| :: The Hunger Project www.thp.org What happens when an ordinary person... makes an extraordinary commitment?
In 1981, I made a commitment to myself and the Hunger Project to contribute $1,000,000 by the year 2000 to help to end persistent hunger and famine in the world. I felt that if I, an ordinary person, could imagine a possibility that seemed so impossible to me at that time and then achieve it, it might inspire others to join in ending hunger or have them see how they could make a difference in something important to them.
At the time, Kathryn and I were selling as street artists in San Francisco. Our "store" was a card table with a glass fish tank turned on it's side as a display case. The location was a space on the sidewalk on Beach St. by Ghirardelli Square. How would a street artist who barely had enough money to get by himself, get $1,000,000 to contribute?
At that Hunger Project event, I created a vision of myself as a world famous designer, who was a wealthy philanthropist. I created a vision of a world where all people went to sleep each night free from hunger. And then I started taking action on making my vision a reality. I studied and practiced and I never let the many small failures get in the way of my vision.
We've come along way since then, Kathryn and I have given over $254,000! The fight against hunger and famine has come a long way, too. In 1981, all of the organizations who were feeding the hungry believed it wasn't even possible, ever, to end hunger. Today, most governmental and non-governmental organizations believe that all that is missing is the will of enough people to have it happen. That is a lot of progress! Year 2000 has come and I still have a long way to go to fulfill my commitment. I know that one person can't end hunger by himself. But one person can inspire others to act.
With your purchase, you have become my partner and a partner with hungry people who are taking a stand to end their hunger. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. At a Hunger Project event, in 1981, I was asked the question, "When hunger ends, and it will end, do you want to be one of the people who will say, 'They ended hunger' or one of those who say, 'We ended hunger'?" Come together with us and the thousands of others who, when hunger ends, will say, "We, in partnership with hungry people, ended hunger."
You Make the Difference.
We the people of Harry Mason Designer Jewelry are Global Citizens.
Are You a Global Citizen?
YES! As our customer, you come together with us in a world that works for everyone, with no one and nothing left out... your purchase is an investment in the future, one that allows us to generously give both money and time to organizations whose missions are to empower people to live fulfilled lives.
Some of our partners in a world that works for everyone...
:: The Hunger Project
:: Freedom From Hunger
:: Habitat for Humanity
:: United Nation's Children's Fund
:: World Vision
:: American Leprosy Missions
:: American Foundation for Aids Research
:: The Cousteau Society
... and others, including :: You, Our Customers! ---Harry Mason & Kathryn Strong |