mycharity: water

campaigns to watch

January 30, 2012
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Campaign to watch: chefs unite!

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campaign: CHEFPAGES
raised: at least $1,265
has been fundraising since:
mission statement: “Feeding the world with clean, safe and fresh drinking water.”

zach

Clean water is crucial for health, hygiene and… good eating? Of course! When Zach Fields, founder of the site CHEFPAGES, heard he could start a campaign to fundraise for charity: water projects, he figured it was a no-brainer to get the culinary industry involved. We asked him about his passion for connecting chefs to fund safe water projects:

First off, tell those of us who don’t know — what is CHEFPAGES?
Built by Chefs, CHEFPAGES is an entirely free interactive virtual culinary community that leverages the power of the internet to boost individual careers. It is for culinary professionals with similar goals, to empower them with this platform to think differently and take actions that are required for success.

chefpages site

Every member receives access to a wide range of tools, resources and opportunities needed to take their careers to that next level. You can look for a job or look for a professional; sell a product; buy a product; seek management; promote your business, or network within the community… it’s all here.

Did I mention it’s entirely free?

What about charity: water’s mission is related to chefs and the culinary arts?
More often than not, chefs tend to overlook the significance of water as part of their kitchens. It is not that they take it for granted; it is simply that the idea of not having access to running water has never been their reality. Ask any chef how not having access to running water would impact their overall livelihood; the culinary industry is a luxury. At some point the art and science of refined food preparation should not lose site of its building blocks.

Give us a little background — how did you hear about charity: water?
I heard about charity: water, as most do… from a good friend. His name is Joey Vanas. He was helping out a close friend of his, Tony Hsieh, organize the Zappos Happiness Tour [which stopped by the charity: water office], when he sent me an email announcing his birthday campaign. After watching charity: water’s third birthday video, I knew I had to become part of this movement for the long haul.

Tell us about the birth of CHEFPAGES… and then how and when you brought charity: water in?
I am not quite sure to be honest. All I know is that while I was living in New York, I enrolled in the night program at the French Culinary Institute. About half-way through the curriculum, I noticed a need for a structured and networking capability within the industry. Whether someone was looking for a job, or looking to hire, there was no easy way to promote culinary talent regardless of background or experience.

“The culinary industry is a luxury. At some point the art and science of refined food preparation should not lose site of its building blocks.”

The goal was simple: to create a digital platform where serious, creative and ambitious culinary specialists could come to forge lasting professional relationships from around the globe. CHEFPAGES more or less just launched in 2012.

As far as the decision to incorporate charity: water into the plans, that was easy. I am a strong believer in the works of public health. The opportunity coveted by many and available here to achieve any goal begins with at the very least access to food and water. I found myself to be in a very unique position to contribute and promote this cause. CHEFPAGES is the perfect platform to subtly remind each and every one of us why we do what we do.

chefpages water icon

What’s the most effective thing you’ve used to connect chefs to the the water crisis?
Photographs of running water unnoticed in kitchens, whether at home or in a restaurant, juxtaposed against its scarcity is stunning yet motivating at the same time.

Share what has been most challenging in your fundraising efforts.
Other fundraising opportunities, the idea that even the smallest contribution may actually reach those affected.

Do you have any tips or advice for other business owners/community managers looking to start a mycharity: water campaign? 
charity: water across the board is an organization run by some very smart and ambitious people. It is an organization that you can be proud to attach yourself to; primarily due to its accountability. Rarely are outcomes measured in many nonprofits the way they are here. Lastly you have made it so easy to come up with a plan and impact lives on a global scale.

What do you think gets people most excited about supporting CHEFPAGES’ cause?
CHEFPAGES’ goal is to create awareness both within our community as well as throughout the entire industry. It is our moral and professional responsibility to encourage chefs, of any specialty, to view water as a precious resource. To use our skills for this cause whether monetarily or otherwise is an honor. There is nothing more inspiring than helping others – that is the foundation of the culinary industry… to serve.

chefpages site cw page

What are your future plans for fundraising for water projects?
With the official launch just underway, we are more than excited to have charity: water as our exclusive charity of choice. We have devoted an entire page, GIVING BACK, within the community to promote, inform, and provide a “call to action” for every single member, and non-member, to get their hands dirty.

