New Product in the OH Store!

Be sure to visit the Ordinary Hero Store today and check out our NEW ITEMS. 

Less than 3 days left in this month's grant contest. It's never too late to sign up as an OH affiliate. 

We love helping you fundraise!  :-)

SPECIAL THANKS TO KAREN HALBERT PHOTOGRAPHY FOR ALL OUR AWESOME PRODUCT PICS! SHE DOES GREAT FAMILY PORTRAITS AS WELL SO CHECK HER OUT.
You can also find her on facebook.  

Do YOU Wanna Be Featured in Woman's Day Magazine?

As some of you may remember, I was featured in the August issue of Woman's Day Magazine for the work I do with Ordinary Hero and helping children in need. It was such an honor and amazing experience! 

Well.....EXCITING NEWS!! They are looking for another "Ordinary Hero", so to speak, who is doing amazing things by helping children in need, for their upcoming May, Mother's Day issue!! 

They have asked Ordinary Hero to help them find YOU! 

Here is what they are looking for from the email I received from Brian, their Senior Editor.....

I’m working on a story for our May issue (our Mother’s Day issue). We’re looking to profile extraordinary moms in the NY, NJ, CT area who are doing fabulous things with adoption, fostering, etc. Basically, someone just like you, who we haven’t featured yet. Ideally, a mother who’s fostered a lot of children (and would be willing to be photographed with them), a mother who has started an adoption/fostering/children’s charity (like you) - that kind of thing.

So notice he said they want to feature someone from the NY, NJ, CT area. They are keeping this one close to their home base of New York. 

So here is what I want you to do....

SEND ME YOUR STORY OR THAT OF SOMEONE YOU KNOW WHO FITS THIS. 

(Be sure to include their contact info if it is not you)

SEND THEM TO Kelly@OrdinaryHero.org

I will allow submissions from other states just because you never know when they might be looking for someone to feature for a later issue but there are no guarantees. We, at Ordinary Hero, will start featuring some of your stories that don't get picked by Woman's Day on our blog as our "Ordinary Hero Spotlight". We love that there are so many of you Ordinary Heroes out there who do so many amazing things! People need to know about you! 

BUT.....

ONE OF YOU FROM NY, NJ, CT  WILL GET PICKED FOR THE MAY ISSUE OF WOMAN'S DAY! WOO HOO!!!!

So send me your stories and FIRST INCLUDE WHERE YOU ARE FROM. If you are from one of the above states mentioned for the issue, make sure we see it loud and clear!!!

As I get the submissions I will forward them on to Brian. 

Here is the thing......

YOU ONLY HAVE THROUGH WEDNESDAY, Jan 18! THAT IS 5 DAYS TO GET THEM TO US! 

They need these submissions ASAP so the sooner the better!!

So.....1, 2, 3 Go!!!

Start getting us those stories and you could have the awesome experience with the wonderful folks at Woman's Day,  like I did. 

You will get your own photo shoot, and go from this..... 

To this........

To THIS!!!

BEST OF LUCK!!

SEND YOUR SUBMISSIONS TO KELLY@ORDINARYHERO.ORG. 

OH GRANT contest starts today and runs through next Sunday, January 22nd at midnight! Need $500, $1000, $1500? Become an affilate today!

Our FIRST Grant contest of 2012 is underway! Ordinary Hero will be giving away THREE $500 grants to our top sellers that sell product in the OH STORE over the next 10 days! Our past winners have earned $1000 up to $2500 in a 10 day time period. The contest starts today and runs through next Sunday, January 22nd and will close at midnight (Central time!) Good luck to all!!!
As an OH affilaite you earn money through items purchased in our STORE on your behalf. If you are one of our TOP 3 sellers, you win an additonal $500! It's easy and its FAST! It's a super quick fundraiser that can earn you some cool cash and your friends and family get some really cool gear! If you would like to become an OH affilate or know someone who is fundraising for mission trips or adoptions please share our fundraising program with them! We would love to GRANT them an extra $500! Thanks for sharing this post with your friends and family!
Click here to find out how to become an affiliate-- Its FREE and takes 2 minutes to JOIN!
http://www.ordinaryhero.org/Ordinary_Hero/OH_Fundraising.html

