from Philanthropy Journal. Our impact wasn’t quite $18,000 (but was more than $12K if you include the generous donation of gift certificates to DonorsChoose.org from the Brader-Arajes!)…but it’s definitely nice to be recognized!
Giving Party gifts received December 29, 2007
I totally enjoyed giving away my Giving Party gifts for the holidays, and hope you did, too! My kids teachers all loved the donations I gave to Donors Choose (to support an inner-city Charlotte classroom art teacher’s desire to start a recycling program for her kids), and my own family has enjoyed learning more about the child we’re supporting through World Vision.
We received a rose and a write-up from the Chapel Hill news thanks to our press release by Bev Buchman.
And just today I received an email from a woman in Winston-Salem who wants to host a similar party down the road. Very exciting…look for a Giving Party website this year and a party kit to help you throw you very own Giving Party (and maybe you, too, will become pen-pals with Bill Clinton).
Happy New Year!
Letter from Bill December 17, 2007
Last week I received a personal note from Bill Clinton thanking us for our efforts on the Giving Party. I have to say, it trumped all Christmas cards received that day. The letter reads:
Dear Perri:
Thank you very much for taking the time to share the success of your Giving Party–it’s a fantastic idea, and I commend you on your effort to make a difference.
As I continue to do what I can to help strenghten our nation and improve our world, I’m grateful for the input and ideas of citizens like you.
All the best to you.
Sincerely,
(looks like a real signature to me!) Bill Clinton
Better believe I’m framing that in my office today!
A Pat on the Back… December 5, 2007
Yesterday the Giving Party hostesses (Tamara Lackey, Mary Beth Grealey, Neva Bartholomew and Perri Kersh) were honored by WCHL with their Village Pride Award. If you happened to listen yesterday you may have heard the story of our Giving Party on the radio. We’ll also be honored at a luncheon in January at the Carolina Inn. Thanks for the pat on the back, WCHL!
Gifts that make giving easy… November 30, 2007
Last night at our giving party, Laura Brader-Araje was present to represent DonorsChoose.org. Laura and her husband Michael brought Donors Choose to North Carolina several years ago and have actively supported the organization through their Brader-Araje Foundation. I simply thought that Laura would be present to share information about DonorsChoose and encourage donations, but she took it one giant step forward by providing ALL party attendees with a $100 gift certificate from her foundation to be used with Donors Choose. What an amazing gift! I hope everyone will use the gift, and then feel encouraged to give even more. I can’t wait to spend some time on the DonorsChoose site finding educational projects I want to support!
And the grand total is… November 30, 2007
Tonight, we raised over $11, 580 at our giving party. I am completely blown away! And, we had a fantastic time, to boot. Great company, tasty wine, delicious food and some incredibly generous friends. Thank you so much for making this crazy little idea of mine come together and for jump starting the holidays.
If you didn’t make it to the party and still want to give, just click on the links for the organizations listed on the blog. And if you think of it, drop me a line about the amount you gave so we can keep a running total. Thanks again!
Welcome to our Party! November 29, 2007
We’re so glad you’re here! Please feel free to click on one of the organizations below and make donations online (or just write a check while you’re here). And don’t forget to pick up gift cards for your loved ones and register your gift in our giving box.
Thank you for being here and Happy Holidays!
Communities in Schools of Durham
Donors Choose.org
World Vision
Giving even more THANKS! November 29, 2007
Mary Beth just picked up the gift cards to go along with donations from the party and they are FABULOUS! A huge thanks to Laser Image Corporate Printing for doing these for us. I can’t wait for the “Givers” to see them. They’re truly quality cards that anyone would be honored to share with a loved one. So thanks!
A little press never hurt November 28, 2007
I just heard from the editor of Philanthropy Journal this morning and they’re running a new segment on Women and Giving. They’re going to mention our Giving Party in an upcoming issue! We’re trying to start a movement here…nice to get the press.
Thanks to Chapel Hill Wine Co! November 28, 2007
Many thanks to this local wine business (located off Airport on Homestead Road) for generously giving us amazing wine at COST for our Giving Party. We recommend them for all of your holiday wine buying (we’ll try not to drink it all before you get to the party!).
