LOS ANGELES and SAN DIEGO, June 22, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Mission Reach Foundation and SMS.ac, Inc. (www.sms.ac/corporate) today announced an alliance that makes it possible for the first time to conduct text messaging donor programs across 100 wireless carriers, in 20 countries.
As a result of this partnership, the Mission Reach Program and the portal that is host to the largest community of mobile phone users in the world (www.sms.ac), are now able to offer non-profit organizations access to technology whereby mobile phone users can make cash contributions-- right from their mobile phones.
Supporters of charitable outreach partners need only type a text message to a 5-digit (short) code, along with an organizational codename that will help direct contributions to the proper beneficiary. Upon sending a text message to the short code, mobile donors will receive a confirmation text message which precedes a daily donation of $0.25 (USD) for 31 days. That donation will appear on the donors' wireless monthly phone statement, or it can also be automatically deducted from a pre-paid account.
In return for donations, mobile phone participants will receive daily inspirational messages, quotes, or other communications on their handsets that are relevant to the charitable organization.
Ex-tennis professional Andrea Jaeger's Little Star Foundation for support of children with cancer is one organization involved with Mission Reach. "I am confident that the Mission Reach Foundation and SMS.ac will broaden our fundraising efforts so that, through the use of new technologies, we can assist more children," said Jaeger. "That makes being an outreach partner very exciting."
Created in 2004, The Mission Reach Foundation recently partnered with SMS.ac to become the first program to launch a mobile-based charitable contribution program, utilizing the connectivity and billing solutions of 100 wireless carriers in the United States, Australia, The Philippines, Mexico, South Africa and across Europe.
"I can't think of a more effective way to support worthy causes, than by allowing people around the world to connect with those causes through the cell phone," said L.T. Blassingame, founder and executive director of Mission Reach Foundation. "Thanks to an alliance with SMS.ac, our outreach partners can raise nominal, non-deductible charitable donations within minutes that will significantly aid their efforts."
Aside from contributions, charitable organizations that participate in the Mission Reach Program can also receive recognition by selecting a preferred global orphanage builder that will receive a contribution from SMS.ac and The Mission Reach Foundation on their behalf. "Our Foundation's goal is to lend a helping hand and we are thankful to our partner, SMS.ac, for mobilizing our efforts," added Blassingame.
"SMS.ac is pleased to lend support to the Mission Outreach Foundation," said Brandie Williams, senior vice president of business development at SMS.ac. "We are not aware of another alliance which brings together such an array of charitable organizations and connects them to such an extensive community of mobile phone users that can make contributions directly from their handsets. This is ground-breaking advancement in the speed and scope with which organizations can benefit from charitable giving. And we applaud Mission Outreach for its vision."
To become a Mission Reach outreach partner, contact Byron Whatley via email whatley@mission-reach.org or visit www.mission-reach.org.
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About SMS.ac
SMS.ac, Inc. is a mobile data communications company whose proprietary MMSbox(tm) platform enables the interoperable exchange of mobile multimedia (MMS and SMS) and micro-transaction billing across all mobile standards, protocols and the Internet. A demonstration of the MMSbox platform is available at www.sms.ac.
With more than 35 million registered mobile consumers in 180+ countries, and connectivity to more than 400 mobile operators worldwide, SMS.ac is host to the largest community of mobile phone users in the world. Through its global initiatives, SMS.ac is igniting the widespread adoption and use of wireless data. To view the SMS.ac corporate web site, visit www.sms.ac/corporate.
About The Mission Reach Foundation Corporation
The objective of Mission Reach is to introduce registered and authorized corporations to new interactive global technologies and media applications that the corporations themselves consummate, market, promote and manage. Our seasoned team of professionals and technology experts specialize in new media applications for a wide range of products and services including mobile marketing, entertainment and information services and in developing a mobile community ("mobile services and products"). The mobile services and products may include, but are not limited to: alerts, promotions, sweepstakes, contests, quizzes, surveys, ring tones, mobile screen savers and wallpapers, games, mobile coupons, members-only clubs, comment lines, announcements, chats, and two-way messaging.
Mission Reach is not a commercial fundraiser or counsel thereto, and does not solicit, receive, nor control donated funds, assets, or property or employ any other person to do so.