October 2009

Dear ICMC Supporters and Friends, 

We'd like to remind you why we started this organization almost two years ago and tell you how important you are to its success. We are saving the lives of mothers and infants who are dying from complications during childbirth in the village of Braffoueby and bettering those lives as they grow. ICMC is doing well, thanks in no small part to all that you've done thus far.

As Americans, we have so many blessings - including the excitement and joy of the first few moments of a baby's life and all of the memories that soon follow. In the village of Braffoueby, Ivory Coast, those precious moments can often be wrought with sorrow, tragedy and death, due to the highly unnecessary lack of a local maternity and infant healthcare. As the devoted partner to villagers we ask you from the bottom of our heart to remember your abundance and to help us raise an additional $30,000 IMMEDIATELY. We are at a standstill in the building process for our maternity and infant healthcare center and we need to get move forward soon - we don't want to lose momentum!

We recently read an article by Kristof in the New York Times, he said, "People always ask: What can I do to make a difference? So many people in poor countries desperately need assistance. So many people in rich countries would like to help but fear their donations would line the pocket of a corrupt official or lost in an aid bureaucracy. The result is a short circuit leaving both sides unfulfilled." We tell you with pride that the Ivory Coast Mothers and Children organization gives almost 100% of its funds directly to the cause.

We are not salaried, we are volunteers. We are not spending unnecessary amounts on overhead or frivolous extras for our events, rather we reach out to our many generous resources to help us reach our goal as efficiently as possible. We put your money into the responsible hands of the village leaders as they build a vitally important maternity and infant healthcare center and we monitor their progress meticulously...they still need your help! Our goal is to finish the village's maternity and infant healthcare clinic within 6 months, fill it with supplies, staff it and get it moving to fulfill our mission to strengthen this generation to welcome the next. We are at a crucial crossroads: we need more funds now to help us start the next phase. Here is some information on what we have going on now: 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.

Holiday Fundraiser: Dinner with Top Chef's Dale Levitski

In December, Top Chef's Dale Levitski will partner with ICMC to host an intimate dinner for 30 at the home of board member Michael Mertz. The night will feature a 4 course menu and specially paired wines as well as deals for the holidays in a live auction. Stay tuned for more details on this exclusive holiday dinner party.

Fundraiser Report: Three Successful Past Events

	Ribfest VIII at Arrowhead Lodge, September 26, 2009 Ribfest VIII at Arrowhead Lodge was a great success! ICMC extends a big thank you to the Paulson Family for hosting a fantastic event that helped us raise over $5,000. The Pistols at Dawn with new member Justin Ullman made a grand appearance and the bonfire went all night. Mike Mertz showed his skills once again with an incredible turn at the mic as our live auctioneer!
Thank you to our many volunteers, auction donors and auction winners. Special thanks to: Nick & Karyn Paulson Jennifer Paulson Amy Breaux Chris Fifield Dale & Wynelle Swystun Alan Gustaitis Artist J. Claire Town and Country Limousine Donny Madea & Publican Restaurant Enoteca Roma Fetch Portraits Grasshopper 510 Letizia Natural Bakery Maggy Mays Flowers Celebration Limousine, Todd Causley     Peter Nau Trim Spa & Nailbar Chicago Salon Buzz Salon Blonde Spa Forever Malia Designs Norbert Limousine
	Bastille Day Fete at Kiki's Bistro, July 11, 2009 You helped us raise $7,500, that's $4,500 more than last year. This was an unbelievable jump and the village sends their heartfelt gratitude to all of you - job well done!
A big thank you to Kiki's Bistro and the following major auction winners, volunteers and attendees: Amanda and Kevin Kolb & the employees of Traditum Capital Anh Dihn  Bucktown Soup Cafe Chrissy Dal Corrobo & Penny's Noodle Cippolina Colleen Stachon, Photographer David Weichman D/Vision Optical & Chris Foreit D Marie Handbags Fulton Lounge & Joey Panfil  Gerrard Kelley Green Cleaners Hogan McLaughlin  Jen Piazza & Herrington Inn and Spa Kathy Gaffigan & Easel Art Studio Kiki's Bistro Lulelemon Matthew Mertz Michael Mertz Maureen Noone - Graphic Design Maggy Mays Flowers Marisa Swystun Chicago Margaret, Kevin, Grace and Anne Kelly, & Alec Dortkardesler, for all your hard work The Miles Sullivan and Josh Kalmus Band Nailbar Chicago, Trim Spa & Theodora Koutsougeras Nancy Sullivan Northside Cafe Pinky's Nail Salon Personal Privilege Boutique Radiance Fine Jewelry Tana Butler Jewelry Will Kalmbach
Girlscouts of Deerfield Fundraiser, August 22, 2009 What a wonderful day out for the girls! A big thank you to Liz and Allison Montgomery and Carolyn Mulhern for their dedication and generosity. They brought together an enthusiastic group of high schoolers interested in broadening their community service to include our mission. They were a delightful group and did a fantastic job fundraising for our cause. Well done girls!

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.

Our success depends on the generosity of people like you who understand the importance of women's health. For without a mother, a child's life is nowhere near whole, and without health, a mother's love won't last forever.

Too many mothers and children are dying young in the village I called home during my time in the Peace Corps. Most deaths could be prevented with basic obstetrical care by a professionally trained midwife and nurse. Part of our plans include building housing for these key staff and we've recently found out we have some interested candidates in mind.

Thank you for getting us this far. We have the walls and roof and some interior elements but now we need to finish it. We've estimated that we only have 6 months to go. Please find it in your heart to contribute anew, or again if you already have. Let's reach our goal together!

Sincerely,

Patsy and ICMC