Help keep girls in school with your participation
We'd love your support for a current participant
Learn About The Sew-A-Thon Through Our Participant Guide
Besides great photos, dates, and links to key forms, this is where you find the rules, Q&A, and info about the prizes. You will even find a page of special offers from our generous sponsors. Keep the Guide handy throughout the Sew-A-Thon so you will have the answers to your questions right at your fingertips.
Why Is Sew Powerful Conducting This Sew-A-Thon?
The Sew-A-Thon started as a way to celebrate National Sewing Month each September, but it has grown to be more. Originally, Sew Powerful just wanted to create a fun way to challenge ourselves to make as many purses as we could during National Sewing Month while raising a little bit of money to make sure we could cover the $10 cost per purse to fill each one.
After the first year of your enthusiastic participation, we added sponsor donated prizes as incentives so our participants would want to include friends and family as donors. Through your hard work and your loved one’s generosity you raised enough to fill about half the purses sent to us in 2023. (Other donations covered the remainder.) This has been a huge help to make sure the purses you make throughout the year can be filled, delivered, and change lives in Zambia.
Purse sewing runs during the month of September; fundraising starts July 29th and continues throughout the entire Sew-A-Thon.
Sew-A-Thon Goals
Because Sew Powerful is working hard in Zambia to supply schoolgirls with purses containing feminine hygiene supplies, we need your help. Just $10 per purse covers the cost of labor and materials so that the girls have the supplies they need to attend school all month. A purse and ten dollars truly change a life!
The 2024 Sew-A-Thon Fundraiser has set the following goals:
- Raise $200,000. That is a 39% increase versus last year
- Enroll 1000 purse makers. That is a 100% increase versus last year
- Engage with 2000 donors. That is a 33% increase versus last year
As you enroll, you will have the option to set your own personal goals for purse making and fundraising. If you set these goals, your supporters will be shown your goals and have a better idea of how they can support you with their prayers and a financial donation in your honor. We hope you will set goals too!
“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.”
– Andrew Carnegie
Join The Fun!
2. Ask Family & Friends For Support
Enrolled participants can receive personalized postcards to make it easy to ask friends and family to make a financial donation to Sew Powerful in your honor. Or, you prefer we provide samples of suggested emails and social media posts. More information in the Participant Guide.
How We Will Support You
- We have crafted a series of engaging postcards that make it fun and easy to ask friends and family to support you. Be sure to ‘opt-in’ for personalized postcards when you enroll to access all the optional cards that will be offered throughout the Sew-A-Thon. See the Participant Guide for details.
- The Participant Guide also provides sample email and social media post wording. Use this method as an alternative, or in addition, to the postcards.
- Every time a supporter makes a donation in your honor, you will receive a Donation Notification email that will provide the donor’s name, email address, their message to you, and the amount of their donation. A quick thank you message from you will make your loved one feel appreciated. (Sew Powerful sends an automated message and a receipt for their records, but your message will mean so much more.)
- You can check on all the donations made in your honor on your personal report. Check your report as often as you like. Read the messages online or request a copy by email. Your Donation Notification email will also provide the link and instructions. Get your report HERE.
- Watch the weekly Sew Powerful Newsletter (subscribe HERE) and the Sew Powerful Purse Project Group in Facebook (join HERE) for updates, new activities, pop-up prizes, and words of encouragement.
How We Will Recognize You
We have a long list of valuable prizes that have been donated to Sew Powerful to make our annual Sew-A-Thon that much more fun and enticing. Qualifying for prize drawings is based on donations raised. Prize drawings work like this:
- The individual who ranks number 1 in fundraising will have their choice of one prize from among the Grand Prizes.
- The remaining Grand Prize(s) will be awarded by random drawing from among those who raised $500 or more. For each $500 raised, you earn 1 ticket for this drawing.
- The remaining prizes will be awarded by in descending order of value by random drawing from among those who raised $100 or more and who did not win a Grand Prize. For each $100 raised, you earn 1 ticket in this drawing.
- There will be special recognitions for chapter purse making and fundraising. See the Participant Guide for details.
- There will be special recognition for top international purse makers and fundraisers. See the Participant Guide for details.
- Each person can win only 1 prize. Prize drawing will be broadcast live on October 7th.
- Restrictions, eligibility, and complete rules are found in the Participant Guide.
It’s Easy and Fun to Participate!
July 29 – September 30
Send emails, texts, or post in social media asking friends and family to make a financial donation to Sew Powerful in support of your efforts.
September 1 – 30
Sew as many purses as you can and keep count.
October 7
Results announced, and prizes will be awarded (see Page 11 of the Participant Guide for more info).
It’s Easy and Fun to Participate!
July 29 – September 30
Send emails, texts, or post in social media asking friends and family to make a financial donation to Sew Powerful in support of your efforts.
