased father.  She said, please Rich, give this to someone special.  I saw a slightly crippled man quiet and when he did speak, he was kind and well spoken.  I went to him and asked him if he wanted to have this jacket.  He tried it on and smiled at me and said, he would be honored." 

"I now made up my mind, that I will go outside my one corner limit for this next week and visit other homeless in the city and try to help at homeless shelters and food stops.  I am not going over the top, just broadening this horizon for me."

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the community and worldwide by supporting meaningful programs focusing on art, culture, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives.


Richard Maize, a respected leader in the mortgage banking real estate industry, and a mentor to young entrepreneurs, has generously supported organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, USO, Haiti earthquake relief efforts, Israel Flying Aid, Maccabiah Jewish Olympic Games and the Cedars Sinai Board of Governors.


Richard Maize and his wife, Rochelle Maize, are longtime benefactors of many other non-profit organizations and Richard Maize has been recognized for his efforts on behalf of more than a dozen charitable groups and community projects.


The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation supports an extraordinary number of foundations, organizations, and non-profit groups.

Richard Maize: How Do I Get Employment, Jobs In Real Estate During A Recession?

Los Angeles ---- January 17, 2011 ..... "This is a difficult time for the US real estate and the mortgage markets," says Richard Maize. "Unemployment is up and your interest is in the real estate or mortgage fields as an employee. How does one get a job and what is the real estate marketing looking for?"

"We are looking at one of the most difficult years in selling real estate and securing a mortgage. Lenders are poised to take back more homes this year than any other since the US housing meltdown began in 2006. About 5 million borrowers are at least two months behind on their mortgages and industry experts say more people will miss payments because of job losses and also loans that exceed the value of the homes they are living in," says Richard Maize.

"The blistering pace of foreclosures this year will top 2010, when a record 1 million homes were lost. One in every 45 US households received a foreclosure filing last year, a record 2.9 million of them. That's up 1.67 percent from 2009. But you still want to work in real estate."

 Maize suggests to differentiate between these two markets.

"Real estate - to come out of the box for the first time to be a residential real estate agent would be an uphill battle (unless of course you have a family or friend base that qualifies you as an exception).  However, you need to look at the marketplace as a whole and think outside the box. Come up with a niche that will not label you as another residential real estate broker," says Richard Maize.  

"Be the guy or woman who can produce REOs (real estate owned by the bank or mortgage holder) directly from the institution that may result in a lower than market acquisition for your client.  Or be an expert on how to buy real estate at the county steps on the day of sale.  Perhaps you are the person with the know how of getting to a defaulter (about to lose their home by way of a foreclosure) prior to sale when there is real equity in their home and both the seller and buyer could benefit.  These are a few ideas that can put you in the minority of this field."  

Maize continues: "There are many other ideas you can explore in the real estate market especially if you have a desire to get good in the commercial arena.  The money and ideas are endless because of the state of the country in both the lack of availability in finance and the dismal condition of the commercial real estate economy.  What an opportunity for the smart and initiative person in this field.  There is always an opportunity during an economic crisis." 

"If a clerical position is what you actually want and you are not the creative self motivator that works on commission yet still wanting to participate in the real estate markets.  You need to find top producers in your area.  You need to have another approach that you show you are beneficial to them as being part of their team.  You need to show by hiring you that in fact you will bring something to the table outside rather than  simply clerical efficiencies."

"One thing is that you can come up with a better and more efficient way to do their business whether it is a new software or a much more organized manner to produce.  Bring something to the table.  You might even bring one of the niche's from above to hand to your new prospective boss and give him the benefit of the working something that you bring that will equate to more money for him or her.  You may get a higher pay because of your initiative." 

Maize addresses the mortgage market.  

"Here is a good way to get through the door of a mortgage company. Call the manager of the company or one of the top producers.  Tell them that you are anxious to work and that you have a solutions for a large producer to be more effecient and secure potential clients (i.e - business managers or realtors) that he may not have access to."  

 

"Going to a company like Bank of America or Wells Fargo for example are a bit more difficult unless you have experience in mortgage management.  With that desire and background, you then have an opportunity to perhaps run a small division in the larger institutions." 

"A mortgage broker is starting to be a rare breed.  The broker in the eyes of many in the US government was partly the cause of the mortgage meltdown.  I understand why the blame is directing it to the brokers, but the banks and institutions in my opinion because of the desire to place money to anyone, created the open desert for the brokers - another day another story."    

"Why go into this field?  However, eventually, this market will evolve into a growing, profitable position. Mortgages are the nucleus to the real estate market.  Better rates, higher demand.  Funds available, higher prices.   My opinion is to look at a small bank that has a desire to create a mortgage division within its four corners.  If you have the experience, you might apply for a managers role.  If you don't have managerial experience, try to get a job behind the scenes and create a position for yourself."

