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Panda Express® Donates Over $3.5 Million towards Classroom Furniture and Schools in Local Communities through DonorsChoose


In a second initiative launching next week, Panda is uplifting its local communities by committing $3.2 million to support classrooms within the zip codes of Panda Express locations. This donation will go towards schools across the country that serve a majority of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch – an indication of economic need.

“Our partnership with DonorsChoose helps bring to life the Panda Cares mission of creating brighter futures and opportunities for children,” said Dr. Peggy Cherng, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group. “Every day and in each of our communities, educators do the incredible work of teaching, guiding, and inspiring the next generation; and it is our privilege to help provide the foundational resources that will allow them to build up their learning environments so that students and teachers alike can thrive.”

Since the first partnership in 2021, Panda Cares has committed over $12.9 million to support classrooms across the country, particularly at schools where more than 50% of students are eligible for free or reduced price lunch or where more than half of students are from low-income households. In addition, Panda Express partnered with DonorsChoose earlier this year to fund teachers’ Lunar New Year projects to provide resources needed to foster greater cultural understanding and bring the vibrant holiday to life. Thus far, Panda has supported over 23,000 teachers at over 10,000 schools across the United States through DonorsChoose.

“Panda Express is empowering its local communities through the teachers who are educating the innovators and creators of tomorrow,” said Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. “Through this partnership, Panda is helping to make this back-to-school season that much easier for teachers who want to provide for their students a robust education and engaging classroom environments.”

ABOUT PANDA CARES®
Powered by 50,000 associates of Panda Restaurant Group, Inc./Panda Express®, the organization’s philanthropic arm Panda Cares® is committed to bettering the health and education of youth as well as supporting communities in need. In 1999, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. created Panda Cares to live into its mission of inspiring better lives by giving back to its local communities and shaping a brighter future for generations to come. Through volunteer services, funding, and meal donations, Panda Cares has raised more than $329 million dollars since its establishment, impacting over 15 million youths and counting. Areas of focus include leadership and academic programs for students, life-saving medical equipment and advanced health treatments. For more information, visit http://www.pandacares.org.

ABOUT DONORSCHOOSE
DonorsChoose is the leading way to give to public schools. Since 2000, 5.8 million people and partners have contributed $1.5 billion to support over 2 million teacher requests for learning resources and experiences. As the most trusted crowdfunding platform for teachers, donors, and district administrators alike, DonorsChoose vets each request, ships the funded resources directly to the teacher, and provides thank yous and reporting to donors and school leaders. Charity Navigator and GuideStar have awarded DonorsChoose, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, their highest ratings for transparency and accountability. For more information, visit http://www.donorschoose.org.

Media Contact

Juan Brizuela, DonorsChoose, (212) 239-3615, [email protected], http://www.donorschoose.org

SOURCE DonorsChoose

Smart Safety Wearable, Punch Rescue, Creates Rapid Response at California YMCA


Punch Rescue helps shave critical seconds off emergency response time. When the wearer enters the water or presses the panic button, everyone nearby is alerted via Rescue’s linked base station’s visual and audio alarms. Additionally, responders are notified in real time through integration with emergency communication software, PunchAlert.

Greg Artzt, the visionary behind Rescue and PunchAlert, expressed his profound satisfaction with the tangible impact of their creation. “I felt pure joy and immense satisfaction knowing our product helped save a life. All the time, effort, and many challenges were worth it as someone’s life was saved.”

The incident serves as a testament to the potential of technology to significantly improve and safeguard lives. Punch Rescue’s dedication to creating practical and affordable solutions has proven to be a game-changer. “Technology can truly be used to save and significantly improve lives. Ultimately, new products must be practical and affordable in order to make a real impact,” emphasized Artzt.

The Punch Rescue wearable and alert station system was designed and manufactured by Enventys Partners in Charlotte, North Carolina. Enventys Partners is the industry’s only full-service, turnkey product launch agency. They combine start-to-finish, all-encompassing product development services with digital marketing expertise to create innovative products and bring them to market

For more information or to schedule an interview, please email Mike Evans ([email protected]) or Greg Artzt ([email protected]).

About Punch Rescue

Punch Rescue is the only water-activated, internet-enabled wearable Panic Button and Alert Station system. The product consists of wearable devices, charging stations, connected Alert Stations, and a native integration with the PunchAlert mobile emergency management platform (now owned by STOPit Solutions). The water activation and patented “fall into water” algorithm makes Punch Rescue an extremely unique device for lifeguards in aquatic environments. http://punchrescue.com.

