22
Feb 12

American Institute New Jersey Would Like to Help Classmate by Donating Blood


Contact:

Brooke Baran

(860) 488-0691

bbaran@americaninstitute.com

February 16, 2012

Clifton, NJ – The American Institute, New Jersey Campus is asking for its students, staff and the community for help with blood donations.  On February 10, 2012 a student from American Institute was pleased to welcome their daughter into the world, but unfortunately she was born very premature at only 1lb. and needs a blood transfusion in order to live.

The staff, faculty and students at American Institute are asking each other and members of the community to help their fellow classmate by going to the Hackensack University Medical Center to donate blood.  Donations should be made in Baby Gomez-Ramirez’s name.

“AI is a family within each classroom and then within the school as a whole,” stated Jean Hegg, Medical Assisting Instructor at American Institute New Jersey. A member of our family is in need of help. Luis is a very dedicated young man who I, along with AI, am honored to have as my student. Luis, Angelica, and big sister Jessie are looking forward to starting their lives together as a family with Luis in his new career and baby Isabel was the “blessing” they prayed for. I encourage all my students and co-workers to do what we do best, help those in need. Please help this very “little miracle” by donating an hour of your time and some blood. It is truly one of the greatest gifts you can give.”

Mr. Christopher Coutts, Campus President and COO of American Institute added, “It is times like this when we need to come together as a community and that is what makes this campus so special – we all think of each other as family.  As a parent myself I truly understand how we would do anything for our children.  I encourage everyone who may read this to think about Luis and his family and to come out and make a blood donation for his daughter.  I am certain that the gift you will give will never be forgotten.”

Randy Proto, CEO of American Institute, commented, “Many people step up and donate blood when there are major crises, but what we forget outside of large scale crises is that for so many it is the simple act of donating blood that allows them to live for another day.  For this baby today is truly that day, and we hope everyone will join us by making a donation.”

The Hackensack University Medical Center is located at 30 Prospect Avenue, Hacekensack, New Jersey.  You can make an appointment by phone at (201) 996-2000.

For more information regarding American Institute New Jersey, a member of the American Institute Family of Schools, please visit us at www.americaninstitute.edu.

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27
Oct 11

American Institute team’s up with Gilda’s Club in support of the “Hair Because We Care” Campaign

Margate, FL – Throughout the entire month of October, the Salon at American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty is offering pink hair extensions to the community for $20 each.   The entire purchase will be donated to Gilda’s Club “Hair Because We Care” campaign.

American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty has teamed up with Gilda’s Club of South Florida in support of their “Hair Because We Care” campaign.  “With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, the American Institute cosmetology students wanted to find a way to contribute to the cause while using the skills they learn in school,” said Mr. Richard McCulloch, Campus President.

Gilda’s Club is named after the famous Saturday Night Live comedian, Gilda Radner, who was affected by and ultimately succumbed to ovarian cancer.  She envisioned a place where people with cancer and their family could come to be educated, make new friends and find hope.  In 1997, a dedicated group of volunteers opened Gilda’s Club of South Florida in Fort Lauderdale.  Their club welcomes everyone touched by cancer, encouraging a sense of expertise among members and emphasizing community building, collective wisdom and shared experience.  For more information about Gilda’s Club of South Florida please visit www.gildasclubsouthflorida.org.

Patrons who purchase the hair extensions will also receive a Sparkles Plush Dog, recreated after Gilda’s own Teacup Yorkie.  “The students and staff at American Institute have a goal in mind,” added Mr. McCulloch.  “They hope to reach $600 to donate back to Gilda’s Club and they are working very hard to get there.  The Salon is also offering several spa specials to the public throughout the month of October including manicures, pedicures, massages and much more.   We encourage everyone to come and support this great cause.”

Randy Proto, CEO of American Institute, added, “I applaud the efforts of our Cosmetology students.  This is a wonderful organization and I believe in its mission.  Finding hope and getting education during a time when a family member is sick is important.  If the efforts of our cosmetology students help one family find hope then they have done a great thing.”

For more information regarding American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty, a member of the American Institute Family of Schools, please visit us at www.americaninstitute.edu.


05
Oct 11

Press Release: American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty Joins the Fight against Lung Cancer at the Fight for Air 5K

Fort Lauderdale, FL – On October 1, 2011, runners, Walkers, Volunteers and Spectators filled Huizenga Plaza in downtown Fort Lauderdale, to join the Fight for Air 5K hosted by the American Lung Association.  Amongst the volunteers was American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty Massage Therapy students, who were proud to donate their time to such a wonderful cause.

