So remember how I told you guys that I am volunteering at a local Pregnancy Center?
Well, I love this place.
I love the young girls I get to meet with and mentor each week, I love the hearts of the women who are running this program on a shoe-string budget, and I love what this kind of work is doing inside of me.
We offer free pregnancy tests and free ultrasounds, but the core of what we do is a program called Earn While you Learn, where young girls and women work one-on-one with a mentor each week, learning what to expect and how to care for themselves while they're pregnant, learning how to care for a newborn, how to properly discipline a toddler, how to balance a checkbook, how to prepare for job interviews, etc. The goal being to help young girls and women become amazing moms with promising futures.
And (most importantly to me) we're there to talk to them about Jesus if they're interested.
The upside of being able to talk about Jesus is that...well...we get to talk about Jesus.
The downside of being able to talk about Jesus is that organizations who talk about Jesus are not eligible for government funding and because of that, they've been keeping this place running for years now on nothing but donations and faith.
So I had this idea to do a give-away, and (lucky me) my good friend, Erin wanted to join in to help, because she's good like that...
So one person is going to win everything listed below:
- An auditing seat in the next Photographers' Workshop that starts next week (on Monday, March 25th.)
- Erin Cobb's Clean Color and Clean Skin tutorials.
- A 1-hour telephone or Skye photography/editing consult with Erin.
- A 1-hour telephone or Skype photography consult with me.
And here's what you have to do to enter:
1. Send a $5.00 or a $50.00 or a $500.00 check (or whatever amount you can give) to The Pregnancy Center at 2019 Aero Way #103, Medford OR, 97504 - or you can make a donation via Paypal by using the link at the bottom of this page.
2. Leave a comment here in the comments section, stating that the check is in the mail. (You do not need to tell me how much money you sent in and I am not requiring proof that you sent in anything either - we're just going to do it the old-fashioned way, where I just trust your word.)
* Note that no one at The Pregnancy Center knows anything about my blog and therefore, they know NOTHING about this drawing and I'd like to keep it that way, so please, please (please) do not make mention of my name or this drawing when you send in your checks.
It'll just be a nice, happy, surprise for them.
And I must admit that the thought of them opening up a bunch of unexpected checks puts a huge smile on my face.
Will draw the winner on Friday morning.
And a post without a photo?!?...I'd never do that to you.
Thanks guys, this means a lot to me.
ETA: A few people have emailed me to inquire whether or not its too late to sign up for the next Photographers' Workshop, and no, it is NOT too late to sign up. All of the regular seats in the workshop are full, but I will still be allowing auditors to sign up through the rest of this week.
Auditors can ask questions, post photos and otherwise participate in class like a regular students - the ONLY difference between regular students and auditors is that I do not provide written evaluations for auditing students. However, auditing students can purchase and schedule a telephone/Skype consult with me where I can verbally evaluate their images if they decide to (and the cost of auditing/$245 + the cost of a consult/$95 = $340, which is actually $55 cheaper than taking the class as a regular student.)
So auditing is the perfect option for anyone who wants to save a bit of money and/or anyone who wants to work at their own pace during the workshop.
If you'd like to register as an auditor, click here.
I hope you don't mind that I used PayPal instead of a cheque on this page http://www.rvprc.net/FAQ.php ? It was just a bit easier from Australia :-)
Posted by: Ruth | March 19, 2013 at 01:05 AM
What wonderful idea!! Sent some money love to the center from FL!
Posted by: Amy Farrell | March 19, 2013 at 03:36 AM
Thank you for creating such a happy, positive place on the internet! I just sent my donation. What a great idea!
Posted by: Jennifer Rutz | March 19, 2013 at 03:41 AM
Done! And, in the same spirit, since I am already enrolled in the class and have Erin's tutorial, if my name is the lucky draw, I would like to be able to give the prizes away.
(I just had a smile thinking of your Center opening my envelope and wondering how and why they have a supporter in Canada. Thank you for starting my day with gratitude and a feeling of warmth and giving).
