A couple of years ago Ken Rosenthal started rocking BowTie Cause bowties. Now you can find him every Saturday on MLB on FOX covering each inning with his BowTie Cause bowtie carefully tied on his collar.
The collaboration between BTC and Ken did not happen as a result of a PR stunt or fashion risk — but through a true connection to what the BowTie represented.
In 2011, Ken wrote an incredible column (here) on why he started wearing a bowtie. Admittedly, he was not too taken with the neck wear at first —- yes, he mentioned the ‘Pee Wee Herman’ thing.
But reactions from viewers and players alike were extremely positive and drew the attention of our very own Dhani Jones. ”I want to talk bowties”, was his email to Ken.
Fast forward through a few email and phone conversations —- plus a bit of googling, and you have a proud and honored BowTie guy in Ken Rosenthal.
Not because it is stylish, not because its ‘cool’ — even though it really is cool to wear one, but because each BowTie supports and spreads the word about a different charity. And starting conversation and being a part of that conversation is what journalism is all about!
In April, we launched a pretty cool campaign - Spread the Word. Rock the BowTie for Autism Awareness month. Because it was so successful, we’re making this a regular thing!!!
Read below for a brief overview of CF and visit www.cff.org for even more information and ways to get involved!
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.
In the 1950’s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with cystic fibrosis. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Mary G. Weiss became a volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 1965 after learning that her three little boys had the disease. Her duty was to call every civic club, social and service organization seeking financial support for Cystic Fibrosis research. Mary’s 4-year-old son, Richard, listened closely to his mother as she made each call.
After several calls, Richard came into the room and told his mom, “I know what you are working for.” Mary was dumbstruck because Richard did not know what she was doing, nor did he know that he had the disease. With some trepidation, Mary asked, “What am I working for, Richard?” He answered, “You are working for 65 roses.” Mary was speechless “65 Roses” is what some children with cystic fibrosis call their disease because the words are much easier for them to pronounce.
BowTie wearers frequently find themselves defending the awesome neck wear. We’re not sure who decided to put the BowTie in the infamous ‘geeky’ file, but we like to think of ourselves as cool, really cool.
Sure, Steve Urkel may have been known as the ‘geek’ during his Family Matters days. But, if memory serves, he invented a way to clone himself and now his style is worn by hipsters everywhere! Ahead of the times? THAT is pretty cool!
Bill Nye The Science Guy wears a BowTie. He may be an authority in a field that has the reputation of being ‘uncool’, but he has us all understanding the subtle nuances of molecular formulas..in a fun way! Cool.
The Pringles guy has been rockin’ the BowTie since the 60’s! Yeah, his hair is a little unkempt, the mustache a bit overgrown, but take a look at that perfectly tied BowTie! COOL.
What do you consider cool? Besides a BowTie, of course!
Tying a BowTie is hard. Yes, we know. It takes skill, dexterity and patience — and a lot of it! Many are the men who, on their first tying attempt, failed miserably and gave up on the ‘great BowTie’, only to come back minutes later perfecting their glorious knot.
Difficult as it may be, there is no excuse for we gentlemen to take the easy route, by way of the {perverse} ‘clip on’!
There are a multitude of BowTie-ing video tutorials assisting us throughout our BowTie-ing tutelage! And even if your BowTie skills aren’t flawless…who will come to your aide to fix it?! A lovely lady, of course! Either way, you win!
Have you run into a fellow BowTie wearer and weren’t sure if their perfect knots were self-made or manufactured? Here are a few tips to spot a faux BowTie:
A clip-on wearer won’t adjust the “bows” of their Faux-Tie. Why would they? They don’t need to “tighten” something that’s only hanging on by a clip!
The BowTie looks like it was starched — Self-tied BowTies and those who rock them are never stiff!
Not as confident and outspoken - they know their ‘Faux’ Tie is a mockery of all the BowTie stands for!
They try to up the ante on everything else they were so no one notices their clip-on!
