Karma Foundation

The LEAP Foundation, a Karma Supported Organization, Expands Its Reach Internationally

Karma was first introduced to The LEAP Foundation, through Dr. Bill Dorfman (Karma Member) in early 2010.  At the time, LEAP had only operated for a few years, however this not-for-profit had a very clear mission – To help high school and college students (ages 15-24) get “a 7 year LEAP on success”.  LEAP achieves this mission by hosting an annual week-long leadership and development program specifically designed for outstanding students.  This year’s LEAP Program will take place on the UCLA Campus July 30^th – August 5^th and will host more than 500 participants.

“LEAP has grown tremendously over the past few years.  A lot of our growth has to do with the support we’ve received from the Karma Foundation and its Members”, explains Tony Granados – LEAP’s Executive Director.

Both organizations have been very active since their initial introduction.  “We met with the Karma Team and we quickly realized that they not only understood LEAP’s Mission, but that they also had a proven system for helping not-for-profits grow.” Granados continues, “needless to say, LEAP was excited to start working with Karma right away!”

The two organizations got to work and in less than two years – Karma had arranged for LEAP to become an honored “Kandy Event Beneficiary”; several Karma Members generously donated and established student scholarships for week-long LEAP Program; and an introduction was made that lead to LEAP receiving a significant grant from one of the nation’s most prestigious trusts.

“All together, the financial support we received from this relationship exceeded $150,000.” Granados remarked, “These were amazing results and are a testament to character of Karma and its Members.”

As a result of LEAP’s fundraising success, it is now expanding its reach internationally to provide Program scholarships to deserving students in Australia & South Africa.

These international students will join the other participants in the 2012 LEAP program.  At LEAP, they will be exposed to a unique curriculum, highlighting the importance of goal-setting, effective communication, mentorships and several other simple techniques.

LEAP’s Co-Founder, Dr. Bill Dorfman, is a major advocate for the program and he continues to play a critical role in establishing LEAP’s curriculum.  As the dentist to Hollywood’s stars, Dr. Dorfman has integrated much of own experience into the program.

Without the ability to forge strong relationships, Dr. Dorfman may never have become the featured dentist on ABC’s hit show Extreme Makeover and the Emmy Winning daytime talk show The Doctors.  Without an understanding of goal-setting, he may never have been able to publish Billion Dollar Smile, a New York Times Best seller… about teeth!  And without unwavering persistence, he may never have been able to create one of the world’s leading dental supply companies – and then sell it to Philips Oral Healthcare.  Dr. Dorfman feels, “it is important for the students to become introduced to these core ideas in a fun & interactive way – and we do that at LEAP!”

When asked about the 2012 LEAP Speakers, Dr. Dorfman is excited to share, “We spend the entire year seeking out the nation’s top success and motivational speakers.  This year we’ve really out done ourselves and we have an amazing line up of exceptional speakers.  Plus, we’ll also have a few surprise guest speakers lined up.”

Past “surprise guest speakers” at LEAP have included such notable celebrities as Usher, Seth Green and Eva Longoria.  “We don’t invite these entertainers simply because of their celebrity.  We invite them because they each have used the very same skills we teach, in their own career.  For instance, when Usher spoke at LEAP, he shared how he sought out and utilized mentors throughout his career.”  Dr. Dorfman explains, “At LEAP we teach students how to find and approach potential mentors.  Having the right mentors is an essential key to success, regardless if you want to become an Emmy-Winning musician, or a dentist.”

It is easy to tell that the entire LEAP Team is passionate about helping students’ succeed.  Perhaps Dr. Dorfman says it best, “Students normally aren’t taught these skills in any formal educational setting.  We’ve done the research and we’ve found that these are the real-world success principles that make all the difference.  Our LEAP alumni leave the program equipped with these skills and are more motivated to achieve life-long success.”

To learn about the 2012 LEAP curriculum or to enroll in the upcoming program, please visit their website (www.LEAPfoundation.com) or call LEAP at 877-855-LEAP.

