Press Releases

LIFE INSURANCE CONCEPTS AND THE BERNSTEIN FAMILY FOUNDATION UNDERWRITE BOCA RATON’S PROMISE INAUGURAL “SHADES OF BLUE” LUNCHEON TO SUPPORT LAUNCH OF ORGANIZATION’S “BOCA BRAVE” AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR MENTAL HEALTH

150 City of Boca Raton And Countywide Community, Business, Education, Healthcare and Spiritual Leaders Embrace And Advance “Conversation-Starting” Mission BOCA RATON, FL (July 2, 2014)

More than 150 community stakeholders learned how they can be BOCA BRAVE at Boca Raton’s Promise’s (BRP) “Shades of Blue” Luncheon underwritten by Life Insurance Concepts and the Bernstein Family Foundation to kick-off the organization’s new grassroots community awareness and education campaign to break the silence for mental health by starting critical conversations at home, school, work and play. Key BOCA BRAVE objectives are to help reduce the stigma that prevents children and families in crisis to seek help and gain access to much needed mental health services and treatment, raise sensitivity to those in such need, support youth-focused programming, first-responder mental health first aid certification, and raise funds to maximize opportunities to ignite and sustain the vital messaging. Onboard to learn about and advance the upbeat, youth and family-focused BOCA BRAVE campaign were a cross-section of the community, including leaders in City of Boca, Palm Beach County and state government and agencies; business; healthcare and social services; public and private school education; all Boca Raton-based universities; clergy; service clubs and other nonprofits.

Following a welcome from Ted and Deborah Bernstein, the luncheon program that was led by BRP Co-Founder Rita Thrasher who provided riveting insight into the current mental health challenges affecting today’s community youth, what BRP has been doing since 2007 to address it, and how all those attending can support the BOCA BRAVE campaign with its branded “conversation” tools that have been created and will be implemented for BRP by Boca Raton-based Kaye Communications Public Relations & Marketing (KCOM). Following program highlights via video, a YouTube presentation of the campaign’s adopted anthem of the chart-topping song BRAVE performed by Sara Bareilles, attendees were asked “How Big Is Your Brave?” as they began collaborative table discussions with experienced conversation starters and pledged their individual and organization support.

These included commitments to host employee Lunch & Learns, register staff or members for mental health first aid trainings, invite BOCA BRAVE speakers to enlighten at organization and business meetings, underwrite a public service broadcast and print series, join a BOCA BRAVE community event committee, and more. “As business leaders, national life insurance industry innovators, and longtime residents of Boca Raton, Deborah and I were grateful, energized and proud when learned about Boca Raton’s Promise and its steadfast commitment, strategic action, and achievements in community collaboration on this issue, “ noted Ted Bernstein, CEO of Life Insurance Concepts. “It is totally unacceptable, when you hear that studies focused on mental illness and violence validate that the ‘stigma’attached to such illnesses prevent those who require help from actually seeking it. We cannot have the tragedies as experienced in Sandy Hook, Santa Barbara or Georgia Tech play out in our community.” When asked why is the mission of their Bernstein Family Foundation and Boca Raton’s Promise so important them, Deborah Bernstein, president of the BFF and author of Mom’s Choice Award-winning children’s book, Stylish Stella, shared that “like every one, there are times in our lives when circumstances are more than we can handle alone. Our family has been fortunate to have access to counseling and we have experienced its value. As we have seen too often, it can be the difference between life and innocent, needless suffering.

Counseling at the point of crisis should be accessible and affordable to everyone who seeks it.” BOCA BRAVE Campaign For Mental Health Launches At BRP’s Shades Of Blue Luncheon/2/2/2/2 Since BRP has ignited collaborative support on “breaking the silence” for mental health throughout Palm Beach County and has underwritten the launch of efforts and programming in Boynton Beach, Lake Worth and Delray Beach, she noted “It is now time for its home community of Boca Raton to ‘turn up its volume’ with BOCA BRAVE to become a model city on addressing this significant health issue.” “Through BOCA BRAVE, we are encouraging supporters to say, sing, write, post or share the messaging in their own way,” noted KCOM Chief Strategist Bonnie Kaye. “Since everyone communicates differently, the BOCA BRAVE tool kit is filled with diverse conversation starters.

