I am so delighted to finally get to share the results of a month of somewhat maniacal hard work. Through the magic of the internets, I present to you the First Annual Passports with Purpose Fundraising Raffle. Our beneficiary? Heifer International.

We have AMAZING PRIZES! I’m going to tell you about that stuff that I lined up, but you should check out the prizes page too. Before I do that, let me tell you what you have to do.

1. Check out the prizes and find the one you want. The list is here. Take note – there’s a code for each prize – scribble down the code for the prize you want to win.
2. Go to the Passports with Purpose First Giving page. For each 10 dollar donation you make, you’ll be entered into the raffle for the prize of your choice. Be sure to enter the prize code in the comments field on the form. And please, don’t hide your email. We won’t share it, but we do need to see it to tell you if you’ve won.
3. Tell all your friends. Lather, rinse, repeat.
4. Cross your fingers and wait. We’ll pull winners on the 30th of December.

Oh, and yes, you’ll get a receipt for you donation from First Giving and hey, if you work somewhere that does matching, please provide that information when you make your donation. It helps.

Now, on to the good stuff. What did I get for the raffle?

Two sets of merino wool long underwear, one from Jones Wares, one from Ibex. These are both terrific brands. I have an older set from Ibex and I can tell you that they wash and wear well over time. And I have a newer set from Jones Wares, a small, women owned company. Their long underwear is alos comfy and soft and so far, holding up very well.  I do not pack a suitcase without this stuff. You’ll get to pick the size and yes, guys, you can participate, they make them for you too. If you win this prize, I’ll pass your information along to Jones Wares or Ibex and they’ll ship you a set of their terrific stuff. It’s essential for travel.

Three nights at the Wyland Waikiki, walking distance from the beach and in the heart of downtown Waikiki. We’ve stayed at the Wyland, in one of their “basic” rooms and you know what? It was terrific. The rooms aren’t large and there are no beach views, but the hotel was very nicely appointed and the room was really comfortable. The beds were plush and there were some thoughtful touches, like silverware for snacking – they know you’re eating take out plate lunch in your room  – and a microwave in addition to the usual coffee pot. The bar was lively but not noisy, there are fancy big screen Macs in the lobby for internet, it’s a nice place, I’d go back.  If you win this prize, I’ll send you a gift certificate for three nights at the hotel.  It’s not in my sticky paws yet, and yeah, I’ll be reluctant to let it go. Be aware, there are some restrictions – availability, black out dates, etc… But with Hawaii on sale, why not spend a few nights in Waikiki?

There’s more incredible stuff, gadgets that are good for travel, more clothes, lots of quality kid stuff, piles of great books and CDs, oh, all kinds of cool things. For a ten dollar donation, some of it could be yours. Go get some. And give some. Here.

Passports with Purpose elsewhere:

• BlogHer: Travelbloggers Give Back
  
• Matador Change: Travelblogging for Change