Philathropy, CARE and More!

I am looking for a few people to become members of the http://www.webwomengivingcircle.com/

Frances Flynn Thorsen and Mary Pope-Handy just won $5000 for CARE from their amazing participation in ProjectBlogger! Fran was a founding member of the http://www.webwomengivingcircle.com/ in 2007 and continues to be active through the loving blogging on the site, donating proceeds from her How To Buy a HUD Home book, and fully participating in all other aspects.

Here is some history, where we are at and what's next:

MORE Magazine issued a Challenge last year. They pledged One Million Dollars for CARE and offered a weeklong volunteer trip to Peru to the Giving Circle that raised the most money. The www.WebWomenGivingCircle.com were the winners thanks to many, many real estate agents and others who generously gave. Many of the contributions were small, although many people were able to be very generous. It taught us how much difference $5 or $20 can make in the lives of people where poverty is oppressive.

   The trip to Peru was totally amazing. We saw how CARE is helping with sustainable projects. We were touched by the spirit of the Peruvians we met. We were treated like visiting royalty and thanked over and over in many different ways for the support we have given CARE. I wish there was a succinct, easy way to describe the immense difference an amount like $23,000 can make in a country where 52% are making less than $2 a day and it isn't commonplace for girls to go to school! Fran has lovingly posted the trip so you can share in a small part the experience we had.  

WHERE WE ARE:  

The WebWomenGivingCircle pledged $100,000 towards More Magazine's goal of 1 Million

 We raised $23,820.47 in 2006 and More raised about $50,000  

I just sent off $3077.71 to CARE from money that has come in this year. A big thank you goes to Bernice Ross who raised $2720 of that with a silent auction at her Really Awesome Women Retreat in March. And, continued appreciation to Frances Flynn Thorsen who has been donating proceeds from her HUD books!!!!!   AND more good news: Fran teamed up with Mary Pope-Handy in the Inman-Active Rain Project Blogger. After 14 weeks of intense work on Mary's part with Fran's coaching, the dynamic duo won $5000 for CARE!!!!!  

So....Where we are is at $31,898.18   WHAT'S NEXT?????
More will be keeping their promise to raise 1 Million. 

   I am interested in having the WWGC keep our promise of $100,000. That leaves us  $68,101.82 to raise. We learned a lot last year and I feel this is doable in the coming year with the momentum we have and knowledge from last year!  

What I am asking with this post is for you to consider being part of the Giving Circle in 2007-2008

 We had criteria last year that each member be responsible for generating $5000, whether by a personal or corporate donation or by helping to raise the money in other ways (such as the Premium Packages, auctions, Paulette's wonderful paintings, etc.)

Or, if this doesn't fit your priorities for the coming year, you can help us by making a donation in any amount at all (even $5 helps!!!)

I have scheduled a conference call for August 10 at 4 PM Pacific, 7 PM EDT

My intent is for us as a group to design "what's next", including criteria for membership (will be leave it at $5K or change it?), brainstorm some projects(do we create some premium packages for this year? and what other projects appeal to you?), plan the implementation (this may take some subsequent calls) Any and all ideas and input are welcome!!!!

 WHAT I NEED FROM YOU: 

1. Let me know if you can/will attend the conference call and I will get you the call in information

 2. If you are interested, but can't be there:

• Let me know if you want to be a member for 2007-2008
• Let me know any ideas you have

I intend to record the call so you will hear what the group is up to if you are on the fence. Just let me know you are interested and I will send the MP3 file after the call.

 I hope you'll play with us in the coming year!