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Refreshing the World, One Idea at a Time

This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to spend time with a woman who is truly a visionary - Jill Beraud, CMO and president of joint ventures for PepsiCo Americas Beverages, who is responsible for integrating the brand into worldwide initiatives that will make a global impact. I met Jill at BlogHer in Chicago when I participated in an incredible panel discussion that she and Lee Woodruff (one of my favorite people in the whole wide world) moderated about living life with purpose.

After the session, I was supposed to race back to the airport to catch a plane but lucky for me, I received the invitation of a lifetime - Jill was headed back home to Westchester, NY and she offered me a lift - on the Pepsico private jet! To say I was elated was an understatement of the year, I jumped at the chance to find out more about Jill and spend some quality time with my friend and mentor, Lee Woodruff, who in my eyes is the Role Mommy of the Millennium.

For the next several hours, I was riveted as I found out about Jill's passion for helping others as she talked about the many philanthropic and life-changing pursuits she and her family were involved with over the years. So it did not surprise me when I received an email a few days ago from the team at Pepsi, unveiling one of the most incredible initiatives undertaken by a major consumer brand - the Pepsi Refresh Project.

The Pepsi Refresh Project is a groundbreaking effort to foster innovation in social good, which will award more than $20 million this year to fund great ideas that refresh the world. The program launched on January 13 and has already exceeded expectations by receiving the monthly limit of 1,000 submissions in less than seven days with at least one from each state in the U.S. Joining the effort are actors Demi Moore and Kevin Bacon, who have generated their own ideas for Pepsi Refresh and are competing for support in the Pepsi Refresh Celebrity Challenge, which launched this week.

The Pepsi Refresh Facebook page also featured an exclusive opportunity to watch the Pepsi Refresh Everything through Great Ideas Brainstorm live from New York City. The Brainstorm brought together Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, Jill Beraud; advisory board member, Majora Carter; as well as college students from the New York City area to discuss ideas that they believe will positively move the world forward. Below is the Ustream feed to this incredible brainstorming session:

The exciting opportunity behind this project is that anyone with a great idea can enter and potentially win a grant that will help others. According to Pepsico spokesperson Lauren Hobart, the whole premise behind the initiative is to empower people worldwide to vote for the ideas they believe deserve to be funded and the ideas with the most votes can win a grant. This is not a project that will be funding established charities but instead, one that puts the power of giving into the hands of the people.

The Pepsi Refresh Project can be found at www.refresheverything.com, on Facebook at or on Twitter, @Pepsi or #pepsirefresh.

"The overwhelmingly positive response we have received since launching our campaign has been incredible and we are confident that this program will only continue to flourish in 2010," said Beraud. "This is the people's project, it's in their hands. We encourage all individuals to submit their creative and innovative ideas to the Pepsi Refresh Project and cast their votes for the ideas that they want to see come to life."

I love it when a Role Mommy comes up with a campaign that will truly change the world in amazing ways. Kudos to Pepsico and to Jill Beraud for recognizing that individuals do have the power to make a difference.

Posted in: Blog, Great Causes, TV on 02/05/2010

Skating with the NY Rangers

My husband John, was like a kid in a candy store when he woke up last Thursday morning!  You see, that night we were heading into the city for a Skate with the Greats Ronald McDonald House of New York/Rangers event at Rockefeller Center.  My husband has not only been a Rangers fan since birth, but also an avid hockey player for most of his life. 

Growing up in a lake community in Northern New Jersey, John spent his entire winters - and some years they were long ones - on the lake.  I'm talking his every free waking moment was on the ice.  My mother-in-law said she used to literally drag him off the ice at dinnertime.  All John wanted to do was shoot the puck into the net.  His dream was to play for the Rangers and I'm told he's a pretty good hockey player.  He was so obsessed with the Rangers that he even permed his hair back in the seventies so that he could look like Ron Duguay.

Fast forward 25 years, I am pregnant with our second child and we're trying to decide on a name for our baby.  I've always liked the name Adam.  After mentioning it to John, he thought about it for a moment and agreed to keep it in the running.  I later found out that was because one of his all time favorite hockey players is Adam Graves #9.  While we didn't end up naming our baby boy Adam, it still makes me smile thinking about how he "agreed" to consider the name. 

You can only imagine my excitement when Beth received an invitation to attend the Ronald McDonald House of New York's "Skate with the Greats" event.  Headlining the event were New York Ranger veterans Brian Leetch and Rod Gilbert and, wait for it...ADAM GRAVES!  O-M-G!  I begged Beth to please let me be her Role Mommy "correspondent" on this special assignment.  As you can tell by this post, Beth sent me on my way with a Flip camera in hand. 

