“Volunteers in Action” is an innovative program taking place in St. Croix that aims to increase volunteer opportunities throughout the area. The program was partially funded by a grant from the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society Foundation.
Program and Expo Focus on Group Volunteer Opportunities
The program is a partnership between the region’s United Way and the Good Samaritan Foundation, and is starting with an Expo designed to bring 25 non-profit groups together for an evening exposition. The evening will allow the non-profits to highlight their group volunteer opportunities for Expo attendees.
Overall, the program is exciting because it is intended to advance “group” volunteer activities. According to Marna Canterbury, director of United Way in St. Croix, the region is currently experiencing a lack of group volunteer opportunities. Volunteers in Action will provide small stipends to the area’s non-profit organizations, in order for them to expand upon current resources. As a result, the program will provide families, co-workers, friends and other groups with the opportunity to volunteer together and support their favorite cause.
Just as the United Way and Good Samaritan partnership works to create greater group volunteer opportunities, Microgiving provides the opportunity for groups to donate online for various causes. If you have been thinking of joining a volunteer group but simply do not have the time, or work with colleagues that want to donate financial resources but cannot take time away from their work, Microgiving can help you to donate online for volunteer opportunities that relate to your favorite cause.
An investigation into the Small Business Association’s (SBA) disaster response for hurricane Katrina was recently carried out by the Associated Press (AP). Investigation results show that the SBA failed miserably in its response to overwhelming loan applications after Katrina.
Flood Response Was Income and Race Biased
Faced with over 300,000 SBA loan applications due to the ravages of Katrina, 55 percent of applicants were subsequently denied disaster response. The AP results show that not only did the agency falsely deny thousands of loan applications, but those that were approved showed evidence of bias based on income and race. Former SBA loan officers admitted that applicants with a higher income and better credit scores were processed first because their applications could be closed more quickly.
On the other end, applicants with lower income and less desirable credit scores were automatically denied to avoid the complexity of the loan process. Those in greater need of disaster response were ignored, forced to submit unnecessary documentation, subjected to shorter deadlines and ultimately declined so that loan officers could clear the queues of pending applications. Of the billions in loans approved, only 65% of loans were actually disbursed, often because by the time the SBA offered a final approval, the applicant had already given up with the process.
The SBA is the federal agency charged with helping small business and individuals recover from disaster events. The demand for organizations such as Microgiving begins to grow when SBA-like organizations fail to provide much-needed relief to victims. Many victims of Katrina still require suitable disaster response, and many more are seeking financial aid due to the recent BP oil spill – donate online today and see what a difference you can make.
Many would say that they give to charity simply because it “feels good” to help those less fortunate, which may be true at times. But why do we give more to some than others? For instance, the number of donations that relief agencies are receiving to help flood relief in Pakistan is lagging when compared to the Haitian earthquake relief efforts. The answer, according to researchers, is that giving to charity is heavily dependent on personal return and perception.
Personal Returns Improve Likelihood That we Give to Charity
According to a 2009 study by Yale economist Dean Karlan, people are more likely to give to charity when they will gain personally from the donation. For instance, alumni solicited by letters were more likely to donate when they knew they would be recognized publicly for their charitable act. An earlier study by University of Chicago economist John List, found that door-to-door fundraising was more successful if lottery tickets were sold with a portion of the ticket going to charity. The same study also showed that if the solicitor was an attractive female, donations actually improved past the lottery incentive. This was especially true if the donor was male.
Moving personal gain to one side, research at the University of Oregon has shown that donations were more likely to occur if a personal story was attached to the request. In one study, donations to Save the Children were more likely to occur when a picture and personal story was provided with the requests. With this in mind, perhaps the pictures of flooding in Pakistan have not been as telling as the pictures of Haiti after the earthquake.
Such personal stories can be found throughout Microgiving. Each of our recipients has a personal story to tell, and you are encouraged to search our site and familiarize yourselves with all recipients. We’re know you want to make the world a better place, so we’ve developed an innovative new platform designed to allow you to give to charity as you choose. Start donating today, and let the wave of positivity spread.
