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NEW PODCAST! From Greed to Good: How Virginia Tech’s Unique NIL helps nonprofits

 NEW PODCAST! From Greed to Good: How Virginia Tech’s Unique NIL helps nonprofits 1024 1024 Michael Hemphill

On today’s show  BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill talks Name, Image and Likeness or NIL, which allows college athletes to earn what is estimated to be more than $1 billion in 2023. NIL has transformed college athletics and created a new world rife with cynicism and greed.

But not at Virginia Tech … if The Hokie Way nonprofits has a say.

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What is The Hokie Way? Listen as Virginia Tech alumnus and superfan Jim Petrine shares how The Hokie Way is transforming NILs into vehicles for positive change … and helping VT fulfill its mission of Ut Prosim, Latin for That I May Serve.

We also talk to one of The Hokie Way’s nonprofit partners, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia, about how they’re benefiting from the Names, Images and Likenesses of Virginia Tech athletes.

And Michael shares the origin story for the BUZZ television show.

A message from BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill

 A message from BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill 900 586 Michael Hemphill

I’m always encouraging nonprofit leaders to be more fearless about proclaiming the good they do so that more donors and volunteers will be attracted to their cause.

“Your organization is doing incredible work,” I’ll say. “Tell everyone about it.”

I should be following my own advice! Because Wednesday is GIVE Roanoke Day and we could use a little $$$ buzz of our own.

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Our work through the American Advertising Federation of Roanoke is funded 100% through charitable contributions and foundation grants.

We’re fortunate to have raised funding to produce upcoming episodes on YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Art and Economic Development in Roanoke, Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley, The Hokie Way, Alta Mons, Community Foundation of the New River Valley, and more!

For every new episode we produce each month, we try to host a Watch Party (usually at the Grandin Theatre) where the featured nonprofit can enjoy the experience of seeing their mission on the big screen with their donors, volunteers, friends and fans. 

Each Watch Party costs about $500, so on Wednesday we’re seeking to raise $4,000 to fund the rest of our 2023 Watch Parties.

If you appreciate our work, please consider a gift on GIVE Roanoke. Every donor will be credited onscreen for all 2023 Watch Parties. Thank you!

Tips for Nonprofit Giving Days now on Buzz4Good podcast

 Tips for Nonprofit Giving Days now on Buzz4Good podcast 900 634 Michael Hemphill

Just dropped on Buzz4Good podcast: Tips for Nonprofit Giving Days.

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We often relegate nonprofits and our charitable giving to the Christmas season when, perhaps, we ourselves feel more charitable. But the work of nonprofits isn’t confined to just the month of December. It’s year-round. 

On today’s show, BUZZ creator Michael Hemphill features two upcoming days when you can learn about — and hopefully support — hundreds of nonprofit organizations that are working daily to enhance the quality of life in our community.

To talk up GIVE Roanoke on April 19 and Give Local NRV on June 28-29, we chat with the event organizers: Alison Jorgenson of Council of Community Services, and Jess Wirgau of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley

Our 30th BUZZ stars The Least of These

 Our 30th BUZZ stars The Least of These 900 600 Michael Hemphill

As originally broadcast March 29, 2023, on Blue Ridge PBS … our 30th episode of BUZZ!

A gap shelter for those suffering homelessness, The Least of These Ministry provides basic services for people living on the streets.

A hot showers and laundry. Snacks, clothes, sleeping bags and medical supplies from a converted ambulance. A warming bus for sleep on cold nights. Outdoor lockers that offer a secure place to stash their possessions. Free medical care for them and their pets.

TLOT operates on faith, hope and a shoestring budget from area churches, individuals and an annual fundraiser: Hustle for the Homeless 5K.

Wheeler Digital returns to BUZZ to donate a social media campaign to inspire more runners and sponsors to join the cause. Learn exactly which campaigns they created to help The Least of These Ministry build brand awareness in the Roanoke community.

We thank the Louise R. Lester Foundation for underwriting the production of this episode!

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NEWS RELEASE – Watch Party on March 29 celebrates 30th Episode of BUZZ

 NEWS RELEASE – Watch Party on March 29 celebrates 30th Episode of BUZZ 749 299 Michael Hemphill

NEWS RELEASE

Watch Party on March 29 celebrates 30th Episode of BUZZ

March 15, 2023 (Roanoke, Va.) – The Southwest Virginia-based television show BUZZ, featuring nonprofits receiving pro bono marketing resources, will premier its 30th episode on March 29 on Blue Ridge PBS.

A free community Watch Party will be held at the Grandin Theatre for the episode, which stars the Roanoke homeless ministry, The Least of These. Wheeler Digital is donating the marketing “buzz” in the show. Funding for this episode is provided by the Louise R. Lester Foundation.

“We remain honored that so many incredible marketing agencies throughout Virginia have been willing to give their time and talent to help our nonprofit community,” said Michael Hemphill, creator and host of BUZZ. “In turn, these life-giving organizations are able to attract more donors and volunteers to their cause so they can better fulfill their missions.”

BUZZ is produced in partnership with the American Advertising Federation of Roanoke.

