National Doughnut DayJune 2

R A I S E the D O U G HQ UA R T E R LY N E W S L E T T E R | M AY 2 0 1 7

We raise funds for ADOPTION because no child should be without a parent.

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our first E D I T I O NIt’s both a blessing and a privilege to launch this inaugural issue of our Raise the Dough, quarterly newsletter. There are so many wonderful things going on with our non-profit that we felt it would be wise to design a regular communication to keep interested parties informed on how we’re at work to fulfill our mission of “raising funds for adoption, because no child should be without a parent.”

It’s our desire that this publication would deliver insightful news, address questions that our donors might have, and highlight each of our families in unique ways. It’s definitely a work in progress, so if you would like to see a

particular topic addressed, we would love to hear from you. Please provide our team with feedback atinfo@raisethedough.org.

As you read, please also consider how you might get involved with this mission. It’s true that we have been able to accomplish some amazing things so far, but I’m reminded of this great quote by the iconic business teacher; “Your most important work is always ahead of you, never behind you.” - Stephen Covey

Thanks for picking up our newsletter. Be blessed.

- Tobe

Raise the Dough FundraiserJune 2

National Doughnut DayJune 2

National Adoption Awareness MonthNovember

Get to know Raise the DoughNovember 2

World Adoption DayNovember 15

National Adoption DayNovember 18

would you like to D O NAT E ?

Would you consider giving a financial gift to help make adoption a reality for one of our families? Raise the Dough, Inc. is a 501c3 organization and all donations are tax deductible. You can give electronically through our website at raisethedough.org or by mail atP.O. Box 256, Warsaw, IN 46581. Checks should be made payable to Raise the Dough, Inc. Thanks!

U P C O M I N G D A T E S

meet our FA M I L I E SRaise the Dough has been blessed to assist three families in completing their “gotcha” journey, seeing three children placed in homes since we began. We have five families that we’re currently helping and have a few applications pending board approval. You can read more about each of our families on our website. And if you know any of these wonderful people, please take it upon yourself to send them a note of encouragement. The adoption journey is hard as it requires so much time, money and paperwork. We have found that some adoptions can be completed within a year, while others may take up to five. Let’s be quick to keep our families encouraged while they continue on this road.

Morrow FamilyChild adopted in Fall 2015Clothier FamilyChild adopted in Summer 2016Roman FamilyChild adopted in Winter 2017

Actively SupportingGillette FamilyManduka FamilyHand FamilyGreen FamilyWarren Family

join us on NATIONAL DOUGHNUT DAY

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How many children are adopted each year in the United States?About 135,000 children are adopted in the United States each year. Of non-stepparent adoptions, about 59 percent are from the child welfare (or foster) system, 26 percent are from other countries, and 15 percent are voluntarily relinquished American babies.Source: www.pbs.org/pov/offandrunning/fact-sheet

How many children are currently up for adoption?In the United States, 397,122 children are living without permanent families in the foster care system.Source: Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute

How long will a child wait in foster care before being adopted?On average, 32% of children will wait three years in foster care before being adopted. Source: Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute

Raise the Dough, Inc. is a young organization that began as a result of friendship, doughnut fun, and a desire to help others. Since 2008, we have been throwing a “just because” party on National Doughnut Day. The desire was to bring people together by frying up and giving away fresh doughnuts, a cup of hot coffee, and some delicious Hartzler’s chocolate milk. In the spring of 2014, as the annual deep fried get together was being planned, we recognized that there were quite a number of guests coming and a large number of volunteers preparing to support the event. It became evident that there was so much more that could be done on this day.

Having a personal connection with a local couple pursuing adoption, we recognized that our doughnut party could

be re-purposed as a fundraising event. We came to realize that by charging a hefty premium for these goods, we might be able to help this family out in a very meaningful way. That year’s doughnut party did not disappoint. We had a wonderful time raising funds together for adoption. We were grateful for the experience and considered that first fundraising event the springboard into what is now Raise the Dough.

It wasn’t too long after our June 2014 fundraiser that we began to be approached by individuals in the community, advocating for support of other families pursuing adoption. Raise the Dough, Inc. was formed in the spring of 2015 as a 501c3, complete with a board and a mission to “raise funds for adoption, because no child should be

without a parent.” Today, we seek to raise funds year-round through donations from friends and family who feel passionate about adoption. We want people to get behind our mission and give their finances, time, and prayer support as we cannot see this mission fulfilled without even one of those precious gifts.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our beginnings.

Tobe ForshtayFounder

O U R S T O RY

I N T E R E S T I N G FA C T S

Raise the Dough, Inc. began by promoting a lesser-known holiday, National Doughnut Day, and using that as a fundraiser for adoption. The fundraiser has been a huge success as so many wonderful volunteers have come together to make it happen. This year coffee is provided by Light Rail, music provided by the Oldies 101.1 bus, custom MudLOVE mugs and bracelets for sale, and our doughnuts will be made by the talented Andrew Holladay, co-owner and chef at one of Warsaw’s newest and most delicious restaurants, Rua.

If you’re planning on joining us, please let us know by responding to our facebook event or sending us a message. This year we are excited to have the opportunity to host our annual event at The Baker Youth Club. The BYC is located at 1401 E Smith St, Warsaw. The party starts at 7:30am and runs until 10:00am on Friday, June 2nd. The fundraiser not only provides the abovementioned amenities, but also leverages an online pre-order mechanism to fill orders with dozens of doughnuts sourced from locally famous doughnut shops. If you want to take a dozen with you, go to our websitewww.raisethedough.org. The pre-order pickup station will be well marked and orders will be filled while we’re open.