I figured it might be appropriate to say something about "why me?" Why would a man take up such a cause? There are the quips; the breaks in the conversation as if a punchline is coming; the raised eyebrow of suspicion; and simple disbelief. So, "why me?"
As I described in a previous post, Support1000 started in a conversation with a friend, a lady who's a school teacher, and I got around to making this a large project. The number 1000 is a number that came to me. There's no magic to it. It scared the hell out of me but I committed myself to 1000.
A lot of people were enthused about the idea; however, my friend Renee was so excited that there's a question about whether I asked her to help or if she invited herself to help. (LOL) Whichever way it happened, I'm so glad to have Renee involved. She's had good ideas, helped keep the project moving, and has shared the frustration when things haven't gone so well.
So. My role. I am just the source of the project. When we donated the 80 bras to the school on the South Side, I was the warehouse guy who bundled up the bras, put them in a bag and turned them over to Renee who then turned them over to the guidance counselor.
For me, this is far far far beyond bras. Early in this, I got excited about helping others make a difference. Their excitement about making a difference is so fulfilling, for me. This excitement was present in the people who donated bras; I could hear it in their voices when they promised to mail bras from near and far. That excitement was in a wonderful hand-written note in a Christmas card we received from someone who also mailed 3 bras as a donation.
I'm just a conduit, linking up various people who want to help, and the recipients of the help. One thing about being a conduit: I have to remember to not get in my own way. I have to remember not to get in Support1000's way!
A friend was giving me ideas about where and how to donate. In her voice, I heard 24-karat belief in Support1000. That inspired my invitation to her: "How about if YOU develop and execute your ideas and Support1000 will promise 100 bras that YOU will then donate?" She tought about it, accepted the challenge, and is now in charge of her own piece of Support1000.
When the time arrives, I'll be the warehouse guy again: pack 'em up and send 'em out.
Right now, Support1000 is looking for people who see a need and want to do something about it. Counselors, teachers, social workers, shelter staff, etc. If you have ideas or suggestions. Please, step up. Be in touch. Let's work together and make things happen.
That's my role. That's the answer to the question: "Why YOU, Oz?"
Note: We are transitioning from this blog to our own website.
For current information, check us out at:
If you work with women who are in need of bras, contact Support1000:
info@support1000.org
We've collected thousands of bras and will donate bras to your organization and support YOU in making a difference for others.
We've collected thousands of bras and will donate bras to your organization and support YOU in making a difference for others.
Quick update
Support1000 NFP finds itself at a critical point: transitioning from the casual efforts of 1 person to the focused commitment of a team, living into a vision that gets clearer each day.
The vision has gone beyond bras. With each reply we get from the from the organizations that we donate to, and the comments from people who donate to Support1000, dignity is the clear theme. Thus, Support1000 is a dignity project more than a bra project.
One upcoming event is in collaboration with Enchanted Makeovers. Click the links and see what we're up to. It's exciting ... and about dignity!
Also, we're getting the hang of this social media. We have a new FaceBook page, Twitter account and Website. Follow us, be in touch, let's change the world together.
I almost forgot. The CBS interview that aired last week. Harry Porterfield created a wonderful story for his long-running series: Someone You Should Know. Thank you, Harry!
Finally, here are comments from an organization that Support1000 sent bras to. They provide interviewing clothes to their clients.
"I received the bras on Wednesday. They are beautiful! We had a difficult to fit client yesterday--she tried the 46 DD that I had literally just walked in. She had never had a correctly fitting bra. She was amazed! Thank you for your generosity . Your donation has already helped one client but will help, of course, many more."
Support1000 NFP is officially a 501(c)3 Organization
YAYYY! The letter arrived from the IRS last week: Support1000 NFP is now a recognized non-profit, tax-exempt organization. This will allow us to to do much more to provide bras to women who otherwise don't have the quality and dignity available to them.
Support1000 is also taking on many transitions. We've been quiet for a while; hence, this blog hasn't had many updates recently, but we haven't been inactive. We're building a website, reviewing and creating processes to increase efficiency, planning relocation to a bigger space, and building teams.
Finally, we get emails asking, "are you still accepting bras." The answer: heck yeah! Support1000 is going to be around forever!
