Donations for tag recoveries

[Monarch MaMa]

My friend Diane & I are going to the Michoacan Mexico monarch sanctuaries on Feb 23. She's been there 3 times already but this is my maiden voyage - I'm terrifically excited to go! We want to assist MW in buying as many tags as possible from the locals who collect them over the years but it would help if we collected money beforehand so we have it on hand to purchase tags. She posted a note on Dplex which I've copied below. If you want to help, please read on:

Last year, many of you will remember that as I visited butterfly roosts in Mexico, I sent several posts to this list about the trip and especially the tags that I was able to purchase for Monarch Watch. Chip has mentioned that payment for tag recoveries is a major expense to Monarch Watch. Last year, a number of people contacted me about helping with the expense for the tags ($5.00 each) and I know that several generously donated $$$ to Monarch Watch.

Now, I'm at it again! This time I have an accomplice - Debbie Jackson. We travel to Mexico on February 23 and will return on March 6. We plan to visit 4 or 5 monarch sanctuaries and to purchase as many tags as are available.

On my last trip, I relied on cash advances from my plastic money to pay for the tags up front and was then reimbursed by Chip after my return home. That is not going to work for me this year and I will need funds up front. So, I am asking that anyone who would like to help pay for the tags, to make a donation to Monarch Watch with a note that the money is intended for tag recovery. This would be a tax deductible charitable contribution. Alternatively, you can send a check directly to me. All funds received will be used only for the purchase of tags. For money sent to me, I will send you a personal listing of the tags (and their collectors and location) purchased with your money. In sending the money to me, you will not be eligible for the tax deduction. However, I will have some upfront money to work with as needed and Chip will not need to send me a check. If you can help out with some funds (any amount appreciated) directly to Monarch Watch; that can be done at http://monarchwatch.org/donate/. If you wish to send funds to me directly, please contact me off-list via Email. Thank you all very much for any help!

Debbie and I are very excited and can't wait to get on those caballitos (little horses) and head for the roosts. We will send frequent posts to the list while we are traveling.

Diane Pruden

Diane can be reached at DianePruden@gmail.com but either way - we'll take all your best wishes for a safe & prosperous trip to see our orange & black beauties.
-Debbie Jackson a.k.a. Monarch MaMa (email debbieamj@gmail.com)