As you have probably read Brendan Cosgrove has created a team for AOC member to participate in the NOAH Thing-A-Thon.  I feel very strongly that NOAH deserves our effort to ensure their fiscal strength so that they can accomplish their lofty goals.  To that end my company, Pandora Systems, will match 10% of all funds raised by Team AOC and their members; up to $1,500!

I am sure you have a lot of questions about how you can help.  So here is my attempt to explain it all.

Q. How can AOC members participate?
A. Given the disperse geographic locations physically meeting will not be possible.  That however it doesn't mean we can't give back.  Team AOC will not have an event to per say.  But instead will make their friends and families aware that NOAH needs there help.  Now of course you can get creative.  Your child's event could be cleaning their room, and you family is sponsoring that.  You could be volunteering for a local charity, be sponsored for that.  Two birds with one stone there.  Local charity gets your time and NOAH get your financial assistance.  Of course you could sit back and do nothing.  Me, what will I be doing?  I will be volunteering my time to NOAH for one of their many Information Technology needs.  If you have other idea's please share them on the Thing-A-Thon 2008 Forum.

Don't forget, if you want to host your own event you can do that as well. 

Q. What is this Events.Org site?
A. Events.Org is the vendor who is providing the software so that NOAH can mange the A-Thons Online.  So your sponsorship page will be hosted by them.  Your friends and family will got their site to sponsor you.  Below are some direct links to key pages within their site:

NOAH A-Thon 2008 Homepage (http://www.events.org/noah08/)
Team AOC Page (http://www.events.org/sponsorshipteams.aspx?event=12334&team=37)
Join Team AOC (https://www.events.org/creg.aspx?e=12334&m=10) - Choose Team AOC from Existing Team drop down.
Sponsor Team AOC (http://www.events.org/sponsorshipteams.aspx?event=12334&team=37) - Click the red sponsor team button.

Q How do I join?
A. You go to Registration page on Events.Org and sign up; make sure you choose Team AOC from the existing team drop down.  It's free, once you have your sponsorship page start letting your friends and family know.  They can go to that page and sponsor you.

Q What is Pandora Systems offering and why?
A. Pandora Systems has been long time friend of NOAH.  They have been providing licensing and host of the AOC for many years as well as NOAH main site.  They also provide other IT services to NOAH for no cost.  What they are offering for this event is to match 10% of all funds raised by Team AOC.  So if Team AOC raises $1,000 Pandora Systems will donate $100 dollar at the end of the event.  However, if Team AOC raises their goal of $10,000 then Pandora Systems will donate an additional $1,000.  Finally, Pandora Systems feels that Team AOC can exceed their goal and they are willing to match 10% of $15,000.  They hope to be send the entire amount, but only if Team AOC does their part.  So please do your part to help NOAH!

Please remember this site and all that NOAH does cost money.  So please do what you can to help NOAH continue to provide for the Albinism Community.

Thanks
Tim