The Giftival Pay-it-Forward Fund
Donation protected
I have the privilege of turning 50 this year. FIFTY. I hear so many people dread this big birthday. The big Five OH, they say.
But for me, every year I am given at this point in my life is a gift, a gift denied to so many. Many around me have not had the privilege of growing older, having children or watching their children become thriving adults. I am grateful every day for reaching this milestone, and hope to have many more.
And I want for nothing. Truly. I have a wonderfully messy house, two fabulous kids, a loving husband who survived near-death last year, meaningful work in the world, and good friends.
So why am I creating a crowdfunding campaign?
Every year, I am honored to attend an event called "Giftival. " It takes place in different countries every year, and its purpose is to call people from all over the world working in gift economics and gift culture to come togther and share best practices, stories, tips, and strategies for spreading this important paradigm far and wide. These wondrous people come from places as diverse as Senegal, Nigeria, Turkey, India, Bhutan, Japan, Mexico, as many others, and we learn from one another about how to revive this most ancient practice for getting everyone's needs met: The Gift.
This year, Giftival is in Brazil this November.
Last year, a very generous donor sponsored many people's airfare and lodging costs for our event in Rome, Italy. This year, Giftival attendees are trying to raise the costs of the event themselves -- from their communities.
And because I am turning 50 while I am at the gathering this year, I thought I might ask my community to support our efforts to make this affordable to those who can't cover their own costs. To gift it forward. As a birthday present to me.
This money won't go to pay for MY airfare or lodging, but to support others' travel, food, and lodging costs who might not otherwise be able to attend, but who have vital experience and information for us. We need their stories and cost should not be a barrier.
So, as a gift to me, will you gift to them? It will mean more to me than all the Starbucks gift-cards and fancy ceramic mugs in the world.
-Marie Goodwin
But for me, every year I am given at this point in my life is a gift, a gift denied to so many. Many around me have not had the privilege of growing older, having children or watching their children become thriving adults. I am grateful every day for reaching this milestone, and hope to have many more.
And I want for nothing. Truly. I have a wonderfully messy house, two fabulous kids, a loving husband who survived near-death last year, meaningful work in the world, and good friends.
So why am I creating a crowdfunding campaign?
Every year, I am honored to attend an event called "Giftival. " It takes place in different countries every year, and its purpose is to call people from all over the world working in gift economics and gift culture to come togther and share best practices, stories, tips, and strategies for spreading this important paradigm far and wide. These wondrous people come from places as diverse as Senegal, Nigeria, Turkey, India, Bhutan, Japan, Mexico, as many others, and we learn from one another about how to revive this most ancient practice for getting everyone's needs met: The Gift.
This year, Giftival is in Brazil this November.
Last year, a very generous donor sponsored many people's airfare and lodging costs for our event in Rome, Italy. This year, Giftival attendees are trying to raise the costs of the event themselves -- from their communities.
And because I am turning 50 while I am at the gathering this year, I thought I might ask my community to support our efforts to make this affordable to those who can't cover their own costs. To gift it forward. As a birthday present to me.
This money won't go to pay for MY airfare or lodging, but to support others' travel, food, and lodging costs who might not otherwise be able to attend, but who have vital experience and information for us. We need their stories and cost should not be a barrier.
So, as a gift to me, will you gift to them? It will mean more to me than all the Starbucks gift-cards and fancy ceramic mugs in the world.
-Marie Goodwin
Organizer
Marie Goodwin
Organizer
Media, PA
