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Issue 7, Vol. 1
 Serving In The Dominican Republic 
September 2013
 
 
 
President's Message
 
Dear " . $Name .",

Saludos (Greetings)!

My father taught me that the only thing you can count on to be constant is...change. And, this summer has been no exception for Project Manana and my family.

In July, after much consideration and prayer, I made the decision to resign from my full-time job to spend more time leading Project Manana. Since we opened the doors in 2010, I dedicated many nights and weekends to growing the organization. Now, just three years later, Project Manana (and my passion) has grown to the point that full-time leadership is needed.

Making this decision has allowed my family to spend more time in the Dominican Republic -- and we have been working "in the trenches" with our team. In addition, it has allowed new relationships and doors to be opened.

To date, my compensation package with Project Manana remains the same...$0. That's right, as part of our 100% Guarantee, none of our executive leadership receives a salary or any other financial compensation. This strategic decision has allowed Project Manana to be exponentially more impactful and effective with the donations we receive.

I'm sure you'll see by the articles below that we've had a impactful and fulfilling month. Enjoy reading the articles!

On behalf of 225 (and growing!) Project Mañana children, their families, and community, THANK YOU for "Working Together Today For An Eternal Tomorrow!™"

Please visit Project Mañana's website for more information on how you can partner with Project Mañana; including child sponsorship.

Working Together Today For An Eternal Tomorrow™

Sincerely,


Brian Berman, Founder & President

 









 
 
VIDEO: Project Mañana - The Beginning

Project Manana is an organization created by "real" people for "real" people -- And, it's a "Dream Come True". Enjoy this video as Brian Berman explains how we got started and where we are today.

Project Manana: The Beginning

Cigar Enthusiasts Raise $5,100 To Help Needy Children

Over the last three weeks, our friends at CigarFederation.com (an online community for cigar enthusiasts), have been hosting a raffle to raise funds for Project Mañana.

The idea came from Matt Rosenthal, one of the website's moderators, who feel in love with Project Mañana and wanted to help. Logan Lawler, co-founder of CigarChat and a Cigar Federation moderator, also took the lead in making the raffle a success.

"I wanted to help Project Mañana and creating this raffle just made sense. We were able to involve our community of cigar enthusiasts and I knew a raffle would create the biggest impact.", said Rosenthal.

During the Live Raffle Drawing show, Lawler commented, "I am completely blown away and humbled by the amount of donations we received from cigar and accessory companies. The prizes just kept rolling in!"

In total there we 29 prize packs ranging from boxes of cigars, apparel, jewelry, and other cigar related items, to the grand prize of a 3 day and 4 night Dominican Republic Adventure trip; which was won by Matthew Post from California.

The donations received from the raffle where used in two ways:

1. Project Mañana was able to purchase a much-needed wheelchair for a special needs child named Erison (please see the complete article below).

2. Project Mañana was able to complete the purchase of a parcel of land where a state-of-the-art facility will be built in a very poor and rural area. The building project will include: a nutrition center for 200+ children and a dormitory with a capacity to sleep 50+ people. More information on this exciting building project will be coming soon...so, please stay tuned!

Click the video below to watch the Kickoff of the raffle...

Cigar Federation Raffle Video

Erison Gets His First Wheelchair

ErisonMeet Erison. This young man has found a very special place in the hearts of the Project Mañana team! Erison is 12 years old and lives in a very poor and rural community called San Pablo, Villa Gonzalez, Dominican Republic. He was born with several physical and mental disabilities and has struggled his entire life. Erison can not speak and it's unclear as to what the level of his comprehension is.

Erison lives with his parents and two siblings in a small rundown home. The family lives on a $75 per month paycheck of Tatico, Erison's father, who is a night watchman at a local shopping center. Tatico works 6 nights per week and travels up to 1 hour (one way) by public transportation (which at times can be unreliable) to get to his work location.

Throughout his entire life, Erison spent his days and evenings sitting in a plastic patio chair -- and his parents have been limited in leaving the house because he needs to be carried everywhere they go. In addition, Erison has not had the proper medical diagnosis or treatment he desperately needs.