The night was truly amazing!  The event helped raise over $489,000 including a Live auction of valued sports memorabilia and Rangers experiences.  The Ronald McDonald House of New York offers children battling cancer and their families shelter and support while they undergo active treatment. Ronald McDonald House of New York is supported in part by the Rangers through a partnership with the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a non-profit charity that works closely with the Rangers and all areas of Madison Square Garden to make dreams come true for kids in crisis. 

The event was generously sponsored by RBC Capital Markets, one of North America's leading diversified financial services companies and among the largest banks in the world.  When I told John what we were doing a few days prior to the event, he was beyond thrilled and completely taken aback.  Minutes later, he was on his phone, calling and texting every hockey/Rangers fan he knew - and trust me, that's a lot of people. 

On the day of the event, I cracked up when I walked into our bedroom and saw John's clothes laid out on our bed - Adam Graves' Rangers jersey was proudly on top of the pile.  Off we went to Manhattan and when we arrived, there were over 850 attendees! While we weren't sure whether we would get to meet any of the great legends, we both felt grateful to be there for such an awesome cause.  It turned out to be beyond our wildest dreams!  John not only got to meet many of his all-time dream players, but he even got to skate with a few of them.  A smile was literally plastered on his face the entire evening.  The players were all so gracious signing autographs - John alone had about five different items autographed.  The event was truly incredible and ranks as one of my all-time favorite experiences with John, not because I'm a hockey fan (I barely even know the game) but because I was responsible for making one of my husband's dreams come true.  It truly was a priceless moment! 

Posted in: Events, TV on 02/02/2010

E*Trade Baby Mail: Role Mommy Fave Find

You gotta love it when you start your morning with an email from the folks at E*Trade - they're the geniuses behind all those hysterical talking baby ads that run during the Superbowl. Well, get ready because thanks to the folks at Oddcast, they have just given us the chance to create our own talking babies and send them to friends and family via email, facebook, twitter!

Plus, if you're a blogger, you can embed it on your site too! I already sent the email below to my husband and I'm sure his buddies at the trading desk will get a big kick out of it or think his wife is pretty strange. Either way, take a look, make your own and then check out all the hilarious outtakes with the E*Trade babies.

And of course, if you happen to be watching the Superbowl this weekend, then get ready to watch a brand spankin' new E*Trade commercial with those adorable talking babies. Don't know about you but the commercials and half time are my favorite part of the game.

Posted in: Blog, Role Mommy Recommends, TV on 02/02/2010

Hilarious American Idol Audition

Check out this classic audition by Wanda Sykes - she is soooo funny. Who needs Letterman or Conan when you've got Wanda?

Posted in: TV on 01/31/2010

A Family is Just a Family Trailer

I've been hearing all about the new documentary by Rosie O'Donnell that's airing this weekend on HBO. It's called a Family is Just a Family and judging from the trailer, it looks like it's going to be a great film to watch with your kids.

Incidentally, I recently got the chance to see Rosie O'Donnell perform in the Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron Broadway Show, "Love, Loss and What I Wore." While America may know Rosie best as a talk show host, I have to say, she is an incredibly gifted actress and I look forward to seeing her tackle more roles in the coming years!

Posted in: TV on 01/29/2010

Introducing: Role Daddy!

This column has been a long time coming and I am so proud to announce that we have just added a fabulous guest columnist to Role Mommy and it's none other than Eric Ruhalter, the author of TheKidDictionary.com, contributor to NJ.com and all around hilarious writer. Eric and I go way back - we met before we had kids when we both worked at CBS and we re-connected last year when I found out about his foray into the world of humor writing. So without further ado, let's get right to Eric's first post!

BIG MISSKATE by Eric Ruhalter

I want to apologize to any and everyone who attended the 10 AM open skating session at Morristown's Mennen Arena two weeks ago last Sunday. I was there with my kids on our first-ever ice skating expedition. It had the makings of a wonderful and beautiful start to our post-holiday winter season. And that should've been evidence enough that this was going to be a disaster. It was. My son Crosby, for whatever he lacks in speed and agility thus far in his development, he makes up for in determination, always striving for excellence.

However, in the rink, and elsewhere, when striving for excellence, Crosby often takes the shortcut of blaming his shortcomings or failures on others. Ice skating the first time is extremely challenging. Evidently that's my fault.
"WHY'D YOU MAKE ME FALL"
"I didn't make you fall. I didn't even touch you.
"WHY'S IT SO HARD TO SKATE!?!?"
"A great many things in life are difficult at first but if you stick with it, you'll...."
"I DID STICK WITH IT, AND I STILL CAN'T SKATE!!!"
"well, we've really only been here for 10 minutes..."
"THIS ICE IS TOO SLIPPERY!!!
"Well, ... yeah..."

But you have to celebrate small victories. And in this instance, unfortunately, it was my own small victory. I managed not to get upset with him for being so impossible and so flippant. After all, I wanted to set a good example. I wanted to make this a positive experience for him. Not to mention there were any number of grownups in the rink who may well have DYFYS on their cell phone's speed dial.

