TSS Alumni Surprise Alex with First Donation
Birthday boy Alex Mandossian got the surprise of his life when Teleseminar Secrets (TSS) Alumni presented him with a really big check for $2,547.32 as the first donation to SMARTSTART|Giving at the 2008 annual TSS reunion party in San Francisco! Just their way of saying, “Thanks, Alex!” And it all started with a simple email sent from the heart to fellow teleseminarians by Elaina McMillan.
With Eric working behind the scenes to bring the birthday wishes web site to life, John helping out on the secret planning phone calls, Karen volunteering to create the big blue check for the presentation and hundreds of generous former students making micro-donations headed for our Kiva kickoff well… let’s just say it was the perfect birthday gift to launch our first live fund-raising campaign this March.
You made the birthday boy very, very happy indeed!
Thank you all for your generosity and support for SMARTSTART|Giving! (I had to miss the reunion this year but heard folks just kept right on giving during the party which means our first donation deposit is this check plus another $1,000 or so — which is some really great giving if you ask me! Do we know how to party or what? Looks to me like our crowd is going to set a new definitive standard for “giving back”!)
Tags: alex mandossian, kiva.org, linda m lopeke, smartstart giving, teleseminar secrets
March 23rd, 2008 at 12:28 pm
It was an outstanding moment. I really think Alex was surprised!
March 25th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
There is something really special about giving, no doubt. But there is something extra special about giving a gift that has the ability to continue to recycle itself. I am honored to have been a part of the kickoff! Keep doing what you do.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I think what I love the most about this micro-fundraising concept – besides allowing almost everyone the ability to contribute, is that for once, we see that the majority of money raised actually ends up going towards the cause. So many traditional non profits and charities have too many hands dipping in the coffers leaving a few cents on the dollar for the intended recipients.
March 28th, 2008 at 7:35 am
What a present for us to be there at the Reunion and watch this happen. What energy was in the room when this happened. We look forward to supporting SmartStartGiving.org and Kiva.org and this great cause in the furture. And a special thanks to Elaina McMillan for putting the TSS reunion donation all together!
– Pat & Lorna Shanks
http://www.PatAndLorna.com
April 25th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Heartwarming stuff Alex I specially like the comments
“…something extra special about giving a gift that has the ability to continue to recycle itself.”
“….the majority of money raised actually ends up going towards the cause”
I love your ability to see sheer simplicity – and act on it.
Jackie Mackay