140 characters

Children of Uganda recently participated in an online challenge sponsored by the nonprofit social networking site Razoo.com. The concept was a simple one: charities were invited to raise the most donors (not the most money) in the month of March. The organization with the most unique donors at the end of March would receive an additional $10,000 grant.

Children of Uganda did quite well. Although we did not receive the top prize - we did raise over $10,000 on our own and received an additonal $2,000 grant. And we did so in only 2 1/2 weeks.


We were thrilled with the success. For me, I was also inspired by the notes left by our donors on the Children of Uganda wall in support of our work. Here are a few excerpts:

• "These guys are doing great work at roots level. Educating the next generation so they can build a better future for themselves."
  
• "Making a difference starts with one child. COU supports 600 children. Imagine the difference!"
  
• "Children of Uganda is pure inspiration. The children in this community give such joy to the world and bring blessings to themselves and everyone around them."
  
• "I've worked with them for many years. One of the most efficient, cost-conscious organizations doing great work in Africa."
  
• "This is an amazing organization that is dear to my heart after visiting Uganda and touring with the children in 2000. The organization does amazing things for kids in Uganda and I couldn't be more supportive."
  
• "COU is full of wonderful, joyous children and graduates who prove that just a little bit of help can go a long way toward a better future for them, and for the village, the country and probably even the continent."

These words provide a glimpse into our remarkable success stories and what has inspired our work for nearly 15 years.

And just a few days ago ~ Hugh Jackman created a challenge of his own and asked people all over the world to share a few words about their favorite charity. Whomever convinces Hugh that their charity deserves top honors will help that organization receive a $100,000 donation from Mr. Jackman.

The interesting part of this challenge is that it was launched on Twitter. And what makes the challenge such a challenge . . . updates can only be 140 characters or less. That's roughly 15 words to to capture the passion.

We sent Hugh a tweet and thousands of others have done the same. We hope our 140 characters captured our passion for Children of Uganda's vital work.

@RealHughJackman ~ Empowering world's largest AIDS orphan population & giving them tools for a sustainable future.