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The Silver "Heart Of Strength" Necklace Benefits Victims Of Domestic Violence

Benefiting Domestic Violence Intervention Services (
DVIS) and National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), the 18" "Heart of Strength" necklace graces the neck with elegance. One side features three unique stones (pink sapphire, pink tourmaline and rose quartz), while the other is inscribed with song lyrics, "My Baby Loves Me Just the Way that I Am", by Martina McBride (spokeswoman for DVIS and NNEDV). A card insert gives the stone's meanings and a message from McBride. Pendant may be worn on silver chain or black rope for a more contemporary look.

Created by Mia & Lizzie, the "Heart of Strength" necklace design was donated to the organization to help victims and their children become survivors of domestic violence. The wearer of the necklace is reminded of their own unique value as a human being.


Pink sapphire is believed to align body mind and spirit

Pink tourmaline is believed to strength body and spirit, heal loss and emotional pain, support confidence and courage

Rose quartz is believed to promote self love, love, beauty, tranquility, offer emotional balance for feelings of a low self esteem, loss, hurt, fear anger



All Proceeds Benefit Domestic Violence Intervention
"Heart Of Strength"
The Mercey Project
What Is The Mercy Project

For the first time ever, 12 of today's top female artists have come together to donate their time and talents to a very special benefit recording entitled THE MERCY PROJECT. Featuring 11 original songs of hope and encouragement, this is a record full of life and the message of God's mercy!

While musically highlighting the diversity of these Christian, pop and country artists, the record is tied together with hopeful themes abounding with life.

All proceeds benefit Mercy Ministries of Amerca, heightening national awareness of the indispensable help the organization offers to girls in need.
Behind the Scene and Behind the Vision

Jeff and Gayla Borders, award-winning Nashville-based songwriters, first learned about Mercy Ministries of America at a Point of Grace concert several years ago. Impressed by the purpose and vision behind the ministry, the husband and wife team were intrigued and awed at God's work through the homes for girls. What they did not know at the time, though, was how God was already planting in their hearts a seed that would connect some of today's top recording artists with the ministry that they whole-heartedly supported.

With songwriting hits such as Point of Grace's "Keep the Candle Burning" and "The Song is Alive," Jeff and Gayla had an overwhelming desire to use the gifts and talents that God had given them to help Mercy Ministries. One day while trying to determine what God wanted her to do with this desire, Gayla birthed the idea of creating an album that would benefit the ministry. "The idea was truly a gift from God," Gayla said. With that call from God, Jeff and Gayla began to actively pray and seek guidance for the direction to be taken next.

They were able to call on friends and colleagues to join together to see the project to fruition. With full underwriting from Gaylord Entertainment's Internet music service, Musicforce.com, the project was created in a manner that would allow 100% of all proceeds to benefit the residents of Mercy Ministries of America.

So, with the vision birthed and the financial needs met, the project began and led to twelve of today's most popular female Christian, Pop, and Country artists joining together to create an album driven by a promise of hope and restoration through Jesus Christ.

As the album began to evolve, eleven original songs (seven of which were co-written by Jeff and Gayla Borders) were produced. "Each song was written and performed to send a message to every girl who is at Mercy now, and those to come, that we truly care about what they are going through and commit to pray for healing and restoration in their lives," Gayla stated.

As the process continued, twelve artists agreed to join in the project including: Michelle Tumes, Point of Grace, Darlene Zschech, Martina McBride, Lisa Bevill, Amy Grant, Erin O'Donnell, Christine Dente, Donna Summer, Jill Phillips, April McLean, and Kim Hill.

When commenting on "The Mercy Project," Australian spokesperson and Executive Director for Mercy Ministries Australia, Darlene Zschech, stated, "I hope these songs breathe life into people, because that's what they were written for."

When hearing each of the songs it is clear and unmistakable that God is using the lyrics of each song to touch people who may have different obstacles that they are facing. This isn't a message of despair or condemnation, but rather a message of praise and hope which only Christ can extend.

Christine Dente's song, "We Cannot Hide It," holds just such a message. In explanation of her song on the album, Dente states, "This song is a prayer that someday I will be the kind of person where my life so overflows with the love of Christ that it is not contained in me- it is something that is so obvious that we cannot hide it."

In response to her song on the Project, "You'll Get Through This," Country star Martina McBride understands and supports the need for a place like Mercy Ministries. "It's always great to have somebody there to help you realize that bad times don't last forever and that with hope and faith in God, you will get through whatever it is you're going through."

One of the most touching moments on the album occurs on Donna Summer's, "Take Heart." A special vocal appearance from some of the children saved through Mercy Ministries offers a reminder of God's love and faithfulness. Whether parented by the birthmother or placed for adoption, these children were given a chance at life.

Each of the songs and the artists that perform them are driven by the desire to help more girls who are lost and need a place of hope. This album was produced to see that God's vision and purpose for this ministry is fulfilled and with each album sold, there is more room for God's healing to begin.

Point of Grace's Denise Jones recently said, "People are going to hear this project and know that this is a project of hope. . . it's the story of where God has brought us all."