Because we've gotten bigger than ever expected, financial donations are needed. Until recently, Support1000 was personally funded and limited to the Chicago area. With success and attention, we've satisfied needs far beyond Chicago. Postage costs, costs of supplies, etc. have exploded. We'll soon need to move out of my home and into a rented (or donated) workspace. Your financial donation would help cover the operating costs of generating the small miracles that are associated with quality well-fitting bras for the women and organizations who are in need.
Financial donations can be done through PayPal at:
Bras and financial donations made payable to Support1000 may be mailed to:
Oz du Soleil
Support1000
PO Box 412406
Chicago, IL 60641
Thank you all!
Oz du Soleil, Founder and Executive Director
The past 2 months have been CRAZAY!!
The last 2 months have been awesome!
More bras have been sent out, and more have come in. With each incoming donation we see just how generous and caring people can be for others.
Support1000 sent bras to St. Taylor's Wrap Around (San Diego, CA). One of the many great things they do is help women who've recently been released from prison. The women are released with nearly nothing, and theirs is a story I've heard so many times: underwear--especially bras--is difficult to find amidst the vast network of social services.
Through the donations of retailers and the general public, Support1000 was able to send 50 bras to Support St. Taylor's. This is just one example of the difference that has been made.
More media attention
An affiliate of MSNBC, www.thegrio.com, contacted Support1000 for an interview and a fantastic article was published. Journalist Bonnie Davis really captured the world of Support1000 and its inspiration.
Finally, check out this video interview hosted by Lee Owens and shot by videographer Nick Meriage.
Stay tuned for exciting announcements in 2010 and continue to be in touch if you need donations for your organization or would like to make a donation.
Love and Happy Holidays,
Oz
More bras have been sent out, and more have come in. With each incoming donation we see just how generous and caring people can be for others.
Support1000 sent bras to St. Taylor's Wrap Around (San Diego, CA). One of the many great things they do is help women who've recently been released from prison. The women are released with nearly nothing, and theirs is a story I've heard so many times: underwear--especially bras--is difficult to find amidst the vast network of social services.
Through the donations of retailers and the general public, Support1000 was able to send 50 bras to Support St. Taylor's. This is just one example of the difference that has been made.
More media attention
An affiliate of MSNBC, www.thegrio.com, contacted Support1000 for an interview and a fantastic article was published. Journalist Bonnie Davis really captured the world of Support1000 and its inspiration.
Finally, check out this video interview hosted by Lee Owens and shot by videographer Nick Meriage.
Stay tuned for exciting announcements in 2010 and continue to be in touch if you need donations for your organization or would like to make a donation.
Love and Happy Holidays,
Oz
Organizations that have received Support1000 donations
Apna Ghar (Chicago)
Breakthrough Urban Mission (Chicago)
buildOn (an organization that sends supplies and necessities to Mali)
Atlanta Union Mission (Atlanta, GA)
PADS SW Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Poised for Success (Lombard, IL)
Cornerstone Outreach (Chicago)
Westside Assoc for Community Action (Chicago)
Arlington Life Shelter (Arlington, TX)
St. Taylor's Wrap-Around (San Diego, CA)
Friedman Place (residential facility for the blind and visually-impaired, Chicago)
Annapolis Lighthouse (Annapolis, MD)
Community Action Family Shelter (Hillsboro, OR)
Leanna's Closet (Greeley, CO)
Catholic Charities (Waukegan, IL)
Stand Up for Kids (Wilmette, IL)
Women's Shelter (Longmont, CO)
New Jerusalem Church (Springfield, IL)
PADS North Chicago (Homeless shelter in North Chicago, IL)
Pineridge Reservation (Sioux Reservation, SD)
IMAGINE Me Foundation (Chicago)
St. Mark Church (Chicago)
New Beginnings (Pittsburgh, PA)
St. Francis High School (Sioux Reservation, SD)
Apna Ghar (Chicago)
Breakthrough Urban Mission (Chicago)
buildOn (an organization that sends supplies and necessities to Mali)
Atlanta Union Mission (Atlanta, GA)
PADS SW Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Poised for Success (Lombard, IL)
Cornerstone Outreach (Chicago)
Westside Assoc for Community Action (Chicago)
Arlington Life Shelter (Arlington, TX)
St. Taylor's Wrap-Around (San Diego, CA)
Friedman Place (residential facility for the blind and visually-impaired, Chicago)
Annapolis Lighthouse (Annapolis, MD)
Community Action Family Shelter (Hillsboro, OR)
Leanna's Closet (Greeley, CO)
Catholic Charities (Waukegan, IL)
Stand Up for Kids (Wilmette, IL)
Women's Shelter (Longmont, CO)
New Jerusalem Church (Springfield, IL)
PADS North Chicago (Homeless shelter in North Chicago, IL)
Pineridge Reservation (Sioux Reservation, SD)
IMAGINE Me Foundation (Chicago)
St. Mark Church (Chicago)
New Beginnings (Pittsburgh, PA)
St. Francis High School (Sioux Reservation, SD)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
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Support1000 + Chicago Tribune
Friday, 2OCT09, an article about Support1000 was published in the Chicago Tribune. Journalist Dawn Reiss wrote a wonderful article that captures the start, success and impact Support1000 has made in this typically un-noticed area of need.
