Dear John,

Today is #GivingTuesday, a day in which millions of people across the globe unite to support causes near and dear to their hearts. 

If you are in a position to do so, I hope you’ll join me today in starting a fundraiser or making a special gift to invest in women and girls through our Dream Programs!

DOUBLE your gift before time runs out

Thanks to a match from a generous group of donors, today’s donations and fundraisers up to $10,000 will be doubled for twice the impact. That’s double the dreams that will be made possible for the women and girls we serve.

I’d like to tell you why I think our generosity is more important today than ever.

I’ve been thinking lately about all our Live Your Dream Awards recipients who have worked hard for years to overcome difficult situations, only to have their well-laid plans shattered as the pandemic took its toll.

Here’s just a few of the heartbreaking effects this pandemic has had on the women we serve: 

• Women have had to sacrifice their own careers and education to focus on their children’s needs. They’re leaving the workforce at a rate 4X greater than men. This means lost earnings and lost opportunities.
  
  
• Women experiencing abusive relationships feel trapped. They have to weigh the dangers of putting their family at risk of COVID at a crowded shelter, versus remaining in a violent home.
  
  
• Many essential workers are women, and many of our award recipients enter the caring professions. These teachers, caregivers, and nurses on the front lines are at high risk of getting sick, not to mention burnout.

The situation looks dire. But there is something you and I can do right now to help. We can support these brave women by donating for #GivingTuesday.

The women who apply for our Live Your Dream Awards are some of the most resilient women you’ll ever meet. I have no doubt they’ll keep working hard to overcome these newest obstacles. But together, you and I can lend them support, making sure nothing slows them down as they rise higher.

With a Live Your Dream Award…

• A woman can afford her kids’ daycare while she continues to build a successful career or attend college.
  
  
• Survivors who have bravely made the choice to leave an abuser will have access to resources to pursue a safe, independent life.
  
  
• Essential workers like teachers, caregivers, and nurses will have the things they rely on right now, like stable transportation, technology, and someone to watch their kids while they do their essential work.

Your support always matters, but I can’t think of a time when that has been more true than right now. Not only are women and girls struggling to weather a pandemic, but our organization stands on the precipice of its 100th anniversary and an ambitious goal to reach half a million women and girls in the next decade.

It’s a big challenge. But people like us don’t back down from a challenge. We remain resilient. We are ignited to action by our unwavering support for the women and girls whose lives we touch.

Thank you, John, for being such an important part of  our work. And thank you for making this #GivingTuesday an occasion to celebrate!

Gratefully,

Susan Gilbey
Fundraising Council Chair


P.S. Please make your gift or Facebook Fundraiser today—our #GivingTuesday match expires at midnight. Every dollar helps!