Songs of eternity, love, encouragement, brokenness and healing -- that's what "The Mercy Project" is -- it's truth and reality combined to help girls at Mercy and people everywhere understand the magnitude of God's love and forgiveness when we turn to Him.
You'll Get Through This
Preformed By Martina McBride


Pull the shades down on the sun
Don't wanna see the morning
Break to another day
I don't have the strength to face

Close the door and keep it shut
Lord this ache is just too much
For me to take
How do I begin to pray
My way back to
Some kind of peace of mind
But then I hear love whispering
Through the darkest of times

chorus:
You'll get through this
You'll break new ground
When your lost within your weakness
Hope is waiting to be found
You'll get through this
No matter what it takes
I believe in you for heaven's sake
You'll get through this

When doubt starts tearing at
The faith deep in you
Don't be afraid
Just remember what I said
Nothing formed against you will succeed
As long as your heart's turned toward me


Repeat chorus
Click To Hear A Clip Of You'll Get Through This - Using Real Audio
Click To Hear A Different Clip From You'll Get Through This - Also Using Real Audio
Click To See A Video On Behind The Scenes Of The Mercey Project - Real Media 56K Modem
Click To See A Video On Behind The Scenes Of The Mercey Project - Real Media Cable/DSL
For Information On Mercy Ministries Click Here
For More Information On The Mercy Project Click Here
Martina's Cause's
FOR THE KIDS: Stars pour out their hearts to help Down syndrome children

 
Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride and Sara Evans have made a few special new friends for a wonderful cause. Those stars, and a host of others, can be seen alongside children and adults affected by Down syndrome on the second annual "Down Home Country" calendar.

"It was a true privilege to be involved," says Sara, who posed with

4-year-old Brian. "Children like Brian are gifts from God."

Martina, too, was taken with her new buddy, 2-year-old Andrew Swanson. "We had a great time shooting with Andrew," she says. "He's a very special little guy."

Proceeds from the calendar benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee's support and educational services. Down syndrome is a genetic condition that affects 350,000 Americans, usually causing mild to moderate mental retardation or other developmental problems.

Calendar co-coordinator Tina Swanson, Andrew's mother, says the country connection is a perfect fit. "Most children with Down syndrome love music, and love to dance," she says. "Every shoot was an enjoyable experience -- and we were so impressed with each artist's willingness to participate in this project."

But according to Sara, getting involved with the cause is its own reward. "To me," she declares, "any contribution I can make to support such wonderful individuals is a blessing."



You Can order the Calander by calling the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee at (615) 386-9002 or by visiting their website.
http://www.dsamt.org

Published on: March 15, 2002 in County Weekly Magazine
Down Syndrome Children
Martina McBride Makes A Difference For Nashville Family Shelter - LAUNCH Yahoo!, October 10, 2002

As this year's national spokesperson for Make A Difference Day, Martina McBride is rolling up her sleeves and getting started a little early. While Make A Difference Day takes place October 26, McBride is already encouraging Americans to volunteer in their local communities.

For her part, the singer has chosen to help out Safe Haven, a Nashville shelter for homeless families. McBride hopes that citizens both inside and outside Nashville will donate children's clothing, diapers, household items, formula, and school supplies to the shelter, located in downtown Nashville.

As a celebrity, McBride is often asked to align herself with various charities. Realizing the great need of people throughout the country, McBride says she loved the idea of Make A Difference Day, and jumped onboard as the spokesperson immediately. "This, in particular, appealed to me because, of course, I've heard about Make A Difference Day for several years and it's just always seemed like such a great idea to me--that you can get everyone together to do something to make a difference. Concentrating it on one day just seems like a really cool idea. I think it's a great learning experience for kids, and just for all of us to focus on that for a day, so that's why I got involved. I think it's a very cool thing."

McBride says her greatest ability to help others comes in conjunction with her musical "gift," she explains. "I really feel like that I was given a gift. Anybody could've gotten this gift. We all have gifts, and it's made my life very fulfilling on every level, so I feel like it's really important to use that gift to do something--to make a difference. There's so many people that have so many needs, and I have this built in thing where I come here and speak in front of all these microphones and all of a sudden, lots of people know about Safe Haven where they didn't know about it yesterday, so it's just really important for me to do that. It feels good."

In addition to raising awareness and donating items to Safe Haven, McBride has also established the Love's The Only House Fund, a building fund to help the shelter's expansion and renovation so they may take in more homeless. Currently, the facility houses five families at a time, but with the much-needed expansion, Safe Haven will offer refuge to 10 families. Cash donations may be made to the shelter at safehaven.org.

-- Margy Holland, Nashville
Makes A Difference Day
In Nashville, country singer Martina McBride and her daughters, ages 4 and 7, donated clothes from their closets and baked and decorated Halloween cookies for a Make A Difference Day party at the Cumberland Science Museum for children residing at Safe Haven, a shelter for homeless families. (http://www.usaweekend.com/)
October 29, 2002 - http://www.opry.com
 
Martina McBride Makes A Difference
RCA recording artist and Make a Difference Day national spokesperson Martina McBride and her family hosted a Halloween party Saturday (Oct. 26) for the families of Safe Haven. The non-profit agency is Nashville’s only 24-hour shelter where homeless families can stay together while moving from homelessness to self-reliance.

