Scope Presentations Charity Event

About My Campaign

Hello everyone,

It is that time of year again when my Scope (capstone) class at Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) helps me sponsor a fundraiser for the community. In the past, I have collected food for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, copy paper for the Teacher's Warehouse, adopted needy families for Christmas, schools supplies for an elementary school, etc. This semester, I wanted to try and make it easier to donate by creating this website that allows you to donate money, too. (Over the years, I have had several students who have offered to donate money as well, but did not have a system like this website setup to collect these monetary donations until now.) I have narrowed down the fundraiser to an elementary school in need of school supplies. The school for this fundraiser will be Willow Brook Elementary. The school is in the Oklahoma City Public School district and located in an extremely low socio-economic community. The parents, students, and especially teachers could all benefit from your generous monetary donations, which would go towards school supplies. And please know that the money collected through my website will only add to the additional items that we physically collect as well. (Of course I will keep everyone posted via Facebook.) In addition, I will donate some of the money to other organizations in need as well, but Willow Brook Elementary will be the primary focus.

As many of you are aware, I grew up impoverished in the violent neighborhoods on the northeast side of OKC. I have been fortunate and blessed to have persevered through a lot of adversity and always try to do something to give back to my community. And with your help, you can make it possible.    

I have done my research with this donation site (Fundly), and it has proven to be legitimate. They have helped to raise millions of dollars for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Teach for America, Hurricane Sandy, etc. Forbes, Huffington Post, PBS, etc. have written articles in regards to the impact that Fundly has had in regards to raising donations. (see articles below by clicking on the link):

http://fundly.com/press/

The only downside to using Fundly is that the minimum you have to donate is at least $10. However, know that I will make sure your donation will go to a very worthy cause. In addition, the website is secure so you do not have to worry about your credit/debit card information. (However, use your own discretion.) I have made a donation and have not had any problems with my credit/debit card or anything.

Some things to remember if you decide to donate:

1. Once you press the "Please Donate" button, you will be taken to a screen to enter your credit/debit card information. Though $10 will automatically appear at the top of the screen, you will need to delete it and re-enter $10 or more, if you want. For whatever reason, if you do not actually go in, delete, and enter a dollar amount, you will receive an error message that states, "Please ensure that all required fields have been filled in correctly." 

2. Make sure NOT to check the "Recurring Monthly Donation" box. If for whatever reason you accidentally check the "Recurring Monthly Donation" button, your card will automatically be billed every month for the amount that you donated. You can always contact Fundly, however, and they can fix this immediately. You also have the option to check the "Contribute Anonymously" box if you would like to remain anonymous. At the end of the day, however, you do not have to check either of these boxes, but know if you do not select a box, your name will be listed as a donor. 

I have been extremely grateful to all of you in the past who have helped me in my crusade to give back to my community, which is also your community. I know that $10 may be a lot of money for some of you -- trust me, I have been there. It could be the difference in purchasing 3 gallons of gas, diapers, a couple of value meals at your local fast-food restaurant, a pair of jeans or a shirt for your child, groceries, medication, etc., so know that your gift in the form of a donation is GREATLY appreciated, especially since I know that for some of you it would truly be a sacrifice. Please share this link!!!! 

Thanks for your consideration,

~ Dr. Smith

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Dr. Martin Luther King