Draft Fodder for Inpiration Fund Series in 7 or 8 parts

Over the past two years, and rather intensively this past year and a half, that question has become somewhat of a mantra, as I have witnessed close friends lose their homes, businesses and/ or jobs, having to cut back on spending, resulting in leaner lifestyles. Some have even been wavering on the brink of poverty. These are smart, industrious people who cringe at the thought of having to ask for a government hand out or ask friends or family for a loan. They have always been able to make it by, one way or the other. But, today's economy has presented a different set of challenges. Challenges which need to be met head on with progressive and innovative solutions.

For whatever reason, a good portion of government aid for the ordinary citizen seems to have clogged up in one political bottleneck or the other. It just does not seem to be pouring out fast enough to meet people's immediate needs. And, let's not forget another layer of delay and set back, financial predators who profit and gain from schemes and plans designed to benefit only themselves at the expense of others. They don't care about others as long as they get theirs, taking under the pretext of helping--with their own Madoff-esque twist.
Unfortunately, this kind of mentality has contributed significantly to the current economic crisis. Simply put, greed just got out of hand. One prime example and glaring reminder is the foreclosure crisis. It sent this country into a financial tizzy that will take it a while to recover from. The domino effect has sent financial giants to the bankruptcy courts and thousands have been laid off or terminated from their jobs. Many of us know friends and family members who have been impacted.
So, I thought, why not a fundraiser for friends having cash flow problems or otherwise experiencing financial difficulties? It may sound crazy and be perceived as the utmost in naivete, but why not start a fund that will inspire and assist those who are unemployed and going through severe financial trials as a result of the economy? Why not promote a real sense of community outreach and service, sincere help for our neighbors without a lot of fanfare, pretense, administrative roadblocks and red tape? Why not a community fund among friends in which everyone can contribute according to their individual capacities and receive in line with their unique needs. Whether $10, $20 or $1,000, every gift is important. This concept was superbly demonstrated with the power of "grass roots" fundraising in the last Presidential election. What an inspiration. Need I say more?
My vision for the Inspirational Fund is inspired first by God and scripture (Romans 6:38), President Obama's resounding success last November in galvanizing the small contributions of common people into an extraordinary tool for progress. It is also inspired by wonderful friends who have helped me along the way, sharing their resources freely and without "stuttering". It is based on the community chest concept such as those set up in social networks and on message boards across the internet. But instead of raising the funds to keep communities or boards up and running on the internet, this money will be used to keep a friend up and running, while preventing them from "slipping through the hard times cracks". Minus the red tape, of course, the funds will help with food, housing, bills, transportation and any other miscellaneous emergency expense until the "friend in need" lands employment or otherwise gets on their feet.

The initial goal is a symbolic $10,000.00. Funds raised will be made readily available to individuals or organizations experiencing hardships with the aim of getting them through the temporary challenges they face. The plan is to expand this effort into an ongoing "helps" ministry and humanitarian aid network.
I hope that you will join me in "sharing the wealth and spreading the love". If you can't give money, maybe this Inspirational Fund will at the least cause you to look at situations of need differently. Hopefully, it will ultimately "inspire you to give" so that you will "give to inspire", setting off a chain reaction of giving, which seems one sure way to help.
Stay tuned for further details. Please visit my page at Fundable.com. and make your pledge.
Thanks in advance for your contribution!
Cynthia

"What can I do to help?"