Authentic's Community Page!

And we're back.

2011-03-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

After a long... ok a very long delay, we're back.

And we're back for a specific reason. A couple of nights ago I was lucky enough to attend the 2011 PFLAG "Straight for Equality" Gala, which is an event honoring straight allies for supporting GLBT people. Not with sweeping political movement, but through "tiny everyday changes - like not omitting the fact that your best friend is gay when you’re telling grandma about him - (to) raise awareness and challenge assumptions and stereotypes."

And it was an amazing event.

We were there with Authentic Community Member Rosie Perez, who was receiving the "Straight for Equality in Entertainment Award" and she gave an amazing, rousing, hilarious, and... well... profanity-laced speech.

But that's not the reason why we're back with the posting. Because, as much as I love Rosie Perez (and boy do I love Rosie Perez), I was totally floored and humbled and inspired by another honoree that night. That honoree was a young man named Hudson Taylor. A champion college wrestler-turned-coach, Hudson received the "Straight for Equality in Sports Award," and recently founded the non-profit Athlete Ally, a "sports resource encouraging all individuals involved in sports to respect every member of their communities, regardless of perceived or actual sexual-orientation or gender identity or expression, and to lead others in doing the same. Athlete Ally provides social advocacy campaigns, on-campus trainings, and practical tools, including resources to locate and learn about allied athletes, coaches, teams, athletic clubs and sports-based advocacy projects around the country."

Hudson Taylor, champion, #winning

Hudson (who's totally straight an engaged by the way, though that should be obvious given the award's called "Straight for Equality") wrestled as a varsity athlete in an environment where some really nasty slurs are tossed around without a second thought. He took a look around, said "Well that's stupid" and slapped the Human Rights Campaign's "=" sticker on his headgear. And he accepted the ridicule and resentment that went along with it.

Because it was the right thing to do.

He's awesome, and you should go check out his organization.

http://www.athleteally.com/

A letter from Bolivia

2010-05-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

We got a letter from Fernando in Bolivia today.

He was nice enough to draw a house and a tree with the letter. He even colored inside the lines. What else would you expect from a kid who looks so dapper?

He's in a suit!

Anyway, here's the original letter, written in Spanish.

Spanish

And here's the translation in English.

English

It's such a formal letter; he signs off with "I send greetings." Would you expect anything less from a kid who wears a suit? I'm not saying he wears that suit all the time... but I'm not saying he doesn't either.

Our match program is complete, but you can still sponsor as well! Visit Save the Children to do it!

Artwork!

2010-05-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

After a long hiatus, we're back with some new artwork!

First off, here is a really freaking cool paper airplane we were sent... but I've lost the letter that came with it, so I don't know which kid sent it!!! Still, whoever did it, was super talented. Of course, all our kids are super talented... so let's give credit to all of them.

Awesome paper airplane

Also, here are three pretty flowers from Likhon in Bangladesh.

Flowers

And an epic action scene from Fernando in Bolivia. Fernando's scene has fire and bikes and a dude with a cape. I think we've got a young Michael Bay on our hands here!

Action!!!

Our match program is complete, but you can still sponsor as well! Visit Save the Children to do it!

"UGLY BETTY" Auction for Mali

2010-03-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

After a long hiatus we're back, and what an exciting event to return with!

Authentic Community Member America Ferrera is still raising the money to build a school in Mali and her friends at ABC, UGLY BETTY, and Axelle Fine Arts Gallery are helping out. On Monday, April 12th, they're hosting an auction of the great paintings from the UGLY BETTY episode "The Passion of the Betty" with all proceeds going toward the Mali school!

There will be paintings and food and drinks and video; everything you need to have a great night for a great cause. It will be a fantastic event and we hope you can join us!

Click on the image below to purchase tickets:

Or, if you can't attend, visit the Cause Page to donate directly!

Greenifesto

2010-01-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

As part of our ongoing commitment to mindfulness of both our impact on the world, and our inherent interdependence, Authentic is engaging in a open-ended process to mitigate our impact on the environment as a company and as individuals. We are clear that through careful attention to our consumption, we can dramatically reduce our fossil fuel-based energy use, we can create significantly less waste, and we can work to abate our emissions and consumption. We'll be doing this in a number of different ways, including:

Flying 20% less miles in 2010. Flying generates much more greenhouse gases than driving; by consolidating smaller trips, flying direct, and using trains when possible, we will be able to cut our carbon emissions dramatically.
Using 50% less paper in 2010. We're reading our scripts electronically and being much more careful about what we print.
Using only environmentally safe cleaning chemicals for the office.
Making public transportation available to our employees through the New York City TransitCheck program, and encouraging our team to use taxis only as a rare exception.
Cutting general waste by 25%. We've dramatically reduced our use of disposable goods and we're committed to vigilance in recycling.
Offsetting our carbon emissions via the purchase of trees through projects like the New York Restoration Project and/or carbon offsets via organizations like TerraPass.

We're also taking a look at our personal consumption, and exploring solar energy, composting, and recycling in our every day lives.

We encourage our clients, business partners, and friends to join us in our journey toward sustainability and well-being for the entire planet.

America in Mali

2010-01-11T07:24:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from America's trip to Mali. Visit America's Facebook Page to get all the details for each picture. It sounds like she had an amazing time!

Photo Credits: Save the Children

I know I told you guys to visit her Facebook page for the photo details, but I have to comment on this one. Here's a picture of America with all of the gifts the Chief of Ifola gave her as she was leaving. Two lives goats, 1/2 a sack of grain, and a gorgeous handmade robe. Here's my comment... HOW COOL IS THAT!??!!

America with her gifts

We're still trying to raise $44k for the school; we've got about $10k so far. Please visit the Cause Page and help donate if you can!

Holiday Party Artwork

2009-12-16T14:05:00.000-08:00

This year's Authentic Community Holiday Party was a roaring success -- thanks to everyone who attended, and especially Authentic Community Member Ron for hosting the party at his beautiful restaurant / bar B. East.

That night, we drew so much artwork for the kids that we ran out of paper. I can't post them all, but here are some highlights.

A penguin with a guitar. Really, how can I kid not love this?

A beautiful boat on a tranquil sea.

A snowman... smiling at the sun...

I totally drew this awesome frog.

A worm in the Big Apple!

Thanks to all those who drew pictures! I'm sure the kids will LOVE them!

Our sponsorship program for these kids has finished, but you can help us with our new program: Building a school in Mali.

Help America Ferrera build a school in Mali!

2009-12-09T13:19:00.000-08:00

Jon and America are going to visit remote areas in Mali in January to learn about Save the Children’s education programs and to help Save the Children raise money to build a school in Mali! During the trip, America will be updating her Facebook page with photos and videos.

Follow her at www.facebook.com/AmericaFerrera and help get this school built!

