You can help the Elderly and others year round by donating an item such as warm blankets, socks, hygiene items, gift cards (so we can purchase items for them) or food & restaurant cards for homeless or hungry. There are so many in need at this time of year and we strive to deliver smiles and hugs along with a needed item to those who are often forgotten. Please open your heart to someone's grandparent, mom or dad or a family struggling to take care of an injured soldier or family member with a debilitating illness.
There are thousands of people who are caring for someone with an illness, injury or disability. This is a full time 24/7 stressful job that can wear down the Caregiver over time. Help us make the holidays a little brighter by donating a gift certificate for a Salon, Spa, Movie, Retreat, Shopping, Gardening, Scrapbooking, Golf, or general gift cards that can be used to purchase a new soothing CD to listen to, a book to enjoy, or other items to help the Caregiver de-stress.
You can never understand it unless you have spent time in their shoes. You can donate online on our "You Can Help" page...Blessings!
All Rights Reserved 2011 The Altruism Foundation
Site Design by Sheila T Photography & Design
I have always known that I had a greater calling. I have always known that I wanted to do more with the talents and blessings I had been given. I wasn't quite sure how or when I would use them or what they would involve, but I knew I enjoyed helping people. I had often stood up for the underdog, sometimes at a price, but never compromising my values or morals.
In 2007, I had become aware that my mother in law, recently widowed, was behaving oddly. We had always had a special bond and I was concerned that she was now alone and deeply depressed. She was often frightened and called us repeatedly at night because she couldn't get her TV to change channels or to power it on. A simple task but one she could not seem to do anymore. She would call me at work in a panic that people were coming to collect money from her and she was scared. I began dating her son at age 16 and although I was young, she was always the one in his family who had welcomed me with open arms, never judged me, encouraged & helped me beyond expectation. Her only son & I married in 1980 and will celebrate 31 years together in August 2011. We have 3 fabulous kids! My mom in law, Violet, and I had been very close for all those years and I will treasure our relationship for the rest of my life. We had many discussions about many things over the years that will remain with me in confidence. Her husband passed away in 2005 from complications of Alzheimer's Disease at age 89. She did much better than I expected her to do on her own after having been married for over 50 years but months before I left my job, it was obvious that something was not right. She was tested at the USF Byrd Clinic and diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. This started her downward spiral at age 80 and my journey through self-reflection. Being out of work at the time (temporarily, I thought) and having only one child left at home, I thought that it would be best to move her in with us to help take care of her. I knew very little about Alzheimer's Disease but having cared for hundreds of children as a PreSchool Owner/Teacher for almost 15 years, I thought I could handle the challenge. With as many friends, family & church member friends that she had, I felt surely that everyone would pitch in to help. I was very wrong about that and she and I began an isolated, frustrating and exhausting journey together. Having been a primary caregiver for someone with dementia around the clock took a toll on me mentally and physically. If you have never dealt with a dementia patient 24/7, you can't imagine what the challenges are. As a woman who had dealt with many things in my life and overcame the adversities, I felt I could tackle and defeat the problem head on. I hugely underestimated them, however! I could write a book on our everyday life but for the purposes of getting to the point, I will be brief and try to give you perspective on the reason that my journey led me to the creation of this Foundation.
As I was isolated and confined to the four walls of my house with her, I began reaching out to others in my situation through social media, commenting, consoling, encouraging, relating to them as they were the only ones who TRULY understood life in my world. I began to see how they were struggling and understood their "end of the rope" days SO well. As a full time family caregiver, the thing you crave the MOST is time for yourself. You grieve the loss of "your" life but accept the conditions for what they are. Your days are bleak knowing that tomorrow will present the same or more difficult challenges and that you cannot "fix" the problem.
