The Travel Toast gang is hobbling running in the largest relay marathon in the United States: Beach To Bay Relay, in Corpus Christi, Texas on May 21, 2011.
Why are we running?
Hey, I’m glad you asked.
Meet the children of Hogar San Jose De Malambo, the largest orphanage in Panama.
We are running to support the disadvantaged children in Panama. Many of the orphans living there are infected with HIV, have been abused and neglected, and unfortunately the orphanage is in dire need of funding. (See a YouTube video in English about this amazing orphanage here.)
Why this orphanage?
Panama is a country close to our hearts and we consider it our second home. (Our Clarita was born in Panama City!) Although the country is considered more developed than most Latin American countries, many of the citizens are very poor and there is little structure in place to help abandoned, abused and sick children. When you see a need, it’s only natural to want to help.
How can you help?
Oh, you’re still reading. Thanks! You can help by supporting our efforts by keep us accountable and encouraged as we train (none of us are runners) and by spreading the word.
If you can toss over a few bucks to feed, educate and pay for HIV medication for a child in need, that would be awesome too!
But I don’t want you to give without getting something to show our appreciation.
Here’s what the Travel Toast Team would like to do for you in return for your donation:
*Sponsor us for at least $15 and Bella has volunteered to create an artistic illustration of your image in crayon (or you could choose someone else’s image).
She does amazing work with crayons for a 6-year-old, and is very passionate about her art.
*Sponsor us for $35 or more and get a batch of homemade Triple Chocolate Dream Cookies, freshly baked by Sophia and Ben, and mailed to your home. (Only if you live in the Continental U.S.) We will happily bake a gluten-free and/or dairy-free batch upon request.
*
Sponsor us for $75 or more and get the Triple Chocolate Dream Cookies and a bag of Panama’s finest coffee. By the way, it should be noted that Panama makes the best coffee in the world!
Own a business or website? All of our sponsors will be mentioned prominently on TravelToast.com until the completion of the event with a 120X60 pixel ad if desired.
*All proceeds will be given directly to the Hogar San Jose De Malambo in Panama!
Get your goodies now by donating via PayPal’s secure server:
P.S. Stay Tuned: Melanie is taking a special trip to Panama on March 22, 2011 to give you a personal tour inside the orphanage. Be sure to check back for more information!
Read all about the visit to the orphanage here (including some footage of Melanie’s mom bravely driving through Panama City!).
P.P.S. We will be posting our training updates here, so come back to see how we’re doing!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Now this is something that speaks directly to me.
My heart belongs in Paraguay, for similar reasons. The goal of my wife and I once my debt is paid off is to start a foster home in a less developed region of the country. We’re probably 5-10 years out.
In the meanwhile, I’ll be following your efforts! And I’ll be sending something over soon.
Great effort, good luck, and God bless!
-jason
Hi Jason! Thanks for your support!
Paraguay, wow, that’s wonderful. Some acquaintances of my husband (husband & wife team) went to Bolivia to a remote place in the jungle where no one can usually travel, and they started http://www.projectangelsofhope.org/ When you get closer to taking the plunge, you should contact them. I believe their ministry is now more focused on helping the children living in prisons (hundreds of ‘em!).
Thanks again, and God bless you too!