Since the inception of the BlueHealers website, all auction proceeds have gone directly to Medical Ministry International (MMI). MMI is an interdenominational Christian medical ministry committed to meeting the need for medical care among the world's poor with lasting solutions through excellence in medicine, patient care, and health education. This is done by (1) mobilizing volunteers on one and two week medical projects and (2) establishing and equipping permanent medical centers. At this time, MMI has projects either ongoing or scheduled in 27 different countries. They have already established permanent centers in eight countries.

I have been involved in several MMI projects in Bolivia and have, in the process, established a deep friendship with Francis Perez, the MMI project director for Bolivia. In support of Francis, and knowing first hand the great need in Bolivia, I have directed the entirety of the auction proceeds towards MMI's work in Bolivia. These funds have been used to provide equipment and supplies for medical projects, to provide scholarship support for volunteers giving their time in Bolivia, and to help enable Francis Perez to live in Bolivia to continue this ministry.

In light of the recent earthquake in Haiti, however, I have decided to direct the proceeds from the remaining BlueHealers auctions toward MMI's efforts in Haiti. MMI Executive Director Willie Hunter and Haiti Project Director Tim DeYoung visited Haiti on January 20th and 21st to assess the needs there. You can read Willie's assessment on MMI's website. In summary, Willie and Tim felt the acute medical needs in Haiti were being satisfied by the physicians and relief workers on hand, leaving a greater need for a long term medical presence. Prior to the earthquake, MMI had plans for the establishment of a permanent center in Haiti (in addition to continued two week projects there). The plan now is to move forward in the construction and equipping of the Permanent MMI Center in Port-au-Prince.

The proceeds from the last four BlueHealers auctions, including the auction for the tickets to the Carolina game, will be used to support MMI's efforts to provide a long term medical presence in Port-au-Prince and throughout Haiti. I invite you to bid generously, knowing that you are helping out in Haiti while vying for the opportunity to watch a game in Cameron.