“Starting tomorrow, August 19, I am going to fast for two days. How many of you who have plenty of food will ‘sponsor’ me and donate $10/day to help the terrible famine in the Horn of Africa? I’m talking logging on to Unicef and dipping your card for twenty bucks. That ain’t much, and your word is good enough for me. Holler back, link to this page, and please share, ’cause I can’t wait forever.”
These were the words that sparked my interest. I know Mark, in fact, you all should know Mark. His audio prowess is amazing, simply stunning. Mark did the audio for our game, Sushi Star and has an impressive biography.
Mark’s started a Facebook page to raise awareness to the children in the Horn of Africa. Drought, famine, rising food costs, and a refugee crisis. The drought is the worse in the area in 60 years.
Mark is fasting for two days, starting tomorrow, August 19th. Mark’s not being paid, he’s not sponsored. There is no financial gain, but he is PASSIONATE about this cause.
I had the chance to ask Mark some questions before he starts fasting tomorrow:
1. Short bio
Creative Director/Owner @ Suite Spot Studios in Cherry Hill, NJ. Born + raised in Lancaster, Penna. Graphic Arts major at Penn State and Recording Engineering major at Temple U. Started career recording actual vinyl albums! in and around Philadelphia; rock of the ’80′s … six years as Senior Sound Designer at Nickelodeon in the ’90′s and ten years mixing national commercials for Mad Men in NY. Now a video editor, graphic designer, music producer, sound designer…
(See I told you right? Freakin’ amazing body of work).
2. What gave you this idea?
I was raised in a family that supported Food Banks and carried food to needy families in Lancaster. Throughout my life I have tried to contribute to food banks wherever I have lived. I have been aware of this tragedy in the Horn of Africa for a few months … growing more concerned each day.
3. Have you fasted before? Anything you’ve done to prepare, learn, research, etc? Or cold turkey?
(I) changed my diet this year kind of majorly: no bread, no cakes, no pies, switched to soy milk, smaller portions, and I now weigh less than I did in high school. I have always felt our portions are way too huge, and Americans are poster children for over-eaters. No I have never fasted for more than about ten hours.
4. What makes you passionate about this cause?
I am passionate because all my life I have had every convenience and opportunity, and so many people have nothing but woe; the imbalance is galling.
5. What’s next, anything in the works to fundraise for other worthy causes?
I support other friends who run, bike, and walk for their important causes, and will continue to do so. My wife and I support St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. If anything I will look for ways to contribute more to charities as I grow older.
6. What, if anything, inspired you specifically for this?
I have spent too many years looking at life selfishly. I don’t want to live that way.
I am inspired. Check out Mark’s Fast for Famine Facebook page.
Visit the official UNICEF page to learn more or donate.
Two million children are at risk of starvation in Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia. The worst drought in 60 years is compounded by rising food prices and a refugee crisis, creating a true children’s emergency in the Horn of Africa.
UNICEF urgently requires additional funds to maintain critical lifesaving services for children who face malnutrition, disease and death.
Use this form to make a secure, tax-deductible donation to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. If you prefer, print a form to send your donation by mail or call 1.800.4UNICEF (1.800.486.4233) to donate by phone.
Funds raised in excess of immediate needs in this disaster will be used to assist children in other emergency situations.
