First, thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has already donated to the Days of Giving Campaign. The good news is that, because of you, we exceeded our initial goal, and that means a lot of girls in school, a lot of textbooks, more skilled teachers, and a lot more goodness. Thank you!
But if you haven't given yet, there's more good news! The Johnson Family was so inspired by the Mali Rising community's generosity that they have extended their matching grant -- they will now match all donations up to $20,000! We've also extended the deadline to November 9 to give you a little more time to help us get that match for our students.
Double Your Donation During Days of Giving!
By Merritt Frey, Executive Director
Our 3-day Gift of Education Days of Giving event starts today, and we need your help! This is our biggest fundraising effort of the year, and is critical for providing the support Mali Rising students need to make the most of this school year. Plus, gifts during Days of Giving are matched by the Johnson Family…which means each donation is TWICE as valuable! Can you help?
As part of the Mali Rising community, you are part of changing young people’s lives in Mali. Your gift of an education makes a difference for some great young people, and for a country facing both extreme poverty and on-going unrest.
With all of the uncertainty students face, going to school, curling up with a book, or playing soccer with our Girls’ Group teams are the little normalcies that allow kids to thrive in Mali. Those life-changing moments at school all come thanks to you and your generosity.
That’s why we are pulling together through the Days of Giving Gift of Education to raise $20,000 to provide the textbooks, teachers, girls’ support, and more students need to thrive during these tough times.
Your gift will mean twice as much during Days of Giving. The Johnson family has offered a generous challenge – if you give by November 6, they will match every dollar donated up to $10,000, DOUBLING the value of your donation. So if you give $10 for a textbook, that will really be two textbooks. And if you can give $100 to sponsor a girl to stay in school for a year, that’s actually two girls’ lives you will change for the better.
Please donate today to see your donation doubled! You can select from among a variety of great sponsorship items – from textbooks to girls' soccer to scholarships. Want to do more? Please help us reach our $20,000 goal by spreading the word to your friends or sharing our posts on social media.
PS Whether you can give or not, you are invited to a free, 30-minute online celebration on Sunday, November 13. Come get up close and personal with the students at one of our schools and learn more about the impact of your gift -- the event is free, rsvp is required.
Volunteers Needed! Write a Note of Encouragement...or Twenty
Looking for something fun but meaningful to do as a volunteer? We have the easiest-entry project ever for you - write notes of encouragement to our students in Mali! We provide instructions and you write short notes (and add photos, stickers, etc. if you like), scan the notes and send them to us. Learn more and sign up here.
Donate Your Birthday to Mali's Kids
I recently turned 50. (Seriously, ack.) But it was the most satisfying birthday I’ve ever had. Why? I donated my birthday to the kids of Mali Rising! You can do that too! It is so easy to do. I personally love biology and learning about the natural world, so I decided to raise funds for natural science (like our biology class) textbooks for students at a Mali Rising school that had ZERO natural science books. My goal was to raise funds for 50 books , but in the end my wonderful friends donated 180 books!
Want to Help Mali's Students?
Every wondered how you could help Mali Rising’s students? How about hosting a house party this summer? A house party is a quick and informal way to build support for Mali Rising’s students. House parties are totally flexible – they don’t even need to be in your house or a party! You could host a picnic at the park or cocktail hour at a local pub…but most people find it fun to have a gathering in their home or yard.
You Did It! You Raised $27,000 for Mali's Kids
You're Invited! Free, Online Tour of Mali School + Celebration
Usually each fall we gather with you -- our great supporters -- to celebrate the successes you made possible and kick off a new school year. This year we can't gather physically, but we still want to celebrate with you! Join us Sunday, November 14 for an online, free gathering celebrating the end of our Gift of Education Giving Challenge.
This Is It! Submit Your Speech Up! Entry Today
April Volunteer Evening: Join the Notes of Encouragement Campaign!
Looking for something fun but meaningful to do as a volunteer? We have the easiest-entry project ever for you — write notes of encouragement to our students in Mali! On April 8, you can come learn all about it at our online April Volunteer Evening.
