What a Tweet! Adults 50+ Are All a-Twitter about Giving Made Simple

Many are signing up for Twitter accounts in order to vote to expand health and wellness programming in campaign to direct Sam’s Club donations

“Vote by Tweet” takes place on July 12 and July 26

July 5, 2011 -- It’s not everyday that you get a chance to decide how a big corporation should spend its money. So a group of adults 50-and-older is taking full advantage of a unique fundraising campaign…and learning how to “tweet” in the process.

This month, Sam’s Club and the Sam’s Club Giving Program are conducting a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about health and wellness issues. On July 12 and July 26, anyone with a Twitter account can send a tweet, casting a vote for one of four charitable causes. Each tweet earns the charity $5, and each Twitter account holder can send up to 20 tweets on each of those two days. Each charity can earn up to $500,000 depending the number of tweet votes it receives. More details are available at http://www.oasisnet.org/GivingMadeSimple.aspx.

One of those charities is OASIS, a national education organization whose local centers across the country offer an array of health and wellness programs for adults age 50+. OASIS is encouraging all of its members—and all those who care about the health and wellness of their parents and grandparents—to tweet on both days. It is even providing tutorials on its website about Twitter and tweeting for those new to social networking.

‘This is a tremendous opportunity for our organization and an easy way for people who care about the health and wellness of adults age 50+ to get involved,” said Lauren Feiglin, Executive Director of OASIS program of Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. “What could be easier than going online and making a donation of someone else’s money with the click of a button?”

Individuals who are members of Sam’s Club may also vote daily online at www.SamsClub.com/givingmadesimple and at facebook.com/samsclub. Each online vote is also worth $5 to OASIS. The Campaign runs through August 1.

Each year, OASIS serves more than 400,000 adults age 50 and older through its various programs across the country. OASIS programs are designed to help older adults better manage their health and lead healthier lifestyles. “Obesity-related expenses and complications are quickly becoming one of the nation’s most pressing public health challenges,” noted Marcia Kerz, President of the national OASIS. “Across the country, 35 percent of people age 50 and older lead sedentary lifestyles. Our goal is to continue to expand opportunities for these adults to stay active and healthy.”

About the OASIS Institute

OASIS is a national education organization dedicated to enriching the lives of adults age 50 and older through lifelong learning and service. Offering stimulating programs in the arts, humanities, health, technology and volunteer service, OASIS brings people together to learn, lead and contribute in their communities. A national network of cities serves a diverse audience through educational centers and community partners. The OASIS Institute is nationally headquartered in St. Louis, Mo. For more information, visit www.oasisnet.org.

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