We will be adding some new items (Think Valentine's Day and Baby its cold outside....) later this morning. We received our new product late yesterday so we are frantically trying to organzize it and get it up on the STORE site. Check the STORE later today to view all of our new products! We also added some new long sleeve kid tees and our new Charcoal colored "Change the World for One" Burn out hoodie at the end of December.... You will want to check those new items out and they are loaded on the site right now!
http://www.ordinaryherostore.org/

We have so many ideas that we are eager to share with all of you in the future months! So many great opportunites lie ahead. Thanks for being a part of our journey!

We will only have one Product Partner (PP) this month...I took a much needed break over the Holidays from recruiting and we had one PP's merchandise delivered to the wrong State this week, so we will just have one Product partner for this grant. I have already signed up 4 Product Partners for Febuary and am now working on filling up March slots. I would like to have 3 PP's a month. If you would like to learn more about our Product Partner program contact Gina Payne at paynegina1@hotmail.com

Good luck to everyone that is trying to win that Grant money! All affilaites should be getting emails from Gina, our fundraising coach with TIPS on how to fundraise using social media... IF you are not getting emails then we do not have your correct email address. Reach out to her (email is listed above) and she will add you to our list. Also, check out "OH Fundraising" on FB, and you can follow along ways to market to your FB friends and family.

Happy Friday to all of our Ordinary Hero's!!!

Awaken 2 Mission Conference THIS WEEKEND IN FRANKLIN TN!!

I want to invite you out to the Awaken 2 Mission Conference this Friday and Sat, January 13-14 at Journey Church. 

Ordinary Hero will be there so come check out all the awesome stuff they have going on and stop by and say hi to us at our booth. Ordinary Hero product and info will be available at our booth. 

Come see us!! 

Awaken2Mission

A Conversation to Inspire Mission

Friday, January 13 and Saturday, January 14, 2012

Journey Church, Building 8, The Factory

Franklin, TN

Featuring: 

Jerry Rankin, President Emeritus, SBC International Mission Board

Jordan Sekulow, ACLJ 

Darren Tyler, Conduit Mission

David Whetstone, Mentor Leaders 

Chris McClarney, Worship Leader

... and more!

Schedule of Events

Friday, January 13: 
5pm: Doors Open/Registration
7pm Worship / Welcome / Jerry Rankin: Keynote Address
9-9:45pm Talk Shop 
10pm Dismissal

Saturday, January 14:
8:30am Welcome / Worship / Jordan Sekulow: Keynote Address
10am-12pm Poverty Simulation, Main Auditorium (pre-registration necessary)
10-10:45am Workshop (End Slavery/Safe World Nexus)11-11:45am Workshop (End Slavery/Safe World Nexus)
12-1pm Lunch (Chick Fil A onsite: $4 bag lunch includes beverage)
1-2:45pm Mentor Leaders Breakout (Main Auditorium)
1-1:45pm Workshop (Conduit Collective/Hope Force)
2-2:45pm Workshop (Conduit Collective/Hope Force)
3pm Keynote Address: Darren Tyler
4pm Talk Shop
5pm Dismissal / Dinner
Saturday Night, January 14
7pm Night of Worship and Consecration with David Whetstone and Chris McClarney

Recent World Changers!!

How cute is this Christmas family picture?? Deena Maley, from Cincinnati, Ohio, is raising funds through OH for their adoption and sent me this adorable pic of her kids. You guys make awesome OH models!!

