Sorry for the gimmick-y title.
However, there is nothing gimmicky about what’s going on in the northeastern United States and parts of the Caribbean right now. Thousands of people have lost everything—their homes, their livelihoods, members of their family…
Today’s post is a reminder that there are more important things in life than chocolate.
This time, I’m not joking.
The victims of Hurricane Sandy are currently in desperate need of food, clothing, water, and medical supplies. Many are stuck in shelters, not knowing when they’ll be allowed to return home- or if their homes even still exist. To raise as much money as possible, my first thought was to host a giveaway, where you’d make a donation for an entry. But a lot of you probably already have made a donation, especially since a few other bloggers have already hosted donation giveaways.
How you can help:
EDIT: I really did have the best of intentions with my initial idea. Getting the advertisers to help with the fundraiser was, I thought, a brilliant way to raise the most money possible, since big companies have much more money to give than individual blog readers. I’d initially hoped to raise at least $2000, then match that number myself, and also ask if any companies would match it.
But then I started getting hate mail. A lot of hate mail. And hateful comments on the post. Hateful comments from people who were doing nothing, themselves, to help raise money, yet who had no problem criticizing the efforts of someone who really did want to help. My idea was not meant to be a publicity stunt or to get me more page views, and it’s really disgusting that anyone would think that. Some of my own relatives and friends lost a lot more than their electricity to this storm. (Both my parents grew up in one of the hardest-hit areas of New York, and many of our relatives still live there.)
I’m taking down the entire idea, not to give in to the haters; but because this was supposed to be an idea that would help, and it just seems to be doing more harm (and engendering more hatred) than good. (There are a few other reasons–things I didn’t initially think about–such as the fact that I’d rather send money now than wait until December.)
I’m making a private donation to the Red Cross, and I hope you all will do the same.
Katie, thank you for your efforts! Being selfless and taking action in time of crisis is to be commended. You obviously are a person with heart and character, and I am thankful to be able to read/see this side of you. Makes enjoying your recipes even more enjoyable when I know I’m helping to support someone like you. 🙂
Katie–Your site has helped me in so many ways. This is just a positive pat on the back. My . Doctor has not diagnosed me with Celiac Disease. I have been so ill I am willing to try anything. I had gastric bypass surgery ( I don’t recommend it). I used to weigh 300 lbs, diabetic, lots of medical problems. Any way–through process of elimination, I find out I am gluten, lactose, corn, soy & citrus intolerant..
I lost down to 94lbs, so my Dr reversed the gastric bypass(after having IV dietiary enhancement through a pic line for 3 weeks-so I would be strong enough to have the surgery).
Your blog has been literally a life saver. I have found so many “real” food recipes here that I can eat. And every day I find new ones. Keep up all of your good work. Don’t let any one discourage you. We need more unselfish people like you in This world.
As for the negative reviewers–put them out of your mind. They will always see the world through their eyes and their suspicions.. You can’t change them–don’t try..
You are an exceptionally giving person, with a big heart. Keep being who you are.
In gratitude for my health. Nina
Wow, those people made me sad. I thought it was an excellent idea, and I did poke around more on your site in hopes that the advertisers would essentially be giving money to Sandy victims. I actually came on this site today just to see how it went. Thanks for not taking this post down. It’s such a great idea, and it’s crazy that some people wouldn’t see the heart behind that. I really respect how you handled this!
Wow, those people make me sad. I thought it was an excellent idea, and I did poke around more on your site in hopes that the advertisers would essentially be giving money to Sandy victims. I actually came on this site today just to see how it went. Thanks for not taking this post down. It’s such a great idea, and it’s crazy that some people wouldn’t see the heart behind that. I really respect how you handled this!
Sometimes I wonder if you have people who hang around your site watching for new posts just so they can be obnoxious about something new. God forbid we should USE what we HAVE (i.e. your blog) to help in any way we can. (Insert eye roll at hate-mailers here.)
Reminds me of the idiot leadership who TURNED AWAY out-of-state help with electricity restoration because they weren’t union (from a non-union state), right in the midst of the crisis.
It is not the people trying to help who have their priorities screwed up!
I think it was clear that your intention was to help. People who have enough free time and energy
to criticize and create problems should find something useful to do and stay quiet while they do it. Thank you for your positive contribution to the world Katie.
Oh no! Who and why would these people send you hate mails for a GOOD cause?? I live in NY and, thankfuly I was not effected as bad, I know people who have lost everything. I would personally like to thank you for trying to help, Katie!