As I researched the disease itself regularly, I found that there were several organizations offering assistance with those suffering WITH the disease, but very little help or support for those CARING for THEM. As I considered the many types of family caregivers (military spouses, parents of children with disabilities, and those caring for elderly dementia loved ones) I knew I wanted to offer the CAREGIVER some type of appreciation, HOPE and acknowledgement for their thankless jobs. As a corporate employee, I often observed those who went 'above & beyond" being ignored or taken for granted after going the extra mile. As a caregiver, you often feel that you are invisible, despite giving your all. In my former job, I had tried to implement an "employee recognition" program to boost morale and felt I could implement this concept for Caregivers so that they would feel that "someone out there" noticed & respected the labor of love they were providing. With all the sacrifice that the Caregiver makes on behalf of those they care for, I wanted to be able to do something nice for them to help them get through their journey.
I strongly believe that each of us has a purpose and that ALL of us can make a difference to someone. A favorite quote of mine is this: "“What I do, you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do. The needs are great, and none of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.”" ~Mother Teresa.
My greatest regret is that it took me SO long to start making a difference in a much more meaningful way. It is my hope & desire that I will spend the remainder of my life making life better for others. My efforts will be here at home where many fellow Americans and children in our own country, cities and communities are doing without, living in abusive and neglectful situations, especially the elderly who have earned the right to be treated with dignity and compassion. There are those who fall ill and need support, those living in grief and despair. The homeless, down on their luck, may not be the man on the street corner anymore, but the young person out there couch hopping and sleeping wherever they can; the middle aged person after years of dedicated service to a job or company, now suddenly finding themselves out of work, unemployable and unable to pay for their homes and buy food for their family. It is the result of years of our own greed and loss of values that our grandparents guarded so passionately. I may not be able to change the world, but I will do my best to change lives, even if it is an ever so simple gesture for someone who crosses my path. An act of kindness is never too small. I want my heartprints to be left behind in the memories of those I encounter along MY journey. :) God Bless. :)
What we have done for ourselves in the world dies with us, what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. ~ Albert Pike “
Founder Sheila Tramontana
The Altruism Foundation was established as a registered Florida non profit organization on
7-7-11. Application for 501(c) 3 status is pending.
Sheila Tramontana
Founder/Director
Having experienced caregiving for a family member with Alzheimer's Disease first hand, I felt the need to honor and help those in my shoes. Although my altruistic nature inspires me to help people in all situations, the work of the Caregiver is close to my heart. Until and unless you have been a caregiver, you don't really understand the emotional rollercoaster or the effort it takes to provide this selfless act. Putting yourself and your life on the back burner to care for someone who is dependent on you takes great courage. For those whose wings are hidden, the nurses, assisted living caregivers, and family members who face this battle everyday, my Foundation focuses on you. If I can lighten your load just a little for just a little while, I will have made your day a little brighter. God Bless you for everything that you do, day in and day out.
Cathi Schmidt
Director
January 9, 2007 was the worst day of my life. My beautiful daughter Krista, who had just turned 14 years old died at the scene of a car accident she was involved in not far from our home. Krista was a vivacious young woman who loved school and couldn't wait to go off to college to study veterinary medicine. She loved animals, fishing, cheerleading, and people. A wise old soul at her age, who always saw her cup half FULL, she left us too soon with many of her dreams yet to be realized. Because of her passion for education, I was inspired to hold an event to raise money for college scholarships for deserving students in her memory. In 2008, we raised over $13,000 which was awarded to two young Pasco county women. Each student who enters college with funds we have helped to provide will take a little piece of Krista with them and her legacy will be fulfilled. Education for young people is very dear to me and I want to help as many students as I can to see their dreams fulfilled. They are our future leaders.
Inspired by the desire to make a difference for others because of our own personal journeys, we will do our best
The Altruism Foundation's purpose is to let others know there is HOPE ...there is LIGHT at the end of the tunnel...that GOOD really does exist...that people do CARE ...that they are NOT ALONE ...that others do UNDERSTAND ...that someone else has WALKED in their shoes...that TOGETHER we can HELP each other and be so strong that nothing can stop us from MAKING a DIFFERENCE in the world. Do you want to be a part of Team TAF? Do you know someone who is struggling? Ever wished that you could do something about an issue you are passionate about? Are you a business owner that struggled somewhere along your journey and now wants to support and help someone in the valley of their life? Send us a message.
