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October 31, 2008
Second Grader Has 'Big Idea' to Raise Money for African Well Fund
By Devlin Smith
As a second grader at Dunbar Elementary School in Glen Ellen, Calif., Tyler Davenport had a "Big Idea." Inspired by his mom, he decided to collect a mile's worth of pennies ($844.80) for the African Well Fund
With the help of his teacher, Holly Campbell, classmates, parents and people within his Northern California community, Tyler, now a third grader, surpassed his goal, eventually raising $2,250.
Tyler's mother Mallory answered a few questions about her son's fundraising and the impact it's had on their family.
Why did Tyler want to raise money for the African Well Fund?
One day as we were driving to school, Ty says to me, "Mom, I don't want to go to school today." I told him of this young boy that I had heard of who lives in Africa. He gets up every day at 4 a.m. to go to school. This boy must walk for one hour through areas of extreme poverty and violence so that he may catch a bus and ride to school for another hour. Then he returns home the same way. He does it every single day because he knows that education is a way out. I also explained to him that there are a great many children who never get an education and that he should always value his. Then a couple of weeks later, again on the way to school, he said "Mom, I want to do something to help the people in Africa." So, we walked to class and discussed our conversation with his teacher, who then led us down the path to AWF. As they say, "The rest is history."
How did he get his school to help him in his goal of collecting a mile's worth of pennies?
After visiting the AWF Web site, we learned about a mile's worth of pennies and decided to make it our goal. We then brought mason jars with AWF labels on them and every Friday, Ty would collect the pennies. We also placed Tyler's Big Idea in the school bulletin so parents could read about it and encourage their children to get involved. The response was amazing. The children all have little hearts of gold, or, in this case, copper and zinc.
What are some of the different things Tyler did to encourage people to participate in this fund raiser?
Tyler and I took jars along with AWF information and a picture of Ty holding a jar around to local businesses and asked them to place them out for there patrons. At one store he created a poster that read, "Please help the people in Africa, Love Tyler." He got amazing response from that location. I also had him discuss his Big Idea to everyone we spoke with. I felt as though it was important for him to become an expert on his what he was trying to achieve. It worked.
How did Tyler feel when he realized he was going to exceed his original goal of collecting a mile's worth of pennies?
"Excited and astonished," he says.
What lessons did Tyler learn from this experience?
That one person can make a big difference in the lives of many.
What are of the other causes Tyler is interested in?
Tyler has begun a proposal to help fund the pay package of one teacher at a small school in Nepal. He is also very concerned about global warming and saving endangered species. Oh yes, he would like all people to stop littering.
Why does Tyler like getting involved in causes like the African Well Fund?
Because he cares deeply about people. He wants to make the world a better place.
What advice does Tyler have for other kids who want to support charities?
Stay committed and don't give up. "Just keep moving forward," this is his motto.
What kind of impact has Tyler's work had on your family?
Words cannot express the impact, this experience has profoundly changed us. It really is true that you get more than you give when you do for others. On the last day of penny collection, Ty and I were going around to the classrooms and in one class everyone clapped and cheered for Ty because of his efforts. After leaving the classroom Ty said to me, "Wait a moment," he was teary-eyed and emotional. Honestly, it was the most beautiful thing I've ever witnessed. This was the gift.
What advice would you give to parents who want to encourage their children to get involved in charitable causes?
Encourage them to think beyond their lives, to think about others. Find the people who need our help. Research other nations and cultures and become experts on them. Go to the places that need our help, see what it is like there. Ty and I hope to go to Africa one day. Just do something. We all can make a difference in the world, even just a penny at a time.
October 29, 2008
African Well Fund Participating in Alternative Gift Fairs
The African Well Fund is participating in two alternative gift fairs in Southern California in November, and is seeking volunteers to represent the organization at fairs in December. AWF volunteers will be selling well shares in denominations starting at $1 and handing out information about the organization's mission at these events.
The first fair is being held this Sunday, Nov. 2 from 11–2 at Fullerton Museum Plaza, 109 E. Wilshire in Fullerton, Calif. The Making a Difference Alternative Gift Fair is sponsored by the First Christian Church of Fullerton.
The second fair is being held on Sunday, Nov. 23 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 435 Berkeley Ave., Claremont, Calif. Hours for the fair, which is held in the parish hall, will be from 8–2:30 and 3:30–7. The church will continue selling gift fair items after Sunday masses leading up to Christmas.
AWF is seeking volunteers to work alternative gift fairs sponsored by Alternative Gifts of Greater Washington in Maryland on Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, and a gift fair at the First Congregational Church of Williamstown in Massachusetts on Dec. 6.
If you are interested in volunteering for one of these events or would like to invite AWF to participate in an alternative gift fair sponsored by your church or organization, please contact Elizabeth Beech.
October 26, 2008
Christmas Card Sales to Benefit AWF
Once again this year, Elsha Stockseth of Utah is selling her self-designed Christmas cards. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the cards will be donated to the African Well Fund.
Last year, Stockseth's story was featured on our partner Africare's Web site.
For more information on ordering and to view the cards please visit Stockseth's Web site.
6th Annual InTO Heart U2 Fan Festival to Benefit AWF
The 6th annual inTO the Heart U2 fan festival takes over Toronto once again on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the spectacular Solarium Room in Polson Pier (formerly the Docks). inTO the Heart is proud to support the African Well Fund in its fundraising efforts.
Raffle prize giveaways include iPods, Blackberries and U2 memorabilia. One lucky grand prize winner will walk away with airfare for two and two tickets to an upcoming North American show in the much anticipated, soon to be announced U2 tour. You have to be in attendance to win.
More than the prizes, inTO the Heart is about the music. inTO The Heart is proud to announce the return of the very successful and ground breaking U2 SONGBOOK. A stellar lineup of indie musicians from different genres of music will be performing their original covers of U2. The evening will be headlined by the world-renown U2 tribute band Elevation.
Returning performers for the U2 SONGBOOK include Code Revival, Peter Bloom, Carlo Coppola, Robert Carullo, St. Pete the DJ, Audio District, Robeter Productions, KG, Blair, Gabriel Vox & Mark Baker. New participants include comedian Jack Dani, Brampton-based Touch Me Airbourne Plague, Italian vocalist Luka Fante, and the energetic and compelling Katey Morley.
For more information visit the InTO the Heart Web site.
October 09, 2008
African Well Fund Participating in Be the Cause: Walk for Hope Oct. 18
The African Well Fund is participating in the Be the Cause: Walk for Hope, being held on Saturday, Oct. 18 at El Dorado Park in Long Beach, Calif. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The purpose of the event, according to organizers, is to spread more love in the world. The entire three-mile walk route is decorated with hundreds of inspiring quotes on hand-made signs. Interactive activities also take place along the route. Walkers can raise money for African Well Fund by registering here and seeking sponsorships.
The African Well Fund and dozens of other non-profit organizations will have booths at the Walk for Hope to spread the word about their causes and sign up volunteers. Food will be provided and all participants get a free event T-shirt.
The event is free but parking at El Dorado Park is $6. Dogs are welcomed to the event and the walk is wheelchair-accessible.
For more information on the Be the Cause: Walk for Hope, visit the official event page.
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