Well, it is that time of year again.  It’s time to lace up the shoes on and hit the pavement.  Run4Change 2011 has officially begun. 

We are aiming this to be the greatest year yet.  We have set a modest goal of $10,000.00.  Run4Change is critical for our organization as it funds our ability to care for orphans in Ethiopia as well as assist families down the path of adoption (international and domestic).  Run4Change is also important because its pure focus is to get people advocating for others while improving one’s health.  Bethany and I (Jeff) were amazed of how nice of an excuse this was to just get out of the house and breath some fresh air.  While out on the road, it was awesome to just turn the brain on and think. 

Now we at Perpetual Change are challenging you.   If you are a runner, please think about choosing OUR mission as YOUR running cause.  If you are not a runner, please use this opportunity as a challenge.  You need not be a professional runner.  You just need to be “able” because most of us are blessed to be.  Here is what you can do:

1. Find an event in 2011.
2. Register to be a part of our team
3. Along with your fund raising site, we will help provide the tools you need to fundraise for your efforts
4. Find others to join you in this cause (running buddies)

So, take this challenge. Be a Perpetual Change for others in need.  Check out our Run4Change page for more details and we will see you out there!

http://www.theperpetualchange.me/events/run4change/

Ever heard of Etsy?  Etsy is an e-commerce community that links manufactures and buyers.  Now, Perpetual Change has linked up with Esty for our first ever holiday sale.  Many manufactures and hard working crafty people have donated tons of items for this sale.  The best part…ALL proceeds support Perpetual Change projects.  Stop by our Etsy store at www.perpetualchange.etsy.com before we are sold out.  Buy a gift that gives back this holiday season!

It has become one of the greatest times of the year.  Houses all around the U.S. will be filled with traditional holiday meals, an increase of family members, festive music, and presents galore!  Although shopping centers began setting up Christmas displays shortly after July 4^th, a true benchmark of the holiday arrival is Christmas music on the radio.  Well, this time has come quicker than expected for most.  If you are anything like me, holiday shopping will begin a day before Thanksgiving for food and up to five days before Christmas for presents.  This style of shopping is performed in the masses to which the strongest sedatives can not relax.

We at Perpetual Change have great news for you.  Beginning November 15^th, our Etsy site will be launching with tons of unique merchandise for you or your loved ones.  Many of these items are handcrafted and donated to Perpetual Change by the manufacturers themselves.  The purpose of this Etsy site: distinctive gifts that benefit orphans which can all be ordered by the comfort of your own home.  Don’t worry about dressing for an outing, just put on the slippers and go to www.perpetualchange.etsy.com.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity before the items are sold out. 

Recent Happenings:

The last couple months with Perpetual Change have been filed both with great accomplishments and an increase of needs. As our list of supporters grow, we wanted to communicate the progress to which we have made and the road ahead. We thank all of you who have made this positive impact on others.

Child Sponsorship- UPDATE INFORMATION:

We just received a packet from our Ethiopia office with updated sponsorship information. All U.S. sponsors will receive updated child information in the mail within the week. If you are not currently sponsoring a child, we encourage you to look into our Hand in Hand Program and see how you could greatly effect a child in need.

Orphanage Improvements:

Perpetual Change has recently connected with two different amazing organizations which have provided grants to help improve the Be’Eminet Orphanage in Hosanna Ethiopia. One grant, provided by “h2 Empower”, was applies to the immediate needs of the children which placed much needed food on the table. The other grant, being provided by “EOR”, will be applied to finish construction on the expanded school. Once finished, the school will help sustain the orphanage by community enrollment.

We have also begun drawing plans on developing an improved kitchen at the Tsigie Orphanage. The kitchen will increase the efficiency of feeding the children as well as improve sanitary conditions.

Run 4 Change:

We have almost accomplished over 100 miles of Perpetual Advocacy. The worn shoe tread, buckets of sweat, and cramping hamstrings have become a stance for the voiceless. We have changed this fundraising platform and are now partnered with Karma411. The 2010 is not over yet, find a race, get people inspired, and get people involved.

Etsy Holiday Sale:

Looking for gifts for the upcoming holiday season? Coming soon to the Internet near you, Perpetual Change will be hosting an Etsy sale. Most all of the items will be donated and all proceeds will benefit causes supported by Perpetual Change.

New Places and Faces:

We are taking this show on tour! Perpetual Change personnel have been invited to speak around the Oregon Willamette Valley area. All talks are geared to motivate others to become active in helping those in need regardless of local, national, international borders. We have also had multiple new faces join the ranks. We will introduce you to these awesome people in the near future!

Current Need:

Perpetual Change can only succeed and grow at the hands of committed supporters. As it said that it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community like yourselves to support that village. Below are the current needs of Perpetual Change and those to whom we support.

• Clothes: Ages 5-18. Winter clothes preferred.
• Child Sponsors: Our program is designed to be fully effective at 100% sponsored. Child sponsorship does not take much, is very rewarding, and makes a monumental impact on a child’s life.
• Volunteers: Committed members to assist with administrative needs and fundraising.
• Financial Support: Please consider making onetime or reoccurring donations. Perpetual Change’s impact is subject to your investment in us.

Thank you for your continuing support.  May we together, become a Perpetual Change in the lives of others.

Our Hand in Hand sponsorship program is gaining progress as many of the children have been matched with U.S. based sponsors.  The Hand in Hand sponsorship program is a very effective way to provide an international relationship that provides hope and passion on both sides.  Primarily, the Hand in Hand program is a crucial key to delivering basic daily needs to the children.  The Tsigie Orphanage administration is excited to see these relationships flourish and the needed support received. 

We just recieved letters and drawings from the kids to be sent to their Hand in Hand sponsors.  So if you sponsor one of these precious children, they should be in your mail soon.  Many of the children have become sponsored.  However, we are still in great need for more sponsors to match all the kiddos.  Matching all the kids is critical in providing constant and effective support.  We encourage any and all of you to look into this program.  Our program is efficient for the children and personal for sponsors.  For more information, click here.

Below are pictures taken from the purchasing and delivery of food and craft items.  Every month, bulk items are delivered by Perpetual Change staff and volunteers to the orphanage.