I met Thomas last November at a dive bar in New York. It was not his Irish accent that first charmed me; nor was it his dashing good looks and quick wit. (Though those were a close second, to be fair.) It was his story. Thomas is the co-founder of Many Hopes, an organization building homes and schools for boys and girls in Kenya. The mission is much larger, though. Many Hopes also creates local businesses to sustain the cause, empowering a generation who will one day rise up to help defeat the causes of extreme poverty. I love people who think – and act – big. Thomas is just that.

Over the past year, I’ve not only gotten to know Thomas much better, but have become very involved with Many Hopes. Right after I left my job in early June, I immediately reached out to Thomas to see how I could help. With some time on my hands during my sabbatical, I wanted to be able to give some of my time and talent to a cause I believe in. Many Hopes is this cause. And today, we’re launching the most ambitious goal to-date: Raising $300,000 to build four boys’ homes in Kenya. I would love your support.

I’ve started a campaign page where you can donate to this extremely worthy cause. If you can give a dollar, THANK YOU. If you can give five, ten, twenty, or much more, know that every single dollar that we raise goes directly to building these homes and getting young boys off the street and into a place where they can receive the care, education and love that is so very needed. And if you’re not able to give today, the campaign extends through November 24th…please help us spread the word by sharing this post & the campaign with your friends and networks. Every little bit helps.

I’ll be updating our progress over the coming weeks, and you can learn more about the Breaking Ground Campaign and why it’s so very important. This has truly become a cause that I’m passionate about; I’m thrilled to be traveling to Kenya in early December to meet with these very boys and girls that we’re helping. Just know that we can’t do it without you, and your help is so very appreciated. Thank you for literally saving lives and giving these kids the childhood that they’ve been missing.