Michael's Fundraising Appeal

Dear Friends and Family,

I hope this message finds you safe and healthy! As some of you may know, I’m currently helping direct a youth empowerment organization in Honduras called the Organization for Youth Empowerment (OYE). I am supporting OYE by running in the San Pedro Sula Marathon de la Prensa on June 26, and I’m writing to see if you're interested in supporting (which you know you are...)

OYE is a Honduran non-governmental organization that empowers at risk youth from disadvantaged families and communities, providing them with educational and leadership tools so that they can be the change their country needs. Honduras remains one of the poorest countries in Central America, with over 50% of the population living in poverty and approximately 30% unable to read or write. An estimated 45% of youth do not complete high school, which places them at risk of following a more destructive path of violence, gang involvement, drug abuse, and/or crime.

OYE is an alternative to this ominous reality. OYE provides a space for youth to express themselves through the arts, sports, creative writing, radio, journalism, and music while developing and carrying out environmental/community service projects and campaigns. They create and manage all of their programs, all while completing their educations and developing their future careers.

So here’s where you come in. In honor of OYE’s 6th birthday, I’ve outlined a 6-step plan for how you can support the cause of youth empowerment in Central America.

1. Check out my blog to learn more about OYE and my fundraising goal of $1500, which alone could ensure that three Honduran students complete a full year of high school or University education.
2. Close your eyes if you are offended by pictures of people racing in bathing suits. And vote in the polls!
3. Watch this YouTube video to meet some of the Honduran youth at OYE.
4. Look at that ChipIn widget with the little bar that shows how much money we’ve raised so far. Isn’t it cute?
5. Think about how much you might like to contribute. (No amount is too little. Except zero. Zero is too little.)
6. Remind yourself that this is a worthy cause and you have the means! Maybe the humanitarian in you wants to make sure a Honduran youth completes his or her education. For the frugal minded, maybe you can sacrifice this week’s dinner out or one or two happy hour drinks for OYE. For people who like a deal, all donations to OYE are tax deductible, meaning that the money will come back to you at the end of the year (magic!). For the spiritual, a donation to OYE means lots and lots of positive karma. For those who are in my debt, owe me some cash but have yet to pay up, or plan on inviting me to a certain ceremony that will require me to rent a tux and/or stay in a fancy hotel, it’s okay – you can make it up to me right now, and you won’t run the risk of turning into a poor unfortunate soul.

That said, this cause means the world to me, so much that I’m willing to train in the blistering Honduran heat and humidity to run a marathon! I can really use all of the support I can get from you as I embark on this challenge...but we have less than 20 days! So start clicking, start donating, and stay tuned for updates on my blog! And then start planning your trip to Honduras…I love having visitors!

OYE EL CAMBIO! DO IT FOR THE YOUTH!!!