Climbing Kilimanjaro for a Cause

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CAN AFFECT ANYONE:
         *  Every 9 seconds a woman is assaulted somewhere in the U.S.
         *  1 in 4 men will experience domestic violence by an intimate  partner
         *  Across the U.S., 1 in 5 CHILDREN every year are exposed to domestic violence  and 90% are eyewitnesses to this senseless violence. 

On February 18th, I will begin what is sure to be an adventure of a lifetime - a 9 day trek to reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.  At 19,341 ft., Kilimanjaro is the tallest peak in Africa and one of the world's seven summits.   

While climbing 'Kili' is a personal journey to fulfill a longstanding dream, I want to use my climb as an opportunity to raise money for WINGS Program Inc., a Chicago-based non-profit that is the largest provider of domestic violence services in Illinois.

Guests are provided with safe housing, counseling, emotional and career services – a pathway to a new life.  Last year alone, WINGS served more than 1,100 adults and children from all walks of life with an incredible success rate -  96% of survivors chose not to return to their abusers after leaving WINGS.

I have proudly served on the WINGS Board of Directors for the past four years. The mission of this incredible organization is of personal importance to me because earlier in my life, I too, experienced first- hand the damaging effects of domestic violence. 

Please join me in supporting this wonderful organization.

 My goal is to raise $19,341 - the height of Mt. Kilimanjaro's summit - an ambitious goal, but so too is climbing the tallest freestanding mountain in the world!

The good news is I have already raised $5,575 so, with your help, I need only $13,766 to reach my goal.

Here are some examples of how your generous tax deductible donation will be put to great use: 
      *  $2,500 pays utilities for one month
      *  $1,000 pays for post traumatic stress    counseling for one guest
      *  $500 pays for the cost of one shelter bed
      *  $250 pays for one month of fresh produce
      *  $100 pays for one night of shelter in one of WINGS' safe houses
      *  $75 buys one box of diapers
      *  $50 pays for therapy materials for one child

IMPORTANT NOTE: I have personally funded my trip so please be assured that your full donation will go directly to WINGS.  

Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

Sandra

To learn more about WINGS Program Inc, please visit our website: www.wingsprogram.com