Initially I had intended to raise money for one charity, but after careful consideration, I decided to raise money for more than one charity, since all are deserving, and all do amazing things for people nationwide and in my own community. Most of these are local charities, and even if they are national, they service people in my own community. These charities all have a special place in my heart. In no particular order is a list and a brief description of each charity I'm running and raising money for.
If you wish to make a donation, please click on the link and it will take you to a Crowdrise fundraising page I have set up that will directly give donations to the chosen charity. By donating at the links below, I can keep track of how much money I'm raising for each charity, and the money will go DIRECTLY to that charity. Thank you!!
Alex's Lemonade Stand This charity was started as an idea by 4 year old Alexandra "Alex" Scott when she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma (she was diagnosed just before her first birthday). After Alex passed away in 2004 at the age of 8, the charity has continued to grow. It raises money and awareness of childhood cancer (primarily research) and provides assistance to families who have children undergoing treatment.
Personal connection: Over the years of teaching, I've had students who have been diagnosed with cancer and have fought the battle. I know how it can affect family and impact a child's life. My husband's family has also been touched by the battle with childhood cancer. Wouldn't we all like to see cancer eradicated forever?
http://www.alexslemonade.org/
Ronald McDonald House Oklahoma City: This charity does so much for families whose children are in the hospital, providing them with a place to stay at no cost to the families.
Personal connection: My family used this service when my sister was in the hospital many years ago. They provided my parents a place to stay while my sister received treatment at the children's hospital.
http://www.rmhcokc.org/
Dogs on Deployment This charity was started as a way to help military members find fosters to leave their pets with while on deployment overseas. Many military members have to find families to take their pets, and some even had to surrender their pets to shelters if they couldn't find someone to care for their pet while on deployment. This organization was started to help dogs find safe homes to stay in while their owner is busy serving our country. They help find homes during deployment and also help military families with food/medical needs for their pets if they cannot afford it.
Personal connection: I have a friend who is active duty in the Air Force and has used this service for her pet while she has been deployed twice overseas. She knows other military members who have used this service also. They provide a safe place for animals to live while military members serve our country.
http://dogsondeployment.org/
DaySpring Villa Women and Children's Shelter This is a local, faith-based shelter who provides a safe place for women and children suffering domestic violence and abuse. There is no fee to guests (what they call their residents), and they are provided with many services needed to make the move out of a violent situation.
Personal connection: This is a very personal cause for me because as a child I witnessed firsthand my mother experience violence at the hands of her husband (both physical and emotional). It has affected me, I know how much it can change, and permanently scar a life.
http://www.dayspringvilla.com/
Best Friends of Pets OKC This a local nonprofit whose mission is to end pet overpopulation. Best Friends’ makes spaying and neutering affordable to many pet owners through SNAP (Spay/Neuter Assistance Program), helps pets find caring homes, provides pet ID tags, and provides education on responsible pet ownership and other pet issues.
Personal connection: I don't have any direct connection to this organization, but I know that they do good work in our community helping people get affordable spays/neuters and assist with helping owners be more responsible. Anything to help the number of animals euthanized in our city (over 10,000 per year in OKC alone) is a good thing. http://bestfriendsokc.org/
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