I'VE ALREADY HIT MY FUNDRAISING GOAL, BUT THIS CHARITY IS JUST SO COOL, I WANT TO SPREAD WORD OF IT...

I like to ride my bike. So it's no surprise that when I found out about the Venus de Miles, a cool ladies-only charity ride on the North Shore, I quickly decided I was in. I happily plunked down my entrance fee and committed to fundraising an additional $75, admittedly without too much thought to the charity beneficiary, Greenhouse Scholars (aside from making sure the thing was legit!). But as I read more about the organization, I became more and more persuaded that it is a worthy place to allocate some charity-giving dollars. Not only does this group help pay for college for deserving, under-resourced kids, but they also provide the kind of mentorship, access, and opportunities that open doors previously reserved as passageways for students from more affluent families. Sonia Sotomayor's interesting memoir, "My Beloved World," recently opened my eyes to the importance of this type of "whole person" approach to success, an approach that Greenhouse wholeheartedly endorses. Greenhouse positions these scholars to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities.

Seventy-two percent of Greenhouse Scholars are the first in their families to go to college! Median household income? About $29,500 (compared to about $52,000 national average). Average GPA of current scholars? 3.38/4.0 (compared to 2.8 for all college students, and 2.6 for all first-generation college-goers). So these are some impressive kids!

Now, I've already donated the $75 required for me to do this ride (more, actually). I'm not hitting you up so that I can indulge in my favorite hobby. But I would ask that you please consider making a gift to help Greenhouse continue its good work -- if not now, then whenever is convenient. Even $5 will make a difference!

Thank you.