Many people are hesitant to fundraise for their adoption because they wonder why on earth someone would want to help them? After all, if they made this choice, isn’t it their responsibility to cover the costs?

But, as I mentioned in this post on the pros and cons of fundraising, fundraising allows us to share our story with others. To give them the opportunity to be part of caring for an orphan. To give them the chance to experience the joy of giving.

Adoptive mom Tracie Loux enlisted the help of some of their friends to answer the question “Why I Gave a Boatload of Money to Adoption.” If you haven’t read this series of posts, you need to!

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4
• Part 5

I loved this quote from Brian Beattie, who wrote Part 2.

“On the other hand, a dollar given to a family that is caring for redeemed orphans goes right to work in Kingdom purposes. It is a cup of cool water offered in kindness to allay thirst. It is clothes for the naked. It is a visit of comfort in a prison of unmet need. It is so real. It’s so now. It is 24×7 365.”

P.S. If you have a moment, say a prayer for Tracie’s son Mattie. He’s 2 and a half and was admitted to the hospital for RSV and pneumonia.

Scarlet Threads is a compassionate boutique, specializing in unique products designed and produced by talented seamstresses and artisans in both rural Asia and Uganda.

Founded by Carrie & Jacob McKean family in 2009, Scarlet Threads exists to make their core vision of “Work. Dignity. Beauty.” a reality in the lives of their partner seamstresses.

They now offer a fundraising package for adoptive families who wish to sell their handmade artisan aprons.

Their adoption fundraising kit is offered to you at 50% off the retail price. At the end of six weeks you can return any unsold/unopened aprons for a full refund. Or, if you’re wildly successful, you can always order more. The aprons featured in the fundraising kit are pictured below.

You can check out all the details here. If you try the fundraiser, I’d love to hear how it goes.

Since self-publishing the first edition of Adopt Without Debt nearly two years ago I have been THRILLED with the response. Word of mouth advertising has been great, and I’m always tickled when I see the book pinned on Pinterest or featured on someone’s blog.

But about a year ago I began to wonder if I could, in fact, get a traditional publisher to pick up the book. After all, I’ve got Dave Ramsey’s endorsement and some fairly good traction. I knew that a publisher would help get the book into the hands of even more adoptive families. I sent off the manuscript and an initial summary of the book to an acquaintance who is an acquisitions editor for a literary agent.

And I waited…A few months later we talked on the phone and the agent expressed interest in the book and wanted to see an official book proposal – about a 12 page document that she would use to pitch the book to publishers.

Last summer she gave me some notes on the proposal and the book. The major thing was that I needed to lengthen the manuscript – by almost double – in order for a publisher to consider it.

So, last fall I spent two months writing a much expanded version of Adopt Without Debt. It was actually pretty exciting. The previous 18 months of workshops, speaking and blogging gave me lots of great ideas of content that could be added to the book.

With a revised manuscript and revised proposal, I am now officially signed with The Blythe Daniel Agency. I totally believe that God is all over this partnership for many reasons.

So, my manuscript is starting to make the rounds of publishers. Can you do a couple things to help me?

1) Like my author page (https://www.facebook.com/authorjuliegumm)
2) If you’ve read it, leave an HONEST review of AWD on Amazon (Click Create Your Own Review)

As always, I love hearing your fundraising stories as well so feel free to comment or e-mail me!