Bright Eyes Foundation

I have had alot of inquiries lately about Bright Eyes Foundation and have people asking who we are and what we are all about.  First of all Bright Eyes Foundation Inc. is a non profit 501 (c) 3  foundation (which means tax write offs for you! Yay!) and we are very  dedicated to improving the lives of families and children.  We have currently been working in Mexico and hope to open up in Guatemala. We have nothing to do with eyes like fixing them etc, in fact the name Bright Eyes came from the idea that when you look into a childs eyes and you see that spark of light, that brightness that you see is ”Bright Eyes”  My dream would be to inspire that back into those who have lost it, or not to let those that still have it ,lose it.

Bright Eyes was founded by myself and my husband. It is ran by us and we have  a few board members. I do not take out a salary or pay anyone. Every dollar that is donated goes directly to the people that need it. WE are not funded by any big company and rely on donations coming in from you.

 A little background on myself, I am an Artist, a busy Mother of 4 wonderful little children, Ages 11, 8, 5 ,4  Married and and have a strong desire and passion to help others in life.  My passion started a few years ago when I finally made up my mind to go on a trip with another foundation to go work in an orphanage in Mexico. From that moment on I literally have been haunted in a good way  and addicted to the feeling you get from helping others. I think that year I went on 8 humanitarian trips after that experience. Having little kids doesn’t stop me, in fact they are working in the villages right along with me. It is such a good opportunity to show them what life is really all about.

Alot of people think or ask if this is a hobby for me. Ummmm No. This is in no way a “hobby” for me. At least I  wouldn’t call risking my life in third world countries a hobby? and if you don’t believe me just find a video or news clip on the Mexican drug cartel and you would understand that no one in their right mind would be down there risking their lives for a “hobby.”

My husband and I love humanitarian work so much now that we prefer to do humanitarian work when we are on vacation. It’s a total different experience, but we almost feel guilty laying on the beach without working now.

Maybe we will outgrow that soon but for now we are following our passion and loving every minute.  I know I am only one person  but I am trying to make a small dent in poverty, and If I can do this with 4 kids,  just think of what you could do alone!

We are always open for donations, as projects don’t get done without them.  It takes money to bring in water purification systems and stoves. Money to feed hungry kids.  Our trips have been scarce lately because of funding but we hope in the future that we can get some coming in to help with our projects. So many things to do and that should be done. I am ashamed at how we let other people live as we sit here in our comfortable homes with every necessity by us. So many people think out of sight out of mind until they go and experience it for themselves. WE ARE SO BLESSED! Share some of your blessings with others and you will be more blessed.

We will be returning soon to the Mayan Villages to bring donations and focus on food storage items for them right now.  If you would like to donate please contact me, as anything will help. We will be buying all food supplies down there in order to support their economy and not deal with customs. We will also be filling up suitcases of whatever we can to bring over to donate , the people are grateful for anything they can have.

We will also be visiting an up and running new orphanage that was opened by a German man recently and we are excited to go and see how we can help with that. I already got to see the layout of the buildings when it was under development and it looked great.

 So many things to do and it seems crisis is hitting all over.   Such devastation, and I become paralyzed when I watch CNN.  I find it  hard to live so far away yet wanting to help so bad.  As of right now  we are donating to a few non profits that are helping in Haiti and also we are collecting blankets that are being taken down frequently. If you would like to donate blankets please drop them off anytime and we will make sure they get over there.

Please don’t forget to reach out and help. There are so many places that need help.

What a wonderful day!!!Today we got to deliver all the presents that we have been collecting for the Bright Eyes Foundation Christmas project to the families. We had such a fun day playing Santa ! We had alot of volunteers and even brought along the kids for this sweet experience. Special thanks to the Cox family for all of your help with driving and packing bags and bags of toys in!

It was so fun for everyone to go in and place the presents under the tree.

Even funner because the parents were not expecting so much! I guess that’s my problem because I always think too big, according to my mother.

Even little Caprese was happy to pitch in! Even though she had a hard time not eating all their Christmas candy!

It was a joyful moment to watch the eyes of both the recipients and the givers

and to know it’s a life changing moment for everyone.

