Fanatical Change Foundation

1st Planning Meeting for Our Next Event

2011-12-12T09:35:00.002-06:00

Hello and Happy Holidays!

We are pleased to announce our next Meet-n-Greet event for The Fanatical Change Foundation. Please join us for the planning of our May 17th 2012 Masquerade Party and upcoming volunteer opportunities.

If you volunteered, donated, or attended Rocktoberfest in October we will be giving out our remaining t-shirts from that event. While supplies last.

WHERE: Panera Bread - San Felipe and Post Oak (1709 San Felipe, Houston, TX 77056)

WHEN: WEDNESDAY January 11th from 6:30p to 8:30p

COST: Gratis!

Fanatical Change is Honored By Omni Houston

2011-12-07T12:29:00.005-06:00

On December 1, 2011 The Fanatical Change Foundation was recognized along with 29 other Houston charities for its service to the local community. Members of Fanatical Change were honored to be included with the charities listed here;

Fanatical Change would like to thank Omni Hotels for the humbling recognition.

Rocktoberfest Delivery of Goods & Services

2011-10-03T09:09:00.003-05:00

Thank you so much for everyone who made Rocktoberfest such a success. More video is coming. Below you will find three of the families that received assistance as a result of all of the money that was raised. Please stay tuned as the finished product is currently being edited.

Robertson Family

Kimberly Ann Blanco-Jones

Porter High School Teens

Are You Ready?

2011-09-29T18:45:00.002-05:00

Are you ready to be a part of something amazing? Are you ready to manufacture miracles. We are. The Selection Committee is currently hard at work finding families to assist. The Program Committee has dotted every I and crossed every T and has only to set up Jones Plaza for what will be a magical evening. The beers will be cold, the food will be great and the entertainment will be electrifying. A guitar signed by every member of The Rolling Stones, an autographed Michael Jackson album, an autographed KISS album will all have new homes and someone will be off to The Grammy Awards, the NBA All Star Game and be a fighter pilot for a day.

All of these wonderful items will be the fuel in the foundries that manufacture miracles. So the question is, what are you doing on Saturday. No matter what it is, it is not cooler than manufacturing miracles. So see you at Jones Plaza on Saturday from 6-11pm.

Go to www.fanaticalchange.org for your discounted tickets now!

Keep The Change!

FCF BOD

Silent Auction Sneak-Peek!

2011-09-19T09:44:00.004-05:00

Your Sneak-Peek! Here’s a sneak-peek at the premium auction items that will be available at Rocktoberfest 2011. The Fanatical Change Foundation has become famous for helping families immediately following a major tragedy, but they’ve also been recognized for having some of fundraisings most incredible and exclusive auctions items. Click here for the event flyer: http://db.tt/eIxNOvY

Premium Collectors Auction Items

The Rolling Stones Autographed Guitar
KISS Autographed Record Album
Pink Floyd Autographed Record Album
The Beatles Autographed (McCartney/Starr/Harrison) Record Album
The Rolling Stones Autographed Record Album
U2 Record Autographed Album
Al Pacino Autographed “Scarface” 11X14 Photo
Justin Bieber Autographed 11X14 Photo
Michael Jackson Autographed 8X10 Photo
Jack Nicklaus Autographed 16X20 Photo
Mickey Mantle Autographed 16X20 Photo
Muhammad Ali Autographed Boxing glove
Madonna Autographed Record Album
Aerosmith Autographed Record Album
AC/DC Autographed Record Album
Bob Dylan Autographed Record Album
The Grateful Dead Autographed Record Album

Premium Experience Auction Items

The Grammy’s - Music’s Biggest Awards Show 2012 in Los Angeles with Bronze Level Tickets, 3-Night Stay and Airfare for (2)

2012 NBA All-Star Game 3-Night Experience in Orlando including Slam Dunk Contest, Three-Point Shootout, In-Arena Hospitality, and Airfare for (2)

Live TV Show Experience in New York City: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, plus 3-Night Stay for (2)

Fighter Pilot For a Day Adventure for (1) with 4-Night Stay and Airfare for (2)

NASCAR Car Racing Experience with 4-Night Stay and Airfare for (2)

Great White Shark Adventure for (1) in San Francisco with 3-Night Stay and Airfare for (2)

Hot Air Balloon Adventure with 2-Night Hotel Stay for (2)

Napa Valley Wine Country Experience Features Chauffeur, Wine Train, Meritage Resort and Spa 3-Night Stay and Airfare for (2)

Can't Wait 3 Weeks For Rocktoberfest? How is Wednesday For You?

