BASE Camp hosts Amazon 5000 Kid's Club

Whoa! Wow! The sounds of children’s delight filled the air this Saturday evening at the BASE Camp overnight. Fifty children packed the room to hear Mickey speak about the wonders of the Amazon jungle and his upcoming expedition.

This Saturday was the official launch of the Amazon 5000- Kids Adventurer Club. The inaugural event was hosted by Amazon 5000's charity partner, BASE Camp Children's Cancer Foundation, an affiliate of the American Childhood Cancer Organization. 

If you haven't had the chance to get to know our partner yet, BASE Camp has been serving the Central Florida Cancer community for 30 years and offering the only services of its kind! Volunteers and Staff are at the hospital and out-patient clinics (5) days a week, delivering programs like Hospital Lunch, Dinner and a Movie, Milestone Parties and 2nd Wishes. Furthermore, they offer a Food Basket service and their namesake program, BASE Camp, a monthly overnight camp.

What makes this organization so unique is that not only are their programs year-round and consistent but they also include siblings.

"When a child is diagnosed with cancer it does not just impact the patient, the whole family is on this journey, their just on different seats of the bus" says, BASE Camp founder Terri Jones.

This amazing organization captured the hearts of the Amazon 5000 foundation right away and a partnership was launched. BASE Camp eagerly opened its doors to Mickey and the Amazon 5000 foundation.

Mickey's presentation captivated the children and chaperone's alike for more than two hours. What animal are you most afraid of?... How will you get water?... What happens if an emergency happens in the jungle? Mickey answered question after question. Even after the presentation had completed, many stayed behind curious about Mickey and his extreme expedition. Mickey show cased his survival gear and even taught a few survival techniques that had the group begging for more.

"I dedicate this journey to YOU!" Mickey told the children of BASE Camp. "I wish to inspire you to continue your battle against cancer despite all obstacles. I will overcome many challenges in the Jungle over the next year and so must you to fight this cancer" he stated.

The BASE Camp kids were invited to join Amazon 5000 Kids Adventurer Club to join Mickey virtually on his journey. By joining this club the kids become Trekkor Inspectors, tracking Mickey through his 5000 mile expedition online via google maps and social media updates. Mickey will also interact with the children live from the jungle through video streams and chats.

It is our greatest hope that inspired by Mickey, the children will join him to make the IMPOSSIBLE, POSSIBLE!

Mickey's next presentation will take place on Friday, March 2nd at the Ronald McDonald House at Florida Hospital for Children.

A BIG thank you goes out to LA Lovely Ink and Chick's Print Shop for their contribution to the Amazon 5000- Kid's Adventurer Club. LA Lovely Ink designed a beautiful brochure for the children and Chick's Print Shop donated fabulous t-shirts for our kids to rock in.

IT'S CASTING TIME!! Do you have what it takes?!

Amazon 5000 Expedition

and

“The Impossible Possible”
Documentary

Casting Call

Volunteers

Do you have what it takes to live and thrive in nature's most brutal environments? Are you ready to step out of your 21st century comfort zone? If so, we want to hear from you!

AMAZON 5000 foundation is now casting for the exciting documentary; 

THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE! 

This documentary will be filmed along the interactive AMAZON 5000 expedition route, across South America and the Mighty Amazon River! Following the Eco-Planet Xtreme Challenge Adventures, we are now raising the bar by inviting adventurers from all around the world to join Special Forces Veteran Mickey Grosman on an epic journey through the wilderness of 

THE AMAZON!

THE CHALLENGE -- if you dare to accept it -- is to join a team of fellow explorers and trek through some of the harshest climates and roughest terrains in the world. Both an epic quest and the ultimate test of courage, this amazing journey will test you in ways you never thought possible and, in the process, allow you to experience the raw beauty of nature and see the world like you never have before.

Sound exhilarating? It will be! However, this adventure is not for the faint of heart! Think you can handle it? If so, keep reading!

Here is a glimpse of what to expect: 
Amazon 5000 Trailer

*** SUBMISSION ***

Follow our application guideline below

PHASE 1  

Video submission
DEADLINE: March 1, 2012

PHASE 2

Interview questionnaire  
DEADLINE: March 5, 2012

PHASE 3   

Background questionnaire, Medical history and Physical examination, Agreement and release  
DEADLINE: March 10, 2012

PHASE 4  

Individuals Fundraising Campaign  
DEADLINE: April, 10, 2012

Amazon 5000 journey has been designed with approximately 10 expedition legs, stretched from Pedernales at the Pacific shores of Ecuador, all the way to the Amazon mouth at the Atlantic shores of Brazil.