Use your start-up company. Play games, sell muffins, hold an event. You can do anything to fundraise for clean drinking water. Learn more here >

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January 18, 2012
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Campaign to watch: every day she’s hustling… on a treadmill.

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campaign: Walking 4 Water
raised so far: $200
campaign goal: $5,000 ($20,000 over by the end of 2012)
mission statement: “Starting December 28, 2011, I will walk on the treadmill at my gym every day, to try to raise money for those who don’t have clean, safe drinking water. I will be taking a photo everyday, and putting it on my blog, as proof to ensure that I stick to my goal, and remain focused on what’s important: clean water.”

It sounds like everyone’s New Year’s resolution — exercise more. But Stephanie’s taking a 2012 goal to a whole new level; she’s walking every single day for a whole year, all to raise funds for water projects. We caught up with her to see what’s keeping her disciplined and dedicated to her campaign:

treadmill

How did you first hear about charity: water?
A few years ago when I was pregnant with my son. I saw the commercial with the woman and her two children going to the pond and filling up the Jerry cans with disgusting, dirty water. My first reaction was, “I wouldn’t let him drink that. I want the very best for him.” Unfortunately, I went into early labor and he lived 12 minutes. My life got turned upside down and it has taken me years to put back the pieces, but the one thing that has stuck with me through this whole process, is that commercial.

Which came first — the idea to start a campaign, or to reach a walking goal?
I knew I wanted to make a difference, so I asked my husband to get me charity: water’s Thermos Hydration bottle for Christmas. That was the only gift I wanted. When it arrived, I was so excited but I felt that I, personally, wasn’t doing enough to help end the water crisis. So I thought about what I could do to make a difference.

treadmill

I wanted to do something that would take an entire year, raise $20,000. When I saw that the my charity: water campaigns were a maximum of three months, I decided to break down my campaign into quarters. To raise $5,000 and build one well every quarter, in an effort to try to effect positive change for a village each quarter. The only question was, “What am I going to do everyday?”

And then it dawned on me — walk. Just walk. Walk every day at my gym, on the treadmill, and document every mile.

You’re nearly a month in… has it been difficult?
Since starting my campaign, the most difficult thing is getting people to do something about the water crisis and donate. It’s always nice to hear people say, “That’s great,” but it’s another thing for them to open their wallets and help. It can be a bit disheartening hearing “no” time and time again, but I have faith that even if they don’t donate, they have at least been made aware of the water crisis.

treadmill

What has been easier than you expected about it?
Something I thought would be hard turned out to be easier than I expected: getting the word out and spreading awareness. I have found that people are eager to hear about my charity: water campaign and my personal journey to walk for clean water.

Has blogging helped keep you going?
Absolutely.

Why?
I can honestly say that knowing that I have people that are checking the blog daily and people that have agreed to pledge for the entire campaign of 91 days, makes me want to go and walk even further. I just have to be careful not to overdo it and not injure my legs. I have to keep focused on the fact that this is a year-long marathon for me and that tomorrow is just around the corner.

What’s your support network like? What were the reactions to your campaign?
My support is my husband. He makes sure that I take the time to stretch, eat healthy and stay positive. He’s been so great helping me make fliers and getting the word out. As for the reaction to my campaign, I have found that people are generally supportive, but yet again, hesitant to help out.

treadmill

Do you consider this a New Year’s resolution?
The thing about New Year’s resolutions is that people rarely keep them because they have no one to be held accountable to. I have had several people ask me if this was a resolution of mine, and it isn’t. It’s changing the way I live and leading by example. For me, every person I can help bring clean water to, are the people to whom I am accountable. I might never meet them, nor see the village where they live, but this is the promise I made to them, even though they’re not aware of it.

What motivates you the most in your campaign?
Knowing that every step I take on that treadmill brings someone one step closer to tasting clean, safe drinking water for the first time in their lives. That’s all the motivation I need.

Any advice to others thinking of doing a campaign?
If you are thinking about doing a campaign, make sure that you do it whole heartily. Keep an open mind and be aware that there are going to be personal sacrifices, whether they be time, energy, money or goods, in an effort to do what is right.

