@RogerCarr – and don’t forget an inspiring BLOG – like Everyday Giving

http://www.EverydayGivingBlog.com

@Beth – this was to answer the question you asked me on Twitter. As far as “getting upset about those who don’t give” goes, you and I know absolutely nothing about what goes on in their lives – and it would be terribly wrong to make any assumptions.

Some people give a lot without saying anything. Others would love to, but simply don’t have the means yet. And still others don’t know how best they can help, or whom to reach out to. All of them would fall into the broad category of “those who don’t give” – but they are just as generous and helping as the people who dig into their wallets.

Ultimately, it’s the thought that counts more – because when circumstances change, these are the people who come back and give (at least, that’s been my experience).

@Mary Lynn Carson – Mary, it was a pleasure and privilege to be involved (in some small way) with your wonderful effort for the Sharing Foundation. Thank you for making it possible for so many young children to benefit from what you do.

For details about how you can help the Dr.Mani Children Heart Foundation, please see this page:

http://www.CHDinfo.com/chdaware/howdonate.htm

All success
Dr.Mani

Thank you for helping the Sharing Foundation and our Beth Kanter. I am a parent of a daughter born in Cambodia, and I am on the board of the Sharing Foundation. Beth told me about the work you do. I would like to send you a contribution. How do I do it?

The fundraising contest will end in 10 hours (1/31 3PM EST) and we are 30 – $10USD donations away from winning the big prize! Is there any way you can help us in our last hour?

Thank you

http://beth.typepad.com/beths_blog/2008/01/dont-let-50k-fo.html

I missed this — I have been a little sick with a stomach flu .. but getting back here.

Thank you for this lovely post and sharing your insights related to the culture of giving – and how that translate or doesn’t online.

I am in the US near a city with a large immigrant population of people from Southeast Asia, many of them do not make much money. If you follow this post, you’ll see a money tree – where people there are contributing small amounts for a Budhist Temple.

http://tinyurl.com/2d6jet

I have always been inspired when I meet Cambodians here in the US who are so appreciative of this work we do in Cambodia and who readily contribute. There is khmer culture of giving.

And your point about our children watching us and learning from us. That’s why I involve my kids in raising money for Sharing Foundation – they get it – and they too would empty out their piggy banks (and have) in a heartbeat.

I love the blog that the 25 days project – Laura – that Roger pointed me to – great example.

I’m trying not to get upset about those who don’t give or don’t care — I’m trying to celebrate the people like you, Dave, Roger, Laura and many others who do – and go the extra step to make difference in any way they can.

The flip-side of the mystery you mentioned is those who do not give. A recent report in my home state of Colorado showed that the people with the highest incomes were the ones who give the least, and those with less money give more. Go figure.

Additionally, I have also been involved in the Giving Challenge through Facebook, and have been less successful there, as I pointed out in a recent <a href=”http://missiondrivenmarketing.wordpress.com/2008/01/21/of-poverty-slavery-social-media-for-social-change/” rel=”nofollow”>blog post </a>that connection to a cause in Facebook seems to be more about self-expression than anything else. Beth Kanter also mentioned this in <a href=”http://beth.typepad.com/beths_blog/2008/01/is-fb-causes-in.html” rel=”nofollow”>her blog</a>.

Thanks for the encouragement to do what is right. May it result in cultivating a culture of more giving.