Richard Maize states: "I can write pages and pages for the real estate job seeker to help position them properly to get the job into either one of the positions noted above.  Each person has a different circumstance and qualities to bring to the table so that it is absolutely impossible to help everyone without a question and answer for each situation. I am here for your questions. Join me on my Facebook page for Q and A.  

Richard Maize: US Real Estate Trends For 2011

Maize states: "My opinion for 2011 is that interest rates will increase from its current very low numbers. This factor is a negative for the industry. If we are keeping score we are 0 for 1 as to a positive for 2011 real estate market."

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Richard Maize: Donating to USO Provides Security To US

The negatives (obviously, this is so simplicit to all the factors that are involved in the price and market improvement) are the upcoming increase in the interest rates and the economy in a whole. The positives are consumer confidence and the prices.

Los Angeles  January 10, 2011

http://www.prweb.com/releases/richardmaizerealestate/trendsrichardmaize2011/prweb4953954.htm

Richard Maize, one of America's most respected businessmen and philanthropists, responds to current indicators for the US real estate market for 2011.

"This is a difficult topic to discuss because of the vast variety of types of real estate in the United States i.e. - commercial, residential, industrial - and different areas that are greatly impacted with other parts of the country less affected . A simple answer is too general. I will discuss this in general terms and some of my thoughts as to the direction of the overall real estate marketplace," says Richard Maize.

"Here are a few simplicit factors that have an affect in the US real estate market: interest rates - the lower the rate, the more affordable your real estate is to the buyer (or holder) of property. More than any other asset, real estate ownership will almost always carry a mortgage."

Richard Maize continues: "Lower interest rates also generate money by means of refinancing (both by cash out and lowering payments allowing for more spendable each month because of the lower payments) that activates employment by the banks and lenders and all the acceleratory jobs such as escrow, title, appraisers, etc."

"While looking at the commercial market, the lower the rates the greater the cash flow or net spendable," says Richard Maize. "In the residential marketplace, the lower the rate, the more you can borrow with the same income stream opposed to a less amount at a greater interest rate. After an extended time with these lower rates and the confidence level increases, the lower rate will also increase demand/value of the properties. Interest rates are strongly affected by the fear of inflation. The higher interest rates fight inflation."

Richard Maize states: "My opinion for 2011 is that interest rates will raise from its current very low figures. This factor is a negative for the industry. If we are keeping score we are 0 for 1 as to a positive for 2011 US real estate market."

"The economy - the economy both national and international has a major impact on the real estate market. From the lowest economic level buyers to the most wealthy. The low end we are dealing with basic employment (at an almost all time high unemployment rate in some areas). Without gainfully employed, cannot be in the market for a house (at least unlikely)," says Maize.

"The other issue for those who had a hard time in their own financial crisis, their credit profile is damaged and will take a number of years to repair itself. What that may equate to is no finance on new cars or new home loans. This could help lead to a stalling economic recovery when the other fundamentals have improved," says Richard Maize.    

"Even those that are employed, they could be overqualified for their position for a salary far less than their value because their profession is not hiring or surviving this recession."    

"Low wages is another factor - no buyers for a new home," says Richard Maize. "The higher net worth individuals have also reduced their spending limits for a home which will limit the higher end homes sales. Basic economic equation is supply and demand. Limited demand brings prices down - economy is a negative for real estate sales. There are no real signs in the general economic sectors of a big turn in retail sales or other major economic indices for 2011. We are now 0 for 2."

"Consumer confidence. We have something here that could be a glimmer of hope. In many of the cities of the United States, most real estate owners remember other real estate slow downs and are waiting for the recovery (although in my opinion there are other factors that could cause these optimistic folks a long wait for the pot of gold) and don’t want to miss the lower priced real estate. Now 1 for 3," says Richard Maize.

Richard Maize illustrates a positive.

"Prices - well we have another winner here. The prices have deteriorated enough for some demand either by eager sellers or REOs (property owned by banks and lenders) at reduced prices - even lower than the “now” market price. We are now at 2 for 4."

"I expect to see homes prices continuing to fall this year, if a forecast made by Clear Capital is correct," says Richard Maize.

Maize states that national home prices may experience a 3.7 percent year-over-year drop this year, according to the company’s 2010 home data index market report — an analysis of the top 50 metro areas. While not as severe as the 4.1 percent year-over-year decline recorded in 2010, price declines are expected to continue as unemployment and real estate owned property levels remain high.

"Housing prices will continue to fall but with more consistency than last year. In 2010, federal incentives offered to home buyers threw the housing market into a tailspin, creating periods of extremes in activity. In 2011, ebb and flow of home prices should be more gradual," says Richard Maize.

