After receiving the More Than Words award and $15,000 for our charity, Harlequin published an eBook inspired by Kid Flicks. Click here to read Maxwell’s Smile.

We all have the power to effect change–we just need to find the strength to harness it. With every good deed done, and helping hand offered, we are making the world a better place. The dedicated women selected as this year’s recipients of Harlequin’s More Than Words award have changed many lives for the better, through their compassionate hearts and unshakable commitment. To celebrate their accomplishments, bestselling authors have written stories inspired by these real-life heroines.

In this book, Michele Hauf honors the work of the Barta sisters–Berni, Romi, Lexi and Marni Barta–and the not-for-profit organization that they founded, Kid Flicks.

We hope More Than Words inspires you look inside your heart and to get in touch with the heroine inside of you.

Marni is a finalist for the Big Ten Live BTN Scholarship for Outstanding Service!

Click here to read The Daily Northwestern’s article about Marni and the four other Northwestern University finalists.

TORONTO, FEBRUARY 9, 2011 – Now in its eighth year, Harlequin More Than Words honors ordinary women for their extraordinary commitment to women and the causes most dear to them. This year, the Barta sisters were chosen for their work on Kid Flicks. Each year, Harlequin Enterprises selects three women to receive the Harlequin More Than Words award from hundreds of nominations solicited from readers and the general public. Each recipient receives $15,000 to advance the work of her charity, and three of Harlequin’s bestselling authors donate their time and talent to write novellas inspired by the life and work of the recipients. The novellas will be available in ebook format to download at no cost in spring 2012.

Berni was named as one of L’Oréal Paris’ 2010 Women of Worth Honorees. L’Oréal Paris donated $5,000 to Kid Flicks and an additional $5,000 to The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) in Berni’s name.

Who is a Woman Of Worth? She’s an inspiring volunteer, an outstanding achiever, and a beautiful person who’s making a difference in her community. She sees a need around her and doesn’t hesitate to get involved. Whether she’s empowering women, mentoring children, helping survivors to heal and advocating for seniors, her efforts are tireless. Her spirit is unbreakable.

For more information visit WOW.

DoSomething.org has teamed up with the Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation to award project grants to individuals who are taking action to help children in hospitals. From creating a safe space while elementary and middle school aged kids stay in hospitals, to creating care packages for hospital bound or recovering kids, there are many ways to get involved with or start your own projects.

Fifteen projects received $500 grants, and 5 grand prize winners received $1,000 grants for their projects or organizations. Check out all winners here!