Microfinance Fundraiser Challenge

I recently heard Peter Greer from HOPE International speak about his work in lesser developed countries and about microfinance from his new book, The Poor Will Be Glad. Microfinance offers loans and savings, while "providing financial services to poor people so they can increase their income and decrease their vulnerability to unforeseen circumstances" (Greer 101). While using microfinance to help lift countries from poverty, Greer and HOPE are also using it as a way to fundraise here in the U.S. To help raise money for their non-profit organization, they created NeverEndingHope, a way to turn something small into something significant.

With that in mind and using money we have already raised, each player was given $10 and the challenge to multiply that money into the most possible. For example, someone can put on a karaoke night by buying a CD ($8), inviting 10 people, and charging each person $5 for attending...equalling $50. That $50 - $8 (CD) = $42 made from the initial $10!!

Pictured left, Jameisha Washington and Bailey Esquivel show their advertisements for the Christmas cookie grams they sold and delivered to Westmont students. Other girls tie-dyed T-shirts, created crafts, and put on bake sales as ways to earn more money.

So, thank you Peter Greer and HOPE Int. for the microfinance fundraiser idea. This has been our team challenge over Christmas break and we hope this encourages you to make something great out of very little and donate the proceeds to a worthy cause. Be sure to check back for updates on our microfinance endeavor and the $5 YogurtLand (team favorite) gift certificate winner for the player who raised the most!