Happy Valentine's Day and Update!

First, let me wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day … day when we profess our love to those near and dear to us. Those of us who have traveled to the Mbiriizi School in Uganda, Africa know all too well the wonderful meaning of unconditional love. The children are very special – kind and loving – which makes each of us feel special as well. Can’t wait to get back!

And, speaking of getting back. You still have time to sign up for the summer trip which will be Wednesday, June 24 to Tuesday, July 7. The total price is $3,500 all inclusive … all you need money for is to tip our guide and driver (whom you will love because WE love them) and any souvenirs you wish to bring back. I just need to know by March 1, 2009, which is our cutoff date. You need enough time to get the necessary shots, update your passport (if required), get your VISA and arrange for insurance. Want to go? Call me at 732 946 9639 or e-mail me Sylvia@sylviaschildren.org. Would love to have you join us.

Several wonderful things are happening but, first, let me get the “downer” news out of the way. Revenue from sponsors is down … some people are only staying with the child for one year. I think this is too disruptive to the child so I am asking people, who want to sponsor, if they will stay with the child during their education. These children don’t need any more unsettling things in their lives … I want to give them some stability.

Now, having said that, we are exploring other revenue opportunities and this is exciting.

1. Home Away From Home Academy, the sister school, has 1,000 pairs of socks for the children plus 500 more green HAFHA t-shirts for the new classes and the children that didn’t get them before. Thanks, Carmine, for your generosity.

2. Michele and I attended a dinner for APTA (Association for the Promotion of Tourism in Africa) where I was allowed to give a presentation. Three people have already contacted me about doing fundraisers. Stay tuned!

3. February 27 I will be a featured speaker for Black History Month at a primary school in Glassboro and then meeting with a committee the following week to determine what kind of fundraiser they can do.

4. Will also be going to a school in Wayne … just waiting for a date.

5. Three young ladies at Ranney School are doing the feet cutouts and listing size and whether it is male or female. I am going to get one (or more) of these schools to do a shoe drive. We WILL have shoes!

6. Ryan Dolan, a sophomore at Red Bank Catholic, is planning 14 Battles of the Bands (14 different schools) with a final battle with the winners from each school. (Low end estimate? We could make several thousand dollars.)

7. The Sunrise Optimists and Sylvia’s Children are co-producing Diversity Day in Freehold Township on June 7, 2009. The purpose is to celebrate the uniqueness of all children and feature different children’s cultural entertainment. We are splitting the proceeds and could be several thousand dollars.

8. Two gentlemen from my church are planning a 100 mile bike ride (September 19) called CENTURY OF HOPE as a fundraiser for Sylvia’s Children. Let me know if you want to ride with them!

Now, some other news. We currently have three interns here at Allen Consulting … all working on Sylvia’s Children! Mary Ellen Banfield is writing business plans for the coffee and crafts businesses; Doug Brown is researching and applying for grants; and Jill Terri is doing PR on the Battle of the Bands, Diversity Day and Century of Hope.

We currently have an arrangement with Pay Pal and Constant Contact. If any of you (or your friends) sign up with them Sylvia’s Children gets a commission. We are low in donations and this is just another resource to help us meet our financial obligation to the school.

We did receive the money for the books for the library. The $10,000 came from Grandma Dorothy, known to me as Mother. It’s a very generous gift and we (and the children) shall be eternally grateful.

Lastly, click http://www.thebroadsseries.com/ and go to Philanthropist. Tiffany did a great job on this site and is still pitching to get a 12 part series on the air. Let’s all send positive vibes to the TV world to just do it!

Thanks to all of you for your interest, your love and your support. Happy Valentine’s Day and Welaba!

Welcome to our newest Uganda trip member!

We have another new member to our trip ... Debra Reid. Please welcome her to our family.

Debra's association from Joy Tours and Safaris was at last Thursday's APTA meeting ... Michele ... remember the man who said his friend wanted to go? She is!

That puts us at 11 up until July 4 when Dario joins us for the safari. We can still take two more if anyone shows any interest!