September 1 – 30
Sew as many purses as you can and keep count.
October 7
Results announced, and prizes will be awarded (see Page 11 of the Participant Guide for more info).
Enter To Win These Prizes
Sew Powerful wishes to thank the following organizations for sponsoring the Sew Powerful 2023 Sew-A-Thon. Each sponsor has donated prizes*, and in many cases coupons as incentives for our purse making community to participate in our signature fund raising event. Participants will invite friends and family to support their purse making efforts with a donation to help the Sew Powerful ministry combat extreme poverty in Zambia. Visit the sponsors’ websites to learn more, shop, and to show appreciation for their generosity.
BABY LOCK (Tacony Corporation)
Baby Lock USA and Canada supplies sewing machines and accessories to makers of all levels and budgets. Shop at babylock.com or at a retailer.
Lyric Sewing Machine + Assorted Notions, SRP $2500
BERNINA OF AMERICA
BERNINA has been one of the world's leading sewing and embroidery machine manufacturers for more than 130 years. The Swiss family-owned company's products are synonymous with innovation and precision. Above all, they are known for their durability. BERNINA sewing machines are used worldwide by people with a passion for sewing.
bernette 79, SRP $2935
PIXIE FAIRE
Discover Fashion in Miniature at Pixie Faire!
PIXIE FAIRE
Discover Fashion in Miniature at Pixie Faire!
AURIFIL USA
Aurifil is an accomplished, family owned and operated, Italian company based in Milan, specializing in the production of 100% Cotton threads from the Mako region of Egypt.
Italian Color Builders (50wt thread) Full Set, SRP $525 (qty 2)
SEW POWERFUL
Sew Powerful is a Christian ministry that exists to employ and empower people to pursue life in all its fullness. We do that by creating purposeful products that change communities-things like school uniforms, reusable hygiene pads, soap, and farm fresh food.
Picture Your Purse - all qualifying participants are eligible. Receive the name and photo of a Zambian schoolgirl holding your very purse, SRP $100 (qty 3)
SEW POWERFUL
Sew Powerful is a Christian ministry that exists to employ and empower people to pursue life in all its fullness. We do that by creating purposeful products that change communities-things like school uniforms, reusable hygiene pads, soap, and farm fresh food.
Picture Your Purse - for qualified pre-enrolled participants only. Receive the name and photo of a Zambian schoolgirl holding your very purse, SRP $100 (qty 3)
SEW POWERFUL
Sew Powerful is a Christian ministry that exists to employ and empower people to pursue life in all its fullness. We do that by creating purposeful products that change communities-things like school uniforms, reusable hygiene pads, soap, and farm fresh food.
Attendance at a 2025 Sew Powerful Sewing Retreat - Date/Location TBD, SRP $500 (qty 2)
KAI SCISSORS
Premium Japanese cutting tools for all your sewing and crafting needs.
S Series 3-Piece Set, SRP $50 (qty 20)
RIBBONWORKS DESIGN STUDIO
"I'll tell you how the sun rose, a ribbon at a time." - Emily Dickinson
Jacquard ribbons from around the world including our original Alaskan designs.
Ribbon Pak with Key Fob, SRP $50 (qty 20)
INFINITE ALOE
Bring back that youthful glow with all natural skin care powered by a base of organic aloe vera. the natural and organic formulations give you skin the nutrition it needs to stay balanced, hydrated, and healthy.
Family Extra Value Pack - Face & Body Cream, SRP $450 (qty 2)
INFINITE ALOE
Bring back that youthful glow with all natural skin care powered by a base of organic aloe vera. the natural and organic formulations give you skin the nutrition it needs to stay balanced, hydrated, and healthy.
$50 Gift Card, SRP $50 (qty 2)
SWEET PEA
Sweet Pea specializes in ITH embroidery designs, sewing essentials for crafting needs, and educational content tailored for embroidery enthusiasts.
Sewing Essentials Mystery Pack, SRP $200 (qty 5)
OLISO, INC.
At Oliso, we design cutting-edge fabric tools tailored to the needs of quilters and sewists. With your invaluable insights, we design products that make ironing easier and empower your creativity.
TG1600 Yellow ProPlus Iron, SRP $200 (qty 4)
OLISO, INC.
At Oliso, we design cutting-edge fabric tools tailored to the needs of quilters and sewists. With your invaluable insights, we design products that make ironing easier and empower your creativity.
M3Pro Project Iron Pistaschio, SRP $80 (qty 3)
*Prize descriptions, restrictions, and eligibility can be found in the Sew-A-Thon Participant Guide.
FAQs and Sew-A-Thon Guidelines
Q. I don’t sew. How can I participate?
A. You are welcome to make note cards, but you should also ask friends and family to make donations. Through your fundraising efforts you will become eligible for the recognitions available based on the financial amount your supporters have contributed to Sew Powerful.
