To my family, friends, and community members,

Thank you for visiting my page. I want to use this space to breifly explain why I am asking for your generous donations.

Giving Initiative for Teens (GIFT) has been an important part of my last two years of high school. The program enables young adults to grant money to organizations combating a student-selected societal problem. Last year, we raised money for domestic violence, and this year, we are focusing on poverty and homelessness.

GIFT has given me the opportunity to connect with driven Jewish teens and has opened my eyes to the world of philanthropy. I am very grateful to be a part of this group.

I am asking you to consider donating to this group not only because GIFT is a wonderful program, but because the issue of poverty and homelessness cannot be ignored.

I cannot drive into Seattle without passing over two dozen homeless people. Clearly, this problem is not being addressed or funded correctly. Moreover, homelessness plagues teenagers and families as well.

When I told my English teacher about our organization and funding priority, he shared with me that many of my peers are homeless -- couch-surfing night after night. I go to Mercer Island High School. This isn't just a Seattle problem -- it's a world problem. 

In short, I am asking for you donations because I want to make a small difference in someone's life -- whether that's the life of my peer or a man living on the streets in Seattle.