We now sit at over $77,000 raised with only three days remaining in this year's Charity Challenge, and I am excited to see if today's announcement can finally push us up over $80,000 and even closer to our lofty goal of $100,000. So far, over 575 students, entrepreneurs, and aid workers that are now able to travel farther, move faster, and carry more all thanks to your generosity. And, don't forget, 100% of all donations will be matched through the end of the year (and the end of the fundraiser), meaning that we're all responsible for changing the lives of over 1,100 people so far. And we're not done yet! Amazing! And, in exchange for your generosity, you get the chance to get something awesome from our amazing supporters.

Today, we're announcing a truly exceptional donation of services from my friends at Raymond James & Associates, a complete financial analysis by a CFP from Raymond James & Associates out the Naperville, IL office. The kicker is that this is not a prize you have to win. Everyone who makes a donation in support of this year's Charity Challenge can take advantage of this. That's a $2,000 value. Yes, you read that right, EVERYONE is entitled to this if he/she wants it.

If you haven't yet donated, now is the time! We have only three days remaining, and we have this amazing opportunity thanks to Raymond James to really drive it home. To enter the challenge, you can donate online at the URL below. Like last year, the Ironman Foundation has been very generous in hosting and handling the donation site for us (Thanks, IMF!!!).

Link: crowdrise.com/RappstarCharityChallenge

As in past years, you can donate ANY amount, but ONLY donations of $134 or more (the cost of one bicycle) will make you eligible for prizes. For every multiple of $134 that you donate, you get another entry. $268 earns you double eligibility, $402 earns triple, etc. Donations of 5 bikes ($670) get you an extra spot. And donations of 10 bikes ($1340) get you an extra three spots. For more details, read the first article at the link below. Award drawing tickets will be assigned automatically from the donations, so please make sure to give us an email or phone number (or both) where we can reach you.

And now onto the amazing donation from Raymond James & Associates, ∞x financial analysis by a Raymond James Certified Financial Planner (CFP) in their Naperville, IL office. Available to anyone who donates. [MSRP - a LOT of $]

N.B. If you are thinking this is something you want to take advantage of (and I think you should), this does also require some effort on your part. There is a 44 page questionnaire that's a part and also several phone conversations. This is something where the value you derive is directly proportional to the effort you put in to it. So this is really intended as an opportunity for people who want to take it seriously. I'd ask that we all respect the generosity of this donation by only taking advantage of it if you intend to respect the process and time it requires. However, if you are, this is a huge opportunity to get something that can impact your life and future as profoundly as the bicycle you put in someone's hands. Thank you.

Erin Patti, one of the CFPs supporting this endeavor, shared these thoughts about her employer - Raymond James & Associates is committed to helping you live a "life well planned." It's more than a motto. It's our purpose and our promise. It's the goal that drives every Raymond James financial advisor to help clients prepare for major financial milestones and each moment in between.

At Raymond James, we know that no two people are the same, so our business has always revolved around the individual. And it always will. We listen to your hopes, work alongside you to achieve your goals and resolutely put you first. In short, we plan well to help you live even better.

She went on to describe how these beliefs helped drive the decision to support this fundraiser - We believe in helping others get ahead. In providing transportation through the donation of bicycles, individuals across the globe are able to further their aspirations and achieve more. Since World Bicycle Relief specifically targets students, caregivers, and entrepreneurs, we also feel this is an especially valuable mission in furthering the economies of developing markets. We seek to empower others so they can join our efforts in making the world a better place.

[from Wikipedia] Raymond James was founded in 1962 when St. Petersburg broker Robert James formed Robert A. James Investments. In 1964, it merged with Raymond & Associates, founded by Edward Raymond in 1963, to form Raymond James & Associates.[2] Robert James' son, Tom, joined his father's company in 1966 and assumed leadership of the firm in 1970. The firm thrived under Tom James’ leadership and became a public company in 1983. In 2002, Fortune Magazine named Raymond James one of the 1000 Most Admired Companies. After decades of success, Tom turned over the CEO's post to Paul Riley in 2010, but still serves as executive chairman.

On April 2, 2012, Raymond James merged with Morgan Keegan & Company. The merger created one of the country’s largest full-service wealth management and investment banking firms not headquartered in New York.[end Wikipedia reference]

Also note, if you click through to Wikipedia, the mention of Raymond James' support of charitable efforts, something which we are seeing firsthand here. If you look on the Crowdrise page and scroll down to the rolling list of donors, you will see a donation for five bikes ($670) from Raymond James Associates. The check for that donation was signed by Mr. Tom James himself. That sort of direct support of World Bicycle Relief's efforts makes me proud to announce their support and involvement of this year's fundraiser.

As a reminder, 100% of your contributions are tax deductible and will be directed back to World Bicycle Relief.

For those interested, you can also submit donations via traditional mail at this address:

World Bicycle Relief
Attn: Development
1333 N. Kingsbury Street
4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60642

Thanks for your support and commitment to WBR!