Nora Roberts and ADWOFF Challenge YOU to HELP US
Raise Funds for Habitat for Humanity—to Help Those
Directly Impacted by Hurricane Katrina
Fund-Raiser from September 6 thru September 20
Imagine facing tomorrow with absolutely nothing. Your house is gone. Your clothes are gone. Your books are gone (including Nora's!). You have no vehicle. You have no food or water. You have no job. You don't even have a private place to relieve yourself of your bodily functions. And you have absolutely no idea how long your life will exist like this.
Years from now, everyone will still be talking about how Hurricane Katrina changed lives forever. Most of us weren't anywhere near the path of this catastrophic storm, yet all of us have watched in horror as it smashed into Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and the surrounding area—immediately endangering millions of people—changing lives profoundly.
While we may be feeling helpless—we can offer hope for these people's futures. For the next two weeks—from September 6 through September 20—we will be collecting donations for Habitat for Humanity (http://www.habitatorg/disaster/2005/katrina/).
When we asked Nora about matching our contributions, she said: "I don't mind the matching funds idea, but in point of fact, ADWOFF may not be able to raise the amount I was thinking of donating. Better yet, of course, if you guys surprise me."
Instead of challenging her, she's challenged us!
Most of you have already contributed monies to help with the aftermath of Katrina; we humbly hold our hands out one more time, and ask for a little more, this time to aid in the long-term recovery. You know, when the media leaves town and focus shifts elsewhere. ANY amount is perfect. We CAN and WILL make a difference.
We realize that many of you may be wondering how much more you can give.
I offer you this challenge—as you take a sip of the soda pop to your left, and pick up that book placed to your right, as you get up to prepare a hot bath ... ask yourself what you can go without so that you can send just a little bit more.
Remember, even a dollar makes a difference.
Here's how it will work.
If you want to send a check, make it out to Habitat for Humanity.
Send your checks to
Turn the Page Bookstore Cafe
c/o Jeannie King
18 N MAIN ST
Boonsboro, MD 21713
Jeannie will report daily with a running total so that we know how we are doing.
If you want to make your contribution online, we have set-up a PayPal account (PayPal.com | Setting Up an Account) at adwoffcares@verizon.net—Jen Arguelles has volunteered to not only monitor this, but she also has graciously offered to absorb any and all fees so that if you would like to use your credit card to make a donation, you can. Jen will also report daily with a running total.
On September 27, we will send to Habitat for Humanity all of the checks we have collected and a check matching the funds gathered online (this will allow for checks sent at the last minute to reach us). We will include a letter explaining ADWOFF and ask that the monies we have gathered be earmarked for the neediest who were impacted by this catastrophic storm in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Over the next two weeks, check back to this page as we will be updating our tallies, giving each other support, AND finding ways to give back for your generosity.
We also have two threads at ADWOFF's messageboard; one shares the information from this page; the other is a companion thread where you can discuss our fund-raiser, offer encouragement, issues challenges, etc.
If you have any questions about this fund-raiser, or you'd like to help in other ways, please contact us at katrinafund@adwoff.com
On behalf of everyone within the ADWOFF community—especially Nora—I thank you.
Sue
adwoff.com
Special Note: Nora has issued an additional challenge! She said: "Is it possible, or doable, to use some for incentives, and to put a box together to donate to victims? Books that could be sent to shelters? I can only imagine how having a book to take you away from the situation temporarily might ease minds."
So, in addition to sending monetary donations, we are also asking you to donate books to the cause.
Send your book donations to
Books for Comfort Drive
c/o Turn the Page Bookstore Cafe
18 N MAIN ST
Boonsboro, MD 21713
Either send or deliver your book donations to TTP by Saturday, October 1. TTP will then make arrangements to forward them to local RWA Chapters in the disaster areas for them to distribute to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
© 2005 Nora Roberts and ADWOFF
All Rights Reserved