Fundraiser Kick-Off: $10 Towards Tanner

So.

It turns out adoption is expensive.

People probably know this, but when you jump in with your heart first and think finances later....well, let's just say I'm known for doing things out of order and leave it at that.

The thing is, I am already elbow-deep in paperwork. The thing is, every day that goes by I feel my heart growing more and more desperate to do whatever I can to get our son home as quickly as possible. The thing is, I wish I could get on a plane tomorrow. But there are still a lot of steps between here and there, and we are going to need help, support, and prayers as we roller-coaster along towards that wonderful day when we can finally hold Tanner in our arms and let him know he is loved.

Since finding Tanner and starting our journey just two weeks ago, I have come across a LOT of great adoption blogs with a lot of cool fundraising ideas. One idea jumped out at me as being particularly awesome, because it creates a keep-sake for Tanner! I am really super excited about this, and I think after I explain you will all see why.

This is called a Puzzle Fundraiser. The idea here is we have purchased a jigsaw puzzle of the world:



(I like this map because it is "Europe centered" instead of U.S. centered. Since Tanner is from Eastern Europe and all. Just adds to the cool-ness)

This puzzle has only 300 pieces.

Each piece can be "donated" for $10. Each person who donates $10 will have their name written on the back of a puzzle piece. Then we will assemble the puzzle one piece at a time, as donations come in, and mount it to a frame that is both glass in front and glass in the back. This way the names of the friends, family, and caring strangers of the interwebs who help bring Tanner home through a generous donation will always be able to be seen! And of course you are more than welcome to donate multiple puzzle pieces if you feel so inclined! :)

The map, when completed, will be hung in Tanner's room. He will be able to keep it as a reminder of all the people around the world who helped make him a part of our family. The puzzle pieces are pretty big, so if you want your location or other short message to be included on your piece please feel free to email me at mycamokids@gmail.com after making your donation to include that information.

We are going to use ChipIn for this particular fundraiser, so any and all donations will come directly to us to help pay for our home study (already under way!) and other fees that we have had to pay out of pocket so far (think application fees, renewing passports, etc.) along with helping us prepare for his arrival later on as we make purchases like a bed, car seat, clothes and other necessities. Using ChipIn will also make it easier to keep track of the names behind each donation. Please click on the ChipIn box on the top right hand side of my blog or at the bottom of this post to participate in this fundraiser! This will redirect you to Paypal to make your donation. Safe and secure, and all that jazz.

(Of course you are always welcome to make a donation through Tanner's Reece's Rainbow button as well, it just won't get you a puzzle piece.)

I have nearly 300 friends on my facebook alone! I am hoping that our little puzzle will sell out fast. I will be posting periodic updates, with photos of our puzzle as it becomes assembled. I know it is something that will be treasured by our whole family for years to come as a special reminder of our adoption journey and all the big hearts out there who were willing to make a contribution to bring Tanner home to his forever family!

**Please Note: Dontations made through ChipIN are NOT tax deductible. Donations made through the Reece's Rainbow button at the top right of my blog ARE tax deductible! If you would prefer to donate in a tax deductible fashion, just send me an email that you donated through RR and I will still get your name on the number of puzzle pieces you donate for! Thanks!!**