2011-09-19T06:29:00.000-05:00

Wednesday September 21st from 5-7pm ARG will be hosting a party at the fabulous Magnolia Hotel in downtown Houston. Please come and get a taste of some of the auction items that will be available at Rocktoberfest.

Rocktoberfest on October 1st 2011!

2011-09-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Click here for print version: http://db.tt/eIxNOvY

The Selection Process Has Begun

2011-09-16T12:23:00.002-05:00

The Selection Committee has begun its process to select recipients for Rocktoberfest. The news will be monitored for stories of tragic events, the families will be contacted to see if assistance is available for them. Then the board of directors will vote on which families will be helped on the night before the event. If you are interested in volunteering for this committee please email jcuevas@fanaticalchange.org

A Special Thanks to Kroger

2011-09-16T11:28:00.005-05:00

The Board of Directors would like to thank Kroger for their continued support of the Fanatical Change Foundation. We received a commitment from Kroger for a $1000 donation that will go to help the beneficiaries of our Rocktoberfest event on October 1. We commend Kroger for their dedication to serving the Houston community, and for extending a helping hand to those in dire need.

Thank You Indy Quest!

2011-08-30T16:20:00.003-05:00

Special thanks to Creston and Holly Inderrieden of Indy Quest. They are not only rising stars in real estate (no really they are, the Houston Area Realtor's Nextgen Realtor Group named them among the 20 Rising Stars Under 40) these fledgling philanthropists have put us $1,000 closer to our goal of $100,000. Thank you so much Creston & Holly. We will see you on the delivery since your donation qualifies you to come along and deliver the goods and services to the families we help. Talk about restoring intimacy! You don't get to watch the video, you get to come on the bus for the delivery and be in the video!!!

We want two or three buses. Any donation of $1,000 or more earns the donor a spot on the bus to deliver the goods and services. Once you experience selfless giving on this scale your life will never be the same. To bring a smile to a woman's face who just lost her child or bring a father whose children are laying in hospital maimed while he morns the death of his wife relief is like nothing else on this earth. It is the only payoff that anyone involved with running Fanatical Change gets since it is a 100% volunteer organization. But this payoff is priceless. That kind of emotional connection with another human being cannot be bought, imitated or forgotten.

Complete Property Services Comes Through Again!

2011-08-30T16:12:00.003-05:00

The Board of Directors would like to thank Glen Dickson of Complete Property Services for his continued support of Fanatical Change. Glen has been at every event since the very beginning. Your loyalty to our cause is extremely appreciated and as a result of your generosity we will be able to deliver a miracle to family in need.

For more information about this amazing company and how they can help you, please click on their logo above.

Thanks Again,

The Fanatical Change Board of Directors

UPS Delivers!

2011-08-24T09:44:00.006-05:00

We are happy to report that UPS has donated $25,000 to Fanatical Change! This donation is sure to have a huge impact for the families that will be helped as a result of Rocktoberfest coming up on October 1st at Jones Plaza. All donations of $1,000 or more or becoming a core volunteer will earn you a spot on the bus for the delivery. This is the most rewarding part of the process. It is incredibleto see the impact of your donations on the website after the delivery, but it is a life changing experience to actually participate. This boost is sure to make Rocktoberfest a success however we are only at 25% of our goal of $100,000 and this will provide assistance to 20 Houston families. We need your help. Get involved. Tell your boss, tell your friends and family, come and volunteer. For information on how to volunteer please send an email to info@fanaticalchange.org

Special Thanks to Kevin Ward at UPS for all of his efforts. You are awesome! After only five months with our organization you have had an amazing, lasting effect. You are very appreciated. Miracles are now possible as a result of your efforts.

Sincerely,

The Fanatical Change Board of Directors

Success!