Q. I feel awkward about asking friends and family to contribute financially. What should I do?
A. We understand it can be uncomfortable asking friends and family to donate. In fact, we listened when you told us this was the hardest part of the Sew-A-Thon. That’s why we crafted the series of colorful personalized postcards to do that job for you. But if you prefer to write a message, check out Page 20 & Page 21 of the Participant Guide for sample wording to use instead.
Q. How will I get the personalized Sew Powerful Postcards?
A. When you enroll to participate, you will receive an email called ‘Next Steps’ that will walk you through how to proceed. If you opt in for postcards, by return email you will receive two postcards automatically: the standard ‘Help Me Change a Life’ and the ‘Paris’ postcards. Those emails will walk you through the steps to share the postcards in different ways. The emails also include a link to Design Your Own Postcard so you can develop a postcard with the color, headline, message, and photo of your choice.
Q. How effective is using social media to engage supporters?
A. Social media is a great way for your friends, and friends of friends, to learn about your participation in the Sew-A-Thon. The Sew Powerful personalized postcards make it easy for supporters to make donations in your honor. But if you create your own post, be sure to include your Participant ID number and the web address, SewPowerful.org, to guide your supporters to the donation form. Pro tip: Ask that your post be shared to reach as many people as possible. You can even use hashtag #SPSewAThon2024 if you like.
Q. Should I send group emails or group texts to my prospective supporters?
A. For best results, we suggest that you send a separate message to each of your prospective supporters.
Q. Are my supporters making a donation based on the number of purses I make?
A. No. Your supporters are simply recognizing you and supporting a cause you are passionate about. Supporters give what they can; purse makers sew as many purses as they can. Each is contributing to Sew Powerful in their unique way.
Q. How will you know how many purses I make?
A. You will report your final results by October 3rd. That’s why it will be important to keep track of the purses you sew during September. You will find the reporting form HERE.
Q. Should I report the number of purses I send during September or make during September?
A. You should report the number of purses you MAKE. You can send the purses during the month of September or after the Sew-A-Thon is complete. We want to track how many you make.
Q. Can I be cutting out purses now to sew in September?
A. Yes you can. We consider this a SEW-A-Thon, emphasis on sewing. You don’t have to do it that way, but by having at least some of your purses pre-cut, you are certainly much more likely to sew more in September. We do ask that any purses you have started sewing before September 1, not be counted as part of the Sew-A-Thon, but please do complete them and send them in.
Q. By looking at my personalized report, I see that I have not raised enough to qualify for prizes. What can I do?
A. Check your personalized report HERE to see where you stand. Before September 30th, you can personally make a financial contribution to bridge the gap between what your supporters have donated, and the amount needed to qualify for the prize you want to win. Use the Sew-A-Thon Donation Form HERE and enter your own Participant Number to get started.
Q. Some of my Sew-A-Thon supporters would prefer to mail a check rather than contribute online. What should they do?
A. We would be happy to accept your supporters’ (or your) checks made out to Sew Powerful. Please have them include ‘Sew-A-Thon’ and your name on the memo line. Checks should be mailed to arrive by September 30th to: Sew Powerful, 229 Clark Ave, Ste N, Yuba City, CA 95991
Q. How do I handle donations of cash or checks made out to me?
A. For a gift of cash or for a check made out to you, simply endorse the check and deposit the check (or cash) into your own personal bank account. THEN go to the Supporters Donation Form HERE and enter your own Participant Number to get started.
If you have the name and address of the donor, please enter that, otherwise use your own name and address. Use your own email address to get a copy of the receipt.
You will actually be making a donation to Sew Powerful using your own credit card, but you will have the money in the bank from your supporter’s donation.
Q. Can I sew and contribute as part of a Chapter or team?
A. Prizes from sponsors will be awarded to qualifying individuals only. However, during enrollment you will be asked if you are a member of a chapter. If you are, you will select your chapter name. At the end of the Sew-A-Thon the total raised and the total number of purses made by members of that chapter will be calculated. Top ranking chapters will be recognized as outlined on Page 12 of the Participant Guide, How Chapters and International Participants Will Be Recognized.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
- Promotion Description: The sewing portion of the SEW-A-THON begins on 09/01/2024 at 12:00 AM (Pacific Time (US & Canada)) and ends on 09/30/2024 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time (US & Canada)) (the "Promotion Period"). By participating in the sew-a-thon, each entrant unconditionally accepts and agrees to comply with and abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sew Powerful ("Sponsor"), which shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsor is responsible for the collection, submission or processing of Entries and the overall administration of the Sew-A- Thon. Entrants should look solely to Sponsor with any questions, comments or problems related to the Sew-A-Thon.
