Dear Friends and Family,

I wanted to contact you and tell you about this incredible program called Global Outreach. Global Outreach is a cultural immersion and service program where Fordham students learn about various issues of social, economic, political and environmental injustice, while living a simple lifestyle that fosters communal and spiritual growth. This year I have been blessed to be chaperoning a wonderful group of students to South Africa. This project will take place during summer break: May 21-June 8. 

The GO South Africa team splits their time between Johannesburg and Cape Town. The team collaborates with organizations that target the major issues faced by the nation of South Africa including HIV/AIDS, poverty, residual effects of apartheid, struggles in the education system, and unemployment.

What motivated me to pursue this project was I personally went on GO! NYC 2008 and it changed my life. I worked with the missionaries of charity and local homeless shelters. The daily interactions in my hometown were an eye-opening experience. After this experience, I continued my participation with Global outreach as a leader and eventually as a chaperone. I believe that through work with Global Outreach, specifically GO! South Africa can make a difference in the lives of those around us.  I sincerely want to be a part of this effort. 
So the total cost of the project is $3,750 per person. It is a group of 12 undergraduate students including leader and chaperone (me!!). Obviously I cannot do this on my own. I need help. Our group will be fundraising through bake sales, selling t-shirts and, of course, letter writing to friends, family, and service groups. The money we raise will help with our transportation and housing expenses, and donations to charities we will be working with in South Africa.

I believe in Global Outreach’s vision and work, which is why I am committed to raising money to help out the organization by spring break. To help me meet, and hopefully surpass, my financial goals, I am asking for your support. Please be as generous as you can and we would appreciate any donation ranging from $10 to $250 or above before May 21st. You can also write checks payable to Global Outreach, and mail them to Shilpa Joseph c/o Paul Francis McGinley 205A, Fordham University, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458. I truly appreciate any donation you can make, for every dollar counts and not to mention all donations are 100% tax deductible!

I personally dislike writing to ask for money. However, my uneasiness with sending fundraising letters is overcome by how important I feel this project is and the opportunity it affords me. If you can help with a donation, I would really appreciate it. If not, please keep me, my companions and the people we will be working with in your thoughts. In any case, I will let you know how the trip went when I return. 
I hope all is well and thank you so much for your support. Please feel free contact me with any questions or concerns if you would like to learn more about GO! South Africa or Global Outreach.
Thank you for taking time to read and we appreciate the support.

Sincerely,

Shilpa A. Joseph

shjoseph@fordham.edu