The Massage Therapy students from American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty provided all of the participants with post race chair massages.  “Our students were excited to volunteer their time and efforts to support such a wonderful cause,” said Mr. Richard McCulloch, Campus President. “Lung disease is the number-three killer in the United States and responsible for one in six deaths.  These statistics are staggering and I am glad our students could do their part in helping this organization fight lung cancer and its tragic effects.”

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through Education, Advocacy and Research. With the generous support of the public, they are “Fighting for Air.” For more information about the American Lung Association you can visit: www.lungusa.org.

Randy Proto, CEO of American Institute, added, “American Institute was honored to join the American Lung Association in ‘the fight for healthy lungs and healthy air’.  As always our students did a tremendous job in supporting this wonderful cause.”

For more information regarding American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty, a member of the American Institute Family of Schools, please visit us at www.americaninstitute.edu.


30
Sep 11

Clifton’s American Institute donates to Soles4Souls

CLIFTON — With Hurricane Irene hitting so close to home and affecting the local communities as well as many students, faculty and staff from American Institute New Jersey, Jean Hegg a medical assisting instructor from the Clifton campus took the initiative and began collecting shoes for the organization Soles4Souls. Hegg brainstormed with her medical assisting students to figure out the best way they could help those affected by tragedy both near and far and decided on this wonderful organization.

The students from American Institute New Jersey alongside Hegg are very excited to have begun their fundraising efforts. They set themselves an incredible goal of collecting 1,000 pairs of new or gently worn shoes by Sept. 30.

All types of shoes including sneakers, boots, dress shoes, etc. can be donated at the American Institute New Jersey campus located at 346 Lexington Ave. Donations can be made throughout the month of September Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.

All donations will go to the Soles4Souls organization. They facilitate the donations of shoes, which are used to aid relief efforts and the hurting worldwide. Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear both new and gently worn. The charity then distributes these shoes to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class, or any other criteria. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away more than 14 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently donating one pair every 7 seconds).

For more information about Soles4Souls you can visit their website at www.soles4souls.org.

“We are so excited to be working on behalf of this wonderful charity and I want to thank Mrs. Hegg and our students for willingly helping those in need. We are very aware of how devastating tragedy can be, especially when disaster has hit so close to our home recently. The students here have set a very high goal for themselves but I believe with their enthusiasm and dedication they will reach the goal of 1,000 pairs of shoes,” stated Hilda Diaz, campus president of American Institute School.

Randy Proto, CEO of American Institute, added, “This is a wonderful cause and the recent flooding caused by Hurricane Irene makes us all aware that tragedy and devastation can happen at any time. We are gratified that our students, staff and faculty began an initiative to help so quickly. They are great role models and their efforts will truly make a difference in the lives of many.”

For more on this article, click here.

For more information regarding American Institute New Jersey, a member of the American Institute Family of Schools, visit www.americaninstitute.com.


27
Sep 11

Press Release: Local Spa Vendors and Community Members fill American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty at the Florida Spa Association Fall Event

Margate, FL – On Thursday, September 22, 2011 the Florida Spa Association (FSA) and its members and guests filled the halls of American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty for their annual Fall Event “Look, Learn, Love”.

The evening boasted  renown keynote  speaker Jessie Cormier with Associated Skin Care Professionals, three different breakout sessions, major product lines such as Eminence, Kerstin Florian, Hydrafacial Spa among others, food, drinks and fabulous goody bags for all who attended.  The night was filled with lots of information and fun for all.  “We were so excited to be able to host and sponsor such a wonderful event,” said Ms. Nathalie Turotte, American Institute’s National Director of Alumni Services.

Nathalie was recently appointed as the Education Director for the FSA,” stated Mr. Richard McCulloch, Campus President of American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty.  “She has done an amazing job for the FSA and we are so proud of her efforts to bring such an exciting event and exceptional organization to our campus.  Today was a proud day for all of us as the President of the FSA, George Powell-Lopez, is also a distinguished graduate from our institution and currently Spa Director of the prestigious Spa Palazzo at Boca Raton Resort and Club.”

Other distinguished guests included Liliana Dominguez, Spa Director of Ritz Carlton South Beach, Charlotte Prescott, Fitness & Spa Director at Canyon Ranch Miami, Denise R. Fuller Editor in Chief for Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa, Brian Brazeau, COO, BABOR North America, Silvia Parada with Boca West Country Club, along with many other spa industry leaders.

The Florida Spa Association (FSA) provides support to its members via networking opportunities, continuing education, access to new products and services and employment opportunities throughout Florida.  The FSA also provides integrated spotlight programs, continuing education seminars, and one-on-one connection programs to help the success of their members.  For more information about the FSA visit www.floridaspaassociation.com.