We chose Sara Bareilles’s BRAVE to reach across generations as its upbeat music unites, encourages, and inspires while its lyrics are ‘spot on’.” In addition to BRP and the Palm Beach County Action Alliance For Mental Health, organizations represented at the “Shades of Blue Luncheon” included the City of Boca; City of Boca Raton Police Services; Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office; The School District of Palm Beach County; Palm Beach County Council of PTA; Florida Atlantic University; Lynn University; Palm Beach State College; Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce; Boca Raton Regional Hospital; West Boca Medical Center; Promise Healthcare; YMCA of South Palm Beach County; Faulk Center for Counseling; Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services; Schmidt Family Foundation; Bernstein Family Foundation; FAU Foundation; Rotary Clubs of Boca Raton, Downtown Boca, and West Boca; Spirit of Giving Network; Junior League of Boca Raton; Junior League of Boca Raton; various physician groups, mental health organizations, wellness centers, area churches, synagogues, and public and private schools, and media. Businesses represented included Waterstone Resort & Marina, Coldwell Banker Commercial, Sun Trust, Life Insurance Concepts, Sklar Furnishings, Investments Limited, Croskey Lanni, PC, Kaye Communications, and Duanne Morris LLP.

For more information on the BOCA BRAVE grassroots campaign and Boca Raton’s Promise initiatives, visit www.bocaratonspromise.org and click on BOCA BRAVE, “like” Boca Brave on Facebook, follow on Twitter, or call (561) 866-1850 or email [email protected]. For more information about ways in which individuals, businesses, organizations and associations can support the BOCA BRAVE grassroots campaign, programming, events and workshops, funding and sponsorships, contact Jon Kaye at Kaye Communications 561-392-5166-office, 561-756-3097-cell or [email protected].

To learn more about the Bernstein Family Foundation visit www.bernsteinfamilyfoundation.org

Award-Winning Children’s Book “Stylish Stella’s Magic Crown”
Authored By Business Executive, Florida and U.S. Mrs. Pageant Title Holder,
And Family Advocate Deborah Bernstein

Now Available “Online and On The Shelf” at Barnes & Noble

Winning
Stylish Stella Was Written To Be A Trusted Resource For Young Girls To Turn To
When They Feel Insecure About Themselves And Are In Need Of
Building An Important Foundation Of Confidence And Self-Esteem

BOCA RATON, Fla. (April 2, 2014) – Achieving yet another exciting milestone for the Mom’s Choice award-winning “Stylish Stella’s Magic Crown” children’s book, Barnes & Noble has literally put Stella and her story “on the shelf” and online at bn.com.  Becoming more and more popular among moms and their “crowning” daughters for its engaging visual storytelling and important messaging, the first in the “Stylish Stella” book series authored by Deborah Bernstein beautifully reminds all young girls that “confidence is always in style!” Proceeds benefit the Bernstein Family Foundation that funds organizations that support families in crisis with critical access to critical therapeutic counseling.

According Bernstein, the book’s launch at Barnes & Noble – one of the nation’s largest booksellers, leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, and operator one of the Web’s largest e-commerce sites – it is well-timed for Mother’s Day gifting. It is ideal for mothers and grandmothers as they spend quality, intimate time with their daughters and granddaughters reading at their private tea parties or while spending the day at the beach on that day or throughout the year.

 Stylish Stella Is A Young Girl Who Always Strives To Be The Best She Can Be As She Encounters Challenges

She loves pink, purple, and sparkly, pretty things. Stella has lots of friends at school, but her best friend is her cat, Chloe! In the Stylish Stella books, Stella encounters problems she has to solve or goals she wants to achieve.

When Stella encounters trouble, she becomes frustrated and disappointed with herself.  With encouragement from Chloe, Stella discovers that with practice and hard work, she can achieve her goals.

However, it is her big sister and brother — Abigail and Colt — that inspire her. They show her that by believing in herself, she can do anything, and thus learning valuable lessons about confidence.  Stella learns to keep working hard despite her frustration until she gets it right.

Author Bernstein Draws On Her Unique Background In The Pageantry Industry, Experience as A Business Executive, and Efforts As An Community Advocate

Deborah’s multi-faceted background is the foundation of all her efforts, including those that demonstrate her selfless, “giving back” contributions to the community.