The various expedition Legs are of different length and durations based on the dramatic changes of the terrain and conditions dictated by the Elements.  

We can only estimate that some legs will last between 10 to 15 days and some might be of 30 to 90 days duration.

Some legs are predictable and some are absolutely not - this is where the adventure spirit and real exploration essence kicks in and adrenalin rush pump up!

AMAZON 5000 expedition duration as whole is estimated to be of 12 months long!  

Finalists will be able to join the expedition on one or two expedition legs, embarking and disembarking at designated checkpoints.  

Our program is exciting!

International Air transportation cost are being paid by Amazon 5000. We fly our chosen team members round trip from Miami Florida. we also provide ground transportation and accommodation at cities or towns in South America along the expedition designated check points. One of the qualification to become A5K expedition team member is to join our cause in fighting cancer together. as such we provide a fundraising Internet page on ‘AMAZON 5000 - for the Cure’ campaign platform. with that, each candidate will have to reach out to its own social networks and raise a minimum of $3,000 to benefit ‘Amazon 5000 - for the Cure’ cause and its cancer fighting organization partners: http://www.stayclassy.org/events/detail?eid=8764

Video submission is the first phase in our application process. we are looking forward to watch your video!

VIDEO Submission Guidelines

1. PHOTO: Email a clear, recent photo of yourself to mail@amazon5000.com. Please remember to include your name, location, phone number and best time to call, in the email.
2. VIDEO: Prepare a short casting video in which you show off your personality and talk about your skills as an outdoors-man. Below are tips on how to make the video:

·         INTERVIEW: Tell us about yourself and your skills. We want to get to know YOU. Look into the camera, have good energy and be yourself. Do not read off cue cards or make a presentation. We want to see your personality! This is your chance to show us what you are really like. The video doesn’t need to be any longer than 5 minutes.

Start by introducing yourself and talk about the following:

1.    Where you are from, what you do for a living and what your life is like right now.

2.    Why you want to join our team of adventures. What do you hope to accomplish? What is your motivation?

3.    Your experience in the outdoors and any skills you can bring to the team: hunting, fishing, hiking, athleticism, leadership qualities, etc.

4.    Feel free to tell us your strengths AND weaknesses. Our team wants to know what your biggest challenges might be on this journey.

5.    Please do not be worried about languages barriers. You must be able to speak Basic English, however, if it is not perfect that will not hinder your acceptance. Have you heard Mickey after all?

·         DRESS: Wear clothes that best reflect your style and personality.  But try to avoid clothes that hide your face or body type, like bulky clothes, sunglasses or low hats.

·         CAMERA EQUIPMENT: Use a DV or mini-DV camera (if possible) and keep the camera as still as possible while filming.

·         FILMING: For the interview, stand up or sit in an upright chair so that you are not slouching or leaning back and adjust the camera so that you are filming yourself from the waist up. Do not stand too far away from the camera.

·         LIGHTING/SOUND: Make sure that we can see and hear you properly before you start filming. Make sure where you are is well lit, and avoid having windows or bright lights directly behind you as this may obscure your face. If indoors, close windows and doors and turn off phones to restrict noise.

·         PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT FILM YOURSELF PARTICIPATING IN ANY ACTIVITIES THAT MAY CAUSE PHYSICAL OR BODILY HARM. A5K WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THIS APPLICATION.

·         Videos will NOT be confidential. By sending us your video, you hereby authorize to release all rights to the Amazon 5000 Team to publish it to the public and use for any other purposes. We will be posting them on our website, Facebook and any other social media site.

·         The FINAL DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO for A5K is March 1st, 2012. Due to the large number of submissions, we strongly suggest you apply early.

·         You must be at least 21 years of age to apply.

You may submit your video this way:

• Upload your video to YouTube.com AND email your video link to: mail@amazon5000.com
• Please DO NOT snail mail your video

*This expedition will involve international travel. If you do not already have a valid passport, you must be able to qualify for one if you are chosen as a member of the expedition.

