Projects

Dear Compassionate Friends,

Below is the letter that Patti has sent out and in it there is a list of projects that are in need of volunteers.  If you are inspired by anything on the list and want to put some energy into volunteering your time feel free to claim an idea.  Let Patti (PJJS415ATaolDOTcom)  know what you can do and we will keep the list updated.

Any and all proceeds that are raised will be deposited into a trust fund that is being set up currently.

Hello all,

I am writing to you all because as far as Carrie and I know, you folks were interested in the gathering we had last week to begin the process of brainstorming about how to raise money for Carrie’s upcoming medical expenses.  Thank you all for your warm-hearted caring and willingess.  I wanted to share the outcome of the meeting, bring you up to date and hopefully get you excited about helping out.

I am Patti Lentz….I know quite a number of you and I look forward to us growing a compassionate community around these efforts.  I was so touched by the energy at our gathering (15  of us)….a real commitment to refrain from buying into the stories of doom and gloom around the current economic challenges, but a deep awareness that we are incredibly prosperous and have more than we need, and from that place of gratitude that we have so much, there is a willingness to share and support Carrie as she walks with such grace into the challenges she faces.  I am proud to be Carrie’s friend and a part of this community.

So….there were lots of ideas, and an agreement that anything anyone wants to take on….whether it has potential to raise $100 or $10,000 is worthwhile…..so put on your own thinking caps and hopefully the list of ideas we gathered will inspire you to join in on one of these efforts or start something of your own.

• establish trust fund (Bill Kutza, a lawyer friend of Carrie’s is working on this….would enable people to make tax   deductible contributions)
• open bank account for donations  (Bill Kutza)
• newspaper article (Mary Winfield)
• concert(s) (we have lots of musicians in the community, so who is willing to help with this?)
• silent auction
• matching funds from businesses (restaurants/stores)
• individual pledges (eg….if you have a business where you see clients, you might donate the amount from 1 client/week or month, or a percentage of sales….anything is welcome)
• make-a-wish….anything for adults?
• offering services (massage/yoga classs/ car repair/ etc)
• pancake breakfasts
• spaghetti dinners
• service projects
• yard sale (Carrie is the queen of yard sales, so this will definitely happen….start cleaning out your closets   NOW)  E-mail Carrie (carriethecookATgmailDOTcom) if you have donations and can bring them by.
• website contact (adding a link to her blog for project updates is being figured out)
• fun run/ride/walk/
• e-bay sales
• recipe book/calendar (Carrie has always wanted to make one…and now is the time….I’ve been trying to get her  chocolate cookied recipe for 10 years…and she’s now willing to let it go)
• car raffle (anyone have a car you want to donate?)
• cooking classes
• art workshops (Jody, Sheila, Kim)
• re-cycled jewelry (Kim, Sheila)
• art window shades (Jody)
• donation of outdoor equipment (bike/ski)
• calendar (anyone want to compete with Calendar Girls?)
• raffle
• food/cookie subscription  (Carrie is already trying out new vegie burger recipes, so make room in your  freezer)
• Donate your normal massage cost during recovery time if you are a current client of Carrie’s (Virginia DeBolt)

These are the ideas that actually made it to the “white board”….there are several people who agreed to commit to some of these projects.  If any of you are interested in these ideas and want to be the point person to get it started or are willing to help someone else, please let me know.  I am available to be the beginning organizer until some of these projects get started and I can pass the ball.  A silent auction is definitely planned at a large outdoor music benefit in Corrales…so if you have services or art work or other items that would be good to auction….or if you have contacts with business owners/service providers/artists, please begin making those connections….we’re looking at late spring for this big event.

Carrie and I are planning to go to the hospital this week and get some solid  dollar figures for what the costs might be….and talk about any deductions we can swing, and what kind of payment plans are available, so I’ll pass that on as soon as I know.

We are also working on a short description of this whole process, including some medical and financial information so any of you who feel comfortable inviting friends and family who don’t know Carrie (or if you’re willing and only slightly uncomfortable) to come on board and make donations, you’ll have information to answer their questions.  Having a trust fund for tax deductions might make that easier for some of you to ask, so hopefully, we’ll be able to get that in place.  If 1000 people donate $100, or if 2000 donate $50, or any other combination we come up with….we’ll have $100,000….If a lot of us share the load, it can be a prosperous venure….and I hope to have a lot of fun getting to know you all and working together.

Feel free to contact me if you have questions about any of the above ideas and if you have ideas you’d like to pursue.   All ideas….and efforts are gratefully appreciated.

With regards,

Patti Lentz

505-255-7237

“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