A few days ago I attended a benefit fundraiser called “Experience The Dance” which is named for the foundation, Sara’s Dance Foundation located in Minnesota. The proceeds from this benefit are to build a first of its kind dance wellness center for women recovering from cancer treatment or living with a serious illness. It will be a place where they can reconnect with their inner beauty and freely discuss and embrace the changes in their bodies, minds, and souls – where women can come together to celebrate their unique life steps.

The event included a red carpet entrance where each attendee was escorted into the ballroom by men in tuxedo’s where she received a glass of champagne and welcomed into the event.  There was shopping, a silent auction, mini spa services, food & dancing.

I was moved to tears over the slide presentation about Sara Johnson-Turpin, the inspiration for Sara’s Dance Foundation, a young, vibrant and beautiful woman. She lived to dance. During her courageous battle with Acute Lymphoma Leukemia (ALL) she celebrated life with grace and beauty. Sara was 22 when she lost her battle with cancer…

Cancer survivors were given pick boa's

Then, any woman in the crowd who was a cancer survivor was welcomed to the stage, each was presented with a pink boa and her journey was celebrated and cheered by all the onlookers…..yes, this was a celebration of life.

My sister in law Nancy and my friend, Kimbra were up on that stage and as I clapped I also said a prayer of thanks that they survived!

Sister in law-Nancy, Friend-Kimbra

One day The Dance Wellness Center will be built and the vision of a few dedicated women will be a reality.

The evening was a true circle of strength, women strengthening one another in a common cause -

“A small group of committed people can make a difference and change the world”

~Margaret Mead

If you’ve been reading my posts, I have become a huge advocate for KIVA.org because as an entrepreneur myself I have been challenged with financial capital for my business growth.  I truly believe that if you empower a person with the ability to make money then they will become self sufficient and care for their families which ultimately is what we all want.

Kiva has up been micro lending in poverty stricken countries since the organization began. In May they decided to offer the mico lending model in the United States with some opposition, which brings me to the question – Do you believe there is poverty in the US? Well, how does one define poverty is probably coming to your mind.

During the difficult economic crisis of the past year or so, I see many people suffering and having to do without things they never imagined.  Can we compare it to a peasant farmer in South Africa who is trying to buy seeds to plant a field?  I think not, but I also don’t believe that negates the fact that a small business owner in the US is stuggling to keep their business open.

I think this country should put more emphasis on the entrepreneur, the small business owner who took a risk on their dream of business ownership.  We forget the small business owner employs people, they pay taxes and money flows into the economy for their efforts.  So the point I am trying to make is that I am of the belief that we should also find it in our hearts to support American business owners who might need a break right now – those that our banks have shunned – those who work hard to make America great.  So here’s let’s keep an open mind to the mico lending business model, let’s rebuild America one small business at a time!

I have been an ardent supporter of women and believe if we strengthen women we will strengthen our communities.

If you want to join my Kiva Team – Circle of Strength, CLICK HERE for more details.

Hi!

I just made a loan to someone in Pakistan using a revolutionary new website called Kiva (www.kiva.org).

You can go to Kiva’s website and lend to someone across the globe who needs a loan for their business – like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent – and you get updates letting you know how the entrepreneur is going.

The best part is, when the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back – and Kiva’s loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.

Hanifan Amanat ali Group

I just made a loan to an entrepreneur named Hanifan Amanat ali Group in Pakistan. They still need another $275.00 to complete their loan request of $625.00 (you can loan as little as $25.00!). Help me get this entrepreneur off the ground by clicking on the link below to make a loan to Hanifan Amanat ali Group too:

http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=110334

It’s finally easy to actually do something about poverty – using Kiva I know exactly who my money is loaned to and what they’re using it for. And most of all, I know that I’m helping them build a
sustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their family long after my loan is paid back.

Join me in changing the world – one loan at a time.

Thanks!

JoAnne Funch

Circle of Strength – “Strengthening Women, Strengthening Communities”

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What others are saying about www.Kiva.org:

‘Revolutionising how donors and lenders in the US are connecting with small entrepreneurs in developing countries.’
– BBC

‘If you’ve got 25 bucks, a PC and a PayPal account, you’ve now got the wherewithal to be an international financier.’
– CNN Money

‘Smaller investors can make loans of as little as $25 to specific individual entrepreneurs through a service launched last fall by Kiva.org.’
– The Wall Street Journal

‘An inexpensive feel-good investment opportunity…All loaned funds go directly to the applicants, and most loans are repaid in full.’
– Entrepreneur Magazine

Recently met Kim Valentini, the founder of “Smile Network International.”  She is a delightful woman, reserved but with a spark in her eyes.  Kim like many of us reach a stage in life where we search for more meaning and fulfillment, and for Kim that meant making a difference in the lives of children with facial deformities. After witnessing impoverished children in developing countries, with cleft lips and palates, she decided to make a difference. That difference became the non-profit Smile Network which Kim says started in the closet of her son’s bedroom.

Through local efforts, Smile Network International develops international partnerships that enable volunteers to build trust in foreign countries. These global relationships provide Smile Network the opportunity to conduct surgical missions and to impart dignity and quality of life to individuals whose medical needs may otherwise go untreated. All Smile Network surgeries are provided free of charge.

Kim & Peruvian Child

Kim is truly a woman of strength and you can help this great effort. Go to the Smile Network and make a cash donation of any amount, and please visit the Wish List, because I bet we all know someone who can provide things on the list.

P.S. Smile Network has moved from the bedroom closet to their headquarters located at;  420 North Fifth Street, Suite 970 | Minneapolis, MN 55401 | (612) 377-1800

Last Thursday evening at hundreds of theatres nationwide a film called “A Powerful Noise” was shown to raise awareness of  of global poverty among women and girls. My mission of Circle of Strength is to Strengthen Women, Strengthen Communities which is theme of this inspiring  film.

I attended at my local theatre and was moved by the film, a story of three women in different countries fighting poverty and social justice. After watching the film, the message I left with was that one woman can make a difference, in her community, her country and globally.

Here are a few facts I got from the film,

- The greatest under developed resource in 3rd World countries is women

- The greatest social advancement is by countries who have a greater number of women in government

- When women are in political leadership, a whole society benefits

- By making a small investment in poverty you make a huge advancement in societies

How can we help?

1.  Be a voice for the voiceless

2.  Be informed, watch the file “A Powerful Noise” and see what the organization CARE is doing to empower women around the world.

3.  Let your representatives in Congress know that global poverty among women is important to you

4.  Hold your legislators accountable for the action in assisting women worldwide and supporting organizations such are CARE

5.  Get involved, one woman can make a difference!

I also am apart of KIVA.ORG, who is a organization providing micro  financing to people in 3rd world countries starting businesses. You can be apart of financing their business and seeing how they grow and help their families and ultimately their communities.

Be apart of Strengthening Women & Strengthening Communities!