"While some are OK to make a phone call and others will go online, this just opened up another avenue for us to raise money in a different way. Someone walking down the street who heard the story can donate very quickly with a text pledge."

His feedback suggested it was mostly people in their teens and 20s who used the mobile platform and they were thrilled they could help in their own way.

"They felt good that they were able to make a pledge because it was just $5 and an easy way to do it," Esler said.

He just wishes mobile donors could have the option of giving more than $5 or $10. Many are probably willing, but aren't being given the option, he said.

"The reality is it's still not as much money in a single text pledge as what we might get over the phone, so we are glad the technology is changing a bit to allow for some larger donations and perhaps ongoing-type monthly donations," Esler said.

"An average gift for us over the phone or online is somewhere around $130 to $150. With mobile it's quick, it's efficient, it's good that way, but it's just that we are restricted right now (with the value of donations).

"But we're glad to be at the front of this thing instead of figuring it out four or five years form now when it's already successful."

For full Story (click here)