We are grateful for you!

This is the email that went out today for all of our friends - if you aren't on the email list we want to make sure you see it! Thank you!


Dear Macdonald Family Charity Supporters,

You receive this email because you have either volunteered or currently volunteer for the charity, have attended an event, or have generously given of yourself in a financial or timely manner. We wanted to make sure that you know that we appreciate all you do for the success of the charity.

This past year has been incredibly exciting for all of us at Macdonald Family Charity. We have made 20 dreams come true, raised over $100,000 and recruited many new volunteers to help us fulfill our mission. We couldn't have done it without you! You are making a difference in the lives of struggling children in northern Colorado and changing your community one child at a time. I want to take a second to introduce you to a child you helped beyond our wildest imaginations - David.

David's mom went to prison when David was quite young. David moved from foster home to foster home, and when it was time for mom to be released her first action was to earn him back. He has been with his mom for the past 4 years now, and she is fully committed to making sure that David's life doesn't turn out the way hers did. She wrote to us and told us of David and his struggles at school. The family is back together, yet financially they aren't able to provide the fun things in life for David. Mom hoped we could help David meet his hero, Champ Bailey of the Denver Broncos. David loves playing football, and mom knew that meting Champ Bailey would give him renewed hope for his future.

On August 18 that dream became a reality at the Dove Valley Training Camp. David met his hero, Champ Bailey, and they both chatted and talked about life for a good five minutes. They laughed and joked, then took photos and Champ Bailey signed autographs. It was great for David to meet his hero face to face and his hero to take an interest in David. Here's a picture of the two of them at the practice field.

David has taken his experience and it has turned is life around. Before his dream came true, he struggled with self esteem issues, desire to succeed, and didn't apply himself. Now, he has hope for his future, works hard in school, and is continuing to practice hard to someday be a professional athlete. David was honored at a school assembly as a most improved student. We couldn't be happier for him!

David is the prime example of why we do what we do. To give a child their dream, and then see that dream have a lasting effect is something we strive for with each of our dream recipients.

Thank you for the role you have played in Macdonald Family Charity's future. We are planning on fulfilling many dreams to come, and we can't do it without you. We hope that as you plan your end of year giving you will keep us in mind. You may make donations here. Without you and your gifts, children in northern Colorado wouldn't know what it means to reach for the stars and have a dream become reality.

Sincerely,

Katie

Fun Money Ideas!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/Macys?v=app_164087800275715
This link will take you to Macy's facebook page and show you their fun and creative fundraising idea! They are raising support for the Make-A-Wish foundation and this fun little game will help them do that. Plus it fits the season! For each person that plays and wins this game, Macy's will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Wow!
What a neat idea! It's so simple to get people to take the 60 seconds to complete this and then it's done. Anyone have any ideas of how Macdonald Family Charity could bring in support in a similar way?

So Thankful!

"If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily." ~Gerald Good
A spirit of thankfulness is in the air as we approach Thanksgiving. We at the charity are so thankful for the opportunities we are daily given to impact the lives of those around us. All children dream and sometimes the happenings of life convince children that it is safer not to do so. We get the privelage of telling children that not only is it safe to dream but dreams really do come true. How thankful we are for that!
Thanksgiving Day is a day set aside for all people to join in one voice and express their gratitude for the blessings they have received. How often do you take the time to intentionally think of what you are thankful for? I find that the more I look for reasons in my life to be thankful the more aware I am of how much I have been given. Take the time right now and ask yourself "What am I thankful for?"
We want to say a great big "Thank you!" to all of you who have supported us. Whether you have given money, time, prayers, references, or something else completely, you have played a part in changing many children's lives and oh how grateful we are for you!

Why should businesses be sponsors?

As we're gearing up for our 5th Annual Mardi Gras Fashion Show, one of our first steps is to approach local businesses to become sponsors. The first question we're asked is why? Why would a business want to sponsor a fashion show - especially a business that isn't involved in clothing sales or accessories? The answer is simple, and we broke it down for you into 5 reasons. Enjoy!

