We have the paperwork!

We've printed the fliers so we can hand them out with all of the information available so people can send donations. They look really professional. We've also printed the Donation Letters so when we do get donations of money or goods we can give that directly to the donor for their tax records. Things are moving right along....

My Story

I wanted to thank you for your interest in our blog and how I got involved with the Ethiopia Project 2010.

About a month ago, Anna Ingram came into Holland Boone, where I work, and started telling me about her upcoming trip to Ethiopia in February 2010. As she told me about the mission to provide women with corrective surgeries, it literally changed me right then and there. I couldn’t imagine how these women must feel being ostracized from their communities just because of a condition they could not control. My heart broke for them. When Anna told me that for just $150 a women’s life could be changed forever, I was dumbfounded.

After a few days and sleepless nights thinking about these women, I knew that I needed to do something to help. I called Anna and told her that I had some ideas of how we could raise the money to help these women and children. Since that time, we have been making plans, talking with friends and family, and meeting people who want to join in our effort to make a difference.

So, there begins my story that has moved me to take action to help 50 women I have never met. I hope that as we move forward you will have these women and our efforts in your thoughts and prayers and to continue following our progress.

New person enters our fundraising family

I've never been more surprised by how doing so much good can open so many doors! This morning I spoke with Jennifer Helberg from Sandy, Oregon. She and my son, Grant, are good friends. Grant had talked with Jennifer about my trip to Ethiopia and Jennifer was enthralled. You see, Jennifer is a walking giver and grant writer! Starting in October, after she coordinates support for the troops, she will concentrate her efforts on fundraising for Ethiopia!!! Not only that but she wants to go with us to Ethiopia in February. Jennifer has worked for Starbucks for many years and currently manages the store in Sandy. She has some outstanding ideas about fundraising and looks forward to a great response. How encouraging is that!!! So....onward to Ethiopia and caring for our fellow human beings!

Added colors

With the help of my Elegant Beading web designer I've figured out how to set my posts in blue.  So, now when you see a post, if it's in black it's posted by Lori and if it's blue it's from me!  When we go to Ethiopia we will have different experiences so you'll want to know who is writing the post.

Silent Auction Update

Lori, Kelly and I met a couple of days ago and came up with some excellent ideas.  First, in order to have EVERY dollar go to Ethiopia we're not going to use a caterer.  As much as people want to help we have not found a caterer to donate their services.  So, we're going to provide the food/wine/drinks ourselves.  And, second, instead of dinner we're going to offer appetizers and drinks.  It will be a simple event.  A Ladies Night Out.

To this point, the articles we're having donated are outstanding!  It's incredible.  Once we explain our mission to people they really respond.  I just happened to be a my favorite bead store, Bead It!, when another customer arrived.  The owner, Sandy, and I were sitting at the table working on a bracelet.  I was introdued to Linda and we three started talking.  Linda makes classy earings using old buttons!  She's in the process of selling them to the store chain, Anthropoligie.  Long story short, she's going to donate at least three earings and maybe bracelets that she makes, to the auction!!

Stay tuned!

Silent Auction

Oh my!  I just got a call from my very good friend, Kelly Rude, to say that she has a laptop to donate!  Wow!  And.......she is going to handle the Silent Auction for the November fundraiser!  How cool is that?!  Kelly is one of those people who, when given a project, does the best job ever.  Excitement prevails!

Gourmet Dinner & Silent Auction

We've put our heads together and come up with a BIG project! On Friday, November 6, we're hosting a Gourmet Dinner & Silent Auction entitled, Women Helping Women. We've lined up a respected catering business, Occasions by Lyn & Mari, to provide and serve a cocktail time/gourmet dinner. And, we've started procuring items for the Silent Auction. Already, some of my fellow artists have jumped on board to offer pieces of their art! And let me tell you they are a very talented group. We're going around to local merchants for gift certificates and/or merchandise. This is truly such a "grass roots" venture that our heads a spinning with ideas and things to do! But it seems the more people we talk to the more people want to help. We'll keep you posted as to how it's going.

Also, our cohort from Oregon, Janice Radcliffe,PhD, a repeat volunteer and great resource person, sent us an email updating her endeavor for accumulating gently used dresses.  Usually the women who arrive for surgery come in tattered and soiled dresses as it is their only piece of clothing.  However, when they leave the hospital they are not only healed from their disability but go in a brand new, clean dress!  Janice has been able to procure enough dresses take with us.  Way to go, Janice!

One of the many things we can use is vitamins - both children's and adults.  Anyone have any connections where we could get them for free?