2011-08-06T13:00:00.005-05:00

The Rocktoberfest Pre-Party was a huge success! The Fanatical Change Board of Directors would like to say thank you to all who attended. A special thanks to The House of Blues for providing such and amazing space, to Sheila Swift and DJ Yogi-G. Good times were had by all and we are on our way to making Rocktoberfest our best event yet.

The new Event Brite portal will be posted shortly. There are only a few more VIG packages left which include Back Stage Passes. These will be made available on a first come first served basis. We look forward to seeing you on October 1st at Jones Plaza but you dont have to wait that long. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer our next meeting is on Tuesday August 9th at 6:30 at the Panera Bread on San Felipe and Post Oak. 1709 Post Oak Blvd Houston, TX 77056. We utilize Speed Volunteering in which there is a set of tasks to be completed and if everyone just picks one task then no one person had to do a lot.

Duality

2011-08-03T17:44:00.006-05:00

There are two types of people in this world; the ones one the inside and the ones on the outside. Are you an insider? Are you one of the over 200 people who have registered thus far?

If so this is where you will be hanging out tomorrow:

If so: you will be the one who will be telling people on Friday what an amazing time you had at the Fanatical Change Rocktoberfest Pre-Party. If you are really an insider you will be discussing it with someone who attended. (hint: bring lots of friends)

Don't get left out. Register at the top of this page. Be an insider. Because if you dont come, when you hear about the party and how great it was (and now that you read this) you will know that you are an outsider.

It is way cooler to be an insider.

See You Tomorrow!

Keep the Change.

Here is some video of our last event so if you were not there you can see not only what you missed but what to expect.

Fanatical Change Presents Rocktoberfest!

2011-07-19T20:48:00.003-05:00

Hello Change Fanatics!
The Fanatical Change Foundation's next event is in full swing! We always want to elevate our events from one to the next and this next event is guaranteed to satisfy. If you remember our last event, Hollywood Halloween, you remember a great party where you were surrounded by Houston's best exotic car collection. At Rocktoberfest, on October 1, 2011 you will be blown away by live bands, live auctions and a huge selection of craft and micro beers.

Our Pre-Party will be held on August 4, 2011 at 6:30pm. This is a thank you to all of our previous guest and a great introduction for all of those who are unfamiliar with our cause. It will be held at The House of Blues' Foundation Room, one of Houston's most exclusive venues. THERE IS NO COST FOR THIS EVENT! You just have to RSVP. You must be on the list or you cannot get in. The only way to get on the list is to RSVP. Please do so at the Event-Brite portal at the top of this page.

We will see you there and remember,

Keep The Change!

Beware of Thieves!

2011-03-02T11:23:00.001-06:00

Have you ever had your house or your car broken into? I have, and it’s a pretty frustrating experience! Well, don’t worry about that with Fanatical Change, we WANT you to steal our ideas and start spreading some change!

Too tired to steal? That’s okay, you can just join us while we plan our next event (a Cinco de Mayo Party) on May 5th. Don't worry, you don't have to do much… just help us decide what will make a great party and we'll execute the rest.

I want to invite you and a GUEST to our next volunteer meeting on Wednesday March 2nd at 6:30PM. Remember, it's so early in the planning process that there's not heavy lifting, just heavy thinking… on ideas for our next event.

WHERE: Panera Bread 709 Post Oak, Houston - (713) 840-0729

WHEN: Wednesday March 2nd 6:30p to 8:30p

The Planning Begins!

2011-01-18T07:51:00.002-06:00

Hello Change Agents!
It is that time again! Time to start planning the next Fanatical Change event! Tonight, January 18, 2011 the Change Agents will gather at Panera Bread on San Felipe and Post Oak in the Galleria area to start planning for the next event. This is your opportunity to get in on the ground floor.

TOO BUSY TO VOLUNTEER?
Don't worry, we know you're busy. That's why we created SPEED VOLUNTEERING. With SPEED VOLUNTEERING we assign only short and simple tasks that have very little or no follow-up required so even our busiest friends can contribute to the change. Send an email to info@fanaticalchange.org for details with "SPEED VOLUNTEERING" in the subject line.

See You Soon!

Keep The Change!

