Post #10 - Fundraising update

We have been SO blessed by everyones generosity. We are thrilled to say that within 3 weeks all of you have come together to raise $16,206....that is more than half of our goal, 66% to be exact!! 

Let me say that again, IN JUST 3 WEEKS our friends, family and community have kindly given over sixteen thousand!! 

I've sat down to write this post a few different times this past week and each time I come back to it, it's already increased and I have to keep updating the numbers. 

We're getting closer each day to growing our family 🧡

We want to give a heartfelt thanks to each of you who have contributed. We have tried to make it a point to personally thank you, however, when donating to the agency we are not allowed to be given the names and amount of those who give. It is confidential information as you are donating to the agency (who is then directing it to our designated account) but because it goes to them first, that information remains private. 

So if you are someone who has used that route please know we send our thanks and very much appreciate your support! 

We want all of you to know that it's more than just donating, but hope you realize YOU are literally helping a child come into a family. To be chosen and loved. To have a place where they can call home.  YOU are apart of this child's story, of our story - a story of hope!  

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THE REALITY OF FUNDRAISING 

It has been quite a busy few weeks figuring out how all this works. We have found that the agency fundraising link came with it own set of challenges. To be honest, the system they use has not been the most user friendly. It can be confusing to use their website (especially when using your phone), and we have been told that it takes a couple days for the funds to process, which means the visual meter does not increase right away. This has been worrisome for people who have contributed and are wanting to make sure it went to the right place. 

Because I was getting a lot of questions about the agencies platform I decided to start a Gofundme, in addition, since it is more well known and very easy to use. Gofundme does require fees to be taken out per donation but they are minimal. So what is listed in the funded amount on our Gofundme page is the amount before the fees are taken out. What is listed on our page through the agency is what will be available to us. Venmo, as long as it is not listed as a business transaction, does not charge fees. We have also had checks mailed directly to us which has made checking the mail more exciting lately 🤣 So between the agency, gofundme, venmo and mail we have had a great response! We even opened up a new savings account at the bank last week to make sure there is a special place for all the funds. 

It's been a big learning curve figuring out how to make flyers (digital and regular paper form 🤣) and how to spread the word. It's helped to break us out of our comfort zone a little, asking for help and talking to others. There are many avenues to fundraising. I have tried to read all the blogs and websites for the best tips and tricks, but ultimately I feel like it becomes exhausting trying to do it all. We are learning to do our best, do what we can do, and trust that God will provide the rest. And He is doing just that through all of you! 

We don't have any deadline to get the funds completed, but I am hopeful that it won't take too much longer. 

It's so awesome to see everyone getting the word out. Please continue to share with friends and family! Let them know it's an opportunity to be apart of an adoption story. 

***scroll down to find ways to share 

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WHAT ARE WE UP TO NOW? 

Next up for us is getting the baby room together. We have already been gifted a crib, basinet, and baby bouncer/rocker. I will share the progress as we go. Here is what it looks like now.  And don't worry, we know that we have not finished building the crib 😂

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ADOPTION IN ACTION 

Check out this video from Brave love below to hear about a real life experience with adoption and how it's impacted others. There are several others (on their website here) that I would recommend you watch - just make sure you have a tissue! 

** for those that get the blog emailed, the video might not play. Make sure you go to the direct blog site to watch. Tap the title of the email for it to automatically direct you there.

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WAYS TO KEEP SHARING

I am going to post the links below so that you can continue to share with others!! No need to share all three, you can just pick the one that you prefer. If you're unsure which one to pick, I think the digital flyer is the best option. After you click on any of them, you can copy and paste the website address into email or texts messages. 

digital flyer ----> click here 

direct link to the agency ----> click here 

GoFundMe ----> click here

Venmo @thekymansadopt

We are open to giving out our address if you would like to mail something directly - just reach out to us! 

And for anyone who wants to see our profile letter we created which will be viewed by the birth mothers you can find that here.

Thank you all again for overwhelming us with your love and support! 

🧡🧡🧡 

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