Virtual House Party E-mail for the Polishing Stone Foundation

(Thank you for sending out an e-mail request for support! Please copy and paste this example email into your own email program and tailor to suit your own story before sending. We appreciate your support more than we can say!)

Dear Friend,

Imagine being in my country home this Saturday afternoon. The lush green cedar and cottonwood trees are reflecting the warm June sunlight in the yard. We've taken a walk through the garden beds to inspect the new vegetable sprouts, dodging the children on their bikes, chatting over their excited shouts and laughter. Now we've retreated inside to gather around the big wooden table and munch on natural treats like fresh-baked bread, almonds, organic carrots, yogurt dip and fresh-picked berries from the yard. Perhaps you're interested in the big jar on the counter holding my latest herbal brew. You may notice the girls' artwork pinned to the hallway walls and comment on the colorful rugs that our friend wove by hand - we love his artistry. Never mind the board games and dress-up clothes strewn about the living room - oh, here come the girls now, in their rebel peasant and Chinese princess outfits, to narrate their shared story aloud. Oh, they're back outside as quickly as they came in - would someone mind closing the door? Now that we've settled some, I can share a bit about why we're gathered. I've become active with an awesome nonprofit foundation, and I'm seeking your support for it.

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This is what the experience might be like if I were holding a fundraising "house party," where folks gather at the home of someone they know to socialize, enjoy refreshments, and learn about how they can support a cause their like-minded host cares passionately about. But I'm not holding a conventional house party. My rural house is too small to accommodate all the people I would want there, and besides, many of them live much too far away. Most of the interesting and extraordinary people, like yourself, that I'd love to have attend, have schedules as tight as my own - between work, family life, and the inspiring projects they're involved in. Instead, I'm holding a "virtual house party," a creature of the imagination adapted to this busy modern age.

So whether you're a blood relative, a friend I hold in high regard even if we haven't been in touch lately, or someone I see on a regular basis, I wouldn't want to leave you off the invitation list and deny you the opportunity to be a part of this stimulating, creative, trend-setting affair.

Any effective house party, in person or virtual, includes a presentation about a cause or project, followed by a "pitch" - a request for financial support - and volunteer help. Of course, I would let you know this in advance, so you could come prepared and maybe even bring a friend.

So, getting back to my kitchen on Saturday afternoon, imagine sitting back and listening to what I would have to say:

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Some of you may have heard about the Polishing Stone Foundation. They publish an ad-free, nonprofit magazine that I love. Through it, I feel like I've found a refuge from corporate influence and a source of ongoing inspiration and guidance for my new path of healthy, sustainable living. In the magazine's pages, I find a feeling of potential and optimism coupled with many practical tips that I can really use. There's a combination of very informative yet concise and easy-to-read investigative articles, and touching and entertaining stories from people's lives. I find thoughtful discussions on parenting, community and relationships. And all those overwhelming "issues" out there in the world are simmered down to something personal and relevant to me, with simple suggestions that I can act on right away.

I can see how folks who can't relate to the environmental movement or who just don't know what to do about ecological and social problems could pick up this welcoming publication, have a leisurely read over a meal, and take away one good idea that they can use. Perhaps, like me, they read it and try out a new backyard herb to boost their health, or a new whole foods recipe that comes out surprisingly tasty. Or, they might decide to paint their baby's nursery with natural, non-toxic paint or select a car with better fuel efficiency. All these actions are powerful and add up to a healthier, more balanced way of life.

This is why I donate to the Polishing Stone Foundation and volunteer my time. I believe in the power of this magazine to serve as a bridge between dedicated environmentalists and the many others who care about the quality of their lives and the future of our planet, but have yet to find sustainable information they can easily take in and act upon.

I also like that The Polishing Stone encourages the use of earth-friendly products and services, which increases their demand, and the fact that the magazine is printed on a blend of tree-free kenaf and recycled content paper, which supports the shift away from virgin wood pulp for paper making.

You probably know how corporate media consolidation is endangering the independent press. Accessing information and opinions that aren't funneled through corporations with close ties to the government is becoming increasingly difficult. Independent publications like The Polishing Stone are essential for freedom of speech and grassroots change. But, surprisingly, subscription and newsstand revenues don't cover the costs of an ad-free, nonprofit magazine, and most other nonprofits have a better chance of receiving grant assistance than magazines. So while pursuing whatever grants may be available, the foundation needs donations to keep the presses running, and achieve their plans of also offering community education projects such as radio and newspaper spots, and youth outreach.

The Polishing Stone Foundation needs to raise $25,000 this season. This is an ambitious but achievable goal. I'd like to ask you to help by making a donation to this effort. Your gift of $25 to $100 dollars (or more) would help us to reach this goal. Think of the transformative power of thousands of readers being inspired to make positive changes. Think of Margaret Meade's famous quote: "Never underestimate the ability of a small, dedicated group of citizens to change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

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So now, you've heard my pitch. It's time for me to close and let you decide if you can help. Afterward, the virtual house party continues with all its eclectic company, conversation, and my husband's homemade chocolate cake - not-too-sweet and topped with hand-made whipped-cream - Yum! I hope you've enjoyed being one of my "guests." And I hope you can help me make this fundraiser as successful as possible.

I won't actually see you on Saturday afternoon. But I hope you'll consider making a generous gift - or subscribe to The Polishing Stone, if you'd like. It will make a big difference for this nonprofit that I care so much about. I hope all is well with you and please know that you have a standing invitation to come over for a real visit any time you get the chance. I'll be thinking of you Saturday, and I'll save some cake for you.

Virtually yours,

Simone

You can subscribe or donate on The Polishing Stone's website: www.polishingstone.org.

Or make a check out to the Polishing Stone Foundation and mail to:
Polishing Stone Foundation
20104 87th St. SE
Snohomish, WA 98290-7267