From time to time we will spotlight particularly courageous, innovative or unusual fundraising efforts in support of WAW. WAW's work would not be possible without the generosity of our individual and institutional supporters.
Susan Daitch:
Susan Daitch is donating 100% of the proceeds of her new book, "Fall Out," to Women for Afghan Women.
“I've known about Women for Afghan Women since the organization was co-founded by my dear friend Sunita Viswanath in the year leading up to 9/11. I wanted to find a way to contribute not just by myself, but to enable others to do so, as well. I'm hoping the book will help point a spotlight on the inspiring work done by both Women for Afghan Women and Madras Press which is publishing it.”
The book becomes available for purchase soon, here.
K. Qais Essar:
Qais is the Afghan rabab player who charmed our guests when he played pro-bono at Women for Afghan Women's tenth anniversary gala in October, 2011. The rabab is an Afghan lute that can be dated back 2500 years. Inspired by WAW's work, Qais has not only agreed to play again at WAW's next gala event, he has also decided to donate a portion of the proceeds of his second CD Zima Afghanistan to WAW. Supporters can read about Qais and listen to his mesmerizing rabab music here.
When asked about his choice to donate to WAW and the significance it holds in Qais’ heart he replied:
“The world is in turmoil. Being a US citizen, I’m so thankful for the opportunity I’ve been given to live in a civil society. Our people of Afghanistan struggle and our women are suffering. Being a son and husband, I appreciate and value the wisdom of my mother and the love from my wife -- all women should have the same rights as any man and thefreedom to realize their fullpotential. I want to make a difference."
Rachel Giuliani:
Rachel has volunteered for WAW for some years now, most notably when she designed and launched our e-newsletter. When Rachel turned 30 in November 2012, she decided to ask all her friend to donate to her favorite nonprofit -- Women for Afghan Women -- in liesu of gifts. Rachel will also honor her birthday by making her own donation to WAW. Here is the blog post Rachel wrote about her birthday drive.
"Because of all the lifesaving and life-changing work they do, Women for Afghan Women was the obvious choice for me. I've been moved by and drawn to WAW's mission since I volunteered to help coordinate WAW's e-newsletter a few years ago. I got to spend a lot of time with the stories of the women and girls of WAW in that work, and of course many of the stories are tragic, heartbreaking, unimaginable. But I had the privilege of seeing something else, too: the incredible, relentless forward motion of WAW..... In Afghanistan and Queens, WAW is helping women gain skills, knowledge, and resources to build (and rebuild) their lives. At WAW, I've seen the incredible help that right-minded neighbors can provide for one another, even in oppressive circumstances. I'm honored to have been a part of their work, and I'm honored to celebrate my birthday with them!”
Elinor Krichmar:
Brooklyn middle-school student Elinor Krichmar, 13, celebrated her Bat Mitzvah last April, and for her mitzvah decided to support WAW’s Children’s Support Centers by asking her guests to donate new and used educational toys and warm clothes. A month after the special day, Ellie and her parents (who are long-time WAW supporters) shipped off no fewer than TWELVE boxes of toys and clothes to Kabul.
Here is the letter that Ellie wrote to her friends and family in order to collect children’s items for WAW.
Thank you Ellie, from all of us in WAW!
Stephanie Case:
Former UN staffer at UNAMA based in Kabul, Stephanie Case, astounded us all by announcing that she will be running a 250 km race in the Gobi desert in China to kick-off her fundraising efforts for WAW. Then in August, she will be running 100 miles non-stop through the Italian, French and Swiss Alps for WAW: Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc. Finally, in September, she will be running another 250 km self-supported race through the Grand Canyon in North America’s first race of this kind!
All this to raise funds for WAW! Stephanie has already raised $5,000 and is halfway to her goal. Stephanie’s blog about her passion for running and her commitment to Afghan women’s rights includes an extremely moving post,Running for a Reason: Women for Afghan Women, about why she chose WAW as the benificiary of her fundraising. Please support this fearless woman in any way you can!
“For seven days, I will be running across the desert carrying all of my clothes, food, water, sleeping bag and supplies on my back. The days will be long and hot, and the nights are sure to be cold and painful. However, the challenges I will face in the desert will pale in comparison to the many obstacles that many women here in Afghanistan face on a daily basis.” - From Stephanie's blog