About STOPit Solutions (owner of PunchAlert)

STOPit Solutions (STOPit) provides a market-leading anonymous reporting solution serving over 8,000 schools and other organizations. In 2023, STOPit merged with Punch Technologies to bring the best in class PunchAlert emergency management platform and mass notification system in house, consolidated with its other safety and wellness offerings. PunchAlert contains a unique set of services including the 911+ dynamic location routing e911 service which works in 100% of the 911 call centers in the US and Canada. The PunchAlert product is in the process of a rebranding launch by STOPit this Fall. For more information, visit http://www.punchalert.com.

About Montecito Family YMCA

As a leading nonprofit, the Y is committed to strengthening communities throughout the nation. Your local Y seeks to fill gaps in community services and develop activities, strengthening communities across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Believing that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive, the Y nurtures potential and brings people of diverse backgrounds together. The Y has a local presence and national reach, mobilizing local communities to affect lasting, meaningful change. For more information, visit https://www.ciymca.org/.

Media Contact

Matt Harris, Enventys Partners, 704-313-9319, [email protected], https://enventyspartners.com/

SOURCE Punch Rescue

Burford Perry, LLP Wins Take-Nothing Judgment in Breach of Contract Case


After a one-day bench trial, 234th District Judge Lauren Reeder on August 24 issued a take-nothing judgment in favor of Duchman Ltd., and its owners, Stanley and Lisa Duchman. She also ordered that the plaintiff, Wayne Kinsey, pay the Duchmans’ court costs.

HOUSTON, Sept. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Burford Perry partner Kevin Powers successfully defended a Driftwood, Texas, winery in a breach of contract lawsuit that claimed the winery had defaulted on a multi-million dollar loan.

After a one-day bench trial, 234th District Judge Lauren Reeder on August 24 issued a take-nothing judgment in favor of the winery, Duchman Ltd., and its owners, Stanley and Lisa Duchman. She also ordered that the plaintiff, Wayne Kinsey, pay the Duchmans’ court costs.

Mr. Kinsey sought $7.6 million in damages based on $2.3 million he gave Duchman Ltd. between 2011 and 2012 and later claimed was a loan, according to Duchman’s court filings.

“Our case hinged on two main arguments,” said Powers. “The first was that the money Mr. Kinsey gave the Duchmans was a gift, not a loan; second, that even if it were a loan, the statute of limitations had run out by the time Mr. Kinsey sought his alleged repayment. The ruling made clear that Judge Reeder did not agree with the plaintiff’s version of events.”

The case is Wayne Kinsey v. Duchman Ltd., et al. No. 2020-80965 in the 234th District Court of Harris County, Texas.

Founded in 2004, Duchman Ltd. was named by HGTV as one of the 20 most picturesque wineries in the country.

Burford Perry LLP is a Houston-based law firm comprised of seasoned trial lawyers representing companies and individuals in cases involving business and commercial disputes , oil and gas, and securities disputes. The firm’s founding partners have prevailed on behalf of its clients in legal jurisdictions throughout Texas and across the U.S. for more than 50 years. For more information, visit www.burfordperry.com

Media Contact

Amy Boardman Hunt, Muse Communications LLC, 1 2148018116, [email protected], Muse Communications LLC

SOURCE Burford Perry, LLP

Crunch Fitness Franchise CR Fitness Pays Tribute to First Responders with 9/11 Remembrance Stair Climb Challenge


Leading up to the challenge, Crunch Fitness team members will make visits to various fire stations on Thursday, September 7th, to express gratitude for the tireless commitment first responders provide on a daily basis. Pizza, Crunch T-shirts, and tokens of appreciation will be delivered as a gesture of admiration for their selfless contributions. First responders will also be extended an invitation to join the 9/11 Stair Climb Challenge at any of CR Fitness’ 53 Crunch locations in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas regions.

“The employees of Crunch Fitness stand together to honor the sacrifices made by the first responders on that fateful day,” said Tony Scrimale, CEO of CR Fitness Holdings LLC. “September 11th is a day etched in history, and through our annual 9/11 Stair Climb Challenge, we unite as a community to pay homage to their bravery and commitment.”

CR Fitness Holdings LLC is operated by Vince Julien, Geoff Dyer, Tony Scrimale, and Jeff Dotson, who combined have more than 150 years of experience in the fitness industry. The CR Fitness team operates 53 locations in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas and is committed to creating a fitness community that values health, wellness, and unity.

Known for its innovative group fitness programming, Crunch Fitness offers a diverse range of classes, including 70 proprietary classes available exclusively at Crunch locations. Examples of these classes include BodyWeb with TRX®, Zumba®, Cardio Tai Box, Yoga Body Sculpt, and Fat Burning Pilates. For members seeking additional guidance and motivation, Crunch Fitness provides the HIITZone™, a proprietary high-intensity interval group training program.

