Charles Ramsey Hero T-shirts raise funds for captives

I was ignoring this story until I got some better information on it.  Here it goes.

If you've been watching mainstream media, you've seen the story of Cleveland, OH resident Charles Ramsey.  Ramsey happened to be outside when a young women escaped from the neighbors house and said she's been held hostage as a sex slave, or worse for 10 years, along with two other girls.  The girls were later rescued and the neighbors arrested.  

But, that's not the story.  Due to Ramsey's charm when interviewed, he became an instant internet sensation.  Immediately, artwork for T-shirt was designed by Okpants and the T-shirt went on sale at the restaurant (Hodges Restaurant) where Ramsey works.  

Much fuss has been raised over the history or Ramsey and arguments have raged over whether he's a hero, or not.  Again, not the point here.  Its the fact that immediately, someone sought to profit off the instant sensationalism of Ramsey and make a few dollars.  

I suspect, due to Ramsey's criminal history in the domestic abuse arena, combined with the fact that he was present to help a girl from an abusive situation, caused Ramsey and those involved with the sale of the T-shirts to donate all proceeds to the families of Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, Michelle Knight, the three girls held in captivity for years.

I'd like to believe the desire to donate proceeds were what prompted the T-shirts to be created in the first place, but something doesn't seem right as not all articles on the story make this reference.  

Its still good that a good deed was done.


As of 05/15/2013, 1,600 orders have been received.  Be a hero.

Atheist group in Utah considering legal action over T-shirts

In what has to be the saddest story I've covered in this blog is a group of atheists in Utah are considering legal action against the TIKI Printing company, which is a Christian printing company, for not printing anti-God messages on T-shirts for a LGBT Pride Parade.  

Its the classic case of a business owner refusing to make their services or products available to a person or group, based on their rules.  Its their right.  Its a dangerous area to tip-toe through, as you don't want to be suggest racial and gender discriminations.  But, religion, sexual preference, age is that gray area where it generates bad press, when standing up for your beliefs.

In this case, the Christian printing company refused to print the slogan "Gotta Be Real Cuz God Ain't" on a T-shirt because it demanded their belief in God.  You can't challenge that, regardless if you feel they over-reacted or not.  They can feel however they want.

All that aside, the contemplation over legal action is the stunning part of this.  Sure, parties on both sides of the disagreement have hurt feelings.  Fine.  But, TIKI Printing is in West Valley City, UT, which is in the far west side of the great Salt Lake City, UT area.  Are we to honestly believe that TIKI Printing is the only T-shirt printer in the Salt Lake City area…?  The atheist group needs to refocus, take their money elsewhere and get on with their lives.  But, I understand.  This is a battle for God.  The poor T-shirts in this sad story are the true un-intended victims.

It goes to show that T-shirts, even when not yet printed, can evoke a very strong emotional response.  The right message to the correct target audience can gain you the publicity you desire.  Just be aware that is you push things too far, you'll get a negative reaction.  Bad press, while still bad press.

Swamp Pop using T-shirts to advertise their brand

While we all appreciate the good deeds done by others through use of T-shirts, let us not forget the entrepreneurs of the world as they use T-shirts to raise awareness to their brand, product or services.  In the picture below we see John Peterson and Collin Cormier wearing "swamp Pop" T-shirts to advertise their special brand of soda infused with sugarcane and unique Louisiana flavors.

Looks at these flavors.  With their soda being glass-bottled and caffeine-free, I would certainly like to try one of each.

Nobel Cane Cola - An herbal cola with subtle flavors of plump Louisiana figs.

Satsuma - Named for the popular south Louisiana citrus snack.

Praline Cream Soda - Combines warm brown sugar, toasty butter and Louisiana pecan flavors with a twist on the cream soda classic.

Jean Lafitte Ginger Ale - Combines cool Louisiana cucumber flavor with a spicy ginger kick.