Pictured here:
Karma Member, Dr. Bill Dorfman leading a recent class of LEAP Foundation students.

Los Angeles, CA – January 31, 2012

Marvin Epstein

Karma invites you to the Taste of the South Bay, presented by Hush Hush and the LA Kings.

Coming off our sporting social hosted by the LA Kings executives and their Crown Club we are supporting the Kings again in February to raise money for the Kings Care Foundation. So many of our Members enjoyed a great night of Karma and hockey and some purchased Crown Club ticket packages. It was unfortunate the home team did not win, but all who attended were hosted in one of their luxury suites. In addition to receiving a private Karma tour of STAPLES Center throughout the game, we were treated to sit in seats up against the glass (known as their Ice Box seats) which is a tremendous perspective from which to watch a hockey game. If you would like more information on this opportunity please contact our Karma Luxe Services division.

Our next Karma Cares event we will be supporting the Kings again and their Kings Care Foundation. We are inviting all of our Members and their friends to take part in their annual charity event, Taste of South Bay on  February 19^th,  which will be held at Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach benefitting the Kings Care Foundation and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, www.chla.org. This event will represent our Karma Cares event for this quarter. This evening promises to be a wonderful event for everyone and raise money for a good cause. The event will include a night of entertainment, Kings players, casino gaming, raffle prizes and some great culinary delights from restaurants around the areas. Some of these eateries include, Darren’s, MB Post, Paul Martin’s American Bistro, La Sirena Bar & Grill, Fresh Brothers, Tin Roof Bisto and many more!

This is their 4^th annual Taste of South Bay and this event promises to be a rewarding and enjoyable evening for everyone. You can see view some of the photos and excitement of their past events below as well as view some of the highlights at http://video.kings.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=64494. Ticket prices start at $60.00 and this evening promises to be a great time for everyone.

If would like to purchase tickets you can go to lakings.com/taste and review the different packages. We are encouraging everyone to participate and join your fellow Karma Members to support a great cause and have a great time doing it together!

About Kings Cares Foundation: Formed in 1996, Kings Care Foundation is the non-profit children’s charity of the Los Angeles Kings. Dedicated to providing children in the Greater Los Angeles area with educational and recreational opportunities.

Karma Cares about the future

by Marvin Epstein
Karma Foundation, EVP of Philanthropy & Business Development

It is such an honor to be a part of a company where many of our Karma Members are so generous and supportive of many deserving organizations. While all Members do so much I wanted to highlight one contribution this year that I thought was very special.

The Bennett Family, including Karma Member Casey Bennett, made a donation of $2 million to Hoag Hospital for a new “hybrid” operating room. The Bennett’s decision to make this gift was based on the value and the great work of this hospital and the direct relationship that it had to benefit the family. Bob Bennett, Casey’s father, underwent open heart surgery at Hoag a couple years ago. His operation was a success and his words of appreciation for the hospital explain the family’s decisions to support this area. According to Bob Bennett, “we’re hoping this gift will help make these surgeries easier on people and ultimately save some lives…if it can do that, then Marjie and our family will be very happy.”

Bennett Family from left to right: Bob, Marjie, Kelly & Casey

Their contribution is significant and warrants further explanation. This will enable Hoag to be equipped with imaging technology that will allow for a less invasive alternative to open heart surgery and give doctors a 3-D view inside the body. This operating room and imaging center will have some of the most advanced software which will enable much more complex procedures in this area. Dr. Aidan Raney, Medical Director of Cardiovascular Surgery for the hospital, explains the details and the importance of this initiative: “Many diseases of the heart are age-related and lead to narrowing of the aortic valve, which can cause heart failure and other life-threatening conditions. The technology that will be deployed in the hybrid operating room will let surgeons see where to deploy the valve so this procedure will not have them have to open a patient’s chest. It’s sort of the beginning of a new frontier in heart and vascular care.”

