POSTED BY Nicole on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 9:44 PM
TAGGED , ,


My brothers were wrestlers from the time I was in grade school until college. I attended so many meets and tournaments that I pretty much knew everything from scoring to every wrestling cheer in the region. Naturally, when I hit high school, I would be attending the meets to cheer for my brothers so it made sense that I wanted to be a cheerleader for the team.

Being a wrestling cheerleader is not glamorous and for the prior few years, was mainly comprised of girlfriends of the varsity wrestlers. But the year that I tried out, there weren't any girls clamoring for the spots. Geez, how hard is it to sit alongside the mat, pound your hands and holler (I mean cheer.) I knew the sport well and was attending the meets anyway to watch my brothers. I figured I was a shoe-in - after all, I knew all the cheers and nobody else really wanted to do it. So I tried out...

But I didn't make it. Girls who wanted to be cheerleaders but didn't make the cut for basketball were given the spots... They were, you know, the stereotypical cheerleader types. But I didn't make it. Want to guess what happened? Their coach came to me and asked me to teach them all the cheers. Sigh. So I did. You know, be a good sport for the sake of the team. It was devastating both to my self-esteem and my attitude.

Recently, however, I have been watching something totally different. Cheerleaders who are breaking the mold. High school cheerleaders, Sarah Herr and Sarah Cronk took their energies and attitudes and created the Spartan Sparkles cheerleading squad. It's not just any team; it's comprised of girls with special needs. Young girls who probably never thought a dream of cheering in front of a crowd was even reachable. This extraordinary squad has caught the eye of several people, including Oprah. The team and it's founders were recently featured on Oprah's show for their efforts. They also created The Sparkle Effect to help others follow in their tracks. While some of these young girls have battled self-esteem issues, this special team has created confidence for everyone involved.

When I was invited to help promote The Dove Self Esteem Fund, the Sparkles team is the first thing that came to mind. An inspiring tale of how small things can help foster positive self esteem. The Dove Self Esteem Fund is one of the many outreach programs that Dove has created through their Campaign for Real Beauty website. The site offers self-esteem tips and information for young girls along with various ways to get involved. For example, from now until December 15, 2009 - for each Dove UPC logged, they will donate $1 to self esteem programs. Simply log onto their site, choose which program you want to support then enter a Dove UPC. That's it. It's that easy. And it's for a good cause.

So many of us grew up with self-esteem issues but there are so many things that can be done to combat it. Make a positive difference. Although I've always mentioned in my reviews whether I've been compensated, this one is a bit different. The firm representing this campaign for Dove offered me a nice gift pack for participating in this campaign. However, they also gave me the option of giving it to one of my readers instead. So in the interest of helping someone else feel more positive, I have chosen that path. Other than some warm-fuzzy feelings, I didn't receive any compensation for sharing this information. So here's your chance to make a positive difference.

The Prize: Dove Self Esteem Package (approx value $35) includes "True You" workbook, Dove terrycloth spa robe and 2 full size Dove products. A second winner will receive a "True You" workbook.
Participants -
...must provide a US or Canadian shipping address
...must provide an email in the first comment, email me directly with an email address or have email accessible from their profile.
Sometime on December 17, 2009, two winners will be chosen at random (using random.org) from all valid comments left. Winners have 72 hours from posting/notification to respond. If winner cannot be contacted, I will move on to the next random selection.

How to enter:
For the first entry (required) -
(1) Visit the Campaign for Real Beauty website.
(2) Leave a comment on this post at SahmReviews.com stating which teen/tween/young girl would benefit from the Campaign for Real Beauty website (and a nice Dove Self Esteem package). Could be daughter, granddaughter, niece, neighbor, friend, whomever.
If you want to increase your chances of winning, here are some options to earn additional entries -
-- Three Entries: If you have a blog or website, add my button to your page. (Here's the code:)

-- Two Entries: Publish a blog post regarding this contest by December 14th and link back to it.
-- One Entry: Become Fan of Dove on Facebook. Let them know that SahmReviews.com sent you. Come back here and leave a comment. Removed 12/12 at the request of the sponsor.
-- One Entry (Daily): Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this contest
"Giveaway for Dove Self Esteem Gifts ($35 value) @SahmReviews http://tinyurl.com/yzhnj7d Please RT". Comment with a link to your tweet.
-- One Entry: Become a fan of SAHM Reviews on Facebook. Of course, don't forget to leave a comment. Removed 12/12 at the request of the sponsor.
-- One Entry: Subscribe to my feed via RSS or email.
-- One Entry: Follow me using Google's Friend Connect feature.
-- One Entry (Daily): Read any of my non-giveaway reviews here at SahmReviews.com and leave an appropriate comment on that post. Come back here and leave a comment stating which product/post you left a comment on.

Thanks to Dove representatives for providing the prizes for this contest. On a side note, if you're inspired by what The Sparkle Effect, please spread the word to cheerleaders in your area.

