We cannot turn on the news, have a conversation, listen to the radio, walk down the street, that we are not reminded of the unfortunate economic situation our country is in. And I know, for many it is very dire. But we have to remind ourselves that no matter how down we are, there are those who are farther down...
You may remember from an earlier post that my husband and daughter traveled to Haiti last fall. This photo was taken by my daughter at one of the fishing villages.
While there, my husband helped build a new concrete-block home for one Haitian family. I was recently privileged to read the letter, in broken English and barely-legible writing, written by the family who moved into that home. I'm moved to tears again just thinking about it.
In a culture where we are used to paying $60 to go to a pro hockey game, $10 to get into the latest movie, and $6 for a latte, I don't think we really understand how effective those same dollars could be in an impoverished country like Haiti. It costs less than $3000 to build a home for one of these precious families.
Of course, my daughter left a huge part of her heart down there, in this forgotten place only an hour's plane ride from Miami.
And even my husband made new friends that he will never forget.
So far, through my art, I have been able to raise almost $1600 to build another home. Somerset Studio editor, Jenny Doh, became aware of my efforts and she, with artist Cynthia Shaffer, have donated beautiful knitted socks to further the cause. I'm so excited! Today I will begin an auction that will end on Monday, March 23 at 12:00 noon CST, with all proceeds going straight to Haiti.
Jenny's socks...
Cynthia's socks...
Here's how to bid:
Leave a comment to this post with the amount you want to bid. Make sure you indicate whether you are bidding on Jenny's socks or Cynthia's socks. The highest bidder at the end of the auction will be the winner. I will directly contact the winners at the auction's end.
Oh and by the way, I am the proud owner of a pair of socks that Jenny knitted for me. They are so soft and comfy and easy to care for. And now I am a sock snob...
Okay dear friends, let's go! A precious child in Haiti needs a roof over her head.
I will start with $25 for Jenny's socks! Such a good cause. I can't find your Etsy site for some reason....bummer!
Posted by: Debe L | 17 March 2009 at 11:44
I have $75 for Cynthia's socks...and I hope you will post a piece of your artwork (nudge nudge)
Posted by: Peggy Lucas | 17 March 2009 at 12:20
$140. for Jenny's socks!
Posted by: kas | 17 March 2009 at 12:23
Rebecca~
For those of us who wish we
could own a pair of one of
these wonderful socks, but
are not in a position to be
able to outbid at this time
how can we too donate to this
fund?
Posted by: .kat. | 17 March 2009 at 14:08
I bid $145 for Jenny's socks and $80 for Cynthia's socks.
Posted by: Rebecca Wright | 17 March 2009 at 15:13
Hi Rebecca,
Great idea! I'll bid $200 for Jenny's socks.
Posted by: Becky Shander | 17 March 2009 at 15:45
Yes, I also would be happy to donate to this fund but unfortunately as much as I would LOVE either of those socks, I cannot afford to bid as much as these gals.
I raised some money for the Three Cups of Tea foundation(schooling in Afghanistan and Pakistan for girls) on my blog in December. I set up a Paypal link and the money was donated to me, an I donated the funds raised (700!) to the Central Asia Intitute. I held a draw for a print of mine from the names of those who donated.
...just a thought:)
Please let me know where I can donate:)
Cheers, Shelagh
Posted by: Shelagh | 17 March 2009 at 17:16
Hi Rebecca- I would love to donate to your worthy cause.
Please email me so I can get funds to you.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Posted by: lorraine lewis | 17 March 2009 at 19:53
I also would love to donate some money to you. Please contact me and let me know how! Thanks and I think it is fantastic you are doing this! God bless you!!
Posted by: Alicia Sharp | 17 March 2009 at 20:52
Hi Rebecca, What a wonderful cause!!! I would love to make a donation also. I have tears just thinking about those families and how they live, what all we take for granted....please contact me through flickr with details as to how to make a donation. I would be honored to be a part of helping a family have a home.
Milli (sahsagirl on flickr)
Posted by: milli wagoner | 18 March 2009 at 14:13
Hi Rebecca,
Oh how I wish I could outbid the highest bidder, but I cannot. I would love to send an amount within our budget though. Will you please send me an address that I can mail a check to?
Thanks!
Wendy
Posted by: wendy | 18 March 2009 at 16:08
What an inspirational gift!!! I always think of the less fortunate but do not always "act" on it! You and your family are certainly a great gift to this world!!! Way to go!!!
Posted by: Kimberly | 18 March 2009 at 23:40
It isn't so cold in Texas but I think all that pink loveliness should live here so I will bid $100 for Cynthia's socks.
Posted by: Peggy Lucas | 19 March 2009 at 11:52
I just found out about your auction. I too would like to donate something or send money. Do you have an account set up? What a wonderful cause.
Posted by: krys | 20 March 2009 at 11:37
Rebecca.. what an INCREDIBLE act of love and kindness!!!!
Please please... count me in for a donation for the current auction or the next one!
THANK YOU for giving yourself so freely!!! I feel completely BLESSED to call you Friend!
XO
Posted by: Tracie Lyn Huskamp | 21 March 2009 at 13:35
Hey! I will go $150.00 for Cynthia's! CP
Posted by: Carol Parks | 23 March 2009 at 03:12