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We love hearing from you, will you share how our work may have affected you or your organization?

Whether it's an idea you got from our ripple page, or tips on getting your press kit together, or maybe an inspiring film or book you may have seen that The Elfenworks Foundation was a part of, we would love to hear it... so be sure to click here and contact us.

Linda Shattuck was so moved she wrote the letter you see to the right. Let us know what you think on our contact page.

Faces of Poverty

Here is what Linda Shattuck, Affiliate Relations, Starfish Television Network, had to say of the "Faces of Poverty" film:

As I was leaving the office the other day, I noticed on our big screen in the lobby at Starfish Television Network, I noticed “Faces of Poverty” showing. I was very pleased and quite frankly a little teary eyed. It’s not official policy by any means, but I personally like programs that cause a lump in the throat, tear in the eye and goosebumps. Your production in conjunction with Gerard T. Straub and the San Damiano Foundation is excellent on every level.

Thank you for introducing us to the inspiring work of Gerard. I took several of his films home and introduced them to my family and bought several of his books. I am deeply touched by how he serves, with who he serves, and what motivates him to act.

My oldest son lived in Brazil for a few years, and now has a desire to work with the people and children he dearly loves, serving those in Manaus Brazil. My youngest daughter was also was deeply inspired by these films. She was so moved in fact, that she applied as a volunteer to go with Rising Star Outreach to Chennai, India also to work in a school and a leprosy colony. She leaves on May 26th to begin her service. My oldest daughter, Kathryn works with the deaf population as an interpreter and advocate for those who are hard of hearing or profoundly Deaf. My children have always been humanitarians, however, Gerry’s films reach deep into the inner recesses of the heart.

Once upon a time, we felt that all programming had to offer a solution as well as present the need. It was my opinion that those who watch can formulate their own plan to help, and that perhaps they would come up with something innovative or be inspired to actually get on a plane and make a difference! Your outstanding program “Faces of Poverty” does just that, and I appreciate the fact that it doesn’t offer all the solutions. It was a smart move to align yourself with Gerry Straub and his soul stirring films.

On another note, I visit your website for inspiring ideas of organizations making a difference and reaching out to those less fortunate. Poverty is around us, and we too often turn a blind eye. Thank you to Elfenworks Foundation and San Damiano Foundation for opening our eyes and inspiring us to make a change – for good.

Warmest Regards, Linda Shattuck
Affiliate Relations, Starfish Television Network

Following the release of the film, we went to work contacting Congress, offering copies to every one of our representatives in the House and Senate as well as to local representatives and party chairs. Soon after, the requests for Faces of Poverty began; nearly 100 Members of Congress have requested and received the film. We are heartened by their responses, cautiously hopeful they may be inspired to act, and ready to applaud them loudly when they do.

Representative Charles B. Rangel of New York:
"It is always refreshing to know people who take the time to make a difference and who want to see positive change for the future. Your hope for a better tomorrow is my responsibility to you and all Americans. Thank you again."

Dianne Feinstein – US Senate, CA:
“I commend you on your work for such an important cause as homelessness and hunger within our nation and look forward to receiving the film.”

Tracks of Hope

Marcia of Bay Area Women Against Rape, Oakland:
"[Tracks of Hope is] a powerful, beautiful book. It has been circulating throughout the office. Thank you for doing the work that you do. I hope this gets out to lots of people."

Pathways Magazine

Richard P. Saller, Stanford:
“Thank you for your gift to support the Center for the Study of Poverty and Inequality’s new poverty and policy magazine. . . This will be a critical vehicle for the Center to disseminate research results as well as science-based recommendations for solutions to poverty and inequality.”

Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism

Rosalynn Carter:
“Thank you for Elfenworks Foundation’s generous matching grant to the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism . . . With your help we can continue to fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness through this very successful program.”

The Smile Train

Dawn Stewart-Lookkin, The Smile Train:
"Your organization’s recent donation made in honor of the Elves of The Elfenworks Foundation changed the lives of 31 children – that’s truly something to smile about. Today, these kids are talking, laughing, and smiling at a future that has been handed back to them thanks to YOU!"

Golden Gate University

Frederic White, Golden Gate University:
"The Elfenworks Foundation’s support will help to ensure we continue to offer the most dynamic and up-to-date educational model available by combining legal theory in the classroom with practical skill training through our clinical programs for law students seeking to work, learn and succeed."

Burlingame Police

Chief Jack L. Van Etten, Burlingame Police Department Canine Unit:
"On behalf of all the members of the Burlingame Police Department, I want to express my sincere appreciation for your generous donation... to our K-9 fund... please accept my sincere thanks for your generous contribution to this very important project that will serve to protect the citizens in Burlingame, surrounding cities and San Mateo County."

Mills College - Graduate School of Business

Janet L. Holmgren, Mills College:
"Your early and steadfast support of the MBA program has been instrumental to its success. Mills is committed to advancing women in all aspects of society and your many continuing efforts in expanding the Graduate School of Business underscore the importance of such a program. I know that your ongoing devotion and high level of involvement will help us position this program to make an impact in addressing the shortage of women in professional leadership roles."

Janet L. Holmgren, Mills College:
"The creation of the Centesr for Socially Responsible Business is essential to prepare a greater number of women to be company founders, private investors, corporate executives, and social entrepreneurs who have a commitment to building a just and sustainable world through business."

St. Francis of Assisi Film

Gerry Straub, The San Damiano Foundation:
"On behalf of everyone associated with The San Damiano Foundation, I want to extend my sincerest thanks and express my utmost gratitude for the extremely generous grant from The Elfenworks Foundation that will allow us not only to begin a new film in Assisi, a film my heart lings to make, but also allows us to upgrade our cameras and editing systems to high definition, The HD equipment will allow us to better put the power of the film as the service of the poor for years to come."

Boys Hope Girls Hope

Mark Abrams, Boys Hope Girls Hope:
We can not thank you enough. Now the parents and older siblings of so many of the children we care for will also be able to receive computer training and help themselves improve their lives and those around them. I am certain that this ripple will make a major difference in the welfare of the community we serve.