Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up - Help Kids with AIDS

Dear friends,

One of the photos taken by the American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA) has been selected as a finalist in a contest hosted by Global Giving.  Here is the link where you can vote for our photo  http://www.globalgiving.org/poll/vote/?pollOptionId=21/.  I took this photo while in Zimbabwe during a goat distribution to grandmothers who are raising AIDS orphans.

The photo which receives the most votes by noon on August 15th will win $1000 for the organization from GG, plus $3000 extra in matching grants we've been pledged AND it will be highlighted on the Global Giving home page, which opens us up to many more donations.  Voting starts on August 1 at noon EST, so we must get ready to vote and to ask others to vote as well.

Only one vote will be accepted per email address, so voting more than once from the same email address does not count. 

Please send out emails and post on social media as soon as you can.   Think creatively, too.  You can take your laptop to a café and you can ask people to vote for us right then and there.  Or, take your smartphone to work and ask all of your colleagues to vote.

On behalf of the kids,

tanya

Links:

• our blog
• our site

Michael, Scott N., Erica, Sarah, Eric O, Scott G, John, Ben, TJ, Chris, Eric E, and Nez all made it to the summit of Kilimanjaro.  What a great accomplishment!  What a great feeling, I am sure, to reach the Roof of Africa!  But, better yet, was the knowledge that so many children were affected by the generosity of these folks, along with the generosity of their supporters. 

Through contributions large and small, this incredible team of individuals raised over $130,000!  And, Beth (also Nike) went to Mombasa, Kenya to volunteer at one of the programs we support, raising over $12,000, as well! 

So, what did all that money translate into for the kids?  Let me tell you:

• 272 HIV+ children received anti-retroviral medicine for 6 months
• 2,248 HIV+ children and guardians received antibiotics for 6 months
• 500 children received 2 meals a day for 2 months
• 6000 children and adults received Nutrition by Prescription for 6 months
• Over 500 AIDS orphans received items they need but can't afford, such as mosquito nets, feminine pads, school supplies, tylenol, tums, and many other basic things
• 50 goats and 100 chickens were purchased and delivered to orphan families who were first trained in basic husbandry so they can start their own flocks and herds
• 39 children can go back to school

It is humbling to see what was accomplished because of you, the donors.  Thank you for giving of your hard earned money.  Thank you for supporting your friends and relatives.  Thank you for not letting the economic times stop you from caring and acting. 

On behalf of all the kids who benefited from your generosity,

Tanya