AMAZON 5000 - for the Cure
THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE

www.amazon5000.com
1-866-258-1793
mail@amazon5000.com
Follow us: Facebook - YouTube - Fundraising Campaign

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 
                                                                                                      
Contact:

Rachel Perez

407-756-3732
rperez@amazon5000.com

From Central Florida to the Mighty Amazon!
Orlando resident and cancer Survivor to Trek 5,000 Miles across the Amazon Jungle.

Mickey Grosman’s ‘History Making’ Journey, on locations no one dared to cross before, intends to reignite the fight against cancer

***ORLANDO, Florida, February 15, 2012 – The Amazon 5000 - For the Cure foundation, www.amazon5000.com, announced today that founder and cancer survivor, Mickey Grosman, will be departing in May 2012 on a 5,000 mile expedition across the Amazon Jungle. His mission, to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for cancer.

After his diagnosis of Melanoma Cancer in 2010, Mickey decided to add his own voice to the call for cancer awareness. “I wanted to do something significant, to inspire hope in cancer patients and to encourage them to continue their fight despite unwavering obstacles” stated Grosman.

Mickey did not waste time; In April of 2011 Mickey formed the Amazon 5000-For the Cure foundation. He set an ambitious goal to trek 5,000 miles through the mighty Amazon River across the treacherous and brutal Andes and down to the dense Amazon Jungle, 800 miles on foot and 4,200 river miles on kayak. The AMAZON 5000 Expedition will go coast-to-coast across the South American continent along the Equator, from the Pacific Ocean to the mouth of the mighty Amazon River at the Atlantic Ocean; a route that has never been chartered before. Through this expedition Mickey will be in constant communication via satellite video streams with the cancer community around the globe. His biggest fans will be of the smallest size, children.

The Amazon 5000 - For the Cure foundation is partnering with local children’s cancer organization, BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation (www.basecamp.org), the Ronald McDonald House of Orlando (www.rmhccf.org) and the pediatric oncology program at Florida Hospital for Children (www.floridahospitalforchildren.com).

These children facing cancer will be able to track Mickey in real time throughout the duration on this history making journey. Mickey and the expedition team will interact with his fans across the globe through LIVE Satellite broadcasting from the Jungle.  Logging in to their computers, fans will be able to follow the expedition on google maps (http://g.co/maps/bqwkg), watch live video stream through ustream.tv and get updates on Facebook and Twitter. Florida Hospital will provide access to such communication sessions through their Get Well inpatient television network.

Mickey says “I wish to inspire these children and other cancer warriors. I will be facing extreme danger and miles of treacherous jungle that no one has ever crossed before, but with my will to survive I will show them the IMpossible, is Possible!”.

Mickey is no stranger to surviving in brutal circumstances. Grosman has gained extreme survival skills during his years serving in a Airborne Special Operations combat unit, and years of experience in the remote Amazon jungle. In fact Mickey has been guiding civilians out into the wild of the Amazon Jungle for several years with his privately owned business, Eco-Planet Adventures (http://ecoplanetadventure.com).

“It is out in the jungle, in the middle of nowhere, where you really learn about yourself” says Mickey. “My expedition will take me across paths that have never been explored by man before.  

Amazon 5000 will be campaigning during this extreme expedition to raise major funding to benefit families of children who are battling cancer and grass root non-profits charities supporting cancer patients in their journey.

You can do your part in helping Amazon 5000- For the Cure by donating or coordinating a fundraiser/awareness event at http://www.stayclassy.org/events/amazon-5000-for-cure/e8764

Amazon 5000 is looking for corporate sponsors to commit to a donation of $5,000 or more and for sponsorship of  the needed expedition gear.

To find out more information on how to become a sponsor or create your own fundraising campaign, please email rperez@amazon5000.com.

Lions, Tigers and Hidden Camera's?? Oh My!

Greetings Team! It's Rachel here, your resident Campaign Manager for the Amazon 5000 expedition.

As you can imagine working with THE Mickey Grosman leads to quite an exciting work day. There is rigorous survival training on lunch breaks
(I learned how to make fire from bamboo last week), commands in broken English and a military style rule in the office, but I must say, yesterday took the cake for interesting experiences here.

As me and my co-worker Jessica walked into the office yesterday morning, Mickey asked us if we wanted to learn a memory technique. Knowing Mickey, we assumed it would be eccentric. He then placed two stools down and one by one, stood me and Jessica on top of them.  He proceeded to list things for our weekly task list and then stated "I guarantee you won't forget anything I told you while standing on a stool". As we stepped off our memory stools he so slyly added "If you don't remember, we got it on camera" and pointed to the freshly placed (and until that moment, unnoticed) nanny cam in the corner of the room.