As the nation prepares to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of September 11th, Crunch Fitness remains committed to honoring the memory of the heroes who rose to the occasion and those who continue to exemplify courage and dedication in their roles as first responders.

Media Contact

Tricia Mason, CR Fitness Holdings LLC, 813 601 7471, [email protected], Crunch.com

SOURCE CR Fitness Holdings LLC

Nonprofit Compensation Practices and Benchmarking Report Finds Mission Alignment the Top Factor in Hiring


Salary and benefits have always been important in attracting talent and it is not a surprise that in the current market, organizations have reexamined their compensation packages to ensure that they stack up in the marketplace. Offering work location options, work/life flexibility, a culture of continued learning and development, and meaningful work is notable in hiring and retaining key talent.

Fifty-two percent of the survey respondents report the average vacancy/length of time to replace or hire new talent is 60-120 days, with 20% reporting a longer length of time before positions are filled. “Longer length of time to fill positions is reflective of a job market where candidates have choices, particularly in larger markets. The specific length of time to get a new employee in place varies based on role, the candidate pool in a specific location, flexibility for remote or hybrid options, and the organization’s efficiency of recruitment strategies,” said Gebhardt.

Despite the turbulence in DEIB efforts in 2023, a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging remains critical to employee recruiting, acquisition, engagement, and retention. As an increasing number of organizations have DEIB programs in place, focus has turned to integration and accountability of program efforts. Candidates want to know if a DEIB program is in place and how employers are measuring progress.

Job Boards seem to be a base standard to recruit nonprofit talent, casting a wide net to a range of job seekers. Even with a myriad of methodologies to reach new candidates – nine were surveyed — less than 50% of the respondents feel they are reaching the best candidates. The most difficult roles to fill are Development (46% of respondents), followed by Program Management, Finance, and Administration.

The Nonprofit Compensation Practices and Benchmarking Report can be downloaded in its entirety at the company’s website, CareerBlazersNonprofitSearch.com.

ABOUT
Career Blazers Nonprofit Search is committed solely to the nonprofit community, identifying and securing exceptional executive talent to drive nonprofit missions forward. The organization has been a formidable organization in the employment industry since its founding in 1949 as a woman-owned family business and remains woman-owned and operated today. The organization’s leadership has been tracking key benchmarks in the staffing industry for over fifty years, providing a reliable frame of reference to evaluate emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges in the talent marketplace. In Fall 2023, Career Blazers launches its inaugural issue of the Nonprofit Compensation Practices and Benchmark Report to help nonprofit organizations address compensation and talent issues when the market is particularly dynamic. For more information about Career Blazers or to obtain a free copy of the Report, please visit CareerBlazersNonprofitSearch.com.

Media Contact

Karen Pittenger, Black Olive Marketing & Communication, 1 312-893-5454, pittenger@blackoliveco.com

SOURCE Career Blazers Nonprofit Search

FoodPRO raises over $20,000 for Frederick County charities


“We have been a trusted community partner in Frederick County for nearly 90 years,” said FoodPRO President Scott Brunk. “This is our home. We love Frederick County and want to do our part to support our community that has supported us all these years.”

The golf outing raised a combined $21,390 for The Community Foundation of Frederick County. The total includes $15,000 raised from the event, $1,390 raised through a 50/50 raffle and a significant donation of $5,000 from FoodPRO customer and local taco restaurant, Big Papi’s.

“Corporate partners like FoodPRO play a crucial role in helping The Community Foundation of Frederick County achieve our mission of empowering people to support the causes they care about, reminding us that together, we can create positive change in our community,” said Linda S. Thane Morgan, a trustee of the Community Foundation of Frederick County.

Brunk presented Morgan with an oversized check on behalf of the company’s charitable fund, The FoodPRO CORP Fund, for the $20,000 raised directly from the golf outing. Brunk also thanked Big Papi’s for their contribution of $5,000 toward the total donation.

“This is what it means to be from Frederick County,” Brunk said. “It means coming together as friends and neighbors to give back and to help make a real difference in our community.”

FoodPRO is an employee-owned wholesale restaurant supplier and food service distribution company, headquartered in Frederick County since its founding in 1935 and serving a multi-state region. The company established the FoodPRO CORP Fund as a vehicle to provide grants to nonprofit organizations supporting projects such as food banks, weekend food programs for food-insecure low-income school-aged children and low-income senior homeowners.

For more information on FoodPRO, visit myfoodpro.com.

Media Contact

MituZenaye, FoodPRO, 301-663-3171, [email protected], myfoodpro.com

SOURCE FoodPRO