Photo Credits: Save the Children/Michael Bisceglie

Here is an excerpt of the note America wrote for about the trip. Read the rest of the posting at her Facebook page!

I'm so excited and incredibly lucky to be going to Mali with Save the Children in January - just a few short months!! For those of you who don't know, Mali is located in the northwestern part of Africa. Most of the inhabitants live in the southern region of the country, around the Niger and Senegal rivers. The northern border is the very hot, very inhospitable Sahara Desert. Mali's key industries are mining and agriculture. It is a very beautiful country.

Sadly, however, Mali is also one of the poorest countries in the world; nearly 3 out of 4 people live on less than $2 per day. On average, a child completes only 6 years of schooling. Most kids drop out in 5th grade. Nearly 800,000 school-age kids are out of school; 3 out of 5 are girls.

As a Save the Children Artist for Education, I'm going to Mali to get to know the children and families and to help spread the message that education is essential for all people. But, most importantly, I'm going to help build an actual school... and you can help too!

For the school to be built, we need to raise a minimum of $44,000. The school will be complete with 3 classrooms, a headmaster’s room and bathrooms for both boys and girls. Once we reach our goal and the school has been built, Save the Children will provide the skilled teachers and learning resources the children need to make the most of their education. If we raise less than $44,000 or exceed our goal and raise more than $44,000, the funds will be put to good use to support Save the Children’s education programs in Mali.

Give whatever you can, any amount brings us closer to the goal. Even if you can't give, please pass the message along to your friends and family! That helps, too.

When I arrive, I'll update my page with pictures and later I'll post videos from the trip.

Thanks again for your interest and for helping me with this important project. Every time a child learns, we all benefit. Please help to make a difference in the life of a child in Mali and you'll make a difference in your own life as well.

- America

So, as you can tell, it's an amazing and important cause. Education has such a profound effect on the development of a country's future. Just look at these stats on the effects of education from Save the Children's "State of the World's Mothers 2009" Report.

The Effects of Education:

When girls go to school and stay in school longer, they have a better chance to grow up healthy, well-nourished, economically empowered and resourceful when it comes to the health and education of their own children.
Educated girls tend to marry later, have fewer children, healthier pregnancies and safer deliveries.
Educated mothers are better equipped to provide a positive early learning environment for their young children in the home and to support their children’s educational progress when they go to school.

What a profound and amazing effect we can have! Please visit the cause page and Join America Ferrera to Help Save the Children Build a School in Mali.

Artwork!

2009-12-04T13:05:00.001-08:00

We got some artwork from the Philippines!

April-Gaye, Authentic Community Member Julie's sponsor match, sent us a new picture in a pink shirt, and a very cool picture of a house. She also sent us an info sheet letting us know her favorite color is red, her favorite food is salad, and her favorite pastime is gardening. So she can totally garden her own salads.

April-Gaye, age 9

A house

And here's another little girl from the Philippinnes, Karen-Joy, an anonymous donor's match. Like April-Gaye, she sent us a drawing (a pretty flower) and an info sheet. Her favorite color is yellow, her favorite food is chicken, and her favorite pastime is watching TV. So she can totally order her own chicken after watching a commercial for it.

Karen-Joy, age 7

A pretty flower

Our match program is complete, but you can still sponsor as well! Visit Save the Children to do it!

Artwork! Letters!

2009-11-17T14:33:00.001-08:00

More Artwork and Letters from Bangladesh!

This week we got some correspondence from Authentic Community Member Kat's match, Pinki. Here's a nice new picture of her in a snazzy red shirt.

Pinki, age 10

She's in the fourth grade and her favorite subject is Bangla. She reads and plays and is very active. Some of the programs she's been able to take part in include annual sports, vitamin A supplementation, deworming treatment, and first aid kit management.

She sent us a letter telling us about her life. She lives with her family (parents and 1 brother) and she likes to dance and sing. She told us red is her favorite color, which totally makes sense considering how she looks in the shirt up there. Attached to the letter was a great picture of a flower.

Bangla

English

Finally, she also sent us a separate picture of several flowers, a flag, and a person. I think she must really like flowers because she drew 4 of them... and her flag kind of looks like a flower... and her person looks like it has a flower for a head. A really pretty flower for a head though!

Flowers and things that look like flowers!

Our match program is complete, but you can still sponsor as well! Visit Save the Children to do it!

Artwork! Letters!

2009-11-10T12:32:00.001-08:00

Artwork and letters and updates!

This is from Rajani in Bangladesh.

Rajani, age 8

She's taken part in some amazing programs including vitamin A supplementation, deworming treatment, and a reception ceremony. Currently, she's enrolled in the first grade in a local primary school, where her favorite subject is Bangla. Very convenient, because here's a letter she's sent us THAT'S TOTALLY WRITTEN IN BANGLA!

Bangla

There's an awesome picture there too. I think they're flowers... you'll see why in a bit. Also, as there are people reading whose favorite subject wasn't Bangla, I've included the English translation of her letter. It's like 75% less cool.

English

Finally, she drew us these really awesome flowers. The one on the right looks very similar to the picture in her letter... so using my detective skills, I determined the drawing in the letter was a flower.

Bangla flowers

Our match program is complete, but you can still sponsor as well! Visit Save the Children to do it!

New Kids

2009-10-30T14:09:00.001-07:00

The following kids moved out of the area for Save the Children, and are no longer eligible for the programs sponsorship provides.

Juan from El Salvador

Mamot from the Philippines

Ariana from the US (kids in the US can't have their pictures posted)

We're sorry to see them go, but I'd like to introduce you to their replacements!

Here are Bryan from El Salvador, Glory-Cris from the Philippines, and Kendra from the US.

Bryan is Juan's replacement. He's an active kid that plays with his friends and lives with his mother in a wood framed home. He attends school in a combined kindergarten through eighth grade school. Glory-Cris is Mamot's replacement. She lives with her mom, dad, and sister and is still very shy. She's in pre-school. Kendra is Ariana's replacement. She lives with her mom, dad, and 2 brothers. She is very happy and loves playing with toys. She attends a local public elementary school.

Welcome to the new kids! I'm sure they look forward to receiving some artwork and participating in the programs Save the Children provides.

Bryan, age 7

Glory-Cris, age 7

Kendra, age 6 (from the US so no picture)

Our match program is complete, but you can still sponsor as well! Visit Save the Children to do it!

Letters!

2009-10-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

A letter from Egypt.

So rad.

This one is from Mayada, the match for Authentic Community Member Sonya.

Mayada, age 6

At our last artwork party, Authentic Community Member Lily drew Mayada a pretty picture. Mayada (with help from an adult) sent back this letter:

Egyptian

It's in Egyptian! How cool is that?*

Here's the English translation:

English

Our match program is complete, but you can still sponsor as well! Visit Save the Children to do it!

