1 Big Boost

One Big Boost, 1 Big Boost, ceased to exist four years ago. This was a hand-to-hand aid organization without expenses or gain of any kind.
It has done many great things by an all-volunteer global group in a number of countries, and everyone involved has contributed to great things that served overlooked needs of many people. One Big Boost is eternally grateful for this great giving to the needy, by this all volunteer group. It has come to an end, as all good things eventually do. We look back and say "it was great!"

Part of the reason to have stopped (abandoned?) this wonderful effort is because not any-one person can continue to carry everything on their shoulders, even if surrounded by great people. Ultimately it is 'one'. And it has been great, serving so many people who deserved our all-in efforts.
The other reason is the painful doubt that any money changed hands beyond the true goals and needs. EVERYONE involved took care of 100% of their own expenses when physically involved. There were no exceptions and no side steps. In the current, negative atmosphere of true giving and true care, people should not receive doubt about their honesty and clarity.
We all are VERY proud of what we have done. It took a global community of volunteers to accomplish what we did and for that we are all grateful to each other. It was a good world, and it WILL be continued by other groups, because we all are good people. We must believe this.

We should give ourselves praise and hugs, be eternally grateful to the many who donated to these efforts, either because they saw the importance, could not go themselves or were afraid to do so. ALL was needed! And never forget the lives we saved, the courage we brought and the future we could provide.
True love to all!

What has been accomplished in the past, and what can be (should be!) done in the future is on my mind daily, although I AM getting older.
At some point you look differently at situations, needs, way to meet or resolve problems. I'm not 76 years 'old'. I have 76 years x 365 days = 27740 days in which I learned something new, saw where I was right or wrong and to think deeply about what I can or canNOT do. It is both a joy and a heavy burden even though I am not in league with Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF or any of these amazing organizations who are not without critique but are providing what you and I, with big words and negativity, cannot accomplish. We forget that small part. We forget that if the UN takes 60% of donations to function, write, produce...40% goes where it is supposed to or otherwise simply not exist, acting according to their abilities which we cannot judge. People NEED that 40%! I have SEEN and experienced what they do. KUSOS!

So we, oneBIGboost, manage to work with small amounts, no overhead or charges, all volunteers and I can guarantee you that each of the marvelous recipients NEEDED us and appreciate what we did. Because organizations were either not able to help, did not know who needed help or could not leave large projects or communities to sever small enclaves. We cannot help large numbers of people (except after Haiti's horrible quake), but we count to everyone we reached out to. And the variety is fabulous.

We have received funding in different ways since our first trip to Nepal in 2009.
We had invaluable volunteers both from the US, Europe and LOCAL people who could likely not afford to take time off...but did anyway. They were translators, builders, chauffeurs, explainers and guides. We needed them all.
We provided computers, IT stuff for rural schools, water filters for SAFE water in several countries from schools to communties. Skill building, equipment for community organizations and rescue centers. Food and medical equipment, training for women and SO much more!

People have often asked me "Are you a missionary?"
My steadfast response is "No, I'm a woman on a mission!" and so are all those who have joined us. ALL!! (OK, many are men as well)
one BIG boost is proud of its achievements.
How were we able to?
We received outright donations from $5 to $1750, USA to Europe, and each was necessary, for the projects, and as a vote of confidence.
We had fundraisers selling food, organizing a dinner, holding student, adult and organization speeches and video presentations and often selling beautiful items from the lands we visited.
How did I finance that? I took $1000 out my personal account, bought $1000-worth of items overseas but not 'touristy stuff' - none of which I would not love to have myself, went back to the US and sold each at events for2x, 3x or even 4x what I paid. but still really affordable. Items left were mine (rarely)...I paid for them, right? I couldn't lose and everyone else was a winner. I'd guaranteed sell the jewelry, paintings, woven items and carvings at a following sale.
I eventually took the $1000 back, the rest went to oneBIGboost, and I re-used the $1000 for the next visit! Everyone wins in a situation like this.
We did not offer any tax havens for donors: we basically took their $20 overseas in lieu of their presence. ALL of it. And people trusted us which was amazing and touched us deeply. Each of these donors, small and large, aided or saved MANY lives and increased stanility in communities in many ways. ANY volunteers paid their own way: flight, other transport, food and lodging.
And we have stories to tell very few people can!

We do not fund private people, do not offer scholarships. We do not serve individuals EXCEPT if it is clear that they will be a catalyst to many, generally in educational roles. We help build skills and provide Goodwill.

We really should continue. I don't know who has been so marvelous to post us over and over, recently, but I am DEEPLY grateful and indebted to this person. I am breathing deeper.

We are a group of adults from a number of western and eastern nations who provide to how-to and where-to, and a group of mostly young adults in various needy countries around the world who identify where help is truly needed, and logical within our Mission Statement:
One Place
One Time
Serving Many.
Not deviating is one of the hardest parts. We have now served for 14 years and well over 35 projects. Amazing, isn't it? Haiti, Nepal, Uganda, Panama, Honduras, Suriname and others.
We hope you will be able to keep our organization going.
We are ready!

Marianne Kuiper Milks, CEO
29 Lake Shore Drive, Equinunk, PA 18417 USA
Via Regina Isabella, 16, Lecce, Italy.
[email protected]

Volunteer teachers are ALWAYS so appreciated! We add to children and teacher's lives..so much to share! Here are some pictures of recent volunteers: Colette Ballew of Honesdale, PA USA, went to NEPAL for 15 weeks to teach English (and whatever else) while making friends, learning about an amazing culture that survives in spite of the often negative world around them. Then there is Gatha, herself from a small village in northern Nepal, who volunteered 2 months within her own country before studying in the USA (Yes, that is her in DC!) . She traveled on 2 tiny planes, then 4 days on foot though the mountains to teach English and Maths to a little (300 children) country school deep into the Himalayas! Marianne worked with a group of mountain women for 2 weeks in central Nepalorganized by Sangita (Board member). Then there are the CUTEST kids at Happy Years School in Masaka, Uganda, where Grace (Board member) teaches science...) whenever she, a grad student, needs to work to earn the next semesters' tuition There is NEED, a PLACE and many HEARTS for everyone: male, female, young, old, many subjects! But what you don't know yet is how it will change YOUR life, and then those you will touch in turn at home.

Are YOU ready to share adventures? Ask us - we'll find a perfect spot whether Uganda, Haiti, Nepal, 3 weeks or 3 months! We place - no charge- arrange all, you pay flight and other transport and receive room and board while you share your expertise. Computers, language, art, sports...