Jersey Mike's Sub Shops Local Franchise Owner, Jim Shipman -- is our Small Business Feature

What perfect timing; we here at Altruistic Apps™ get to highlight this community business, Jersey Mike's Sub at the height of summer. Just when those fun outdoor celebrations are in full gear. From graduation parties, and family reunions, to simple family gatherings. What
ever your reason, to us, these all make for great excuses to get the kids out of the house and us out of the kitchen (including hiring catering options) -- during summer time.

Any way you slice it, we couldn’t be more pleased to share a bit about our community partner, Jim Shipman. Jim is the friendly franchise owner of three Jersey Mike’s Sub store locations in: Geneva, South Elgin, and St. Charles. He became a Business Supporter who’s put the School Supporter™ app, seen in the shot below, to work for his business. 

Jersey Mike’s Subs is a franchise business keen on giving back to its community, and we think the founder and CEO, Peter Cancro, would be proud of Jim Shipman’s example of that philosophy working with Altruistic Apps™ and the School Supporter™.  

 
In short at that means, is that he has selected a local Batavia school to sponsor for a flat fee, (with the potential of adding more schools) to have his business added as a School Supporter™.  Amazingly, 50% of that fee from using the app, goes directly to the school! 

Now, Jim can connect with the local community, provide specials found only on the School Supporter™app, plus he’s giving back —all at the same time!  The Batavia High School Boosters are doing a great job of building awareness of the app, and in-turn sharing how they plan to use the extra revenue generated to support the improvements to their sports facilities. 

 So folks, if you are looking for a great place for sub sandwiches, whether dining-in their retro Jersey shore styled restaurants, or ordering for catering, Jersey Mike’s gets our vote. From freshly made classic subs, hot or cold, to wraps and orders by the bag or by the box, you  can’t beat their selection. 

From all of us at Altruistic Apps we say thanks, and Go Bulldogs!

The Alltru-team

(Writing and Photography by ©lindambarrett productions)

Meet our Altruistic Apps Team: Steve Haney is our Creative Director

For the next several weeks, we wanted to take the time to introduce you to members of our team here at Altruistic Apps LLC. These are our talented, hardworking partners, often behind the scenes, and we're thrilled to share a bit more about their skills and talents.

Meet Steve Haney, our down-to-earth, easy going, and talented Creative Director. It's his keen eye that keeps the    branding consistent -- from the web and print collateral     to the School Supporter Apps, as well as the business icons.  

When asked what inspired Steve's creativity, his     response was, "I've always loved drawing." "When I was younger I was the kid always drawing pictures of            my family…sketching my brothers as cartoon characters." "From as early as I can recall, I was drawing, and people would  comment on how good and fast I was." Which makes it all the more surprising that Steve didn't take his first official drawing class until college.

Originally, his college studies were in mechanical and technical drawing, but after taking several  classes he found it wasn't as appealing for him. "I liked more creative drawing, so I switched to graphic design." Now, 35 years later Steve is still putting his pen to paper - as well as computer - creating web designs, and print collateral. He's designed logos, packaging, brochures  and more, for hundreds of clients.

                                         

Steve says the most rewarding thing for him is when he hears his clients response after seeing the work he's created, "their thanks makes me feel good…those direct conversations generate the best feelings."

Getting to work with Steve, as part of the team on Altruistic Apps has it's rewards too. Steve said that what he found appealing about Altruistic Apps "is that we'll be providing directly to schools…to me that's everything." "My kids are grown now, but they (their school) really didn't want for things, not the way that other schools did…it's a dramatic difference when I see photos of the schools from some of the neighborhoods in Chicago, and I think, wow, they need help!"  "And the best part is…we can help these schools." 

It's that big hearted nature, along with his creative skills, that makes us feel lucky that we're getting to work with Steve. Next time you click on an icon for your local school or small business or visit our website, know that it's Steve creative talents that help make those possible.  

Cheers,

Linda
The Altruistic Apps Team

Our How and Our Why

If you’ve been following along on the blog for awhile, you’ve probably begun to see how much we care about helping schools and students succeed. You’ve also started to learn about what we do, and you’ve met some of the businesses, principals and parents we’re working with. However, it’s been awhile since you’ve heard anything from us about how our School Supporter app works or why we’re doing what we’re doing, and today, we’d like to address just that.

What better way to learn more about us than straight from the source, right?

Business Spotlight: Freshii

Our School Supporter app provides a way for caring companies to really make a difference. Today, we’re introducing you to another business that has made the commitment to partner with its community and give back, Freshii.

Jamie Maloney is a mother of five herself, so she knows the power of quality education. She also knows a good fundraiser when she sees it. As the owner of Freshii, Jamie says she is incredibly pleased that half of her marketing dollars are going directly to the school she’s supporting. She describes it as “the best of two worlds” - coupons for fast, healthy eating and support of local schools.

Freshii from Altruistic Apps LLC on Vimeo.

Four Ways to Give Your Kids A Giving Spirit

Remember Mahatma Gandhi’s famous quote?

Your kids have probably heard it, too, but they might not understand what it really means.

The holiday season is fast approaching, and there’s no better time to instill a generous spirit in your children. As you prepare for parties and family gatherings, make plans to show your kids what really matters -- how to give back and put others first. Together with your family, start changing the world, one step at a time.

Why Principals Love the School Supporter App

When principals set out to choose school fundraisers, they have two important priorities in mind. First, they want to respect parents’ time and efforts by choosing fundraisers that really work. Second, they want to give their students the support they deserve through fundraisers that are actually profitable.

Most principals (and parents) have tried fundraisers that have zapped time and energy for little return, but it doesn’t need to be that way. Here at Altruistic Apps, we think we’ve found the answer.
Our School Supporter app is personalized to your school and its community, giving parents discounts at the places they already love to shop! Meanwhile, an impressive 50% of the money businesses pay to join the app goes straight back to the classroom.

But enough from us...we’d like you to hear it from someone who knows firsthand. Principal Schuth of Prairie View Elementary uses the School Supporter app at his own school and believes it can truly revolutionize school fundraising. Watch the video below to hear him explain why he loves it.

Principal Perspective from Altruistic Apps LLC on Vimeo.

Change made simple

Welcome! This blog is brought to you by the folks at Altruistic Apps, a cutting edge marketing company devoted to creating apps that build stronger, more sustainable communities.

Altruistic Apps was created with the intention of connecting community and commerce. Our first product, the School Supporter App (launching Fall 2013), helps create funding for your child’s school while saving you money at local business that care.  Because we know you care about education and social impact as much as we do, we’ve created this blog as a place to discuss the things we can all do, both big and small, to make sure our children’s educational experiences are the best they can be.  Here, we will share school success stories, provide tips and ideas for enhancing your children’s educational experience, and help you explore unique ways to bridge the gap between fundraising and action.

We can’t wait to get started, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride. Let’s make education better -- together.

def: Altruistic - unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others.