In horror we raced around the table to see if his tale was true. There we were, in all our glory, on the Amazon 5000 U-Stream live video cam! Mickey simply grinned and said "Now, you girls are reality TV stars!". It was not quite the valentines day surprise I was expecting, but it is one I will never forget.


Working in the non-profit industry I am used to operating "transparently" but Mickey puts a whole new spin to the word. I am very excited to be working with such a phenomenal organization and now you will be able to watch me and my wonderful co-workers everyday on the Amazon 5000 website.

We are doing great things over here at home base. Together, I know we can move mountains. Tune in and jump in on our round table discussions. We want you to be with us every step of the journey. Through our live broadcasts you will be able to chat with the team and get to know us better, and what a delight it is to get to know Mickey! I assure you, he keeps the day full of fun and surprises.

Needless to say, Jessica and I will now be doing extra primping these weekday mornings. You will also have to forgive us for the occasional moments we look disheveled, it is easy to forget the camera's there when it is so tiny.

All in all my lesson for the day is, Smile. You never know when YOU might be on candid camera!

Meet the Team!

Amazon 5000 is excited to announce some new additions to our team.This fantastic group will be with us behind the scenes every step of the journey and playing an integral role in making The Impossible, Possible! Please take a minute to get to know them, they don't bite!  If you have any questions or just want to say hello their contact information is listed below.

 

Jessica Le Valley

Director of Marketing and Events

Jlevalley@amazon5000.com

Jessica is a 2008 graduate of Florida Atlantic University, with a major in Hospitality and Tourism Management and was an and active leader of several campus activities and groups; including Event Coordinator in the Hospitality Management Society and numerous positions in Alpha Xi Delta. She has a Certification in Meeting and Events Management and a diploma as a Professional Bridal Consultant as well. She is highly experienced in Orlando Referral Marketing Programs and has coordinated many different successful programs and events for Fortune 500 companies, including Marriott, as well as other private event companies. 

Jessica was very eager to join in the Amazon 5000 - for the Cure foundation, especially since she has had the effects of cancer impact her life firsthand, when her grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010. After months of fighting, numerous hospital visits, late night calls of updates from other family members, and finally being placed on hospice care, he passed away in November of 2010 with all of his family by his side. Jessica, more than ever, wants to stand up and make her voice heard in the fight against cancer and hopes that one day, a cure will be discovered.

Rachel Perez

Campaign Manager

rperez@amazon5000.com

Rachel is a graduate of the University of Central Florida where she earned an undergraduate degree in Hospitality Management with Honors in the Major. She is a graduate of the Leadership Winter Park program and is currently enrolled in the 

Non-Profit Certification program with Rollins College. She currently sits on the board of directors for the Zeta Foundation and BASE Camp Children's Cancer Foundation.

Rachel's experience spans four years working in the event industry at the Orange County Regional History Center and Hyatt Hotels. She then transitioned from the hospitality industry into the nonprofit sector. Rachel has worked with many community partners including Senator Constantine's Charity Challenge, ITNOrlando, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and BASE Camp Children's Cancer Foundation.

Rachel is very excited to join the Amazon 5000 team and making her voice heard to find a cure. Pediatric Cancer has touched her family twice and through her work at a local children's cancer foundation she has seen enough pain and suffering from this disease. She hopes her footprint will be lasting and significant in the road to conquer cancer.

Matt Saxman

 Videographer

junglefilmer@hotmail.com

Matthew Saxman is a 23 year old senior at the University of South Florida, majoring in Business Management. He received videography training from the New York Video School and has documented survival skills in several different states. 

He will be the teams videographer throughout the Amazon 5000 expedition. He has joined Mickey on his most difficult Eco-Planet Adventures. He enjoyed overcoming every challenge the Amazon Jungle threw at them, and is excited to use the survival skills he learned throughout the Amazon 5000 adventure. He looks forward to filming this amazing journey and doing everything he can to help the cause!

We are excited to present our sponsorship opportunities!

 

Amazon 5000 – For the Cure

The Impossible, Possible! 

A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

Amazon 5000 is excited to partner with YOU!

Be a part of the adventure! Amazon 5000 is inviting your company to partner with us through our various sponsorship packages.

