recipient_Laura_Reiss_hsLaura, was born in NYC and grew up in Miami, FL. Her parents taught her the importance of kindness, generosity and helping others. From that foundation she made a personal commitment to educate, inspire kindness and give back.

With her BFA from the University of Arizona in 1991, she has been a successful artist for over 20 years.  Her works are sold privately, through exhibitions, and corporate commissions.  Throughout, while devoting herself to the creative, she has met the demands of operating a solely owned proprietorship. At the same time, Laura has always been dedicated to the well-being and needs of others.

In 2007, Laura conceived the program upon which Samaritans365Foundation was based. She created this community service project in response to her desire to give her three small children the opportunity to experience the joy that comes from giving to others and to understand that even small acts of generosity can make a big difference.  As a community leader she has had success in creating and developing the structure of the program; communicating with local charitable organizations; finding speakers for the children to learn ways in which one can serve the community and beyond; enrolling and organizing the children; managing the fundraising drives; collecting, sorting and delivering items at all events; developing relationships with local authorities, such as the police and Fire department; creating parent and school administration involvement; training others to run their own Samaritans365 kindness programs and so much more.  Her passion to give back may have been fueled by her three small children, however it has grown into a commitment for all children everywhere.

The Samaritans365 Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that connects philanthropic organizations and school-aged children. These valuable connections serve to educate and inspire students to positively impact our world and spread the message that KINDNESS MATTERS.

Through participation in the Samaritans365 programs, students learn what it means to be a “Samaritan”, a compassionate person who unselfishly helps others. Every time they meet, the S365 clubs invite organizations that positively impact our world into our schools to educate the children about the importance of respecting themselves, appreciating what they have, and being mindful of the needs of others. Together, they create hands-on projects that benefit the organization they are partnered with that month.  Participants develop a sense of personal gratitude, self-confidence and become inspired to use their talents and passions to help others. Our goal is to illuminate the light within school-aged children and create an opportunity for them to make a difference in the lives of others and positively contribute to making the world a better place.

Samaritans365 programs are run by an S365 certified parent, teacher and/or student Ambassador.  Our programs have a multitude of applications that vary from preschool through college, as well as private and community organizations.  Each club’s presentation format varies; some examples include: after school clubs, enrichment programs, school electives and academic daily curriculum. There are also S365 programs at like-minded retail locations, public and private schools, community centers and many more, all of whom meet to gather and inspire kindness in their community.

In addition, there are weekend and summer events that include the entire family and community. With our summer program, each month, the S365 club partners with a different charity, cause or philanthropic organization and visits that organization to participate in a hands-on project that benefits the organization and serves those in need.

The S365 message that KINDNESS MATTERS includes adult Samaritans too! Adults participate in either the “Super Samaritans” and/or the “Kindness Givers” whereas they travel to local organizations in need, conduct activities and donate goods to spread kindness.

Laura is an artist, community leader, wife, sister, mother, daughter, yogi and friend.
Visit: www.samaritans365.org

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