|
November 30, 2004
Alternative Gift Fair – Fullerton, CA
A little rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of the 200 attendees at the city of Fullerton’s annual Alternative Gift Faire held in November. At press time, nearly $10,000 had been raised and donations are still coming in. According to the event chair, Stacie Ressler, the African Well Fund set a record for first-time participants – over $300 in donations were collected. Due to this success, the African Well Fund has been invited to participate in the 2005 faire.
The Alternative Gift Faire is a yearly event held in Fullerton, CA, and is sponsored by local churches. An Alternative Gift Fair is a great way to purchase items to honor friends and relatives with donations to causes that fit their values. The African Well Fund offered alternative gifts such as t-shirts, water bottles and also “Well Share” certificates.
This year 14 different organizations were involved. The African Well Fund was represented by Donna Laughlin, Robert Hoffarth, Annette Quintero, and Caroline Lam. “It was a lot of fun”, said Donna Laughlin. “The event was fast paced, with lots of entertainment. Everyone had a great time. I’m glad we were invited back next year.”
For more information on Alternative Gift Faires, please contact Elizabeth Beech at ebeech@africanwellfund.org.
November 20, 2004
Illinois Student Garners $100 Donation for African Well Fund
The African Well Fund would like to thank Matt Wash and Mr. Conley’s English students for their recent donation. Matt is an 11th grader at Benet Academy in Lisle, Illinois. He has been a volunteer with AWF for almost two years. Matt’s English teacher, William Conley, sells candy to his students. Once $100 has been collected it is donated to the charity of any student’s choice, on a first come, first served basis. Matt suggested the AWF and recently the $100 threshold was reached and was donated.
We would like to thank Matt, Mr. Conley and all the students who contributed. As always, this contribution will have a significant impact on the lives of many Africans.
November 16, 2004
The Fundraising Success of Kelly Collingwood
very month, The African Well Fund receives numerous inquiries from people who are interested in more information about fundraising for our organization. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the interest rarely translates into action beyond this initial inquiry.
Kelly Collingwood, a high school senior from Williamsburg, Iowa has been a wonderful exception to this rule. During this past summer, Kelly contacted us for further information. Kelly had become aware of the plight suffered by many Africans and wanted to raise enough money to fund a well. As we explained to Kelly, we are very much a grassroots organization and, while we do provide some logistical support, we depend on our volunteers to conduct fundraisers independently.
Kelly was not at all daunted by this requirement. She devised her own fundraising plan, mailing out a letter to local businesses. In it, she explained her quest to fund a well and the motivation behind it. To date she has received $660 from local businesses, including a $500 donation from Folkmann Heating and Plumbing. She has many plans to continue her efforts to reach her goal of $5000. She is working on involving her church and her school.
The African Well Fund would like to salute Kelly and her passion to make a difference. Her efforts, combined with her community’s generosity, will have a significant impact on the lives of those in a community half a world away. For further information or if you would like to contribute to Kelly’s fundraiser, please contact her at kcollingwood05@hotmail.com or Kelly Collingwood 2202 240th St., Williamsburg, IA 52361.
|