Launched in 2020 during the pandemic, BUZZ has featured dozens of nonprofits across the Commonwealth on its 30 episodes, spanning a range of causes from Arts & Culture (Southwest Virginia Ballet, Roanoke Arts Pop); Social Services (R.A.M. House, Feeding Southwest Virginia); Healthcare (Children’s Assistive Technology Service, Brain Injury Services of Southwest Virginia); Environment (FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge); and Children and Families (West End Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia).

Episodes currently under development include Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley; YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge; Art & Economic Development in Roanoke, Va.; The Hokie Way; and Community Foundation of the New River Valley.

Virginia is home to hundreds of nonprofits – from homeless shelters and food banks to children’s choirs and art museums. As skilled as these organizations are in fulfilling their missions, they often lack the time, expertise, personnel or bandwidth to properly promote themselves. This lack of good marketing – this shortage of buzz, if you will – limits their ability to further their cause.

All episodes of BUZZ are available on demand at buzz4good.com/episodes. In fall 2021, Hemphill added a weekly radio show, Buzz4Good, airing Saturdays 4 p.m. on WFIR (also available on buzz4good.com/podcast) that interviews nonprofit leaders throughout Southwest Virginia. 

Contact:

Michael Hemphill, Creator of BUZZ
540.556.2879 | michael@buzz4good.com

BUZZ Episode 29: How Storytelling via Videos Can Create Awareness for Your Nonprofit

 BUZZ Episode 29: How Storytelling via Videos Can Create Awareness for Your Nonprofit 900 506 Michael Hemphill

As originally broadcast on February 22, 2023, on Blue Ridge PBS …

Today’s BUZZ uses the power of video to not only feature eight different nonprofits, but also amazing video producers who generously donate their time and talent to help nonprofits achieve more buzz. Get in contact with video producers in your area to help your nonprofit generate more awareness in your communities!

Talent like:

  • Photographer Ryan Hunt, who regularly shoots the biggest names in music and sports, and most recently helped share the mission of the nonprofit Compress & Shock Foundation.
  • Or Jamie Nabers, owner of BOSS Motion Pictures, who lent his talents to help the United Way of the Roanoke Valley spread the word about the importance of Covid vaccinations.
  • Or Bruce C. Bryan, owner of 5Points Creative, who provided marketing buzz for the Virginia Institute of Autism and, working with BUZZ cinematographer Dan Mirolli, for Local Environmental and Agricultural Project, aka LEAP.
  • And Click & Pledge Foundation’s Bethany Teague, who created compelling videos starring Blacksburg Rescue Squad, Renaissance Music Academy, Rescue Mission of Roanoke, and Salem Education Foundation.

“Women Who Care” just dropped on Buzz4Good Podcast

 “Women Who Care” just dropped on Buzz4Good Podcast 900 624 Michael Hemphill

March is Women’s History Month and so on today’s Buzz4Good podcast we feature the work of two women’s philanthropies in Southwest Virginia – the Roanoke Women’s Foundation  and 100+ Women Who Care New River Valley.

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Collectively, through what are known as giving circles, these two organizations are arguably having the biggest impact on nonprofits in the region.

One question in partcular we discuss: what is it about women that make them uniquely suited to creating and sustaining these funding organizations? Or put another way … men, where you at?

BUZZ features 4 Nonprofit Video Producers

 BUZZ features 4 Nonprofit Video Producers 900 506 Michael Hemphill

Tune in to Blue Ridge PBS on February 22 to watch our BUZZ that features not just eight different nonprofits, but four amazing video producers who generously donate their time and talent helping nonprofits achieve more buzz. 

  • Talent like photographer Ryan Hunt, who shared the mission of the nonprofit Compress & Shock Foundation. 
  • Or Jamie Nabers, owner of BOSS Motion Pictures, who helped the United Way of the Roanoke Valley spread the word about the importance of Covid vaccinations.
  • Bruce C. Bryan, owner of 5Points Creative, rebranded and provided buzz for the Virginia Institute of Autism.
  • And Bethany Teague, director of storytelling for Click & Pledge Foundation, who shared the stories of Renaissance Music Academy, Blacksburg Rescue Squad, Rescue Mission of Roanoke, and Salem Education Foundation.

For Black History Month watch BUZZ + Christiansburg INSTITUTE

 For Black History Month watch BUZZ + Christiansburg INSTITUTE 900 675 Michael Hemphill

Black history is American history.

Nowhere is our nation’s struggle for racial equality and social justice experienced more profoundly than the 155-year legacy of Christiansburg Institute in Montgomery County, Virginia.

We challenge you to watch our special two-part BUZZ on the Christiansburg Institute for your Black History Month celebration.

BUZZ celebrates Arts in Roanoke City Public Schools

 BUZZ celebrates Arts in Roanoke City Public Schools 900 503 Michael Hemphill

As originally broadcast Jan. 25, 2023, on Blue Ridge PBS …

From marching bands and string ensembles to musical theater, visual arts and all-star choruses, Roanoke City Public Schools’ arts programs are second to none in Virginia.

But coming out of the Covid pandemic, many students and their families too often aren’t aware of all the free artistic offerings — and life-long opportunities — that the school system provides.

In partnership with the Roanoke Cultural Endowment and City of Roanoke, BUZZ highlights the programs and people that comprise the Roanoke City Public Schools’ arts education … in hopes that more children will be inspired to participate.