* Jon says this is probably in Arabic. My mistake!

Updates and Artwork!

2009-10-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

New updates from our kids!

First is Authentic Community Member Meg's match, Shaymali from Bangladesh. Here's her new headshot. Snazzy!

Shaymali in Oct 2009

Shaymali's update says she's benefited from Reading for Children 2, Kisholoy Pre-School, and First Aid Kit management. She's in preschool and that her favorite subject is art. I think you can tell that by the wonderful picture she drew for us.

Shaymali's picture.
A burst of love and color. And flowers.

Rasel from Bangladesh is next. He's the match for Authentic Community Member Kathy, and here's his new picture.

Rasel in Oct 2009

Rasel is in kindergarten and also likes art most. He's friendly by nature and during the day he reads and plays. He's benefited from Reading for Children 2, Kisholoy Pre-School, vitamin A suppleand First Aid Kit management.

Here's the great picture he drew for us!

Rasel's picture.
A plant, ladder, and bug of some kind.

Finally, here's Sant from Nepal, Authentic Community Member Tom's match.

Sant in Oct 2009

He's in the first grade now, and his favorite subject is Nepali. That's like English, but in Nepal. Thanks so the sponsorship, he participated in the following programs: Health Package Program (improves nutritional and health status, includes check-ups), Support of Schools Program (to promote a child-rights-based framework for education with teacher training, drinking water, etc), and Student Support Program (stationary, uniforms, tutors, etc).

Those are great programs. And here's some great artwork!

Sant's picture
Flowers and a bird.

Thanks to everyone who sponsored! And while our match program is complete, you can still sponsor as well! Visit Save the Children to do it!

The return of the Kid Grid!

2009-10-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

Here are all the pictures we have of the kids Authentic Community has either sponsored or matched.

LOOK AT HOW MANY KIDS (AND THEIR COMMUNITIES) WE'VE HELPED! There are 38 pictures here, but all told, we've helped 50 kids (and their communities)!!! 50 kids and their communities who are now getting better education, basic medical care, and other amazing programs that will help them live better lives.

This is an amazing accomplishment and we should be really proud.

The Kid Grid:

(left to right: Amisha from Nepal, April-Gaye from Philippines, Bryan-John from Philippines, Chrismari from Philippines, and Christopher from Philippines)

(left to right: Dondrel from Philippines, Fernando from Bolivia, Jerome from Philippines, Jonathan from Philippines, and Joven from Philippines)

(left to right: Juan from El Salvador, Karen-Joy from Philippines, Katherine from El Salvador, Likhon from Bangladesh, and Mamot from Philippines)

(left to right: Mayada from Egypt, Melisa from Bolivia, Mithun from Bangladesh, Mohamed from Egypt, and Mokhles from Bangladesh)

(left to right: Moushumi from Bangladesh, Munni from Bangladesh, Naeem from Bangladesh, Nasrina from Bangladesh, and Pinki from Bangladesh)

(left to right: Rajani from Bangladesh, Rasel from Bangladesh, Rezel-Ann from Philippines, Ron-Jayruss from Philippines, and Sant from Nepal)

(left to right: Shaymali from Bangladesh, Sherlyn from Philippines, another Sherlyn from Philippines, Shubarna from Bangladesh, and Suraj from Nepal)

(left to right: Tasmina from Bangladesh, Victor from Egypt, and William from El Salvador)

If you've sponsored a kid through our program, and we don't have their picture up, send it to me and I'll totally add them.

Be a "Manly Volunteer"

2009-10-13T11:42:00.001-07:00

(left to right: Authentic Community Members Peter, America, and Vera)

Last night was the Save the Children // Esquire Magazine event. America hosted and your very own Authentic Community were co-hosts.

I took some pictures on my iPhone... but they suck, so I've included some from LIFE's website. Credit to the original photographer, Jason Kempin, who's a far better photographer than I.

Fun was had and speeches were made, but in a night of memorable moments, the most memorable of them came from our very own America. The party was held at Esquire's "bachelor pad," by a magazine that caters towards the most masculine of men... a demographic not usually known for compassion and charity. But for them, America had this bit of advice.

"Be a manly volunteer."

Yes. Do it.

Volunteer. Give back. Contribute.

It's right and totally manly.

Save the Children's wonderful program the "Survive to 5" Campaign was the topic of the evening. Their goal: That all children should live to celebrate their fifth birthday.

Did you know that, in total, almost nine million children—one every three seconds—die annually around the world, which is more than 24,000 children a day. Ninety-nine percent of these deaths take place in the developing world. Many of these deaths are from preventable or treatable illnesses like pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, measles and complications related to childbirth. Nearly four million of these deaths occur in newborns — babies less than one month old. Each year two million children die the day they are born.

Save the Children is going to fight this, to reach their goal of reducing child mortality by two-thirds by 2015, by focusing on the following things:

Increasing access to community health care for children and their families in countries where access to clinics is limited.
Supporting advocacy efforts to ensure governments in donor and developing countries prioritize spending on maternal and child health programs.
Mobilizing citizens and leaders to take action on behalf of children, with efforts such as World Pneumonia Day.

A truly worthy cause, worthy of a hop over to their website for more info. Be a "manly volunteer" and visit Save the Children's "Survive to 5" website.

Updates and Artwork!

2009-10-12T14:48:00.001-07:00

Authentic Community Member America's match Mohkles sent us some artwork and a new picture of himself!

First the old picture.

Mohkles in Nov 2008

Very business like. A nice colored white shirt. Debonair. Classic.

And here's the new picture. Drum-roll please...

Mohkles in Oct 2009

Bam! That's a shirt right there. He's also looking spiffy with the short trimmed hair, but the blue shirt is awesome. And I'm assuming blue's his favorite color, because he's the artwork he sent!

I'm not sure what it is, but it's blue and it's great!

Sponsor Match! COMPLETE!!!

2009-10-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

WE DID IT!

We got 2 more sponsorships from Authentic Community Members Candida and Maria and we matched them and we completed our match program and it's great and we help the lives of 50 kids and their communities!

WE DID IT!

Candida and Maria haven't sent us there pictures yet but here are their likenesses:

Candida's Sponsorhip

Maria's Sponsorship

And here are their matches, Sherlyn and Bryan-John, both from the Philippines!

They're both helpful in personality. Bryan-John likes helping with chores, and Sherlyn likes fetching water.

Sherlyn, age 12 (Match #24)

Bryan-John, age 12 (Match #25)

Thanks again everyone who participated, or told someone about the program, or just read along with the blog. But don't leave yet, we'll have some other exciting things to post soon!

In fact, I will be compiling a major post to show all of the kids we've helped. Look for it in the next few days!

Updates and Artwork!

2009-09-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

Here's an update from Suraj in Nepal who is the match for Authentic Community Member Adam. He's cut his hair off!