 Ashley Hogeland, from Greenwood, AR, traveled with OH to Ethiopia in July 2011. She is now spreading the word and bringing awareness of the orphan crisis by sharing her personal experience. She visited this 1st grade class who are all collecting items to help in Africa. Here is Ashley in her own words, "It was so much fun talking to these kids about the trip!  The kids found out they could collect capri suns and other wrappers to recycle and earn points for things for their classroom.  However, the 1st graders decided that they would rather help other people.  So, they are collecting points to build water wells in Africa.  Cool huh??  They are definitely ordinary heroes!!  :) 
They even landed in the local paper.  Thanks, Ashley, for continuing to be an Ordinary Hero!

Next we have this awesome little girl who collected all these Blessing Bags in her best friend's memory!!

I received this email from her mother....

My daughters best friend passed away 4 years ago and we have decided to do the "blessings bags" in her memory, putting a "Gabrielles Gift" sticker on each bag.  We will set aside $37 each month for "bag creation" and when we get a good amount of bags, well send them off (as you can see from the picture, our first shipment is ready to go).  We will also get the word out for those who care to join us.   Thanks for the opportunity to partner with you to touch others with the love of God ;)
blessings,
darlene grieco


How AMAZING is that?? This little girl's best friend will be shining down from heaven on each child we give a bag to. Thank you for being Ordinary Heroes, honoring your friend's memory, and showering love on so many, all at the same time!! What an example you are!

Adoption, spreading orphan awareness, collecting donations.....the list goes on. We can all find ways to be an Ordinary Hero to someone in need. May you be inspired and encouraged by these Ordinary Heroes, and may your days in 2012 be filled with joy and inspiration to help others in need. 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN 2011! A New Video to Reflect.

As the 2011 year comes to a close, I wanted to take this time to thank all of the many families and individuals who have supported all the lives Ordinary Hero has been fortunate enough to bless this year. YOU truly are Ordinary Heroes. You have provided FOREVER FAMILIES to orphans in need of homes through the miracle of adoption. Ordinary Hero has given away over $40,000 this year to adoptive families and those traveling on missions, thanks to your support. We have seen countless lives blessed in America, and in Africa. You have come alongside us this year to serve the homeless and those in need in America, and the orphans and the needy in Africa through our many outreach opportunities and mission trips.

WE ARE SO BLESSED!

As we close the Christmas season, and reflect on the birth of Jesus, my heart skips a beat to Africa and all the many beautiful lives that have touched us and made us better for knowing them this year. As we wrap our minds and hearts around the love of Jesus after just celebrating Christmas, take a moment with me to reflect on this past year of 2011 in Africa. Watch and see the LOVE, THE HANDS, AND THE FEET of JESUS being poured out to children in need through Ordinary Heroes like me and like you. We can all help someone in need. We are all better for doing so. We won't forget these little lives. You can watch this video and see why so many leave their hearts in Africa.

CLICK HERE to go to the direct link, or silence my music on the right sidebar and watch the video below.

Ordinary Hero ~ Ethiopia 2011~ We Won't Forget from Kelly Putty on Vimeo.


We can't thank you enough for your support of Ordinary Hero this year. We couldn't do any of it without you partnering with us. I don't ask for donations specifically for Ordinary Hero often, but it is the end of the year, and we do rely on support to keep doing what we do.  If you would like to make a tax deductible, end of the year donation, CLICK HERE. Email Charlene@OrdinaryHero.org to inquire about partnering with us in 2012. We have ideas and plans that are way bigger than what we could think or imagine for this next year. We couldn't do it without you. We humbly say THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU!!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO AN EXCITING 2012 WITH 5 NEW TEAMS TRAVELING TO ETHIOPIA, SEVERAL OUTREACHES IN AMERICA, AND MUCH MORE!

LET US ALL BE LIFTED HIGHER!!

Merry Christmas!

From all of us at Ordinary Hero, 

we wish you a very Merry Christmas! 

Thank you for having the heart of giving and making it feel like Christmas every day for so many children in need across the world in 2011. 

Your love moves mountains and changes the world for many little lives! Life has twists and turns and sometimes looks hopeless for many. Circumstances can be turned around in an instant thanks to ONE PERSON. It all started in the beginning when Mary started out as a confused, pregnant, young girl, trying to figure out what was happening in her life. The words to this song say it so beautifully....


