"Thanksgiving Stuffing" - Julie Dell and family stuff the End of the Year Ask letters on Thanksgiving Day.

For many years I have supported numerous local charities, activities, and events.  There was never a question whether I would buy Girl Scout cookies, raffle tickets, pizza kits, or magazine subscriptions.  Neighborhood kids and local businesses could always count on me to help out with a purchase or donation.  I never gave much thought to how the money would be spent, who would manage it, or how much was being raised.  That all changed when I became involved with the IWSA.

As a non-profit organization, the IWSA relies solely on donations and volunteers to carry out its mission.  In my role as an IWSA board member and WAGR parent, I am involved with planning and budgeting as well as many other organization tasks and projects.

Our biggest event each year is WAGR Weekend.  As the host family for WAGR Weekend 2009 and 2010, I naively volunteered to raise money to help offset some of the event costs.  I had quickly gone from being a giver to being an asker.

At first this new role was uncomfortable and uncharted for me, but it became my mission.  Feeling very passionate about our cause, I turned to family, friends, and my business community for financial support.  I was completely overwhelmed by the generous and compassionate response.  The IWSA not only received monetary gifts and offers for volunteer assistance at WAGR Weekend but donated items like water bottles and gifts for the kids.  I was also afforded the opportunity to share my personal experiences of raising a WAGR child.  I found that most people who support charities prefer to give to organizations that they have a connection to--ones where they know the people it helps, the services it provides, and that the money is used to serve a great need.

IWSA board members and officers are also tasked with developing and encouraging participation in our fundraising efforts.  The variety of donation methods has increased tremendously through use of the Internet and social networking sites.  You can continue to contribute to the IWSA through the United Way, PayPal, Network for Good and Guidestar.  

We know it takes a village to raise a child.  We are learning that it takes many villages to support the missions and goals of organizations like the IWSA.  Like I did, consider being an asker--share your story and ours--and help the IWSA continue to serve families facing the challenges of raising and caring for children and adults with WAGR Syndrome.

Please consider sharing our End of the Year Ask letter with your family and friends this Holiday Season. 

Click here to view a recent newspaper article on the IWSA.