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By scott, May 26, 2010

Who would of thought that five years ago a simple fundraiser in Boston’s Davis Square would be the beginning of the Elias Fund? There was no grandiose vision for a humanitarian organization. There was no notion of empowering indigenous Zimbabwean organizations. Just a simple desire to help one man raise his kids.

Over the last five years, you have responded time and time again to this simple desire. You have stuck with us in our grassroots approach to fundraising. And thanks to this support, you’ve turned a simple fundraiser into a full-time organization dedicated to Zimbabwe’s development. You are the heart of our mission to spread hope and opportunity in Zimbabwe. It wouldn’t be possible without you.

So as we celebrate our five year anniversary, we want to stay true to our grassroots success – since you have been so instrumental to EF’s success, we want YOU to help us throw a five year anniversary party.

EF’s outreach coordinator, Jill, is hosting a wine tasting and silent auction in Kansas this July. She’s labelled it, “Cheers to Five Years.” But as great as this event will be, we don’t want the party to end there. Since EF’s support-base is spread out across the country, we want to celebrate across the country . . . and that’s where we need your help!

We want you to host your own “Cheers to Five Years” celebration. It doesn’t have to be a replica of Jill’s event. In fact, we encourage a bit of creativity. Bring your community together to celebrate five years of spreading hope and opportunity in Zimbabwe. Seem a bit overwhelming? Just remember we’re a grassroots organization so it doesn’t have to be a U2 sponsored event or massive charity ball . . . Simple. Real. Community. That’s what we’re going for.

You don’t have to have a plan or feel like you have it all together. All we ask is that you have a desire to see hope and opportunity spread in Zimbabwe. Please let us know if you want to host your own ‘Cheers to Five Years’. We’ll work with you personally to ensure you have a wonderful event. So don’t hesitate, email us to get started!

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By scott, May 22, 2010

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Megan Schiebe of Global Humanitarian Discussions about the Elias Fund and the current situation in Zimbabwe. Megan is huge advocate for international volunteering and an impassioned individual specifically inspired by the plight of Zimbabwean refugees in South Africa. You can listen to our conversation right here:

If you have trouble with the player you can find the audio on Megan’s blog here - Chatting with Scott Byington, Founding Member of the Elias Fund.

Also, please do not hesitate to contact the Elias Fund if this interview peaked your interest in any way.

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By scott, May 3, 2010

Our European friends are at it again, and this time Sweden will be their venue. Run4Zimbabwe, comprised of Alexander, Alfred, Par and Peter, will long-board approx. 700 km of Swedish road to promote the Elias Fund and raise funds specifically for EF’s partners at Albert Street School.

“On our last year’s tour through Ireland we discovered that a small project like ours can have a great effect on people, so there was no doubt we would continue our venture,” says Alexander. “This year in 2010, we are challenging a distance of appx. 700 km through Sweden leading us from the east coast just north of Stockholm all through the country to the west coast just south of Gothesnburg. Within 2 weeks time we want to accomplish the distance, see to what extent we can affect the people in Sweden to join our cause, and of course, long-board!”

The guys at Run4Zimbabwe have created the perfect example of grassroots activism. They’ve paired their passion (long-boarding) with a humanitarian cause (the Elias Fund!) and are doing their part to promote hope and opportunity in Zimbabwe via the means known to them. We are honored to have their energetic support . . . stay tuned for more from these amazing individuals!

Do you have a passion, idea or profession that might pair well with the Elias Fund? We would love to work along side you in grassroots activism for Zimbabwe. Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@eliasfund.org.