Secret Santa Reveals His Idenity

By MARIA SUDEKUM FISHER, Associated Press Writer Sat Nov 18, 6:10 AM ET

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - For 26 years, a man known only as Secret Santa has roamed the streets every December quietly giving people money. He started with $5 and $10 bills. As his fortune grew, so did the gifts. In recent years, Secret Santa has been handing out $100 bills, sometimes two or three at a time, to people in thrift stores, diners and parking lots. So far, he's anonymously given out about $1.3 million. It's been a long-held holiday mystery: Who is Secret Santa?

But now, weak from chemotherapy and armed with a desire to pass on his belief in random kindness, Secret Santa has decided it's time to reveal his identity.

He is Larry Stewart, a 58-year-old businessman from the Kansas City suburb of Lee's Summit, Mo., who made his millions in cable television and long-distance telephone service.

His holiday giving started in December 1979 when he was nursing his wounds at a drive-in restaurant after getting fired. It was the second year in a row he had been fired the week before Christmas.

"It was cold and this car hop didn't have on a very big jacket, and I thought to myself, `I think I got it bad. She's out there in this cold making nickels and dimes,'" he said.

He gave her $20 and told her to keep the change.

"And suddenly I saw her lips begin to tremble and tears begin to flow down her cheeks. She said, `Sir, you have no idea what this means to me.'"

Stewart went to the bank that day and took out $200, then drove around looking for people who could use a lift. That was his "Christmas present to himself." He's hit the streets each December since.

While Stewart has also given money to other community causes in Kansas City and his hometown of Bruce, Miss., he offers the simple gifts of cash because it's something people don't have to "beg for, get in line for, or apply for."

That was a feeling he came to know in the early '70s when he was living out of his yellow Datsun 510. Hungry and tired, Stewart mustered the nerve to approach a woman at a church and ask for help.

The woman told him the person who could help was gone for the day, and Stewart would have to come back the next day.

"As I turned around, I knew I would never do that again," Stewart said.

Over the years, Stewart's giving as Secret Santa grew. He started a Web site. He allowed the news media to tag along, mostly because he wanted to hear about the people who received the money. Reporters had to agree to guard his identity and not name his company, which he still does not want revealed.

His entourage grew over the years, and he began traveling with special elves. People like the late Negro Leagues icon Buck O'Neil, who handed out hugs while Stewart doled out $100s. NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus will join Stewart this year in Chicago when Stewart hands out $100s in honor of O'Neil, the first African-American coach in the Major Leagues.

They'll give out $100,000 between Chicago and Kansas City. Four Secret Santa's who Stewart "trained" will hand out an additional $65,000.

Doctors told Stewart in April that he had cancer of the esophagus and it had spread to his liver. He has been lucky, he says, to get into a clinical trial at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. But the aggressive chemotherapy has stripped away his appetite and energy. He's lost about 100 pounds, but has held onto his white hair.

The treatment costs more than $16,000 a month, not including the cost of traveling to Houston every two weeks and staying there for five or six days. He now has two months off, but returns to treatment in February.

His insurance company won't cover the cost of the treatment, which has left him concerned about his finances and his family.

Now, his mission is bigger than handing out $100 bills. Stewart wants to speak to community groups about his devotion to kindness and to inspire others to donate their time and money.

"That's what we're here for," Stewart says, "to help other people out."

AMAG ONLINE! Is the premier online newsletter that recognizes those who may not be receiving the proper recognition. The issue goes out on the 1st and 15th of each month. (Back issues can be viewed by logging onto www.awarenessmagaziine.net)

Mission: To improve the quality of life, consciousness and awareness in the African American & Hispanic community.

Purpose: For over 8 years AMAG, Inc. [a marketing, advertising and promotional company based in Brooklyn New York) has worked diligently to promote, network, bring awareness and search for solutions in the African American and Hispanic community. Our online newsletter serves as an extended platform that recognizes the achievements of individuals and companies who are rising in their respective genre. As a resource rich in inspiration, knowledge and social commentary, we are confident our mission will reach and captivate thousands of individuals, families and companies.

Value: AMAG ONLINE is committed to raising the entrepreneurial spirit in all, especially those apprehensive about their vision. Our interviews and content also serve as a valuable resource and inspiration for young adults.

Vision: To produce a publication that stands alone. One that explores relevant issues, while educating and inspiring many to pursue and realize their dreams. With a strong sense of community and giving back, these individuals and companies will lend their expertise and in help lift those coming behind them.