Held at Nashville’s Cumberland Science Museum, the children and their families were treated to a pizza supper complete with party costumes, favors and treats. After eating, the children enjoyed many of the various interactive exhibits.

The party concluded a month-long effort by McBride to collect items such as children’s clothing, art and school supplies, baby clothing items and household items for the families served by Safe Haven. She also enlisted the help of several businesses and the entire Nashville community to raise funds and supplies for the shelter.

McBride has established “Love’s the Only House Fund,” a building fund for Safe Haven’s expansion and renovation. Currently five families can live at Safe Haven at one time. Donation information can be found at www.safehaven.org.

Make a Difference Day, founded by Paul Newman and USA Weekend about 11 years ago and held on the fourth Saturday of October, is the nation’s largest annual day of volunteering. McBride introduced special guest Marcia Bullard, president and CEO of USA Weekend, who reminded those in attendance that “when you do something good for someone else, you feel good yourself, and you cause a lot of good things to happen.”
10/08/02 courtesy of  www.martinamcbride.com 

Martina McBride Establishes "Love's The Only House" Fund
Posted on Tuesday, October 8 2002

RCA recording artist and CMA female vocalist nominee, Martina McBride, announced today details of her volunteer project for USA Weekend’s Make A Difference Day held on October 26. As national Spokesperson for the nation’s largest annual day of volunteering (founded by Paul Newman and USA Weekend), Martina McBride is not only encouraging others across the country to take part by giving back to their communities but is also bringing her message home by asking her family, record label, various other music businesses and the entire Nashville community to join her in raising funds and supplies for a local family shelter.

Martina has chosen Safe Haven, a Nashville shelter, as her own personal project for Make A Difference Day. Through out the month of October, she is encouraging the Nashville community to donate children’s clothing, art and school supplies, household items and baby supplies such as diapers, formula and clothing to Safe Haven. Donations can be made daily at Safe Haven from 9:00AM – 5:00PM. They are located at 1234 3rd Ave. South in downtown Nashville. Additional drop off points will be announced soon.

In addition, Martina has established the “Love’s the Only House Fund,” a building fund to help Safe Haven’s expansion and renovation. Information on how to make cash donations to the “Love’s the Only House Fund” or to help Safe Haven’s general operating expenses, can be found online at www.safehaven.org.

“Make a Difference Day really inspires everyone to get involved in their community and reach out to someone who needs it” said Martina. “I’m really proud to be a part of such a worthy cause and to have the opportunity to work with the people at Safe Haven. I love the fact that they are able to keep the families together while helping them get back on their feet. It’s a wonderful place and Nashville is lucky to have them.”

Safe Haven is Nashville’s only 24-hour shelter that helps families move from homelessness to self reliance while keeping the families intact. Martina’s friends at the RCA Label Group, Creative Artists Agency, Country Weekly and Country Music Magazines, the Country Music Association and CMT have already committed to either making donations or collecting items for the shelter. Note: These businesses are not public drop spots.

On Friday, October 25, Martina and her friends will be collecting the donated items from the previously mentioned participating businesses and on Make A Difference Day, Saturday, October 26, Martina and her family will throw a Halloween Party for the children of the shelter and their friends complete with costumes and Halloween goodies.

Make A Difference Day is sponsored by USA WEEKEND and Paul Newman’s Points of Light Foundation. Every year, millions of people participate, helping countless others. It takes place on the fourth Saturday of October each year. Teams or individuals are urged to register their projects online and USA Weekend and the Points of Light Foundation award $10,000 each to ten selected projects. In addition, the Gannett Foundation awards another $10,000 to one former national honoree that goes beyond past achievements. Descriptions of the projects and entry forms must be postmarked by November 15th. For more information on "Make A Difference Day," log on to www.makeadifferenceday.com  or call 1-800-416-3824.
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http://www.dvis.org/HOS.html
Chlid Help USA
A Fund-raiser for Childhelp USA: A national organization working with neglected and abused kids.
The event is Celebrity Monopoly and it will happen at 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at the downtown Hilton Suites, Nashville. You can have dinner and play Monopoly with Cheryl herself or Martina McBride or Pam Tillis or Jamie O'Neal or Titans chief Jeff Diamond or Titans receiver Derrick Mason or another celeb. Gov. Phil Bredesen will do a drive-by and the honorary chair is Karen Frist, wife of Sen. Bill Frist. It's all for a mere $175 and you can sign up by e-mailing monopolytournament@hotmail.com. Or you can call 424-1407.
You don't have to dress fancy. Just wear jeans and relax and have fun.
(http://www.tennessean.com/celebrities/index.shtml, Article written by Brad Schmitt)

At the Childhelp USA fund-raiser a last-minute no-show went to great lengths to make it up to the charity. Martina McBride, who had a scheduling conflict, offered for auction a dinner/Monopoly game at her house — with her friends Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. (That went for the bargain price of $7,950.)