Posted by: Lisa Gibson | March 19, 2013 at 03:50 AM
Can't think of a better way of spending my lunch money...plus a little extra.
Posted by: Colleen | March 19, 2013 at 04:00 AM
What an amazing way to share the love! I am happily signing my name on a check for this and mailing today. You are such an inspiration!
Posted by: Corrine | March 19, 2013 at 04:45 AM
Oh, I so wish I could do this. And maybe in a few weeks when things settle down a bit I can. I am my Grandmother's exectutrix, she passed a few weeks ago. And right now I am way in over my head with her bills, my own bills and just not enough pay check to go around. But I have written the address down and am hoping to brown bag lunch all next week so I can send that money instead to the Center. I just love what you are doing there, and what you are doing to help them here. You are as always an inspiration!!!
Posted by: Lisa C | March 19, 2013 at 04:55 AM
Oh boy...things like this give me goose bumps. I so wish I could be a fly on the wall when those ladies start getting checks and PayPal donations from all over the WORLD! It's a good thing you're doing Karen Russell...my check is in the mail!
Posted by: Katie Johnson | March 19, 2013 at 05:16 AM
Check is in the mail - you are completely awesome!
Posted by: Kim | March 19, 2013 at 05:47 AM
I am so in!! As a maternity nurse I understand how valuable the mentoring is to these mothers. I wish we had a center near us that provided such comprehensive help for these moms to get back on their feet and to help them learn how to be good mothers to their babies!! Thank you for helping these women! You are fabulous Karen! Money is on its way!!
Posted by: Kelliann | March 19, 2013 at 06:36 AM
What an awesome idea!! Just sent a donation via PayPal.
Posted by: Courtney | March 19, 2013 at 06:38 AM
Beautiful idea, Karen! I just sent a donation via Paypal.
Posted by: Melissa | March 19, 2013 at 06:40 AM
You have no idea how much I admire you Karen, no idea...but He does. I will have a smile on my face from making this donation all day today. So thank you Karen, for being the wonderful you that you are!
Posted by: Dolly | March 19, 2013 at 06:47 AM
Check's in the mail (or in the electron field through Paypal). Thanks for your ministry!
Posted by: Suzanne Gorhau | March 19, 2013 at 06:47 AM
You are one awesome chica! Sending a check in an envelope sealed with prayers :))
Posted by: DanaL | March 19, 2013 at 06:48 AM
What an awesome idea! You have such a big heart! I sent my payment to the center over paypal this morning. It's really great what you're doing.
Posted by: Sylvia B | March 19, 2013 at 06:52 AM
Having worked for a non profit, I can only imagine how very excited this unexpected surprise will be for them! You have a heart of gold. I made my donation via paypal this morning ~ so my check flew through the mail so to speak :)
Posted by: Leah S | March 19, 2013 at 06:57 AM
What a wonderful idea, Karen! Just donated via Paypal. Good luck!!!
Posted by: Christine P | March 19, 2013 at 06:59 AM
I feel like I'm participating in the best surprise party ever!! Totally Paypal'd them. :)
Posted by: Valerie | March 19, 2013 at 07:03 AM
Just donated. God bless you in all that you are doing to help these girls.
Posted by: Susan B. | March 19, 2013 at 07:05 AM
This is so great Karen! The check is in the mail ... well, actually it was a paypal donation :) What a great cause. These girls are so blessed to have a mentor like you!
Posted by: Molly Weight | March 19, 2013 at 07:07 AM
Donated via Paypal. I think it's wonderful what you are doing Karen!
Posted by: Pamela Quan | March 19, 2013 at 07:07 AM
I think it's an amazing think you are doing Karen and it doesn't surprise me one bit being the amazing person you are! I donated via Paypal!
Posted by: Pam | March 19, 2013 at 07:08 AM
Donated via Paypal. What a sweet thing to do. I hope you get a lot of responses and donations. God Bless both you and Erin for donating your time and energy to such a great thing! Its nice to have someone rally for them and to set a positive example!
Posted by: Char | March 19, 2013 at 07:12 AM
How sweet for them to be getting all these amazing donations suddenly! I donated via paypal. But know that they will be able to track traffic from your blog to their site, I'm certain your secret won't be safe for too long!
