HBI Andina Fundraiser: I Don't Like Asking For Money

I really do not like asking for money. In fact, it is one of the hardest things I "must" do in my role as the Executive Director for HBI. And, the reality of the situation is this - without money to help run our programs, projects, and people - we are nothing more than a website and a bunch of well intentioned volunteers. Money is the tool that allows all of us to ease suffering, build sustainable communities, and empower the next generation.

The "must" part of the work I feel called to do is based on the tremendous needs that I am fortunate to witness in the world. I know that HBI is working against seemingly insurmountable odds to "level the playing field;" but I also know that there really is no other choice. We must build bridges, sustainable bridges between need and resource to make a difference.

For Ines life was all about suffering. She was in almost constant pain from early in her life, She has a blistering skin disease that causes her life to be very fragile. Through very generous donations from a number of contributors and a Carmelite Faith Group in Panama City, Florida - Ines has been able to receive the medication and assistance she needs to begin the long process of development. Working in collaboration with the Anglican Church of Peru, HBI has been called to provide Ines and her family with the care and advocacy she needs to really take control of her disease. This has only been possible through your help.

Andres is a wonderful young man. Andres wants to be a surgeon. He is in his 3rd year of Medical School. Last year Andres came to the United States with an HBI placement program and spent 6-weeks traveling around the U.S. working with clinics and physicians who care for some of the some marginalized communities in North America. He worked with a homeless clinic in Portland, a University run free clinic in Houston, a Health Care for the Homeless clinic in Boston and a hospital that dedicates their services to the poor in Pittsburgh. At the end of this once in a lifetime trip, Andres returned to Peru . . . changed. He told me that he felt different. He told me that he felt like he needed to make a difference. Together, Andres and HBI started a "Providers for the Underserved" student club at his medical university. The club brings together health professions students who are dedicated to careers working with the underserved.

These are just two examples of how your donations have made a difference. Our work, your work, is all about making connections.

With this in mind, I want to invite everyone who feels so called to join HBI at our Andina Fundraiser Event on May 3 and 4. I really don't like asking for money . . . and, this event will be fantastic. For $150 per person (I know that is a lot of money) you will be treated to a 5-course meal with paired wines put together by one of the best restaurants in North America.