Hollywood Halloween Delivery of Goods & Services

2010-10-30T23:36:00.014-05:00

Hollywood Halloween Recipients

Nicholas, Manuel and Refugio Martinez

The Tragedy:

These three brothers were getting ready for work at 4:30am on October 21, 2010 when they were startled by the sound of glass breaking outside their apartment. Nicholas went outside to see what was going on and surprised a burglar who shot him in the chest and head killing him instantly. When his brothers heard the shots they ran out to come to his rescue. Both suffered injuries and currently Manuel is fighting for his life at Ben Taub Hospital. Unable to work as a result of his injuries Refugio is left to deal with the stress of his ailing brother and the death of another brother. We aim to help him with housing costs, hospital bills and the final expenses of his youngest brother. With the help of the patrons of Hollywood Halloween this has become a reality.

The Fanatical Change:

It was afternoon when we arrived at Refugio's apartment. There was still crime scene tape around his vehicle with a memorial with his picture.

With the money donated to Fanatical Change we were able to allocate $2,000 for Refugio's rent for the next 4 months and provide him with $1,000 in Kroger gift cards for food and gas. Now he can concentrate on recovering from his injuries, burying his brother Nicolas and being by Manuel's side as he continues to fight for his life at Ben Taub Hospital.

Hector, Alexandra and Samantha Suarez

The Tragedy:

A family beach outing turned tragic on Sunday October 3, 2010. Hector Suarez had brought his family to the Texas City Dike for a day of fun in the sun. Instead he watched in horror as his twin girls struggled with the currents. He jumped in to rescue them but was unable to do so. He was hospitalized in critical condition as a result but the fate of his twin daughters was a parents worst nightmare. All of this occurred in front of the couple's eldest daughter, Gloria. To make matters worse as Edith, Hector's wife was visiting him in the hospital the couple's home was burglarized. Days later Hector succumbed to the trauma caused by his near drowning. Hector was the sole bread winner for his family. With the help of the fine and generous people of Houston who attended Hollywood Halloween we were able to bring a little peace to this family who has gone through something that is worse than anyone could imagine.

The Fanatical Change:

It was around 5:30 pm when we arrived at Edith Suarez's home. Her family was gathered around her and there was a large photo of her now departed husband and twin daughters hanging in the living room. Mrs. Suarez is eight months pregnant. She showed a strength that she said was so necessary for her children but under the surface we could see it was extremely hard for her. Thanks to our donors we were able to provide her and her family with $1,500 worth of gift cards to Kroger for food and gas, $1,000 to target for clothes and household needs and $1,500 to Ikea to help replace some of the furniture that was damaged during the burglary of their home. She was at a loss for words and was so thankful and surprised by the good will of her city.

Debbie Wilson

The Tragedy:

On Wednesday October 13, 2010 the sky in the Greenspoint area of Houston was thick with smoke. 37 units of the Driscol Place Apartments went up in a blaze. Debbie Wilson lost everything that she owns in the blaze. She did not have renter's insurance and without our help she was left with nothing.

The Fanatical Change:

We arrived at Debbie Wilson's new apartment at around 4pm. When we entered her apartment it really hit home how much she had lost because it was completely empty. There was no furniture, no decorations but when we left it was full of hope and thanks. As a result of our donor's generosity we provided her with $500 to Kroger so she can restock her refrigerator and pantry, $1,500 to Target for clothes and household items and $3000 to Ikea so she can fill her apartment with furniture. She was so grateful she felt compelled to call again later on in the night just to thank us one last time. She was told by Fanatical Change that her many thanks would be past on to those who made it possible through their kindness.

Theodore Jones

The Tragedy:

On Wednesday October 27, 2010 at 9:15am Theodore (Theo) Jones was waiting for the bus near his home with his seven month old son in his stroller. A car speeding and driving erratically was coming towards him but he did not see the car until it was too late as Theo was legally blind. When he realized that the car was careening toward him and his young son he threw himself in front of the carriage. He was killed instantly. His son suffered a broken arm. He is survived by his wife and two children. His family is unable to afford his funeral expenses. Thanks to the people who came out and donated at Hollywood Halloween a Fanatical Change was possible.