A BABY CHANGES EVERYTHING!


So if a little baby named Jesus came to this world and changed everything for us all through one Ordinary girl...


think how much you can do. 

Have a Blessed Holiday Season!
Merry Christmas

The Ordinary Hero Team

Our Product Partners!!

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR DECEMBER PRODUCT PARTNERS!!

Many of you who shopped during our last grant contest may have noticed some cool new items in our OH Store. We had some amazing families partner up with OH to offer some of their product in order to benefit our fundraising families. How awesome is that?? We have sold out of most of it and now you are left saying...."Where can I get more?" Well here is where you can get more cool items that you saw in our store in December. Be sure to check out the links below and shop with these families. Many of them are fundraising and make things in order to raise funds for their own adoptions, or some of them have adopted and are now pouring back into the cause that stirred their heart to give back. 

If you have items that you are currently selling, and you would like more info about how our Product Partners works, please email Gina@OrdinaryHero.org for more info. We are currently stocking up on cool new items for our January grant contest. Don't miss out.....and don't forget to support the families that are listed below, and purchase some really cool stuff!! 

Our cool headbands this month ~ MakHappi

Awesome hand-made items~ Sow To China

Art plaques, key fobs and more~ Teem Keehn

Awesome Ornaments!~ Ethiopia Dad

Don't forget to REACH OUT to someone in need this Christmas

As the Christmas season approaches we must all remember those that are less fortunate. We can easily get caught up in the hustle and bustle, and financial stress that the holiday season brings as we strive to provide for our own loved ones. 

We must not forget the REASON FOR THE SEASON. 

We can be a HUGE blessing to someone this Christmas season in some of the simplest ways. 

Let's teach our children what the spirit of CHRISTmas is all about by giving to those that really do need a blessing this Christmas. 

IDEAS.......

I heard on the radio this morning that the Salvation Army needs help passing out gifts.

The Meals On Wheels needs help passing out meals.

Let the kids make a card, you can bake something sweet and go visit the elderly. Call a nursing home in your area and find out who does not get regular visitors and take them a card and something sweet to eat and wish them a Merry Christmas. 

Call your local homeless shelter and sign up to serve a meal or take a family some Christmas presents. 

Visit our OH CHRISTMAS OUTREACH page for ideas locally and with our Blessing Bags. 

Let's bless someone this Christmas season. Send pics and emails of ways that you have blessed someone this Christmas season. We love to highlight our Ordinary Heroes!! 

Kelly@Ordinaryhero.org

December Grant Winners!!

OF

WON

TO BE APPLIED TOWARD YOUR ADOPTION 

OR MISSION TRIP!! Yay!!

Each month we give our top 3 Selling Affiliates $500 toward their adoption or mission trip in which they are fundraising for. We love supporting adoptions and missions!! It is where our heart is. We, at OH, love helping you all reach your fundraising goals through our Affiliate Program!! 

This month our Affiliates knocked our socks off!! We had some true go-getters who got the word out and had some amazing purchases on their behalf!! You guys have some AWESOME friends and family who love and support you in your passion to CHANGE THE WORLD FOR ONE!!

So.....our top three selling December Grant Affiliates, and winners of the $500 Grant, are......

#1  Shanna Bahn from Minnesota!! Her sales soared!! She is fundraising for a Visiting Orphans Mission Trip and in just 10 days she earned $1227.74 just from her 40% affiliate commission. THEN she earned the $500 grant which means in just 10 days she now has an extra $1727.74 toward her mission trip!! Incredible!!

#2  Kim Adams from North Dakota!! She is fundraising for an adoption and in just 10 days earned $810.26 just from her 40% affiliate commission. THEN she earned another $500 for being a top seller which brings her total earnings to $1310.26 in just 10 Days!!! Woo Hoo!!

