Contact: Kate Nare Marketing Coordinator (858) 274-3718 Office (925) 872-1642 Cell kate@plantwithpurpose.

org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Plant With Purpose Raises $235,000 to Benefit the Rural Poor at Annual Gala
SAN DIEGO October 9, 2010 Plant With Purpose, a San Diego-based nonprofit working internationally to reverse poverty and deforestation among the rural poor, recently raised $235,000 at its annual Planting Hope Gala. As a result, thousands of poor rural communities will be empowered to improve their lives and lands. Hosted on October 9th at the San Diego Marriott La Jolla by renowned auctioneer and former NBC San Diego morning news anchor, Bill Menish, the annual Planting Hope Gala is the organizations largest fundraising event of the year. There were over 250 guests in attendance who participated in silent and live auctions. There was also a special Fund A Need auction, which raised funds for the greatest needs in the six countries where Plant With Purpose works, including fuel-efficient stoves in Tanzania, womens empowerment programs in Thailand, food security in Burundi, water cisterns in Mexico, soil conservation in Haiti, and savings and loan group training in the Dominican Republic. This years gala was particularly critical as Plant With Purpose works to raise funds for long-term recovery efforts in Haiti following the devastating January 12th earthquake. During the Trees Please auction, enough money was raised to plant 15,950 trees in Haiti. This is in addition to the 217,000 trees Plant With Purpose farmers have already planted in Haiti since the earthquake. Plant With Purpose also had eight new village sponsorships pledged, the most they have ever had sponsored at a gala. As a result, farmers will be able to feed their families, raise their incomes, restore health to their communities, and grow in their knowledge of Gods love and grace. About Plant With Purpose Plant With Purpose (www.plantwithpurpose.org) is an international, environmental organization that transforms lives in rural areas where poverty is caused by deforestation. For over 25 years, Plant With Purpose has provided lasting solutions to heal the relationship between people and their environment by planting trees, implementing sustainable agriculture programs, creating economic opportunity through micro-enterprise, and encouraging spiritual renewal.