Hello from 30,000 feet!

In the first 3 weeks of the Indiegogo campaign, over 1500 people from 38 countries have checked out Creating4Change, raising $8,651! With these funds, we were able to schedule the first Creating4Change film shoot for next week at New York Fashion Week, where we'll meet Anna Taylor! Anna is a fashion designer whose company Judith&James is providing economic opportunities for widows living in extreme poverty in Kenya.

While we're really excited to meet Anna and begin telling her incredible story of women's empowerment through the arts, we want to tell ALL of our Creating4Change Featured Artists' stories. And to do that, we need your help. With over $20,000 left to raise, and only 38 more days to do it, the only way we'll reach the full $30,000 goal by March 10th is if a very large number of people contribute.

To make a financial contribution to the Creating4Change IndieGoGo campaign: igg.me/at/creating4change

Thank you all for your continued support, and remember: Together, we can create for change.

xoxo
-Sophie

Hello from Oman!

I was thrilled, honored, and humbled to receive a special video message in support of Creating4Change from cellist Eric Jacobsen this week. Eric tours around the world with the Silk Road Ensemble, the string quartet Brooklyn Rider, and as conductor of The Knight's. Right now, he's in Oman performing with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, but he took a little time to explain why he believes art can create social change for women - and why you should support Creating4Change. Thanks Eric!!

And now, a story. Last week, a donation was made for $1000 from an individual I have never met personally. Her reason? "I am always pleased to help women helping women." I'm so incredibly grateful for all the women around the world who believe in supporting other women. Together, we really can create for change.

To make a financial contribution to the Creating4Change campaign: http://igg.me/at/creating4change/x/3456726

xoxo
-Sophie

Hello from Detroit!

I  had a question this week that asked: What exactly are you raising $30,000 for? Good question! If you were wondering the same thing, then check out this video from the studios of Detroit Public TV, where I explain what your dollars are going towards.

Since its launch 2 weeks ago, the Creating4Change IndieGoGo campaign has been viewed by nearly 900 people, from 30 countries, raising $5,700! I'm humbled, honored, and energized by the fantastic international response the film has received so far.

But the campaign is far from over. The only way we'll reach the full $30,000 goal by March 10th is if a very large number of people contribute. Small donations - as little as $5 - are really important because they raise our total number of backers on IndieGoGo. 

More backers means Creating4Change has a better shot at getting top placement on the IndieGoGo website, newsletter, and in outreach to the press. So please, make a contribution - large or small - and let's get Creating4Change featured on IndieGoGo, and in the news!

To make a financial contribution to the Creating4Change IndieGoGo campaign: igg.me/at/creating4change

Finally, most successful projects reach 25% funding in the first 2 weeks. To make this goal, we have just 24 hours to raise $1,700. So please, if you're thinking about contributing, don't wait!

Thank you all for your continued support, and remember: Together, we can create for change.

xoxo
-Sophie

Hello from Kolkata!

Our next video update comes from Creating4Change featured artist Sohini Chakraborty, and the dancers of Kolkata Sanved in India! 10 years ago, Sohini founded Kolkata Sanved - an organization that uses dance and movement therapy to rehabilitate survivors of trafficking and abuse in India. A big thank you to the ladies of Kolkata Sanved and to Sohini for putting this video together!

I'm happy to report that in the first 9 days of the Creating4Change IndieGoGo campaign we've raised nearly $4,400 out of the total $30,000! Thank you to everyone who has contributed and shared the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail.

Although we're off to a great start, the campaign is far from over. Most successful campaigns reach 25% funding by the end of their second week. That means we need to raise $3000 in the next 5 days. So please, if you're thinking about supporting Creating4Change but haven't yet, don't wait. The sooner we reach 25%, the more likely we are to make it to the full $30,000 goal. Donations large and small are greatly appreciated!

Help me tell Sohini's incredible story and make a financial contribution to the IndieGoGo campaign:
igg.me/at/creating4change

Thank you for your continued support, and remember: Together, we can create for change.

xoxo
Sophie

Hello from Escanaba!

I'm in Michigan's Upper Peninsula this week, on assignment for the Detroit PBS affiliate, producing a documentary short on lumberjacks - and it sure is cold! If you don't believe me, check out this Creating4Change video update, shot on location in Marquette, MI, and complete with chattering teeth!

I'm happy to report the Creating4Change IndieGoGo campaign is off to a great start! So far we've raised $3,590 - that's nearly 12% of our $30,000 goal!

But the campaign is far from over - we have just 56 days left to raise $26,500. Please continue to support Creating4Change, and help me tell the incredible stories of women around the world using art to promote social change. 

There are a number of ways you can support Creating4Change:

• Make a financial contribution to the IndieGoGo campaign - even small donations of $5 or $10 are greatly appreciated because they raise our total number of contributors: http://igg.me/at/creating4change
• Share the campaign on Facebook, Twitter and via e-mail with friends, family and colleagues
• Donate your frequent flier miles to Creating4Change [e-mail: [email protected] for more information]

Thank you for your continued support, and remember: Together, we can create for change.

xoxo
-Sophie

Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues,

I'm very excited to share with you all that I'm currently producing a new documentary on the role of art and creativity in global women's empowerment called Creating4Change. 

The documentary will profile women from India, Brazil, Senegal, and the United States who are using music, dance, graffiti art, and fashion design to create positive change for the women in their communities. PBS Detroit will serve as the program presenting station, distributing the film on PBS affiliate stations nationwide!