#3  Anita Rives from Kentucky!! Anita is fundraising for her daughter, McKaila, to attend an OH Mission Trip in July. In just 10 days she raised $723.01 just from her 40% affiliate earnings and THEN she earned another $500 as being a top seller!! That brings her total earnings in just 10 days to $1223.01!! Your daughter better be loving you!! :-)

Wow!! Congratulations to our top 3 OH Affiliates!! 

We have SEVERAL HONORABLE MENTIONS who had over $1000 in sales credited to their name during this grant giveaway. Remember that means that they still earned over $400 with their 40% commission which is a huge blessing!We would like to give all of these honorable mention, strong selling affilates, who sold over $1000 in product, a $50 gift certificate to the OH store. We say "Great Job"!!

Those who had over $1000 in sales credited to their name, and get a $50 gift certificate, are....

Debbi Coder

Brooke Hennigfeld

Jordan Henderson

Brian and Heather Keehn

Jessica Heesch

Chelsey Bibb

GREAT JOB, GUYS!!

I must send out a major THANK YOU to all of our Affiliates, and all of you who supported our Affiliates through your purchases!! They could not have done this without the support of family and friends who purchased on their behalf to support their cause. 

Remember, Affiliates, YOU ARE ALL WINNERS!! 

You all receive 40% of every purchase credited to your name. 

We are thrilled to be able to offer this to you!! 

All of our Affiliates are making a difference, even by the purchases that others are making on their behalf!! In just 10 days we had the following items sold through the store which will help countless children and women in need....

8 Donkeys

37 1/2 sheep

44 Amharic Bibles

38 Donation Combos for kids in Africa

17 pair of shoes. 

YOU ALL ARE TRULY MAKING A DIFFERENCE!! 

We want to give a shout out to Ethiopia Dad, who donated several of his ornaments (that sold out quickly) to help these fundraising families and OH. These were awesome ornaments that you can go get more of at his etsy shop. We want to thank ALL of our families who have donated items toward helping these fundraising families. I will be doing a post VERY SOON announcing who they are and where you can go to buy more of their stuff!! We are excited about our product partners!! 

Who will it be in January??

If you are interested in partnering YOUR product with OH to benefit our fundraising families, please email Gina@OrdinaryHero.org for more information. 

Again, CONGRATS to our Grant Winners!! 

Next Grant Giveaway will start Friday, January 13 at 12:01am,  and run through Sunday, the 22nd at 11:59pm. 

See how 10 days can make a drastic difference in YOUR fundraising!! 

Check out our Affiliate Program and get signed up today :-) 

AWESOME JOB, EVERYONE!!

And AWESOME JOB, GINA, OUR FUNDRAISING COACH!! She is the best!!!

New Shirts in the Store!!

 Could these kiddos be any cuter?? (Even if they are my niece and nephew :-)

Our new Kid's long sleeve shirts and Charcoal Women's hoodie are now in the OH STORE! 

We have ONE DAY left in December's Grant Giveaway. 

Be sure to grab these shirts and support our Adoption and Fundraising Affiliates during this grant giveaway. Grant Giveaway contest ends tomorrow, Sunday at 11:59 PM Central. 

Look at these cute new shirts! 

Your little one is GONNA CHANGE THE WORLD!

Then, check out these new Charcoal Hoodies! Our White Burnout Hoodie is one of our favorites because it is so soft and comfy. Now we have it in Charcoal. Get yours today! So cute!

Lucy is saying...."Mmmm, Hmmm. I'm liking that hoodie. I just might have to get me a burnout hoodie too!" :-)
Happy shopping in the OH Store!

DECEMBER GRANT CONTEST STARTS TOMORROW!

Ordinary Hero will be holding our LAST grant contest for the 2011 year starting tomorrow, December 1st at 12:01 am and it will run through Sunday,December 11th at 11:59pm (Central time). We will be giving away $1500!!!

We will be offering THREE $500 Grants to the top 3 affilaites that sell the most product! Sign up today to become an affiliate, so you can win the Grant!!! Sign up HERE.

