The Countdown Has Begun!

The countdown to the end of our Operation Smile "Make A Miracle" Challenge has begun. There are only a few more weeks for you Consultants to collect donations and remit them in order to win the opportunity to participate in an international mission with this life-changing charity. We've been watching the donation totals at the corporate office, and I can say with confidence: It's still anyone's contest to win!

This really means two things. One, even if you haven't spread the awareness much of Operation Smile nor submitted many donations, don't give up the effort! This is such a worthwhile chance of a lifetime, and even if you don't earn the mission trip, it's a wonderful reward to know that you've changed a child's life through your generosity.

Two, this does mean that we haven't seen the level of participation that we hoped to. We know our Consultants and customers truly are the most generous and caring people on the planet, so we have been a bit surprised by the soft response. We can do better! There are still two weeks left in the challenge, so I encourage you to rise to it! (To be eligible for the contest, all donations must be submitted before midnight on Thursday, April 5, the end of the five-day grace period.)

I received a great message from Consultant Sharon Esau recently who held a Scrap & Stamp event that raised $1,000 for Operation Smile (way to go, Sharon!). She writes: "What an opportunity you have provided to us! It would mean so much to me to win this contest, but if I don't, I am so glad to be a part of collecting money for Operation Smile on Close To My Heart's behalf. I will always believe in giving back to the community that has supported me in so many ways. I guess you might say I am selfish because I learned a long time ago that it is me that benefits from helping others. Thank you for being the kind of company I am so proud of."

Thank you, Sharon. And thanks to all of you working to Make A Miracle—I'll be watching the countdown and the donations and wishing you well in your efforts!