Ludwig's Trip to DC!
I firmly believe that where there's a will, there's a way. Help me teach Ludwig that invaluable lesson and get him to DC this March!
In 2014, my mother lost her job of 17 years after her employer, and good friend, passed away. As a live-in employee, my mother had to quickly find a place to live and adjust to her new lifestyle. My brother, Ludwig, had practically grown up in her employer's residence in Miracle Mile and he, out of all of us, faced the biggest transition. The year to follow would be a very emotionally and financially unstable year for our family, but that did not stop Ludwig from trying to make the best out of the situation.
When we lived in Miracle Mile, Ludwig was only a 4 mile commute away from school. Once we moved, his commute turned into a 15 mile commute, averaging between 3 to 4 hours on the road every day. He wakes up at 5:30 in the morning to catch the first bus that leaves at 6:10 in order to make it to school on time. If he missed that bus, the next one wouldn't come until about an hour later, subsequently making him late to school. His trip back home isn't any easier as traffic in LA at 4 PM is hard on everyone and sometimes he doesn't get home until 6:30. 
Despite his long days, Ludwig still makes time to help out his community by assisting in a Trap-Neuter-Return program with the stray cats in the neighborhood. During his free time, he likes to wood work, skateboard, play piano, or study the bus routes of Los Angeles.
Recently, I learned about an exciting opportunity for Ludwig's 8th grade class to spend spring break in Washington, DC. When I asked Ludwig why he hadn't mentioned it before, he said "because I knew we couldn't afford it." After a difficult year and a half, I don't want Ludwig to shut down opportunities offered to him simply because "we can't afford it." He's a great kid and going to DC will not only help him grow as a person, but also let him experience the world beyond LA. Therefore, I'm calling on all our family, friends, and acquaintances, and any good-hearted folk out there to help me make this trip a reality!
Cost of the program=$1,812 (includes airfare, lodging, etc)
Additional expenses=$188 (souvenirs, luggage, etc)
Total amount needed=$2000
Total amount already paid=$500
Total amount still needed=$1500
I will continue to save money to pay for Ludwig's trip until the deadline on Thursday, February 25, 2016, and adjusting the fundraising goal accordingly, but all donations, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated.
For more information on the DC program Ludwig will be attending, click the following link: https://www.closeup.org/program/ms-dc-and-gettysburg