Girl Scout Support Request

My housemate deedeebythebay is working to raise awareness of how cool the Girl Scouts are, and to raise money in support of their educational programs. From her LJ:

Did you know that Boy Scouts ask their participants to pay an upfront fee of $150 to $200 per year? I didn't know that. Did you know that last year girls were only asked to pay $7 and this year it went to $10. Both groups pay dues and both groups do fundraising. But we, the Girl Scouts, want to make sure that scouting is available to all girls, from every walk of life, no matter their color, race, religion or lifestyle. We often waive the $10 registration fee and dues are more like donations than required fees.

It takes $300 per girl per year to provide basic services to them. Leaders pay an enormous amount out of their own pockets.

There is a myth that Cookie Sales (and Fall Nut & Candy Sales) pay for the majority of what Girl Scouting does. Last year in our Council, we had a budget of $7.5 million. Cookie sales covered only $3,000,000. Not even half. And our sales were down 11% despite the fact that we had more troops doing booth sales and newer troops participating!

This is where you come in. Friends of Girl Scouting (F.O.G.S.) is our fundraising arm. We need help. If you were ever a Girl Scout, or knew one or knew/know of one, or are aware of the value of what Girl Scouting does, this is your chance. The San Francisco Bay Area Council wants to provide a program for every girl that wants to be involved. They want to continue their active outreach to some of the neediest kids in the neediest schools. To provide art, music, science and outdoor experience where some of these kids might never have the opportunity.

While schools are cutting back, Girl Scouts are stepping up.

More info, and a donation button, at her LJ here.