After visiting Erison at his home, Brian Berman, Project Mañana's founder, and his team of interns (Brooke Peckinpaugh and Michael Cratch) where heartbroken and wanted to help. On the way home, Cratch spotted a medical supply store with a wheelchair in the window. Berman, who was driving, quickly made a U-turn and the team went into the store.

After talking with the salesman for a while, the team was a bit disappointed to learn that wheelchairs in the Dominican Republic are VERY expensive. However, the disappointment was quickly turned to rejoicing when the salesman said, "wait a minute...I know a doctor that may be able to help. Let's call her now!" In the middle of the medical supply store, Berman and the salesman made the phone call.

When Dr. Elica Aquino, M.D. answered her phone, Berman introduced himself, Project Mañana and shared the story of Erison. He also explained that the team wanted to buy a wheelchair for Erison. Within seconds, the doctor said, "no problem...I actually have a friend who owns a wheelchair distribution company and I'm sure he can help." Exstatic, Berman was in tears while on the phone.

Just when Berman thought the phone call couldn't get any better, Dr. Aquino said, "by the way, I am a pediatric doctor who specializes in special needs children. If you'd like, I'd be happy to visit Erison at his home to evaluate him."

When the phone call ended and Berman shared the news, everybody standing in the store was amazed and speechless.

Two days later, Dr. Aquino came good on her promise and visited Erison at his home. She also brought a brand-new wheelchair that reclines (which is commonly used for people with Erison's disabilities) and sold it to Project Mañana at less than half price! Dr. Aquino also spent time evaluating Erison and educating his parents on his condition.

The story doesn't end here...WE NEED YOUR HELP!


Erison has been prescribed medicine and needs an oxygen system (his brain is not getting sufficient oxygen causing him to have seizures). He also needs to wear diapers, as he can not control his bowel movements.

Project Mañana is committed to partnering with Erison's family to help provide for his needs. As the cost of medicine, oxygen, and diapers can become costly, we are praying for a sponsor (or group of sponsors) to help with the Erison's monthly expenses.

If you would like to sponsor Erison, please CLICK HERE to make a donation. NOTE: Please write "Erison" in the comments field at checkout so we can properly allocate the funds.

Click Here to view PHOTOS of Erison and his wheelchair delivery!

Click the video below to see Erison in his new wheelchair...

Erison's Wheelchair Video

Raise Money Just By Clicking "Like" on Facebook®
 

Project Mañana Growth Update
 
From September 30, 2010 (when Project Mañana officially open its doors) through today, Project Mañana has seen an amazing 562% growth in its core programs.

Project Mañana, through the generous partnership of many sponsors across the United States, is now providing education, nutritious meals 5-days per week, and guidance to 225 children in the Dominican Republic! That's an astounding 562% growth in the first two years of service!

The growth is a true ñana team and the many sponsors who have made it their mission to help provide a Better Tomorrow for the children of the Dominican Republic!

Click Here To See More Photo On Our Facebook Page.

There are MANY more children in the community (we estimate another 200-300 conservatively) who desperately need education and nutrition. As more and more sponsors partner with Project Mañana team, we will expand the programs and services to as many children as we can!

Please Help. Sponsor A Child TODAY!

Connect With Project Mañana's Social Networks
 
Did you know that 95% of Project Mañana's supporters stay connected with our efforts online and through electronic communication?

Knowing that, Project Mañana is working hard to deliver information, updates, and news in several areas of social media, including: Facebook, Twitter, and now YouTube!

Please take a minute to visit each of these social sites and "join" or "subscribe" to ensure you receive the latest information and updates on how your partnership is helping to change the lives of children in the Dominican Republic.

Do you have a social media idea? Please share it with us!

 
    

 Project Mañana Needs Your Help!
 
Project Mañana is a non-profit 501(c)3 humanitarian organization dedicated to bettering the lives of impoverished children, their families and communities through nutrition, education, and guidance.

We achieve our goals through charitable donations and child sponsorship, which unites children in need with individual sponsors who wish to address the children's immediate and basic needs. Sponsorship gives poor children the tools and opportunities necessary for success by providing benefits and supporting programs for each child - primarily in the areas of education and nutrition.


www.ProjectManana.org
 
  Project Mañana International is a 501(c)3 Charitable Organization.
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