Starting next Thursday lives will change for the good in Ghana, Africa. Our joint team with Kids Helping Kids will no doubt be deeply touched and changed forever as we participate in the delicate process of rescuing, rehabilitating, and reintegrating 10 innocent children sold into slavery. These children face backbreaking work every day at 4:30AM for 14 hours as they choose between beatings and dangerous work helping their masters fish the increasingly barren waters of Lake Volta. They face this situation due to poverty, ignorance, and a vicious cycle of perverse tradition.
We are blessed to make change and participate in this rescue but in order to make the benefits of the rescue last it costs $250 per child per year to keep them out of slavery by providing a "safety net" of education, healthcare, and financial support. Our goal is to raise at least $500 so that we can help two children for the next year.
The support of our donors is significant. This is not simply throwing money at a problem 7,000 miles away. Our donors are able to DIRECTLY bless the lives of children that have no future in their current state. By donating to Bridges To America you are providing a lifeline that will be directly offered to the professional organization on the ground there to expertly provide the support and ensure that these kids do not slip back into this hopeless life of slavery.
Please donate whatever you can--it WILL make a difference. I will see to that myself and provide regular reports on the mission.
Thanks!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
3 Weeks to Help The Rescue Mission
In less than 3 weeks I will be in Accra, Ghana at my own personal expense and valuable time away from my day job. The only reason I am doing this is to help others. There are some things in life you learn of and then cannot simply sit by and do nothing. In this case, I have to do something to help these children get their lives back. I am hoping you will feel the same way.
I need your help in raising at least $500 now to hand deliver to the good people on the ground in Ghana who have been expertly solving this problem for years now. You can watch my video below for more information. (See the lengths I will go to to help move this along?! Subject myself to video! That's got to be worth something! :-)
If you are able to help, even a little, I encourage you to consider two quick reasons to donate now:
1. LEGITIMACY
Bridges To America Inc. is a legitimate organization that is recognized by the IRS as a 501c3 tax exempt organization. So what? This means that your donations are fully tax-deductible but more importantly you have the assurance that our non-profit operates under the requirements and purview of the federal government and that the funds are used for the stated purpose. I put in LOTS of effort and money up front to get this status precisely to facilitate trustworthy transactions so we can help more people.
2. 50% MATCH CHALLENGE
If you need more incentive to help NOW I am willing to personally match 50% of whatever you donate to any current 501c3 organization you dictate.
Here is how it would work:
**Please note: If you are able and willing to make your donation to Bridges To America without this matching challenge you have my full thanks. My funds are very limited but I am willing to do this because of my strong belief in this effort and need as many people as possible to donate NOW. And sometimes we all need a little extra incentive. Consider this your extra incentive.
I am happy to answer ANY questions you may have about this effort and encourage you to call me 1.415.203.3763 or email me anytime. Sometimes it's hard to cut through the fog of dishonesty and fraud in today's world but I am doing whatever I can to ensure that you are comfortable with who we are and know that your funds are going to great use.
Thank you!
I need your help in raising at least $500 now to hand deliver to the good people on the ground in Ghana who have been expertly solving this problem for years now. You can watch my video below for more information. (See the lengths I will go to to help move this along?! Subject myself to video! That's got to be worth something! :-)
If you are able to help, even a little, I encourage you to consider two quick reasons to donate now:
1. LEGITIMACY
Bridges To America Inc. is a legitimate organization that is recognized by the IRS as a 501c3 tax exempt organization. So what? This means that your donations are fully tax-deductible but more importantly you have the assurance that our non-profit operates under the requirements and purview of the federal government and that the funds are used for the stated purpose. I put in LOTS of effort and money up front to get this status precisely to facilitate trustworthy transactions so we can help more people.
2. 50% MATCH CHALLENGE
If you need more incentive to help NOW I am willing to personally match 50% of whatever you donate to any current 501c3 organization you dictate.
Here is how it would work:
- Once you make your donation you send me an email at adam@bridgestoamerica.org and tell me to which organization you wish me to make a donation;
- I will then personally donate 50% of the amount of your donation by the end of 2012. Sooner if I can swing it but I don't want to over-extend myself;
- I will send you confirmation email of my donation to your chosen charity once I am able to make my donation.
**Please note: If you are able and willing to make your donation to Bridges To America without this matching challenge you have my full thanks. My funds are very limited but I am willing to do this because of my strong belief in this effort and need as many people as possible to donate NOW. And sometimes we all need a little extra incentive. Consider this your extra incentive.
