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Yesterday was a watershed moment in theCHIVE's history. It marked a day when years of work to bring all of our charity in-house came to fruition. After officially launching Chive Charities, it took the Chivers only 6 hours to eclipse the single largest financial goal we've ever set. We could not have pulled all this off without y'all. You proved to the world that the flash-mob charity model is here to stay and, most importantly, you forever changed the course of a little girl's life for the better.
Zoe and her family were at theCHIVE offices all day. We all sat around the TV watching as the totals came in - kinda' like election day only without all the bullshit. The Lush family was more or less in shock for the first couple hours but it gave way to the most genuine excitement I've ever seen. And finally, gratitude. Zoe's family has asked me to thank the Chivers from the bottom of their hearts. It's been a long hard road for them, and finally now you've brought a light to a dark corner.
Even though Zoe's campaign is closed, hundreds of Chivers have emailed us asking to donate to Zoe. If you'd like to send them anything personally. Here is the address:
Curtis, Chelsea, and Zoe Lush
21342 Compass Ln.
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Because we have brought everything in-house, we must account for every expenditure that we make. We itemize Zoe's specific needs and set the financial goal based on that. The IRS guidelines force us to be more rigid with our campaigns and that's ok. The days of soaring past our goals are over but our days of helping more people have just begun. Enter the Chive Charities Fund.
There is an important component to yesterday's Chive Charities inaugural launch that I want to make everybody aware of. As many of you know, I receive dozens of emails everyday from Chivers who seek out theCHIVE for help. I still read all of these stories personally. What I've noticed is that many Chivers need a small amount to make a big difference.
For example: Let's say there is a Chivette mother of three. Her apartment burned down recently and she's back home living with her mom. She emails me and just needs help getting back on her feet, $5,000 would do the trick. She doesn't want any more than that.
Now if I launched a major campaign on theCHIVE homepage asking the Chivers to donate to this woman, you'd build her a mansion in the Hamptons, and probably a boathouse out back. It's the amazing flaw inherent in theCHIVER's prodigious capacity for giving, you won't stop until the machine breaks.
The Chive Fund exists to support people in need of smaller generosities than the headline campaigns, help underfunded campaigns meet their goals, and build support that allows Chive Charities to operate (currently 1 awesome employee). Leo and I will never receive a paycheck from Chive Charities.
By becoming a Charity Chiver at one of our 4 levels or making a one-time donation to the Chive Fund, you are helping champion the underdogs. There are a number of cool perks you receive for becoming a member, not least of which is getting your hands on those awesome Chive Charity shirts we're all wearing in these photos as well as first-look at all the 'impossible shirts'.
Or you can simply make a one-time donation.
Chive Charities will be our lasting legacy. I will now be able to read these emails from worthy individuals who just need a little help and offer more than a few kind words of support. With your help I can now offer real help. We'll be sure to bring you the stories of the Chivers you help with The Fund on theCHIVE.
Lastly, I can't thank you enough for what you've done yesterday. Not only did you help Zoe, but across the globe now, we've helped achieve a greater understanding of a misunderstood disorder. Only good things can come from that. The world is slowly getting 10% happier.
Donate to the Chive Charities Fund RIGHT HERE.
Now please enjoy a gallery of yesterday's events...
Zoe is not mentally disabled. She was, on some level, aware of the gravity of the situation. She clapped when we hit each $10,000 level and signed goodbye to all of us when she left.
Thanks again, Chivers.
Donate to the Chive Charities Fund RIGHT HERE.
