Although Hurricane Katrina struck nearly two years ago, rebuilding is still ongoing and much work remains for those staying in the devastated area. I was last in New Orleans last October and encountered many National Guard troops who were providing ongoing support.
This is a unique opportunity to support a true hands-on charity. Usually about 50-90% of funds donated to well-respected national and international charities provides direct support to the intended beneficiaries. The rest supports administrative overhead, public relations, and other ancillary services. In this project, 100% of the funds raised will purchase building materials. Labor and administration will be donated by church members, including me. (If we are extremely successful in this effort, excess funds will be given to Crossroads Missions' Help Build Hope, in which case some funds may be used for charitable administration. Regardless, the first dollars raised will go directly to those who need our help.)
You can help in a couple ways. First, you can make a flat donation. Or challenge me by pledging an amount of money tied to my performance in the race. I have completed one sprint duathlon this season, which is like a triathlon, but opens with run instead of a swim. (It was supposed to be a triathlon, but inclement weather prevented us from entering the water.) Based on this and other recent results, I should be able to complete the swim in about 9:00, the bike in 38:30, and the run in 23:50. Allowing 2 minutes for transitions between events, my "par time" is 1:13:20.
If you are moved to help with this worthy cause, contributions may be made by check or online. (Online Fundraising Powered by ActiveGiving.) Checks should be made to "Church of Christ St. Joseph" and mailed to me at:
Scott Dahman
ATTN: Tri for Hope
1506 E Grand Ave
St. Joseph, IL 61873
Please include "Help Build Hope" on the memo line. Online donations may be made through Active Giving and a receipt will be provided with the church's federal tax ID number. Donations are tax deductible as charitable contributions to the extent allowed by tax law.
If you wish to pledge a donation based on my performance in the tri (instead of making a flat donation), please provide the information on the pledge form below and return to me. You can scan and email it, snail mail it to my address above, or just send me a plain email to dahman@ieee.org with the requested information.
The home construction will take place in our church parking lot at 226 East Sherman Avenue in St. Joseph, Illinois on September 5-7. Feel free to join us if you are able. I will post pictures of the construction here, as well a link to my triathlon result.
Thank you for your support and God Bless!