I am happy to answer ANY questions you may have about this effort and encourage you to call me 1.415.203.3763 or email me anytime. Sometimes it's hard to cut through the fog of dishonesty and fraud in today's world but I am doing whatever I can to ensure that you are comfortable with who we are and know that your funds are going to great use.
Thank you!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Rescue Mission: The Fishing Children
Our mission at Bridges To America is to reunite African families and assist them in living productive, independent lives. Our work normally involves bringing families together in the USA but we have recently decided to collaborate with another non-profit called Kids Helping Kids. This organization was started when a 10 year-old boy named Tyler Page saw a documentary about Fishing Children on Oprah called "Sold Into Slavery." He decided to do something about it. You can see this amazing story via the link below.
http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Sold-into-Slavery/1
Five years after seeing this compelling story, and tens of thousands of dollars raised, Tyler, his mother Laura Page, and their team from Kids Helping Kids will be visiting Ghana for the first time in March on a rescue mission to try and free 10 children from modern-day slavery. Because this story is so touching and the opportunity so compelling we wanted to join them and they graciously have allowed us to go.
We will spending our own funds to get there but we have been requested to raise $500 to give to the local group in Ghana whose mission it is to stop this child slavery once and for all. This $500 will keep two children out of the nightmare life of these Fishing Children for an entire year. The focus of these extraordinary efforts is to rehabilitate and reintegrate these children into society as healthy, educated, functioning children.
We at Bridges To America are thrilled to be able to participate and contribute to this great cause. We invite you to join us and give whatever you can to literally help save the life of a child.
Stay tuned for updates, including photos and videos, from Ghana and this exciting mission.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Update from the Egbukonyes
The Egbukonyes were reunited in the summer of 2010 thanks to the generous support of our donors. After 1.5 years in the USA I wanted to get you all an update on their status and progress with their new lives here.
Dickson and Vivian are truly happy people and their zeal for life here in the US is contagious. I have been in touch with Dickson regularly and can tell you that he is a genuine man who desires nothing more than to provide for his family. He and Vivian both have worked hard to acquire skills so that they can earn enough money to be independent. They both have obtained their Nursing Assistant Certification and Dickson has been working at a convalescent home.
However, recently Dickson hurt his back and has been on disability unable to work and earn money to cover his rent etc. but in his true nature he continues to believe in himself and God that all will work out for the best. I know he is right.
Below is a slightly edited update directly from Dickson.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"DISABILITY" IS NOT A PLEASANT CONDITION OR A GOOD EXPERIENCE TO ANY PERSON IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCE. NOTWITHSTANDING, IF YOU ARE PHYSICALLY INCAPACITATED TO PERFORM ACTIVITY AND DOCTOR RECOMMENDS THAT YOU STAY AT HOME, THEN YOU HAVE NO CHOICE THAN TO ACCEPT YOUR FATE.
IN MY OWN CASE AS A BREAD WINNER, BEING ON DISABILITY HURTS DEEP BEYOND THE MERE PHYSICAL PAIN ON MY WAIST AND RIGHT LEG, IT'S THE MOST TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE FOR ME AND THE NEGATIVE EFFECT CUTS ACROSS MY ENTIRE FAMILY EMOTIONALLY, FINANCIALLY AND OTHERWISE.
NOW AS I STAY AT HOME ON MEDICATION, I PRAY AND HOPE TO RECUPERATE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ON THE OTHER HAND, I ALSO CHOOSE TO SEE THE POSITIVE SIDE OF SITUATION- AS I HAVE TIME TO HELP MY KIDS( DESTINY AND DUKE) LEARN TO READ, WRITE AND PLAY LEARNING GAMES, I ALSO DEVOTED TIME TO TELL THEM SOME INTERESTING BIBLE STORIES AND EVEN BABY-SIT AND DO A FEW MINOR DOMESTIC CHOIRS ON OCCASION WHEN VIVIAN(WIFE) WAS OUT ON JOB SEARCH.
THOUGH STAYING AT HOME WILL NOT PAY MY BILLS BUT I GOT TO FIND HAPPINESS WITH MY CHILDREN RATHER THAN BEING WORRIED OVER MY PREDICAMENTS AND THE BILLS, I MEAN THE THOUGHT OF IT IS EVEN MORE AGONISING THAN THE REALISATION THAT I AM INCAPACITATED AT THE MOMENT.