The Fanatical Change:

When Eleanor Jones, the mother of Theodore Jones, came to greet us she seemed as though the weight of the world was on her shoulders. It was heartbreaking to hear her tell the tale of how she actually went to the scene of the accident when it occurred but was unable to see her son due to the horrific injuries he had suffered. She told us how she wailed to the investigating officers to tell her that it was not true, not her baby. She was truly overcome with grief still. She shared with us a song of worship that he had just written for his church. There was not a dry eye as we heard the strain in her voice as she sang her son's song. It was a feeling that can not be described when we could see the relief that came over her when she was informed that she would be able to bury her son and give him a monument fitting to his life and that she would be able to get a head start on taking care of her grandchildren. We provided her with $3,500 toward his final expenses, $500 to Babies "R" Us, $500 to Target and $500 to Kroger. Mrs. Jones was overwhelmed by the generosity that her fellow citizens of showed in her time of need. She was so thankful and full of emotion.

Mohammed Elsayed

The Tragedy:

On October 13,2010 during his usual night shift as a cab driver Mohammed Elsayed was killed by two assailants who robbed him. This father of two children was working hard to put himself through engineering school and made extra money by teaching language and cultural classes to the U.S. Military. He leaves behind his wife Doaa and his two daughters ages two and eight. He was a devoted husband and father and up until now Doaa has been a home maker. Now not only does she have to deal with the loss of her husband but will now have to be the bread winner of the family. Fanatical Change, with the aid of the donors who attended Hollywood Halloween, were able assist in this difficult transition.

The Fanatical Change

When we arrived at Doaa Elsayed's apartment we were greeted by her. She invited us in and we met her children and her sister. She told us about how her husband cared for them. How he took care of everything. She showed us pictures of him. We saw him golfing and swimming in the sea. She told us about how much he loved working with the U.S. military, teaching them about middle eastern culture. She said that he worked so hard. Putting himself through engineering school. He long to be able to provide them with more and worked hard everyday towards that goal. She was over come when we presented her with $1,000 to Kroger and $1,300 towards her rent to aid her in the transition to being the family's bread winner, $1,500 to Ikea so she could have some of the nicer things that he wished to provide her with, a new $600 computer and $600 worth of Rosetta Stone so she could have a better grasp of the English language so she can have better opportunities to provide for her children. She was so thankful. We were all humbled by her strength.

Franco Olascoaga

The Tragedy:

Franco Olascoaga was a generous twenty one year old man. He was a talented soccer player who played for a club team. He spent time volunteering as a soccer coach in Porter, Texas. On September 10, 2010 while coaching his team he was struck by lightning. He fought for his life until October 7 when he succumbed to his injuries. His family was unable to provide a headstone for their beloved son and brother.

The Fanatical Change:

Franco's mother greeted us at the family's Porter, Texas home with Franco's little sister Paula at her side. In the living room was an almost life size poster of Franco in a suit most likely from his senior prom which was not that long ago. His sister had written him a letter on a dry erase board. We told his mother, Aracelia, that we were able to provide her with $1,000 to Kroger to help with gas and groceries since he was no longer around to help with the household bills. Paula and his Franco's little brother Paul received savings bonds in their brother's honor for when it is time for them to go off to college and Franco will now have a fitting monument to commemorate his life. She was overcome with emotion as she held her daughter. We all shed tears as well.

The Fanatical Change Foundation would like to thank everyone who made Hollywood Halloween such a success. Without our donors none of this would be possible. We hope that we can continue to inspire you to be the change you wish to see in the world.

The Selection Process Has Begun!

2010-10-08T08:37:00.004-05:00

Hello Change Agents. The Selection Committee has been lucky to have some great volunteers come together this year. We will coordinate our efforts through our Facebook site. This gives everyone a chance to see how we identify our recipients. The Selection Process begins today so you will begin to see postings of tragic stories and you will be able to track our progress. Please feel free to jump in and help if you feel you can be of any assistance. We are three weeks out.

Do you know what you are going to be for Hollywood Halloween yet?

What Do You Get The Guy That Has Everything?

2010-10-06T09:39:00.005-05:00

A guitar autographed by every member of U2 of course!