Suraj, age 5

Here's a great picture he drew for us. You can't tell from the scan, but there's yellow highlighter connecting the black dots and lines. It looks like a really cool giant plant. Or maybe crop circles.

We're almost done! Just 2 more to go so please sponsor! For more information about our match program visit our "Two For One Program"!

Updates and Artwork!

2009-09-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

Another update, this time from Authentic Community Member Sonya's match, Mayada, all the way from Egypt!

First, here's her original picture.

Mayada, age 5, in 2008

And here's her new smiling photo!

Mayada, age 5, in 2009

Ok, so maybe she's not smiling... I guess she likes blue shirts more than pink ones. I don't blame her.

Unfortunately, she didn't send us a drawing. I have to assume she was too upset over the shirt. Again, I don't blame her.

Her update says she's active and loves playing with her friends. With Sonya's sponsorship and others' support, she's benefited from health insurance services, as well as basic education and school health and nutrition services.

Two more to go! Visit our "Two For One Program " and sponsor today!

Updates and Artwork!

2009-09-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

We're starting to get some updates from some of the offices where we've been sponsoring kids. Over the next few days I'll be posting new pictures and artwork.

Today we have an update on Naeem from Bangladesh, Authentic Community Member Meg's match.

Here's his new picture!

Naeem, age 5

The update says he's enrolled in preschool in the local preschool, and that Art is his favorite subject. He's friendly by nature, and during the day he reads and plays.

With Meg's sponsorship, Naeem has benefited from the following sponsorship programs: Reading for Children 2, birth registration, Kisholoy Pre-school, ECD Children Cultural Programs, and vitamin A supplementation. All great things; all made possible because Meg sponsored him.

Naeem also sent us this great drawing.

I'm not sure what it is... but it's great!

We have 2 more to go to meet our match! Help us out by visiting our "Two For One Program " and sponsoring a kid!

Sponsor Match!

2009-09-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Here's a sponsorship from Authentic Community Member Whitney-Lehr! We only need 2 more people and we've hit our match limit! We'll have helped 50 kids and their communities, providing things like basic medical care and hygiene education, things we take for granted in this wonderful country of ours. Click on the link below to sponsor!

Here's Melisa from Bolivia. She has an active personality, loves playing with friends, and digs red walls.

Melisa, age 13

Her match, Amisha from Nepal, also has an active personality and loves playing with friends... but she prefers the outdoors. Don't know why... that giant red wall is awesome.

Amisha, age 7 (Match #23)

Click on the link for our "Two For One Program " and help us reach our goal!

Sponsor Match!

2009-09-15T10:45:00.001-07:00

Another sponsor match! Only 3 more to go!!!

Authentic Community Member Anne sponsored a kid, Santos from Nicaragua. He is 9 years old and here is his picture.

Santos, age 9

Ok, you got me... this isn't really Santos. But I'm sure it's a close approximation.

However, here is his match! This dapper young man is Fernando from Bolivia. And watch out ladies, he's got a happy disposition, he loves to help with chores, and he's dressed to kill!

Frenando, age 8 (Match #22)

We only need 3 more sponsors! Help us out by visiting our "Two For One Program " and sponsoring a kid!

Letters!

2009-09-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

More letters in Bangla!

This is from Mokhles in Bangladesh. He sends his regards. He's proper like that.

Mokhles, age 8

Again, first the Bangla version, then the English translation. Mokhles says he can read at Grade III, but he can't write yet, so a Save the Children staff member took dictation for him. He included a picture which looks like it might be writing... so maybe he has the Save the Children staff fooled! He's cunning like that.

Bangla

English

Four more to go and we hit our match limit! Visit our "Two For One Program "!

Artwork!

2009-09-09T13:03:00.001-07:00

Hooray for new artwork!

First, here is 3 year old Katherine from El Salvador and her happy smiling face.

Katherine, age 3 (happy)

And here's the artwork from such a happy smiling face!

An explosion

We also got a picture from Munni in Bangladesh. She's not as cheery as Katherine... but then, who is?

Munni, age 10 (not as cheery as Katherine)

And here's her lovely picture of a plant, flag, flower, and giant hot pepper.

Very nice!

We only need 4 more sponsors! Please visit our "Two For One Program"!

Letters!

2009-09-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

We got a letter from Rasel from Bangladesh today, who says everything is going well and that he is an avid fan of soccer.

Rasel, age 4

Here is the letter; first the Bangla version, then the English translation. Rasel can't write yet, so a Save the Children staff member was kind enough to transcribe the letter for him. But Rasel can draw... and he included a very blue picture of flowers and boats. Or possibly just triangles.

Bangla

English

We only need 4 more sponsors, then we'll hit our target of helping 50 kids! For more information about our match program visit our "Two For One Program "!

Sponsor Match!

2009-09-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Here's another great sponsor match! Only 4 more left!!!

Authentic Community Member Julie sponsored Mithun from Bangladesh. He's a friendly boy and an avid reader. Of course who doesn't like reading?

Mithun, age 10

And here is his match, 9 year old April-Gay from the Philippines. She's a curious girl so it makes perfect sense that her favorite past time is studying. Of course, who doesn't like studying?

April-Gaye, age 9 (Match #21)

Help us hit our target of 25 matches! We're only 4 matches away! Here's the link for our "Two For One Program"!

Artwork!

2009-08-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

Look at these cool pictures!

First a new one from one of our new artists, Jonathan from the Philippines. A house surrounded by flying fruit and like... a parachute or something... Whatever it is, it's awesome.

And resident uber artist, William from El Salvador, gives us this fantastically blue picture of blue houses and blue clouds. I'll tell you what, I'm not blue after looking at these pictures!

We only need 5 more sponsors to reach our goal of 50 kids total! Visit our "Two For One Program" to help!

Sponsor Match!

2009-07-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

Another sponsor match, this time from Authentic Community Members Amphai and Surapon (my parents!).

Here's Chrismari from the Philippines. He enjoys playing with toys and being cool and wearing snazzy white shirts. And he's single, so ladies watch out!

Chrismari, age 7

Here is the match, Munni from Bangladesh, who enjoys reading, writing, and 'rithmetic. I'm sure she's a stellar student.

Munni, age 10 (Match #20)

Help us hit our target of 25 matches! We're only 5 matches away! Here's the link for our "Two For One Program"!

Sponsor Match!

2009-07-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

Another great sponsorship from another great anonymous sponsor!

This sponsor was kind enough to send along his kid. Meet Katherine from El Salvador. She enjoys playing with toys and giving mean scary looks to photographers. It's working cause I'm totally terrified of her.

Katherine, age 3

And here is her match; Juan from El Salvador. He loves playing outside, and prefers the tried and true method of smiling for the camera.