MEANWHILE, I DRAW MORE SOURCE OF JOY INTO MY HEART WHENEVER I GO DOWN MEMORY LANE AND FLASH BACK TO THE RECENT PAST OF MY LIFE, TO THE POINT WHEN I JUST MIGRATED INTO THE UNITED STATE OF AMERICA WITH MY FAMILY: VIVIAN, DESTINY AND DUKE, THEN DESTINY WAS 3YRS WHILE DUKE WAS BARELY 4 MONTHS OLD.
THEN WE WERE REALLY LIKE SOME FRESHERS FROM A DIFFERENT WORLD WITH NOBODY AND NO SPONSOR, SO WE WERE MORE OR LESS HOMELESS. TO PUT THINGS IN A MILD EXPRESSION, WE REALLY STRUGGLED TO SURVIVE. WE WERE PRAYERFUL AND THANKFUL AS WE ASKED GOD FOR HIS MERCY AND GUIDANCE.
WITHOUT A JOB, A PERMANENT SHELTER OR A CHOICE MEAL, I AM GRATEFUL TO GOD FOR USING THE CHURCH AND THE ORGANISATION CALLED THE "BRIDGES TO AMERICA" TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND OUR BASIC NEEDS.
HOWEVER, IN DECEMBER 2010 BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I WAS ABLE TO ENROLL FOR THE CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT CLASSES, I DID THE STATE EXAMINATION, PASSED AND GOT THE LICENSE AS C.N.A
MIRACULOUSLY WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE CHURCH AND "BRIDGES TO AMERICA" I RENTED AN APARTMENT AND SHORTLY AFTER I MOVED IN, I GOT A JOB IN A CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL AS A NURSING ASSISTANT. I LOVE MY JOB AND CARE FOR MY PATIENT PASSIONATELY.
I WORKED VERY HARD, MOST TIME I WOULD WORK 16 HOURS EVERYDAY TO KEEP THE FAMILY GOING AND I SAVED UP SOME MONEY, PAID FOR VIVIAN'S TUITION FEES. SHE TOOK THE CNA CLASS, SAT THE STATE EXAMINATION AS WELL, AND PASSED WITH A CNA LICENSE IN DECEMBER 2012.
AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT, I WAS WORKING AS SUPPORTING THE FAMILY UNTIL JANUARY 14TH WHEN I INJURED MY BACK AND INCAPACITATED TO PERFORM ANY TASK HENCE MY DOCTOR ADVISED I GO ON DISABILITY FOR NOW.
MY WIFE (VIVIAN) IS CURRENTLY SEARCHING FOR A JOB TO SUPPORT THE FAMILY, DESTINY IS ON PRE-SCHOOL AND WILL BE 5 YEARS IN APRIL. DUKE IS 22 MONTHS OLD AND LIKE HIS BROTHER, DUKE IS SMART. HE CAN READ AND POINT HIS FINGERS TO ALPHABETS CORRECTLY.
THIS IS A SUMMARY OF MY STORY AND TRUE REFLECTION OF OUR CURRENT STATUS IN OUR STRUGGLE IN AMERICA.
WEEPING MAY LAST BUT FOR A NIGHT BUT JOY COMES IN THE MORNING.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am touched, as I hope you are, at this great man's heartfelt desire to get back on his feet and make the most of his opportunity in our great country. Please post your comments of encouragement and I will make sure Dickson will see them. If you are able to donate anything to help Bridges To America help the Egbukonye family help themselves please do so.
Thank you!
Dickson and Vivian are truly happy people and their zeal for life here in the US is contagious. I have been in touch with Dickson regularly and can tell you that he is a genuine man who desires nothing more than to provide for his family. He and Vivian both have worked hard to acquire skills so that they can earn enough money to be independent. They both have obtained their Nursing Assistant Certification and Dickson has been working at a convalescent home.
However, recently Dickson hurt his back and has been on disability unable to work and earn money to cover his rent etc. but in his true nature he continues to believe in himself and God that all will work out for the best. I know he is right.
Below is a slightly edited update directly from Dickson.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"DISABILITY" IS NOT A PLEASANT CONDITION OR A GOOD EXPERIENCE TO ANY PERSON IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCE. NOTWITHSTANDING, IF YOU ARE PHYSICALLY INCAPACITATED TO PERFORM ACTIVITY AND DOCTOR RECOMMENDS THAT YOU STAY AT HOME, THEN YOU HAVE NO CHOICE THAN TO ACCEPT YOUR FATE.