The BowTie knot is too perfect — there’s something to be said about an effortlessly tied BowTie. Its carefree and is perfectly imperfect. The same cannot be said for the manufactured counterparts.
Turn on your “BOWTIEDAR” friends! Be on the look out for the clip-on…unless you come across a two-year old. They get a pass.
Autism awareness month is almost over, we need your support now! Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 and has since grown into the nations largest autism science and advocacy organization. It’s dedicated to funding research into Autism’s causes, prevention, treatments and finding a cure. The BowTie Cause is supporting Autism Speaks this month and many other charities throughout the year with large portions of the funds generated by the sale of their BowTies. Help the BowTie Cause and Autism Speaks by telling your friends about the “Cause” and the BowTie behind it! For more info about BowTie Cause checkout www.Bowtiecause.com.
Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Their longtime friend Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to fund the organization. Autism Speaks has grown into the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into Autism’s causes, prevention and treatments and finding a cure; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. According to the CDC, around one in 88 American children is on the autism spectrum, a tenfold increase in 40 years.
Help us spread the word and support Autism Speaks! During the month of April, we will randomly select an individual who shares this post on Facebook or Retweets the post on Twitter to support Autism Speaks!
We will announce the winner on Monday, April 29th!!
Now it is officially Spring. Yes, we know March 20th was the recognized day, but there is something about April that just signals Spring’s arrival.
Birds chirp. Flowers Bloom. And the formal occasions really kick off!
Galas, Proms, Weddings —- oh my!
Like any true BowTie Guy, you have to make sure your entire outfit compliments your ubiquitous bowtie! As a treat, here are five tips for the BowTie wearer this Spring!
Get yourself a dandy umbrella — they don’t call it April showers for nothing, and no need to ruin a suit before you even arrive!
Don’t be afraid of the Easter egg {colors} — Be bold and embrace the strong pastel! Nothing says masculinity quite like a eggshell blue shirt worn confidently.
Show a little leg — Gone are the days of the long pant leg. Now men can add in more color and pattern to their suit with a crazy pair of socks. Really, do not be afraid to push it.
Go the English route — Oxford shoes have invaded and are not relegated just to our more casual attire. With a tuxedo, try a shiny black pair. With a suit, be adventurous in a nontraditional color!
Read up on current events and news — You’ll be socializing a lot more in the coming weeks and months; make sure you are abreast on what happening in our world. Nothing is more important than being able to contribute to the conversation!
*** BONUS *** ROCK A BOWTIE. This is a critical step!
A BowTie, among other things, is a conversation starter. A catalyst for communication, if you will.
“Wow! That’s a really cool BowTie! Where did you get it?!”
“Oh this? Its actually a BowTie supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Someone in my family has the disease and I wear it to support them and the MS Society for research.”
And just like that, you’ve got yourself a conversation…and a meaningful one at that!
Whether you wear a BowTie or not, initiating a conversation can be difficult. Where do you begin? What do you say? How do you say it? Interpersonal interactions can be positively nerve-racking for many.
Here are a few one-liners to spur your next discourse!
I love your necklace (or BowTie, or earrings, etc)!
Hi! Aren’t you friends with……?
Go Blue! (Situation specific, of course!)
Hello, I’m —— its so great to meet you I’ve heard so much about you and would love to better understand what you do!
I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I overheard you say you’re in (name an industry), so am I!
What are you passionate about?
No matter what you say, the point is to start talking. There is simply no substitute for real-life, in person, authentic communication.
Here at BowTie Cause, we tend to say that we participate in the business of “giving” rather than “giving back”. While both phrases seem synonymous, we believe that being in the business of giving means we intend to be integrated with the communities we support.
We love partnering with organizations that do not just give financially, but also with time, resources and bring consistent awareness to a cause they’re passionate about. That is, to us, the essence of giving.
Every partner we have had the opportunity to work with has impressed us beyond measure with their boundless love of humanity. Not only do they raise funds for their organizations, they are also working face-to-face with their community — locally, nationally and beyond! This type of limitless dedication to giving makes what we do, though perhaps small in measure, feel incredibly fulfilling.
