Dear ICMC Supporters and Friends, 

Returning back to the United States after an incredibly heartwarming trip to Africa has been humbling. It just reminds me how lucky we are as Americans. We have endless choices, so much wealth and an abundance of opportunity unknown to Africans.

I am so excited to tell you about the year ahead. But first, I want to thank Matthew Mertz, who spared no expense as he traveled with me on my 3-week journey to the village of Braffoueby, Ivory Coast in January. Going back without the safe partnership of the Peace Corps was admittedly a little unnerving and I felt so much safer with him by my side, not to mention he captured the trip through photographs and video. He was so right when he said: "I can't believe how much they are depending on us. They want us to be everywhere, everyday." I wish all of you could see the hope in their eyes...

There is a new, modern Chief in the village who is incredibly devoted to the mission. He and the other villagers showed outpouring gratitude. They couldn't believe I returned! They told me this over and over, and their eyes widened when they thanked us for doing what they cannot - fundraising to give health and wellness to mothers and their children.

Upcoming Fundraisers - The Artist Alliance Series

Our fundraisers are now happening on a monthly basis! Watch for invitations in your email inbox. Don’t miss the first one...

Friday, May 15th
Fulton Lounge
6:00-9:00p.m.
First drink free!

Donor and Sponsor Recognition

Thank you to Chris at d/Vision Optical! When I arrived in Braffoueby I brought with me arm-fulls of eyeglasses to hand out to the villagers. This gift was made possible by our generous partners at d/Vision Optical.

Thank you also to Rush Hospital and Janet Franck for the medical machinery. A truly incredible gift that will undoubtedly be useful when the clinic is complete!

We are a grassroots organization maintained entirely by volunteers. Our jaws drop every time we receive a donation or in-kind gift and we are committed in 2009 to getting better at recognizing these gifts, including our commitment to getting this newsletter out on a bi-monthly basis (thank you to our newsletter pros Amanda Kolb and Maureen Noone!).

Please Donate Now

We simply cannot do this without the generosity of our supporters. In these hard times please know that your generosity has nothing to do with how much you can give but rather, just that you give. Very small increments make a difference. Imagine if each of you made a gift right now of $10. We would be thousands of dollars closer to our goal!

Please donate. There is an entire village of women and children who need you.

On behalf of the village, I offer a heartfelt thank you to every one of your for our fundraising success last year. Our board of directors, our donors, all of us are making this dream a reality. We are doing what originally seemed impossible. Our progress is astounding and we wouldn't be here if it weren't for you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope to see you at our first Artist Alliance event on Friday May 15th!

Sincerely,

Patsy and ICMC