An inspiring event took place recently in Wilmington, North Carolina, aimed at raising awareness and funds for mental health programs in local schools. Burgers and Bands, a nonprofit organization founded by Ann Brennan, stems from her personal journey with her son Ethan's struggles with depression and self-harm. Despite the challenges they faced, Ethan has triumphed over his battles and now dedicates his career to mental health advocacy. Brennan’s vision transformed into an uplifting gathering that emphasizes hope and resilience rather than despair. Originating in Maryland in 2016, the event was brought to Wilmington through the efforts of Brennan’s friend Lee Norwood. With volunteer musicians contributing their talents, often due to personal connections to the cause, the event successfully raised over $6,000 this year for school-based mental health initiatives.
Inspired by her own experiences, Ann Brennan established Burgers and Bands as a way to address mental health issues more effectively within communities. Her son Ethan’s three-year battle with depression and self-harm became a catalyst for action. After overcoming these hardships, Ethan chose to work full-time in the mental health field, further fueling Brennan's determination to create meaningful change. The event is designed to be uplifting rather than somber, focusing on hope and survival rather than grief. This approach resonates deeply with those who attend, offering a refreshing perspective on how such events can inspire positive action.
Lee Norwood, Brennan’s long-time friend, played a pivotal role in bringing Burgers and Bands to Wilmington. While Brennan initially advised starting small, Norwood's ambitious nature ensured the event reached a wider audience. Musicians participating in the event do so voluntarily, often motivated by their own ties to mental health causes. Some bands have tragically lost members to suicide, which drives them to contribute actively to the mission. Their involvement adds emotional depth and authenticity to the event, creating a powerful connection between performers and attendees.
The funds generated from Burgers and Bands are channeled directly into local schools to enhance their mental health support systems. Teachers or students interested in accessing these resources can apply via the organization’s website by completing a grant request form. Brennan emphasizes that obtaining the grant should not be overly complicated; the primary goal is to ensure schools utilize the financial assistance effectively. With this year’s event surpassing expectations by raising over $6,000, organizers eagerly anticipate hosting another successful event next year.
Burgers and Bands exemplifies how personal struggles can transform into impactful community initiatives. Through collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to improving mental health outcomes, the event continues to make significant strides in supporting local educational institutions. As it grows in popularity and influence, the initiative remains steadfast in its mission to provide hope and practical solutions to those in need.
Amidst a push for unconventional financial strategies, Utah has amassed a significant gold reserve worth $60 million, championed by state Rep. Ken Ivory. This initiative, part of an effort to safeguard against economic uncertainties, allows the state treasurer to invest up to 10% of its rainy day funds in gold. With potential for further expansion and innovative payment systems involving gold, Utah is exploring new frontiers in fiscal policy.
Beyond merely stockpiling precious metals, Utah seeks to revolutionize transactions through legislation enabling vendors with state contracts to receive payments in gold. This move reflects broader concerns about currency devaluation and aims to provide alternative options amidst changing global financial landscapes. Despite differing opinions within expert groups, the momentum towards integrating gold into daily operations continues to gain traction.
Building Resilience Through Precious Metals
Utah’s strategic investment in gold represents a proactive approach to managing economic risks. By diversifying its financial portfolio, the state ensures access to liquid assets during emergencies while leveraging the stability gold offers during turbulent times. The decision aligns with long-term planning objectives aimed at protecting citizens' interests amidst uncertain economic conditions.
The rationale behind Utah’s adoption of gold as part of its financial strategy lies in its unique properties as a hedge against inflation and market volatility. As global economies face challenges, the appeal of gold grows stronger due to its historical reliability. State Treasurer Marlo Oaks emphasizes the importance of maintaining flexibility within the rainy day fund, ensuring that resources remain accessible when needed most. Furthermore, rising gold prices since initial purchases indicate promising returns on investment, reinforcing the wisdom of this financial decision. While some experts caution against over-reliance on gold, others see it as a prudent measure given current economic trends.
Pioneering Gold-Based Transactions
Innovative legislative proposals aim to integrate gold more deeply into Utah’s economy by facilitating gold-based transactions between the state and its vendors. This groundbreaking initiative positions Utah at the forefront of redefining modern commerce practices. By adopting such measures, the state not only enhances its financial resilience but also encourages broader acceptance of gold-backed exchanges.
Rep. Ken Ivory advocates for transforming how businesses interact with the government through gold payments, arguing that this shift could challenge existing IRS policies regarding capital gains taxes on precious metals. Proponents envision a future where official recognition of gold as legal tender opens doors to reduced tax burdens associated with its use. However, implementing these changes requires careful consideration of technicalities and costs involved in establishing efficient transaction systems. Two prominent companies, Glint Pay and Goldback, have expressed interest in contributing their platforms to support this transformation. Although fiscal estimates initially projected higher expenses, adjustments lowered anticipated costs significantly, partly funded by private donors. Nevertheless, debates persist among stakeholders about appropriate safeguards and regulatory frameworks necessary to protect public interests while embracing this novel approach to finance. Despite setbacks concerning cryptocurrency investments and mining incentives tied to gold, enthusiasm remains high for advancing Utah’s pioneering role in utilizing precious metals effectively within contemporary economic structures.
Individuals who have used Walgreens for prescription refills may qualify for financial restitution as part of a significant class action settlement totaling $100 million. This legal resolution stems from allegations that Walgreens allegedly overcharged clients using insurance benefits to cover specific generic medications. Despite the settlement, Walgreens maintains its innocence and has refrained from further public statements on the matter.
The recent settlement agreement brings closure to a legal dispute concerning pricing practices at Walgreens. The lawsuit claimed that certain customers were charged more than necessary when using their insurance benefits for particular generic drugs. Although this settlement was reached, it does not imply an admission of guilt by Walgreens, which continues to deny any improper conduct in its billing processes.
When approached by NJ Advance Media for additional details, Walgreens representatives opted not to elaborate beyond the official statement on the settlement website. The company remains steadfast in asserting that its practices complied with all relevant regulations.
This settlement provides an opportunity for affected customers to seek compensation. Those who believe they were impacted by these alleged overcharges are encouraged to review the terms outlined on the dedicated settlement webpage. By doing so, they can determine their eligibility and take appropriate steps to claim potential refunds.