Blog Post

A Fundraising Story: Elizabeth Smith

Hope Worldwide • Feb 04, 2015

Every time I found a penny or quarter on the ground or behind a couch cushion I would put it in my mason jar titled "Anchorage, Alaska".

I had just been accepted to HOPE Youth Corps and words could not fully describe the excitement that I felt to have the opportunity to go and serve. I had just started working a part time job but after calculating my expenses it started to look like I would not be able to afford the trip. A few people had even told me to give up the hope of going since it did not seem like a financially realistic goal. I needed to raise $1800 in the span of 3 months. I decided to set up a gofundme account and posted the link on Facebook hoping to help get donations for my trip.

Two weeks went by and I was still $1800 away from my goal. I started praying and asking God for help and to give me wisdom on what to do. That night at the dinner table my dad suggested that I should send out emails to friends and family and see if I would be able to raise just a little bit of money. He reminded me that most adults use and check their email multiple times a day but rarely check social media. Later that night I sent out an email telling friends and family about my trip and then attached my gofundme link at the bottom of the email.

Within ten minutes of sending out the email I received $75 in donations! Within the end of the day $375 had been raised. One of the church leaders that saw my email told his church about my project and invited me to go and share about what Hope Youth Corps was since many people had never even heard about it. They then took up an offering and helped me to cover more than half the cost of my trip. Everyday I continued to receive donation after donation until my trip was completely funded. My prayer had been answered! It was through prayer and faith in God that I was able to go and serve in Alaska.

Through HOPE Youth Corps I was able to grow closer in my walk with God, learn to serve wholeheartedly, gain friendships that will truly last a lifetime, and build memories that I will never forget. For those of you that are interested in HOPE Youth Corps but are worried about the funds, I encourage you to apply and put your hope in a God who is able to do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine".

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PRESS RELEASE June 27, 2023 HOPE worldwide , a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing sustainable, high-impact, community-based services, including critical healthcare services, disaster relief, and education, to underserved communities globally, is proud to announce the recognition received by the Lawes Road Clinic in Papua New Guinea during a recent visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken . This visit highlighted the impactful work carried out by HOPE worldwide global network member, HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea (PNG), in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. government’s largest effort to combat HIV. During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Secretary Blinken had the opportunity to tour HOPE worldwide PNG’s Lawes Road Clinic, which is led by HOPE worldwide PNG Country Director Priscilla Sine Mal, and witness firsthand the incredible efforts undertaken by the dedicated team. The clinic's commitment to improving the lives of the local community in various areas, including HIV prevention and treatment, and treatment for victims of violence against women deeply impressed Secretary Blinken. In his remarks, Secretary Blinken expressed his admiration for the clinic's work, stating, "This was a real privilege to be here at the Lawes Road clinic where quite literally our partners are saving lives, changing lives, every single day." The visit showcased the significant impact of HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea’s clinic on the region, highlighting its vital role in providing essential healthcare services to those most in need and who often have the most difficult time getting treatment, in part due to the social stigma often associated with their conditions. The Lawes Road Clinic operates under the auspices of the Presidential Emergency Plan For HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), funded through USAID and implemented in collaboration with FHI 360 and HOPE worldwide . The clinic has been instrumental in providing critical care, support, and testing for HIV/AIDS patients in Papua New Guinea, contributing to the nationwide efforts to combat the disease. This year, PEPFAR celebrates its 20th anniversary, and its 17th year of implementation in Papua New Guinea. HOPE worldwide is honored by the recognition bestowed upon HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea and the Lawes Road Clinic by Secretary Blinken and remains committed to its mission of transforming communities and improving lives through local, volunteer-based initiatives. With the continuous support of partners like USAID and the unwavering dedication of its teams on the ground, HOPE worldwide and its global network of members like HOPE worldwide PNG strive to create a healthier, more resilient future for all.
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