Sorry for the short notice on this . . . but hey, you'll also be lucky to get your Christmas card before Groundhog Day!

Thanks for visiting my personal fundraising page! On December 1, I'll join World Vision's AIDS Walk for Orphans--and walk 6,000 steps on behalf of the 6,000 children who will be orphaned by AIDS that day. By sponsoring me today, you can make a difference for children fighting to survive the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time.

As you heard me "blabber on" after my trip to Malawi this summer, you know that:
>HIV/AIDS is devastating communities around the world-and children are suffering the most. EVERY DAY, 6,000 children are orphaned by AIDS >Fifteen million children worldwide have already lost one or both parents to AIDS . . . These orphans are hungry and alone, with little hope of ever escaping poverty. Millions more children are caring for sick and dying parents, unable to stay in school and barely able to provide for themselves A generation of children needs our help! And while I can't do something for 15 million kids, or even 6,000, I can help make a difference in the life of one. Through World Vision AIDS programs, we can provide . . . >orphans and vulnerable children with compassionate care >HIV-prevention education based on biblical values >education and skills training to help them build a better future >help mobilize churches and other organizations in hard-hit communities to provide additional HIV/AIDS care and prevention So what can the $$$ I'm raising tomorrow "buy"? Good question: -$25 can provide a care kit to an orphaned child, with nutritious food, medicines, and other essentials -$50 can send an orphaned or vulnerable child to school for a year. -$100 can provide urgent help for families affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis through local care workers -$250 can help provide shelter and security for vulnerable children through a safe home, when combined with others' gifts -$500 can train a community member to provide home-based care for sick and dying parents You can make a tax-deductible donation right now by clicking on the "sponsor me now" button above. All funds raised will go toward World Vision's work to help children and families in communities severely impacted by HIV/AIDS. Thank you for your support! I love you! Mike