Why a Monthly Fundraiser?

Why a monthly fundraiser? I get that question a lot. Here's the deal...

On June 28th of 2008, I started selling Dapper Snappers online. This is what I've considered to be the start date of my business. What started out as a "Hey...maybe people will buy these things?" quickly turned into a full fledged business.

The more the word got out, the more comments I would get about them. But the emails that touched me the most were about the impact I didn't know I had. Parents of special needs children would write to tell me how happy they are that their child has one less thing to worry about thanks to Dapper Snappers. And every time I would get one of those emails, I would get goosebumps head to toe and start to tear up.

A couple months ago, I was at a fundraiser for Yehu.org, a charity that provides micro-loans to Kenyan women to start their own businesses. It was then I decided to donate 20% of the online sales for the last week of that month. Last month, I received one of those emails that made me cry and decided to write a post about Laura Kate and donate 20% of the online sales for the last week to DreamHouseForKids.org, a charity that helps medically fragile children find their forever homes. I figured out a way to reach a lot of people and raise awareness about the charity. Sales went better than average, so my donation was up 116% over the previous month.

I didn't realize that there were so many other small charities out there, because they don't get the attention that the bigger charities get. They don't get the government funding to be able to afford advertising, or staff to help out. They are mostly volunteers just trying to help those that need it. With that realization came a new personal, and business, mission. I don't have much, but I will do what I can.

So on June 28th, on my 1 year business anniversary, until July 4th, I will be running a fundraiser for Reece's Rainbow. Andrea, the founder, works tirelessly to help children with Down's Syndrome born in other countries that were dumped off at orphanages because they weren't perfect. She matches these children with parents here and helps them through the adoption process. So far, she's been able to find homes for 190 children with Down Syndrome or other special needs. But there are so many more that need our help or they will die from medical neglect.

I don't know about you, but I can't ignore everything around me. Spreading the word about these charities is one way to help them get donations. And it's so easy.

So then I ask you: Will you help? Will you spread the word on Facebook and Twitter (or whatever form of social media you use)? I'm only asking for one tweet or comment or post a month. It really isn't that much, but it can make a big difference. So will you do it? For them?

And lastly, to answer the question "why"?

Doing monthly fundraisers has been challenging, exciting, and gratifying. It's a lot of work but it is so worth it. I feel so blessed that I can help out this way. And it makes my heart feel good...

Because of Reece

When Andrea and her husband were pregnant with their first son, they weren't aware of the challenges that lay ahead. The plan was to eventually go back to work after the baby was born. Plans quickly changed when Reece was born with Down Syndrome. Like many unsuspecting birth parents, she and her husband grieved for quite some time after Reece's birth. The life they had envisioned for themselves and their first-born-son was turned completely upside down. Nothing would be the same. But they found resources and support. In time, Andrea found the strength to turn a challenge into a mission. Reece's Rainbow was a vision Andrea woke up with one day in early 2006.

Reece (Isn't he adorable?)

After getting involved with an orphan aid organization supporting children in Ukraine, Andrea learned what Reece's fate might have been had he born in a different country. In these countries, children who aren't born "perfect" face incredible odds. Many of those children are killed at birth. The "lucky" ones are abandoned by their families and sent to live in orphanages and and "public care" (that's the nice way to put it). Although things are slowly changing aborad as a result of the work of Reece's Rainbow, these children are mostly viewed as outcasts with no ability to learn or be functional members of society. They languish in mental institutions, hidden away from the world in shame. Some of these wonderful children do not survive because of serious medical complications...some do not survive because of lack of medical attention, lack of food, lack of LOVE. Andrea was angry and appalled and moved to action. It was impossible to sit back and not defend children like Reece in every way possible! God clearly placed Reece in her life for a special purpose, so Reece's Rainbow was born out of passion, an intense love for her child, and a calling to make a difference, one orphan at a time. It started with 5 children from Ukraine placed with loving families, and has grown to 190 placed children from 32 countries around the world finding their families. Over 200 children are still waiting, and the program grows every day.

Reece's Rainbow is a registered 501(c)3 charity which promotes and facilitates the international adoption and rescue of children with Down syndrome in particular. Reece's Rainbow serves as a VOICE OF HOPE for these children who are suffering in orphanages and mental institutions around the world, when there are literally hundreds of families here in the US, Canada, and the UK who would rescue them if only the funds were available to do so! Grant funds from individual donations make the cost of adopting these beautiful children affordable for interested families. Even $20 can make a life-saving difference.

