Updates on the first Jeffersonian Dinner

“Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action 

will delineate and define you.” 

― Thomas Jefferson

Hello!
As the first Wickersham Roundtable approaches, I thought I would send an update about the event location and talk a little more about the non-traditional development approach the Jeffersonian Dinner employs.

Location:  Due to unforeseen delays in the kitchen remodel downtown, the first dinner discussing ending the cycle of poverty for girls will be held in my Lake Oswego home.  The address is provided on the invitation.  Same stimulating conversation, excellent food and company, but in a different zip code!

Two questions have come up a few times in conversation about the dinner series:  Why a Jeffersonian Dinner and not a pay per plate dinner?  How to you connect development with a hosted dinner?

The dinner's purpose is to engage a diverse group of thinkers in a lively discussion about a topic over delicious food.  The purpose is not to actively fundraise.  To help cover dinner costs and generate support for the first dinner's partnered non-profit (Kenya Keys) I've approached local businesses and individuals for tax-deductible sponsorship.  Through sponsorship, dinner costs are covered and the non-profit organization gets some funding for the invaluable work they do furthering social justice.  It's a win-win think outside the box approach to generating support for a solvable issue we face in our world.

Thank you, Linnea Osterberg for generously sponsoring a portion of the dinner!   Also, thank you to the anonymous donor!

We are still looking for sponsors for the series.  If you or someone you know is passionate about social justice and would like to be a part of this innovative approach to discussing solutions please let me know!

I saw this yesterday and thought it was worthwhile to pass on.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/girls-education/

Warmest regards,

A

It's a little like exercise....

Happy Holidays!!

Hello,
I'm rushing around as the ambassador of all things festive and good for family, friends and businesses, but wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU to everyone who has taken the time to click through the Amazon widget at the side bar of this blog site when ordering through Amazon.com.
A percentage of every purchase made goes towards funding education for girls aged 11-13.
So far, we have been able to support a young woman's secondary education in Africa.
We have mighty goals, and a long way to go to reach 11 girls in 11 countries,  but I like to think of it as exercise.....every bit helps, and the more you do, the more it helps.
Fa la la la la.
xo,
A

"Investment in girls education....

may be the highest return investment in the developing world."  Lawrence Summers, Chief Executive-World Bank.

The water project still needs support and donations.  If you would like to help bring clean water to the girls dormitory,  send me a message.  Any creative idea will be considered.  I've updated my etsy site with a few new items and have a few more coming.  Check early and often!!

We are still counting on numerous, small donations to reach our goal of $10,000 ($7500 to go!).   Recently,  I've branched out into professional fundraising:  grant writing and corporate sponsorships.  If any readers have tips or suggestions, please send them my way.
Below is a link updating you on the Samburu Girls Dormitory.

http://www.kenyakeys.org/Area/Projects.aspx

Thanks for reading!

Crafternoon Event Scheduled for Feb.1

I've been talking about having one of these afternoons for a very long time, and now the first one is on the calendar. Come work on your projects and visit with other creative people. Whether you knit, paint, scrapbook, make cards, create jewelry, do embroidery, you will have your own designated space to finish your current projects, start new ones, make valentines, or whatever you feel like.


Details: Sunday, Feb. 1 from 10-5 in a light filled artist's studio on second floor in NW Portland. We'll provide light snacks and beverages. Lunch is on your own (there are many restaurants in the area to choose from, or bring your own, there's a fridge and microwave at the studio). Bring your own supplies and/or share with others. Donations welcome and will benefit CFAC. Our current project is bringing clean, accessible water to a community in Samburu, East Kenya, Africa. RSVP to frenchstyle712@aol.com to reserve your space. As always, feel free to invite your friends. Do something creative everyday!

CFAC will join efforts with Koins for Kenya for first water project

CFAC will join efforts with Koins for Kenya for its first water project in Samburu, Eastern Kenya, Africa. Specifically, we'll work with directors of the local branch for Koins, located in Portland. Their geographical proximity, willingness to give CFAC hands on participation throughout the project, established relationship with the Samburu community, and non-profit status is just the type of organization I was looking for. Please consider making a tax deductible donation to help CFAC and Koins bring accessible water to a community in Samburu, East Kenya. Checks should be made payable to Koins for Kenya and sent to Create For a Cause, Attn: Andrea, 5440 SW Westgate Dr. Suite 300, Portland, OR 97221. Be sure to write: "CFAC-water" in the memo line. 100% of your donation will go to the water project. Thank you, Andrea