As an adoptive-mom-to-be, one of the things I am most proud of is being part of something bigger than myself.  Big Papa and I are putting a roof over the head of one little kid, forever.

It’s hard to describe the feeling I get when I think about how life-changing this is. Which is why I am delighted to be one of the bloggers hosting a prize for the 2010 Passports with Purpose. Passports with Purpose is now its third year. Last year, Passports with Purpose raised $30,000 and built a school in rural Cambodia. Where there once was nothing, there is now a place for children to learn.

Beginning November 15th, you can participate in the third Passports with Purpose fundraiser. This year the goal is $50,000, which will be used to build 25 homes for the Dalits, India’s most neglected class of citizens. Brick by brick and donation by donation, we are going to make a difference – you are going to make a difference – for families who have never owned land.

Every penny of your donation – 100% – supports LAFTI, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Dalits (untouchable) in India. Here’s the sweet icing on the cupcake of giving: for each $10 tax-deductible donation make, you can enter into a drawing for the prize of your choice. The prizes are amazing! Gear, trips, hotel stays: the list is endless. Check ‘em out!

And lucky me, because as one of the prize hosts, I get to gush about one unbelievable prize (total value over $700):

• One night at Willows Lodge in Woodinville, Washington (accommodation for two people in a luxurious northwest-style room and arrival wine tasting for two in the fireside cellars), AND
• Dinner for two at the Barking Frog restaurant, AND
• A half-day Woodinville Wine Trail tour for two courtesy of EverGreen Escapes

Willows Lodge is only 25 minutes from Seattle and is located on five landscaped acres bordering the Sammamish River in the heart of Western Washington’s wine country. It’s a comfortable, luxurious haven where you can rejuvenate your senses and experience award-winning cuisine (hello Barking Frog restaurant!). It’s no wonder Willows was selected for Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List.

Barking Frog restaurant is a destination all its own. As one of the most highly regarded restaurants in the Northwest, Barking Frog excels in American regional cuisine with Pacific Northwest influences. They are also known for a phenomenal wine list, the majority of which features Washington wines. In fact, they were awarded “Most Innovative Wine List” by the Washington Wine Commission, and received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence five years in a row.

Rounding off this trifecta is a half-day wine tasting excursion with EverGreen Escapes. You will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel by a highly qualified and knowledgeable naturalist and wine guide. Over the course of your five-hour tour, you’ll taste world-class wines from the very best Washington vineyards. Snacks of local meats and cheese are included as are all your tasting fees. In addition to tasting delicious northwest wine, you’ll learn about local winemaking history and the art of viniculture.

It all sounds pretty divine, doesn’t it? The only catch is you have to promise not to tell me about the fabulous wine-filled, relaxing weekend you had, okay?

In this season of giving,’ tis better to give than to receive. Yet Passports with Purpose lets you do both, because even if you don’t score one of the cool prizes, you’ll go to sleep with a roof over your heard knowing you’re making it possible for others to do the same. Together, we can make a home for those who never had one. Together, we can literally build a village.

And last, but not least. Thank you sponsors: BootsnAll, LiveMocha, Round the World with Us, HomeAway, Traveller’s Point, Hostelling International, Quintess, Raveable, TravelPost, and Uptake.