Paddlers,
As we’ve hunkered down for the winter, we’ve spent countless hours by the heat of the woodstove, woodworking and making. During these physical and artistic activities, the mind is free to ponder. Since the New Year began, those thoughts have been consumed by the devastating wildfires in California. Destined to be one of the largest natural disasters this country has faced, it is hard to wrap our minds around it. I have close family and friends who are from and/or live in the area and they are trying to help dozens of their family and friends who have lost everything.
Action is the antidote to despair. We have been donating where we can but strive to do more.
Some of you may know that I am a huge fan of Sharon McMahon (former government teacher, author of The Small and the Mighty, @sharonsaysso on Instagram, and sharonmcmahon.com). She posted the other day a quote of hers “In moments like this, do for one person what you wish you could do for everyone”. This is how her community lives. In the past few years, we “Governerds” have raised millions of dollars for charity.
While our community at Monadnock Paddle is small, we know every bit will help. Between today and the end of January, we are going to run a fundraiser.
Our plan has multiple steps/options and if you’d like to participate, our options are below:
1. Purchase any of my necklaces ($60) – 100% of proceeds donated (minus shipping cost)
2. Purchase any of Paul’s wooden dresser valets ($50) – 100% of proceeds donated (minus shipping cost)
3. Purchase any Gift Certificate for Monadnock Paddle for the upcoming season (suggested $30, $60, or $100) – 50% of the proceeds donated
4. If you just want to donate and are looking for links, donate at any of the links below (friends/family of friends/family, two pool Go Fund Me pages, and Convoy of Hope (Governerd/Sharon McMahon link)). Convoy of Hope is one of the top-rated charities in the country and is on the ground in the area.
5. You can send me a donation on Venmo (@Liz-Butler-8007) and I will add it to our raised funds
Photos of the necklaces and valets will be on our Instagram pages (@monadnock_paddle, @djpbwoodworking, @elle_bee_jewelry) and on our Facebook page.
I will post screenshots of all donations on our Facebook and Instagram pages and have a link with all of the Go Fund Me pages and the Convoy of Hope in a Highlight on Instagram.
If you are interested in any of the merchandise or gift certificates, please send me an email at liz@monadnockpaddle.com, or send a message through Facebook or Instagram with the item you’re interested in and a good phone number to call so I can take payment and mailing address.
I can take a Credit Card over the phone, and I can also take payment via Venmo (but we will have to make sure the item you’re interested in is still available, so message first).
Product Info:
The necklaces are all semi-precious stones. The large beads are 5x8mm and the small ones are 2x4mm. They are strung on wrapped stainless steel strands (49) and the findings are silver and stainless steel. They are all handcrafted by Liz. They run from 15.5-17” and I can include a necklace extender if you’d like (while supplies last).
The valets are 5x7” and the wood is cherry with black walnut splines. They are natural wood with a protective oil finish. These are all made by Paul. We have 8 available.
Links:
Convoy of Hope:
Sharon McMahon Delivers Hope | Crisis Relief Fund | Convoy of Hope
Go Fund Me pages:
Individual Pages
Fundraiser by Aaron Miller : Help Us Rebuild Our Family Home After the Eaton Canyon Fires
Fundraiser by dorothy wong : Help Jeff and Dot Rebuild Their Lives
Fundraiser by Kenton Hulme : Elzbieta & Kenton Eaton Fire Recovery Effort
Fundraiser by Bria Alvarenga : Help Javi and Liz After Eaton Fire
Fundraiser by Caroline Chacon : Help the Chacon Family Rebuild After Eaton Fire
Fundraiser for Alexandra Carter by Kelsey Gibson : Help Alex and Neal Rebuild After Eaton Fire
Fundraiser by Rexana V Khan : Help Nancy and Caiden Recover after Fire Loss
Fundraiser for Leticia Montanez by Michelle Zhong : Leticia's Wildfire Recovery Fund
Fundraiser by Teresa Prindle : Support David, Kath, and Meredith: Fire Recovery Fund
Pool Funds:
Fundraiser by James Bryant : LA Fires: The Impacted Black Community Urgently Needs Help!
Donate to California Wildfires and Help Those in Need
Any amount you donate will make a difference. Whether you donate here through us, directly through any of the links we’ve shared, or through any other of the wonderful organizations helping or to any of the people who have lost everything, taking the smallest action will help.
Thank you for being part of our community,
Liz
I am additionally listing an important article and a link to Go Fund Me pages for Altadena displaced Black families. The list is almost 500 already and the story is heartbreaking.
Altadena, A Historic Black Neighborhood In Los Angeles, Faces Catastrophic Wildfire Damage - Blavity
Displaced Black Families GoFund Me Directory - Google Sheets
Final Quote:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”
Margaret Mead