Nathalie Turotte added, “This event helps to bring the entire spa community together.  This year our students and graduates were able to participate and get a first hand view of what their future careers could hold in store for them.  It was really a wonderful evening from everyone’s perspective.”

For more information regarding American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty, a member of the American Institute Family of Schools, please visit us at www.americaninstitute.edu.


20
Sep 11

Press Release: American Institute New Jersey Donates to Soles4Souls after the Devastation from Hurricane Irene

American Institute New Jersey Donates to Soles4Souls after the Devastation from Hurricane Irene

Clifton, NJ –With Hurricane Irene hitting so close to home and affecting the local communities as well as many students, faculty and staff from American Institute New Jersey, Mrs. Jean Hegg a Medical Assisting Instructor from the Clifton, New Jersey campus took the initiative and began collecting shoes for the organization Soles4Soles.  Mrs. Hegg brainstormed with her Medical Assisting students to figure out the best way they could help those affected by tragedy both near and far and decided on this wonderful organization.

The students from American Institute New Jersey alongside Mrs. Hegg are very excited to have begun their fundraising efforts.  They set themselves an incredible goal of collecting 1,000 pairs of new or gently worn shoes by September 30, 2011.  All types of shoes including:  sneakers, boots, dress shoes, etc. can be donated at the American Institute New Jersey campus located in Clifton, NJ which is located at 346 Lexington Avenue.  Donations can be made throughout the month of September Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

All donations will go to the Soles4Souls organization.  They facilitate the donations of shoes, which are used to aid relief efforts and the hurting worldwide. Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear both new or gently worn.  The charity then distributes these shoes to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class, or any other criteria. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 14 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently donating one pair every 7 seconds.) For more information about Soles4Souls you can visit their website at: www.soles4souls.org.

“We are so excited to be working on behalf of this wonderful charity and I want to thank Mrs. Hegg and our students for willingly helping those in need.  We are very aware of how devastating tragedy can be, especially when disaster has hit so close to our home recently.  The students here have set a very high goal for themselves but I believe with their enthusiasm and dedication they will reach the goal of 1,000 pairs of shoes,” stated Hilda Diaz, Campus President of American Institute School New Jersey.

Randy Proto, CEO of American Institute, added, “This is a wonderful cause and the recent flooding caused by Hurricane Irene makes us all aware that tragedy and devastation can happen at any time.  We are gratified that our students, staff and faculty began an initiative to help so quickly.  They are great role models and their efforts will truly make a difference in the lives of many.”

For more information regarding American Institute New Jersey, a member of the American Institute Family of Schools, please visit us at www.americaninstitute.com.


11
Aug 11

American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty Invites you to Join the Back to School Family Day

Margate, FL – Getting ready to go back to school?  With the start of Broward County public schools on Monday August 22, 2011 American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty located at 5000C Coconut Creek Parkway in Margate is helping you get ready by hosting a Back to School Family Day on Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Students and Faculty from American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty will be donating their time and skills in the full service salon to provide $1 “back to school” haircuts for boys and girls under the age of 16 just in time for the first day!  While parents wait for their children to receive their haircuts, they will be treated to complimentary chair massages as well as $3 manicures.  On top of these great offerings on Back to School Family Day, every spa and salon service will be drastically discounted.  American Institute invites all community members the last Saturday before the start of school to join them in a special day for kids and parents alike.  Ice cream will be served and every student will leave with an American Institute goodie bag filled with items that will give them a jump start on a productive 2011-2012 school year. As a special treat, the first 30 children that arrive will receive a complimentary pass to have some Bounce House fun at Pump-it-Up, located next to the American Institute campus.

“We look forward to seeing you all here, Back to School Family Day at American Institute is not just about the kids going back to school. This is also a great opportunity for parents and recent high school graduates to find out how they can go back to school and train for a rewarding career as a Medical Assistant, Cosmetologist or a Massage Therapist, everyone should have the opportunity to go back to school” stated Richard McCulloch, Campus President of American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty.

Randy Proto, CEO of American Institute, added, “Heading back to school can be exciting and yet expensive.  We at American Institute are doing our part in these tough economic times to give families in our area a little help with discounted services.  Feeling your best starts with looking your best – so come and see us.  And from all of us at American Institute, may you have a productive, exciting and fruitful school year.”

For more information regarding American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty, a member of the American Institute Family of Schools, please visit us at www.americaninstitute.com.


05
Apr 11

Press Release: Randy Proto’s American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty Donate Time to Raise Awareness

Margate, FL – On Saturday April 2, 2011 the Massage Therapy students at the American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty donated their time at the Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk.  Great Strides: Taking Steps to Cure Cystic Fibrosis is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest national fundraising event. Tens of thousands of individuals came together to support the cause, and to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. American Institute was part of the volunteer efforts in Ft. Lauderdale.   The students provided chair massages to the participants and donated the proceeds back to the Foundation.