Once again The Fanatical Change Foundation will continue our tradition of amazing auction items. The guitar above and the items below are just a few of the items that will be available at the event:

The Perfect gift for your teen (or your husband who likes to keep his fan club membership a secret from his poker buddies)

Or if you secretly desire to be a child of the night this item is for you

These are just some of the amazing items we will have at our event on October 29th from 7-11pm at The Houston Motor Club which is located in the brand new City Centre. Come and hang out with local celebrities and captains of industry in a space shared with exotic cars, drinks by Tito's Vodka, Jack Daniels, Chambord and others. All of the energy spent having a blast will be in the effort to raise money for local Houston families who have just suffered a life altering tragedy.

This Halloween: Party With a Purpose!

Selection Committee Orientation

2010-10-02T13:39:00.004-05:00

Hello Change Agents!

The Selection Committee is going to meet on Thursday October 7th at Panera Bread on Post Oak and San Felipe at 6:30pm. This committee is responsible for finding the potential recipients of the funds raised at our next event, Hollywood Halloween. Duties involve; monitoring local news for stories about tragedies that have happened to local Houston families or individuals. We will go over the type of story to look for, how to track down the people, the correct way to interview them and how to coordinate our efforts. We currently have about eight volunteers but the more we have the less work we have for each volunteer.

We look forward to seeing you then and working with you!

It's Gonna Be Cool

2010-09-23T17:46:00.000-05:00

Hello CHANGE AGENT!

Our Hollywood Halloween Costume Party is going to be cool. We need a little help making this our biggest and best event yet.

Name/Theme: Check! Hollywood Halloween
Venue: Check! Houston Motor Club (Luxury Car Showroom in City Center)
Date: Check! Friday, October 29 7p - 11p
Entertainment: Check! Celebrity Impersonators, DJ, Live Art, Live Auction

Food: ? We need you!
Decorations: ? We need you!
Donations: ? We need you!
Silent Auction: ? We need you!
Other Event Stuff: We need you!

WE NEED YOU!

The best part of volunteering is coming in at the end when most of the grunt work is done so you can add a small contribution that makes a major impact.

Imagine getting dressed up in some crazy outfit or costume and heading to a great event while all the energy you're spending having a good time will be used to benefit a family that just suffered a tragedy.

Will you please help us plan this exciting event at our next Volunteer Meeting:

WHERE: Panera Bread (Post Oak and San Felipe)

WHEN: Tuesday September 28th 6:30p to 8:30p

We Want You!!!

2010-09-17T09:31:00.003-05:00

The Fanatical Change Selection Committee needs ten (10) volunteers to assist in finding potential beneficiaries for our upcoming event. Searching out our beneficiaries is a fundamental part of this charity and requires people who can deal with other people who are in uncomfortably dire situations. However, the work is incredibly rewarding. The job is part-humanitarian, part-private investigator and part-avid reader of the local news. If you want to join the team, contact Juan Cuevas at 832.797.6463 or Jason Griffin at 281.748.3087. We will be holding a training/orientation session in the coming weeks.

Come be a part of deciding who Fanatical Change helps.

A Call For Volunteers!

2010-09-13T11:10:00.003-05:00

Hello CHANGE AGENT!

Name/Theme: Check! = Hollywood Halloween
Venue: Check! = Houston Motor Club (Luxury Car Showroom in City Center)
Date: Check! = Friday, October 29 7p - 11p
Entertainment: Check! = Houston Celebrities, Celebrity Impersonators,DJ, Live Art, Live Auction

Food:? We need you!
Decorations:? We need you!
Donations:? We need you!
Silent Auction:? We need you!
Other Event Stuff: We need you!

Selection Committee Street Team: We need you!

The best part of volunteering is coming in at the end when most of the grunt work is done so you can add a small contribution that makes a major impact.

Imagine getting dressed up in some crazy outfit or costume and heading to a great event while all the energy you're spending having a good time will be used to benefit a family that just suffered a tragedy.

Will you please help us plan this exciting event at our next Volunteer Meeting:

WHERE: Panera Bread (Post Oak and San Felipe)

WHEN: Tuesday September 14th 6:30p to 8:30p

Tito's Vodka + Fanatical Change = Hollywood Halloween

2010-09-02T17:41:00.003-05:00

We are excited to report that we officially have our first sponsor for the Hollywood Halloween party scheduled for October 29th, 2010!

A special thanks to Kevin Bartz over at Tito's. So CHEERS folks! We will see you all on October 29th.