The Open Hearts Foundation Announces Finalists for the Celebrating Open Hearts Contest

AKRON, Ohio, April 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --The Open Hearts Foundation, a respected, nonprofit charity that supports organizations committed to positively impacting lives in the areas of health, education, arts and sports, has announced the four finalists in the Celebrating Open Hearts Contest. The Angels of God Clothing Closet, Butterfly Dreams, Hugz from Bugz and The Joseph Maley Foundation were selected from an impressive listing of nominees deserving of special recognition for their efforts to help others and make a true difference in the world. From now through April 27, visitors to www.CelebratingOpenHeartsContest.com will have the opportunity to learn more about each organization and vote for their favorite, with the organization receiving the most votes being awarded a $10,000 donation.

The Open Hearts Foundation celebrates those who have transformed adversity into opportunity – overcoming challenges to make a positive difference in the world. The four finalist organizations in the Celebrating Open Hearts Contest clearly epitomize this spirit. 

• As a survivor of domestic violence, Katelyn Darrow made it her mission to help others. At the age of 12, she founded the Angels of God Clothing Closet, which provides clothing, food and other necessities free of charge to those in need in the New Jersey area. Working closely with local churches, agencies and shelters, the organization has provided services to over 26,000 families over a span of six years.  
• Following the passing of her brother, who had Down syndrome, Syndi Sills was impassioned to ensure that his spirit would live on in a meaningful way. Taking inspiration from her experiences growing up with her brother and volunteering with many organizations that support people with disabilities, she started the Butterfly Dreams organization. Butterfly Dreams puts on special pageants (to date in Missouri and Illinois, and expanding later this year to Oklahoma and Tennessee) highlighting the talents and abilities of those differently abled while giving each a chance to truly shine.
• After courageously defeating cancer, 11-year-old Haley "Bugz" Ebbert and her parents started the Hugz from Bugz organization to help those facing their own challenges. From delivering care packages and gifts, to coordinating and funding events, the organization has raised more than $250,000 for children and families in central Florida coping with pediatric cancer.
• To honor the legacy and life of their son, Joseph, who passed away at the age of 18 following a battle with leukemia, John and Vivian Maley started the Joseph Maley Foundation to serve children of all abilities. Celebrating Joseph's constant optimism and unconditional love, even in the face of confining disabilities, the organization works to build acceptance through a variety of activities and has served more than 20,000 children in central Indiana.

Participants can vote once per day for the finalist that they believe most deserves to be recognized as the grand prize winner. Each vote will enter participants into a random sweepstakes for a chance to win a beautiful piece of jewelry from the Open Hearts by Jane Seymour® collection.

There is no purchase necessary to enter.  The contest will run through April 27. Participants must be 18 years or older. For more information on the Celebrating Open Hearts Contest, including official rules, visit: www.CelebratingOpenHeartsContest.com.   

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About the Open Hearts Foundation

The Open Hearts Foundation is a respected, nonprofit charity that supports organizations committed to positively impacting lives in the areas of health, education, arts and sports. Those who give selflessly in the face of life's challenges represent the Open Hearts Philosophy. Their stories are the motivating force that carries the Open Hearts Foundation mission to communities worldwide. To learn more about the Open Hearts Foundation, visit www.openheartsfoundation.org.

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