World Malaria Day 2011: Host a Malaria House Party

United Methodist Communications
Office of Public Information
www.umcpresscenter.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16,2010

Nashville, Tenn. The United Methodist Church's Imagine No Malaria campaign is asking United Methodists to support a lifesaving cause by hosting a malaria house party for World Malaria Day, April 25, 2011, or in the months leading up to the event.

"Ending malaria-related deaths is a goal that requires the commitment of United Methodists around the globe, but the fight against malaria can start in your own living room," said Bishop Thomas Bickerton, campaign spokesperson. "Hosting a house party is an easy way to support World Malaria Day."

A house party is a cause oriented fundraising event that is usually held in a private home-although it may also be held in a church or some other community setting. There are countless ways to host a party-a small get-together, a formal dinner, a potluck, or as part of a New Year's, Super Bowl or Valentine's party-but people who are invited should have an interest in the cause and in learning more about it.

The goal is for each party to raise at least $1,000 (e.g., 10 guests each giving a $100 gift), and for party-givers to invite friends, family and neighbors to host their own parties so that each party generates an additional ten parties. While all parties might not be able to reach the giving goal, all will make a difference, providing health training, life-saving medicine and mosquito nets to children and their families in Africa.

To make hosting a party easy, an online party planning kit has been created that contains everything needed to stage a successful party-invitations, party tips, printable materials, checklists, a video, etc. Guests can even make their donations online.

"More than $13 million in cash and pledges has been raised so far in the Imagine No Malaria effort, but more is needed," said Bickerton. "We are in this fight-we will win it-we will save millions of children's lives, making sure these smiling faces see a bright future."

To learn more about hosting a party or to sign up today, visit www.imaginenomalaria.org/houseparty.

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About Imagine No Malaria
Imagine No Malaria is an extraordinary ministry of the people of The United Methodist Church to eliminate death and suffering from malaria in Africa by 2015. With a goal of raising $75 million to improve health infrastructure and empower a sustainable victory over the disease, Imagine No Malaria is our opportunity to rethink how we reach beyond our church, opening doors to those who need it most. For more information, please visit us online at www.ImagineNoMalaria.org.

Media contact:
Diane Degnan
[email protected]
615-742-5406 (w)
615-483-1765 (c)