Swamp Pop already has the beginnings of a website and a Facebook page you can like to stay current with their new flavors and learn when you can "Get You Some".  While not officially available yet, Peterson and Collier are employing the use of T-shirts along with a catchy product have generated a good amount of interest in their product.

In support of the Boston Marathon bombing victims

In what may appears as an avalanche of Boston Marathon bombing and Boston Strong related blog entries, its important to note The One Fund charity will be ending at the end of June 2013.  At which time funds will be distributed and used to help the victims of the bombings.  

"Boston Strong" will continue on but as a memorial to strength of the city and those who support it in the form of T-shirts.  Its no longer a fund raising engine, but will most likely live on.

Once these charities are put to use and officially closed, we should be suspect of continued stories of those seeking to donate funds in the name of the bombings.  Just something to watch for…

Seyfferts design Boston Strong T-shirts to raise funds for The One Fund

Lisa and Mike Seyffert felt helpless in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing.  So motivated by the what they felt, Lisa posted on her Facebook page Tuesday night following the bombings that she was going to design and sell Boston Strong T-shirts making use of T-shirt screen printing equipment they owned and considered a hobby.  She also noted that all proceeds would go to the One Fund which benefits the victims of the bombings.

Lisa thought maybe they'd get a couple hundred orders.  Upon the waking the next morning she found her Facebook posts was Liked 96 times.  That's when she knew she'd touched a caring pulse of people everywhere.  She designed the T-shirt art and posted it on a Facebook page and began taking orders there.  They had 200 orders within two hours.

Since then the Seyfferts have been working nearly around the clock to meet the demand of 1,500 orders for Boston Strong T-shirts.  To date, they've raised more than $13,000 for The One Fund.   (Wicked Local Marshfield)

Lisa made n excellent statement in reacting to the negativity of the bombing.  She noted in spite of the negativity that people were still good and wanted to do good things.  They wanted to help.  She says that for the hundreds of people who have purchased one of the T-shirts, it goes beyond raising money.  Its about wearing a message.

I couldn't have said it better myself, Lisa.  Excellent observation.

Do good things.

Canadian music festival season heats up with cool T-shirts for charity

The music festival season is heating up in Canada.  Designer Jeremy Laing has teaming up with Toronto record label Arts and Crafts, along with other visual artists to produce a collection of T-shirts inspired by Canadian groups like Feist, Broken Social Scene and Dan Mangan.  While everyone has their favorite T-shirts, Feist handpicked Sojourner Truth Parsons to create a design representing their music.  The result is a collection of odd looking humanoids.   If you're not familiar, it makes you want to check out Feist.

T-shirts go on sale today (May 7, 2013) for $75 with all proceeds going to the MusicCounts charity which supports musical education across Canada.  (Toronto Life)

I don't see nearly enough people from the music industry getting involved with charities through T-shirt, but when I do, its inspiring.  I really like the choice of the charity.  Very appropriate considering the music talents which they T-shirts were inspired.

Do good things.

Stoughton Police sell T-shirt to honor slain MIT officer Sean Collier

Lost but not forgotten in the emotional tidal wave of the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, 2013, was the killing of MIT officer Sean Collier.  The Stoughton Police Department are selling T-shirts as a memorial to Sean Collier and honor him.  On a black T-shirt, the Stoughton Police badge with Collier's name and date he died in the line of duty is printed on the front of the T-shirt.  On the back is are the slogans "Boston Strong" and "Stoughton Strong" with a blue and yellow ribbon separating them.  Printed on the ribbon are the zip codes for Boston and Stoughton.  

T-shirts are being sold by the Stoughton Police Department for $20 each.  They will donate $10 for each T-shirt sold to One Fund Boston.  The initial order of T-shirts was 300 and so far have sold about 170. (Stoughton Patch)

Don't let Stoughton Police get stuck with extra T-shirts.  Go buy one and help out the organization of the One Fund Boston so they can help the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.

Do good things.