Putting the Fun in Fundraisers

I'm always looking for ways to help organizations that I support that are both fun and that will make a big impact for them. Here are a couple of upcoming events that meet both of those criteria. My friend Lisa and I are planning to make the most of these events and would love to have friends join us.

First is the Macy's Shop for a Cause event on Oct. 17, 2009. Here is the basic information from their Facebook announcement:

AHOPE has been chosen as one of Macy's charities in their annual "Shop for a Cause" event.This event raised more than $10,000,000.00 last year for organizations just like AHOPE....BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP! Here's how it works.... Macy's gives AHOPE $5 off coupons to be used on Oct. 17/09. AHOPE sells these coupons for $5 (or more) and 100% of the proceeds from the sale of that coupon goes directly to AHOPE. PLUS when you use the coupon you get to take an additional 25% off the item PLUS you are entered to win $500 from your local store. It is truly a win/win/win. We have 2000 $5.00 off coupons we need to sell. That's only 100 of our members selling 20 each. PLEASE help us out by taking as many coupons as you think you can sell. It makes a great community or student project. How about your child selling these at their stand instead of lemonade? Maybe bring a bunch to work and talk shopping around the coffee machine? There are lots of ways to move these with a little imagination and a big heart! Contact Melissa at admin@ahopeforchildren.org and she will set you up and get you ready to go!

Lisa and I are thinking about having a little brunch and then hitting the mall with our friends. I have coupons, so if you would like one, let me know.

The next event is Overlake 5K: Race Against HIV/AIDS. Here is what the Overlake website had to say about it:

The Overlake 5K: Race Against HIV/AIDS will benefit two non-profit organizations (one local and one international) that are tremendously effective in helping people impacted by HIV/AIDS.

REACH Ministries of Tacoma specializes in caring for children and families and has recently expanded its services to meet needs in 12 states. REACH also offers an annual camp that provides HIV/AIDS affected families a SAFE HAVEN, together.

Each year, Living Hope Community Centre in Cape Town, South Africa offers medical care and prevention programs to thousands of people. Working primarily in slum communities, Living Hope holistically addresses HIV/AIDS issues by teaching life skills, providing home-based care workers, counselors, medical professionals and much more.

We are planning to chase a few of our children along this 5K course. We would love to meet friends there, especially friends with children from Ethiopia, so if you are around let us know.

I'm spending this weekend doling out Ibuprofen to children with the flu, but Lord willing we will be back up and at 'em by the middle of October. These kinds of events also help make the waiting period of adoption go by faster which is always a good thing.