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81 comments so far:
    Joannof10 December 10, 2009 4:01 PM , said...

    I think my 14 year old daughter would benefit from this program and giveaway

     
    Joannof10 December 10, 2009 4:02 PM , said...

    I became a fan of Dove on facebook

     
    Joannof10 December 10, 2009 4:03 PM , said...

    I am your fan on facebook joannheslercollins

     
    shopannies December 10, 2009 5:52 PM , said...

    I have 2 teen daughters that could benefit from this
    shopannies@yahoo.com

     
    shopannies December 10, 2009 5:57 PM , said...

    dove facebook fan
    shopannies@yahoo.com

     
    shopannies December 10, 2009 6:21 PM , said...

    button on my blog
    shopannies@yahoo.com

     
    shopannies December 10, 2009 6:21 PM , said...

    button on my blog
    shopannies@yahoo.com

     
    shopannies December 10, 2009 6:21 PM , said...

    button on my blog
    shopannies@yahoo.com

     
    shopannies December 10, 2009 6:23 PM , said...

    following on twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/shopannies/status/6549175416

    shopannies@yahoo.com

     
    shopannies December 10, 2009 6:36 PM , said...

    facebook fan of yours
    shopannies@yahoo.com

     
    Lauren December 11, 2009 9:10 AM , said...

    I could have used this website when I was a young girl. It's hard growing up! And when you don't feel as beautiful as everyone else...it really gets you.
    But now, I want to nominate a neighbor across the street who's sweet, but is struggling with self esteem right now.
    pepethewepe@gmail.com

     
    Lauren December 11, 2009 9:13 AM , said...

    I blogged about your giveaway at www.xanga.com/dopeymouse08.
    pepethewepe@gmail.com

     
    Lauren December 11, 2009 9:14 AM , said...

    I'm a fan of Dove now, and told them you sent me over :)
    pepethewepe@gmail.com

     
    Lauren December 11, 2009 9:15 AM , said...

    I tweeted your giveaway at http://twitter.com/dopeymouse05/status/6569051640 and follow you now.
    Thanks!
    pepethewepe@gmail.com

     
    Lauren December 11, 2009 9:16 AM , said...

    I just became your fan on Facebook
    (Lauren Peterson)
    pepethewepe@gmail.com

     
    Lauren December 11, 2009 9:16 AM , said...

    I subscribe to your emails.
    pepethewepe@gmail.com

     
    Lauren December 11, 2009 9:17 AM , said...

    I follow you on Google Friend Connect (Lauren Peterson)
    pepethewepe@gmail.com

     
    Ginny December 11, 2009 12:29 PM , said...

    My 13 year old daughter would love it and benefit, thanks!

     
    Ginny December 11, 2009 12:30 PM , said...

    I am a fan of Dove on Facebook

     
    Ginny December 11, 2009 12:58 PM , said...

    i follow your blog.

     
    Ginny December 11, 2009 1:02 PM , said...

    subscribe to your email.

     
    abby December 11, 2009 8:10 PM , said...

    My babysitter could really use it.

     
    abby December 11, 2009 8:11 PM , said...

    I have your button:
    freeisglee.blogspot.com

     
    abby December 11, 2009 8:11 PM , said...

    I have your button:
    freeisglee.blogspot.com
    entry 2

     
    abby December 11, 2009 8:12 PM , said...

    I have your button:
    freeisglee.blogspot.com
    entry 3

     
    abby December 11, 2009 8:12 PM , said...

    http://twitter.com/uberabby2/status/6586889173

     
    abby December 11, 2009 8:13 PM , said...

    Google friend connect

     
    abby December 11, 2009 8:14 PM , said...

    Friends of SAHM reviews

     
    abby December 12, 2009 1:12 PM , said...

    http://twitter.com/uberabby2/status/6606264666

     
    Brodie December 12, 2009 1:19 PM , said...

    My daughter could benefit from this ~

     
    Charity December 12, 2009 3:14 PM , said...

    My sister could benefit from this:) Please enter me:) Thanks!!
    esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

     
    Charity December 12, 2009 3:18 PM , said...

    I also subscribed through RSS Feed.

     
    Charity December 12, 2009 3:19 PM , said...

    Also a follower through Google Connect:)

     
    Bonita12 December 13, 2009 4:13 AM , said...

    My neice would benefit from this program.
    bwalker1123 at gmail dot com

     
    Bonita12 December 13, 2009 4:14 AM , said...

    new blog follower thru google frind connect
    bwalker1123 at gmail dot com

     
    abby December 13, 2009 8:13 PM , said...

    http://twitter.com/uberabby2/status/6647849632

     
    ale_d_o_l December 14, 2009 4:58 PM , said...