So many families that could use an extra hand this year

and we were so humbled and grateful to be able to provide some Christmas for them. All of these kids were so excited and hyper after seeing a tree full of presents and were searching for their names as fast as we were putting them down.

I felt that we found the perfect families to donate towards this year and they were so appreciative.

We did have some extra donations that we could not use after we filled our lists and so we donated them to The Toy drive for Hispanic Families in Need. Caprese saw this big pile of shoes when we walked in and immediately took off her purple polka- dotted boots and threw them in the pile. What a giver!

They had several rooms full of toys that were organized by age groups

and today  they were letting families come in to pick out a toy, a pair of shoes and a coat.

It’s so nice to see what everyone is doing to help out each other in these times of need. I am so thankful for my friends, my health and  my husband and family for their support. Looking forward to making this a bigger event next year and brightening the eyes of more people!

We had a wrapping party the other night to fill Christmas lists for 33 kids this year. I am so thankful for the Volunteers that came out to help and share this life changing experience with their families. The Hansen Family from Farmington, Dash Cox author and motivational speaker, and Angie Bradshaw. Thank you so much for your time!

We are still picking up more donations today and if you have any to drop off then please do so at my home or Just a Bed of Roses in Farmington, we could still use them. Especially teenage boy presents. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far, we could’nt of done it without you!

 We are going to finish things up this weekend and get presents delivered. There are going to be some very happy families. I got to call the families last night and let them know we were coming and they sounded very grateful and excited….I love this time of year, Giving is what life is all about.

Also remember Donations are at their lowest this year for alot of foundations so if you have any extra presents please go drop them off, I hate to think of kids not waking up to a good Christmas. We need to take care of them, they are such great blessings that God has given to us on this earth.

We have set a deadline for this Thursday to drop off any donations you are planning on giving towards our Christmas project this year. We have 33 kids that we are delivering presents too hopefullly all this weekend. Thank you to all who have donated so far and have made this a success! We are going to have some happy families!

I wanted to write this article about how powerful one persons influence can be. Sometimes even when you think you are not making a difference you are.  I want to share a personal story of someone who has done this for me.

Quite a few years ago before I was a humanitarian I was out shopping with a good friend. We were at Tj Maxx and standing in the check out line. My friend was in front of me and the clerk rung up her purchase and then asked her is she would like to donate towards the charity they were collecting for. Without hesitation my friend instantly said yes! and handed over the money. The look on the clerks face was complete shock and I was behind her thinking….are you crazy? She didn’t have money to be giving away like that. Everytime I had seen a sales clerk ask a customer I would always hear a  response of  no or not today and I probably was accustomed to saying the same thing. I had never heard or actually seen anyone do that before. I was so taken back and so inspired by her act of kindness. I thought…what am I losing to do that? A diet coke for the day? A Starbucks Frappacino?

 To this day every time I am asked to donate it is an automatic YES  from me. Even though I get looks of shock from the cashier and customers behind me look at me like I am crazy, just think of how  maybe I am influencing one person to follow and do the same thing. Thanks Kristie!

There have been a few more people in my life that have changed my world and thinking by showing me their random acts of kindness too that I would like to thank. Josh Brazier with Kaiizen the foundation that works in orphanages had changed my life with the first trip I took with them. Also Enterprise Mentors Guatemala trip who provides micro-credit loans. I will be forever thankful for these people that have showed me the true meaning of life and I hope to set an example for other people  to follow of how unselfish we should all live. There are so many people in life that need a hand up and although I wish I could do it all, I am only one person but I will strive to make a difference and know that if I can Influence one person then my time will be well spent.

I have found myself recently saddened by a few remarks I have received back lately when asking for donations for Christmas for needy families. I get the typical response like “Well, we already have our own project we are doing this year.” Or….” We can’t even take care of ourselves, let alone give to another family. Or….We already give through the church with tithing.  One person who hasn’t caught the spirit of Christmas yet, thought it was rude. I find that more people are filling their minds up with excuses and reasons on why they can’t instead of  remembering what this season is really all about. Jesus and  Good will towards men. I know alot of people might think they are broke but really, do we not know Christmas is coming every year? Same time, same day?