Health insurance is designed to help with medical bills – members on an insurance plan pay premiums into an insurance pool, which subsequently pays towards the overall cost of their medical requirements.
When the concept of insurance became more widespread, employers began taking on the cost of these premiums so that employees could enjoy the benefits of health care without the financial burden. However, the current state of the economy and rising health care costs are forcing employers to step away from this commitment, making for an even harsher living climate for the common blue collar worker looking to simply provide for their families.
Employers Providing Less Aid With Medical Bills
For the first time in ten years, 2010 has seen employees having to bear the complete cost of their premium increase — a tragedy to be sure, particularly during a time when the economy is less than accommodating for American families. Employers are stepping back from the cost of providing for employee heath care, and are not only shifting premium cost to the employee, but are also reducing the package of benefits offered.
According to a study, funded in part by the Health Research and Education Trust, average employee family insurance plan premiums rose by 14% this past year. Employees have bore this increase, and as yet there has been no form of financial relief to cover the excess cost. Family deductible and out-of-pocket expenses have risen to at least $1,000, while the average employee is contributing over $4,000 per year in premium payments – for far fewer benefits.
As employers begin stepping back, no longer able to provide aid with medical bills for their employees, organizations like Microgiving have become ever more important to those who are unable to cover the cost of their insurance. As employees in the lower income echelons are faced with these increased costs, many will have to make one of the following choices: pay the utility bill or continue with the medical insurance. You can help relieve this choice and donate online, specifically to help with medical bills for those less fortunate.
Stories of good deeds was the topic of today’s show on the regular National Public Radio piece known as Morning Edition. The point of today’s segment was to reinforce that very often one small gesture, no matter how miniscule it may seem at the time, can often have a significant impact on someone’s life.
Good Deeds Remembered
Several stories were relayed, and one particular tale touched on a daughter’s memories of watching her mother stop to feed a homeless man while their family enjoyed a park picnic years ago. That small deed set the daughter’s ongoing penchant for helping others and contributing to charitable efforts at every opportunity. If there’s one thing to be learned from those who give, it’s the associated air of positivity surrounding the act can spread far and wide, influencing others to do the same and make a difference.
In another story, co-workers helped out a fellow colleague at Christmas, who had been off work due to illness. His co-workers helped to give their fellow employee a Christmas for his family by donating their remaining vacation days to him, so that he could receive a full pay check. Other stories of good deeds highlighted children helping out other children – one simple but heart warming story focussed on a child befriending the new kid in class, and another story touched on a child who takes books to younger children and reads to them.
The people in receipt of these random acts of kindness were obviously touched by the actions of these inspiring individuals, prompting them to recount these stories on national radio. People are often reticent to give their hard-earned money to those in need, but the world would obviously benefit from more charitable acts across the globe. Ditch the trend of cynicism and start spreading hope in your neck of the woods. You never know, your actions may snowball into something huge and infectiously positive!
If you wish to give to charity, you too can have a lasting impact on the lives of people – visit Microgiving.com and see what good deeds are available for you to contribute today.
Disaster response managers of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were prompted to advise coastal cities and states to have their “emergency response plans in place” due to Hurricane Earl’s threat against the eastern seaboard. FEMA repeatedly issues reminders that it does not issue evacuation orders. These are instead issued by local emergency managers. To minimize danger to all, local emergency managers must have sufficient plans in place in the event that evacuation is required.
North Carolina Disaster Relief
For North Carolina, it must consider that large surf, rip currents and tidal flooding on the Outer Banks of the coast may cut off the primary evacuation route, Highway 12. This means that local emergency managers may have to make an early evacuation call. If they wait too long, even if only to see how close Earl could get to the inland, evacuation could be too late.
While flooding is the primary concern, this obviously does not mean that winds travelling in excess of 135 mph are not a worry. Earl has shown the collateral damage he can deliver; he didn’t land in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, but his winds caused 200,000 people to lose power. For North Carolina and other areas in Earl’s northern path, disaster response must be prepared for winds and flooding.