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.  The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) is a nonprofit donor-supported organization; their mission is to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease.  For more information about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation visit http://www.cff.org/.

The very next day, April 3, 2011, the Massage Therapy students from the American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty volunteered their time again, for another great cause – the Epilepsy Walk the Talk 5K.  American Institute students provided complimentary chair massages and collected donations for the foundation. The Epilepsy 5K Walk supports the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida to help raise awareness about Epilepsy and seizure disorders.  It raises funds to support services for the 360,000 Floridians living with epilepsy.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF) leads the fight to stop seizures, find a cure and overcome challenges created by epilepsy.  EFOF serves as the lead advocate for the rights and needs of people with epilepsy and seizure disorders at the local, county and state level.  For more information about the Epilepsy Foundation visit: http://www.epilepsyfla.org/

Randy Proto, CEO of American Institute, added, “Wow, our Massage Therapy students were certainly busy this weekend.  I think it is wonderful that they participated in these two great events that assist individuals living with these chronic and sometimes life threatening disorders.  Together, they contributed their services and their skills to help make a difference in the lives of many individuals.”

Richard McCulloch, Campus President of American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty added, “It was a great weekend for our Massage Therapy students and it is my hope that they not only gained some great practical skills by participating in these events, but that they also believe they made a difference in the fight against these chronic illnesses.  Great job team – as always I am proud that you represented our school and community so well.”

For more information regarding American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty, a member of the American Institute Family of Schools, please visit us at www.americaninstitute.com.


02
Apr 11

Press Release: Randy Proto’s American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty Participates in the 6th Annual Greg Wohrle Feel the Love Fest

American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty Participates in the 6th Annual Greg Wohrle Feel the Love Fest

Margate, FL – On Sunday March 27, 2011 American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty attended the 6th Annual Greg Wohrle Feel the Love Fest.  Through the efforts of the foundation the American Institute students assisted in raising money for brain cancer research.

To raise money for the Greg Wohrle Foundation, the festivities included an all you could eat and drink barbeque picnic, a rock climbing wall, a bounce house, an obstacle course, and live music chair massages offered by the American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty Massage Therapy students.  There were also raffles throughout the day as well as a silent auction with tons of great prizes and much more.

According to the foundation, each year more than 200,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor. Primary brain tumors comprise more than 44,000 of these diagnoses.  The Greg Wohrle Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide funding and education for brain tumor research and respite to those most in need.  The foundations efforts are focused on enhancing the everyday lives of families, affected with brain tumors, through emotional, financial and physical support. The Greg Wohrle Foundation, Inc. was established in part, to raise funds for brain tumor research.  However, they are focused and committed to providing respite to brain tumor patients and their caregivers and to respond to each family’s specific needs and to provide a wide range of services.  For more information about the foundation you can visit www.gregsfoundation.org

Mr. Richard McCulloch, American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty Campus President, stated “Our Massage Therapy students truly understand that a therapeutic massage can be extremely important for those who are suffering from illness, so what better way to help than to use their massage skills at an event that also raises money for those suffering from brain cancer.  I hope our students always realize just how important massage therapy can be to the care and well being of individuals.  I know this event helped to reinforce that for them.”

Randy Proto, CEO of American Institute, added, “Fighting brain cancer is a cause close to my heart, as I have watched loved ones suffer some from the disease.  I encourage everyone to contribute in whatever way and at whatever level they can.  Either monetary donations or  donations of time or skill  will help with this great cause. Thank you to all of our Massage Therapy students for donating their time and skills to this effort.  American Institute made a difference in people’s lives today and that makes me proud of our entire school family.”

For more information regarding American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty, a member of the American Institute Family of Schools, please visit us at www.americaninstitute.com.


31
Mar 11

Randy Proto: Gainful Employment Rule Implemented Unevenly

Randy Proto, CEO of American Institute and a frequent commentator on issues in higher education, pointed to the need for reform in education policy in a recent article. Mr. Proto argued that the ‘gainful employment’ rule avoids addressing more fundamental issues in education reform in exchange for an easy but incomplete solution. His article illustrates the need for a more candid discussion of higher education options to benefit the next generation of students:

“We should question why many who favor the rule, haven’t called for its implementation at all colleges. Seemingly, they deem the rule as preventive medicine for the serious student debt disease, but refuse to insist that it be widely administered, weakening both their and the rule’s credibility. To truly benefit students and taxpayers, all students, at all schools, must be fully informed – to make the right choice for them.”

Follow Randy Proto on Twitter.