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Enroll in the 2023 Sew-A-Thon

Create lasting change alongside kids and communities

Donate to the 2023 Sew-a-Thon

We'd love to have you support a current participant

Learn About The
Program Through Our Participant Guide

Besides all the great content, photos, and key dates, be on the lookout for at least 10 coupons from our sponsors. They are sprinkled throughout the pages of the guide. Enjoy the quest!

What is a Sew-A-Thon Fundraiser?

Did you know that September is National Sewing Month in the United States? Sew Powerful will be joining the fun by conducting a month-long Sew-A-Thon Fundraiser to support our work in Zambia. Our Sew-A-Thon will be a “time boxed” activity where enrolled participants will sew as many purses as they can from September 1 through September 30.

Our generous sponsors have donated exciting prizes to make the Sew-A-Thon even more fun. Learn about our Sponsors and Prizes HERE.

Sew-A-Thon Goals

Because Sew Powerful is working hard in Zambia to provide good paying jobs, food for hungry children, and purses with feminine hygiene supplies so girls can stay in school, we need your help. The Sew-A-Thon Fundraiser has a goal of enrolling 250 purse makers. We hope you will join us!

It’s Easy and Fun to Participate!

1. Enroll

Participant Enrollment period is July 24 – August 31, 2023.

2. Ask Family & Friends For Support

Send an email, text, or make a social media post asking friends and family to make a financial donation to Sew Powerful in support of your purse making efforts. We provide samples by email and in the Participant’s Guide.

3. Report Your Results

Make purses, keep a count, and report your purse making results no later than October 8th. Use this form to report your results HERE.

How We Will Support You

  1. We have crafted friendly messages you can simply cut and paste into an email, text or social media posts. It is designed to let your friends and family know you are participating in the Sew-A-Thon. The message will kindly ask them to recognize your purse making efforts with a financial gift. You will receive this messaging immediately by return email after you enroll. It is also included in the Participant’s Guide.
  2. You will receive separately by email, a link to your very own personal report that will show you who your supporters are, how much they have contributed, and the words of encouragement they are sending you. Please consider sending a thank you message individually to each of your supporters.
  3. Watch the weekly Sew Powerful Newsletter and the Sew Powerful Purse Project group in Facebook for updates 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 Fundraiser that much more fun and enticing. Prizes will be awarded based on donations raised and will be awarded as follows:

  1. The individuals who rank number 1 and 2 in fundraising will have their choice of one prize from among the 4 Grand Prizes.
  2. The remaining 2 Grand prizes will be awarded by random drawing from among those who raised $500 or more. For each $500 raised, you earn a ticket in this drawing.
  3. The remaining 121 prizes will be awarded by random drawing from among those who raised $100 or more and who did not win any of the 4 awarded prizes. For each $100 raised, you earn a ticket in this drawing.
  4. Everyone who enrolls will receive coupon codes for discounts from select sponsors, regardless of funds raised.
  5. There will be recognition for individual and group purse making achievements.
  6. Restrictions and eligibility requirements are provided in the Participant’s Guide.
  7. Each person can win only 1 prize.

It’s Easy and Fun to Participate

July 24 – August 31

Purse makers enroll in the Sew-A-Thon

July 24 – September 30

Your supporters make donations to Sew Powerful as part of the Sew-A-Thon Fundraiser. You check your personalized report to see how your part of the fundraiser is going and to read your supporters words of encouragement.

September 1 – 30

You make purses. Keep count. You can even send them in during the month.

October 6

Last day to report your September purse count.

October 9

Sew Powerful Newsletter will report the results of the Sew-A-Thon

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.

BERNINA OF AMERICA
A Swiss tradition of perfection since 1893. Our sewing and embroidery machines are precisely manufactured down to the last detail.

Bernina 500E, SRP $4899

  • More space for bigger embroidery projects
  • Jumbo bobbin to embroider longer
  • Edit embroidery designs via touch screen
  • Position your design exactly where you want
  • Achieve finest embroidery results

BERNINA OF AMERICA
A Swiss tradition of perfection since 1893. Our sewing and embroidery machines are precisely manufactured down to the last detail.

bernette 79, SRP $2935

  • Our most excellent, affordable sewing and embroidery machine
  • Multi-function knobs for quick operation
  • Extensive sewing and embroidery area
  • Dual feed for fast, even fabric feed

SEW POWERFUL DONORS
Donor contributions toward travel have made it possible for you to win a chance to go on the 2024 Sew Powerful Zambia Trip. Experience the joy of handing your purse to a girl in need and learn more about the program. No sew-a-thon funds will be used for this purpose.