So Crosby kept trying to skate and kept wiping out with all the grace and composure of a drunken rodeo clown. At one point he was sitting there on the ice, seething so hard I thought he was going to melt the rink and we were all going to drown, The skate guard with his hockey player haircut and his fancy black skates comes careening over with a shooshing snowplow stop right beside us to check on young Crosby. "Are you okay there little man?"
To which Crosby replied very succinctly and very loudly and without a trace of thanks for his concern, "GET AWAY FROM ME YA STUPID !!!!"
The guard skated off, I helped Crosby up yet again, wiped some of the snow off his back, and we had it again.

And I reminded him again, "It's really really hard to skate!" It can take a long time to learn to do it at all And just as I imparted that little bit of wisdom, suddenly we hear from the center of the rink, "Look Dad!" As Crosby's twin sister, also a first-timer, is skating backwards.

It was a maddening experience there for a while, but I appreciate young Crosby's determination. I think once he learns a little patience he'll be able to achieve anything he sets out to achieve on the rink and in his life. But man does my back hurt.

Eric Ruhalter lives in Morristown, New Jersey with his wife, Kara & 3 rambunctious children. Eric is the creator of The KidDicitonary - A Book of Words Parents Need To Describe Their Kids. For more of his wit and wisdom, except for wisdom, amuse yourself at www.TheKidDictionary.com.

Posted in: Blog, Role Daddy, TV on 01/28/2010

LOL Clip of the Day

Was riding in a cab today, saw this video and laughed out loud. In fact, I was having so much fun watching it that my cab driver kept turning around to see what all the commotion was about. Take a look and get ready to crack up.

Posted in: Daily Shout Out, TV on 01/27/2010

Role Mommy Fave Find

Saw this hilarious segment from the Today Show featuring Meredith Viera investigating office pet peeves. So true - and I have to say, the producers and office workers at Today are so funny!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Posted in: Daily Shout Out, TV on 01/25/2010

See Mom Run on Better TV!

While we launched See Mom Run back in November, today's edition of Better TV featured a segment on our New York City launch event at Miraval Living. Featured in the piece are Real Mom's Guide and Kids in the City editor Melissa Chapman, Liz Gumbinner at Mom101, my mom (Role Bubbe) and my two kids! Meanwhile, just checked our Amazon numbers and we're in the top 30 in humor parenting books. Woot woot!

Find more videos like this on Role Mommy

Posted in: Events, TV on 01/24/2010

Hilarious Commercial of the Day

Was watching "Private Practice" and saw this adorable video - gotta love dogs with signs - so funny!

This might not be the E*Trade talking babies commercial, but this latest video from Minute Maid had me and my kids falling off the couch laughing. Take a look and see if you agree...

Posted in: Kiddy Commentary, TV on 01/20/2010

Older Entries

01/15/2010: Anita Renfroe: Comedy Role Mommy

01/01/2010: 2009 Role Mommy: I Heart Tina Fey

12/24/2009: Who Will Buy?

12/22/2009: See Mom Run on WGN-TV Chicago

12/21/2009: See Mom Run: Maryland

12/09/2009: I Am Mommy

12/07/2009: Sleepless in Seattle

12/07/2009: Jetta Setting in L.A.

12/01/2009: Dare to Dream

11/28/2009: The Role Mommy Fave Five - Nintendo Edition!

11/24/2009: See Mom Run on KYW Philadelphia!

11/24/2009: See Mom Run Hits Charlotte

11/23/2009: Role Mommy on Mom Space TV!

11/22/2009: And Now For A Little Music

11/19/2009: See Mom Run: My Most Harried Moment

11/16/2009: Marilyn Russell's Mom Moment

11/12/2009: See Mom Run Through the Philly Burbs!

11/11/2009: See Mom Run: Getting Our Groove On

11/08/2009: See Mom Run: The Media Blitz!

11/03/2009: Ready for The Catwalk

10/22/2009: The 411 on Halloween

10/16/2009: Cupcakes, Sneakers & Stars...Oh My!

10/16/2009: Balloon Family on CBS Early Show

10/14/2009: Jillian Michaels Gives Mom Bloggers a Fitness Ultimatum!

10/11/2009: See Mom Run...Let The Tour Begin!

10/10/2009: Celebrity Role Mommy: Elisabeth Rohm

10/07/2009: Celebrity Role Mommies...

10/06/2009: Exclusive Sneak Peek - The Good Wife on CBS

10/03/2009: The Accidentally on Purpose Tweet-Up

09/28/2009: The Good Wife on CBS

09/24/2009: Building a Successful Family Business

09/21/2009: A Red Carpet Ready Home Party!

