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 Tax Defense Network Celebrates Movember 2011
 Tax Defense Network was filled with a number of impressive mustachioed employees for a worldwide event called Movember. In an effort to raise awareness for prostate cancer and other men's health concerns, the men of Tax Defense Network started off the month of November clean shaven and purposefully grew mustaches that would make Tom Selleck proud.
It started out just individual efforts. However, as more and more employees participated, this became a company cause. Tax Defense Network decided to contribute money to the Movember campaign for every employee who took part in the facial hair themed organization.
"This company supports a lot of causes," said Michael Horton, manager of the I.T. and operations department. "I think that's part of why so many of us have sought out organizations to sponsor in our personal lives. It's great that our company is fostering that."
While Movember is meant to raise awareness for all men's health issues, prostate cancer is its main focus. Prostate cancer is an ever-growing problem faced by men. In fact, it is now the second most common cancer among men. Almost every 17 minutes a man dies from this disease that is easily treatable if detected early. The Prostate Cancer Awareness Project is pushing to make sure that every man has PSA blood tests done with their annual exams. Doing this would dramatically increase the prostate cancer survival rate. To find out more about this particular men's health concern, visit the projects website at http://www.prostatecancerawarenessproject.org.
The Movember campaign started in Melbourne, Australia. Now, it is a worldwide movement with more than a million participants and it has raised $174 million so far. Men's health issues affect everyone. No matter if you are a man or a woman, you can join this cause to raise awareness and funds. Every November, you can promote this cause by donning a mustache, supporting those who are growing one, ask for donations, or even host Movember events. To find out more about what Movember is and how you can help, visit http://us.movember.com. Though November has come and gone, it is never too early to get involved.
Tax Defense Network looks forward to another November of mustachioed charity in 2012. It is expected that there will be even more participants than before.
"Movember just proves that there are creative ways for anyone to help a cause," said Michael Horton. "Don't feel like you have to run a marathon. If you want to help the world, the sky is the limit."
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Tax Defense Network Continues the Heart Walk Tradition
 Once again, Tax Defense Network took on Heart Disease with the American Heart Association's (AHA) 2011 Heart Walk Saturday, September 24th. Like last year, dedicated employee Jimmy Hutchinson motivated his co-workers to collect money and participate in the walk. Jimmy's father underwent a heart transplant in 2008. This has made Heart Disease a very important cause for Jimmy. Each year, he has rallied Tax Defense Network to get out and walk! This year, we had an impressive number of walkers and raised $1,325 in a week.
Many of our employees have personal ties to Heart Disease. Chris Green's story was especially inspiring for his co-workers. His father has had three heart attacks and suffered his second stroke just last week. His grandmother died of heart disease at 55 years old, and Chris had a heart attack himself last year. This was a big awakening for him, and he realized that he needed to take much better care of his health.
Chris was quite enthusiastic about participating in this year's Heart Walk. "I was really honored to walk and talk with Jimmy's father. We both were proud of the red survivor hats we were wearing," Chris said. "It's important to me that we not only raise money, but also raise awareness."
Thanks to Jimmy Hutchinson and Chris Green, the employees at Tax Defense Network are more aware than ever of the prevalence of Heart Disease. The AHA Heart Walk has now become a greatly anticipated annual tradition at Tax Defense Network.
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Tax Defense Network Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month
 Every month, Tax Defense Network participates in worthy causes, such as the American Heart Association's Heartwalk in September and Hubbard House in August. This month was no exception. Thursday, October 21, 2010, the office was called to"Save the Ta-Tas," and they answered in fine fashions. The charity chosen was the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, which is close to many women's hearts. It was a day of celebration and some serious fundraising.
A donation of five dollars was asked from everyone who wore casual attire. Knowing the staff's commitment to charitable causes, confidence was high. Pink tees, button downs, ribbons, and bracelets brightened the white-walled space. Clever phrases professing admiration for women's chests everywhere were plastered on women's chests everywhere. The event resulted in TDN raising hundreds of dollars for the foundation, exceeding expectations.
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is a global leader in the fight against breast cancer, raising almost $1.5 billion in nonprofit funds for breast cancer research since 1982. The donations it receives impacts local communities with programs for free mammograms, starting funds for low-income women to receive treatment, and monetary support for fighting the bureaucracy in clinics. With such Susan G. Komen events as Race for the Cure, Art for the Cure, and the Young Survivors Conference, the foundation strives to keep the world informed by keeping women aware and ongoing research well funded.
Tax Defense Network is proud to have participated in such an event, and believes the wonderful, beautiful and extremely courageous ta-tas of the world are worth fighting for. To make a donation, find more information, or to participate in one of the many Susan G. Komen events, please visit http://ww5.komen.org.
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Tax Defense Network Walks for a Cause Close to the Heart
Tax Defense Network put its best foot forward by participating in the American Heart Association's (AHA) 2010 Heart Walk on Saturday, Sept. 25. This was an excellent opportunity for Tax Defense Network to give to the AHA, as well as to show their support of employee Jimmy Hutchinson and his family. Jimmy's father, an honoree at the event, underwent a heart transplant in 2008. "The amount of support I received from TDN during [that time] was overwhelming … Tax Defense Network understood, helping my family and I in more ways than most will ever know. I found this to be amazing," said Hutchinson.
Tax Defense Network employees rallied around their co-worker, raising $1,500 for the event in under 10 days. Employees who were not able to participate in the walk donated to the cause. "Knowing everything that my father has been through for the past several years and his recovery; it was great to be able to actually do a 3 mile walk with him," said Hutchinson."What made it even more special was knowing that my Tax Defense Network family was with me every step of the way … It was a great day." For Tax Defense Network, being able to give and be a part of the Heart walk wasn't just a good deed; it was an honor. For the Hutchinson family, the enthusiasm and support they have received from the company in the last two years was a surprise that was an unexpected one but was gladly welcomed.
