This past year it seems we have been hit with so many natural disasters. We have been asked time and time again to reach into our pockets and GIVE. To the point that we want to cry and say STOP. Well, I wish that were the case here and now……but it is not. I am asking again
As most of you know who read this blog, SL Home and Garden Expo ended the weekend before last. During the time of the expo, I had the opportunity to work closely with, and to get to know this amazing person. A person who gives so much of herself that at the end of the day she literally falls into bed exhausted. Who works almost year round to successfully raise funds for RFL. Such is her belief in what she does. Not only does SHE do this, her son walks in her footsteps. So let me introduce you to Nikki Mathieson, oh yes and you may remember (or not) an interview I did with her son Damian Carbenell a few months ago.
Please, meet them, and meet Joplin —
Joplin is a city in southern Jasper County and northern Newton County in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Missouri. Joplin is the largest city in Jasper County, though it is not the county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 50,150. In 2009, the surrounding Metropolitan Statistical Area had an estimated population of 174,300.
On May 22, 2011, Joplin was struck by an extremely powerful EF-5 tornado, resulting in at least 142 deaths and more than 900 injuries, along with major damage to numerous houses and businesses, St. John’s Medical Center, and multiple school buildings.
The tornado, which struck around dinner time, crushed nearly a third of the city. It pounded about 2,000 buildings, knocked out power and cellphone service for many, and damaged water treatment and sewage plants. The tangled remains of cars and trucks were overturned and thrown against buildings and trees. Some blocks were jagged mounds of debris, while others were stripped to utter emptiness: just foundations of homes and tree trunks — no leaves, no branches, no bark.
The tornado did catastrophic damage to a Wal-Mart, a high school and a nursing home apartment building, and ripped through the places that exist to respond to emergencies, like a fire station, where a brick wall was crumbled over a fire truck, and the hospital, whose sign was reported to have been spotted miles from Joplin.
Nikki and Damian hail from Joplin, Missouri. They moved from Joplin a few years ago, yet they still have many friends and relatives that live there and who were impacted violently from this EF-5 tornado. I know everyone has heard about it by now.
Joplins population is 50,150 and they just lost 142 members of their community, with 900+ injured. A small town like many of us were reared in. Just think how devastating it would be if it is or was your home town. I did think about that and I did cry. I have no idea what they are feeling right now…or what they felt when it happened. What I DO know is that Damian is working his heart out trying to put together a 3 day musical fund raiser with raffles (for those who need more of a reason to donate). The fund raiser will start this Saturday June 4th. I do not have all the information on who, or when at this time. But I will.
I read the New York Times. I read the Los Angelos Times. I read and I read and I read.
Then I read about how Damian was putting this fund raiser together and Nikki was helping in her spare time. “SPARE TIME” She has none. These two beautiful people can use all the help, and all the friends, and ALL the donations they can get to help the people so close to their hearts. To help our fellow man. To help our fellow FRIEND. Correcting this from an earlier version… THIS IS NOT a Red Cross benefit…..but here is what will happen with the monies raised quote from Damian “Hey everyone! I know you have all heard and probably seen on television the devastation in Joplin, Missouri after a tornado ripped through the town a week ago Sunday. Joplin is my hometown, and I can tell you guys…the people there are some of the greatest I’ve ever known. So, with all the loss they’ve suffered recently, I, with the help of some wonderful people, am putting together a relief fundraiser for the people of Joplin. All proceeds will be forwarded directly to the Red Cross IN Joplin”
I know you get asked for money for this or that or everything. I do too. What makes this so special to me is that it has affected two people I know personally. Two people who give so much back to a community selflessly. This fund raiser will go directly 100% to Joplin relief. I will post the video and pics when I get them.
I am telling you ALL this now to get your attention now so that when I do get the information you will be ready for it. You will be ready to spend a few hours……or a few moments…..or a few days…..with some wonderful people for a wonderful cause. It is times like this we come together as a community. We come together to help give strength to those who need it. And they truly need it.
I will follow this up with the days, times, performers, and landmark as soon as I get that information.
Lindens into Dollars calculations (so when you give you can see the reality of what you are giving).
L100 = $.43
L500 = $2.15
L1,000 = $4.30
You don’t have to reach deep when you give in Lindens and every 100L counts.
Talk to you SOON,
Jez
revised 6/1/2011