We are so proud that the Bennett’s generosity will be a great legacy to their desire to help people. The Bob and Marjie Bennett Cardio Vascular Operating Room is their way of demonstrating their gratitude and appreciation to the medical experts that have done so much for their family and so many others.

Casey’s parents have been married for 6 decades and along with all their business success they have continued to give back, a testament to the principles of Karma Foundation.  As with all Karma Foundation supported charities, the Bennett’s are aware of exactly where this money is going to be designated and what the value of this donation is to potentially save lives. The overall result will be safer treatment, shorter hospital stays, faster recoveries and improved outcomes. In addition to the Bennett’s philanthropic efforts I want to acknowledge them for their hospitality in volunteering their yacht, “Celebration” for our Karma Holiday party and Toy Drive which many Members attended.

This is great story to conclude our Karma Cares edition for 2011. I am so pleased to present this story along with all the other wonderful stories I have shared with you this year of charitable support involving our Karma Members. My goal for this section in 2012 is to have continued and consistent stories of great Karma Members doing great things for those that need our support and attention. If you have stories you would like to submit to be published or would like to be more involved in our area of philanthropy please email us at contact@thekarmafoundation.com.

On behalf of Karma I am proud of all of the generosity, passion and purpose Members have exhibited to make a difference in the world. Have a safe and wonderful New Years and look forward to reaching greater heights for worthy causes in 2012 and beyond!

Have a look at the video of the donation presentation and
a short tour around the new operating room:

Kids are the STAR for the Holidays

By Marvin Epstein

Culver City, CA – December 23, 2011

Karma partners with STAR’s annual Holiday Toy Drive

Our Karma holiday yacht party toy drive was a wonderful evening and great success to close our year. Once our members dropped off their toys they spent a night touring through the waters of Newport Harbor and enjoying the sights of decorative boats with countless lights in the holiday boat parade. Thanks to STAR Education, Karma Foundation and friends the brilliant lights of the evening were matched by the bright smiles of the deserving children who received presents for the holidays.

The holidays are always a time many of us look forward to helping charities in a variety of ways to make sure as many people as possible have an enjoyable holiday. Our desire to have a concerted effort and support STAR’s Toy Drive made many of those wishes come true for many deserving children.  Each year STAR coordinates a holiday toy drive and invites thousands of children to come to their self-designed store and chose their favorite toy. There is always a wide variety of toys and plenty for every child to select one as a present. Katya Bozzi, the founder of STAR, explains their reason for inviting a child to pick their present: “Our desire to create a store environment allows each child to choose their own toy and feel that they can pick what they would like. This approach gives the child a feeling of value that provides them strength of character and that people care about them which goes a long way to their overall development.”

STAR has had many amazing events and will continue doing so in 2012. For that reason our Karma Cares event for the 2^nd quarter will be to support them and participate in their Earth Day on Sunday, April 22^nd. This is consistently the largest Earth Day event in California for over 20 years. They anticipate 40,000 people to attend this event throughout the day. This event is not only open to our members but their families as well and if you have young children I encourage you to get them involved. I personally have supported this event in years past and it would be a wonderful and emotionally gratifying day.  For those of you that would like to be part of this event please let me know and I can provide you more information – contact@thekarmafoundation.com

Our goal in creating Karma is to make a measurable and meaningful difference in the world. By participating in this toy drive and other events to support charities we continue to accomplish that branch of our mission and promise. The value of this and other Karma Cares events is not only to support the events to be a part of initiative. We encourage you to both support and participate in our Karma Cares events in 2012. We have one of these events per quarter and you can find out more about them in the Karma Member Lounge. More information about this organization and how to get involved is in the “Philanthropy” section of the Karma Member Lounge.

Karma Charity – Kings Care Foundation

Partnering with Royalty
by Marvin Epstein
EVP of Philanthropy & Business Development for Karma Foundation

Los Angeles, CA – November 27, 2011

Karma invites you to skate with the L.A. Kings to benefit children.