Juan, age 8 (Match #19)

If you want to get in on the fun and help Save the Children provide vital support and care to kids in all parts of the world, please sponsor a kid. We've got 6 matches left, so hurry up and double your fun! Click the link to our " Two For One Program"!

The ethics of how we spend our money

2009-07-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

Hi,

If you read the recent post on whether you should buy Truck Antlers or spend your money to sponsor a child through Save the Children, you might be interested in seeing this video where bioethicist Peter Singer talks about the ethics of how we spend our money. Singer says few of us would ignore a child drowning in a pond, even if it meant ruining our expensive shoes. But he points out that giving what we spent on those shoes to an organization that helps children in need could actually save more than one life.

Please take a look!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m1XAVV8H5FNVTV

And here is a link to Singer's website where he answers some simple questions about how we should spend our money:

http://www.princeton.edu/~psinger/faq.html

Jon

Truck Antlers or Help Change a Child's Life - YOU DECIDE

2009-07-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I was on a flight yesterday morning and couldn't help myself: I picked up the inflight catalog. I'm sure you've browsed through it once or twice. It's full of things you just have to have, especially when you're a captive audience on a runway.

While I was browsing, I got really excited about a few things I just had to have. That would finally, truly, make me happy. I mean, how could you really, ever be happy without....

Truck Antlers. That's right, antlers that hook up to your truck. To give your truck the appearance of having, well, antlers.

They're listed for $24.99. With tax and delivery, it comes out to $37.11.

I don't have a truck, but I believe they make a car model.

So I was getting my credit card out to buy the truck antlers when I realized that for only $28.00, I could help Save the Children make a difference in the life of a child and his or her community. That's a savings of NINE DOLLARS!!! I'm sure you've seen some of the kids we've sponsored through Authentic's Two for One Program - but truly, should we waste our money on sponsoring a kid like Karen-Joy when we can have truck antlers??? I'm sure she and her family would understand that I NEED TRUCK ANTLERS.

Whew. Gotta take a breath. Feeling a little guilty about the antlers, so I went back to the catalog in search of something a little more substantial, something that would really, truly make a difference in my life. Something that would make me completely, irrevocably happy.

And then I found it:

The Marshm allow Shooter, for $24.95. I mean, can you imagine how happy I'd be if I could freakin shoot marshmallows out of a freakin gun??? It shoots sweet, edible miniature marshmallows over thirty feet. How amazing is that??? Four cents less than the antlers––and a bargain at that price.

Then I started to think. The Shooter is $37 with tax and delivery. What if I skipped the shooter and spent $28 on sponsoring a child through Save the Children? Check out this info from our Two for One posting:

When you commit to sponsoring a child through Save the Children, you're providing necessary resources to help Save the Children help them thrive. Save the Children works with the child's family and community to develop the entire community's ability to take care of itself. Your sponsorship contributions are not given directly to your sponsored child but combined with the gifts of other caring individuals and organizations to help support local projects that benefit many children in the communities receiving sponsorship funding.

Sponsoring a child directly benefits his or her community, by providing activities like basic medical care and hygiene education, or programs that allow the child and his or her classmates and friends to attend and thrive at school.

Wow, what a guilt trip! I'm sure little four year old Rasel from Bangladesh would be fine without Save the Children's services for one lousy month. Because that marshmallow shooter would truly make me happy, at long last.

But if I'm going to be really, truly happy, I shouldn't skimp, right? I should spend a few extra bucks on myself and make 100% sure I'm living a life of total bliss. Which can only mean one thing:

Voice Activated R2-D2.

How could I really ever be happy without a Voice Activated R2-D2? It's $169.99 but comes out to $205.99 with delivery and tax. Now that would really make me truly happy.

Much happier, than, say, sponsoring Pinki for seven months. That's right. For less than the cost of the Voice Activated R2-D2, I could help Save the Children provide Pinki and her community with essential services. But what's her well-being compared to the happiness I'd have by getting a Voice Activated R2-D2??? Seriously now.

But once again, I think I'm selling myself short. If I'm really, truly going to be happy, there's only one thing that would guarantee it:

A Six Foot Tall Italian Armor Sculpture. Remember, friends, nothing screams "classy" like a giant suit of armor. And for only $1138.02, I could have one shipped to my own home! Yayyy!! Now that would truly ensure my happiness. Surely it would, more that sponsoring Sherlyn from the Phillipines for forty freakin' months. That's right, for the price of the Italian Armor, I could help Save the Children make a difference in the life of Sherlyn and her community for over three years.

Hmmmm....

Maybe I should reconsider.

After all, the Authentic "Two for One" program is still going on. So if I sponsor a child through Save the Children, I'm really helping two children and their communities.

But geez, Italian Armor? How cool would that look in my office?

In any case, when you're considering your next impulse purchase, consider whether the thing you're buying will make a real, lasting difference in your life. Will it truly make you happy? And then consider that the small donation you make through Save the Children makes a real, lasting difference in the lives of children and their communities worldwide.

Or buy the R2-D2. Just let me come by and play with it for a while.

Jon

Amazing Sponsor Match!

2009-07-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

We got 5 new sponsors from an anonymous donor!!! Whoever you are, we love you!

AND... here are your matches, all from the Philippines. Ron-Jayruss, Karen-Joy, Joven, Jonathan, and Jerome. They love the J-names.

It's a J-Name Philippine Extravaganza!

Now stop. Look at these kids' faces. Think for a moment. These are 5 kids we matched, another 5 originally sponsored, 36 kids who know that someone outside their community cares. This campaign is helping Save the Children bring basic medical care, hygiene education and programs that allow children to thrive at school to even more children. All it would take for two more children to know we care and to ensure that Save the Children continue services in their community is for you to click on the link below and sponsor ONE. We'll match your generous donation.

Remember, we're not too far from our goal of 50 kids.

Help make it happen.

Ron-Jayruss, age 7 (Match #14)

Karen-Joy, age 7 (Match #15)

Joven, age 4 (Match #16)

Jonathan, age 6 (Match #17)

Jerome, age 9 (Match #18)

For more information about our match program visit our Two For One Program!

Happy Hour!

2009-06-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

The Authentic Community had a small get together to make artwork for all of our sponsor matches. We created lots of great stuff, but I'm only picking a smattering of the finished pictures to post.

But to start off, here's a picture of our smiling faces in Bubby's Pie Company in DUMBO, NY.

Clockwise from left: Megan, Neco, Adrienne, Jon, Lily, Vikram, and Lauren (not pictured... me)

And now for the main event. Here are some pictures of our pictures!

A turtle on a road. For Likhon in Bangladesh.

A robot for Victor from El Salvador. I totally drew this.

Two people fishing drawn for Naeem in Bangladesh.

A person with a flower for Mamot in the Philippines.

A red car for Shaymali in Bangladesh.

Flowers and a note for William in El Salvador.