Zambia Trip, Value $4500

  • May 31 - June 9, 2024 (final dates TBD)
  • All expense paid trip including meals, lodging, and airfare from/to North American hub city.

PIXIE FAIRE
Fashion in miniature - explore over 3,500 unique patterns and notions to make your perfect doll sized outfit.

Pixie Faire Design Academy + Pattern Academy VIP Bundle, SRP $476 (qty 12)

  • Learn to design with Cinnamon during this fun and inspiring Design Academy.
  • Transfer your designs to real patterns in a professional way in the Pattern Academy.

RENAISSANCE RIBBON
Create richly colored and lush, woven ribbons that are beloved by makers of everything from bags and quilts to dog collars!

Pink Curiouser and Curiouser Ribbon Collection, SRP $125 (qty 20)

The Curiouser and Curiouser Ribbon Collection perfectly captures the hidden meaning behind Tula’s designs. So come and lose yourself in a collection fit for a fairytale!

BABY LOCK (Tacony Corp)
Provides high quality sergers, sewing, quilting, and embroidery machines for every type of sewist.

Celebrate, SRP $2499

  • Easy push lever looper threading
  • Built - in needle threader
  • Easy tension system
  • 4/3/2 thread serging
  • Full featured differential feed
  • Bright LED lighting
  • Adjustable presser foot height up to 6MM

MY GIRLFRIEND'S QUILT SHOPPE
Join the ‘My Girlfriend’s Quilt Shoppe’ community, based in Logan, Utah, as well as online! Our goal: to inspire the world to sew!

Sewing with the Girlfriends Bundle VIP Bundle, SRP $139 (qty 25)

  • Scissors (3 pair)
  • Tape measure, Ruler
  • Rotary Cutter and 2 blades
  • Sticker, Lip balm, Seam Ripper

AURIFIL USA INC
Purveyors of 100% Egyptian cotton threads made in Italy.

Italian Color Builders (50wt) Full Set, SRP $525 (qty 2)

The original Aurifil Color Builders, a capsule of 12 curated mini-collections inspired by Italy’s most vibrant and colorful destinations. Each collection contains 3 large spools of 50wt thread — a warm, a medium, and a dark — within color palette. A total of 36 vibrant spools

INFINITE ALOE
Purveyors of America’s most popular premium aloe vera skin care products, great for all ages and skin types.

Formula Gold Anti-Aging Formula, SRP $440

  • 6.7 oz of nano ingredients that penetrate the cellular walls and give anti-aging nutrients to your deepest layers of skin.
  • Highest degree of improvement in tightening, lifting, firming, and discoloration

SWEET PEA
Discover Sweet Pea Machine Embroidery with thousands of ITH machine embroidery designs and essential sewing supplies like fabrics, threads, and tools for crafters.

Essentials Pack SRP $250 (qty 4)

A delightful selection of physical items chosen by the owner to enhance your sewing experience. Valued at $250.

INFINITE ALOE
Purveyors of America’s most popular premium aloe vera skin care products, great for all ages and skin types.

Nordic Mud, SRP $120

  • Scandinavian peat + charcoal + algae + botanical extracts combine to detoxify, protect, boost elasticity and tighten
  • Nourishes your skin with nutrient dense natural peat
  • Make your skin look and feel more alive everyday!

KAI SCISSORS
A Japanese company striving to create products for your very best cutting experience.

S-Series 3 piece set of sewing scissors, SRP $49.99 (qty 20)

  • 3 of the most popular scissor sizes:
    • 4” Needle Craft
    • 5-1/2” Trimming and Clipping
    • 8” Dressmaking Shears
  • Smooth, sharp blades
  • Sturdy handles for long wear

INFINITE ALOE
Purveyors of America’s most popular premium aloe vera skin care products, great for all ages and skin types.

