Arne’s story is part of a series of stories supporting our Holiday Season Giving Campaign. Please enjoy reading his story of why he considers supporting Project Somos is the best gift you can make this holiday season. Thank you.
Arne ‘Magic Man’ Bister
Arne ‘Magic Man’ Bister is the Chairman of the Board of Project Somos and has been a huge supporter of ours for years, here he tells the story of why and how he continues to support Project Somos.
“For six years, I have had the pleasure of supporting and giving to this place full of love where children are given the chance of a quality education, hot nutritious meals and be recognized and elevated by our local teachers.”
There are so many ways to get involved in supporting Project Somos. I am proudly Chair of the Board of Directors, an important role in supporting the Project on the ground. I have also had the privilege of being part of four short-term volunteer groups (I’ll be coming with a fifth group in February 2024). Being onsite, getting my hands dirty, connecting with the passionate staff on the ground, and seeing every dime and dollar given put directly into the mission of breaking the cycle of poverty is worth every penny and drop of sweat!
One of the most heart breaking but enlightening moments during my stay was asking a little girl called Vanesa what her favorite color was. A simple question for me, but Vanesa looked up at me blankly, and didn’t respond. Rosario, her teacher translated but again, she didn’t respond. Eventually it dawned on me. She had never been asked her opinion. Never been given a choice of having a favorite color before. Never been asked to pick her favorite color. Until Somos of course. Now I’m informed her favorite color is pink, and sometimes green.
Another way I found to be creatively involved was when we recently moved house. I used the occasion to scrutinize things that I wanted to toss out and to see if there might be things that have some residual value. I came across four boxes of old collectible cards from the card game, “Magic: The Gathering”. I brought them to a games night with some colleagues, and told them about my plan to sell them and donate the proceeds to Project Somos. I thought maybe we might be able to raise a hundred bucks.
They leafed through my cards, categorized them, and with many “Oohs and Aahs”, pulled out two dozen cards which they insisted would alone, fetch several thousand dollars. Telling them that all money would go towards Project Somos really spurred the crowd on. For every card they picked, they went online and made a donation for the value of that card. In total, from something I thought had no value and was going to toss out, I raised $16,436!!! I highly recommend looking through collectibles, comics, stamps, old games and if they are just collecting dust in your house, share with your friends and ask them to donate. Best win-win-win ever!“
In this season of bright lights, of red, green and golden ornaments I am asking you to share some of that light with Project Somos. Donate today and give the gift of choice. let us ensure that all children are given the opportunity to have a favorite color, to live in a colorful world with an equal chance at a good life. May it bring an extra light into your heart as it did for me.
Have a joyous season,
Arne Bister
Chair of the Board of Directors, Project Somos
To donate to our Holiday Season Giving Campaign, click here. Thank you.
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