As a winner of several state and national pageants including: Mrs. U.S. Continental 2010, 2011, Ms. Florida 2008 as well as Mrs. Florida 2002, Bernstein is aware of the challenges young people face today and their impact on self-esteem. She is also a devoted wife and mother to four children, serves as Chief Operating Officer of Life Insurance Concepts! and is founder and president of The Bernstein Family Foundation (BFF) she and husband Ted formed 2007.

The BFF was established in 2007 to help children and families in distress gain access to critically needed therapeutic counseling, typically not affordable under today’s health care system. Its mission is to provide financial support to organizations that assist families and children in need of counseling and therapeutic services.

“As more and more families are burdened with the issues of critical mental health problems, the Bernstein Family Foundation (BFF) is committed to helping children and families access therapeutic counseling services when they are needed most,” notes Deborah Bernstein. “If more people had access to these services at the onset of a crisis, it might prevent something from escalating and ending up as a horrific and large-scale tragedy such as Sandy Hook or the shooting at the naval base.”

She has also helped found Make A Difference USA, a foundation that also provides aid to families, children and schools in need. She has taken part in many other charitable organizations including the Jewish Federation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the Humane Society of Greater Miami, the Jewish Guild for the Blind, and One Laptop Per Child.

To purchase Stylish Stella’s Magic Crown, visit www.bn.com or “like” Stylish Stella Books on Facebook. For more information, follow Deborah and Stylish Stella by visiting www.Stylishstella.com or www.Bernsteinfamiliyfoundation.org

About Barnes & Noble, Inc.
Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE:BKS) is a Fortune 500 company and the leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products.  The company operates 663 Barnes & Noble bookstores in 50 states, and one of the Web’s largest e-commerce sites, BN.com (www.bn.com).  Its NOOK Media LLC subsidiary is a leader in the emerging digital reading and digital education markets.  The NOOK digital business offers award-winning NOOK® products and an expansive collection of digital reading and entertainment content through the NOOK Store® (www.nook.com), while Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC operates 696 bookstores serving over 4.6 million students and faculty members at colleges and universities across the United States.

For Immediate Release: Ted and Deborah Bernstein Family Foundation (BFF)

The Ted and Deborah Bernstein Family Foundation (BFF) was founded in 2007 to advocate therapeutic counseling to families in crisis.  “It is tragic to see the proliferation of crises going on in the world around us.” said Deborah Bernstein.  “We created the foundation because, we understand and empathize with the potential problems that arise by not treating the underlying issues.  From the senseless school shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Colorado Movie theater, and the recent Navy Yard Massacre in Washington, D.C., the country is beginning to focus on dealing with the causes rather than the symptoms.

As more young people are taking their own lives in record numbers, it  It saddens the Bernstein’s to know that if more people had access to receive help, at the appropriate time,  it might prevent these extreme tragedies.

Tragically, therapeutic counseling is still considered a “luxury” in this country.  It is expensive, with little or no insurance coverage available.   It is a shame to leave people without basic mental health coverage, says, Ted Bernstein “recourse for the most important help, at the time they need it most.”

The Bernstein’s have funded the BFF and continually look for new ways to raise awareness for this cause.  Most recently, Deborah wrote and launched her first Children’s book with the goal to create a series for young readers to become inspired.  The first book in Bernstein’s “STYLISH STELLA” book series is geared to promote confidence and build self-esteem for young readers.  A percentage of all book sales are gifted back to the BFF Foundation that works with various school, hospitals and health care professionals.

For more Information visit www.bernsteinfamilyfoundation.org

Local Author to Launch New Children’s Book Series at Bloomingdales, Town Center Mall, September 8^th, 1:00-3:00 P.M.

“Confidence Is Always In Style”

Stylish Stella, an important new book series for girls age 3-10, explores the lessons of life through the eyes of young Stella written by local author Deborah Bernstein. Ms. Bernstein is a former beauty pageant title holder of Ms. Florida, 2008, Mrs. Florida, 2002 and Mrs.US Continental National Pageant title winner 2010-2011.  This series is designed to encourage young girls to believe in themselves and help them value, appreciate, and develop self-confidence and integrity.  In each book, Stella encounters a new problem or challenge that she must overcome.  Throughout problem-solving, practice and persistence, Stella learns that she can be proud of herself and gain satisfaction by doing the right thing and acting with honesty and integrity.