And while federal, state and local officials must be ready with their disaster response, so too must organizations such as Microgiving. As the hurricane season prolongs, there will be a greater need to donate online as lives are touched by the damaging winds and flooded areas. Disaster response requires preparedness at all levels; federal, state, local and individual. Giving is truly the best gift one can bestow, and you can be sure your noble actions are making a difference.
A tragedy that resulted in thousands of volunteer opportunities,this past week marked the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. As devastation slammed the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas, but most particularly Louisiana, a nation of volunteers responded to the emergency. Some of those volunteers had their lives changed permanently as a result of what they witnessed.
Relief Aid in New Orleans
According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, in the first year after Katrina struck, over 550,000 volunteers headed to the Gulf Coast to fulfill volunteer opportunities and help victims and the area to recover from the massive devastation. John Burnap left his day job to serve as a Red Cross volunteer during the acute emergency of New Orleans in response to Katrina.
John’s role was to help prepare, coordinate and serve over 50,000 meals a day during the weeks immediately following Katrina. John was so inspired by his experience that he is now committed to disaster recovery. As an independent consultant, he often works for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to John, he was amazed at how many people came forward to work together and fulfill the volunteer opportunities that were created.
Perhaps you would like to contribute to volunteer efforts but are currently unable to give up your time to do so. Fortunately, the first crowdfunding website on the internet is here to help you make it happen. If you would like to contribute financial relief to individuals or families that may be suffering from the result of a personal and/or community disaster, please donate online; we can help you contribute to other individuals or families if you are unable to take part in volunteer opportunities.
Many of you have probably noticed a few changes around the MicroGiving site. We’ve been working feverishly behind the scenes to implement an exciting new crowdfunding functionality which will add tremendous value for our members.
For those of you who are not familiar with the concept of “crowd funding“– it’s very similar to MicroGiving’s existing model: it’s a way to raise money through the support of people who pool their money together to fund a project, cause, idea or need; the difference being that “perks” or “rewards” are often offered as a way to incentivize people to support your cause.
Effective today, MicroGiving now enables anyone and everyone to raise money through our platform via crowdfunding– artists, musicians, film makers, developers, designers, dreamers, believers, idealists, inventors, entrepreneurs, non-profits, charities and people struggling through an economic hardship such as a loss of housing, medical emergency or natural disaster.
Here’s how it works:
Anyone can sign up and choose from one of three basic Request types:
Personal Project – anything from a creative idea, entrepreneurial endeavor, wish or dream– such as a personal documentary or film, music album, world travel, small biz startup, shiny red car, whatever you want!
Charity Fundraiser – anything that provides a social benefit to others, or betters the community in some way such as a neighborhood or park cleanup effort, sponsorship to run a marathon for cancer, or supplies to aid a disaster relief program.
Financial Emergency – anything that qualifies as a “need” based, economic hardship such as a loss of housing, loss of job, or urgent medical need.
Here’s how our new platform differs from the old:
Personal Project recipients can offer their supporters rewards which include sample products, merchandise, signed memorabilia, name recognition in credits, shout-outs, sponsorship placement on website, etc. Rewards are presented in tiers—or a ladder system that increases in value for every incremental donation amount. In other words—the bigger the donation, the greater the reward!
A percent of every dollar that a Donor gives to a “Personal Project” is deposited into that recipient’s “Giving Bank”. Once the recipient’s request has expired, he or she can use that money to give to a Charity or Financial Emergency individual of choice on the MicroGiving site.
No more Verification stars. Previously we required everyone to send us Supporting Documents to prove their need. We no longer require these docs, however we still accept Supporting Docs and will continue to verify the people on our site as a service to help Recipients prove their authenticity without revealing their personal information to the world wide web. To see a list of the type of Supporting Documents we use to verify people in need, click here.
Note: Recipients are encouraged to send us some form of documentation to prove their need. Recipients who do not send us documentation will see a “Not Verified” sign on their profile page. Additionally, Donors will be receive a warning message anytime they attempt to make a donation to a Recipient who has not provided us with ample Supporting Documents. Be sure to look for these signs on a Recipient’s profile before you make a donation to anyone you do not know personally:
In addition to the crowdfunding system, you may have also noticed new social buttons on your profile. This enables you to promote your page easily to friends and family on some of the major social networks like Facebook and via email. We hope this will encourage you to spread the word about your cause and raise more money for yourself!