Lots of emails have poured in from generous people who want to make a difference. Please, if you would like to make a donation to Support1000, contact me at:
Support1000bras@gmail.com Oz du Soleil
Support1000
PO Box 412406
Chicago, IL 60641
I can't express enough appreciation for the many people who've helped Support1000 make a difference for those organizations that serve women who are in need.
Thank you!
Lots of emails have poured in from generous people who want to make a difference. Please, if you would like to make a donation to Support1000, contact me at:
Or ship your donation to:
Support1000
PO Box 412406
Chicago, IL 60641
I can't express enough appreciation for the many people who've helped Support1000 make a difference for those organizations that serve women who are in need.
Thank you!
To Support1000,
The students at Myra Bradwell are grateful to accept the donation from your organization. The items are being distributed to young ladies in addition to other clothing items. This recent donation has increased our capacity to get clothing to needy families at our school. We appreciate your support.
Sincerely Yours,
M. Cosey
Thank you very much for the donation of bras. I work with women that stay at homeless shelters because they have been struggling through domestic violence. The bras will be given to these women. When I saw your post on Craigslist I e-mailed you immediately. Affording a bra is a luxury when there is very little money.
Respectfully,
P. Gomez
Support1000 moves beyond its original goals!
3 weeks ago, 28MAR09, Support1000 donated the 1000th bra!!!
Again, many thanks to the people who've donated, helped inventory, packed & unpacked boxes, etc. You've helped improve the lives of HUNDREDS of women in Illinois, South Dakota and Colorado; in emergency shelters, high schools, churches, transitional housing, a foundation for at-risk girls, and a residential facility for the blind and visually-impaired.
You have helped fulfill a need that was much larger than ever was expected.
Now what?
Support1000 came into existence to collect and donate 1000 bras and make a difference for hundreds of women who were in need of a decent bra. We've collected 3000 bras, donated 1000 and that means Support1000 is complete. Done! No Mas.
We step into new territory now. We begin to explore permanence, a new name, a new mission, etc. What that looks like, we don't know yet. But we're looking to network and partner with other charitable and non-profit organizations.
You are invited to give feedback and advice or, ask questions of us. Thus, your help is still sought and valued.
And please, if you have bras to donate send them our way. If you need bras donated to your organization, please be in touch!
Again, many thanks to the people who've donated, helped inventory, packed & unpacked boxes, etc. You've helped improve the lives of HUNDREDS of women in Illinois, South Dakota and Colorado; in emergency shelters, high schools, churches, transitional housing, a foundation for at-risk girls, and a residential facility for the blind and visually-impaired.
You have helped fulfill a need that was much larger than ever was expected.
Now what?
Support1000 came into existence to collect and donate 1000 bras and make a difference for hundreds of women who were in need of a decent bra. We've collected 3000 bras, donated 1000 and that means Support1000 is complete. Done! No Mas.
We step into new territory now. We begin to explore permanence, a new name, a new mission, etc. What that looks like, we don't know yet. But we're looking to network and partner with other charitable and non-profit organizations.
You are invited to give feedback and advice or, ask questions of us. Thus, your help is still sought and valued.
And please, if you have bras to donate send them our way. If you need bras donated to your organization, please be in touch!
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