Fundraising

Just thought it might be fun to let everyone see how the fund-raising is going on a weekly basis.  It’ll also be good motivation for me to get moving on it since I only have about 2 months to fund-raise.  The deadline for turning in the cost of the trip is April 25th.

Also, I waned to let you know that you can also donate via Pay Pal. You can use a checking account or a credit card to donate directly to me, however this won’t work if you were planning on sending your donations directly to Operation Crossroads Africa on my behalf.  Also keep in mind that donating on Pay Pal using your checking account is completely free.  If you use a credit card there is a 2.9% processing fee.  That is still a pretty small fee compared to some of the other sites that I’ve seen.  The button below should take you where you need to go (thanks to Kai, who is in a word, awesomeness!)

 

Accepted

I just found out that I’ve been accepted into the Operation Crossroads Africa program for the summer of 2011.  I’m so excited!  I started this blog to keep everyone updated on my fund-raising efforts before the program starts and my experiences in Africa.  Hopefully I’ll have internet access every once in a while and I’ll be able to post entries and pictures! I’m still not sure which of the 11 participating countries they’ll choose to send me too, but there’s a fairly good chance that I’ll be in one of the 4 participating French speaking countries: Benin, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.

In order to go, I’ll need to fund-raise the cost of the trip, $3,800.  Operation Crossroads Africa is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which means that any donation you make will be tax deductible.  Please let me know if you want this option.  There’s an extra form that needs to be filled out for the IRS.   I received my first donation today from a good friend in St. Louis, so the amount I currently need to raise is down to $3,760.  Woot!  If you would like to make a donation to my service project, you can either send me a check made out to Olivia Knowles, or send your check directly to Operation Crossroads Africa on my behalf.  The second option will allow you to make your donation tax deductible.  If you need my address, send me an email and I will privately send you my mailing address.  Wish me good luck!  Thanks!