Americans are a truly generous people. Even in these tough economic times with their own money problems, they still want to help others in need. And some of those in need are children. Children in this country, and around the world, with so little they don't even realize the economy is in a "downturn." They've never known anything but grinding poverty. They're not concerned with having to cut expenses, because they have no money. They're not worried about affordable health care because they have no health care. Often they go to bed hungry. Children with no understanding that life could be different because poverty is all they know.

And Americans want to help them. But when they do, their desire to help often comes up against their suspicion of charities whose fraud or sham practices are frequently in the news. That's where the SladeChild Foundation comes in.

Located in Bowie, and founded in 1983 as a "100 percent charity," the SladeChild Foundation's mission is to provide the five essentials of life - food, clothing, shelter, education and medical care - to destitute children in this country and worldwide. They support projects that are already up and running in the United States as well as many other countries, providing needy children with help. These "children relief projects" come in all shapes and sizes, but all care for children that would otherwise be lost and without hope.

How can the SladeChild Foundation be a 100 percent charity? Unlike nearly all other nonprofits, the trustees of the SladeChild Foundation don't get paid. Rather, they chip in to the foundation's "Admin Fund" to the tune of $50 per month. In addition, the interest earned on the trust accounts also goes into the Admin Fund. This way, all of the foundation's "overhead" - office help, supplies, postage, equipment, copying, printing, advertising - is paid by the trustees plus interest on their trust accounts, making it possible for 100 percent of all public donations to go to the "Children's Fund." If the percentage of your hard-earned donation going to "overhead" is important to you, remember the SladeChild Foundation, the 100 percent children's charity.

Some other good news. Bowie's own SladeChild Foundation is again holding its annual dancing and dining fund raiser - Jazz Piano Night 6. Saturday, Nov. 14, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m, come join them at the Bowie Elks Club, 1506 Defense Highway, Gambrills. This exciting event showcases excellent musicians from around the Bowie/Crofton/Annapolis area, playing all sorts of music, all of it wonderful to dance to. The David Wayne Band, also of Bowie, will play a full set. The evening will also feature a Tribute to Veterans, where all veterans in attendance will be honored with a special set of songs just for them. And, of course, 100 percent of all funds raised will help provide food, clothing, shelter, education and medical care for thousands of destitute children aided by the SladeChild Foundation.

Tickets, at $30; $50 per couple (special for veterans, $20; $40 per couple), are available at Critters at Hilltop Plaza, RSVP by e-mail to scf@sladechild.org or call 301-464-6473. Sponsors are also being sought for the evening. Each sponsor gets free tickets plus some great public relations during the evening. So bring the veterans in your family and come enjoy an evening of great music, dancing, dinner, discounted cash bar and more - all to help provide the five essentials of life to some of the most destitute children in the world. Your support will be greatly appreciated. For information, visit www.sladechild.org. See you there.