On January 28, 2013 something happened which has become dear to my heart. I never expected it to become what it has given its humble beginnings. Quite simply, a math professor with whom I don't have much contact used the word dossier in a sentence. My ears perked up and I was reminded once more of how acutely I love words. I posted it casually on Facebook that evening and it began. Since that day, I have listened to friends and colleagues, family and students, strangers and entertainment to find words that, for some reason, stood out. Thus, Today’s Found Word was born.

It became such a thing that I created the calendar to gather and celebrate the words and have been doing so ever since.

So, here we are - the 12th year of words. Once Go Fund Me takes its cut, all proceeds go directly to the FLCC Foundation, which is a 501 (c) (3) charitable corporation. The Found Word Scholarship is given to a returning student in need who shows a love of language and the art of communication. This year, I am committed to giving two $2,000 scholarships to students in need to help them achieve their dreams.

Thank you – thank you for keeping words alive, for pushing your language usage to the dusty corners of forgotten realms, for supporting a love of lexicons, a delight in dictionaries, and an excitement for etymology.

$5 - A PDF copy of the calendar

$10 - A hard copy of the calendar

$25 - A signed copy of the calendar

$50 - A signed copy of the calendar and a personal thank-you note

$100 - A signed copy of the calendar, a personal thank you note, and a laminated bookmark with this year's unique poem penned by me

$500 - All of the above plus something special!

Finger Lakes Community College Foundation Inc.

THE FLCC FOUNDATION SHALL SOLICIT, RECEIVE AND MANAGE GIFTS AND BEQUESTS TO BE USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE BENEFIT OF FINGER LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE (THE COLLEGE), AND CULTIVATE FRIENDSHIPS AND PARTNERSHIPS THAT WILL BENEFIT THE COLLEGE.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Even just a few dollars can help move this mission forward and reach those who need it most.

If you can’t donate right now, sharing this fundraiser is also incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. It means the world to me.