IN MY OWN CASE AS A BREAD WINNER, BEING ON DISABILITY HURTS DEEP BEYOND THE MERE PHYSICAL PAIN ON MY WAIST AND RIGHT LEG, IT'S THE MOST TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE FOR ME AND THE NEGATIVE EFFECT CUTS ACROSS MY ENTIRE FAMILY EMOTIONALLY, FINANCIALLY AND OTHERWISE.
NOW AS I STAY AT HOME ON MEDICATION, I PRAY AND HOPE TO RECUPERATE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ON THE OTHER HAND, I ALSO CHOOSE TO SEE THE POSITIVE SIDE OF SITUATION- AS I HAVE TIME TO HELP MY KIDS( DESTINY AND DUKE) LEARN TO READ, WRITE AND PLAY LEARNING GAMES, I ALSO DEVOTED TIME TO TELL THEM SOME INTERESTING BIBLE STORIES AND EVEN BABY-SIT AND DO A FEW MINOR DOMESTIC CHOIRS ON OCCASION WHEN VIVIAN(WIFE) WAS OUT ON JOB SEARCH.
THOUGH STAYING AT HOME WILL NOT PAY MY BILLS BUT I GOT TO FIND HAPPINESS WITH MY CHILDREN RATHER THAN BEING WORRIED OVER MY PREDICAMENTS AND THE BILLS, I MEAN THE THOUGHT OF IT IS EVEN MORE AGONISING THAN THE REALISATION THAT I AM INCAPACITATED AT THE MOMENT.
MEANWHILE, I DRAW MORE SOURCE OF JOY INTO MY HEART WHENEVER I GO DOWN MEMORY LANE AND FLASH BACK TO THE RECENT PAST OF MY LIFE, TO THE POINT WHEN I JUST MIGRATED INTO THE UNITED STATE OF AMERICA WITH MY FAMILY: VIVIAN, DESTINY AND DUKE, THEN DESTINY WAS 3YRS WHILE DUKE WAS BARELY 4 MONTHS OLD.
THEN WE WERE REALLY LIKE SOME FRESHERS FROM A DIFFERENT WORLD WITH NOBODY AND NO SPONSOR, SO WE WERE MORE OR LESS HOMELESS. TO PUT THINGS IN A MILD EXPRESSION, WE REALLY STRUGGLED TO SURVIVE. WE WERE PRAYERFUL AND THANKFUL AS WE ASKED GOD FOR HIS MERCY AND GUIDANCE.
WITHOUT A JOB, A PERMANENT SHELTER OR A CHOICE MEAL, I AM GRATEFUL TO GOD FOR USING THE CHURCH AND THE ORGANISATION CALLED THE "BRIDGES TO AMERICA" TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND OUR BASIC NEEDS.
HOWEVER, IN DECEMBER 2010 BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I WAS ABLE TO ENROLL FOR THE CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT CLASSES, I DID THE STATE EXAMINATION, PASSED AND GOT THE LICENSE AS C.N.A
MIRACULOUSLY WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE CHURCH AND "BRIDGES TO AMERICA" I RENTED AN APARTMENT AND SHORTLY AFTER I MOVED IN, I GOT A JOB IN A CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL AS A NURSING ASSISTANT. I LOVE MY JOB AND CARE FOR MY PATIENT PASSIONATELY.
I WORKED VERY HARD, MOST TIME I WOULD WORK 16 HOURS EVERYDAY TO KEEP THE FAMILY GOING AND I SAVED UP SOME MONEY, PAID FOR VIVIAN'S TUITION FEES. SHE TOOK THE CNA CLASS, SAT THE STATE EXAMINATION AS WELL, AND PASSED WITH A CNA LICENSE IN DECEMBER 2012.
AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT, I WAS WORKING AS SUPPORTING THE FAMILY UNTIL JANUARY 14TH WHEN I INJURED MY BACK AND INCAPACITATED TO PERFORM ANY TASK HENCE MY DOCTOR ADVISED I GO ON DISABILITY FOR NOW.
MY WIFE (VIVIAN) IS CURRENTLY SEARCHING FOR A JOB TO SUPPORT THE FAMILY, DESTINY IS ON PRE-SCHOOL AND WILL BE 5 YEARS IN APRIL. DUKE IS 22 MONTHS OLD AND LIKE HIS BROTHER, DUKE IS SMART. HE CAN READ AND POINT HIS FINGERS TO ALPHABETS CORRECTLY.
