Give
Donor Testimonies
Erik and Michelle Olson
"We feel privileged to be a small part of this amazing work."When we heard about Hagar's history and read about it in David Batstone's book, Not for Sale, we learned how effective the organization is at assisting and empowering disenfranchised women and children. Immediately, we felt compelled to partner with Hagar. We feel privileged to be a small part of this amazing work. We have been monthly donors since March 2009.
Erik and Michelle Olson
Atherton, CA
Katie and Josh Gilliam
"We feel like a true partner in Hagar's work."We were immediately drawn to the work of Hagar because of the holistic nature of their care. We loved that they walked women and children through the entire process of healing from initial trauma to reintegration into society. we also appreciate how they recognize and address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of women and children instead of merely focusing on one area.
It is our family's honor to sow finances monthly into this thriving ministry and pray that others will be motivated to do the same. We want Hagar to be able to count on our monthly donation so that they can sustain current programs and have confidence to begin new ones. This makes us feel like a true partner in the work.
Katie and Josh Gilliam
Colorado Springs, CO
Aprill Wilson
"I've been a proud monthly partner with Hagar for about a year now. I am confident that every dollar I give is making a difference in the life of a woman or child, as Hagar allows God to use them to bring wholeness where there was brokenness, to give beauty for ashes."Aprill Wilson Honolulu, HI
Rebecca Lee & Tori Bommarito
"I learned that it's easy to teach people about injustice if, and only if, you are really passionate about it!"Two child-hood friends, Rebecca and Tori, decided to spend their summer break spreading the word about Hagar. What better place to share Hagar's ministry than their home church, Westminster Presbyterian Church. Since they are both musicians, they decided to hold a benefit concert.
For their first fundraiser, they set their sights high with a hope of raising $2,000.00 - the amount to care for a woman in Hagar's shelter for one year. They networked with friends, local media, and their congregation to provide local talent and food items. Rebecca says, "People had a very positive response to our event. They wanted to know more, donated generously, and I even had requests for more fliers...It was very encouraging."
Rebecca's mother learned about Hagar when she attended a presentation in San Jose, and soon word spread to Rebecca and Tori.
Rebecca states, "Everyone can do something. Since we are musicians, it made sense to put on a benefit concert...Other people with other skills and experiences will be successful in other capacities; they just have to be creative. It's easy to make a difference."
Rebecca Lee & Tori Bommarito
San Jose, California
City Presbyterian Church
In the middle of the current economic instability, one small church in Long Beach, Calif., has made a huge difference in the lives of children in Cambodia. The church ran Hope for Hagar, a two-month awareness and fundraising campaign with the bold goal of raising $10,000 for Hagar's Community Learning Center.
"Week after week, as the campaign progressed," says church member Paul Park, "I saw my own faith strengthened by the response of our congregation. Evident in their faces was an embracing of the causes of social justice and mercy, of being committed advocates for the vulnerable and the powerless. Even more tangibly, however, was what we accomplished through sacrificial giving and creative fundraising."
By the end of the campaign, the church had more than doubled its goal - raising more than $20,000 to Hagar for its crucial work with children.
"What can one local church like ours do about global scourges like poverty, scarcity of education and dehumanizing exploitation?" Park asks. "We get educated on the issues. We take audacious, faith-stretching action. Then, we see some of the best of what God can do through us."
City Presbyterian Church
Long Beach, Calif.
Barb Monsey
“I would do it again.”In one evening, one woman singlehandedly raised more than $1,200 for Hagar. Barb Monsey knew Hagar USA staff, and she wanted to help convey their passion for the importance of Hagar’s work. So she sent out invitations to friends and neighbors to come learn about Hagar, making it clear that donations would be accepted. And she promised dinner.
“People were really interested to attend,” Barb says. “Some offered to help, and they were all excited to have a reason to get together and learn about an organization doing good work.”
Friends pitched in to prepare supper, and a Hagar presentation followed. Nearly everyone donated. “I felt really good about the money we raised and all of the women and children we helped,” Barb says. “I would do it again.”
Barb’s enthusiasm was shared by her guests as well. Says Rachel Fisher, “Hagar’s work inspired me more than I expected. My own goal is to start an informal ‘dinner group,’ where I can tell others about the individuals helped by Hagar, with the goal of recruiting a few friends to hold more dinner groups, where they can tell a few others, and so on.”
Barb Monsey
Seattle, Wash.
