For the past three years during The Cable Show, the industry has sponsored CableCares, a community service initiative in the show’s host city. Since created in 2008, CableCares has raised almost $1.3 million in-kind donations, equipment and financial contributions for New Orleans, Washington, D.C., and now, Los Angeles.
During The Cable Show 2010, more than $225,000 in cash, equipment, and in-kind donations was raised to help Los Angeles youth and local charities. In addition, more than 245 volunteers from cable industry companies, organizations, and associations contributed their time to volunteer for CableCares activities.
Since The Cable Show attendees are only in the city for a few days, CableCares is a chance for the cable industry to leave something behind of value after the show is long gone. This year the industry’s goal was to leave a lasting donation for the youth of Los Angeles.
This year’s CableCares projects were:
- A Place Called Home: More than 800 hours of hands-on volunteer support, in-kind donations and financial assistance were provided to this South Los Angeles youth center. Donations included:
- CableCares will be sponsoring 18 children for one year to attend the center’s “Bridge to the Future” program through a generous financial donation to this dynamic youth center providing educational enrichment to local youth. These children will be the first in their family to attend college.
- Difference Makers International (DMI) donated a one-day workshop, “Giving Kids A Voice for Positive Social Change”
- Intel Corporation donated 20 Mac laptop computers with Microsoft providing MacOffice software on the machines.
- Sports equipment: GolTV gave 100 soccer balls; ESPN donated several basketball rims and wall pads, soccer nets and 100 yoga mats;
- VCI provided art supplies;
- SiTV donated furniture; and
- Cisco donated two Flip Video cameras.
- Battle of the Bands: As the primary funding mechanism for CableCares, this annual talent competition raised money through sponsorships, donations, and ticket sales as industry bands competed for the coveted first-place trophy. Bob Guiney, Kim Coles and Allison Hagendorf were celebrity judges while Christopher Reid served as emcee. Money was raised will go to A Place Called Home.
- School and Los Angeles Community Donations: Furniture and household items from the MyWorld exhibit were donated to the local Los Angeles community. In addition, a Promethean Board was donated to Gompers Middle School – one of Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa’s “partnership” schools in South Los Angeles.
- Hunt.Fish.Feed.:The Sportsman Channel donated 280 pounds of meat to the homeless, and volunteers served 1,000 meals to men, women and children.
As in year’s past, the cable industry stepped forward with generous financial assistance and volunteers and was a success. Much thanks goes to the participating companies and cable employees for their generosity.