That sums it up for now. If you have any questions, comments, or even tips that will improve your experience with MicroGiving… feel free to share them with us here!
Demanding help with flood relief for their homes, residents in Grimes, Iowa, met with leaders from their City Council this week. According to reports, sewers and creeks overflowed in the city of Grimes and caused damage to some 20 homes, many of which will require substantial repair before they can be considered habitable. City officials have not commented as yet on the prospect of flood relief and have instead suggested that residents contact FEMA to determine if they are eligible for federal help.
If you have been affected by flooding, you can find out if you are eligible for disaster assistance by visiting the government’s Disaster Assistance website and completing the online questionnaire here. After taking a short quiz, you will be provided with a list outlining assistance for which you may be eligible.
Small Area Damage Means You Wade Through Flood Relief Alone
While we sincerely hope all individuals in need are given the aid they desperately need, you must bear in mind that there is no guarantee that you will be eligible for assistance, and any help that you are entitled to may not be provided without additional cost. For instance, of the 21 options identified with a trial quiz, the majority of results offered loan options to help with short-term needs.
We will always hear of major communities that have been devastated by flooding, but very often do we hear of the “smaller” devastation that can affect a community. “Small” is always a relative term – devastation to one’s home will always have a profound affect on an individual’s life. If you would like to donate online to those who are unable to benefit from flood relief, please do so now to help someone less fortunate than yourself.
Relief organizations are rushing to the aid of Pakistani victims. Cities and towns in the southern region of Pakistan have been overwhelmed and completely flooded. Tens of thousands of people are evacuating as relief efforts are struggling to bring help to the nearly 17,000,000 victims of the worst disaster in Pakistan’s history.
Foreign Countries and Charitable Organizations Working Together
According to the United Nations (U.N.), charity organizations and foreign countries have promised nearly $800 million in aid. And private donors have accounted for more than 60% of the immediate aid received – over $400 million. But the need for aid is an ongoing effort, and is also a world-wide issue. In 2010, along with the Pakistan disaster, relief organizations and governments have dealt with devastation in Chile and Haiti, spring storms in Europe, riots in Bangkok, and the BP oil disaster in the US.
Relief Organizations Like Microgiving are Necessary for Everyday Life
Along with the devastation from natural disasters (and man-made disasters in the case of BP), families everywhere are struggling to meet everyday needs. For example, energy costs have risen considerably; energy companies across the U.S. are providing grants to help bring bills current. Our unemployment rate also remains high, and many families are struggling to maintain payments on their bills. The world needs no lack of empathy and kindness.
That is why organizations that partake in micro charity are so important. As individuals reach out for help, they are often overlooked in the wake of huge community disasters. If you can help, consider giving to charity – donate online and offer your help to relief organizations that are dedicated to taking care of individual situations.
The Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) recognizes stories of good deeds at its annual Association meeting since 2007. The stories are to be included in a program called the “Iowa Hospital Hero Award”.
Employees Nominated for Good Deeds
Recipients of the Iowa Hospital Hero Award are chosen from a pool of approximately 70,000 employees each year. Such stories include individuals who have gone above and beyond their day-to-day work and those who have made significant contributions to their community.
One of this year’s IHA recipients, pharmacist Marlin Duren, was nominated by his coworkers because he has gone out of his way to care for patients at his hospital pharmacy. So caring is Mr. Duren, that he traveled through a particularly heavy snow storm just to pick up a patient’s medication that was left at home, after the patient’s wife was landlocked by a trapped car. He then shoveled the snow from their driveway.
Past recipients include employees such as Edra Fouts, a registered cancer care nurse who contributes significantly both to her job and community. Outside of work, Edra is devoted to breast cancer awareness activities.
Then there is Timi Brown. Timi is dedicated to her job and is also a volunteer grants writer. Outside of work, she has helped to successfully secure funds for child obesity programs.
There are many more inspiring stories, and each and every one of them provide a heartwarming insight into charitable work that is often overlooked in mainstream media.