And here are Jon's kids Lily and Eli in a postcard they made for Rajani from Bangladesh. They took a picture and drew a note on it because they're far more creative than the rest of the adults. We promptly copied their idea and did several similar post cards.

To get more info on our sponsorship program go to: The Authentic "Two For One" Program

To find out about more great events like these visit us on Facebook: search for "Authentic Community Service"

Authentic's Community Members visit Save the Children programs in the Navajo Nation

2009-05-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I just came back from an amazing trip with Save the Children to visit their programs in the Navajo Nation. America Ferrera and I visited Chinle and Many Farms, AZ, and stopped off on the way in Laguna, NM. America is Save the Children’s Education Ambassador, and we were fortunate to visit with children benefiting from StC's home-based and center-based education programs.

What really struck me was the impact StC's work was making in this very challenging environment. Paula Hale, a Save the Children staffer who lives on the reservation and guided us throughout our trip, told us that the unemployment rate on Navajo lands is 56%, and average family income is well below $20,000. Employment opportunities are limited, and due to the vast distances that separate homes from larger towns (we drove over four hours from Albuquerque), it's difficult for residents to work off the reservation.

One of the things that drew me to StC's work was the way they were able to show me how the funds I was donating had a direct effect on children and their communities. The benefit of Save the Children's programs was readily apparent during our visit with Jordan, 2, who lives in a remote Navajo area in AZ, in a one-room house with his parents. Jordan's teacher Karen Spencer visits Jordan and 21 other families twice a month (separated by hours of driving) as part of Save the Children's Early Steps program, working with him on reading, fine and gross motor skills, and guiding his loving parents in ways to help with his development. Jordan is a bright kid who's clearly benefitting from the work Karen does with him and his parents, and it saddens me to think of the many children on Navajo lands and around the world who aren't receiving the same education and support.

What's fantastic about the work StC is doing with Jordan and his family, and so many other families around the world is its extraordinary impact. Consider this information from StC's tenth annual State of the World's Mothers Report, released this week:

“Early childhood care and development is a proven and powerful investment in national well-being and future economic prosperity. Research from around the world shows that investing in quality early learning programs is one of the most effective ways to improve children's success in school, to increase incomes, and to reduce costs to society.... Research by Nobel prize-winning economist James Heckman shows that returns on investment in early childhood are greater than investment at any other stage of life.”

Seeing all of this amazing work firsthand really made me present to the impact it has, and the cost of participating. By sponsoring a child for $28 per month, you can make a real difference for the child and their community. And remember, we here at Authentic will match your contribution, causing twice the impact, until we've reached our goal of sponsoring fifty kids.

For more information on our matching program check out this blog entry:

http://authenticm.com/community/stc

Thanks so much to StC's Jane Berliner, Eileen Burke, Paula Hale, Linda Askew, and photographer Joshua Roberts, for making this all possible.

Artwork!

2009-04-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

Ariana from the US, Authentic Community member Bob's match, has sent us this great sponsor info form. On the back was this cool picture.

But the coolest thing on the form was Ariana's favorite game. GUITAR HERO! She is by far the coolest 8 year old to have ever existed.

For more information about our match program visit our Two For One Program!

Sponsor Match!

2009-03-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

Here's another sponsor from Authentic Community member Tony!

He sponsored D'Andre, an 8 year old boy in the Southwest region of the US. We're not allowed to put his picture up, as he's from the US, so I've added a picture of what I assume he looks like, after he found out about Tony's sponsorship.

D'Andre, age 8

Cute little Sherlyn from the Philippines is his match. She affectionate and likes playing with toys. At 5 years old, what else is there?

Sherlyn, age 5 (Match #13)

For more information about our match program visit our Two For One Program!

Artwork!

2009-03-23T13:52:00.001-07:00

Here's more artwork from William in El Salvador. He drew a great picture of a bicycle on the Save the Children stationery. He likes riding bicycles. It comes full circle.

The translation is:

"Hello Lily and Eli. I am studying in the first grade, I like to study and play ball and ride bicycles and I like to play with cars, I love them a lot."

One Night for One Month

2009-03-18T13:20:00.001-07:00

Everyone knows we here at Authentic are doing are best to help sponsor kids through Save the Children, and in this troubled economy, we feel it's best to focus on the things you can help, as opposed to the things that you can't.

You CAN help kids. A lot. For a little.

$28 a month to sponsor a kid. It's about the cost of a sit down meal for two people in Manhattan (after tax and tip).

It's also the cost of helping a kid and his community with basic medical care and hygiene education, or programs that allow the child and his or her classmates and friends to attend and thrive at school. For a whole month.

One Night for One Month.

And if you sponsor, we will match you through our Authentic “Two For One” program. Use our special link, and Authentic will sponsor a child too. Our goal is to change the lives of FIFTY kids and their communities under this program – twenty-five matches.

We've already got twenty-two kids sponsored, so we're half way there! So get on board, and help change the lives of two kids and their communities, somewhere on this amazing planet.

With your permission, we'll post updates about your sponsored child on this website, along with your comments. And you'll see us doing the same, about the kids that we're sponsoring.

Here's how you do it.

1. Go to http://www.savethechildren.org/AuthenticCommunity
2. Click sponsor.
3. Register! It only takes a minute.
4. Finish the registration and sponsorship form to help Save the Children make a difference.
5. If you want, send the child's name, age, and picture to don@authenticM.com so we can add the info to our site!

The faster you help, the faster the kids get help. At the end of this campaign, we'll have changed the lives of 50 kids and their communities.

If you have any questions or would like to register/sponsor by phone, please contact Nancy Fekete, Manager of the “Two for One” program, nfekete@savechildren.org or 1-800-728-3843 (x6542) ; if you are calling from overseas dial +1-203-341-6542.

As an Individual Child sponsor, each year you will receive:

* A Status Report on your Child
* An updated photo
* Drawing
* Spring Newsletter
* Annual Summary of your Country Office’s Accomplishments
* Programs your Child participated in
* Holiday Mailing
* Optional Email Updates
* A Regional Progress Report (First year only)

Match Re-cap!

2009-03-03T11:42:00.000-08:00

Here are the kids Authentic Community members have sponsored and matched. There are 24 total kids (though we're still missing pictures for some).

We here at Authentic are so thrilled to see the difference our partners are making - our Authentic Community members, and our friends at Save the Children. 24 kids and their communities are now getting education, basic medical care, and programs that allow them to thrive at school because of your support. Go Team!

And remember - we are going for 50. That's 26 more kids. So all we need is 13 more sponsors who Authentic can match. Show your support by clicking here to visit our Two for One Program!

