We did it!!!

Wow - what a week of generosity this has been! As of this moment, we have $2150 in pledges and....the AMAZING part.....is that I have, in hand, EXACTLY $2000!!! The last $150 is expected in the mail today. So thank you for not only pledging, but actually getting me the money within the time frame I set out with. The matching donation from Merriman is already on its way, and I should have it today as well.

So many of you have passed on such kind and generous comments to me about this project, but I TRULY believe that this project is only great because of what YOU did. This truly has been an inspiring week of seeing a community come together - and that community is as far away as Canada, Arizona and California. I've received several donations from people I don't even know!

Now begins the humbling and rewarding task of putting this money in the hands of those that need it. I am in the process of making arrangments to meet with each of the recipients - I have one definite meeting set up for Friday morning, with 2 other possible meetings for Friday. The money going to the student will unfortunately have to wait until the first week of January because school is now out and I want to be sure to present the money to her with her teacher and principle present.

I hope to 'capture' these giving moments either by way of photos or video and will post those here - but also want to respect the privacy of these people so will see what happens. I just wish that each of you could be with me, and that the 50 pairs of hands that donated could pass this money on.

The Bellingham Herald very kindly put an article in yesterdays paper - so check it out here.

Again, thank you for joining me in this - I will never forget Christmas 2006, thanks to each of you. I hope you feel blessed by 'paying it forward' and that blessings, in all shapes and sizes, will find its way to you because of what you did.

Katharine