Why not donate online and create your own stories of good deeds?
An undergraduate degree in philanthropy can be obtained via at least one university, thanks to rapid growth in the not-for-profit sector. While several universities already offer certificates in not-for-profit management, this new degree primarily focuses on philanthropy as a whole, rather than the operations management of an organization.
A Unique Undergraduate Degree
For the Fall Semester 2010, Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy unveiled their first undergraduate degree in this area, currently the only program of its kind in the nation. Several universities, such as the University of Denver, already offer Master’s degrees and certificate programs in fundraising, not-for-profit management, and philanthropy. However, such programs are usually aimed at professionals already working in the field and do not cover a full four-year degree.
“Every year there’s an unmet demand of about 50,000 jobs in the not-for-profit sector”, said Patrick Rooney, Executive Director of Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy.
Many fundraisers enter the industry through avenues not related to fundraising. One such fundraiser, Gabie Benson, currently works in development at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Benson entered development work after deciding that she did not enjoy social work, but realized she could make a difference in her community through successful philanthropy work.
The Center has chosen Dr. Julie Hatcher to lead the new degree program. Dr. Hatcher is an international leader in philanthropy and believes that the program is “an exciting opportunity to work with students who improve their communities and work with others toward a common good”.
The hope is that as younger professionals enter philanthropy, more innovative and forward-thinking organizations will come up with creative solutions that will encourage people to give to charity.
Meta Description: Philanthropy can now be studied as a university degree. The news comes as Indiana University announced it would begin rolling out a bachelor’s degree in Philanthropy, the first such degree of its kind.
The tragedy that required massive flood relief has hardly been forgotten in the collective minds of Americans, as we move into the fifth anniversary of hurricane Katrina. The disastrous force of nature was born over the Atlantic on August 23, 2005, and she grew quickly, traveled west and, along the way, exerted all of her strength against the Gulf coast on August 29th. Our strongest memory is the damage caused to New Orleans, but Katrina caused the need for relief aid from Florida to Texas.
New Orleans Relief Aid Delayed
Over 1,800 lives were lost; largely in New Orleans. We know that relief aid was slow in coming from the federal government. We saw people standing on rooftops for days; dead bodies floating in canals and lying along the roadside – some had tried to walk to reach the relief aid but they could not make it. People evacuated New Orleans by the hundreds of thousands; some stayed waiting for relief to arrive.
While New Orleans was devastated and the federal government was slow in response with flood relief; the nation came together outside of the city. Along with federal relief aid, private individuals and corporations contributed time and money to help Katrina victims with the cleanup and rebuilding effort.
Need for Flood Relief Continues Today
New Orleans is rising from the depths of the water because people throughout our nation and, in fact, the world contributed to the relief aid, and they continue to contribute today. The story of New Orleans can inspire those who want to give to charity and help others regardless of the cause. The needs from Katrina require long-term flood relief in New Orleans and all along the Gulf Coast; events like the recent oil spill continue to highlight those needs. If you desire to give directly via online donations, Microgiving is your solution.
Bill Gates is helping poor people – along with 38 of his financial brotherhood — by donating at least half of their wealth and pledging donations to various charities. When hearing this news, did you think to yourself “what a wonderful and kind act,” or were you left feeling skeptical?
Of course, this is a wonderful gift and will increase charitable resources, helping individuals who are most in need. However, there are other things you should consider: less than one-third of charitable dollars donated are directed to helping the needy and, to a disproportionate income share, gifts directed to helping the poor actually come from those who are most in need.
The Poor Helping the Needy
Studies have shown that the gift level of the poor – as a percentage of their income – is nearly double that of people who fall into upper income brackets. It is actually the poor who are donating the most to the poor. Those who cannot afford to give more do; while those who can afford to give more to helping the needy, do not.
According to a 2007 study at Indiana University’s Center for Philanthropy, those who can afford to give more tend to donate online to foundations directed to other causes, such as their alma mater or the arts, rather than helping people in need. The Institute of Personality and Social Research believes this is so because donors prioritize their own needs first.
