Quixtar Independent Business Owners help Children Live Better Lives says Jody Victor of IBOAI

“For Independent Business Owners, giving goes beyond the Christmas season.” – Billy Florence

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., December 21, 2006 – In 2005 Americans contributed more than $260.3 billion to philanthropy, 6.1% more than in the previous year, according to the Giving USA Foundation. “Helping people live better lives is something our members, Quixtar Independent Business Owners (IBOs), do year-round,” says Jody Victor of the Independent Business Owners Association International (IBOAI). “Whether through financial support or volunteering, Quixtar IBOs support hundreds of causes worldwide including the S.O.S Children’s Villages, World Vision, GrowersFirst, Power Soccer U.S.A., Habitat for Humanity, Operations Smile, International Aid and many, many more.”
“In addition, through the One by One Campaign for Children, Quixtar is a national sponsor of Easter Seals and joins IBOAI as a national sponsor of the U.S. Dream Academy,” says Billy Florence. “Founded by the Reverend Wintley Phipps, the U.S. Dream Academy is a nationally honored, values-centered after school program empowering at-risk to achieve their dreams.”
“They focus their efforts on stopping the cycle of inter-generational incarceration by focusing on the children of prisoners and those falling behind in school,” adds Jody Victor.
“For more than 23 years IBOs have been actively engaged in supporting Easter Seals and their programs for children and adults with disabilities. Last year IBOs raised more than $650,000 through participation in Easter Seals Walk with Me fundraising walks or by hosting their own fundraising events,” continues Victor. “IBOs also serve on the boards of both Easter Seals and the U.S. Dream Academy.”
“Many of our members have also started their own charitable organizations directing their efforts on improving the lives of children. Khris Nedham an IBO and teacher from Michigan founded Kids 4 Afghan Kids with the goal of re-establishing educational facilities for boys and girls in Afghanistan. In three years they’ve raised enough money to construct a school, an orphanage, a medical clinic, a bakery/kitchen, guest house and a community well,” says Billy Florence.
“IBOAI Board Member, Jim Dornan and his wife Nancy, established the Fernando Foundation in 2002 in honor of family friend Fernando Ruelas. Through the Fernando Foundation’s Ambassador Fund the Dornan’s and others make a difference in some of the neediest communities throughout the world. Thanks to the Ambassador Fund donors, in June 2006 Ambassador High School in Karuna, India opened its doors with an enrollment of 700 students including 100 area orphans,” explains Jody Victor. “This year the Fernando Foundation also began sponsoring the National Power Soccer Championship. Power Soccer provides individuals who use power assisted wheelchairs the opportunity to compete nationally and internationally in an exciting, dynamic new sport.”
“Our members have a tradition of helping others achieve their dreams. Their giving is a natural extension of this tradition,” explains Billy Florence.
To learn more about the Independent Business Owners Association International and how IBOs are helping people live better lives, visit www.iboai.com.

About the IBOAI
“The official Trade Association, IBOAI is dedicated to serving and protecting the interests of Quixtar powered Independent Business Owners (IBOs) throughout North America,” states Jody Victor of IBOAI. Governed by a Board of Directors, the IBOAI:
• Protects the best interests of IBOs and serves as an advocate in IBO issues.
• Promotes and protects the integrity of the Independent Business Ownership Plan.
• Ensures that the business opportunity today is as good or better for future generations.
• Acts as an advisory group to Quixtar Inc. and Quixtar Canada Corp.
The 2006 IBOA Board of Directors Executive Committee includes Greg Duncan, Chairman, Don Wilson, Vice Chairman, Angelo Nardone, Steve Woods, Jim Janz, Terry Felber, Randy Haugen, and Kanti Gala. Governance and Oversight Committee includes Jody Victor and Billy Florence.

Contact Information

Connie Altschwager

Executive Director

IBOAI

Contact via E-mail