THIS IS A SUMMARY OF MY STORY AND TRUE REFLECTION OF OUR CURRENT STATUS IN OUR STRUGGLE IN AMERICA.
WEEPING MAY LAST BUT FOR A NIGHT BUT JOY COMES IN THE MORNING.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am touched, as I hope you are, at this great man's heartfelt desire to get back on his feet and make the most of his opportunity in our great country. Please post your comments of encouragement and I will make sure Dickson will see them. If you are able to donate anything to help Bridges To America help the Egbukonye family help themselves please do so.
Thank you!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Done!
Whew! Sometimes people use the word marathon like it's not that big of a deal (instead of 26.2 miles) but until you've actually done one I don't think you realize just how far 26.2 miles is to run! I now know. It's far!! In addition to the distance we had rain, thunder and lightning, and even hail...twice!
I am glad to have this behind me but I must tell you just 48 hours later I actually don't think this will be my last. I broke no land speed records finishing it in just over 5 hours but since this was my first marathon I did set a personal best. ;-)
You can see my results here:
http://results.milliseconds.com/participants/detail/806532714
Most importantly we raised a lot of money for Bridges To America and I am so grateful for those generous donors who toed the starting line with me in spirit and support. To those of you who haven't taken the chance to donate yet please consider doing so as we will need even more support to reach the finish line of building a library in Africa.
Here are a few pictures taken courtesy of my dad who was there for the final grueling 6 miles or so.
See you next year?
I am glad to have this behind me but I must tell you just 48 hours later I actually don't think this will be my last. I broke no land speed records finishing it in just over 5 hours but since this was my first marathon I did set a personal best. ;-)
You can see my results here:
http://results.milliseconds.com/participants/detail/806532714
Most importantly we raised a lot of money for Bridges To America and I am so grateful for those generous donors who toed the starting line with me in spirit and support. To those of you who haven't taken the chance to donate yet please consider doing so as we will need even more support to reach the finish line of building a library in Africa.
Here are a few pictures taken courtesy of my dad who was there for the final grueling 6 miles or so.
 | ||
| Celebrating 20 miles with the entire aid station!* |
 | |||
| Only a 10k left? Well that shouldn't be too hard, right? All I could do was smile. |
 | ||||
| Finishing 24 miles! Amazed I could still count at this point. |
 | ||
| Finishing strong with support from my team. |
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Annual Fundraiser--Running With Purpose!
About this time last year I ran a half marathon and raised over $1,000 for Bridges to America. In the hopes of making this my one and only annual fundraising effort, this year I am running twice as far and am hoping to raise, guess what?, twice as much money.
I will be running the Top of Utah Marathon THIS Saturday, September 17, 2011.
http://www.topofutahmarathon.com/index.php
Last year our fundraising was focused on reuniting the Egbukonye family which we were able to do through the help and generosity of many. They are doing very well since coming here from Nigeria one year ago. You can read an update below.
This year we are raising money for two purposes.
1. Library in Africa
After discussing our next project for Bridges To America with both the Fayanis and Egbukonyes, we concluded that the most effective way to help the African people better themselves is by providing a way for children and adults to access information and knowledge. Bridges To America is all about independence and enabling those who don't have much of anything--opportunities, information, etc.--to make something of themselves and live a self-reliant life.
Access to books and information is a fundamental necessity and Bridges is developing a plan to construct a library in an optimal location to do just that. This project will be a marathon, not a sprint, (pun intended) and we look forward to sharing our progress as we move forward.
We will be engaging both Joachim Fayani and Dickson Egbukonye to assist in the planning and logistics of this effort to ensure it is done prudently and effectively.
2. Family Reunification Fund
At this time Bridges to America does not actively seek candidates for our financial and logistical assistance in legally reuniting families here in the USA. However, as word of our efforts spreads we expect to have another family in need of our assistance shortly. Our experience is such that these situations come to our attention suddenly and the need is often quite urgent due to government-imposed deadlines and a byzantine maze of bureaucracy and paperwork.
Therefore, we desire to start to build a fund to be able to act quickly as the need arises to assist another family.