I spent alot of time researching out families that are in great need this season. I get alot of questions of ” Who are the families, Where do they live…Are they from Utah? Are they LDS? Are they Spanish etc. etc. This hurts me deeply to think that stupid things like this are even being a factor in their consideration of donating.  Are we not all made the same, have the same bodies and live in the same world as each other? Do we not all hurt and feel things in the same way? God doesn’t choose and pick so why should we?

I want you to really think outside of your “giving box” this year and inspire you to reach out of it and do more than what you already had planned to do. You may have alot or a little, but just know anything helps. Even if it’s only a $10 gift for someone, it still helps because everyone’s donations add up.  Donate that extra $1-$5 when the clerk asks you too towards charity. Drop food off to a food drive. Don’t think that just because you are helping one cause that you are done because your are not. Christmas is about giving and love and whatever you put out is going to come right back to you. Christmas is not about ourselves, its about helping others and no gift in the world will give you the same feeling.

I always admire the few that step up to the plate to donate what they can. They do it without being asked alot and without wanting public recognition and to me that is the true spirit of donating and someone who catches the vision. They are the ones in life who are truly being blessed and filling their own lives with love and light.

Christmas is 3 weeks away…We could sure use your generosity!!!!

With love and appreciation-Shellie Warren

We have a goal to help around 20-30 families this Christmas season.  Please join us in this project and make someone elses life brighter with us. There are so many people that are in need right now and we will gladly accept donations of new items, toys, clothes, or money to buy stuff and to deliver to these families for you. ANYTHING really helps only if its $5.oo or you can volunteer your time to help wrap and deliver.  Here are the Ages of the kids in the families we are collecting donations for so far. We hope to add more, If you know of any families that are struggling this year that aren’t too far away from Salt Lake City, Utah area then please contact me with the information. Thank you so much for your support!

• 2  year old/Boy
• 12 months boy
• 4 year old/girl
• (2) 4 yr boy
• 5 yr boy
• 3(6yr old/girls
• 7/girl
• 7/boy
• (2) 8 yr old girl
• 2(9yr old/girls
• 10 yr. old girl
• 11 yr old boy
• (1) 12 yr old girl
• 12 yr old boy
• 13 yr old boy
• 1-15 year old girl
• 2(15 year old boy)
• (2) 16 yr old boy
• 16 yr old girl
• 17 year old boy
• 18 year old girl
• (1) 18 yr old boy

May your Christmas be Merry and BRIGHT!!!!

Sincerely, Shellie Warren

Mark your calendars and reserve your tickets now!  This is going to be an event that you don’t want to miss.  Author and public speaker Dash Cox aka “Blue Boy” takes your through an entertaining and heart felt journey of personal bondage, emancipation and freedom and teaches you how  to  realize your own potential and get over your own hardships in life.  Dash has a book out called “Blue Boy” and has helped hundreds of people with his speaking abilities. There will be a live performance, food and music. If you would like more information or to buy tickets go to www.DashCox.com  a portion of the ticket sales will go to help support our Bright Eyes Foundation projects. My husband and I will also be attending/ This is a great event for anyone you know that has had a hard life and needs help to overcome some obstacles. I know a few teenagers that could benefit from this event.

What people are saying????

“Count me in as your number one fan…”-Len Randolph—Ksl Television

“The thoughts he shared have laid a foundation for my life that will forever support and lift me.”-Stephanie Hawkins

“The most important thing that we learned is that a healthy lifestyle makes you happy.”-Lisa Turner

 For early bird discount ticket prices and information about the book and author, visit www.DashCox.com

Just wanted to remind everyone to keep in mind all the local places that need help this Christmas season. Please open your hearts and be on the lookout for some family or someone that you could help. Especially with the economy and high unemployment rates going on, this would be the perfect year to reach out. I can’t imagine a Christmas without giving back, we are so blessed to have what we have and need to help others.

This year Bright Eyes Foundation is going to pick 20-30 low-income families and help them with Christmas. We will be accepting donations of new items only to deliver to the families. If you would like to be a part of this great effort then please email me or drop off your items any time. We did this a few years ago and had great success. The feeling you get is the best Christmas present you will ever receive.

Below is some ideas for giving, the refugee center is in need of the following: household items, school supplies, new quilts.  http://refugee.utah.gov/volunteer/opportunities.html  domestic violence centers, food banks, there is also alot of people in nursing homes that have no families that would love a visit or small gift.