Stella teaches us that virtues such as hard work, persistence, acceptance, kindness and honesty are always “In Style.”  Stella leads by example!  The Stylish Stella ™ Children’s Book Series teaches that “style” is about confidence, self-esteem and the beauty that comes from within.  Like so many girls ages 3-10, Stella is a young girl with a passion for pink, purple and loves dressing up.  Stella knows that although these things are fun and pretty: at the same time, she teaches us that it is important to always try her best and be kind to others.  Through the wonders of reading and age appropriate play, young girls will receive encouragement that these traditional values will lead to healthy, independent thinking that is critical throughout their lives and are the foundation for a successful life.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

In the Stylish book series, young readers become empowered as they follow Stella through her many situations and challenges by watching her learn the value and importance of age-old lessons.  The Stylish Stella ™ Children’s Book series teaches girls to believe in themselves, know the difference between right and wrong, appreciate confidence, and celebrate other people for their differences.  By reading the Stylish Stella books, young girls will be inspired as they go out and build their self-esteem and gain confidence like Stella.  By reading about Stella’s struggles with everyday issues, your child will identify with her and develop a sense of encouragement.  Too many young girls today feel they are the only ones struggling with these issues.  Characters like Stylish Stella offer a relatable sense of security.  With a strong connection to her family, Stella reminds young girls about the importance of having strong role models and a loving, supportive family.

With low self-esteem and poor body image on the rise, young girls, more than ever, need to have exposure to positive role models.   The benefits of identifying with a strong character are undeniably important for the development of a healthy child.  Our mission with the Stylish Stella ™ Children’s Book series is to help foster self-esteem through the positive role models in the Stylish Stella books.

Girl Dream Big ™ Enterprises

Girls Dream Big ™ Enterprises (“GDB”) is an innovative company committed to the promotion of women’s values, beginning with aspiring young girls to successful, career oriented leaders in business, the arts and philanthropy.

GDB’s mission is to begin by reaching young girls through the Stylish Stella ™ Children’s Book Series which is focused on traditional values such as self-esteem and self-confidence. Through many of life’s lessons and challenges, Stylish Stella learns that “confidence is always in style”.  Stylish Stella matures through the series to overcome many issues facing today’s youth.

The Company was formed to increase awareness of these core values that are so often neglected and dismissed today.   The GDB organization was started by Deborah Bernstein and Lisa Casey, whose vision was to build a company by women, for women and to support women.  “We want to bring opportunities for stay at home and working mom’s to engage with their young daughters and build an organization that empowers women to become leaders and role models in their communities”, said Lisa Casey.   This organization is dedicated to helping women create a solid foundation of values, beginning with impressionable young girls from 2 to 92.

Girls Dream Big ™ Enterprises is a Florida based company.  Our books and products will be available throughout the United States.  Visit us at: www.StylishStella.com

Contact: 

Deborah Bernstein

[email protected]

For Immediate Release: May 7, 2013

For more information, contact: [email protected]

The Mom’s Choice Awards® Names Stylish Stella’s Magic Crown

Among Best In Family-Friendly Products

The Mom’s Choice Awards® has named Stylish Stella’s Magic Crown, Author DeBorah Bernstein among the best in family-friendly media, products and services.

The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA) is an international awards program that recognizes authors, inventors, companies, parents and others for their efforts in creating quality family-friendly media, products and services.

Parents, educators, librarians and retailers look for the Mom’s Choice Awards Honoring Excellence seal of approval when selecting quality materials for children and families.

An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of PBS’s Reading Rainbow, Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times best-selling author, Priscilla Dunstan, creator of the Dunstan Baby Language; Patricia Rossi, host of NBC’s Manners Minute; Dr. Letitia S. Wright, D.C., host of the Wright Place™ TV Show, and Catherine Witcher, M.Ed., special needs expert and founder of Precision Education, Inc.

MCA judges are bound by a strict code of ethics which ensures expert and objective analysis free from any manufacturer association. The evaluation process uses a propriety methodology in which entries are scored on a number of elements including production quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal and cost.

To be considered for an award, each entrant submits five identical samples of a product. Entries are matched to judges in the MCA database. Judges perform a thorough analysis and submit a detailed assessment. Results are compiled and submitted to the MCA Executive Committee for final approval.

The end result is a list of the best in family-friendly media, products and services that parents and educators can feel confident in using.

 For more information on the awards program and the honorees, visit www.MomsChoiceAwards.com. For more information on Stylish Stella visit www.StylishStella.com.