A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement. She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “"Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”" The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, "“Well, I made a difference to that one!"” ~excerpt from the Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley
CAREGIVERS ~ Being the caregiver for another person is a total act of selflessness and sacrifice. We understand what its like to grieve your own life, to have to find the inner strength to carry on everyday and to need a little attention for yourself. Caregivers are the quiet unsung heroes of everyday life that we want to appreciate and recognize by taking care of THEM, even if for short bursts of time. Do you know a Caregiver who needs encouragement and could use some "me" time?
JUST BECAUSE ~ There are many people experiencing hardships right here in towns in the USA everyday for many different reasons. There doesn't have to be a "category" or specific hardship that they fall under to tell us about their needs. One person or one family at a time, we will try to help lessen their burden.
EDUCATION ~ We feel strongly that the leaders of our free country are being educated today. Some are struggling with personal burdens while trying to continue their educations, some are just starting out and overwhelmed with financial burden. We want to help them focus on their education and make that load a little lighter.
STARFISH THROWERS ~ Do you know someone who has made a difference for someone else and should be recognized?
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO COULD BE A PART OF OUR PROGRAMS? Send us a message with as much information as you can provide.
PAYING FORWARD ~ If you were a recipient of one of our programs, we hope you will pay it forward. No act of kindness is EVER too small!
The Altruism Foundation is founded on the basis that when you give, you should expect nothing in return. The heart bursts with joy and fulfillment in a way that only giving to others can provide. Life's journey isn't about how much money you earn, if you don't share it; or how talented you are, if you don't use it; or how educated you are if you don't teach someone else to look inward and find their potential. Our Vision is to use our life experiences to make a difference for others who may feel they are in the Valley of their life and can't figure out how to reach the Mountaintop. Want to help? Visit our YOU CAN HELP page and take a look at our "WISH LIST"
Obviously, the easiest thing to mail to us and for us to house are gift cards & certificates that we can use to purchase items for recipients when needed or send to them to purchase items. An example would be a family whose home may have burnt and they are in need of clothing in various sizes for the children. Sometimes we want to send a gift of dinner and a movie or a day of pampering for a stressed out caregiver. Perhaps a box of gardening items and a CD of easy listening music to help de-stress after a long week with a loved one who is ill. We do our best to customize our gifts to be the most useful for the recipient. The items below are always welcome! Please try to be sure that all certificates do not have expiration dates.
Sweetheart Dance
Location and Details to be announced soon!
Spring Garden & Art in the Park Expo
April 21, 2012 ~11am - 3pm
Nestled under the trees at Lutz Nature Park, garden artists and local businesses will showcase everything for your garden! Get your hummingbird and butterfly plants, and easy maintenance perennials. Stroll through the park and check out local nature artists and those with "green" products.
If you are a vendor that would like to attend, please contact Sheila at 813-363-7672 for a booth space. Spaces are $20.00
Keep checking back for updates!
Vendor.pdf
Buy Now
Elderly
We are in need of small lap blankets, warm socks (footies), light sweaters, and shawls. We will be delivering these items year round. If you prefer, you may send gift cards from Walmart, or Target or Visa cards where these items could be purchased. Residents in assisted living facilities, memory care units, nursing homes and extended care rehab hospitals are always grateful for small blessings. A smile and a hug is delivered with each item. :)
Punkin Chunkin Cornhole & Fall Fest
September 22, 2012
CornholeReg.pdf
Krista Marie Sellars Foundation Golf Tournament
October 18, 2012
We will support Krista's tournament and encourage all of you to visit her official website and sign up!
www.kristamariesellarsfoundation.org
National Alzheimer's Awareness Month
Purple Tie for Vi Dance~ November 3 , 2012
In honor of Violet, a family member suffering with Alzheimer's Disease, we will have a "black tie affair" with a PURPLE color scheme. Please wear your favorite PURPLE tie or dress and join us for an evening of dinner and dance. God willing, Violet will be our special guest and will kick off the evening by dancing with everyone which she still so loves to do. Having met her husband of over 50 years, a Navy officer at a dance, they danced together until he was in the final stages of his Alzheimer's Disease and was no longer able to do so. Violet still enjoys dancing at the memory care center where she now resides with her new friends. More details to come.
