Good afternoon, everyone!First of all, I want to thank the many hundreds of you (really!) who have taken the time to tell me how much you appreciate these brief newsletters, and how much you're enjoying the increased frequency with which we're publishing both Blog entries and Profiles in Courageous Generosity. I'm very happy to learn that you're having as much fun reading as we are writing - and, more importantly, that you're finding in these pieces the inspiration you've come to expect from Modest Needs.
This is just the world's shortest note to let you know that, to kick off August, we've just published a new Profile in Courageous Generosity, and this one couldn't be any more timely. In fact, it's the story of the first applicant whose situation has made me - well, angry - in a very long time.This new 'Profile in Courageous Generosity' - called 'Healing Heads - andHearts' - is online for you now, at http://www.modestneeds.org/features/pcg I hope you'll take just a few minutes of your day to read and enjoy this remarkable story of another miracle you've made possible through your support of Modest Needs. And of course, if you feel inclined to write, I'd love to hear your comments. You can always reach me either by responding to this note, or by sending mail to drkeith@modestneeds.org
I'll be back with more news next week - big news, in fact! Before I go, I have one quick favor to ask of you - especially if you or someone you know happens to hold an American Express card. Don't worry - there's no money involved in this favor.
All I'm requesting is a moment of your time. At Modest Needs, we're close friends with (and great admirers of) an organization called Donorschoose.org, which is designed to allow teachers to request the supplies they need for projects that their school systems can't/ won't afford for them. I'm very happy to tell you today that Donorschoose has made it to the 'final five' of the American Express 'members project,' which is going to make a grant in the amount of $5 million to the organization whose project receivesthe most 'votes' from American Express card members.
I don't think I have to tell you how many school projects $5 million ofAmerican Express' money would fund. And as a former teacher myself, and as someone who has contributed to Donorschoose in the past (and will again in the future), I can't think of an eligible organization that would do more good with this funding, should they win this contest.
Right now, Donorschoose is in a pretty tight race. They're in second place, but they're close enough to the current first place project that it wouldn't take much more than a bump for them to close the gap and win this remarkable award.
At present, the Modest Needs Newsletter goes out to about 75,000 people. And the way I see it, some of you must be Amex Cardholders. So if you are, and if you know people who have Amex cards, please encourage them to visithttp://www.membersproject.com and cast a vote for Donorschoose.org It won't cost you anything but a minute of your time - but if Donorschoose wins this contest, believe me, it'll be time well spent.
Please just keep in mind that this contest closes in three days, so if you want to help another terrific organization reach a very important goal, the time to act is *now.*
I know, I know. You don't often see a non-profit 'going to bat' for anothernon-profit, given the (sadly) ultra-competitive environment in which wework. But that's what makes the 'social market' organizations (likeModest Needs and Donorschoose) different. We know each other. We care about each other. We *want* to work together for the greater good. And honestly, I like to think that if our positions were reversed, the Donorschoose community would do the very same for us. After all, that's what being a good neighbor is all about.
Thank you, as always, for taking a moment to read this week's Modest Needs Newsletter - and for all that each of you do, every day, to make this world a better place for people whose lives are different because so many of you care. Until then,take care, and be well.
All best, Dr. Keith P. TaylorPresident / Executive DirectorModest Needs Foundation
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