Stephanie was featured in two local newspapers for her efforts! Check out her story in East Haddam Patch here and in the Middletown Press here >

Make a commitment to your treadmill. Or bike, swim, sell crafts — you can do anything for clean and safe drinking water. Learn more here >

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January 6, 2012
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Campaign to watch: game night with Geek Club.

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campaign: Geek Club South Bay’s Board Game Gala
raised: $1,618
total raised, with a match from Google: $2,921
mission statement: “We host events of all kinds, including movie marathons, Sci-Fi book nights and video game parties. We’re pretty sure we’ve got something for every geek out there! 100% of proceeds from our second annual Board Games for Charity Winter Gala will be donated to charity: water.”

We can get pretty geeky here at charity: water. So we love following what San Francisco’s Geek Club South Bay is doing to change the water crisis. They recently hosted a board game event and raised nearly $3,000 for water projects.

We chatted with Alanna, who helps lead the group, to get some insight on how these geeks work together to make a difference:

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What’s the Geek Club? Explain what makes you “geeks” and tell us what do you all do together?
The Geek Club South Bay was created by club founder Lexi Rubow, so that geeks in the Silicon Valley area of California could meet to make friends and participate in fun activities. We host many types of events, including board game nights, movie marathons, Sci-Fi book clubs and video game parties. Although our members all identify as geeks, there are a wide variety of different interests within our member base, such as comic books, computer programming, anime and mad science experiments.

How did the Geek Club first hear about charity: water?
I first came across charity: water while reading Cake Wrecks, my favorite blog. When deciding on a cause for our Board Games for Charity events, Lexi and I felt that helping to provide clean water was so important, as water is such a fundamental necessity for life. We are endlessly facinated by all the latest scientific discoveries about our expansive universe, but it also reminds us that so far, we still only have one earth. The Geek Club believes it is vital to take care of this amazing planet and its inhabitants.

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Tell us all about the event — did you get a good turnout?
Our event ended up attracting many more attendees than we expected! The crowd was mostly individuals and couples, with the average age ranging from 20s to 30s. Our main source of getting the word out was Meetup.com, the website our club operates through. We posted the event to our calendar on Meetup and reached out to other local board gaming and geek interest groups. We also printed fliers and created a webpage with the event info, meant for linking around the web outside of Meetup. Our event was held at a tech-oriented community center called Hacker Dojo.

Last year, we had about 50 attendees, and this year we counted about 80 people. We even had to expand our event into an adjacent room to accomodate everyone. We collected entry donations of $15 per person at the door and people brought their own board games to share and play. We also invited people to bring food potluck-style, and ended up with a large buffet of tasty snacks to munch on throughout the evening.

We held a raffle, which this year featured a few popular board games and other items donated by members of the group. The raffle was definitely a highlight of the night — especially the mad rush that ensued after we announced the last call for purchasing tickets before drawing prizes!

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Do you plan supporting more charity: water projects in the future?
We are definitely planning on hosting our third annual Board Games for Charity event next December! We’ve already got some ideas in store to make next year’s gala even more exciting. We believe that a large part of our event’s advertising came from word-of-mouth, so we hope that as we establish this club tradition, our attendee count will continue to grow.

Do you have any advice for other “geeks” about fundraising?
Our advice is to plan a fundraising event focused on something that you love! Focusing on board games was a natural choice for us, since our club’s regular board game nights continue to be our most popular events and board gaming is a popular activity in general in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Other lessons we learned is to start planning early, especially for large events. Stay organized, set a timeline for your to-do list, but also try not to overstress!

See more photos of Geek Club’s event here >

Play games, sell muffins, hold an event. You can do anything to fundraise for clean drinking water. Learn more here >

On our fifth birthday, our staff made said thanks to Geek Club South Bay with a video. Take a look at it here >

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January 4, 2012
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Selling cones in Stuy Town.

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It’s too cold for a lemonade stand — but what about a pine cone stand? Five-year-old Maya and three-year-old Anika stood outside Stuyvesant Town on Dec. 17 and sold about 200 hand-decorated pine cones to raise funds for water projects.

Their mom matched the $111 they raised to bring their total to $222. Thanks, girls, for your hard work!

pine cones

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December 28, 2011
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Campaign to watch: a marathon on ice.

