Let’s Get To It
by Carol Roeller, HMI Board President
This article was adapted from Beatrice’s Hope Newsletter, Vol. 7. Winter 2008
Our goal to put shovels in the rich, red soil of Uganda for the new Blue House in October is nothing if not ambitious. Yes, it requires action on our part. Yes, we had better get started. And yes, we really need your help!
There are good reasons for us to hurry. The essential reason is the hundreds of youngsters in Kazo, Uganda, without a home and family who are losing their childhood, day by day. Poor nutrition, no health services, failure to attend school, no one to nurture and care for them … what outcome can we expect if nothing changes?
In addition, donors have given us money to be used this year, or we may be asked to return it. Lastly, we are losing ground with the exchange rate...construction costs are increasing.
There really is no time like the present! Donate now.
How you can help
We have begun a capital campaign to raise the remaining $65,000. The campaign will include HMI-sponsored events, grants, corporate gifts, house parties, other sponsored fundraising events, and any additional good and legal ideas we can generate. Here is what we hope to do:
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Hold small group meetings to solicit ideas, corporate contacts and support
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Sponsor three fund raiser events at St. Matthew’s (Capital Kickoff, African Dinner, Holiday Boutique)
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Visit other communities of faith to share the HMI story and ask for financial support
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Write and submit grant proposals to foundations that fund international projects
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Ask supporters to host a simple house or group party to interest their friends and associates in HMI/Blue House (HMI will provide assistance and materials)
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Ask supporters to organize and sponsor events to benefit the Blue House such as concerts, walks, craft and bake sales, chore services, art fairs, etc. (with HMI assistance and materials)
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Again, we need your help...I can’t say it enough. To date, we have a chair for the Holiday Boutique, but we are looking for a chair or co-chairs for the Dinner and the Kick-off.
We are asking for volunteers to go along with a Board member to tell the HMI story, to host a house party, or to organize a little fund raising event within their neighborhood or family circle.
You may have an employer or civic group that would match a gift or make a donation. Perhaps you could obtain a smashing item for a silent auction? Or work with a couple of friends on a specific task for an event?
These are some ideas to jump start your creative process, but you are likely to come up with more, and better, suggestions. Ask your sister, your best friend or neighbor, and your family to help, too. Make a difference and enjoy a feeling too wonderful for words!
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