Hopeful Ways (www.hopefulways.org ) organizes eye-care missions to Nicaragua, the second poorest country in the western hemisphere. Each two-week mission serves 2,700 patients with eye-care services, including: eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, eye medications, and eye surgeries for cataracts and pterygium.

As an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Hopeful Ways’ volunteers (30 for each mission) pay to participate, including air fare, hotel, meals, transportation, and a stipend towards supplies. After corporate donations, each volunteer still must raise between $1,500 and $2,000.

How do caring volunteers, many retired and/or not wealthy, manage the expense? Many rely on sponsorship by family and friends, which allows these sponsors to become missionaries at home. Here are a few ways in which volunteers raise funds:

• Written requests: Personalized letters by U.S. Mail and/or email to family, friends, and colleagues are often the most effective approach for many volunteers.
• Social media: Posts to request support on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.
• Crowd sourcing: Sites such as GoFundMe and YouCaring allow posting of fundraiser requests. The site keeps a percentage as a fee.
• Fundraisers: Bake sale, wine & cheese party, dance, raffles, silent auction, etc. Individuals or groups can run events.
• Matching funds: Many donors work for companies that match employee donations.

Successful fundraising includes a show of appreciation to sponsors/donors. A follow-up note that describes experiences and the accomplishments builds a base of supporters for future missions.

OWL announces new board members

OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership (OWL), announced the following new members for its board of directors:

• Michael Ackerman, PhD, vice president, Neurostimulation at Allergan.
• Taryn Conway, director of marketing, Dry Eye Franchise Eye Care Marketing, Allergan.
• Candace Simerson, COE, CMPE, president of Minnesota Eye Consultants, P.A.
• John Vukich, MD, clinical adjunct assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine.

OWL, a national, not-for-profit organization, seeks to provide professional and personal development to help individuals and organizations. OWL is comprised of individuals from all facets of eye care. For more information, visit www.owlsite.org .