Emergency relief fundraiser for the children of Merger, Haiti

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If you’ve been even casually reading news cycles, you’ve likely seen scattered headlines about the recent struggles of Haiti. While Haiti is a country rich with culture and beauty, its people have been plagued with cycles of struggle for decades. However, many Haitians contend the current crisis is worse than any others experienced. For months, outrage has been building as fuel shortages began to paralyze an already strained country. Spiraling inflation has increased the costs of goods vital to survival. A lack of clean drinking water, food scarcity, and a seeming lack of accountability of corruption in the highest levels of government have pushed many Haitians to protest, sometimes violently. As a Mario Foundation partner and Merger resident said, “Haiti is becoming a prison from day to day for all…
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Haitian school looks to the future amid political unrest

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Haiti is a beautiful, resilient country, steeped in a rich history often marked by struggle. Recent headlines have brought stories and images of riots in city streets. Violence. Desperation. Demonstrations have surged since last year among increasing cries of governmental corruption. The roots of these frustrations are complex and layered, but are most immediately due to exasperation with President Jovenel Moise’s policies and alleged governmental misconduct as well as a steep rise in the cost of goods. As the unrest grows, so does the impact on the entire country where there is already little margin to accommodate such dramatic disruptions. According to recent data from the World Bank, most Haiti citizens survive on the equivalent of less than $2.50 each day. Nearly a quarter of the population falls below the…
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Hope House reaping the benefit of donations to the foundation

Hope House
We’re excited to announce that the Mario Foundation board recently distributed more than $10,000 and additional computer equipment to Hogar Esperanza (Hope House) thanks to caring donors just like you. Hope House administers to the full spectrum of needs of the children in its care (e.g., medical care, counseling, education, etc.). These funds are particularly important as they will help cover a wide range of important items: medical expenses for a special needs child who requires and will continue to require extensive medical attention and multiple future surgeries; doctor appointments, medical tests, medications, and other necessary items; and completing Hope House’s monthly budget which would not have been possible without these vital funds. [caption id="attachment_739" align="alignleft" width="300"] Laptops were recently purchased and sent to Hope House.[/caption] In addition to funds,…
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$10,000 to be sent to Merger, Haiti

Merger
We’re excited to announce that the Mario Foundation board recently approved distributions of more than $10,000 to both help with the construction of a new school and support students and teachers in Merger, Haiti. The new school will mean accessibility for more students (not as far to travel), more teachers and a better quality education, more room to learn and play, more structure, and more rooms for different grades and classes – preschool, elementary, and secondary. The vision is for the school to ultimately serve 600-700 children in the community. As a bonus, school construction has been providing employment for many men in Merger and surrounding communities, as well as boosting the local economy through the purchase of equipment and services. Money from the foundation has sponsored two teachers, school…
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Mario Foundation approved as a 501c3

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We are very pleased to announce that the Mario Foundation was recently designated as a 501c3 tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service. This means that your donation is now tax deductible! Click here to make a one-time or recurring donation online, or view our listing on GuideStar.
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Hope House Celebrates 20 Years

Hope House
This week, The Mario Foundation celebrates Angie McInvale Altamirano and her twenty years of service to the children of Honduras! A true reminder that not all heroes wear capes, but they do often need help. That’s why The Mario Foundation is dedicated to Angie and the mission of Hope House by providing opportunities for folks just like you to be a vital part of this incredible story of love and hope. The sounds of activity start early in the quaint neighborhood where Hogar Esperanza (Hope House) sits in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The oppressive Honduran heat means everyday tasks are best done early, while the sun still offers some mercy before its mid-day tropical siege. And for the last twenty years, Angie McInvale Altamirano has set about early each day…
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First book donations en route to Hope House

Hope House
Angie McInvale was very excited to get a stack of new children's books in Spanish for the kids of Hope House. Let's keep a good thing going! If you have an Amazon account and a few extra bucks, please consider purchasing a book off the wish list or finding your favorite children's book in Spanish. We will give any books collected to Angie as she visits the states every few months. Books can be sent to the wish list registry address at: The Mario Foundation c/o Jereme Logan 7750 Sardis Grove Drive Gardendale, AL 35071
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The Mario Foundation Journey – First Update

Our Journey
We’re very humbled by and grateful for the dozens of Facebook followers and website views we’ve received over the last 24 hours. Thank you to all who are helping to spread the word! We just want to share a few words about the journey of starting a non-profit. In the words of one of our co-founders, “it’s like starting a small business.” Things we’ve toiled over so far include setting up the corporation, recruiting a group of passionate and dedicated volunteers for our board, branding (logo, mission, vision, etc.), building a website and donor database, and creating a strategic plan for the next 12-18 months. [caption id="attachment_547" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Messy brainstorming notes during our strategic sessions[/caption] For those of you not familiar, the 501(c)(3) designation means that the IRS has…
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