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Two Indian women stand in a grassy field across from a group of children wearing traditional Mexican dance outfits

Newsletter – July 2024

Sr Lucy has been back in India for a few weeks and we are recuperating from an amazing tour!

Highlights of Tour 2024

Sr. Lucy traveled to 10 states between March and early June (she spent April and much of May in Europe and India) . Dozens of events were arranged by wonderful friends of Maher, ranging from large public gatherings, events at churches, in people’s homes, at restaurants and libraries and universities. She met many new friends as well as reconnected with long-time Maher friends and supporters.

Funds raised YTD 2024: $206,100
(Tour: March through June = $182,300, though she was not in the US for all that time.).
Only 0.23% of donations/income paid in expenses.*
Funds wired to Maher YTD: $205,000 
(For comparison, a total of $160,471 wired in 2023.)

*We are able to keep our expenses down due to in-kind donations of time and other expenses plus many donors paying the credit card processing fees at GiveButter. Thank you!” 

This new board and organization learned a great deal as we sponsored our first Tour of Sr Lucy here, plus we spent some time reviewing what worked well and what needs improving for next time! We are grateful for the support of many volunteers and especially to the hosts, both those who hosted an event, and those who hosted Lucy and Lucian (her guest/assistant) in their homes. (Let us know if you would like to help in some capacity next time!)

“Did you know?” A note about GiveButter’s “fees”

Many have been confused by the add-on fees on the GiveButter site that we use to track donations and subscriptions and send newsletters. These are optional and support both USGM and GiveButter. Here’s how:
PART ONE – credit card processing fees, paid by either the donor or USGM. You are helping Maher when you as donors pay the credit card fee so that more of your donations go directly to Maher!
PART TWO – the other is a “tip” which is how GiveButter earns money to staff and run their operation: USGM pays GiveButter no fees for using their wonderful platform!

BOTH fees are voluntary: GiveButter adds both, but each donor can customize whether and how much to pay for each.

two women in traditional Indian dress stand across from a group of young dancers in traditional Mexican dress. They are in a grassy field surrounded by trees, it's sunny and they are smiling. Sr Lucy and Deepali (right) after a dance performance done in Sr Lucy’s honor at an event in Aurora CO hosted by Deepali. 

Thank you for all your support on this tour! We look forward to continuing to connect with you, and we very much look forward to Sr Lucy’s next US tour!

Wishing you a happy Summer,

The US Giving to Maher Board

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