“It’s fun to be a philanthropist!”
Dear Friends and Fellow Adventurers,
Didn’t you always want to be a philanthropist? Ideally a very rich one, but truthfully, it doesn’t take much to be a philanthropist. You can start at any age – even as a kid – don’t wait until you retire.
There are so many worthy organizations, schools and causes to support, and more that require assistance every day. I’m not suggesting you donate to the specific ones I have listed, but they are options to inspire you further. All the links go directly to the organizations so you can learn more, and donate without a middle-woman. I know all of you give to many organizations already, and some of you are lucky enough and generous enough to do amazing volunteer work, so you are already part of the philanthropists club.
Making a difference is the best part of the adventure!
Trish Albright
Five Acres
Five Acres, The Boys’ and Girls’ Aid Society of Los Angeles County, is a child and family services agency that strengthens families and prevents child abuse through treatment and education in community-based and residential Programs. Originally founded as an orphanage in 1888, today Five Acres offers an array of services including residential care and educational services, mental health services in homes and schools, foster care and adoptions, and domestic violence prevention.
Five Acres, The Boys’ and Girls’ Aid Society is the oldest non-sectarian child abuse agency in the San Gabriel Valley and has been caring for society’s most vulnerable children for 121 years. Donate here to support any of the Five Acres programs.
A note from Trish: Five Acres helps children and teens of every race, color and creed that need their innocence and childhood protected; and who deserve like everyone else, encouragement and hope for the future. This is a very worthy organization that provides skills, guidance, therapy and some sense of normalcy in the lives of all the children they help.
2010 “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing – Nashville, TN
The “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing has become one of the most popular events at Romance Writers of America’s annual conference. More than 500 romance authors participate in this two-hour autographing event, and each year thousands of dollars are raised and donated to ProLiteracy Worldwide. Since 1990, RWA has donated more than $600,000 to literacy charities.
The 2010 “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing takes place on Wednesday, July 28, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. This event is open to the public; there is no admittance charge. Since all the proceeds from this event are donated to charity, it is preferred that you purchase books at the event instead of bringing your own books. (RWA accepts cash, check, or credit/debit cards for book purchases at the event.) If you do bring books, please limit yourself to one or two books and consider making a cash donation to the cause.
Note from Trish: This is always a fun event with the stars of romance signing their latest releases and best sellers. Be prepared to wait on line for Nora Roberts, Linda Howard. Literacy opens the world to everyone. As a writer, avid reader and hopeful dreamer, I can’t imagine what it would be like to not have the gift of literacy. The publishers donate books, the authors forego royalties, and your purchase goes to help a local literacy group. Everybody is a philanthropist! I’ve signed the last two years, but won’t be in Tennessee this year. If you’re a local, stop by and join the party—and let me know how it goes. I’ll see everyone next year in New York City!
Kate Duffy Memorial Fund
The Kate Duffy Memorial Fund honors the memory of Ms. Duffy, a longtime editor for Kensington Publishing who passed away in September 2009. The Fund is set up to support writers seriously pursuing a career in romance, and awards one or more scholarships for the payment of conference fees for RWA National. Applicants must be RWA members who are PAN eligible. Members apply by submitting a personal letter plus at least two supporting letters from RWA members stating the applicant’s financial need, their serious pursuit of a romance writing career, and why they believe attendance at RWA National in the year of their application will benefit their romance writing career.
The Fund is overseen by Romance Writers of America. Applications should be directed to RWA, Attention: Kate Duffy Memorial Fund, 14615 Benfer Rd., Houston, Texas 77069, with Kate Duffy Memorial Fund application in the subject line. Applications must be received by March 31. Applications will be assessed by a committee of authors and kept in complete confidence. Scholarship funds will be disbursed to the extent that member donations made to the Duffy Memorial Fund cover the disbursement.
To donate to the fund, mail a check to RWA, Attention: Kate Duffy Memorial Fund, at the address above. Please write “Kate Duffy Memorial Fund” in the check memo line. Or, you may donate online at www.rwanational.org. RWA members can donate online, by logging into the RWA site. Click on the Store link, and add the Kate Duffy Memorial Fund to your cart. Then, change the quantity of the $1 cost to whatever amount you wish to donate.
Note from Trish: If you are a romance writer, $5-10.00 can help one of our colleagues. The romance genre brings the world stories of hope, optimism, love, and people who overcome great odds to find happiness and success. I think supporting new authors is worth a tip of the hat whether you do it locally or nationally.