The Sponsors (what pictures we have):

(left to right: Nasrina from Bangladesh, John-Christopher from Philippines, Rezel-Ann from Philippines, and Moushumi from Bangladesh)

(left to right: Mohamed from Egypt, Dondrel from Philippines, Shubarna from Bangladesh, and Tasmina from Bangladesh)

The Matches:

(left to right: Sant from Nepal, Mayada from Egypt, Ariana from the US, and Shaymali from Bangladesh)

(left to right: Naeem from Bangladesh, Rasel from Bangladesh, Pinki from Bangladesh, and Likhon from Bangladesh)

(left to right: Viktor from Egypt, Mamot from Philippines, Mokhles from Bangladesh, and Suraj from Nepal)

Sponsor Match!

2009-02-24T11:56:00.001-08:00

Sponsorships make a great gift, especially when there's a two-for-one situation, as Authentic Community member Genevieve found by sponsoring on behalf of her sister Annie. Instead of only being responsible for helping Save the Children to improve day to day life of 6 year old Mohamed in Egypt, she's also helping them to improve the situation of 4 year old Victor, also of Egypt and all of the other girls and boys participating in sponsorship programs in Egypt!

Just look at their happy faces!

Mohamed, age 6

Victor, age 4 (Match #12)

For more information about our match program visit our Two For One Program!

Sponsor Match!

2009-02-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

Another match, this time from Authentic Community member Bob. Here's John-Christopher, a fun loving, toy playing 6 year old from the Philippines.

His match is Ariana, from the state of California, right here in the USA. She's a fan of creative art, so hopefully she sends up a painting or drawing for us to share.

Just in case you're wondering, pictures of kids in the US aren't allowed to be posted, so I've uploaded the general picture off the Save the Children website instead.

John-Christopher, age 6

Ariana, age 8 (Match #11)

For more information about our match program visit our Two For One Program!

Sponsor Match!

2009-01-29T09:09:00.000-08:00

Another sponsor match, this time from Authentic Community member Daniel Swee!

Here's Dondrel from the Philippines, a kid with a bright smile and a yellow shirt.

His match, Mamot, is also from the Philippines. She may have a yellow shirt, but if so, she's not wearing it in that picture. Coincidentally she's not smiling either...

You heard it hear first. Yellow shirt = smiling kid.

Dondrel, age 11

Mamot, age 8 (Match #10)

For more information about our match program visit our Two For One Program!

Sponsor Match!

2009-01-23T08:31:00.000-08:00

Two more matches!

First, here is Authentic Community member Adam Rothenberg's kid, Tasmina from Bangladesh, who has a love of reading, and Adam's match, Suraj from Nepal.

Tasmina, age 10

Suraj, age 5 (Match #8)

And here is Authentic Community member Tom Carr's match, Sant, also from Nepal. We don't have the original sponsor info for Tom's kid yet, but I'll update as soon as I get it.

Sant, age 5 (Match #9)

As for the matches... two kids, both 5, both from Nepal, and both who listed hobbies as "playing with friends."

Clones perhaps?

For more information about our match program visit our Two For One Program!

Letters!

2009-01-16T09:18:00.000-08:00

So Jon got a letter from Rajani in Bangladesh. It's very nice and we thought we'd share it with everyone.

Rajani, age 7

The first one is in Bangla, the appropriately named language of Bangladesh. The much less beautiful English translation follows. I'm sure you can figure out which is which, but I've labeled them anyway.

Bangla

English

Sponsor Match!

2009-01-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

Hooray! Here are some new sponsor matches.

First off here is Meg Mortimer's sponsored child, Rezel-Ann from the Philippines, a little girl who loves to sing.

Rezel-Ann, age 11

In addition to this sponsorship, Meg also got her husband, David L. Lloyd, Jr. of GECAS, to get his company to match her donation amount!

While David's company couldn't "officially" sponsor a kid, in essence, that's what his company is doing, so we here at Authentic Community are going to go ahead match David's donation as well... with another kid.

So here are 2 (TWO!) more matches from us, Naeem and Shaymali, both from Bangladesh.

Naeem, age 5 (Match #6)

Shaymali, age 5 (Match #7)

In the end, the sponsorship of Rezel-Ann, led to the sponsorship of 2 other kids as well (or maybe 3, depending on how the money David donated is going to be used) and will end up benefiting many more!

For more information about our match program visit our Two For One Program!

Peace Games - Site Visit

2009-01-13T10:53:00.000-08:00

UPDATE!!!

The site visit will be on Thursday only. The date on Wednesday was canceled.

==================================

In addition to the great work we're doing with Save the Children, we are also currently working with Peace Games, an organization that teaches and empowers children––as young as four years old––to be peacemakers in their schools and communities. They're dedicated to ending the escalating trend of youth violence in this country, and are currently operating in schools in New York City, Chicago, LA, and Boston.

Peace Games believes that children are peacemakers, not simply victims, perpetrators, or witnesses of violence. The mission of Peace Games is to support young people as peacemakers and to change the way our nation views young people in the context of violence. Research tells us that violence is learned, that just as our students learn how to read or ride a bike, our children learn how to fight, hate, and kill. If violence can be learned, so can the skills of peacemaking.

Here's one of my favorite “Peace Tales,” right from the schools, told by Peace Games coordinator Tami Ross:

Two fifth grade boys were brought to the office for stabbing each other on the playground. They were told sternly to sit down and not talk, while the school police were being called. I was on my way to teach a class, but watching the boys’ conflict escalate as they glared at each other gave me an idea.

First, I talked with them about conflict, and had them tell me their perspectives of what had happened. I asked if they understood the consequences and that now they would be suspended. Then, I went back to my office and got supplies for the gum drop toothpick structure activity. I instructed them to build the tallest tower they could.

When I came back they were smiling and high five-ing each other. The boys were eager to inform me that they had built “The Empire State Building.” When the school police arrived, an officer passed right by the boys building the tower and asked, “Where are the kids who are in trouble?”

Peace Games, in partnership with educators, parents, students, and community members, has had a dramatic effect in its communities. Some highlights of their work from a recent study:

94% of Peace Games students reported that Peace Games helped improve their peacemaking skills (communication, cooperation, conflict resolution, and engagement).
91% of students reported that Peace Games helped them improve their academics.
84% of students reported that involvement in Peace Games helped improve their school attendance.
78% of students reported that they are more likely to walk away from a fight without thinking of themselves as cowards.

Having visited a Peace Games school, I've seen the value of their work firsthand. I believe so strongly in the effectiveness of their programs, that I'm volunteering my time to work for Peace Games, I'm working to expand Peace Games into Brooklyn and I'm working with them to establish a larger national presence for Peace Games.

We would like to offer you the same opportunity.

We're hosting visits to schools in Manhattan on:

Thursday, Jan. 22 @ 12:00pm

Visit a school with us. See the difference this program came make, not only for the kids, but for the communities in which they live.

Let us know if you can make one of these trips. E-mail Don (don@authenticM.com) for details.

