From Every Day with Rachael Ray June-July 2007 Give It Your All! I remember when Oprah stopped by my talk show before going to South Africa to open her Leadership Academy — and open the door to a bright new future for African girls. What a magnificent year she's had! Oprah told me that when you give, you should do it in a way that's personal to you. Food is how I make things personal. I'm proud to announce the launch of the Yum-o! Organization. Our goals are to educate kids and their families about cooking; fund cooking scholarships and training programs in food and beverage service; and feed hungry American children. Kids and parents are pressed for time, and many don't know how to cook or assemble basic, healthy meals. They have easy access to inexpensive, unhealthy food, so eating habits have declined while obesity and diabetes rates in our children have climbed. Most parents are eager to make better choices — they just need the necessary tools. Yum-o! will help kids and families take control of their meals and improve their eating habits. To learn more, visit yum-o.org. People are doing good all around us. In one story in this issue's special travel section, "America's Best Road Trips," two brothers recapture their youth down in the Mississippi Delta. On my first trip to the Delta, I met Morgan Freeman and his friend Bill Luckett. Both men — Mississippi Delta residents — have given back to their community by opening Ground Zero Blues Club (named because it's in Clarksdale, the birthplace of the blues), and Madidi, a fine-dining restaurant. The trip was memorable to me in many ways. At Ground Zero Blues Club, I loved the catfish and fried pickles and the gritty grind of the music. At Madidi, I loved the casual elegance and the amazing local art collection. Above all, I remember Morgan and Bill's pride and passion in bringing this little strip of their Delta back to life. This summer, when you're spending lazy days with your loved ones, save a few hours or a few dollars, if you can, and donate them to a cause that's personal to you — it'll feel even better than a vacation in Tahiti! Love,

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