Education is the Key to Opportunity

Dear Friends,

I'm SO excited about this!

Because my family is amazing, I thought I'd share a fact....and ask a favor.

2 of my brave sisters are amongst the craziest percent of the world's population- those who desire to run marathons. To fulfill their lifelong dream(s), my ambitious and awesome dad decided to plan a full-fledged "family marathon", complete with cheering teams, gatorade runners, finish-line ribbon, kids fun run, and awards banquet.

The blessed event is scheduled for next month- December 23rd.

Because we wanted this run to mean something more than just a crazy run for running itself, we debated over how to make each mile stretch further. My parents' wisdom landed us on the idea of running in the name of EDUCATION. It is such an important and valued thing in our family, and especially at this time in our world when college degrees are so crucial to financial and career success.

The church to which we belong, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, has a wonderful program called the Perpetual Education Fund:

What is the Perpetual Education Fund, and what is its purpose? (PEF)

At the April 2001 general conference, Gordon B. Hinckley, then President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, announced a "bold initiative" to help youth in developing areas "step out of the cycle of poverty." The Perpetual Education Fund:

• Is an inspired program to help ambitious, worthy young members of the Church receive training and education that lead to employment.
• Is modeled after the Perpetual Emigration Fund developed for the Church's early pioneers. As loans are repaid, the funds are re-circulated to provide opportunities for others.
• Provides student loans to young people in selected developing nations.
• Helps young people better provide for their families and grow in leadership and responsibility in the Church. It will strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

Click HERE for more information.

The PEF is such a perfect pathway to help others around the world achieve the education we so value. They are probably people just like you and me- young, ambitious, honest, with high hopes for the future, the will to work, and the brains to make it....but lacking the money to make it happen. Student loans can be a literal lifesaver for so many people. (myself included)

Not one cent of the money donated to the PEF goes to any administrative costs, AND "the money collected (the principal) is never spent. Loans are made only from the interest earned on the principal. As students repay their loans, the money goes back into the fund to aid other individuals, making it a perpetual fund."

So, if you value education, if this hits home for you...because you or your spouse or someone else you love has benefited from student loans in a meaningful way, please help us!

Donate. Make each mile count.

And...(it gets better)...my ever generous dad has agreed to MATCH all of your donations.

You can donate a lump sum, or a per-mile pledge. My sisters will be running the whole marathon, I and several others will be doing a 5K.

I know- you are all as excited as I am now! So.....all you have to do is:

1. Donate HERE. (click on the purple 'Donate Online' button). (or make a donation on your tithing slip if you are LDS)

2. Email me maryalison4@gmail.com and tell me how much you decided to donate. (so I can have my dad match your gift)

I cannot describe how important education is- to pull people around the world out of poverty...to give them a fighting chance to feed their families, put a roof over their head.

At this time of counting our blessings, the Christmas spirit, and peace on earth...please consider giving a little (every dollar counts!)...to those who need it most, through an organization that will handle the money wisely and honestly.

Thank You,

Mary and Jonathan

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"Since the creation of the PEF, more than 32,000 young people have received loans. Thousands more qualify each year. The PEF program started in Mexico, Peru, and Chile, and has spread to 40 countries including Mongolia, Cambodia, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, some Pacific islands, and most of Latin America. Other areas will be added when possible."

PS. For logistical reasons, dad can only match donations that are reported to me (via email) soon. But feel free to donate to the PEF year round, or whenever suits your fancy!

PSS. We are not receiving anything for this. This is not a ploy or a scam. Our 'family marathon' is not affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in any way. If you donate, you are donating directly to the PEF.