Alzheimer Memory Walk~Veteran's Memorial Park, Lutz November 11, 2012
Join Us as we walk the Veterans Memorial Park in Lutz wearing PURPLE to create awareness for those who suffer from Alzheiimer's Disease. FREE
Homeless & Hungry
There are many each winter who are cold, hungry and homeless. You can help us help them by donating food gift cards (McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, etc) and by donating so that we may purchase used jackets, blankets, comfort items that will help them endure the extreme cold. If you have a warm place to lay our head, be thankful and know that even $5 can feed someone on the streets. By sending gift cards, you can know that they will truly be using them for food or a warm cup of coffee.
Charity Expo ~ December 8, 2012
Local area Non profits and Vendors
Keep checking back as we add new charities!
We are in need of small lap blankets, warm socks (footies), light sweaters, and shawls. We will be delivering these items year round. If you prefer, you may send gift cards from Walmart, or Target or Visa cards where these items could be purchased. Residents in assisted living facilities, memory care units, nursing homes and extended care rehab hospitals are always grateful for small blessings. A smile and a hug is delivered with each item.
Donations for College Scholarships
Each year, we award college scholarships in memory of Krista Marie Sellars and James David Birk. We award as many scholarships as we can based on the number of monetary donations received.
Caregivers
Continually, we seek out full time caregivers who are caring for a family member or loved one. Donations of gift cards or certificates for "pampering" or "hobby time" is always appreciated. (spa, salon, day/weekend retreats, scrapbooking stores, fishing charters, outdoor adventures, movie tickets, restaurants)
FRIENDS at HOME
Financial times are hard for everyone and you may not be able to help financially, but there are alot of ways YOU can help and inspire others too!
BUSINESSES
Are you a Socially Responsible and Altruistic Business that wants to Sponsor someone or make a Donation to help us provide care for others? Here are some ideas and suggestions.
Most people don't want to share their misfortune and problems with others. Those are the people we want to know about! Do you know a family experiencing difficulties above the norm, or a person without hope who is struggling silently? Are you a Caregiver with no help, a single mom without work, a parent grieving the loss of a child? Send us a message with your story or to refer someone to us. Please be specific about their needs, why you feel they need assistance, what type of support you feel would be the most beneficial and how we can reach them.
Donate
Altruistic: (al-tru-iz-tik) Unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others
We Thank you!!!
2011 Donors
Cahills of Tampa
OurtownFLA.com
Elite Choice Fitness
Bricol Sports Auction
Team USA 674/Brad Kendell Paralympian
Scraporium of Lutz
The LOLA News/Julie Rinaldi
Sheila T Photography & Design
Gulf to Bay Sportfishing Charters
Blessings Unlimited/Stephanie Dawson
Twisted Mind Rusty Metal
Saltwater Addiction Charters
Hot Rods BBQ & Grill
Golfsmith~ Lutz
PO Box 1967
Lutz, FL 33548
USA
Phone ~ 813.363.7672
Email ~ give2taf_gmail.com
TEAM TAF!
Director ~ Sheila Tramontana
Director ~ Cathi Schmidt
Find us Everywhere!
Facebook/TheAltruismFoundation
Twitter_AltruismFoundat
Linked In/Sheila Tramontana
coming soon
Altruistic Blog
You Tube
Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. ~John Wesley
The capacity to care is the thing that gives life its deepest meaning and significance.
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find security and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
You will find, as you look back upon your life, that the moments that stand out are the moments when you have done things for others.
~Henry Drummond
The greatest gift is
a portion of thyself
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
The love we give away is the only love we keep. ~Elbert Hubbard
There are those who give with Joy and that Joy is their Reward.