If you know someone fundraising their adoption or their mission trip, PLEASE tell them about the Ordinary Hero Affilaite Program. They receive 40% of the proceeds of all products bought under their name, plus the chance to win GRANT money in addition!!! Its really a great program! Thanks for sharing this opportunity with your friends and family!

We will have LOTS of new items in the store when you wake up Thursday morning! :) There will be items made by some of our very own fundraising families for this Grant offering! There are LOTS of fabulous Christmas gift ideas- so make sure you shop early!!! The items from our fundraising families are in VERY LIMITED quantities- so make sure you take a look at the STORE on Thursday morning and SHOP EARLY! Here are some items that you will see in the OH STORE!

NIFTY CHALKBOARD PLACEMAT...

and these COOL KEY FOBS (Great gifts!)...

and how about Santa letters for your kids?

Oh my goodness... Look at this Christmas Ornament...

and we will have more ornaments for Russia, China and Guatemala :). So check out our STORE to see what we have on Thursday!

and cute headbands for the girls.. (This model is just precious by the way and I love her so)

That is just a sneak peak :) There will be Many more items listed as well! :) I am still waiting on some packages to show up at my door! :) We will have precious crayon rolls, camera straps and wall art! We will also have new RED OH coffee travel tumblers and cool OH Acylic water tumblers (with straws).

So start thinking HOW YOU are going to WIN on of our $500 Grants! Get your email lists ready and warn all of your facebook friends that its time for them to do some Christmas shopping and support your adoption and/or mission trip! :) Good luck to all!! The above mentioned items are going to go VERY FAST, so have your friends shop starting Thursday to get the best selection!

If you are not an affiliate, but would like to purchase from the OH Store, you can bless one of our MANY affilaites at checkout by selecting their name as you make your order. They will receive 40% of your purchase!

Good luck to all! :)

If you would like more information on how to see YOUR items listed in the OH STORE next month, contact Gina@ Ordinaryhero.org. Send her pictures of your products that you would like to see listed and she will explain to you how our program works! We hope to partner with 5 families each month. She is now accepting products for the Januray and February months. :)

Little Ordinary Heroes with GREAT BIG HEARTS!!

 Let me introduce you to Piper and Sarah from Ky. They are our Hero Spotlights for this week. You see, they recently had birthdays and decided to celebrate them together. Piper and Sarah chose NOT to get presents for their birthdays, but instead asked all of their friends to JOIN THEM in being ORDINARY HEROES and they collected money for the orphans in Ethiopia!! They collected $315 to be exact!! Wow!! What an awesome idea, girls!!

 It just goes to show you how we should all have the heart of a child. These kids should be in their normal Birthday mode and excited and expecting to receive their gifts from their party like any child would. BUT instead they are excited to get all their friends together and see what a big difference they can make in the lives of orphans in Ethiopia. Wow!! To think that kids "get it" at such a young age is incredible!

 They created their giving box, above, and below, they even had their Birthday cake share the spirit as they incorporated their love for cheerleading and Ordinary Hero all in one. So cute!!

 They gave each child an OH bracelet as a party favor. Girls, I can't wait to show you who your Birthday Party is going to bless on our next trip!

So how did these girls hear about Ordinary Hero and who inspired them? Let me introduce you to Ali. She was on our OH team mission trip in July. She got to experience the power of serving the "least of these." 

 She came back impacted and ready to make a difference.

 She has since been speaking in Sunday School classes to help spread the word of the the needs of the orphans.

So you see, she not only has impacted the lives of those in need all the way across the world, but she is impacting those around her since her return. 

Giving, Loving, Sharing what you have seen, it goes a long way....

It CHANGES MANY WORLDS :-)

Thank you girls, for having such incredibly giving hearts!! You truly are ORDINARY HEROES! Ali will be returning to Ethiopia on a July 2012 trip and will personally get to show the girls how their Birthday will bless those in need.