For more information about Peace Games, please visit: www.peacegames.org

Save the Children Gift Catalog

2009-01-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

Authentic Community member AF, on behalf of Bess and Sam Gsell, recently used this amazing service provided by Save the Children to teach and provide adolescent girls in Ethiopia with hygiene products.

To find out more about this wonderful program, as well as many others, please visit:

http://www.savethechildren.org/gifts/gift-health-hygiene.html

Artwork!

2009-01-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

Here is some beautiful artwork from Shubarna, Authentic Community member AF's sponsored child.

I'm not sure, but I think it's a hand.

Also, here is a great picture from Mokles in Bangladesh, the match of Authentic Community member AF.

I believe it's a some people with a flag, a flower, and a fish man.

For more information about our match program visit our Two For One Program!

Artwork - Kids for Kids!

2009-01-05T08:36:00.001-08:00

Kids of PS321 class k-139 making snowflakes for our sponsored kids. No snow in Bangladesh, El Salvador, and Egypt, I assume, but it's the thought that counts.

Authentic Community member Lily will be writing an accompanying letter for the snowflakes, which will then be packed in ice and vacuum sealed for the long, hot journey from classroom to post office to classroom.

Images of the letter and snowflakes to come!

Sponsor Match!

2008-12-18T12:16:00.000-08:00

We have 3 more matches from member of our community, Jodi Peikoff, Kat Foster, and KB!

Here is Jodi Peikoff's sponsor, Moushimi, and match, Likhon, both from Bangladesh.

Moushoumi, age 7

Likhon, age 9 (Match #3)

I don't have the other sponsor info yet, but here are their matches - Pinki and Rasel, both from Bangladesh. As soon as I get the rest of the info I will update this post.

Pinki, age 9 (Match #4)

Rasel, age 4 (Match #5)

For more information about our match program visit our Two For One Program!

Sponsorship - Email us your info!

2008-12-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

Due to a glitch in the system, Save the Children was unable to log people who used our link to sponsor a child.

If you sponsored a child, and your match hasn't appeared on this website yet, please send an email to don@authenticM.com with the child's name, age, country, and picture. Also include whether or not you want your name to appear on our site.

We'll get your match up ASAP!

Knit One Save One

2008-12-09T07:38:00.000-08:00

Authentic Community member Vera Farmiga knitted a beautiful baby cap as part of Save the Children's Knit One Save One program. Here's a pic, worn by a still-nameless newborn in Tanzania! Go Vera!!!

Here's some more info about the program:

http://www.savethechildren.org/newsroom/2008/celebrities-join-knit-one-save-one.html

Sponsor Match!

2008-12-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

Authentic Community Member Sonya just sponsored a child named Nasrina from Bangladesh. Here she is with our sponsored match Mayada from Egypt.

Nasrina, age 5

Mayada, age 5 (Match #2)

For more information about our match program visit our "Two For One Program"!

Artwork!

2008-11-21T12:45:00.000-08:00

Here is some more artwork from William in El Salvador.

1st Sponsor Match!

2008-11-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

Just got word from Authentic Community member AF that she's now sponsoring 6 year old Shubarna from Bangladesh. Here's young Shubarna, along with our Authentic match, Mokhles who is also from Bangladesh.

Shubarna, age 6

Mokhles, age 8 (Match #1)

Also here are some other kids, William from El Salvador and Rajani from Bangladesh, already sponsored by Authentic Community members Lily and Eli.

William, age 7

Rajani, age 7

For more information about our match program visit our Two For One Program!

Artwork!

2008-11-06T10:04:00.000-08:00

Wanted to share a nice picture we got from William, a kid Jon sponsors. He lives in El Salvador.

The Authentic "Two For One" Program

2008-10-29T12:20:00.001-07:00

UPDATE:

AS OF OCTOBER 8, 2009, WE HAVE COMPLETED OUR SPONSORSHIP MATCH PROGRAM!!!

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SPONSORED AND HELPED US! YOU'VE HELPED MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF 50 KIDS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES!

THANKS SO MUCH!
THE AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY

------------------------------------------------------

We here at Authentic have been talking about ways that we can be a contribution to the world at large, to create the world in which we want to live.

In our conversations, one thing has become radically clear to us: we can't do it alone.

So, in the spirit of Yes, We Can, we ask you to join us on our quest.

We're really excited about our first project which we've created in partnership with the amazing organization, Save the Children. If you're not familiar with them, we urge you to check them out. They are one of the world's top international relief and development organizations, “the leading independent organization creating real and lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world.” Save the Children makes a massive difference in the lives of children worldwide, and we're thrilled to be launching our first initiative with them.

As you may already know, one of Save the Children's key initiatives is their sponsorship program. When you commit to sponsoring a child through Save the Children, you're providing necessary resources to help Save the Children help them thrive. Save the Children works with the child's family and community to develop the entire community's ability to take care of itself. Your sponsorship contributions are not given directly to your sponsored child but combined with the gifts of other caring individuals and organizations to help support local projects that benefit many children in the communities receiving sponsorship funding.

Sponsoring a child directly benefits his or her community, by providing activities like basic medical care and hygiene education, or programs that allow the child and his or her classmates and friends to attend and thrive at school.

But what's also really exciting is what you get in return: When you sponsor a child for $28 per month, you get regular updates on that child's life and progress, as well as letters and photographs. This is a real kid – you have a chance to make a real connection with him or her. And you'll get to hear about how the contribution you make is helping us reach that kid’s community, directly from the child and from the local office in the child's country.

So here's our plan.... drumroll please.....

The Authentic “Two For One” program.

For a LIMITED TIME, when you sponsor a child through our special link, Authentic will sponsor a child too. Our goal is to change the lives of FIFTY kids under this program – twenty-five matches. So get on board quick, and help change the lives of two kids, somewhere on this amazing planet.

With your permission, we'll post updates about your sponsored child on this website, along with your comments. And you'll see us doing the same, about the kids that we're sponsoring.

Here's how you do it.

Go to http://www.savethechildren.org/AuthenticCommunity
Click sponsor.
Register! It only takes a minute.
Finish the registration and sponsorship form to help Save the Children make a difference.
If you want, send the child's name, age, and picture to don@authenticM.com so we can add the info to our site!

The faster you help, the faster the kids get help. At the end of this campaign, we'll have changed the lives of 50 kids and their communities.

If you have any questions or would like to register/sponsor by phone, please contact Nancy Fekete, Manager of the “Two for One” program, nfekete@savechildren.org or 1-800-728-3843 (x6542) ; if you are calling from overseas dial +1-203-341-6542.

As an Individual Child sponsor, each year you will receive:

A Status Report on your Child
An updated photo
Drawing
Spring Newsletter
Annual Summary of your Country Office’s Accomplishments
Programs your Child participated in
Holiday Mailing
Optional Email Updates
A Regional Progress Report (First year only)