    I have 2 young daughters who could benefit from this, TY!!
    aleoliver72@gmail.com

     
    ale_d_o_l December 14, 2009 5:04 PM , said...

    will not let me copy/paste;(, tweet @aleshamom4
    aleoliver72@gmail.com

     
    ale_d_o_l December 14, 2009 5:05 PM , said...

    em subsc
    aleoliver72@gmail.com

     
    ale_d_o_l December 14, 2009 5:06 PM , said...

    Visited the website
    aleoliver72@gmail.com

     
    ale_d_o_l December 14, 2009 5:07 PM , said...

    GFC foll
    aleoliver72@gmail.com

     
    abby December 14, 2009 7:38 PM , said...

    http://twitter.com/uberabby2/status/6680125215

     
    GabbyLowe December 14, 2009 9:01 PM , said...

    My daughter could use a program like this-She is dyslexic and struggles in school and needs a boost in confidence.

    timmiedeluca@comcast.net

     
    GabbyLowe December 14, 2009 9:02 PM , said...

    timmiedeluca@comcast.net

    got your button #1

    http://newagemama.blogspot.com

     
    GabbyLowe December 14, 2009 9:02 PM , said...

    timmiedeluca@comcast.net

    got your button #2

    http://newagemama.blogspot.com

     
    GabbyLowe December 14, 2009 9:03 PM , said...

    timmiedeluca@comcast.net

    got your button #3

    http://newagemama.blogspot.com

     
    GabbyLowe December 14, 2009 9:03 PM , said...

    timmiedeluca@comcast.net

    subscribe

     
    GabbyLowe December 14, 2009 9:03 PM , said...

    timmiedeluca@comcast.net

    follow blog

     
    GabbyLowe December 14, 2009 9:04 PM , said...

    timmiedeluca@comcast.net


    http://twitter.com/GabbyLowe/status/6683502274

    tweeted

     
    Christine December 14, 2009 10:08 PM , said...

    I'd like to win this for my beautiful 15 year old daughter.

    Christine
    dazed1821@aol.com

     
    Kristy December 15, 2009 3:07 PM , said...

    This would be a great site for my niece!

     
    Kristy December 15, 2009 3:08 PM , said...

    Email subscriber!

     
    Judy December 15, 2009 3:16 PM , said...

    Visited website. My daughter would benefit.
    Thanks for the Giveaway. (Saw your tweet--Voted for you on the computer -- you are rated #3 at this point. Cute poem. Good luck!)

     
    Judy December 15, 2009 3:17 PM , said...

    Your button is on my blog:
    http://Beachbird2.blogspot.com
    #1

     
    Judy December 15, 2009 3:18 PM , said...

    Your button is on my blog:
    http://Beachbird2.blogspot.com
    #2

     
    Judy December 15, 2009 3:18 PM , said...

    Your button is on my blog:
    http://Beachbird2.blogspot.com
    #3

     
    Judy December 15, 2009 3:19 PM , said...
    This comment has been removed by the author.
     
    Judy December 15, 2009 3:30 PM , said...

    I follow you on twitter as beachbird2.
    First tweet!
    http://twitter.com/beachbird2/status/6708238776

     
    Judy December 15, 2009 3:31 PM , said...

    I subscribe by email.

     
    Judy December 15, 2009 3:32 PM , said...

    I follow on Google Friends Connect

     
    Judy December 15, 2009 3:43 PM , said...

    I posted a comment on your Michael Buble review.

     
    Natalie December 16, 2009 8:03 AM , said...

    I would like for my step daughter Peyton to win this, she'd love it!!

    Natalie
    ndavis1672@yahoo.com

     
    Natalie December 16, 2009 8:05 AM , said...

    I added your button to my blog, here is the link. http://everydaylifebymandy.blogspot.com/

     
    Natalie December 16, 2009 8:06 AM , said...

    I am following you!

     
    abby December 16, 2009 3:38 PM , said...

    http://twitter.com/uberabby2/status/6742583802

     
    JamericanSpice December 16, 2009 7:10 PM , said...

    My eleven year old niece would benefit from this

     
    Anonymous December 17, 2009 10:15 AM , said...

    My step-neice could really benefit from this.

    wearehappy(at)comcast(dot)net

     
    Tatjana December 17, 2009 11:00 AM , said...

    My youngest daughter would benefit !

     
    Tabathia December 17, 2009 1:01 PM , said...

    I have twin 15 year old girls who would benefit from this package. Thanks

     
    JenniferB December 17, 2009 6:29 PM , said...

    My daughter Natalie would benefit from this
    thanks
    ejxd95@gmail.com

     
    JenniferB December 17, 2009 6:30 PM , said...

    following on twitter
    jblanton41

     
    JenniferB December 17, 2009 6:30 PM , said...

    subscribed with google reader

     
    JenniferB December 17, 2009 6:30 PM , said...

    following your blog on google connect

     
    abby December 17, 2009 8:31 PM , said...

    http://twitter.com/uberabby2/status/6780802995