Mickey Grosman will execute a 5,000 mile, coast- to -coast expedition along the Amazon River and treacherous jungles of South America in a campaign to raise awareness and make his voice heard in the battle to conquer cancer.

It is his mission to raise funds to provide relief to cancer patients and their families as well as to support other cancer fighting organizations conducting charitable activities. Take a first-hand look at Mickey’s venture and what inspires him here: http://youtu.be/Gp3uBMw2KE4.

By becoming a sponsor of the Amazon 5000 expedition, your company will be putting a lasting footprint in the road to cure cancer.

You will receive guaranteed tangible exposure! Listed below are some highlights of the many benefits our sponsors will receive. Please refer to pages 2-3 to find the sponsor package that best fits your company’s goals. 

 Your company will have a visible presence on the Amazon 5000 website (which is anticipated to reach well over a million hits in the months of the expedition)

Advertisements at all Amazon 5000 events

Branding presence on the banners at the start and finish lines of the expedition

Company mention on social media feeds which will be visible to thousands of Facebook fans we are affiliated with worldwide.

These are only a few of the ways your company may be promoted!  Based on our creativity as a team, we can work together to enhance your benefit package and maximize your return on investment. 

Together we can make the Impossible, Possible!

Amazon 5000 Sponsorship Opportunities

Anaconda Sponsor: $50,000+

 - Primary marketing exposure (Ex. Amazon 5000 - Presented by ) in all advertising including but not limited to TV, radio, T-shirts, billboards, brochures, press release, etc.

- Featured sponsor of one of the twelve legs of the expedition including maximal exposure of your company branding during leg (based on availability, ONLY 10 available).  here it says there are  12 legs but only 10available, might want to explain a little better.

- Choice of leg you wish to sponsor (based on availability).

- Company logo on signage at starting and finishing line of expedition.

- Company logo on billboards advertising the event.

- Company logo on official T-Shirt.

- Company logo on web site.

- Company mention on social media feeds.

- Prominent name and logo display on posters distributed throughout Central Florida retailers and offices.

- Industry exclusivity among sponsors

- Complimentary VIP invitations to all celebrations, receptions and parties associated with various phases of the expedition, which provide excellent exposure for your company and products.

- Prime expo space at Amazon 5000 gala

- Sponsor Plaque for proud display in your office

- The money you donate will be 100% tax-deductible!

Jaguar Sponsor: $30,000+

 

- Featured sponsor of one of the twelve legs of the expedition including maximal exposure of your   

  company branding during leg (based on availability, restrictions apply).

- Company logo on signage at starting and finishing line of expedition.

- Company logo on billboards advertising the event.

- Company logo on official T-Shirt.

- Company logo on web site.

- Company mention on social media feeds.

- Prominent name and logo display on posters distributed throughout Central Florida retailers and offices.

- Industry exclusivity among sponsors.

- Complimentary VIP invitations to all celebrations, receptions and parties associated with various phases of the event, which provide excellent exposure for your company and products.

- The money you donate will be 100% tax-deductible!

Piranha Sponsor: $10,000+

- Company logo on billboards advertising the event.

- Company logo on official T-Shirt.

- Company logo on web site.

- Company mention on social media feeds.

- Prominent name and logo display on posters distributed throughout Central Florida retailers and offices.

- Complimentary VIP invitations to all celebrations, receptions and parties associated with various phases of the event, which provide excellent exposure for your company and products.

- The money you donate will be 100% tax-deductible!

Toucan Sponsor: $5,000+

- Company logo on billboards advertising the event.

- Company logo on web site.

- Company mention on social media feeds.

- Prominent name and logo display on posters distributed throughout Central Florida retailers and offices.

- The money you donate will be 100% tax-deductible!

Amazon Adventurer Sponsor: $2,000+

- Company logo on billboards advertising the event.

- Company logo on web site.

- Company mention on social media feeds.

- The money you donate will be 100% tax-deductible!

Patron: $500+

- Company logo on web site.

- Company mention on social media feeds.

- The money you donate will be 100% tax-deductible!

Events such as ours could not exist without the support of generous contributions from companies such as yours!  Once we receive your signed promise of donation we will put your logo on a special page of our website.

If you are interested in making a donation to our special events silent auction as well, please email Director of Marketing and Special Events, Jessica Le Valley at Jlevalley@amazon5000.com.