Howard Brown Health Center ( HBHC ) has announced a new $25,000 matching grant designed to make new friends on social-online networks and to raise funds for the Lifeline Appeal.
Called "The Power of 25 Campaign," the challenge aims to generate 1,000 new, social-networking fans for the center, which has been involved in HIV/AIDS research and healthcare for more than 25 years.
Sponsored by the same anonymous donor who already gave $100,000 that was matched by public contributions before the Nov. 30 deadline, The Power of 25 Campaign will generate $25 for each new Howard Brown Facebook fan, up to $25,000.
Existing Howard Brown Facebook, Twitter and YouTube friends will be asked to recruit 25 of their friends to join them as a fan or follower. With this exciting new challenge, Howard Brown hopes to have more than 3,000 Facebook fans—and at least as many supporters— by the campaign's last day, Wed. Dec. 15.
"We are thinking and behaving differently at Howard Brown, and reaching out to our community in different ways, too. Facebook and Twitter are excellent, cost-effective ways to communicate and connect with people who support our mission," said HBHC President /CEO Jamal Edwards. "Many Howard Brown Facebook fans have commented on our fan page and continue to follow our 50 Stories in 50 Days series on YouTube. These one to two-minute real life videos are what Howard Brown is all about—the people and programs that change and save lives."
The donor—whose personal story will be shared Thursday, Dec. 23, as the final 50 Stories in 50 Days—has reportedly been thrilled with the rapid response by the community to the Lifeline Appeal, and wanted to commemorate and honor HBHC with a special challenge for World AIDS Day.
To date, Howard Brown's Lifeline Appeal has raised $340,000, which is nearly 70 percent of its goal of $500,000-in-50-days in order to sustain current services and lay a strong foundation for Howard Brown to continue its recovery efforts.
The Lifeline Appeal funds will help ensure that Howard Brown can continue providing services to more than 36,000 people annually. To donate to Howard Brown's Lifeline appeal, visit www.HowardBrown.org or call 773-388-1600.