Donation Procedure
I know that economic times are tough, believe me!, but if we waited to help others until we are financially comfortable would we ever really help anyone other than ourselves? Many charitable organizations say that every little bit helps but we have a great opportunity to turn $1 into $3 (see below note on the Bonus Match) and really make a difference. I would invite you to give up something from your daily expenses--a cup of coffee, a movie, a new shirt, a car (just kidding!)--and pledge a donation you are comfortable with. Even $5 helps and whatever you donate will be used with great care and prudence. You can monitor the progress on both the library and next family reunification here on our site.
To Donate:
1. Please send an email to bridgestoamerica@gmail.com with your pledge to donate. Donate online via the Razoo donate button at the right or you can simply send a check made out to Bridges to America Inc. and mail it to the address above and to the right
Bridges To America Inc. is a recognized 501c3 organization so your donation is tax-deductible and a receipt will be given to you by year-end.
2. If you have a preference for how your funds will be used, Library or Family Reunification Fund, please specify in your email or with your mailed-in check and we will ensure the funds support that effort.
3. If you really want to help motivate me then make your donation contingent on my actually finishing the marathon this weekend. If I don't finish then you don't donate. That simple.
But if you want to be really mean you can make your donation contingent on my actual finishing time. (Please note: I have never run a marathon so I don't know what my time will be. I did a 20 mile training run recently and it took me about 4 hours. I will be thrilled/amazed/shocked if I finish in 4.5 hours but sort of bummed out if it takes more than 5.0 hours. Also, I am 43 years old, 6'3" and weigh around 215. Not exactly a marathoner's body.
BONUS MATCH
The most exciting thing this year is that we have an anonymous donor (well, not anonymous to me!) who has pledged to match two dollars for each dollar donated in September 2011.
That means $1 from you = $3 for Bridges to America! Talk about leverage!
Finally
I love running and am excited to confront both the mental and physical challenge this weekend. That said, marathon distance may not be my thing. In fact, I think this marathon will likely be a once in a lifetime event for me. I hope you will help me make it worth something more than just an ego trip for me and help support great people who have very little and would benefit from any amount that you can donate.
Many thanks and stay tuned for an update on my race results Saturday! Here goes something...
I will be running the Top of Utah Marathon THIS Saturday, September 17, 2011.
http://www.topofutahmarathon.com/index.php
Last year our fundraising was focused on reuniting the Egbukonye family which we were able to do through the help and generosity of many. They are doing very well since coming here from Nigeria one year ago. You can read an update below.
This year we are raising money for two purposes.
1. Library in Africa
After discussing our next project for Bridges To America with both the Fayanis and Egbukonyes, we concluded that the most effective way to help the African people better themselves is by providing a way for children and adults to access information and knowledge. Bridges To America is all about independence and enabling those who don't have much of anything--opportunities, information, etc.--to make something of themselves and live a self-reliant life.
Access to books and information is a fundamental necessity and Bridges is developing a plan to construct a library in an optimal location to do just that. This project will be a marathon, not a sprint, (pun intended) and we look forward to sharing our progress as we move forward.
We will be engaging both Joachim Fayani and Dickson Egbukonye to assist in the planning and logistics of this effort to ensure it is done prudently and effectively.
2. Family Reunification Fund
At this time Bridges to America does not actively seek candidates for our financial and logistical assistance in legally reuniting families here in the USA. However, as word of our efforts spreads we expect to have another family in need of our assistance shortly. Our experience is such that these situations come to our attention suddenly and the need is often quite urgent due to government-imposed deadlines and a byzantine maze of bureaucracy and paperwork.
Therefore, we desire to start to build a fund to be able to act quickly as the need arises to assist another family.
Donation Procedure
I know that economic times are tough, believe me!, but if we waited to help others until we are financially comfortable would we ever really help anyone other than ourselves? Many charitable organizations say that every little bit helps but we have a great opportunity to turn $1 into $3 (see below note on the Bonus Match) and really make a difference. I would invite you to give up something from your daily expenses--a cup of coffee, a movie, a new shirt, a car (just kidding!)--and pledge a donation you are comfortable with. Even $5 helps and whatever you donate will be used with great care and prudence. You can monitor the progress on both the library and next family reunification here on our site.
To Donate:
1. Please send an email to bridgestoamerica@gmail.com with your pledge to donate. Donate online via the Razoo donate button at the right or you can simply send a check made out to Bridges to America Inc. and mail it to the address above and to the right
Bridges To America Inc. is a recognized 501c3 organization so your donation is tax-deductible and a receipt will be given to you by year-end.
