AMBER ALERT REGISTRY – BUSINESS AS A SOCIAL FUNDRAISING FORCE

A different breed of business is gaining popularity.  And whether they are called "progressives," "entrepreneurial philanthropists," or even "philanthropreneurs," the people behind them all have one thing in common:  they want to run a successful for-profit company that benefits the greater good, through such things as investments in charitable organizations and service to the community at large.  In a 2006 article in the New York Times, writer Stephanie Strom notes these businesspeople have an altruistic view of the way capitalism can work.  They are "driven to do good and have their profit, too."
    
This progressive philosophy is the foundation of a Southeast Florida web-based company, AmberAlertRegistry.com (AAR).  "Our goal is to be a major force in giving back to the community. Not only do we provide an important service to proactive parents, we also are a social fundraising company," says Vice President Zephora Haddon.  "We're currently working with charitable organizations to sign up kids who are at high risk for being displaced, such as children in homeless families or those who live in hurricane zones."  
    
For a nominal fee ($19.95 per year to register a child, plus $4.95 for each sibling) AAR provides a secure, password-protected and encrypted website where parents can safely store their children's vital statistics, including medical information and updated pictures.  In the event of an emergency such as a missing child, parents provide the password to law enforcement agencies to allow local, state, federal – even international authorities' instant access to the information.  From the beginning, the founders of AAR relied heavily on input from law enforcement agencies and worked closely with them in order to make the registry as effective and efficient as possible.  Their thoughtful approach has earned Amber Alert Registry the endorsement of numerous child safety experts, including Robin Sax, a nationally-recognized author, speaker, and Deputy District Attorney who specializes in prosecuting sex crimes against children.
    
Haddon says opportunities to give back to the community have evolved logically as part of the AAR business plan.  "It's really a natural progression.  Now we're helping schools raise money with our database program.  For each family that registers, we're giving back five dollars to the school.  With hundreds of students, the money adds up fast."  In addition, each registered child will receive a "goodie bag" with materials designed to raise their awareness of community issues and opportunities to help address them.  
    
One of the organizations participating students will learn about is Kidsareheroes.com, a website dedicated to kids who are literally changing the world for the better.  Co-founder Gabe O'Neill is excited to partner with AAR.  "We share the same core values.  Protecting children, inspiring them to do good works, and raising funds for our communities' specific needs are critical to helping kids learn how to be global stewards."  Kids are Heroes recently received the seal of approval from one of the biggest philanthropreneurs of them all, Sir Richard Branson.  The website is featured on the premiere of Branson's "PitchTV," shown on Virgin Atlantic's in-flight entertainment program.

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