Posted by: Jeannie Denney | March 19, 2013 at 07:13 AM
My check is in the mail! This is such a great thing you are doing. Thank you so much for the chance to win a spot in this class and helping such a great organization.
Posted by: Jamie De Luna | March 19, 2013 at 07:17 AM
One Comment.... Would it be possible to have the center sign-up for paypal? It is the method I prefer to use to track donation.... and truthfully this is a charity I'd give to without entry into a drawing. It's a good cause!
Posted by: Potential Donor | March 19, 2013 at 07:22 AM
oops...saw the donor link...thanks
Posted by: Potential Donor | March 19, 2013 at 07:24 AM
This is a great idea. I donated through paypal - easier from Norway. You have a big heart Karen and it is amazing that you find the time in your busy schedule to help others. But - of course everything you do is amazing!
Have a wonderful day ;o)
Posted by: Ingvild | March 19, 2013 at 07:24 AM
Great idea! Made a donation through paypal! :)
Posted by: Cathy McKeon | March 19, 2013 at 07:30 AM
It is no wonder why you have readers from all around the world! The lives you touch are countless! Love that about you! The check is in the mail. xo
Posted by: Tera E | March 19, 2013 at 07:37 AM
I made a donation through paypal. Happy too help!
Posted by: Allison | March 19, 2013 at 07:39 AM
just donated through paypal :)
so great...this makes me smile!
Posted by: danielle muller | March 19, 2013 at 07:44 AM
PayPal from Canada. Thank you for doing this, Karen. And everything else you are doing.
Posted by: Anelia | March 19, 2013 at 07:46 AM
DONE! Couldn't be any easier to donate with Paypal....took exactly 5 seconds! Glad I could help! I love hearing your first hand experience. I know that you are going to make a positive role model to some lucky new mom! I was once one of those ladies with a baby on the way!
Love ya Karen!! You rock!
Posted by: Stacey | March 19, 2013 at 07:56 AM
My check is definitely in the mail.....this is an awesome idea! Love the thought of them receiving all these checks out of the blue. Awesome!
Posted by: Susan | March 19, 2013 at 07:57 AM
This really pulled at my heart strings, and does each time you blog about The Pregnancy Center... Mostly because I was/am a teen mom. My daughter is now 16, however it still sits in my mind that we are working to "overcome" teen pregnancy in our lives 16 years later and lucky me, I wouldn't have it any other way because it has absolutely made US who we are today. Which is actually finally something I am proud of! I am so inspired that you are giving back to this organization. As I said, each time you mention it, I always feel so called to at some point offer the same to a similar cause in my area. Since I haven't found that place here... YET, this is a wonderful opportunity for me to give back, so THANK YOU. What a blessing you are in so many ways Karen. Keep being YOU!
Posted by: Kari Carpenter | March 19, 2013 at 08:04 AM
Check is in the mail~ what a fun, fun mail day for them in the next few days! : ) And reading the comments above and where all the $ is coming from, is really, really Cool! : )
Posted by: Rachelle Sims | March 19, 2013 at 08:20 AM
Made a paypal donation!! Hope they get lots of donations!
Posted by: Kellie | March 19, 2013 at 08:27 AM
Anytime you can spread the word about Jesus, isnt that why we are here !
I donated through PayPal. And I admire you for donating your time to change at least one persons life ! Xxoxo
Posted by: nicole prather | March 19, 2013 at 08:33 AM
Donated with Paypal - awesome that you are doing this - can't stop thinking about how excited they'll be to see so many new donors. Love all the ways you think of to share your heart.
Posted by: Kate | March 19, 2013 at 08:33 AM
So excited to be able to help with such a great cause. Bless you for your giving heart. I happily donated through PayPal. You and all the girls you help are in my prayers.
Posted by: Jennifer Jessen | March 19, 2013 at 08:37 AM
Awesome! I love this! I donated via paypal!
Posted by: Valerie | March 19, 2013 at 08:38 AM
easy peasy on paypal. Such good works.
