I leave in 2 days and I have officially raised the $10,000 I needed to go on the World Race, and I still have $8,700 left to go. This fundraising journey has been such an amazing learning experience.
Wow! In a matter of 6 months, we have raised about $10,000. This is incredible!!
In total, I need to raise $18,700. Even though that STILL may seem like a lot, it’s still amazing how much has been given toward this mission throughout these last few months. From the $2,000 donation to the $1 donation, every little bit counts.
I will admit, $18,700 sounds like ALOT, and very intimidating, but – wow- I have learned so much from this experience of fundraising – especially since I’ve never done this before. Let me share this story of how we got here.
First off, let’s be real. It’s scary asking people for money. I was always worried about judgment, and nervous that people were going to look down on me or pity me. Fundraising is kind of a not-normal-thing- in society or American culture. However, with my background, I was always part of amazing organizations that raised money to accomplish life-changing impact for others. My undergrad school, Elmhurst College, is a private liberal arts school that raises money for students to attend that school. After graduating, I was part of a nonprofit called AmeriCorps that partnered with other nonprofits in Chicago to either help low-income students and families. All three of those organizations raised money to accomplish their mission: City Year, Public Allies and Habitat for Humanity. For the last three years, I was part of By The Hand Club for Kids, that also had a fundraising department to raise funds to support low-income families, youth, employees and many resources. None of these organizations relied on the government or had their own business. So when I felt called to go on the World Race, it was very normal to me to think I had to raise my own money to be the catalyst of helping others around the world. If these nonprofits can do it, why can’t I? So I did.
How did I do it? Well, I didn’t do it on my own. I believe it was all God. I just told people the story through my youtube video and people gave. People who like to give do exist, and I learned more and more how giving and loving humanity is. I think $18,700 looks like a lot when we focus on the negativity of humanity, but when we focus on how good and caring humanity really is, you’ll realize that $18,700 is really not a lot. People gave in so many ways – not just financially.
1. My talented friend helped me make that initial youtube video. https://youtu.be/vsxnGSDSFjo and my talented cousin helped me with my adopt a box fundraiser video: https://youtu.be/GBJPF67eVuc
2. My roommate designed my poster board, business cards, signs and anything materialistic needed to get the word across from his business: Brand X.
3. My friend and mentor had a birthday party for her dedicated toward my fundraiser and asked her friends to give, and they gave so much!
4. A friend told me about Nisei Lounge, a bar, that allowed me to host an event where I bartend for three hours and all tips go toward my fundraiser. I did it for two nights this summer and raised about $900 all together.
5. I had a yard sale where people donated things, and friends and family helped me market, run it, organize it and buy things. That one had to have been the most overwhelming fundraiser, and a big struggle, but I made about $300
6. Lastly, I held a fundraising concert where Heartland Cafe hosted the event for free, and three bands performed their talent as a gift toward the fundraiser and everyone who came gave $10 as a cover charge. I raised about $500.
7. Mainly however, I raised more money by people just donating: One church, a congregation of many people collectively gave toward the mission $1,000. Many people introduced me to different people who are interested in the cause, and many told their families and friends. Then people gave. One person gave $3,000 and others gave anywhere from $300-$2, but all together with everything I’ve done, and with the help of all of you, We raised $10,000!!! It’s AMAZING!!!
I am so so thankful to all who gave, to all who encouraged me, provided advice, tips and their talents. I don’t want to give myself the credit. I want to give God the credit for bringing you all into my life. You all have hearts of love, compassion and hope. You gave because you see there is brokenness in the world, and you want to be part of that change. So you gave, you made a difference, and you believe there is a way to change the world. So thank you for believing in me that I can be the catalyst to show God’s love to others and empower them to be the change they want to see in the world.
I leave in 2 days, but I would not have been able to do it without you.
It’s okay if you haven’t gave yet. There is still time. I need to raise the entire total of $8,700 by the end of January, and I could still use your help. I 100% believe that the funds needed to be raised will happen, because I believe in the goodness and hope in humanity and that God will provide.
So if you’d like to still give, please go to the top of this page and click on the “Donate” button to follow the giving instructions.
Thank you so much for giving me the hope, the love and the strength to believe I can be the catalyst to be the change in the world. Thank you for being the change you want to see in this world too.
I love you all so very much, Jasmine Jaurigue.
I am super grateful. I am super overwhelmed with gratitude that tears of joy will stream down my face if I don’t stop talking about how thankful I am. Thank you thank you thank you all!!! 🙂
