i have hope

I posted two tutorials last night: one for a hybrid card and bulletin board and one for a set of coasters. Also, don't forget about this week's Letters & Words challenge; layouts are due by Friday.
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(I know this post is long, but please read all the way to the end. It's important that we all take part!)

I've long believed that the digital community is one of the most giving and generous communities there is. When individuals or families are faced with illness, death, or other struggles, the digital community is quick to band together and use their talents to create kits whose sales benefit those in need. Sites like Songbird Avenue (run by the amazing Jan Crowley, whom I adore and admire more than words can say) are dedicated to donating all proceeds to a number of charities.

Emily and Angela Powers are another pair of designers and scrappers whom I admire greatly. They bring a level of integrity, faith, and insight to every project in which they are involved. I "met" Em and Ang back when I first got started in digital scrapbooking; they invited me to be part of one of their first design teams, and I've always been so impressed by their spirit and grace, as well as their dedication and professionalism.

That's why I want to bring this project to your attention: the iHope collaborative kit at {we are} storytellers.

Here's what Emily has to say about it:
"Everyone has been touched in some way by breast cancer. And recoiled from the touch. No family should lose a mother prematurely. Or a dear friend, sister, wife, daughter, co-worker. No one of us, just diagnosed, should have to look at the mirror in the morning and say: Will I survive? Everyone deserves a lifetime: We feel it deep in our bones."

100% of the proceeds from iHOPE(minus paypal fees) will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. We're so thankful to our friends for donating their time and creativity to this worthy cause. Thank you Emily, Gina, Rachel, Jacque, Amber and Liz! Deann, thank you so much for encouraging us in our efforts and insisting that {WST} host iHOPE.



This year, Angela and Emily will be participating in a very special event called the Breast Cancer 3-Day.

They'll walk 60 miles over the course of three days with thousands of other women and men. The net proceeds will support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment through the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

They've agreed to raise at least $4,600 in donations. They cannot participate in the event if they each do not raise $2,300. So they need your help! Would you please consider purchasing this beautiful collaborative kit or making a donation? To make an online donation go to www.The3Day.org. Click on the DONATE link and search for a participant by typing in Angela Powers or Emily Powers. You then will be taken to their personal fundraising webpages and can make a donation. You can also call 800.996.3DAY to donate over the phone.

According to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, approximately 200,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and nearly 40,000 will die from the disease. That's why they're walking so far. To do something bold about breast cancer. They hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with them--by supporting them in their fundraising efforts.

As Em said, so many people have been affected by breast cancer. My great-grandmother was a breast cancer survivor, and I've had my own scare. About four years ago, I found a large lump during one of my monthly self-exams. After several procedures -- ending with a complete biopsy -- we discovered that it was a fibroadenoma, but the worry and fear I felt in the days leading up to my diagnosis are emotions that no one should have to struggle with while trying to go about their everyday lives. That's why I think it's absolutely essential that everyone make a donation to Em and Ang to help them meet their goal. If you scrap -- buy the kit. If you don't, then make a monetary donation. Yes, I know that finances are tight for everyone right now, but know this: it could be your mother, your sister, your wife, your daughter, your best friend. And they are worth it.

Need an extra incentive? Purchase the kit or make a donation by July 15th, and you could win one of three great prizes from me: a custom digital scrapbooking kit, a 3-month all-access pass to my digital store, or three Label Tulip scrapbooking kits. Here's how you can win:

*Purchase the kit at {we are} storytellers. Leave a comment in this thread with your invoice # and your name.

*Make a donation (see instructions above). Leave a comment in this thread with your name (I will  check it against the donation rosters on Em and Ang's individual pages).

You have until midnight EST on July 15th to enter. Please indicate if you are a paper or digital scrapper for prize purposes.

It doesn't matter what amount you pledge -- $5 is just as important as $50 or $500. Skip your Starbucks coffee or lunch out today and instead donate that amount to this cause. Together, we can all make a difference.

To see this gorgeous kit in action, view the photo album here.

EDITED TO ADD: Emily is offering three all-access passes to her shop for the month of August, and other designers are joining in too! Stay tuned for more ways to win!

Comments

[Barb]

What a great way to raise money for the 3-Day! That's great!

[Martha]

Great cause and great way to raise the funds:D Wishing them all the luck!

[Christine Bisch]

I completely agree... I have personally benefitted from Emily's very giving spirit. And you are very kind to offer an incentive for buying the kit. I bought it last week and LOVE it! My order# 28140. I do hope everyone joins in supporting them!

[stampin_rachel]

What a great cause to raise money for! I am a digital scrapper and love how the digital community comes together sometimes. My transaction #28545 - thanks ladies!

[Angela Sorensen]

I am happy to be supporting such a worthy cause. I purchased the ihope kit, here is my order number #28966. Thank you.

[Michelle]

Such a great kit for a truly worthy cause! My purchase number is #28033. Thanks for the chance to win!