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campaign: Ice Marathon
raising the money: Errol + Lizzie
goal: $100,000
raised so far: $76,106
mission statement: “We’re attempting the Antarctic Ice Marathon, near the South Pole, one of the world’s driest and most inhospitable environments. Only 100 people have ever completed this mammoth event (fewer than 14 women). Any donation amount will will help immensely and will also help to motivate us in what’s going to be a mammoth event.”

running

A marathon is one thing. But imagine running 26.2 miles on an active glacier, at an altitude of 3,000 feet, in sub-zero temperatures. That’s what Errol and Lizzie did on Nov. 30 to fundraise for clean drinking water — and they finished fourth and eighth in the race! We talked to Lizzie to find out what went into their incredibly difficult feat and their passion to behind it:

Where did you hear about the Ice Marathon? What inspired you to join?
It was very much Errol’s idea… he was looking for a challenge and having done a number of ‘normal’ marathons, was wanting to do something that would push him a bit further. A friend of his suggested a polar race. I love to run and was about to do my first city marathon when he asked me and I couldn’t say no.

I’ve always be fascinated by Antarctica and had wanted to visit the continent for many years. I was also looking for a charity project, given that in the past I’ve done lots of volunteering but have limited time now to dedicate. This felt like something we’d be able to raise a lot of money for so I was keen.

Lizzie was featured in the Telegraph’s video on the Ice Marathon (at about one minute in).

So which came first — the desire to compete in the Ice Marathon or do something to fundraise for clean water?
They came together really. The appeal of the marathon was that it was so ridiculous people would be stunned into donating! We certainly wouldn’t have raised $100,000 for a 10K in Hyde Park. We spent time looking at a number of other charities to see if they would put our money to good use… it was important for us to feel that we would be making an impact.

The appeal of the marathon was that it was so ridiculous people would be stunned into donating!

charity: water won in the end because of the efficiency of the model; we liked the way technology is used to both raise money but also track and monitor the impact. We also felt water, as a cause, was something that would resonate with everyone we knew. It’s a totally global, non-political issue.

Give us a sense of your training… how does someone prepare for this kind of event?
We trained in pretty much the same way as one would for a normal marathon, with a few extra long runs to get used to running for five to six hours. Both of us can do a city marathon in less than three and a half hours; we’d just never been on our feet for that long (five to six hours). I was training in Mumbai mostly, which wasn’t ideal, but I tried to pack in as many runs as possible when I was in cooler weather. I managed training runs in Switzerland (on a glacier) and in the Himalayas (when attending a wedding). Errol ran a very cold and rainy marathon in Toronto a few weeks before the race.

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How many marathons have you done?
This was my second marathon and Errol’s fifth. Neither or us had run on snow before and it was tougher than we imagined. All future marathons should be a walk in the park so we’re looking for a new challenge.

Why water, for you?
Access to clean water is something most people in the West take for granted. It’s just so hard to image that a massive percentage of the planet’s population constantly has to battle for access this basic commodity. I live in India and Errol spends a lot of time in Africa and we’ve both seen the impact close-up in countries we love. It’s such a huge development barrier and it just shouldn’t be, given the technology that is available. We also felt the cause was very fitting to the race… we were running in the world’s largest desert.

ice marathon

The most rewarding part of your campaign?
Every day, I felt completely overwhelmed by the generosity of our donors. It’s not about the absolute amount people donate, we all know different people have different incomes but to see old school friends of mine donating literally their week’s or month’s disposable income was very humbling.

I also sent the request to a couple of running clubs and was amazed how many complete strangers sponsored us — that was very rewarding.

Any other tidbits about your experience you’d like to share?
It is really important that Antarctica is extremely well-protected from human impact and at the camp, we had to preserve all dirty water and take it back to Chile with us. This included all human waste as well… so let’s just say yellow snow was totally banned.

Last thing: do you have advice for others thinking of raising money for charity: water projects?
If you want to raise decent sponsorship, do something a little bit crazy. Also, be prepared to have a thick skin and really hassle people for money. I sent out emails three times in many cases before they coughed up!

See more coverage of the Ice Marathon on CBC news here >

Run a marathon in Antartica. Run a 5k in your city. Sell lemonade or knit a sweater. You can do anything to fundraise for clean water. Learn more here >

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