SBWire

As an organization that offers support, treatment, and hope through its gambler hotline in NJ, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey works consistently to raise awareness about the risks of problem gambling. Recently, the CCGNJ released information about Mental Health Awareness Month in support of its mission to offer hope to problem gamblers. Mental Health Awareness Month is an initiative by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to break the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and provide support for those struggling with mental illness. The CCGNJ has brought attention to the co-occurrence of mental health issues and gambling

Active duty members of the military and military veterans are a vulnerable portion of the population when it comes to addiction. Their heightened risk includes disordered gambling, an addiction that affects about 2 million adults per year and disproportionately affects those in the military. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, as many as 36,000 active duty service members may currently struggle with problem gambling, and disordered gambling is almost twice as likely to affect veterans than the general population.

For as long as she can remember, even hearkening back to being a toddler, Matawan native Sarah Ross helped her brother Mendy and her mom and dad Aaron and Devorah reach out and help fellow Jews in the area. She has worked for several Jewish leaders engaging in outreach, doing Hebrew School, planning programs and running camps in support of Jewish communities near and far.

Since its inception in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has become an annual tradition that sparks themed parties throughout the country—as well as a flurry of betting. Not limited to the track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, betting on the Kentucky Derby takes place across the country, even as far away as New Jersey, where racetrack betting is legal. This year, gamblers placed $192.6 million in Derby bets, the second-highest amount in the race's history (the highest was in 2015).

Skippy's Dog Walking, new business and community volunteer of Emerald Hills neighborhood, offers services geared to help pet owners in taking care of neighborhood dogs. With most people's lifestyles being hectic most of the time, Skippy's Dog Walking offers their service to help the neighborhood by walking neighborhood dogs for free.

On April 17th, during the travel industry conference ACTE (Association of Corporate Travel Executives), HRS and ECPAT-USA launched a joint campaign to focus on how the travel industry can combat trafficking. ECPAT-USA works in close partnership with the travel and tourism industry to ensure that children are not exploited or used for sex, and to implement the Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct. The Code is an internationally accepted industry-driven corporate social responsibility framework that helps companies in the travel and tourism industry. The Code's six guidelines require companies to put in place policies and programs to protect children from sexual exploitation and trafficking. HRS recently joined The Code, and is committed to using their resources and influence to protect children from exploitation. During the conference HRS announced that for every signed business card collected, HRS would make a $5 donation to ECPAT-USA's work to combat child sex trafficking.

Goody Tickets owner Heather Goodman contributed to the Kansas City Air Show Aviation Expo, held annually to benefit the Mid-America Youth Aviation Association (MAYAA). The August 2015 event featured the United States Navy Blue Angels Jet Team as well as other military and civilian performances. MAYAA's Kansas City aviation professionals and other supporters volunteer to produce the event each year. The Kansas City Aviation Expo and Airshow Facebook page announced May 9 that there will not be a 2016 show.

As the Presidential primaries are coming down to the wire, the US-India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) is hosting its next interactive Presidential Dialogue series with Democratic and Republican Presidential Campaigns to engage and discuss issues important to the Indian American community. USINPAC invites the Indian American community to join the Google Hangout, on Thursday, April 28th, 2016 at 1 pm EST with the Presidential Campaign of Donald J. Trump, represented by key Trump surrogate, Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-CA-50th District).

Earlier this year, The Isabella Santos Foundation, a nonprofit based in Charlotte, NC that raises awareness and funds for neuroblastoma research, announced the date of its upcoming annual 5K/10K and Fun Run. The event will take place on Saturday, September 24th, 2016 at Ballantyne Corporate Park in Charlotte, NC. The Foundation is proud to announce that this fun-filled day of activities and entertainment will be sponsored by MetLife, and that there is still time for local organizations to become sponsors of the race.

Put simply, the term eSports refers to playing video games competitively for money. This kind of gaming competition is on the rise worldwide, and draws millions of fans in each year. As with other forms of competitive game-playing, participating in eSports tournaments is lucrative for a few skilled players. For most others, it is merely a hobby. However, some players can fall too deeply into the allure of virtual gaming, and suffer financial, social or medical consequences. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey would like to acknowledge the parallels between the addictive potential of eSports and disordered gambling associated with traditional casino games as well as Internet gambling sites. The Council offers 24/7 support, treatment and hope to individuals who are suffering from problem gambling.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a national effort by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) to reduce the stigma associated with alcoholism and encourage community members to start conversations about alcohol addiction. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey joins the national conversation this month by drawing attention to the interaction between alcohol addiction and problem gambling. A better understanding of both diseases and the reduction of stigmas around them will help those who struggle with gambling disorders to seek help and support, leading to a higher likelihood of recovery.

Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, recently appeared in an NJ.com video that highlights the popularity of fantasy sports leagues as well as the controversy surrounding them. These leagues, which allow players to bet on the performance of individual sports players throughout the season, have become, for some, a source of livelihood. For others, however, participation in fantasy sports leagues can result in a sports gambling problem, leading some New Jersey lawmakers to propose a statewide ban (including Atlantic City) on fantasy sports leagues.