Posted by: Shell | March 19, 2013 at 08:42 AM
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to help this worthy cause! Just donated via paypal. If you pick my name, I don't think I could give the classes the time they deserve right now. So if I do win, can you give the spot in your class to someone who has more time than I currently do? Thanks!
Posted by: KristiG | March 19, 2013 at 08:46 AM
Awesome cause Karen- just sent donation via Paypal
Audrey
Posted by: Audrey Eapen | March 19, 2013 at 08:46 AM
I have donated through Paypal! Thank you for your ministry and compassion!
God Bless!
Posted by: Kelly | March 19, 2013 at 08:47 AM
PayPal 'd a little donation! What a fun idea! Love it!
Posted by: Deene Souza | March 19, 2013 at 08:47 AM
I used PayPal too. My sister was blessed by a similar ministry years ago, so these organizations always have a special place in my heart.
Posted by: Rachel | March 19, 2013 at 09:01 AM
How did I ever survive without PayPal, lol. It so helps me "just do it" for important things like this. Will try to send them a bit each month, too. Love that you are walking your walk, Karen!
Posted by: Susan Ringler | March 19, 2013 at 09:01 AM
You're awesome. And inspiring. I think I'm going to look around here and see if there's anything like this place that I could volunteer at. What an awesome thing they're doing. Great idea. :) I donated via paypal.
Posted by: Rebecca Francis | March 19, 2013 at 09:21 AM
I love that this place exists and am happy to donate.
Posted by: Robin DeBruyne | March 19, 2013 at 09:30 AM
Oh my goodness! You are such a wonderful and caring individual. I loved how I was able to donate to an organization that I didn't even know existed! Thanks Karen for being so thoughtful and generous.
Posted by: Khara | March 19, 2013 at 09:33 AM
Love this! Donated via paypal. And am going to check out Arches New Hope, a similar source of support for young single mothers in my community. Thanks.
Posted by: Deirdre | March 19, 2013 at 09:39 AM
Thanks Karen and Erin! What a great idea and worthy cause. My donation is made too!
Posted by: Julie Kiernan | March 19, 2013 at 09:51 AM
Thank you for the work you do with these young girls. I'm sure the Pregnancy Center has touched many lives. I put a check in the mail today. I'm smiling too thinking of the volunteers opening a bunch of mail with checks! How fun for them!
Posted by: Sunny | March 19, 2013 at 09:52 AM
Sent my donation!!!!! Glad to help!!!!
Posted by: Wendy | March 19, 2013 at 09:52 AM
You are all amazing people! I am so happy to help and would also love to see the Pregnacy Center's faces when all this $$$ starts rolling in!
I made a donation via PayPal just now!
Thank you for all you do!
Posted by: deAnne w | March 19, 2013 at 09:53 AM
I'm sending a check today! :) Thanks for doing this, Karen ...
Posted by: Thecurriednut | March 19, 2013 at 10:00 AM
What a great idea! I just made a donation through Paypal.
P.S. If you draw my name, please give the prize to another commenter. I love your blog and your photography, but I am definitely not a photographer! :-)
Posted by: Yvonne C | March 19, 2013 at 10:20 AM
This is very inspiring. Am happy to make a donation. Such good work.
Posted by: Melissa S. | March 19, 2013 at 10:38 AM
Check is in the mail. Such a wonderful thing to do and I am happy to be a part of this! God is blessing me and I want to pass it on.
Posted by: ConnieF | March 19, 2013 at 10:39 AM
I was thrilled to make a donation today! Thanks for an opportunity to contribute!
Posted by: Tammie | March 19, 2013 at 11:19 AM
What a great surprise for the Pregnancy Center. You are Awesome and Amazing!
Posted by: sherry | March 19, 2013 at 11:27 AM
What a sweet person you are! I'm glad to help. I donated via Paypal. :)
Posted by: Alena H | March 19, 2013 at 11:47 AM
Making a donation. And I'm already signed up for your class, so if I win, I'd love you to give that to someone else!
