A Shot At Making It

Hi!

              I am Joseph:) I am currently running a fundraising campaign to attend a professional training I was accepted into, called Inspired2Speak(click for link to training program site). It is a long term goal and pursuit of mine to become a successful entreprenuer and motivtional speaker. 

Why should you invest in me?   
               I was recently selected to participate in a very high end training. With the skills and resources offered by this training, I will be able to go out into the community and help change lives. Impact the people in my immediate environment, uniquely to their needs and circumstances.
               I have previous experience promoting literacy for various elementary schools across the state(Oregon), volunteering outside of work giving time to children in the classrooms(reading to them and speaking to them as a rolemodel), coached and mentored students at the University of Oregon(speaking to classrooms, facilitating discussion amongst groups, then working with students on an individual basis with their personal challenges), Setting up events as Vice Presidnent of Toastmasters(go to Speaking Expirience section below below) to encourage the community to speak and get involved with personal development.
               I am already doing said work.  I am at a point in my life where I want to take the next step in my career as a speaker, in order to create greater change within our society. In being chosen for this unique program, I need every bit of help I can get to make this transformation happen. It costs $8000 total and I've been able to scrounge up roughly $3000. I am asking on my community to help out with the rest of the $5000. 

What you get for Investing in my Cause.
If you donate:

Any & all donations - Bracelet of Appreciation 

$100 - Personal handwritten letter and a special certificate of appreciation.

$500 -  Personal handwritten Letter, a special certificate of appreciation, and a limited edition Duck Mascot cup signed by The Duck himself.

$1000 -  Personal handwritten Letter, a limited edition Duck Mascot cup signed by The Duck himself, and
a personal trophy inscribed with your name and my appreciation on it.

Get Involved!
                    If this is something you believe in, please share!! As of right now, I am running this campaign by myself. Any and all help is greatly appreciated! I have many ways to pay you back, reward you, to show my appreciation, and/or make it worth your time. Your paying it forward will help people.

                    This is great portfolio work if youre interested in working for the campaign as well. It has great momentum behind it! The potential for this campaign is incredible and can go many directions. This is an awesome opportunity, I would be more than glad to meet and go over everything with you, and see if/where there is a fit. My personal infomation is below. 

Hard Ships Through Out My Life.
                     I am 24 years old.  I have been an underdog my whole life and have come a very long way. My hardships taught me how to reach for my dreams. Having my brother shot, almost losing his life. Losing my mentor shortly after achieve one of my greatest achievements of my life(so far).
        I also faced a lot of opposition growing up. I have been told; that  I “wasn’t college material.” I would “never make anything happen with my dance career”, and I am “too risky” and “waste my money on traveling." I knew better than to believe these lies.
         I came to realize that my greatest superpower continues to be my belief in me. I have known hardships and found the courage to tackle many obstacles in my path. I don’t believe in giving up, I am meant for so much more in this life. My greatness echoes in each and every breath which form my living soul.

My Experience as a Speaker.
                     I’ve had training under the 1999 World Champion of Public Speaking Craige Valentine and the acclaimed speaker, Les Brown(said to be top 5 bestotivational speakers in the world), and personally mentored by professional story teller; Mark Lewis(University Professor, 2 time emmy award winner, and guest on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno). I have been a part of Toastmasters for 2 and a half years; being the Vice President of Public Relations and Marketing for one year. Within that time I have already accomplished my Competent Communicator and Competent Leadership awards. I am a member within two clubs, and have won numerous awards, my latest competing at a regional level in the country. I want  teach my fellow man(and woman) how to deal with stress, get rid of excuses and do what is  to make their dreams a living reality.how to better articulate their feelings, emotions, and passions.

My Experience as a Business Owner.
                      I've owned my own business through out college and have learned so much from the expirience. My mentor, Bud Jones, has taught me a lot on a very consistant basis the last few years. Multiple times a week, every week, for the last few years. He was a policeman, owned 2 grocery stores, owned a pub, and was the Vice President for a solar company. He currently owns his own online business, which I am apart of and colaborate with.  

                     I am also starting up my own Mascot Business. I was the mascot industry for a few years, working on behalf of 2 prestegious organizations; The Eugene Emeralds Baseball Club and the University of Oregon. I have learned an emense amount about this industry and am in the process of freelancing on my own. I want to create mascots for other organizations, as well create my own personal mascot; to serve various needs within the community (like bringing awareness to a certain cause, creating lasting memories within families, and strengthen brands).

Other Accomplishments.
- Social Media Creator for The UofO Ad Society.
- I am an Eagle scout.
- Have been apart of Duck TV off and on for 4 years &  won awards for best actor and best production.
- Took a year off and did service abroad I built and  repaired schools in Panama, Costa Rica, and Peru.  Following that I received an award for taking Spanish  classes in Costa Rica and Argentina.
- Certified Rescue Scuba Diver.
- I have been in/performed in commercials for Pillsbury,  AT&T, and ESPN.
- I was a producer for the 'Ducks Like You' student  government campaign(ASUO), who went on to win!
- Diversity Excellence Scholarship award winner.
- Performed for 2 NBA games.
- Performed at most all of the UO football,      basketball(women’s and mens), volleyball,  Acro&Tumbling, Baseball, and other various UO sports.
-Member with O Heroes (University community service organization made up of the schools student athletes) for 2015.

Thank you!
I want to thank you for your time in reading this letter. This is undoubtedly one of the best opportunities for me to launch my career as a motivational speaker and entreprenuer.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, advice, or just reach out and network; you can reach me at,

Joseph Alfano
[phone redacted]
[email redacted]

Mailing address:
1292 High St. PMB342
Eugene, OR  97401