2. If you have a preference for how your funds will be used, Library or Family Reunification Fund, please specify in your email or with your mailed-in check and we will ensure the funds support that effort.
3. If you really want to help motivate me then make your donation contingent on my actually finishing the marathon this weekend. If I don't finish then you don't donate. That simple.
But if you want to be really mean you can make your donation contingent on my actual finishing time. (Please note: I have never run a marathon so I don't know what my time will be. I did a 20 mile training run recently and it took me about 4 hours. I will be thrilled/amazed/shocked if I finish in 4.5 hours but sort of bummed out if it takes more than 5.0 hours. Also, I am 43 years old, 6'3" and weigh around 215. Not exactly a marathoner's body.
BONUS MATCH
The most exciting thing this year is that we have an anonymous donor (well, not anonymous to me!) who has pledged to match two dollars for each dollar donated in September 2011.
That means $1 from you = $3 for Bridges to America! Talk about leverage!
Finally
I love running and am excited to confront both the mental and physical challenge this weekend. That said, marathon distance may not be my thing. In fact, I think this marathon will likely be a once in a lifetime event for me. I hope you will help me make it worth something more than just an ego trip for me and help support great people who have very little and would benefit from any amount that you can donate.
Many thanks and stay tuned for an update on my race results Saturday! Here goes something...
Family Updates
It has been far too long since updating the world on our efforts at Bridges to America.
I am so thrilled to tell you that both the Fayani and Egbukonye families are not just "hanging in there" in the US, they are thriving. We take no credit for their success but rather attribute it to both families recongizing and actively pursuing the American Dream. Yes, the ability to set a goal to improve your life and actually do it is very much alive.
Dickson Egbukonye and Family (arrived in 2010) live in a nice apartment in the Bay Area in Northern California. After obtaining his certification as a nursing assistant last year, Dickson is currently working two jobs and they are ever grateful for the chance to be together pursuing a better life for themselves.
His wife, Vivian is busy at home with their two boys, Destiny (4) and Duke (1), who are adapting to their new life in America and busy keeping Mom busy all day long.
Joachim Fayani and Family (arrived in 2005) have become pillars of strength and a great source of smiles and happiness to all who know them. They are very settled in to their lives as Americans and thriving. You can see Joachim's website here. http://joachimfayani.com/home.html
Specifically...
Joachim--Working full-time, now a US citizen and received his GED recently
Germain--Going to school as a nursing assistant
Gesmin (24)--served a 2-year LDS mission and he is now attending college and looking for work
Deborah (21)-- BYU-Idaho studying Accounting in her third year
Lydia (18)--got her drivers license recently and is attending Los Medanos College near their home in Pittsburg, CA
Caleb (15)--high school freshman, playing basketball for his school
Osias (12)--7th grade
Fabienne (10)--top of her class in school, 5th grade
Daniel (5)--born in the USA and doing well
It has been far too long since updating the world on our efforts at Bridges to America.
I am so thrilled to tell you that both the Fayani and Egbukonye families are not just "hanging in there" in the US, they are thriving. We take no credit for their success but rather attribute it to both families recongizing and actively pursuing the American Dream. Yes, the ability to set a goal to improve your life and actually do it is very much alive.
Dickson Egbukonye and Family (arrived in 2010) live in a nice apartment in the Bay Area in Northern California. After obtaining his certification as a nursing assistant last year, Dickson is currently working two jobs and they are ever grateful for the chance to be together pursuing a better life for themselves.
His wife, Vivian is busy at home with their two boys, Destiny (4) and Duke (1), who are adapting to their new life in America and busy keeping Mom busy all day long.
Joachim Fayani and Family (arrived in 2005) have become pillars of strength and a great source of smiles and happiness to all who know them. They are very settled in to their lives as Americans and thriving. You can see Joachim's website here. http://joachimfayani.com/home.html
Specifically...
Joachim--Working full-time, now a US citizen and received his GED recently
Germain--Going to school as a nursing assistant
Gesmin (24)--served a 2-year LDS mission and he is now attending college and looking for work
Deborah (21)-- BYU-Idaho studying Accounting in her third year
Lydia (18)--got her drivers license recently and is attending Los Medanos College near their home in Pittsburg, CA
Caleb (15)--high school freshman, playing basketball for his school
Osias (12)--7th grade
Fabienne (10)--top of her class in school, 5th grade
Daniel (5)--born in the USA and doing well
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