The Straight Spouse Network sends a big shout out of thanks to entertainer Carmel Quinn and the Knights of Columbus #8982, in residence at St. John’s, Leonia, NJ.   Carmel’s show is a unique program of music and wit. She’s a singer, comedienne, and storyteller who regales her fortunate audiences with songs, stories, and very funny jokes. Her concerts are always enjoyable, and very popular.

Carmel’s May 17 2009 concert raised money for various Knights of Columbus supported charities, including St. John’s Church and School and the Elks Camp Moore. The Straight Spouse Network was not among the advertised charities, but we received a portion of the proceeds from this very entertaining afternoon performance.

The Straight Spouse Network is very appreciative of this donation, and of support from the community. Many thanks to Carmel & Knights of Columbus #8982 for helping us continue to support straight spouses.

And many thanks for a good time, too!

Lets be blunt – in times like these, everyone needs money.  After all, gas costs money. 

 Websites cost money.  Publications cost money.  Training and resources for leaders costs money. 

 The Straight Spouse Network needs money.  Continuing to be the pre-eminent resource of  support of heterosexual spouses of glbt people, building bridges with organizations that support us and our families, and providing ongoing information for professionals who work with us costs money.  Although many of our families enjoy a decent income, in a time of crisis most people are not thinking about where to donate their excess cash.  That goes double when a time of personal crisis coincides with an international financial crisis.

 But we’re creative problem solvers, and we’ve come up with a few solutions for you to support the one organization that saves your sanity when you discover that your husband or wife is gay.  

1.  
   1. We have an angel watching over us, who will match donations received until Thanksgiving.  If you were planning to donate this year, now would be a good time, because your dollars will double.  We believe in angels, and they believe in us!!!
   2. Suntrust Bank has a promotion until October 31, and it is a doozy! Open a checking account with them by October 31, and then make a purchase using that account’s debit card by February 2009, and they will donate $100 to the charity of your choice.  WOW!!!  When you fill out the redemption form, specify Straight Spouse Network.  But hurry!!! The account has to be opened by October 31 or the donation turns into a pumpkin!!!  Suntrust also has an ongoing donation program tied to points for using their check or credit card.
   3. Speaking of banks, do you work for Bank of America?  Because if you do, they have a fabulous matching donation opportunity.  Like many companies, they match employee donations to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations.  They also make donations to non profits where their employees volunteer.  If an employee volunteers 50 hours of charitable time within a calendar year, Bank of America Charitable Foundation will donate $250 to the organization.  Volunteer opportunities within the Straight Spouse Network include helping with mailings, facilitating a face to face group, speaking as part of a panel to represent the straight spouse’s point of view, working a table when we have an exhibit at professional conferences or gay pride, or any specific project of ours that you volunteer your assistance.
   4. Check your employer’s policy on matching gifts.  Many large firms will match donations to specific causes as well as allowing you to donate through United Way.  You don’t HAVE to tell your boss what is going on in your life – just fill out the form for matching donations. 
   5. Now you can list items on Ebay and designate a portion of the sale to benefit the Straight Spouse Network.  Just in time for Christmas shopping/selling!  So if you are clearing out your house, or if you regularly sell merchandise on Ebay, you can designate a portion of your sale to benefit us.  We can also receive donations on Ebay through Paypal, and to sell some of our own in kind donations.  Look to see SSN’s own store on Ebay soon!
   6. Speaking of Christmas, we will again have a Christmas Card sale – complete with our own postage stamp!  You will soon be able to purchase postage stamps with our logo on the web (not at your post office).  You can use these stamps for mailing year round.  It is a great way for family and friends to show their support of you as well. 

 So you see, donating to us is easy, smart, fun, and there’s a thrill when you support us with someone else’s money!!!