Essentially, the findings suggest that lower income donors are helping the needy more often because they “feel their pain” and understand their immediate need. Donors from upper income brackets are more likely to prioritize their own cultural need first rather than helping poor people directly.
We like to recognize other organizations in the micro philanthropy sector that share the same mission and vision as MicroGiving.
Citizens Care is a Canadian based non-profit that unites giving circles dedicated to assisting people in need in the lower Mainland of British Columbia.
Individuals help by pooling resources and donating to those locally in need of assistance along with providing referrals of people in need within their community. Citizens-Care.org provides an efficient way for communities in Canada to cooperatively select local individuals, families and groups to which they will donate time, funds or other resources.
MicroGiving and Citizens Care share the philosophy that “a small amount can make a big difference”. Together our mission is to:
Empower more people to help individuals and families in need by providing an easy online platform that assists those who cannot pay for basic goods, needs or services themselves.
Personalize the experience of giving by enabling individuals to give directly to people in need, with no middle man.
If you are a Canadian national in need of assistance, or a Canadian based donor interested in joining a giving circle in your community to support people in need– please visit Citizens-Care.org.
Special thanks to Citizens Care and Ted Caine for reaching out, and for their team’s commitment and compassion to serving people in need.
The following is a contributive post by singer and songwriter Stefanie Smerkers, an avid social-good advocate and kind supporter of MicroGiving.
I believe social good is something we all strive for.
People are innately good. The desire for good is born in us. It’s a natural instinct to want to better ourselves as well as our desire to want to better others.
Some may differ in opinion here. However, I believe most people stray away from their social good instinct. With everyday distractions, challenges and the battle against self interest—it can be hard to stay positive and not to veer off our inner tendency to look past ourselves and help others in whatever way possible.
Microgiving.com is trying to foster social good by directing us back there: back to basics, back to innocence, and back to the fundamental consideration of others. Each and every one of you who have contributed through MicroGiving have contributed to the grand scheme of social good and proven just how amazing people can be when given an easy way to help others. I wanted to thank you all for giving Microgiving a chance to show your/our inner hero(es)!
MicroGiving.com has a unique history. Inspired by micro-lending and the story of Muhammad Yunus, MicroGiving’s founder and philanthropist John Ferber envisioned a place where anyone could find, connect and give micro donations to people in need.
In 2006– Bangladeshi economist, Muhammad Yunus, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for the innovation of micro lending to poor people. This enabled those with little or no credit who don’t qualify for traditional bank loans, to receive funding to buy startup materials. Micro-lending eventually uprooted the poor and stimulated economies of third world countries.
Inspired by Yunus and the concept of micro lending, Baltimore born entrepreneur and philanthropist John Ferber envisioned a similar model, but instead of micro loans John envisioned micro giving, or the extension of micro donations.
In 2007– MicroGiving.com was born, a place that enables anyone to search, find and give as little as $1 directly to people who don’t qualify for help through traditional charities.
To date, MicroGiving has empowered hundreds of Donors to help struggling individuals and families ward off foreclosure, prevent loss of utilities, sustain through a temporary loss of job, restore homes after disaster and fund urgent requests for health care.
MicroGiving changes the traditional face of charity by making the experience of giving micro donations more personal, transparent and financially feasible for those who have to give to those who need.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on micro giving. Are traditional charity infrastructures impersonal? And should more charities make an effort to expand their outreach to people in need on a local level?
Position: Volunteer, Social Media
Location: Delray Beach, FL – Downtown Atlantic Ave, (remote work optional)
Job Type: 6 month volunteer position, (min 10 hours per-week)
Volunteer Description
Are you good at writing? Do you like charity, people and online networking? MicroGiving is seeking a passionate volunteer to blog, manage our social media presence and grow our PR initiatives.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Blog
Author content such as news releases, articles, white papers, stories
Build out MicroGiving’s presence and following on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube
Brainstorm, develop and deploy creative social media campaigns such as contests, giveaways, online fundraisers and user generated content opportunities
Social Network via outreach to niche prospect enthusiasts such as bloggers, tweeters and potential field partners to gain support and advocacy
Ideal Volunteer
Expressive, articulate, artistic, creative!