Karma Foundation’s initiative has always been to partner and align with great organizations that are doing great things for those in need.  In creating a relationship with the LA Kings and their non-profit division, Kings Care Foundation, we are continuing this tradition. Our goal is to partner with organizations that are established, effective and successful in their mandate to help their community, state and country.  The Kings Care Foundation epitomizes this by raising $5 million dollars in in-kind and monetary support for their local community.  Currently the Kings Care Foundation is fulfilling a $500,000 commitment to the Blood Donor Center at Child’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).  This is the largest donation ever made by the Foundation and serves to increase the much needed collection of life-saving blood for the most seriously ill and injured children at CHLA through the LA Kings BloodMobile. 

Their work has been so exemplary that they were awarded the Pro Team Community Award which is given to the professional sports franchise in all of professional sports that demonstrates the most effective and humanitarian community outreach in the city it represents.

“Our goal is to serve as a role model on and off the ice,” says Luc Robitaille, NHL Hall of Famer and the current President of Kings Business Operations.

The Kings have demonstrated their dedication to their community and this week they have something very special that our Karma Members and friends can participate in. It is their annual L.A. Kings Holiday Skating Party which includes 3 hours of rink time exclusively for Holiday Party Benefit Guests, warming winter fare and cozy cocktails. In addition you will have a special opportunity to skate with Bailey, the Ice Crew and members of the L.A. Kings Hockey Club. You will also receive one ticket to the December 8th Los Angeles Kings vs. Minnesota Wild game with each Holiday Party Benefit ticket purchased. This event is a wonderful time for all of our Karma Members and their family and friends.

The fun happens at L.A. LIVE on the L.A. Kings Holiday Ice rink on Nokia Plaza November 30^th. From 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM the rink is reserved exclusively for Holiday Skating Party Benefit guests.  Adults tickets are $80. Youth tickets (20 years and younger) are $45 .Corporate Sponsorship packages are available. To purchase tickets, please call STAPLES Center Foundation at  213.742.7166 or email Jennifer Lynch, jlynch@staplescenter.com

About Kings Care Foundation: Formed in 1996, Kings Care Foundation is the non-profit children’s charity of the Los Angeles Kings dedicated to providing children in the Greater Los Angeles area with educational and recreational opportunities.

Karma Executives with NHL Hall of Famer, Luc Robitaille.

Pictured left to right:

Marvin Epstein (Karma), Luc Robitaille (LA Kings) & Robert Golden (Karma)

Culver City, CA – November 13, 2011

Karma charity, STAR Education, hosts another fellow Karma charity, Children Uniting Nations.

STAR Education (www.starinc.org) shined brightly this month by opening their facility in Culver City to another charity, Children Uniting Nations, (CUN).  STAR hosted CUN’s annual “Day of the Child” event, an event that benefits Foster Children. This year close to 1,000 children were transported to STAR’s venue and escorted by individual mentors to enjoy a day of rides, games, celebrities and food.  The children were provided a special treat by taking a tour of STAR’s Eco Station, an Eco-friendly facility that houses animals, birds and reptiles so kids can experience how and why to protect wildlife. This was the second year in a row that STAR opened its venue to CUN for their Day of the Child.  STAR founder, Katya Bozzi, shares why she supports this organization: “STAR is all about supporting children and this event is a chance for children to learn more about themselves and our environment.  We set the example for our children as evidenced by both of my children deciding to be part of this organization. “

Karma Executive Vice President, Marvin Epstein, volunteered his time and spearheaded this Karma outreach event as well as organized the transportation on behalf of Karma Foundation. He and other Karma supporters spent this Sunday interacting with all the children and enjoyed a rewarding day for all. Mr. Epstein noted: “this day is about the children and for the children. When you see the smiles on their faces it makes this entire day worthwhile. We continue to support STAR for the work they do through their organization as well as the work they do to support other non-profits as well.”

