Julie Bolton has worn many hats, from cheer coach to real estate executive. But she found cheerleaders and their desire to overcome adversity to be more inspiring than anything else she'd encountered -- and that's what led her to found Cheer For a Cause almost one year ago on October 1, 2010.
 
Though Julie has been a cheerleader coach for over 17 years, recent upheaval in the real estate industry forced her to reevaluate her career decisions. She told us, "I've always had a heart for helping," and late one night while soul searching and praying for guidance, the words "Cheer for a Cause" popped into her head. The idea of encouraging cheerleaders around the country to help their local communities and the world took flight.
 
One of the group's most recent projects was to aid victims of the Tuscaloosa, Alabama tornado to rebuild their homes and their lives. Julie worked with cheerleaders from the University of Alabama and Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa to harness the athletic power of cheerleaders where it was needed most. These Alabama cheerleaders were eager to help, and incredibly dedicated. "I had to force them to drink water," she told me, describing how team members worked for hours in the hot sun to lay the foundation of a new home. They helped rebuild three homes.
 
Future projects include more Habitat For Humanity Builds -- in Joplin, MO, which was also hit by devastating tornadoes. Other possibilities include a build in response to the Texas Wildfires if arrangements can be made -- Texas Cheer Channel staff are eagerly hoping for a chance to join a build here in their home state!
 
Cheer for a Cause will be teaming with Kraft Foods in their Huddle to Fight Hunger and teaming up with Fancy Face Cosmetics to help fight breast cancer. The organization accepts donations and is seeking nonprofit status. Any interested cheer fans can help start local projects just by getting in touch -- find out more on the Cheer For a Cause homepage. Cheerleaders working together to make a better world -- "It's all about unity," said Julie.