1. Reach new people! Good event organizers will be able to tell potential sponsors the demographics of the attendees of any given event. For example, our demographics for attendees of the fashion show are primarily women, ages 35-55, with household incomes at $75,000 + annually, and all from northern Colorado. Marketing directors from local businesses know that this is exactly who they want to reach. They know that we will provide them with over 300 people in this group that may not have heard about their business before. Here's to more people knowing your brand!
2. Feel good! When a business decides to rally behind a non-profit, it helps the business build their corporate culture of generosity. This is an idea that has to come from the organization as a whole. When generosity is present, the entire climate of an organization changes. Postivity reigns, and the employees are more likely to be giving of themselves in new and exciting ways.
3. Recognition in the community! When a business decides to sponsor a non-profit fund raising event they get the benefits of the event's marketing for their own business. Radio, television, newspaper, and web communication all have been put together strategically to draw people to the event, and in turn, the business that is supporting the event.
4. It's easy! Many non-profits are able to process credit cards, but of course checks and cash are always welcome. If a business goes into their fiscal year with a set marketing budget for sponsorship opportunities, they are able to evaluate all of their possible sponsorship opportunities, find the ones that hit their target demographics, and determine their return on investment from there. Sponsorships are generally offered in a range of opportunities, and with that, the ability to tailor a sponsorship package to your distinct business.
5. It's fun! Most sponsorship opportunities include tickets to the event itself. Make it something to thank your staff by providing them with tickets, or use the seats to thank a valued client of your own. Not only are you showing your client and staff appreciation, you are helping the non-profit make new friends that may eventually become donors.

All in all, event sponsorships for businesses are a win-win. They increase their business recognition, create a corporate culture of gratitude, and make a difference, all while having fun and supporting a cause. What could be better than that! While we're at it - call me at (970)667-6119 if you'd like to know more about our Mardi Gras Fashion Show sponsorships! Get in on the benefits!

Katie

A big part of dreaming requires... sleep!

Macdonald Family Charity makes dreams come true. However, what if you're having a hard time sleeping? It makes it pretty difficult to dream, doesn't it? The following are some great tips on how to get some rest from Help Guide. Put them to work, and let us know if it works!

• Keep a regular sleep schedule.

• Make your bedroom sleep friendly.

• Create a relaxing bedtime routine.

• Get stress and anxiety in check.

• Eat right and get regular exercise.

• Try not to worry about sleep.

• Know when to see a sleep doctor.

Hopefully these tips and tricks will get you sleeping well and dreaming big!

Upcoming Dream Kids

Gabriel is a 5 year old boy living in a low income family. His life has not been easy lately. His mom is struggling with illness and life has been tough for the family with dad not being around. That's a lot to live with for a little boy. His dream is to go to the Denver Zoo with his family and that dream is going to become a reality this month!
Casey is a 14 and he had a very rough childhood. He is now living in the foster system and doesn't get the chance to do many fun things. He loves ice cream and the Broncos. His dream is to ride in a limo to Dairy Queen and then to see a Bronco game. He's about to see that happen!
What fun these boys will have when they see that though life has hard times, dreams do come true!
These dreams will be funded by the upcoming Spurs and Pearls wine tasting on September 18.

September Newsletter Information

If you're on our mailing list, you received a copy of our newsletter yesterday! If you aren't on our mailing list - why not? :) Here's the newsletter for you so you are sure to stay in the loop! The main thing is our wine tasting on September 18 - do you have your tickets yet?

Our wine tasting is set,

And we're ready to bet

It'll be a great night

Filled with wines that delight!

Put on your spurs and hat

And great clothes that go with that

We'll toast to great wines

And eat delicious food while we dine.

RSVP as soon as you can,

Spaces are limited so be a fan,

Enjoy a wonderful evening of fun,

Making dreams come true until we're done!

Tickets are $75 per person or $135 per couple,

So bring a friend and go double!

We'll have a cork pull, silent auction and surprises,

With things so wonderful, you're sure to be baffled.

We make dreams come true,

But without you we'd be blue.

Our donors and friends make things happen,

So grab a friend - there'll be no rappin'.