Posted by: Kate | March 19, 2013 at 12:07 PM
Just donated via paypal! I volunteered at a Pregnancy Center in Austin that also had the Earn While You Learn program and it was amazing!
Posted by: wendy | March 19, 2013 at 12:25 PM
I donated by paypal. This is a worthy cause even if I don't win...and I could tear up just thinking about the blessings they are feeling this very moment with all of the donations rolling in. Just to share a bit about how wonderful God is....I went on a mission to Haiti in NOvember. I visited an orphanage while I was there (heartbreaking...but also fulfilling.) It is run by an American couple fully operating on donations made by Christians..there are several times that they leave for the grocery store not knowing where their funds will come from by the time they drive there God has always put just enough in their account to feed the children. It's inspiring just to listen to all their testimony.....He is all powerful and he ALWAYS provides. He is using you to help glorify his kingdom today! SO many blessings.
Posted by: Charisma Horton | March 19, 2013 at 01:03 PM
Done! And CANNOT WAIT to hear the reactions when the center has a flood of donations-love that it will be a surprise-you are awesome!!!!
Posted by: CWP | March 19, 2013 at 01:26 PM
I just donated through paypal....just wanted to say that you are awesome! An amazing photographer, too! God bless you!
Posted by: Wendy Cooper | March 19, 2013 at 01:31 PM
What a blessing to use your talent to benefit the pregnancy center. I donated via paypal!
Posted by: Brenda Walker | March 19, 2013 at 01:32 PM
The checks in the mail!
Posted by: Sherry Connell | March 19, 2013 at 01:41 PM
The check is in the mail and like so many others here I can't wait to hear how excited and surprised they are going to be when all this unexpected money starts rolling in! You have the biggest heart of anyone i know Karen, and thank you for the opportunity to help them keep on doing the good they do every day! :)
Posted by: Anita Guthrie | March 19, 2013 at 01:42 PM
Seriously-you are the most amazing woman I know. If I was younger I would want you to adopt me into your cool little family. :-)
I'm donating via PayPal! Would love To be a fly on the wall when all this unexpected money starts rolling in!
Posted by: Kelly | March 19, 2013 at 01:54 PM
I LOVE this cause! What a great ministry to help young women become strong and independent. :) I donated what I could through Paypal.
Regardless of prizes, or whatnot, I would love to see a reminder blog post once or twice a year so we don't forget that there is an ongoing need for assistance for The Pregnancy Center.
Posted by: Traci B. | March 19, 2013 at 02:13 PM
Don't put my name on the list as I have already been blessed with this workshop and currently loving it.
Hope that it is just as amazing a gift to the person that wins!!!
Will be sending some money and a baby afghan in the mail to this wonderful cause.
So wonderful the lifes you touch girlie!!
God Bless
Posted by: Nicky from Okotoks | March 19, 2013 at 02:17 PM
Donated! What a wonderful gift; great idea!
Posted by: Mary Claire | March 19, 2013 at 02:22 PM
PayPal Donation Made. LOVE THIS!!! I was a teen mom with a ton of support. No idea what it would be like to be not only scared but alone and without support as well. Thanks for all you do Karen!
Posted by: Robin... the one from ND... | March 19, 2013 at 02:53 PM
Check is in the mail. What a great idea and what a wonderful heart you have!
Posted by: Timber Roland | March 19, 2013 at 02:55 PM
Paypal has done it again! Thanks Karen for inspiring us all to join in...good luck one and all on the draw - we're all sooo excited. Roll on Friday :0)
Posted by: heidi | March 19, 2013 at 03:01 PM
I'm so glad you're doing this. I have spent a few hours reading on their website and Facebook page. They (and you) are doing incredible things. I know you are touching lives forever.
Posted by: jacki | March 19, 2013 at 03:37 PM
The check is in the mail... and you rock!
Posted by: Shannon | March 19, 2013 at 04:44 PM
Awesome! Check is in the mail! Love the whole concept!