For June's Fundraising Week, I am donating 20% of online sales of Dapper Snappers from June 28th until July 4th to Reeces Rainbow. If you don't need Dapper Snappers, I encourage you to donate to Reece's Rainbow and help make a difference. Use this ChipIn Widget to donate directly to Reece's Rainbow today!

Most of this article was taken from several pages at http://reecesrainbow.com/ and "rearranged" by me.

Meet Laura Kate

IMAGINE...being a child trapped by life's circumstances.

IMAGINE...needs so complex someone else must care for you.

IMAGINE...living for years in a hospital room or adult nursing home because your family abandoned you.

IMAGINE...being a child forced to stay in a neglectful, abusive home simply because there is no other place to go.

On May 5th, 2005, Laura Kate, a 21 week gestation preemie was born at one pound nine ounces. She was in the hospital for her first three months, barely clinging to life. She had a hole in her heart, extreme low birth weight, acid reflux that caused severe sleep apnea, was on oxygen, and supplemental tube feeding. Because she was removed from her biological parents at birth, Laura Kate was placed in the state's custody (Welfare, Social Services...they call it DFACS -Department of Family and Children's Services- in Georgia). At three months of age she came to Dream House for Kids for what is called End of Days Care. Dream House is a children's charity in Georgia that teaches families and communities how to help kids with complex health conditions thrive at home. They take in and care for medically fragile children. They give hope. And they give loving childhoods for however long they last. Everyone knew Laura Kate was going to die, but Dream House was going to hold her and love her for as long as they could.

The sleep apnea caused Laura Kate "flat line" for brief periods until she could be resuscitated and brought back to life. She wore a monitor that would beep when she stopped breathing. It beeped so frequently that she had to be hospitalized and have a surgery to fix her reflux problem. She went through Open Heart Surgery to repair the hole. Then there was the removal of her tonsils and adenoids, and tubes put in her ears. She even had an emergency surgery to fix a bowel blockage. Laura Kate was still on oxygen 24/7 and the Doctors had said she would have to be on it for an indefinite period, but she wasn't. She got better, and kept getting better.

After almost a year at Dream House it was agreed that this tiny little girl was going to be around for a while and needed a permanent home. Laura Kate was adopted by Kelly Coker, a stay at home mom and pediatric nurse, and her husband Todd. Terry Walls, one of Laura Kate's caregivers at Dream House from the time she came to them from the hospital, rocked and fell so hard for Laura Kate that the adoptive parents adopted her too. On January 1, 2009 they celebrated one full year hospitalization free.

Laura Kate at 1 year old with mom Kelly,

and siblings Caroline, Grant, and Grayson

This month Laura Kate turned four. She loves tv too much and watches Dora and Little Einsteins over and over again. Swinging is an addiction and you cannot push her high enough. She just shuts and eyes and "flies". She loves tea parties and baby dolls and trucks. She is a flirt and a charmer. Everything is done with much expression and giggles. With the exception of being below weight for the pediatric charts, Laura Kate is one fine and sassy little girl. She just made the height chart for the very first time. She is in the bottom 2% but this is the first growth chart she has ever made and her family is thrilled.

Laura Kate, age 4

With her height and slim body comes the clothing problem. Getting clothes long enough for her always require taking in. Belts were working but then came potty training a very independent girl and belts just caused more issues. Terry went online and asked Google for "Toddler Adjustable Belts" and found Dapper Snappers. As a long time volunteer with a Dream House, Terry is a first-hand witness to medical issues that cause kids never really fit into sizes and lengths properly. She knows that Laura Kate, and many of the other kids the Dream House cares for, are very independent and cannot tolerate being helped with a belt. Now she has Dapper Snappers and pants just go up and down so easy, and the pants stay up and never fall down. She now has one less thing to worry about in a long line of obstacles she's faced.

Laura Kate's growing, thriving, and surviving against all the odds she faced as a preemie and all because of the wonderful people at Dream House for kids. What an amazing organization!

-----

As the Mompreneur responsible for inventing and manufacturing Dapper Snappers, I can't begin to tell you how deeply I am touched by Laura Kate's story. An impossibly tiny baby, fighting against all odds to survive, left in the care of strangers to die. But these strangers gave her the love she needed. These strangers are true miracle workers. They have the kind of heart it takes to give of their time to care for those who've been given up on. Can you imagine being one of those children? I can't. It just breaks my heart. I am trying to hold back my tears, very unsuccessfully, just thinking about it.