Great with people and online networking
Artistically inclined. Proficient in photoshop or illustrator (big plus, but not required)
What’s in it for you…
Opportunity to help grow an awesome organization and feel great!
Tons of educational tools, resources and experience to enhance your CV or resume
A killer reference
Free coffee and a plush swivel chair
Cool people and a fun environment (shoes optional)
Charity Overview
The MicroGiving Foundation Inc., www.microgiving.com, is a 501c3 not for profit charity that connects Donors directly with Recipients in need. MicroGiving is grounded on the principle that small gifts add up, enabling anyone to give micro donations from as little as one dollar. One hundred percent of funds donated through MicroGiving.com go directly to the Recipient of choice with zero administrative, overhead or marketing costs.
Micro Giving Foundation Mystery Mardi Gras Party Masquerade
Celebrate Mardi Gras 2010 with MicroGiving! That’s right, the Micro Giving Foundation is throwing it’s first Mardi Gras party hosted by SFVIPs and in partnership with LivingFLA… and you’re invited!
MicroGiving’s Mystery Mardi Gras Masquerade party will be held February, 20th 2010 at a “mystery”, underground venue in Boca Raton. Kind of like an old school rave where you didn’t know until the day before! Yip yip yehaw! The venue and exact location of MicroGiving’s Mardi Gras party will be disclosed the night before on February 19th, 2010.
Join us for a night of Mardi Gras party Mayhem benefitting The Micro Giving Foundation. Tickets include FULL OPEN BAR for 3 hours, appetizers, DJ & dancing, casino tables, billiards, foosball and loads of Mardi Gras party fun! But act fast, the Mardi Gras party mystery venue is limited to 150 people, so reserve NOW!
In the recent passing of our dear friend Jason Strauss, MicroGiving would like to recognize a fantastic organization dedicated to the support, education and awareness of Lupus and related APS syndrome
The APS Foundation of America, Inc. is the only United States nonprofit health agency solely dedicated to bringing national awareness to Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS), the major cause of multiple miscarriages, thrombosis, young strokes and heart attacks.
1. In layman’s terms, what exactly is APS?
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a blood clotting disorder (thrombosis) related to lupus. Thrombosis blocks the arteries and veins and can cause major complications in pregnancy such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm delivery. APS is also referred to as Hugh’s Syndrome.
2. What does the APS Foundation of America support?
We educate the public– facilitating the latest information about APS and drawing national focus to an afflictive disease which is often overlooked. We also provide emotional support, medical council and suggest resources for individuals and families to turn to in time of need.
3. Roughly how many individuals and families are affected by Antiphospholipid Syndrome?
An estimated 1 – 5% has APS syndrome, or roughly 1 million people. APS is a major concern among women; roughly 75 – 90% of those affected by APS are female. Among those who are affected by Lupus, 40 – 50% of patients also have APS (most of which are not aware).
4. What are some of the symptoms associated with APS Syndrome?
The most common effects of APS are blood clots which lead to miscarriages, DVT, strokes and heart attacks.
5. What is the APS Foundation of America’s vision for the next 5-10 years?
Our goal is to bring national attention to APS as a common factor in multiple miscarriages, thrombosis, young strokes and heart attacks. This awareness is vital in order to bring a joint effort to research, funding, early detection, and eventually, prevention and cure for APS.
6. Can you share any accomplishments The APS Foundation has achieved?
We declared June as APS Awareness month (the date of our inauguration) and received recognition across 20 different states including Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin (to name a few). We were also spotlighted on the Discovery Health Channel’s show ‘Mystery Diagnosis: Falling through the Cracks’. The show is now also aired on TLC. You can download the document on Itunes.
The APS Foundation of America is a volunteer run, community based, 501(c)3 non-profit Public Charity dedicated to fostering and facilitating joint efforts in the areas of education, support, public awareness, research and patient services for APS syndrome. To learn more about the APS Foundation of America, visit www.apsfa.org
The following is a contributive post by singer and songwriter Stefanie Smerkers, an avid social-good advocate and kind supporter of 
