Beautiful way to spend $5 (or more!)

If you know me even a little, you'll know I love raffles, prizes, fundraisers...I only do 5Ks if the registration goes for a good cause. (Why exert all that energy for just a free shirt?) Since I did Lucy's Panda Party over a year ago, and you all so generously gave on her behalf to serve and help orphans in China, I've been prowling the internet via the connections I've made of others who love to help orphans, particularly those in China, at the New Day Foster Home. The only links I have on this blog are about them!! Perhaps God will some day yell at me to actually bring one of those sweet kids home to live with me, but for now our hearts are conflicted, and I focus on sending them money whenever I can.

So here is a double opportunity to let God (and me) pull on your heartstrings a little!! Just as I was posting one chip in, another came into existence!! The first is a smaller goal that's going towards something very tangible! My new friend, and custom seamstress Valerie has been making me dresses and skirts (as she has for many others, and gives much of her proceeds to adoption fundraisers and the like). I was so in love with the dress she made for Lucy's "hearts and stars" birthday, I commissioned her to make more, for Lucy and for all our friends that turned two this summer. Here is Lucy trying on hers and some of the gifts we gave our girlfriends.


In that process Valerie and I talked about sponsoring a package to send to the girls at New Day, and despite obstacles, Valerie made 14 shirts and dresses (along with adorable leggings to match) via a staff member who happened to be in the US for a wedding, so she was able to ship them to her here, to save all that VERY expensive international postage!! She's just collecting for the cost of the fabric and postage, so if you feel so inclined, chip in a few bucks for the "Ruffled Feathers Tea Party". Go see Valerie's website to take a look at what she sent, and more of her creative work! And order a twirly skirt for a little girl YOU love!
www.ruffledfeatherscompany.blogspot.com

THEN there is this Awesome-r opportunity, to donate directly to NewDay's medical/surgical fund and have your money doubled!!! There is someone who is matching our donations up to $5000!! I have followed this charity for over a year, via blog posts, and networking and they do nothing but outstanding work!! It's just too much to quote in a post...just go look at their blog and/or their website, both links on my sidebar!! And if you need a face to inspire you....
This is Jewel. Jewel was found near a university about one month after her birth. She was wearing a yellow top and red pants and looked very pale and weak. The police sent her to the orphanage that same day where she was later diagnosed as being undernourished and born with VSD heart defect. Although she is eating well now, she is still small and frail. We know that loving care and medical attention will cause this little "Jewel" to sparkle and shine.

And she will no doubt!! Story after miraculous story pour out from the sources at New Day Foster Home! Please join me and chip in to help Jewel and her friends on their journey of HOPE and a forever family!!