2021 Rainbows, STARS, and Sparkles

MIRACLE MOMENT®

“The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” ~ Albert Schweitzer

MESSAGE FROM CYNTHIA BRIAN, Founder/Executive Director

One of the profound pearls of wisdom that my daughter taught me is that we have to endure the rain if we want to witness the rainbows. 2020 has been a cataclysmic year like no other we have witnessed. Over 1% of the population of the United States have died from the Covid-19 pandemic and millions are sick. Our hearts are heavy with grief over those we lost too soon. Social unrest, political tensions, racial violence, rising unemployment. shuttered businesses, shelter-in-place orders, isolation, online-schooling, and other challenges have afflicted our nation in a devastating manner.

Yet, we are resilient. We are hopeful. And with a vaccine available in the near future, we can look forward to enjoying rainbows. It has been a difficult ten months for everyone and we all share in the sorrow and the pain.

Chin up.

Remain optimistic.
Be kind.

Help others.

Be happy.

Be grateful.

As we come to the end of 2020, I personally thank you for your support of Be the Star You Are!® as we struggled to continue our outreach programs. Like everything this year, it hasn’t been easy, especially without in-person events and fundraisers. But BTSYA has continued to increase literacy and positive media messages without a delay in production.

Our volunteers have read hundreds of books and written excellent reviews to help parents, teachers, students, guardians, and kids find relief through the pages of a book. Make sure to check out the reviews at http://www.btsya.com/book_reviews.html and also visit our literacy partner’s site at The Reading Tub: https://thereadingtub.org/books/be-the-star-you-are/

Our two radio shows, StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® and Express Yourself! Teen radio never missed a week of broadcasting while showcasing authors, actors, activists, artists, musicians, poets, entrepreneurs, medical professionals and other creatives who could help listeners get through these tough times with joy and positivity. (https://www.BethestarYouAreRadio.com)

Operation Disaster Relief continues year-round.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation before December 31. Thanks to a temporary provision in the CARES Act, in 2020, you can elect to use charitable donations to deduct up to 100% of your AGI. If you have the means and you want a tax deduction, this is the time to do it. (Naturally consult with your tax advisor).

Two easy ways to donate:

By check to Be the Star You Are!

PO Box 376

Moraga, Ca. 94556

through PAYPAL GIVING FUND with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504.

If you donate via check, a tax receipt will be sent to you via email or mail. If you donate via Paypal, you will get an instant receipt. If you send us a copy of your Paypal donation receipt via email, I can personally acknowledge your contribution and send you a receipt from BTSYA as well. Send your Paypal receipt to cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org.

Another way to donate is by purchasing any of our books and other items.

May rainbows fill your days in 2021 showering you with stars and sparkles.

Wishing you healthier, happier, holistic New Year! Celebrate being alive.

With gratitude,

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org

https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org

http://www.BTSYA.org

cyntha brian-lillum speciosum.jpeg

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

Links to Help You During Difficult Times

Jillian Day of 508assist.org, generously provided these links to help everyone and especially those with any disabilities now and in the future.

What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws: This article explains workers’ rights as they apply to the coronavirus.

How to Best Seek Medical Treatment During the Pandemic: This is a great resource for anyone who needs to seek medical treatment now and in the coming months.

How to Ease Social Isolation During the Pandemic: This article offers coping strategies to those feeling isolated.

THOUSANDS OF BOOK REVIEWS FOR TOTS TO TEENS

When you are seeking a great book for young readers, check out the thousands of book reviews at our literacy partner, The Reading Tub. Be the Star You Are! volunteers read and write honest, first person reviews with recommendations for similar books. The amazing Executive Director, Terry Doherty, double-checks every submission for accuracy and authenticity. https://thereadingtub.org/books/be-the-star-you-are/

ONLINE SHOPPING GIVES BACK!

To avoid exposure to coronavirus in stores, shop on-line. We have a dozen suggestions for you to shop, save, and stay safe while supporting Be the Star You Are!. Most are offering major discounts or sales. for all of your shopping essentials.

1. AmazonSmile donates .5% of purchases https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882

2. Discounted books at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity

3. Giving Assistant: Shop. Earn. Give! Use Giving Assistant to earn cash at 3500+ popular online stores :https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc

4. Stock up on autographed, first edition books from our StarStyle® store and we will include extra goodies with your order. Plus, through the holidays we are including a complimentary CD of beautiful, relaxing music to help you decompress. https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store.

5. Are you a gamer, lover of new software, or other digital content? Buy all of your favorites at Humble Bundle. http://ow.ly/cYs130iN6n4

6. Modern Nursery: https://bit.ly/2WQv7lJ

High-end furniture and decor for the new baby in the house!

7. Abba Patio: https://bit.ly/3eXTJPV

Quality gardening products including umbrellas canopies, gazebos, hammocks, furniture, and more.

8. Botanical Interests: https://bit.ly/39spMXe

Seeds and botanical art. Free garden coloring book and other downloads.

9.Fifth Room: https://bit.ly/2D4ymPL

Beautiful structures and furniture for

outdoor and indoor living including gazebos, pergolas, bridges, sunrooms, pool houses, and more.

10.Nature Hills: https://bit.ly/301ZgAV

Extensive selection of plants, seeds, bulbs, and garden accessories plus trees, shrubs, and perennials.

11.Sunnydaze: https://bit.ly/3bpr1rb

Fountains, fire pits, hammocks, outdoor furniture, garden gnomes, and accessories with FREE shipping.

12. SunBasket: https://bit.ly/2DipPsT

Healthy meal service delivery with fresh, organic ingredients. Eat clean. . Feel Great!

LINKS YOU CAN USE

Positive Results: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results

About Us: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us

Programs: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

How to Help: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help

Blog: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-1

GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

GUIDESTAR/CANDID: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882

We invite you to volunteer, get involved, or make a donation. Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES:

https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504