Baby Soft Scrub, SRP $35

  • Head to toe exfoliation
  • Gently exfoliates and smooths the skin, removing dead cells and rejuvenating the look and feel of the surface of your skin.
  • Organic aloe vera, natural botanicals and plant oils enhance the moisturizing effect to make your skin baby soft

INFINITE ALOE
Purveyors of America’s most popular premium aloe vera skin care products, great for all ages and skin types.

Complete Skin Care, SRP $75 (qty 4)

  • 8 oz of organic aloe vera and plant-based extracts to achieve softer, healthier skin.
  • Includes botanical extracts plus hyaluronic acid, collagen, alpha-lipoic acid, 30 vitamins including A, C, and E, DMAE, peptides and other botanical extracts

Thanks to AllBrands for donating a RLX38-17 Brother Sewing Machine as a prize.

Thanks to Beezu Handmade for donating 5 sets of templates for making the Sew Powerful beginner purse.

Thanks to Bag Makers Workshop for donating 4 Virtual Workshop tickets.

Thanks to Cathy's Creations for donating 5 sets of Ugly Thimble Kits.

Thanks to Home Sew for donating 4 $50 gift cards as prizes.

Thanks to Prym for donating 2 Aqua Dot Sewing Basket Kits.

Thanks to Quality Sewing & Vacuum for donating 2 $50 gift certificates.

Thanks to Quiltery For The Love Of Sewing for donating 10 patterns.

*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. That’s why we’ve been especially thoughtful in crafting the wording of the suggested message. Typically, friends and family are honored to be asked to contribute to a cause you are so passionate about. Some will give more than others but every gift counts and each is very much appreciated.

Q. How will I get the message with the wording asking for support?

A. As soon as you register, you will receive an instruction email for your use only, a second email with the suggested wording and link to make a donation, and a third email that will give you the link to your personalized progress report. Pages 6-7 also have suggested wording for emails and social media posts.

Q. Can I post my participation and ask for supporters on social media?

A. Yes, we hope you will! We would encourage you to use the suggested message you will receive by return email right after you register. It will be important that your post contain the instructions and link so your social media friends and followers can support you. And don't hesitate to post updates throughout September and include photos of the purses you make for the Sew-A-Thon fundraiser. Use hashtag: #SPSewAThon2023

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 6th. 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. 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 Supporters’ Donation Form (HERE) and enter your own Participant Number when prompted.

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’ checks. 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 O, 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 return to this page and click on the ‘Donate Now’ button at the top of the page. It will take you to the 'Supporter's Donation Form'. Fill out the form and enter your own Participant Number when prompted. Use your own name and email address as the donor. In the comments section you can add 'Check (or cash) from [name]'. You will actually be making a donation to Sew Powerful using your own credit card or with PayPal, 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 will be awarded only to individuals; however group participation will be recognized during our Sew Powerful Live broadcast. Only one member of a group should report the group’s total. Individual members of a group can report their individual purse counts and can compete for prizes through fund raising.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

  1. Promotion Description: The SEW-A-THON begins on 09/01/2023 at 12:00 AM (Pacific Time (US & Canada)) and ends on 09/30/2023 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Winner Selection: The winner of the Sew-A-Thon will be selected based on total funds raised. The notification will be conducted by 48 hours by Sponsor or its designated representatives, whose decisions are final. Winner will be notified by email at the email address provided in the Entry Information on or about 48 hours after the random drawing. Potential winner must respond and accept a 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.
  4. Prizes: Are listed on this page: https://www.sewpowerful.org/pages/meet-our-sponsors
    • Only one prize per person and per household 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.
  5. Online Entry: Enter the Sew-A-Thon during the Promotion Period online by signing into the entry form and perform the tasks provided. The entry form can be found on the following website at https://www.sewpowerful.org/pages/sew-a-thon-fundraiser-2023
    • 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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-addresses, 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 for the name of the winner and, by the end of the promotion, for a copy of the rules.
  9. Sponsor: The Sew-A-Thon is sponsored by Sew Powerful, 229 Clark Ave, Suite O, Yuba City, CA 95991, Email: jason@sewpowerful.org
  10. 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.