Newspaper Interview

The Troy Eccentric interviewed me about my volunteer trip! I am very excited about the interview. As a writer, I've been on the interviewer end many times for journalism articles so I'm thrilled to be on the interviewee side. I'll definitely post the link to article when it runs either this Thursday or Sunday.

Update: I've been getting donations and pop cans donated to me that I'm nearing $1,300! Soon I'll be able to purchase my plane tickets!

As always, thanks to everyone who has supported me.

$1,000 Mark!

I've hit the $1,000 mark! Thank you to all who have donated to me!

Fundraising Letters

Fundraising letters have been sent out to local banks! I'm hoping for a good response. My family tells me there are several more bags of pop cans to return. One person my mom knows at a nail salon has 8 garbage bags full of pop cans. She says she's too embaressed to return such a large amount so she'll donate them to me. I'm not shy at all! Okay, so I was the first time I returned two shopping carts overflowing with pop cans, but not anymore.

Thanks for all your support! Also, a warm welcome to any bank representatives reading my blog.

Thank You Laura

Thank you Laura for your extremely generous donation of $200. I'm withholding your last name for privacy, but I still want to acknowledge how grateful I am for your generous donation.

Thank you. The children of Cape Town will benefit highly from your kindness.

Fundraising Letter & Donation Request

I'm working on writing a fundraising letter to send to local businesses to request sponsorships. I'm hoping it will yield several thousand dollars. I'm sending the letters to banks, lawyers offices, doctor's offices, other schools, and other misc places. These letters should go out by early next week.

On a sad note, I was informed today the husband of a family friend passed away this past week. He had been sick for a long time. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you donate to the Troy Historical Society in Memory of Rick Campbell.
The address is:
60 W. Wattles
Troy, MI 48098

My heart goes out to Rainy, their children, the Campbell family, and all who knew Rick. He will be missed.

Thanks for the Donations!

Today was a fundraising jewelry party. Unfortunately, due to building permit issues, I could not have the party at my mom's high school. Instead we had it at my house. And only five people came. :( However, many people took catalogs from my mom's desk, so I'm hoping several people order from the catalog. From the sales today, I was able to get about $30. Additionally, people brought more pop cans that I have not taken back to Meijer. Even more exciting was how many people wanted to make a straight donation to me. I received about 6 checks today from people at Athens - totaling a little under $200. My total is around $500 now! I'm very excited to take those pop cans back as well. Lastly, the copier repair person for Athens is going to see if we can put a box and a sign near the pop machines at the main office in Wixom and Troy to collect more pop cans for me. I might just get to South Africa on pop cans! :)

Thanks to all who have supported me today! I deeply appreciate it.

First Big Fundraising Event

Last Saturday my family and I took more pop cans from Athens back to Meijer. In total there were $63 in pop cans! Added to that a rebate check, my total is $347! Incredible! It's still far from my goal, but I am busy finishing my last semester at Grand Valley. After graduation in April, I'll be fully dedicated to fundraising. I am so thankful for the support from Athens.

On Tuesday, March 4, my mom's friend is hosting a Cookie Lee jewelry party at my house. 25% of the profits will go to sponsor me. Several clinic moms and teachers are going to bring over more cans and are going to give a straight donation. :)

If you would like to donate, log on to "http://my.crossculturalsolutions.org/" and type "purplewriter" in the sponsor's username box. My individual page will come up, and you can make a tax-deductible donation. If you have any questions or would like to send me a check, please email me at southafricaccs@katdavs.net.