August's "Paying it Forward" donation went to the World Wildlife Fund, as part of a fundraising campaign for my daughter's fifth birthday this year. Last year, through one of my daughter's classmates, we discovered a great free service called EchoAge. They are basically a crowdfunding birthday party invitation service. Which basically means that you use them to send out birthday party invites to your child's birthday party (which is independent of where you may be hosting the party). When clients RSVP to the party, they are prompted to make a gift donation. Half of the money donated goes to a birthday present fund, and the other half goes to a registered charity of your choice (there are quite a few to choose from on the EchoAge site). This year is the second year that we've used it, and we absolutely love it, because a) it teaches our daughter about giving to charity, and b) instead of receiving more gifts than we know what to do with, we use the money to buy her one large super-awesome birthday gift. Win-win! I highly suggest trying this service, if it sounds like something that tickles your fancy!

Do you have a cause that you care about? Share it with me, telling me why it's near and dear to your heart. I will feature your story on the Ümla-Blog and newsletter. PLUS, I will make a donation to the registered charity!