Greetings!

You are invited to  participate in a fantastic project, BENEFIT Without Borders, a one-day, multinational event to support BURNERS Without Borders'  projects around the world.  We are hoping you will join us in this opportunity to build community by involving your city/region. Thank you to Reno, Detroit, Beijing, Honolulu, St. Louis, Chicago, Toronto, Seattle and San Diego for the leadership you are bringing to your communities.

Don't see your city listed? You can still participate! Consider donating an auction item to an event  that interests you

Check out the details at: here at www.benefitwithoutborders.com 

We are excited to welcome  Beijing, China to this project. (Poster for event-left) They are using the funds from this event for their project addressing the desertification of Beijing.

What is the history of Benefit Without Borders?

Jon Ray was one of the many volunteers who went to help out in the first incarnation of Burners Without Borders' efforts after hurricane Katrina. In November of last year, Jon led a volunteer team that produced a BWB fundraiser ( www.bordertownsd.com) in San Diego. It went fabulously!  Jon and his crew raised around $3500 after expenses!!!!

After an inspired discussion, an idea was born to produce a multi-city BWB benefit. The goal? To connect all of these events together by broadcasting each city's event to one another all on the same day. With six cities and counting, we  are in the process of recruiting new locations and laying the groundwork for what is sure to be an amazing day!  We need people like YOU to step up and involve your city/region.

How does it work?

-- The event is July 18th, 2009.

-- It can be a small house party, a private event space gathering, or a large scale outdoor event.

--One of the main activities tying these events together will be the silent auction.

--Resources for the three types of events with basic budgets, structure, and ideas will be available for use on the google group (see below).

--On the event discussion list, there are many ideas being shared which will help facilitate events of all sizes.

Why should I support Burners Without Borders?

Burners Without Borders is a grassroots, volunteer-driven, community leadership organization whose goal is  to unlock the creativity of local communities to solve problems and bring about meaningful change.  Founded by Burners (Burning Man participants) who instinctively gathered after Hurricane Katrina to help those who couldn't help themselves, BWB has grown into a dynamic, international, volunteer organization made possible by the generous financial support of the community and an army of highly creative volunteers.
This past year alone, Burners Without Borders  welcomed over 400 volunteers from all over the world to Pisco, Peru to support earthquake reconstruction efforts there. 
BWB is constantly engaged in new projects that make a real difference, and their ability to be effective depends largely on donations to buy the materials needed to get the job done. 

This is where we can help! Come out and support them for this multinational event on July 18th. Bring all of your friends!"

BWB's extremely low overhead means that any money donated goes directly to projects that make a difference.  All donations to Burners without Borders are tax-deductible via their fiscal sponsor, The Black Rock Arts Foundation.  Net proceeds of the Benefit Without Borders events will be donated to Burners Without Borders, with only a small percentage going to BRAF for accounting costs.

Involve your region in a benefit for BWB in your local area! By joining us for Benefit Without Borders, you will help rally your local area and help build community at the same time.  We need YOU to step up to the plate and make this event a day to remember. You will have the support along the way from many other communities to make this day a success.

Where can I find out more?

Check out the details at: www.benefitwithoutborders.com  If you want to *attend* an event in your areas, this is place for you! This site is in its infancy, so please check back often for new information.

If you want to assist in *running* an event in your area, you can sign up for the planning list here to stay in the loop:

http://groups.google.com/group/bwb-benfit (Yes, "Benfit". It's an old Arson Island throwback.) The google group is for the specific purpose of planning the events, and is for information and exchange of ideas with a specific twist on production.

Please join us on July 18th to connect the energy and creativity of your local community to this global event.

Kisses,

diem//regional emeritus, and lover of BWB