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Mosaic's relationship of support and advocacy with Motivation Romania was the focus of a Mission of Hope event held April 12, 2007 in Omaha.
The partnership, which began in 2002, has created Romania's first community-based residential program for children with developmental disabilities, and allowed 36 children to leave a government institution and live in new group homes or foster care families. Motivation's programs have become a model of excellence for the country.
The Mission of Hope event, which included a dinner and award ceremony, raised more than $17,000 for Motivation Romania and honored its founder, Christian Ispas. Ispas received the first Mission of Hope Award for his extraordinary efforts and accomplishments in the field of developmental
disabilities.
"It is an honor to be affiliated with a world-class organization
like Motivation Romania," said Dr. David A. Jacox, Mosaic Chief Executive Officer. "Mosaic is inspired by the work that they do for people with disabilities, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them."
More than 100 people attended the event.
In the last several months, Mosaic has raised more than $200,000 for Motivation Romania, including a challenge gift from an anonymous donor who offered to match up to $100,000.
Through a mail appeal and a "Climb for Kids" event, the full match was made by Mosaic donors. The "Climb for Kids" event raised $20,000 in connection with Mosaic Senior Vice President Raul Saldivar's climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro in January.
Saldivar made the trip at his own expense and encouraged donations to reach the goal of one dollar per foot of the mountain's height. Both his climb and the fund-raising efforts were successful.
In addition Mosaic has received a $200,000 grant to support Motivation Romania from the Timken Foundation of Canton, Ohio.
"The efforts in the last year to sustain the services for the children supported by Motivation Romania have really come together," said Rich Carman, Senior Vice President for Advocacy at Mosaic. "Our multi-year fund-raising effort could not have been possible without participation of a wide range of donors, both small and large. Given our current situation and continued efforts we will be able to support the children through a three year period as government support continues
to grow."
The Romanian government is gradually increasing its funding to support people with disabilities, but adequate levels of support are not anticipated for the next three years. The increase coincides with Romania's entrance into the European Union.
Visit Mosaic advocacy for more information on Mosaic's advocacy efforts or on Motivation Romania.