09/14/2009: A Final Farewell to Patrick Swayze

09/06/2009: Video du Jour

09/01/2009: The Vermont Fave Five

08/31/2009: A Perfect Day in the Big Apple

08/23/2009: Gotta Love Mommy Madness on MyLifetime.com!

08/22/2009: TNT Season Finale Sneak Peaks!

08/12/2009: A Family Play Day with Kool-Aid & KaBOOM!

08/06/2009: An Inspiring Day at Citi Field Stadium

07/25/2009:

07/25/2009: Lee Woodruff on Living with Purpose

07/23/2009: Melissa Chapman on CNN!

07/20/2009: Weight Watchers I Hear You Calling...

07/19/2009: Music to My Nose: Pets on a Plane

07/17/2009: My Regis & Kelly Fix

07/15/2009: Ready for My Close-Up with SnazL & ELF Cosmetics

07/11/2009: Mommy Me Time

07/09/2009: The Lego Fanatic

07/07/2009: Win a $900 Maclaren Stroller!

06/30/2009: On the Road with Role Mommy

06/28/2009: Inspirational Video of the Day

06/28/2009: Test Drive Anyone?

06/26/2009: The Michael Jackson Fave Five

06/09/2009: Role Mommy Interviews Kelly Ripa!

06/04/2009: Priceless Movie Moments

06/01/2009: Sneak Peak of "The Good Wife" on CBS

05/31/2009: Susan Boyle Sings for the Crown

05/27/2009: My Mom Makes it To Traveling Mom

05/20/2009: How Sweet It Is...Kris Wins American Idol!

05/17/2009: Ask Grey's Anatomy

05/17/2009: Saturday Night Live Finale

05/15/2009: Mommy Mandy's Role Mommy

05/05/2009: Role Mommy on Better TV

04/30/2009: Jennifer Garner's Bad Boo Boo

04/28/2009: A Woman's World - Episode 6

04/27/2009: 10 Year Old Girl Wows Britain's Got Talent

04/25/2009: Who is Your Role Mommy?

04/19/2009: I Wish I Were 17 Again!

04/07/2009: A Woman's World...Latest Episode

04/05/2009:

04/02/2009: Does this Remind You of You?

03/31/2009: April Fool's Alert...Stars Prank People on CBS

03/29/2009:

03/23/2009: Gotta Love Those E*Trade Babies

03/21/2009: Meet Role Mommy Founder Beth Feldman

03/16/2009:

03/14/2009: Food Network Host Robin Miller Chats with Role Mommy

03/06/2009: Happy 97th Birthday Oreo!

02/26/2009: Mom's Night In at Classy Mommy's House!

02/18/2009: New Year, New You...The Recap!

02/13/2009: Disney's American Idol Experience

02/05/2009: One Degree of Beth

01/31/2009: Mom Bloggers Lunch & Laugh with Monica Potter

01/28/2009: New Year, New You...The Recap!

01/26/2009: Role Mommy at the Ritz...The Movie

01/25/2009: Mom Bloggers Lunch & Laugh with Monica Potter

01/20/2009: The First Dance

01/19/2009: U2 Performance at the Inauguration

01/10/2009: Chandra Wilson's Important Message for Parents

12/28/2008: Adorable Video Alert...Arianna vs. Beyonce!

12/06/2008: A Role Mommy Relaxation Event

11/26/2008: Role Mommy on the Run...The Thanksgiving Show

11/23/2008: Funny Parenting Video of the Day...

11/09/2008: Glamour Reel Moments...The Premiere!

11/04/2008: Barack Obama Wins the Presidency!

11/01/2008: My Glamour Reel Moments Getaway

10/13/2008: A Tribute to Dorit Shapiro

10/04/2008: This Video Will Touch Your Heart

09/26/2008: Join Team Guiding Light for the Gal to Gal Virtual Walk!

09/24/2008: Another Celebrity Shout Out for Gal to Gal!

09/20/2008: Join the Gal to Gal Virtual Walk!

09/17/2008: Mom's Night In

09/14/2008: Thank you SNL!!!

08/20/2008: Mom's Night In

08/16/2008: Moms Night In...with Role Mommy!

08/06/2008: Peeing in Peace...The Book!

08/03/2008: Moms of Reinvention

07/13/2008: Exclusive Screening of The Closer with Kyra Sedgwick

07/10/2008: Cool Red Carpet You Tube Contest

07/03/2008: Peeing in Peace...The Video!

06/24/2008: The Jeannie Tate Show Goes to Italy!

06/21/2008: Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid

06/06/2008: TBS Comedy Stars Brunch with Bloggers

05/26/2008: Video of the Week!!!

05/11/2008: Who is Your Role Mommy?

04/28/2008: Peeing in Peace...The Book!

04/20/2008: Passover at the Feldmans

04/17/2008: Wii Fit Review

04/14/2008: Role Mommy Fit For Life - Part I