Broncos' CJ Anderson has a knack for running the ball with precision and power, the same can be said for his bowling skills. Anderson who is known to be one the best bowlers in the NFL will host The Smile Generation Orange & Blue Super Bowling Celebration Party. Professional Bowlers Association star Sean Rash, who is a self-proclaimed die-hard Broncos' fan, will join Anderson in a meet and greet with fans, sign autographs and face-off in a Battle of the Pro-Bowlers challenge.

Laptops for the Homeless Support Initiative today announced their laptops donation facility with Southwark Council is officially open. Anticipating high volumes of disused laptops with the newly planted donation collection box, partnership with the Southwark Council will further their efforts to re-home laptops to the homeless in accommodation services on their way to employment fruition.

Muslim followers are passionate believers in contributing a portion of their wealth to Zakat. Zakat means "to purify," and according to The Qur'an, giving Zakat allows Muslim followers to cleanse and bless their current fortune by contributing a portion of their wealth to the less fortunate members of Islamic society. United Muslim Relief (UMR) is a non-profit, 501c3 organization dedicated to helping poor Muslim communities around the world receive essential, everyday services.

Today Draffles LLC, a company that partners with celebrities to conduct raffles to raise awareness and money for causes the celebrities are passionate about, announced that they will be partnering with comedian and internet star on a project benefiting Maltese Rescue California.

Bottomless Closet is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa S. Norden as its new Executive Director effective March 28. Ms. Norden spent 13 years in increasingly responsible positions at The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), serving most recently as Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff and General Counsel. Under Ms. Norden's leadership, the ASPCA experienced a period of unprecedented growth and attained new levels of national prominence as a leading voice in animal welfare. In her various roles, she managed a $150+ million budget and a staff of 700+, built the in-house legal function, oversaw the creation of an innovative grants program that distributes $15+ million annually across the United States, was a key player in the development of corporate partnerships with Clorox, Subaru, Procter & Gamble, Wal-Mart and The Hartville Pet Insurance Company and coordinated the ASPCA's participation in the long-running, top-rated Animal Planet reality television series Animal Precinct, which acted as the launch pad for the ASPCA's landmark direct response television spots featuring singer Sarah McLachlan.

Goody Tickets President Heather Goodman recently organized a diaper drive for non-profit Happy Bottoms to raise diapers for low-income families in Kansas City. The Happy Bottoms Diaper Bank diaper drive fundraiser concluded in February and more than 1700. diapers were raised by Goodman.

Netcom PaySystem, a well-known provider in the merchant payment service industry, recently unveiled their latest Non –Profit Rebate Program that gives organizations the ability to accept payments at a reduced rate according to their industry specific SIC coding. In addition to saving up to 20% on daily processing fees, Netcom PaySystem will rebate 5% of the monthly residuals back to the non-profit.

The Super Bowl is one of the most highly-anticipated events of the year, and is also its largest betting event. This past Super Bowl weekend, it is estimated that $4.2 billion was wagered (legally and illegally) on the event's outcome. Often, betting on the Super Bowl is socially acceptable and legal, but the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey cautions that for problem gamblers and their loved ones, the Super Bowl can actually have devastating consequences.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The National Council on Problem Gambling takes this time to encourage an open dialogue about problem gambling, recognizing it as a compulsive behavior in need of treatment, not shame or silence. Concurrently, March is also the peak of college basketball season, when millions of bets are placed on the outcome of tournament brackets. For many, "March Madness" is a bit of strategic fun, but for those who struggle with problem gambling, the betting frenzy can lead to devastating financial losses. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey offers support, treatment, and hope for problem gamblers during this time.

Women continue to fall behind men in nearly every category related to finances - from investment practices, to savings, to salaries. Women's Money® Week 2016 (#WMW16) aims to close these gaps by encouraging women and men to raise awareness for important money-related issues impacting women and their families. This fifth annual Women's Money® Week takes place next week, March 7th - 11th, 2016, and coincides with International Women's Day.

For the past eight years, the Isabella Santos Foundation, a non-profit in Charlotte, NC, has held its Annual 5K/10K for Kids Cancer in memory of Isabella Santos, a young girl who battled Neuroblastoma for most of her life. Each year, participation in the event has grown exponentially, raising more money and awareness in service of eliminating childhood cancer once and for all. The Isabella Santos Foundation has just announced the date of its 9th Annual 5K/10K for Kids Cancer, slated to be the biggest event yet.

The Atlanta, GA based organization Rise Up & Care is pleased to announce the awards of expansion grants to six local organizations in the marginalized communities (favelas) of Rio de Janeiro. Rise Up & Care expansion grants allow each organization to further their successful work with young people. All these organizations have been engaged for more than a decade in activities that use performance to inspire youth.

Bradshaw House proudly announces the opening of their new, affordable, not for profit alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility in Halls Gap, Victoria, Australia. This facility features an experienced team offering 12 step based treatment plans, with intensive treatment programs running 28 days. In addition, the facility employs relapse prevention experts to ensure program attendees continue to make progress once the initial treatment phase is complete. Located in the unique surroundings of beautiful Halls Gap, Victoria, the facility helps those who cannot help themselves overcome a powerful addiction.