First-generation college students need your help! Go to Tiger's Facebook Challenge now to help send 10 deserving students to college through the Earl Woods Scholarship Program.
This unique fundraising campaign, which launched April 2 and takes place exclusively on Facebook, is open to everyone. In addition to the money being raised by generous fans like you, Tiger will match the amount, dollar for dollar. As Tiger has said, "A small amount can make a big difference. If enough fans each contribute just a few dollars, the impact is felt for generations. It's so much bigger than 10 scholars."
The Earl Woods Scholarship Program provides tuition support, financial assistance, admissions counseling, dedicated mentors, specialized internships and workshops for scholars accepted into the program. The number of supporters continues to grow every day, and it is inspiring to hear and gain support from so many people who understand the value of a good education. Our fundraisers come from all around the world -- 15 countries to be exact! They hail from unexpected places like Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Norway, Italy, Germany, France, Ireland, Malaysia, Iceland and Singapore.
Tiger's Facebook Challenge is conducted on Tiger's personal Facebook page via the FundRazr application. Fans get to create their own campaign messages to encourage their family and friends to donate to their cause. Within just 24 hours of the campaign's official launch, Tiger and his supporters raised more than $25,000! The reaction has been very positive with the majority of fans donating an average of $20 and under, but we have a long way to reach our goal. Here are a few things our fundraisers had to say -- their messages are inspiring, personal and purely heartwarming.
Our first- and second-week leader was JoAnne Cortez, who, with the help of her friends, raised $1,057. She got a mention on Tiger's Facebook and Twitter pages and received a signed TWF pin flag. Her campaign said, "Together, let us help make an impact in the lives of others. Together, let us take the first step in making the future generations a better one."
Sharon Stoliaroff is in second place. Together with her husband, they've raised $600! Her campaign reads, "If you know us, you probably know that neither John nor I could have gone to college without scholarships. Now we want to help young people facing that same challenge in today's even tougher economy. Please join us in supporting Tiger Woods' efforts."
Pat Cervantes said, "Now is the time to do something positive in our country. Hearing that someone is doing something good instead of all the political negativity is a start. So do something good for kids who want to go to college but can't afford it -- help Tiger's Foundation now."
Even those who are struggling are donating to Tiger's cause. David Motsenbocker shared, "Hey, everyone. I believe in helping kids go to college, but I do not have the means to do so. But I can donate a few dollars in knowing that I am supporting 10 deserving kids. ... Will you do the same? There are a lot of ways to help many people with money, but we never know how much or if any actually gets to them. At least I know that 10 kids will get this opportunity to go to college."
Mary Baker said, "I was not able to attend college, and at age 59, that has to be my single most regret!"
Kenn Johnson said it best: "In a time when our nation and our world are facing unprecedented challenges and hardship, both financially and socially, nothing is more important than having access to a decent education. Problems and obstacles are overcome through increased knowledge and tolerance. And nothing increases both of those better than ongoing education. Please help me, and Tiger, raise enough money to help as many kids as possible have a chance to go to college. Give whatever you're comfortable with. Just $1 dollar can go a long way toward changing a life for the better. So, please, give what you can. No one should have their dreams and opportunities in life cut short simply because of a price tag. Together, we can help provide the way. Thank you so much for your support."
Tiger will reward the most-active fundraiser with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the AT&T National in Washington, D.C. The winner will play in the Pro-Am on Wednesday, June 27, at Congressional Country Club and receive a private putting lesson from Tiger Woods. This invite includes complimentary airfare and accommodations. The winner could easily be you, so hurry and start fundraising now! Tiger's Facebook Challenge ends May 14, 2012.