Maize says that the National Association of Home Builders, the American Home Furnishings Alliance and the International Housewares Association have observed as a new frugality among buyers. It applies to everything from house size, to the cost of furnishings and the features of home appliances. The same consumer caution that brought us the “staycations’ of the previous decade will continue to drive many of 2011’s home-related trends.

“People are still spending, says Richard Maize, “but they are limiting what they are spending on.” In many cases the spending will be on improvements to make home more comfortable, he said. Others will spend only as needed. If an essential appliance breaks, for example, the replacement will likely need to be a high-performer, with greater value in terms of both pricing and function, Maize said. “It’s got to be more for your money.”

"So, lets summarize," adds Maize. "The negatives (obviously, this is so simplicit to all the factors that are involved in the price and market improvement) are the upcoming increase in the interest rates and the economy in a whole. The positives are consumer confidence and the prices. I think the first two negatives outweigh the positives and we have a flat outcome in the upcoming year for real estate."

Richard Maize concludes: "That is also my opinion regarding the commercial real estate world but there are definite buys out there that make sense in today’s climate. One good word about real estate trends for 2011 is that green homes will become increasingly affordable, smart and energy efficient. That we are witnessing a true increase and expansion in eco-friendly homes and this is a step in the right direction for all."

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the community and worldwide by supporting meaningful programs focusing on art, culture, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives.

Richard Maize, a respected leader in the mortgage banking real estate industry, and a mentor to young entrepreneurs, has generously supported organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, USO, Haiti earthquake relief efforts, Israel Flying Aid, Maccabiah Jewish Olympic Games and the Cedars Sinai Board of Governors.

Richard Maize and his wife, Rochelle Maize, are longtime benefactors of many other non-profit organizations and Richard Maize has been recognized for his efforts on behalf of more than a dozen charitable groups and community projects.

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation supports an extraordinary number of foundations, organizations, and non-profit groups.

# # #

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Green Youth Movement Collaborates with West Hollywood Food Coalition to Feed LA Homeless

Contact:                                                                                               

Rochelle Maize

Media Representative

Green Youth Movement

Ph. 310 888-3367

Rochelle@GreenYouthmovement.org

LOCAL LA TEENS TAKE CHARGE TO GREEN OUR COMMUNITY
AND PROMOTE RECYCLING!

 Green Youth Movement Collaborates with

 West Hollywood Food Coalition to feed LA homeless

Nonprofit Greens Los Angeles’s
City Streets To Raise Environmental Awareness

Los Angeles, CA – January 7, 2011 – This Sunday, January 9^th, Los Angeles-based nonprofit, Green Youth Movement (GYM), will promote a different kind of recycling….RE-USING FOOD!  In collaboration with West Hollywood Food Coalition, several members of GYM have arranged to spend the evening working directly with The Food Coalition to help feed the homeless.  

As done in years past, the young members have found this a rewarding experience to be directly involved along with members of the Coalition to provide a hot, nourishing meal to the less fortunate in our community.

The Food Coalition RECYCLES food from all available sources in Los Angeles (hotels, restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, produce markets, caterers, film studios, etc), to provide the homeless with a continuing supply of the highest quality fresh food.  Our youth are committed to the three “R’s” (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and find this an important element in giving back to the community.  The members have decided this is event to be an ongoing tradition. To take this event one green step further, the GYM members will be distributing warm clothing that they have RECYCLED form their own clothing drive.     

Chloe Mills, GYM’s President, has been instrumental in taking GYM to the next level. GYM was founded by LA’s Ally Maize who at 15, had a dream to implement environmental awareness programs in our school system “ I have personally witnessed the power of our youth with greener lifestyle choices.  We need to focus on personal responsibility,” says Maize.   We are now proud to announce the launch of our “Ambassador Program” in 2011.  GYM is reaching out to local schools to promote involvement and invite a representative from each school to become an active GYM member, contributing ideas to GYM on growth and concerns and also relaying a message of Environmental Conscientiousness to the student body encouraging and educating our youth on their ability to make a change. 

Both Ally Maize and Chloe Mills will be attending the event.

About The Green Youth Movement:

The Green Youth Movement (GYM) is comprised of students who are concerned about the environment.  As a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization, founded by Ally Maize at the young age of 15, GYM aims to educate kids and teens about environmental awareness, green living and sustainability.  Collectively, this age group can make a big difference in reducing environmental impacts for a brighter, greener future.  For more information and/or to get involved, please visit www.greenyouthmovement.org.

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*All press inquiries and follow up stories, please contact Rochelle Maize at Rochelle@GreenYouthMovement.org  or 310 888-3367