From the Shenandoah to South Dakota

A few weeks ago, I put out an SOS to my friends, family, and co-workers asking for donations for our trip. With only two airports in the entire state of South Dakota (that's right, TWO), and increasing gas prices, the cost of the trip was beginning to skyrocket. JMU's Community Service Learning (CSL) office pays for learning partners to attend, but for the most part, students are expected to cover their own costs. At an early estimate of $800 per student - an amount rivaling other trips with international locations - Kristina and Liz were having difficulty getting people to sign up. Who wants to go to South Dakota when you can go to Jamaica for the same price? You see our problem.

Here is where private support came in. My husband Tim and I donated $350 of our own money, and I set a personal goal of raising another $350. I got $1,035 $1,490.

I am extremely grateful to everyone for their support, which, combined with other fundraising efforts from the team members, helped offset the unanticipated expense of renting a van and provided scholarships worth about $200 per student! As far as I know, nobody in my circle has a great interest in Native American issues...with the exception of Tim's uncle Boyd, who I'm told may have some Indian in his bloodline. :) I am thankful to those who always demonstrate generosity with their time and money. But I am also thankful to those donors who generally don't support philanthropic causes related to poverty, or object to giving money to JMU specifically - but did so this time because of their desire to support me. A fundraiser by profession, it's been a humbling experience to have so many of my loved ones partner with me on this journey. Thank you.