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As many of you know, I am in the midst of writing a book on personal finance. Would you believe that I was right in the middle of writing the chapter on giving when the earthquake in Haiti hit? As I was listening to the news in horror and disbelief, I began to wonder what would be an appropriate response to this disaster…specifically from a person who is writing a book about money and giving.
After talking to my colleague and local Raymond James branch manager, David Laurion, I learned that he planned to match his clients’ gifts to worthy organizations working to provide relief in Haiti. It struck me as a great idea and something that I would very much want to be a part of. For those of us who attempt to give money advice and teach others about the impact they can have through thoughtful planning and execution of a financial strategy, this is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate the principles we talk about.
Some of you have heard me say that compared to the rest of the world, we are all Bill Gates. I feel so completely blessed and secure and I recognize that I do experience comfort and convenience nearly every day. Out of a grateful and humble heart, I want to extend the following invitation to you.
I will personally match donations made by my clients to one of the following pre-screened nonprofit organizations providing relief in Haiti. All of these organizations have been examined for efficiency by the ECFA, and all had connections in place or their own operations already on the ground in Haiti before the earthquake. I have listed them according to the needs they are currently addressing.
Sadly, because times like these seem to breed scandals and fraud, I am limiting my match offer to these organizations that I trust. If you have another organization that you feel strongly about, you may submit it for my review on an individual basis.
· Clean Water - http://www.water.cc/initiatives/haiti/
· Children’s Crisis Fund - http://www.missionofmercy.org/donate/index_1006.cfm
· Relief Fund (100% of donations go to victims, but they do not take online donations) -http://www.partnerswithhaiti.org/index/Earthquake_relief_fund.pdf
· Relief Supply Delivery - http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/responding_to_haiti_earthquake/
If you forward me your confirmation showing the amount of your gift, I will match your donation during the month of February up to a total of $5,000. I will follow-up in my next newsletter to let you know what the total donations amount to. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at or call my office at 612-435-7050.
Warm regards,
Rachel McDonough, CFP®
Financial Advisor
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