Help Orphans International Help Others

Image from Orphans International

Jim Luce of Orphans International forwards the following invitation and challenge to Roosevelt Island residents.

Fellow Roosevelt Islanders!
Come Over Wed., Oct. 8, at 7 pm

Oct. 4, 2008

Everyday hundreds of people pass by our window at 559 Main Street and smile and wave. Some bring in clothes or electronics or a check to donate. I took many of these gifts on my recent trip to Haiti.

It has been 14 months since we asked the whole of Roosevelt Island to step forward with funds to pay for our work. We must plan an event to engage our community again, and soon.

We cannot wait for the stock market to rebound, or for our corporate donors to write a check. The recent devastation in Haiti has left us with enormous budget shortfalls.

We want to reach out for ALL donations, large and small. We want an event here on Roosevelt Island. Interns and volunteers are inspired by our work... you can feel the same.

Helping Orphans International is the perfect antidote to the sense of helplessness recently cast over us all. We can help children... and we are. Come join us.

We have MANY OPPORTUNITIES to get involved this fall – and WE NEED HELP!

Our dynamic director Linda Stanley has unveiled to me her plans for “Roosevelt Island Cares” and she cannot do it alone. Here is her concept:

­ “200 x 200 Club” created to support our humanitarian work
200 committed Roosevelt Islanders committing $200 each year to our orphans care.

­ Mentors & Supervisors
We had 22 interns over the summer, 16 interns now.
We have no staff other than Linda Stanley & Jim Luce.
We need volunteer middle management – one day a week!

­ Child Sponsors
Increased Child Sponsorship on Roosevelt Island at $600 per year.

­ OI Winter Carnival & ART SALE
To be held tentatively Sat., Dec. 27 – maybe at Manhattan Park Theater?
We will need food, entertainment, help with kids, local business support!

There is an urban myth that Roosevelt Islanders single-handedly fund this island-based organization. Community support is less than 20% of our budget. We would love to involve more of you. We need you to help get us there!

We will meet next Wednesday, October 8 in my home (540 #418, Buzzer 157) from 7-9 pm to move forward. SHOW UP & HELP OUT!

Warm regards,

Jim Luce, Founder & C.E.O.