I was so moved by the Dream House for Kids organization, and all that they stand for, that I donated 50 Dapper Snappers and will donate 20% of online sales for the week of May 24-31. I wish I could do more, but mine is a very small business and funds are tight. But maybe you can help. If you don't need Dapper Snappers, you could donate directly to Dream House for Kids. Please be sure to write in the comments "On behalf of Laura Kate and Dapper Snappers" so they know that we sent you. Donate today and help save lives!

(Portions of this post were taken from http://www.dreamhouseforkids.org)

Black Friday through Cyber Monday SALE!!!

Here's a big announcement!

Use coupon code BlackCyber to get 33.33% off any purchase through ToddlerTechUSA.com from 11/28/08 through 12/1/08. This will be the biggest discount that has ever been (or will ever be) offered. Take advantage now because it doesn't get any better than this!

This coupon code is good on any Dapper Snapper purchase (excluding retailer kits) for as many as you would like to buy. How cool is that? 

Plus, we just had a price change on the Snapcessories™. Now you can get your Snapcessories™ for just $5.95 and Snapcessorized™ are only $12.95. And we are offering even more Snapcessories™ with the addition of a football, basketball, soccer ball, teddy bear, and more to come. 

Dapper Snappers make the perfect stocking stuffer! So go...Now...hurry hurry!

Really I'm not one to break promises...

What I want and what I get are usually 2 different things. I really wanted a new blog look. I even put together a comp of what I wanted. But alas, I do not have the skills to make it happen and I was unsuccessful in getting help with it. Therefore, we will just deal with what we have and move on. I have got too much stuff to tell all of you about to wait any longer.

There is exciting stuff happening here at Dapper Snapper Central! We have had a couple new lines added and are about to add another!!! (I do love my exclamation points) The first new line we added is Snapcessories™. A Snapcessorized™ Dapper Snapper had color coordinating caps and components with an adorable accessory that snaps around the free belt loop not used by the Dapper Snapper. It's the new "must have" accessory for your child's Dapper Snappers! 

The second is Sugared; a classy shimmery pattern added to original Dapper Snappers. 

Both of these additions have given Dapper Snappers the boutique style shoppers have been looking for.  We also now offer customized Dapper Snappers. Currently we carry 11 elastic colors and 22 cap colors, as well as 5 under-component choices. 

I've been busy! Ooooh! And we will have another announcement very soon. It's super cool!

Until then...

A new name deserves a new tagline

We took a survey and the winning tagline for Dapper Snappers is: "Fix Droopy Drawers in a Snap!"

It's great because it says exactly what it does. It's just perfect! Now on to redesigning the Cinchie packaging with the new name and tagline. I already sent in the order for the redesigned labels, but the supplier has to get back to me on feasibility. The new label will be a loop label with more information but shorter so it stays out of the way of the snaps. Not sure why I didn't think of that to begin with...

I'm still sending out orders with Cinchie info until we can get the new stuff. I just put on the packing slips that we've changed the name. Same great product, different name. Pretty cool though that I've sold 3 in 3 days. Business is picking up. Seems like small fries, but it's better that what we had before...nada... Once word gets out I'm gonna be very very very busy!

On the Mama side of the Mama-preneur, I must say that my little babies are doing very well with playing outside while I am in the garage working...and keeping a watchful eye... As soon as DapperSnappers takes off, I am going to make use of my summer babysitter to keep them busy and in line a couple days a week while I work. Won't that be nice?! Even so, Jacob (the 3 yr old) wants to "help mama" every time I go to work in the garage. I have him hand me business cards and put samples in the bin. Very repetitive stuff, but he loves it. What laws about child labor??? I never heard of any...LOL. 

A new name...a new logo...

What do you think?

Bring on the Dapper Snapper!

I am so excited to announce that we have changed the Cinchie name to Dapper Snappers! And really not a moment too soon. I have been a busy little bee and doing tons of social networking. I just heard about Twitter today and I am fully twitterpated now. 

I'm finishing my glass of wine while watching Jay and looking at website templates for the new DapperSnappers.com website. 

Dapper Snappers "A fashionable fit for where you sit"