Demographics:
Men: 45%
Women: 55%
Business Owners/Entrepreneurs 40%
Consumers 60%
Household Income: Median $80,000
Race: African American 70% Hispanic 20% Other: 10%

Circulation:
Direct: 1,200
Forward to online groups: ~80K (these are groups the AMAG staff is involved with, not spam)
Groups include but not limited to AA List, AA Social club, AA literature, BP Entertainment News; Black Expressions 2005, URscene radio, Marguerite Press, African American Wealth, Promote it 2003, Nubian Dreams, Christians with a Pen, Sistah In Spirit along with daily promotion of AMAG via the internet
Print flyers which detail AMAG ..For The Conscious Professional and offers free sign up for AMAGONLINE! Via street teams primarily in New York City with a few in DC, Kansas City, NC, Chicago, Houston, parts of CA and parts of New Jersey.

RATES
Banner ads (460x60 AMAG banner above)
$50.00 per issue up 4 issues
$30.00 per issue 5-12 issues


For additional size ads please inquire

SEND CAMERA READY WORK TO [email protected]

Ck or MO order payments should be made payable to James Lisbon and mailed to 72 Spring Street-11th Floor, NYC 10012; paypal payment; [email protected]

James M. Lisbon, Founder & Publisher AMAG 212-413-9544 [email protected]

Brooklyn, New York - Georgia Woodbine Author of How to Make Big Buck$ Without Selling Your Soul selected as speaker at BLACK CHURCH MEANS BUSINESS CONFERENCE

On December 11 - December 12, 2006 Georgia Woodbine Author of How to Make Big Buck$ Without Selling Your Soul selected as speaker at the 2005 BLACK CHURCH MEANS BUSINESS CONFERENCE. This year's conference will be held at the Brooklyn Museum. For registration and exhibitor information, contact Faye Braz, conference coordinator, at 718-638-6397.

The Black Church Means Business is Piloted by Executive Chair and fellow Jamaican Rev. Dennis Dillon, CEO of the New York Christian Times newspaper who was recently named as one of the NY 25 most influential Black leaders in religion, politics and civil rights by the New York Daily News, the Black Church Means Business 2006 Conference will be held at the newly renovated Brooklyn Museum on December 11th and 12th.

Representing a citywide coalition of Black churches, major corporations, small businesses, and financial and civic institutions this annual two-day interactive conference provides information and guidance on starting and developing profitable businesses, franchising, real estate development, entering global markets, and a wealth of other areas. Featured presenters include George Fraser, Author, Success Runs in Our Race; Adolfo Carrion, Bronx Borough President; Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Senior Pastor, St. Paul Community Church; Ed Goldberg, Senior Vice President, Macy's and many more committed to attend.

About Georgia Woodbine:
After working in the music industry for over ten years, Ms. Woodbine was inspired to use her experiences and life-learned lessons to help others find the path to their passion and purpose. Ms. Woodbine worked as a manager for artists and producers. Some of the projects her artists and producers collaborated on were: Roc-A-Fella Records-Memphis Bleek's Everybody; Amil's No One Can Compare; Maurice Malone- BAGS Come One Come All; Atlantic Records -Spence featuring Memphis Bleek; Warner Bros/Lifeline Ent-Youth Asylum's It'll Be Alright, Produced by Quincy Jones.

Ms. Woodbine has also worked for a variety of entertainment companies such as; Def Jam, PolyGram, WNYU Radio, Black Enterprise Magazine, and the Apollo Theatre. Capitalizing on her experience with project management, publicity, promotions, and marketing, Ms. Woodbine formed a successful copywriting and marketing consulting company. G&J; Consulting Services was formed to help independent record labels, start-up companies, online publications, publishers, artists, and authors with the presentation of their product and/or service. Some clients include; ASCAP, Warner Bros. Records, HarperCollinsPublishers, WEA, Gots to Have It Marketing/Give 'n Take Network, NetworkShops, and many others Sparking an inspirational phenomenon wherever she goes, bestselling author/motivational speaker/marketing consultant, Georgia Woodbine gives it to you straight in her powerful book, How To Make BIG BUCK$ Without Selling Your Soul.

This tell-it-like-it-is book reveals the secrets to living a life of fulfillment that will show you how to tap into your spiritual power and allow God to be the director of your life.

Ms. Woodbine will be a speaker at Black Church Means Business Conference in Youth segment. She discusses Sparking The Power In You and will have a special suprise presentation for the youth that they will never forget.

Dale Carnegie once said: The person who has technical knowledge plus the ability to express ideas, to assume leadership, and to arouse enthusiasm among people-that person is headed for higher earning power.

