I Guess it IS Genetic:
Last night Rhonda and I attended a big, ladies only, birthday dinner for my Mom (Hi Mom! Happy "50th and Fierce!"), which somehow managed to tun itself into a fund raiser. One of the things I love the most about my Mother, is her unwavering compassion for those far less fortunate than ourselves. I can't recall a single time when I was growing up, that my Mother ever turned down a charitable activity. She was always heading up this committee or chairing that event. I learned from her that even if you don't necessarily have the money to give, you can surrender your sleep and sanity to pull off some seriously bank events. I remember a distinct moment from my younger years when my Mother had entered that state of crazy that hits you when you've stressed yourself to the brink of pulling your hair out, you haven't slept in about three months, and if one more person forgets to send a check with their RSVP you're gonna get all Chuck Norris on their ass. My Dad and I explained to her that she could say "no" to these things sometimes.
And then she went all Chuck Norris on us.
So it was no surprise to me that my Mom requested for her birthday that she receive donations in lieu of gifts. Her step brother (my step uncle), has been running an orphanage (actually, now they have three orphanages) and relief efforts in Haiti for the last seven years. I don't need to explain to you what the devastation has been like for his kids and volunteers living there right now. You've all seen it in the news. It IS that bad; and worse. Where yes, billions of dollars are getting donated to organizations like The Red Cross, it takes time for those funds to trickle down to everyone in need. And my uncle doesn't have that time to sit around waiting for those funds when they only have a couple of days worth of formula left. So anything, anyone can donate directly to Lighthouse for His Lambs is helping to save lives now (follow them on Facebook here). And because my Mom is beyond compassionate and wonderful, she now has a stack of checks to send to the orphanages.
As the check donating commenced last night, one of my Mom's friends asked if her parents were philanthropic, if it ran in the family. I popped my head up and quickly responded, "Why do you think I look so exhausted right now?!" For I have been busting my butt to launch a call for artists and photographers for a charity art show at the end of March. In fact, the web page launched just yesterday afternoon. And if you would so kindly, pass it around to all the artists and photographers in your life. I am the single chair of this part of a larger event, so this is my baby. I hope to see it succeed far beyond my expectations. And if at any point, my blog posts become erratic and incoherent like maybe I've taken up methamphetamines? Just know that it's because someone RSVPd without sending a check, and maybe you should come hold me.
And then she went all Chuck Norris on us.
So it was no surprise to me that my Mom requested for her birthday that she receive donations in lieu of gifts. Her step brother (my step uncle), has been running an orphanage (actually, now they have three orphanages) and relief efforts in Haiti for the last seven years. I don't need to explain to you what the devastation has been like for his kids and volunteers living there right now. You've all seen it in the news. It IS that bad; and worse. Where yes, billions of dollars are getting donated to organizations like The Red Cross, it takes time for those funds to trickle down to everyone in need. And my uncle doesn't have that time to sit around waiting for those funds when they only have a couple of days worth of formula left. So anything, anyone can donate directly to Lighthouse for His Lambs is helping to save lives now (follow them on Facebook here). And because my Mom is beyond compassionate and wonderful, she now has a stack of checks to send to the orphanages.
As the check donating commenced last night, one of my Mom's friends asked if her parents were philanthropic, if it ran in the family. I popped my head up and quickly responded, "Why do you think I look so exhausted right now?!" For I have been busting my butt to launch a call for artists and photographers for a charity art show at the end of March. In fact, the web page launched just yesterday afternoon. And if you would so kindly, pass it around to all the artists and photographers in your life. I am the single chair of this part of a larger event, so this is my baby. I hope to see it succeed far beyond my expectations. And if at any point, my blog posts become erratic and incoherent like maybe I've taken up methamphetamines? Just know that it's because someone RSVPd without sending a check, and maybe you should come hold me.