for W3c validation

Social media is an extremely powerful thing if utilized correctly. Some people just have a knack for using it the way it should be used – to make the world a better place. Jeff and Rocky Turner are two of those people that I have a vast amount of respect for. It comes as no surprise to me that they are leading the charge for Mothers Fighting for Others (where Rocky is a board member) and using social media to help fund building an orphanage in Kenya.

Here’s the breakdown of what’s needed to construct an orphanage for 34 girls (here are photos of the girls):

Startup Costs:

• 6 months rent in advance: estimated $12,000 USD.
• Furnishing the home – furniture, beds, sheets, towels, supplies: estimated 10,000 USD

Operation Costs for one year:

• Food – roughly $1 per girl, per day: $12,000 USD per year
• Utilities: estimated $4000
• salaries for six: estimated $12,000 a year
• medical and counciling: $4,000
• personal items such as toilet paper, soap etc: estimated $2,000 a year
• security system for the home: estimated $1,200 a year

As a result of us both being in the RE.net space, I’ve known Jeff for several years now and spent a fair amount of time with him at conferences. I don’t know Rocky quite as well, but as a result of interactions with her online and having met her at a conference or two, she’s certainly no stranger. I even visited the Turner household in February and got a taste of what the “real” Turner household was like (hint: there are six kids involved). Anyone that has met them knows they understand social media and are just all around good human beings working day in, day out to make an impact on the world with the opportunities presented to them. I could not think of better people to oversee the use of my philanthropic dollars — I have 100% confidence that the money will not be wasted in any way and is going toward a worthy cause.

That, my friends, is how social media should be used — to help improve the lives of others.

If you’re reading this, you are better off than at least 90% of the world (if you don’t believe me, read THIS) and I’m sure you can afford to pitch in $10 or $20. And if you can afford $1,000 or more, by all means, go for it!

And if you’re made it this far, one last request — help spread the word by blogging or Tweeting about this!