Hello, wonderful friends!

This is my fifth consecutive year writing 30 poems in November to benefit the Center for New Americans. Now that I don't fund-raise for a living, this is the only time all year that I'll ask you for money--and it couldn't be for a better cause. Your gifts support free English classes for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, provided by an excellently run, volunteer-supported organization, Center for New Americans.

Here's how it works: I commit to writing a poem a day for the whole month, and I am spurred on by knowing that doing this earns money for a cause we all care so much about. You agree to "sponsor" my writing by pledging a gift to help me reach my goals (both my writing goals and my fund-raising goal). No gift is too small, but I hope you'll consider giving $100 or more this year because I've doubled the amount I'm committed to raising. Your money will go directly to helping people new to this country learn English in classes taught at no cost to them by fantastic, dedicated volunteer teachers.

That's it, that's the deal. So please help Center for New Americans and me by making your gift today so I don't have to nag you endlessly, because, you know, I'm not shy, and I believe in this work, so I will keep coming back at you until you give or tell me to get lost. 

I am so grateful to each of you who has supported me in doing this in the past-- and to every one of you who will be making a gift this year. Your kind words about my writing, your generosity, and the care you show for new immigrants from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Iraq, Iran, and Central America, moves me almost beyond words. But hopefully not totally beyond words, as I need some words for my poems.

Thank you for giving a gift today!

Love to you,
Lanette

P.S. Please consider letting your name show on the honor roll of givers; the more names appear there, the more your gift can inspire others to give, too (i.e., please don't make your gift anonymous).