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Tax Defense Network Helps Provide Futures for the Needy
 We work hard every day to ensure our clients don't go without basic necessities or worse, lose important assets. This is part of the reason why Tax Defense Network chose the Mission House homeless shelter as the focus of their next major fundraiser.
"We didn't go outside of our neighborhood for this charity," ... "The Mission House is a nearby charity that looks to permanently cure a problem, not just provide a quick fix." Like the name suggests, Mission House has a distinct mission to help the poor and needy by providing the tools needed to develop an independent, constructive, and self-reliant life. They aim to get people off the streets and provide permanent solutions. Similarly, Tax Defense Network is dedicated to not only to using the IRS' available programs and services to solve our client's tax debt issues, but keeping them financially secure.
Tax Defense Network started"The First Annual All-Star Kickball Game," to give back to the cause. On July 3, 2009 all Tax Defense Network employees left work promptly at 1:00 to attend an Independence Day themed picnic held prior to game. By 3:00 everyone geared up for the Kickball event. The teams were chosen, and all participants enthusiastically made contributions to Mission House Charity before starting. These contributions were matched by Tax Defense Network. Additionally, Tax Defense Network agreed to make a monetary donation to Mission House for every run scored. The competitive spirit of the game was heightened by the need to score for the Mission House!
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Spreading Domestic Violence Awareness Through Hubbard House
 Tax Defense Network gladly raised and donated money to Hubbard House, a center focused on helping those who have been victims of domestic violence.
Hubbard House is a local Jacksonville-based facility that provides shelter and outreach service for domestic violence victims and their families. Since 1976, they have not only provided immediate sanctuary for victims, but also resources, information, and education about the effects of domestic violence and how to prevent it. Their mission is to prevent further domestic violence through teaching and raising awareness in hopes of making"every relationship violence-free."
"At any given time, we have anywhere from 100 - 150 people living at Hubbard House," said Ashley Johnson, Community Relations Coordinator for Hubbard House."Since the recession began, it's been tougher and tougher to be able to gather donations. When I received the email [about Tax Defense Network's donation], it was so nice and so out of the blue. It's always nice to receive message like that."
Tax Defense Network employees raised money to donate to Hubbard House through"Casual for a Cause." Staff members could donate $5 to wear jeans and casual wear to work. Their donations were matched by Tax Defense Network.
Tax Defense Network plans to continue with monthly donations and company fundraising events for the Hubbard House. They also hope to be a part of their larger fundraising events, like their Thanksgiving Food Basket program and their Holiday Adopt-a-Family program.
"There is a quote out there to 'think globally, act locally,'" ... "Every day, we work with people across the United States, helping them make their lives better by resolving their IRS tax problems. It's easy to get tunnel vision and not notice that there are people in your own community who are in need as well. Our employees have been very supportive of all charitable initiatives. We think this is a testament to the character of the staff here at Tax Defense Network."
Tax Defense Network hopes to have a long relationship with Hubbard House, by supporting their initiatives of educating the Jacksonville community about domestic violence and its prevention.
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Giving Hope and Confidence to Children and Families in Need
 Working with Tax Issues alerts you to children's needs. Many people are unable to pay their taxes because they have to provide for their family's needs first, and we understand that. Many parents are out there trying to find work but they can't afford new clothes necessary for a job interview. That's why our team donated to Dignity U Wear, a charitable organization in Jacksonville, Florida that donates brand new clothing to children and families that cannot afford to buy new clothes on their own.
Everyone knows how a new shirt or dress can make you feel fantastic and confident all day long. Tax Defense Network stresses a professional appearance for all employees, from the client care representatives to the attorneys.
Tax Defense Network held"Dress Down and Jeans" days to support Dignity U Wear. Everyone who dressed down donated to the cause. Our attorneys and tax professionals were pleased to have a break from wearing suits while also donating to a worthy cause. In fact, the people who chose not to dress down donated to the cause as well.
Everyone was enthusiastic about donating because they knew that the Tax Defense Network was matching their own contributions. As our Information Analyst MJ Horton put it,"After visiting Dignity U Wear's Headquarters, I really understood how important this charity was. There are so many people in need."
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Helping Camp Boggy Creek
 We work hard every day to match our clients with the best possible IRS program to solve for their tax issues, but we wanted to do more. After the successful fundraiser for Dignity U Wear, the employees at the Tax Defense Network wanted to collect funds for charities that help children with special needs. They chose Camp Boggy Creek, a camp in Florida that serves chronically or terminally ill children. It was founded by philanthropist Paul Newman and is free to the children and the families it serves.
The Tax Defense Network has a special connection with Camp Boggy Creek. The Vice President of Tax Defense Network volunteered for the charity and had this to say,"It's amazing; it'll make you cry. It's amazing what they do for these kids. They can look around and say, 'Wow, everyone here is just like me!'"
The employees at the Tax Defense Network brainstormed for a creative way to give to this amazing charity. We came up with the"Iron Man" plan. All employees worked extra hours, even overtime. We were on a mission to help these children. Tax Defense Network provided free BBQ for all workers who volunteered their time and everyone wore blue shirts in honor of the cause. We posted a picture of Camp Boggy Creek to motivate the enthusiastic employees. Thanks to their hard work Tax Defense Network contributed to Camp Boggy Creek. And on top of everything, all of the employees really enjoyed themselves. It felt good to not only help our clients, but help a charity that does so much for the community.
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