I've being involved since a couple of years with some non profits organizations and foundations.
It makes me realize how fortunate we are to have a life and a choice to live it at our best capacity.
One cause that specially touched my heart is "Raising Malawi". It is dedicated to eradicate extreme poverty and educate children about HIV / AIDS.
It's a nation where there are almost no mothers because of this disease, children are the ones that take care of themselves and the little ones!
I have two children, I just can't bare the thought of them taking care of each other because there is no one around to feed them, say I love you and tuck them into bed.
The way I've being able to help is with my art, I'm a photographer. Whether it is shooting events, fashion photo shoots, designing websites (yes, I do that too) or donating art, I've had the opportunity to share with the ones who need it most.
This time I'm auctioning some pieces of art to get funds for the cause.
A series of 3 photographs, mounted in acrylic with an aluminum bond. They look absolutely stunning!
I'll post the link very very soon!!
Everything we do counts... everything.
With all my love, Carolina.
I completely agree with you, everything we do, no matter how small we think it is counts for a lot in the big picture.
ReplyDeleteI´d like to congratulate you for your work, but most of all for your good intentions and your kindness. I think it is wonderful that you´ve found your way to contribute and to make this world a better place. Surely your example will inspire other to find their own, but in the mean time, there are your wonderful pictures on E-bay.
Keep up the good work!
L.
The charity 'Raising Malawi' (PR firm) founded by Madonna AND TWO OTHERS over three years ago held fund raisers for over two years before finally getting registered as a non-profit. In other words, Madonna and the others were free to squander the lion's share of that funding any way they saw fit for those first two years. She also pleaded with her fans worldwide for donations along the way. In the meantime, she toured the world to promote her latest CD and raked in another $280,000,000 gross in just over 12 months. To date, the basic financial info for 'Rasing Malawi' still hasn't been posted on the website or anywhere else. The 'progress' page only tells of the collective works by over 20 seperate charities. Each of which have their own sources of funding and may have recieved some sort of promotion or support from 'Raising Malawi' in order to be considered 'partners'. But no indication is made how much of their funding came from 'Raising Malawi' or how much of their progress if any could be directly attributed to 'Raising Malawi'. The fans/donors have no clue how many millions of dollars were raised in that first two years, no clue how much Madonna herself chipped in, and no clue how the money was spent before they finally registered as a non-profit. No clue what tiny little fraction of funding or works listed on that 'progress' page could be directly attributed to 'Raising Malawi'. Nothing to go on but the vague word of Madonna. The vague and very misleading word of Madonna. For example: She states in her latest promotional video that she will match any contributions made to her charity (PR firm) "dollar for dollar". However there is a disclaimer posted on the website for 'Raising Malawi' that Madonna's total contribution will not exceed $100,000. Thats not per donation. Thats a maximum of $100,000 TOTAL. Less than a single days pay for Madonna. Also much less then she will surely rake in by promoting her own CDs, DVDs, and 'for profit' merchandise through this massive worldwide publicity stunt. So I called the office of 'Raising Malawi' in an attempt to verify some sort of efficient financial operation (310) 867-2881 or (888) 72-DONOR). These details are ALWAYS made available by legitimate charities to their potential donors. But not in this case. I got nothing but recorded messages and hangups. So I did some research on my own. 'Rasing Malawi' still hasn't been given any kind of rating by ANY independent charity watchdog like Charitywatch.org. The vast overwhelming majority of 'celebrity' foundations never are. In general, they are inneficient and riddled with corruption. Like the promotion of CDs, world tours, commercial websites, entire lines of jewelry (not just the single piece from which proceeds are donated), and high end fashion retail flagship stores. Celebrity foundations are also notorious for squandering much of their funding on travel and super high end accomodations for their celebrity figure heads. Its legal even for a nonprofit but not noble or efficient by any stretch of the imagination. In general, 'celebrity' foundations are a twisted inefficient mutant of charity, self-promotion, and PR crap. They actually compete for funding with more efficient legitimate charities which do more work with less money. Its a sham. So if its not rated, then don't support it. Instead, support a top rated charity like any of those given high ratings at Charitywatch.org.
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