Ron Brown, a father and former Olympic Gold Medalist was just as enthusiastic about the day, “I have been to many Day of the Child events but seeing it at this venue makes it much more rewarding. I am incredibly impressed with the work that STAR does for so many children and fellow charities. I appreciate Karma Foundation introducing me to this organization and plan to take a personal interest in their future initiatives.”

This is not the first time Karma has supported STAR. In 2009 Karma named STAR as one of its event beneficiaries and created the Karma STAR of the Year program, a scholarship co-created to allow a student to enroll in STAR’s “Prep Academy.”  This program allows students that cannot afford it to learn at advanced levels and the opportunity to continue onto higher education.

On behalf of Karma Foundation we want to congratulate STAR for their continued support of children and their commitment to educating our deserving youth in southern California and throughout the nation.

More information about this organization and how to get involved is in the “Philanthropy” section of the Karma Member Lounge.

Pictured from left to right:

Ron Brown (former NFL Player and Olympic Gold Medalist), Katya Bozzi (Founder of STAR), Katiana Bozzi (Executive Director of STAR Eco Station) Erik Bozzi (STAR Eco Station) and Marvin Epstein (Karma Foundation Executive Vice President)

TUSTIN, CA – November 7, 2011

Karma Member hosted Big Brothers Big Sisters Event
Raised $522,000

Karma Member, Rudy Baldoni, chaired an amazing dinner for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County (BBBSOC) – a charity for which he has been a board member of for several years. Rudy coordinated an amazing team to produce the 47th Annual Gourmet Dinner presented by HONDA and drawing 360 guests to raise $522,000 for BBBSOC’s mentoring programs for at-risk youth. It was a lovely black tie gal and several Karma Executives were there to enjoy the evening (see photo) and support the organization.

The dinner honored, Tim Ryan, EVP/COO for the Anaheim Ducks and President/CEO of Anaheim Arena Management, LLC. Keith Rhodes, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, introduced many of the dignitaries. The Annual Gourmet Dinner is a longstanding tradition which is critical in raising funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters, allowing them to serve more of Orange County’s most vulnerable children – children of single, low-income and incarcerated parents. Karma was proud to be in attendance and encourage their initiative to enable young people to look forward to brighter futures.

On behalf of Karma Foundation we want to applaud and congratulate Rudy for the successful event and the great work of his organization.

More information about this organization and how to get involved in the “Philanthropy” section of the Karma Member Lounge.

Pictured left to right:

Dave Baldoni, Rudy Baldoni, Dylan Marer, Jim Ulcickas, Marvin Epstein & Robert Golden)

Karma donates to Operation USA.

Operation USA was the charity beneficiary of Karma’s 6th Annual Kandyland event at the Playboy Mansion.  The funds Karma raised for Operation USA will specifically go towards tsunami disaster relief efforts in Japan.  For more information, please visit www.opusa.org

Pictured above from left to right:

Jeff Franklin (Operation USA, Board Member)
Marvin Epstein (Karma Foundation, EVP Philanthropy)
Richard Walden (Operation USA, Founder & CEO)
Eric Stotz (Karma Foundation, Founder & President)

Karma Foundation Sponsors Operation USA Benefit

The Playboy Playmate Dancers with a little help from the Karma Foundation put on a benefit Wednesday night, April 27, 2011 at the Colony Nightclub in Hollywood, CA to help raise money for the victims of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami.

Operation USA’s website: www.opusa.org

Comedian Jeffrey Ross hosted the event and rapper Too Short performed.

Check out FOX News pre-coverage of the event:
http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/good_day_la/playboy-playmate-lingerie-fashion-show-20110425

Playmates supporting Operation USA

Karma Execs with Operation USA Founder

Comedian & Host Jeffrey Ross

Rapper & Performer Too Short

Full house @ Colony Nightclub

Brian Wallos and Benchwarmer Girls

Playmate Dancers on stage