Update: Efforts for Haiti.

Again, thank you all so very much for your help with our fundraising efforts for Haiti. The generosity I have found among you all is nothing short of amazing. xo

We are still in "collection" mode ... collecting proceeds of the Studio 36 Silent Auction, our on-line auctions, and Isaac's coin drive. Therefore, we don't have any "final" numbers yet ... but we have been able to send out a check to each of the organizations that we are collecting for. Here are some current numbers to celebrate:

Haitian Roots: $359.47
Hearts With Haiti: $359.47
Yele: $100.00

These aren't "telethon" numbers - but any amount is most helpful and needed - so we are pleased. And there is more money coming in nearly every day!

We also received much press for our efforts ... and that is always good. Keeping the plight of Haiti in the hearts and minds of the masses is going to be difficult. But if we - who love Haiti dearly - can find unique ways to keep media attention on the restoration efforts in Haiti - then we are doing something powerful indeed.

Our story was picked up (and made front page news) in The Bangor Daily and The Weekly. I was also interviewed for a piece on Examiner.com (here) and had another interview for a local college paper. Some friends have told me that they have found pieces of our story by accident in various other places, but I have yet to discover them. The point is ... one small family in Bangor, Maine can raise awareness and make a change. We ALL can. And not just for Haiti --- but for whatever we believe in. Remember that!

"Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead)

My friend Shannon, from Haitian Roots, tells me that Isson (a fellow Board member of Haitian Roots) is on his way into Haiti today in order to locate and provide assistance to as many children in the Haitian Roots program as possible. This is good news, but it is also a bit frightening. Of the 200+ children in the program, only 34 children have been accounted for at this point. Please pray that good news is heard regarding the rest of the children ... including the sweet little girl, Ashly Dort, who many of you helped to sponsor via this blog. I will certainly update you all as I hear anything.

Also - I will continue to hold some fundraising auctions here on this blog - hopefully as early as tomorrow. Thank you all for your prayers, generosity, love and light.

Love,
Jodi