With the 'Count Me In' I think it's around $200,000 or slightly over for WPI, not to mention the other 'Causes' in FB I've seen that have been donated to but not included in these totals as well as private direct donations.
We've also managed to help win $5,000. in gas for PANDORA. There's the Invest in ME contest going on right now for a share in 1,000 pounds that closes at the end of September.
It seems to me also that I recently voted on FB for another ME/CFS cause for $50,000 but for the life of me can't remember the details right now.
Not too shabby for a bunch of sick, bedbound people! Imagine what we could do with a higher profile!
Shannah, I've been figuring the total amount since ME groups have been involved in contests. PANDORA won $20,000 in Chase in 2010. In Chase 2011, WPI won $65,000 and CFIDS Assn. won $25,000. In Vivint, WPI won $100,000 + donations and matching amounts of $23,000+ (not sure how much came from Vivint). The National ME/FM Action Network had about $2,300 in donations and matching amounts, I think. The IACFS/ME had maybe $900 and Nightingale had maybe $400. Of the last three, I'm not sure how much Vivint supplied. And PANDORA won the $5,000 gift card. From these contests, including donations and matching Vivint funds, our community has realized over $240,000, I am pretty sure. For sick people, this is a very great accomplishment! I just wish we could have helped ME/FM win the Canadian Region.
For those who live in the U.S. and certain other locations, like the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, the AARP contest is underway. You nominate yourself and tell about your volunteering experience in a 250-word essay. Judges choose several regional winners and from those winners, people will vote to choose an overall winner. Regional winners get $5,000 for their favorite charity and the overall winner gets an additional $10,000 for charity. Who knows what the judges will choose, but I am thinking we are a little different doing volunteer work from beds, wheelchairs, and so forth and might have a chance. I don't think residents of Canada are eligible, but be sure to check the rules.
http://aarp.promo.eprize.com/createthegood/