Murakoze Cyane!

See more photos here.

We have reached our goal!!!

In less then one week we were able to get over $1600 in donations.

The recap of how we obtained our goal:

Thanks to Karl and Derek, we now have an online donation method.  This was extremely helpful to get the small donation amounts. I noticed that when I posted a status update asking for small donations on facebook, that is when I would get donations online. When I emailed a general letter asking for donations, I would usually receive checks a day or two later. 

We also got Nintendo of America to match a donation. So we also will have $300 from Nintendo. Many workplaces offer matching donations, and there is very little paperwork that has to be done on your end. It is an easy way to double your contribution. Microsoft has a great workplace giving campaign. Many larger companies like Nintendo and Microsoft encourage their employees to get involved with their communities and be responsible global citizens. It's good for their business, and it's great for the nonprofits on the receiving end! You can also elect to donate through payroll deductions. The ways in which you can give away your money to worthy causes is endless!

Here are the totals from the various sources we used to raise funds.

$508.85 - paypal
$950.00 - checks
$300.00 - company matching program
  $20.00 - cash       
$ 1778.85

I feel really good about this fundraising experience. I was able to reach out to my friends, and talk to them about what is going on with Bwiza and the Pygmies. Some of them were even compelled to donate.

Another reason this was successful was because we were able to raise funds for a very specific, meaningful, tangible project. Whatever the reason people donated - because they believe in fostering sustainable food systems, because they're moved by the struggle of the Twa, or even because they wanted to support me in this first fundraising effort - THANK YOU, or more appropriately, Murakoze Cyane!

I can't wait to update you on the success of the project as it unfolds.

PS: If you donated, you will be sent a thank you letter that will serve as your receipt for your tax deductible donation - keep an eye out!