We've Got More Prizes

From Lisa H., Sunshine Yarns 100% Superwash Merino, approximately 450 yards

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From perennial Red Scarf supporter Mel, her cute stitch markers:

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From Amy, that Spunky Eclectic chick herself, a $25 gift certificate to Spunky Eclectic. 

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From Trish L., a skein of Schaefer Anne yarn

and one of Yarn Ahoy Superwash (in Treefairies color).

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From Ronni, enough beautiful yarn for three different pairs of socks:

Yarn1 Dream In Color's Smooshy in "Wisterious" 1 112gr/450yard skein
Yarn2 Misty Mountain Farm's Jubilee in "Purple Martin" 1 ~100gr/400yard skein
Yarn3 Apple Laine's Apple Pie in "Earthly Delight" 2 56gram/190yard skeins

And from Tanya, for each of two lucky recipients, a copy of her adorable pattern for a felted pig:

  How can you resist that face?

I've decided that when we hit $3,500 -- just over one-third my goal for this round -- I will award the first prizes.  (More prizes gratefully accepted, too, by the way.)  As of Sunday afternoon, we are at 114 donors, and almost breaking $3,000.  Will you be the one to tip it over?

Need more incentive or information before donating?  Here are some quick facts:

Youth Aging Out of Foster Care: More than 25,000 foster youth age out of state care or run away every year, leaving them without ongoing connection to family members or caring adults.

Barriers to Higher Education: Foster care youth are less likely to enroll in college preparatory courses (15 percent v. 32 percent) even when they have test scores and grades similar to those of non-foster care youth.

In addition, they are more likely to drop out of high school (37 percent v. 16 percent).  These youth are less likely to access higher education as young adults. 

A strong majority€“ (70 percent) of teens in the foster care system have a desire to attend college.

Research has shown that education is a leading indicator of successful youth development and adult self-sufficiency.

(Source: Casey Family Programs; Higher Education Reform: Incorporating the Needs of Foster Care Youth, p. 7).

Out of Sight, Out of Mind:  There are almost 1.3 million teens between the ages of 16 and 19 neither enrolled in school nor working.

Your donation to the OFA is tax deductible.  See the OFA's impressive rating through Charity Navigator here.

You know what you want to do.....  CLICK! 

Comments

[Kristen]

Clicked, clacked, clucked. You're amazing!

[April]

What, no picture of Ryan in a red scarf?

Just a suggestion. :)

[Kathy]

I was suddenly overwhelmed with the urge to click. So I did :-)

[Jane]

Done! Even without Ryan in a red scarf!

[Cookie]

Woo!

&

Hoo!

[Suzanne]

Is it wrong that a tiny portion of me donated because I WANT THAT PIG? If so, I am a bad person. Three cheers to Ryan!

[sandy]

I am moved to tears with the wonderful generosity of the knitting community.
Ohmygod is that PIG cute. And I never thought I'd say there on this here blog, truth be told.