- Eligibility: Open to legal residents of USA who are 18 or older. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Sponsor and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, retailers, sales representatives, advertising and promotion agencies and each of their respective officers, directors and employees (collectively, the "Promotion Entities"), and members of their immediate families and/or persons living in the same household as such persons, are ineligible to win a prize.
- Prize Winners: The prize winners of the Sew-A-Thon will be selected based on total funds raised. The prize winners will be selected by random drawings during a Sew Powerful Live broadcast on October 7, 2024 by Sponsor or its designated representatives, whose decisions are final. (Full rules can be found in the Participant Handbook linked to this page.) Prize winners will be notified by email at the email address provided in the Participant Enrollment Form on or about 48 hours after the random drawing. Potential winners must respond and accept their prize by email as directed by Sponsor within 48 hours of notification. Any winner notification not responded to or returned as undeliverable may result in prize forfeiture. The potential prize winner may be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility and release of liability, and a Publicity Release (collectively "the Prize Claim Documents"). No substitution or transfer of a prize is permitted except by Sponsor.
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Prizes: Are listed on this page: https://www.sewpowerful.org/pages/sew-a-thon-fundraiser-2024
- Only one prize per person will be awarded. Gift cards and gift certificates are subject to the terms and conditions of the issuer. Prizes cannot be transferred, redeemed for cash or substituted by winner. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole and absolute discretion to award a substitute prize of equal or greater value if a prize described in these Official Rules is unavailable or cannot be awarded, in whole or in part, for any reason. The ARV of the prize represents Sponsor's good faith determination. That determination is final and binding and cannot be appealed. If the actual value of the prize turns out to be less than the stated ARV, the difference will not be awarded in cash. Sponsor makes no representation or warranty concerning the appearance, safety or performance of any prize awarded. Restrictions, conditions, and limitations may apply. Sponsor will not replace any lost or stolen prize items.
- Prize will only be awarded and/or delivered to addresses within USA. All federal, state and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. Failure to comply with the Official Rules will result in forfeiture of the prize.
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Online Entry: Enter the Sew-A-Thon online starting July 29, 2024 and ending August 31, 2024 by signing into the entry form and perform the tasks provided. The entry form can be found on the following website at https://www.cognitoforms.com/SewPowerful1/SewAThonParticipantEnrollmentForm
- Automated or robotic Entries submitted by individuals or organizations will be disqualified. Internet entry must be made by the entrant. Any attempt by an entrant to obtain more than the stated number of Entries by using multiple/different email addresses, identities, registrations, logins or any other methods, including, but not limited to, commercial contest/Sew-A-Thon subscription notification and/or entering services, will void that entrant's Entries and that entrant may be disqualified. Final eligibility for the award of any prize is subject to eligibility verification as set forth below. All Entries must be posted by the end of the Promotion Period in order to participate. Sponsor's database clock will be the official time keeper for this Sew-A-Thon.
- Privacy: All entrants acknowledge that if they are chosen as a winner, certain of their personally identifying information may be disclosed to third parties at least as required by law, including, without limitation, on a winner's list. All personal information submitted as part of the Sew-A-Thon may be shared by and between the Promotion Entities, and each of the Promotion Entities will use such information in accordance with their respective independent online privacy policies. The privacy policy of Sew Powerful can be found at www.sewpowerful.org
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Limitation of Liability: Sponsor is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by website users or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sew-A-Thon or by any technical or human error, which may occur in the processing of submissions in the Sew-A-Thon. Sponsor assumes no responsibility for any misdirected or lost mail, or any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay of operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, Entries. Sponsor is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of email or players on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website or combination thereof, including injury or damage to entrant's or any other person's computer related to or resulting from participating downloading materials in the Sew-A-Thon. If, for any reason, the Sew-A-Thon is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of Sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of the Sew- A-Thon, then Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sew-A-Thon. In such event, Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, perform the random drawing from among all eligible Entries received prior to or after such cancellation, suspension, or modification.
In the event of a dispute concerning who registered online to participate in the Sew-A-Thon, the registration will be declared to have been made by the authorized account holder is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an email address by an internet provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, education institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted email address. A potential winner may be requested to provide Sponsor with proof that the potential winner is the authorized account holder of the email address. If a dispute cannot be resolved to Sponsor's satisfaction, the entry will be deemed ineligible. - Winner's List: To obtain a copy of any legally required winners list or a copy of the Official Rules, send the applicable request and a self-addressed, stamped, #10 envelope to Sew Powerful at 229 Clark Ave, Suite O, Yuba City, CA 95991. Request must be received no later than 48 hours + 6 MONTHS from the end of the promotion.
- Sponsor: The Sew-A-Thon is sponsored by Sew Powerful, 229 Clark Ave, Suite O, Yuba City, CA 95991, Email: jason@sewpowerful.org
- Facebook Disclaimer: Entrants should understand that they are providing their information to the Sponsor and not to Facebook. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.