Hello friends,
How you all doing? I been in touch with many of you this year via Facebook & other communication media and glad to hear you all are doing great. As we all experience, Time is flying fast. Another year has almost gone-by and many of you are getting ready to say good bye to 2011 and welcome 2012.
I am delighted to contact you all for our annual charitable giving for 2011. Six years in a row with the help of families, friends, neighbors and co-workers like you, we have made positive impact towards the life of few under-privileged and orphaned kids back in India. Last year, we were able to raise $1500 and sponsored 11 kids surpassing our goal of 2010. I am really hoping to continue sponsoring those 11 kids and if possible take it to another level by surpassing last’s year contribution with you all gracious contributions.
Like in the past you contributions will continue to sponsor the entire year of education expenses for kids at Sevalaya, a non-profit organization in Tamilnadu, India. An organization which educates hundred’s of local village kids and orphans. Many of you were aware that I got a chance to visit the kids in Jan 2011. I was able to spend half day with the kids, teachers and management team especially founder Mr.Muralidharan who shared the developments for the last few years and future plans for Sevalaya. Below was the picture taken with Mr. Murali and some of our sponsored Kids. Click here to see the pictures during my visit.
This tremendous organization continues to receive numerous awards every year for various accomplishment and their extraordinary support to the local community. You can learn more about them via this Youtube video. Sevalaya kids proved once again both academically and extra curricular activities by clinching various awards. To learn more about 2011 Student Academic achievements, click here. I also urge you to check out the Sevalaya annual report which has full details about last year activities. Recently, Sevalaya school was placed 1 among (7th place) 20 schools that are named the Top 20 schools around of the world out of 38,000 schools from 24 countries in the world’s largest Disney’s “Design for Change” Contest for the second year.
These knowledge hungry kids doesn’t ask for anything except our support to educate them. I kindly request you all to open your heart and contribute graciously and continue the tradition of giving by making a difference in these kids life. Every dollar you contribute goes directly to help the kid’s education. Whether it is $10 or $100, there is no limit. A small help goes long way in making a big difference.
Two ways to easily contribute,
a)Cash/Cheque – Make check payable to my name for amount less than $100. If you are donating more than $100 and need a tax receipt, you can make the check payable to ASTI (AMERICAN SERVICE TO INDIA)
b) Credit card – Use Paypal account ID helpindia2007@yahoo.com or Click here to pay using Paypal. Only use this method if you cannot pay by check because there is a 7% commission charged by paypal from your donation since we don’t have US non-profit status yet.
Please try to send your contributions before Dec 31, 2011 if possible. Meanwhile if you can kindly send me a quick email with your planned contribution amount that would help me to plan and seek for more help to reach this year’s goal.
As we look forward to the new year, we should all reflect on our good fortune–we have jobs, and in these challenging economic times, that is indeed something to be thankful for. One way to show our thanks and welcome the Newyear is to take the opportunity to give back to the world. Do not just think about making a difference in others life, Take action and JUST DO IT!!
Please do forward to friends and spread the word around. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you and Have a great Holiday Season!!!
Your friend,
Vijai
