Professional Soldiers ®

FYI, Taryn Davis and the American Widow Project (AWP) will be honored with a $50,000 donation from Diane von Furstenberg's family foundation if they win. For a new/small non-profit this is a huge amount of money.

I wondered what plans Taryn had for AWP if they won this DVF award and asked her. Her reply is below.

I've worked with many non-profits that were clueless to begin with, and when the donations/money started rolling in they became even more clueless with how to responsibly spend it. I am impressed that she is able to succinctly list her plans and wish her all the best in achieving their goals. You are an inspiration, Taryn, turning your loss into action for others!

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Thank you so much for voting and helping support our cause! I thank you for asking how we appropriate our funds and hope I can sum it up in short for you below.

The largest amount goes toward our AWP getaways. These are intimate events we create and build around allowing military widows to heal, connect,and embrace life with fellow military widows across the country. We hold these events nearly every 2 months (At least 6 a year). We cover all costs for those attendance (food, activities, accommodations, transportation from airport, etc.). Ideally, with more funds, we could hold these every month, allowing us to serve even more widows but continue to do them in small groups so as not to have anyone get lost in the crowd and let them create the bonds needed to finding camaraderie with those in their shoes.

Our funds also go toward our AWP packs which we send out free of charge to all military widows. This consists of our Widow Documentary, Brochure of services, and official pin. These kits are the first step we take in letting other military widows know they are not alone, by seeing others like them in the comfort of their home.

Lastly, the funds would help in continuing the upkeep of our site (which is updated daily), further outreach through other national events, our 1800 number that is answered by fellow military widows, and other outreach we are doing via the internet and through other portals.

We have been a 100% volunteer run organization since our founding, and more funds would help in a lot of the leg work, to allow us to focus more of our time on our continued outreach to the military widow community. With nearly 6,000 causalities (not including non combat) there are nearly 3,000 military widows to reach out to. We have lots of work to be done and these funds will be the stepping stone to do and give the support they deserve.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can answer and thank you again for your support.

Warmest Regards,
Taryn

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Please VOTE NOW: http://inside.dvf.com/awards. Post to your Facebook as well!

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