Who would have thought that working in the fast-paced entertainment industry for over 8 years would lead to a personal transformation and purpose to encourage, motivate, and empower others

Ms. Woodbine has always had the determination and drive of an entrepreneur at a young age. She has always wanted to work for herself. At 14 years old, she started a company called Gee's Business Services; which specialized in making business cards, logos, flyers, menus, and invitations. She charged $35.00, and when she received her first $35.00, she gained the confidence to move forward.

At age 17, while in high school, she started typing report papers for high school and college students, friends, and family. When she graduated from high school, she realized that she had a passion for helping people improve their lives through written material.

In college, she interned at Hot 97 radio station and started hanging out with friends at the studio. She always had a natural instinct for business. Ms. Woodbine would inquire about how they were getting paid, write their bios and press releases, copyright their music, and give advice on how to present their business. The next thing she knew, she gained the title as manager, because of her connections within the entertainment industry.

Ms. Woodbine worked as a manager for artists and producers. Some of the projects her artists and producers collaborated on were: Roc-A-Fella Records - Memphis Bleek's Everybody; Amil's No One Can Compare; Maurice Malone - BAGS Come One Come All; Atlantic Records -Spence featuring Memphis Bleek; Warner Bros/Lifeline Ent-Youth Asylum's It'll Be Alright, Produced by Quincy Jones. Ms. Woodbine has also worked for a variety of entertainment companies.

To order Georgia Woodbine's National Best Selling Book How to Make Big Bucks Without Selling Your Soul log on to www.spiritualfocuspublishing.com, You may also log on to www.spiritualfocuspublishing.com today to inquire about booking as a speaker Georgia Woodbine for your organizations next event. For registration and exhibitor information, contact Faye Braz, conference coordinator, at 718-638-6397.

TV Show Spotlights Black Books, Editors by Calvin Reid -- 11/13/2006

Tony Rose, CEO of black nonfiction publisher Amber Communications, has teamed up with independent film producer Rosette Union to produce Literary Living, a TV show that profiles African-American authors and publishing figures. The show began airing on the Black Family Channel, which reaches about 16 million viewers, in October.

Rose, who is executive producer of Literary Living, said plans for the show took root in 2005 at BookExpo, while he and Union were videotaping authors and publishers visiting the African-American Pavilion. "We thought we could make a show out of it," said Rose. Amber Communications is the principal sponsor of the show right now, said Rose, although commercials have run for Proctor & Gamble and BFC sponsors like Toys "R" Us. Rose said he is negotiating with retailers, technology firms and other black indie publishers for advertising support. The half-hour program airs every Tuesday at 8:00 p.m EST Amber Communications author Heather Covington is the host.

The show is based and produced in New York, Rose said, and while it will cover the New York book trade, it will also spotlight books, authors and publishers around the country. Rose said the show has already featured authors Hill Harper, Wendy Williams, actress Ruby Dee, Lynette Khalfani and Relentless Aaron. The show focuses on African-American publishing, Rose said, but non?African-American authors and professionals working in the category will also be featured.

"We'll be out walking the streets of New York, going to small houses and the corporate towers," said Rose. The show has also profiled industry figures such as marketing and self-publishing guru Earl Cox, publisher Haki Madhubuti, the Harlem Book Fair's Max Rodriguez, and Wade and Cheryl Hudson of Just Us Books. In the coming weeks, former president Bill Clinton, Warner Books' Karen Thomas, author Tavis Smiley and Kassahun Checole of Africa World/Red Sea Press are scheduled to appear.

Union said the program also previews a book each week and airs a segment called "Something Special for the Kids," with a contest that requires kids to read certain books to find the clues needed to win. The segment has featured singer Roberta Flack, and comedian Chris Rock and actor Denzel Washington are slated to appear. "We're not a celebrity show," said Union, "but we do have celebrities on who want to talk about literacy."

About Black Family Channel:

Black Family Channel is America?s only minority owned and operated cable network committed to providing responsible programming for the entire family. Our mission is to entertain, inform and empower communities with family programming that is original, real, authentic and relevant. BFC is currently viewed in over 16 million households and 200 markets, including all of the top 25 African-American TV markets and 49 of the top 50 DMA TV markets, including: New York City (Channel 152); Philadelphia (Channel 293 & 119); Detroit (Channel 293, 350 & 63); Chicago (Channel 482 & 326 ); Atlanta (Channel 273 & 23); Miami (Channel 145 & 482); and Los Angeles (Channel 293, 135, 162, & 120). ?Literary Living? Airing Tuesdays at 8pm and at 12am Midnight on the Black Family Channel.

Phil Andrews
CEO
PA Public Relations Company
www.papublicrelations.com
[email protected]