November 13, 2009

Dear Peacecraft Supporter,

It is with regret that we inform you, that despite the efforts and months of hard work of many, we have not sold ample tickets to make the raffle a reality. All of us involved in the house raffle are disappointed that Peacecraft must end all sales now and that we will not have a drawing on November 30th as planned. We thank you all for your willingness to support an endeavor that could have helped many people make a positive change in their lives.

All refunds will be mailed by December 15th. Please confirm with us by 5:00pm, November 30th of your receipt of this email. If you are receiving a refund for a cash or check payment, please enclose your current mailing address.

Many of you purchased a raffle ticket(s) with the desire to benefit Peacecrafts’ mission of assisting Fair Trade producers to afford a fair wage for their work efforts. If you choose to donate a portion or all of your raffle ticket price, please inform us, by email or mail of the donation amount by 5:00 pm, November 30th. If we do not hear from you by then, we will refund the entire amount. Sooner than November 30th will help us expedite our check writing. Additionally, donation statements for tax purposes will be provided upon request.

Peacecraft has been a major player in the Fair Trade movement for over twenty years. The $24,000.00 we were to receive from the House Raffle was to allow us to continue our mission in assisting Fair Trade producers during a financial climate wherein donations are unfortunately down. As many of you know, in order for Peacecraft to assist our many Fair Trade cooperatives, we are in need of private donations. The following are three of the cooperatives who are dependent upon the help of Peacecraft: UPAVIM, a non-profit organization in Guatemala City established to support the empowerment of women through supporting community program through Fair Trade; NEED-India, The Network of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development brings together underprivileged communities with teams of Social Entrepreneurs in order to maximize human resource potential and create positive change in their socio-economic and political environment; and Ganesh Himal, Nepal, who support small cottage industries in Nepal, including development projects working to improve the lives of Tibetan refugees and women.

Thank you again for your support of Peacecraft as we strive to honor the work of so many artisans while making a real difference in their lives and for your cooperation as we sadly close the raffle.

Sincerely,

Jim Neustel, Executive Director
Earth Hero dba/Peacecraft