Posted by: Cyndi S | March 19, 2013 at 04:51 PM
What a beautiful way to contribute to such a worthy cause.....and in such a selfless and giving way......always have loved you Karen, such a beautiful heart♥
Made a donation via PayPal.
Posted by: Shae Jungkans | March 19, 2013 at 05:05 PM
Karen you are one SPECIAL person...this is such an awesome idea! It just gives me chills thinking of the center getting all of these donations. God Bless the girls and their babies and you and Erin too!! YOU GO GIRLS!!!!! Donation made! : )
Posted by: Tracy | March 19, 2013 at 05:05 PM
You have the biggest heart of anyone I know Karen, and I love you to bits! Donation has been sent! ♥
Posted by: ♥Debbie | March 19, 2013 at 05:32 PM
My check is also in the mail. These comments make me cry thinking about how amazing our God is, how He orchestrates all this together! Thank you Karen & Erin for being beautiful vessels:) I decided to send a check to our local pregnancy resource center also and am going to pray to see if there is a way to do something similar with my clients:)
Posted by: Trenda | March 19, 2013 at 05:33 PM
I love where your heart is Karen! I hope my little bit helps.
Posted by: AngiefromVT | March 19, 2013 at 05:36 PM
You have a heart of gold - you are the most down to earth person. Those girls are lucky to have you helping out. Donation made via Paypal!
Posted by: Kelli | March 19, 2013 at 06:21 PM
I just sent a donation via paypal. Thank God for blogs like yours and people like you and websites like paypal. :)
Posted by: christa | March 19, 2013 at 06:31 PM
Another Paypal donation sent from Canada. What a wonderful thing you are doing for these girls Karen!
Posted by: Shawna Biletski | March 19, 2013 at 06:59 PM
Donation sent! I've been feeling very self-centered lately...which I guess comes with the territory of being in "survival mode" with young kids and a full-time job (+ ooooh, laundry and sweeping the floors once in a while, eating, etc.). :) I've been searching (mostly in my heart) for something that would speak to me to "give back" and I feel like maybe this is it. I've done a little in my area and found several places that help young moms-to-be. Looking forward to finding out more about them. You are always an inspiration, Karen. I love that you do so much to help others. And while yes, you're helping the moms, those little babies will have a much brighter future because of you too. <3 Thank you!!
Posted by: Teresa | March 19, 2013 at 07:34 PM
Check is in the mail via PayPal. What a way to make a difference. Great idea!!
Posted by: Jill E | March 19, 2013 at 08:01 PM
The check is in the mail - what a fantastic idea you had! You are such an inspiration!!!
Posted by: Bootybella | March 19, 2013 at 08:26 PM
You really think of the most unique ways to help people in need and the amazing thing is, I don't think you really have to try that hard, I believe you are just a good person! You're such an inspiration! I made my donation via Paypal and while it would be a dream come true to win this prize, I would prefer not to be considered for it. One day, when I've finally saved up enough to get a DSLR I will be back to take your class,
Posted by: Alicia | March 19, 2013 at 08:55 PM
just sent it in via PAYPAL! What an awesome thing to be apart of!!!! :-) Even without the prizes!!! Imagining the faces at that center when this money starts rolling in and they have NO IDEA why!!! Amazing!!!!!!!! Sometimes it's fun to be a small answer to prayer, to be able to help God meet a need instead of always asking him to meet ours!! Love it :-)
Posted by: Linsey H. | March 19, 2013 at 09:22 PM
I donated through PayPal. They are going to be so surprised to get all these donations. What great work you do!
Posted by: Gina B. | March 20, 2013 at 05:30 AM
What a fantastic idea! As a former teen mom myself, I love that centers like this exist and wish that I had had access to something like this all those years ago. My check is in the mail :)
Posted by: Karen | March 20, 2013 at 06:19 AM
My paypal would not work so I will send mine in the mail. You constantly inspire me. thank you.
Posted by: Karlene | March 20, 2013 at 06:20 AM
What a fantastic, wonderful thing you are doing. I wish I could see the look when they start receiving donations in the mail. Check is in the mail via paypal!
Posted by: Andrea | March 20, 2013 at 06:20 AM