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.
I guess we can never be prepared for just how negative people can be. Makes me terribly sad that someone would send you “hate” mail for trying to do a good thing. I loved your idea and knew that it came from a genuine desire to help. Know that there are a lot more of us positive people out here who support you and appreciate you!
It makes me so sad that people’s hate would interfere with something like this. For the record, I still think it was a great idea. As a college student I really don’t have a lot of spare money to be donating, and I loved the idea that I could still do something to help.
(Also, side note, but I love clicking around your older posts! Just when I think I’ve read them all I’ll find one I haven’t seen before with links to a whole bunch more. It’s like a treasure hunt!)
Don’t let the haters get you down, Katie. Your real fans have your back.
I’m sorry that you received so much backlash for this. As someone who loves this blog – have made many recipes many times and look forward to new ones to try – I was touched that you would get involved in this way, from so far away. I live in Manhattan and was without power/heat/hot water for nearly a week, and had to see my neighborhood look totally devastated. I work for a non-profit whose sole goals for the last 10 days has been to get the area back on its feet, and the love and support that we have felt from all over the country has been heartwarming. Thank you for the effort and I’m so sorry that it was thwarted.
Haters?? For this?? Wow, I’ve heard it all. I thought it was a great idea. Keep your chin up, girl. I think you’re awesome & your recipes too!!
I really don’t understand the hateful nature of so many people. You seem to be a genuinely
nice and honest person. I love your blog and you are doing a great job. It is sad when people have to look for something negative to make them happy. Chin up Katie. You brighten our day with your positive attitude.
Katie,
Just ignore the “haters” they must be very unhappy people with no one to love or love them.
We all love you and your blog.
Love you and your recipes,
Earline
Katie,
I just read your edit and I’m saddened to hear that you had to bag the whole idea. I had already clicked on your link and made a donation to the Red Cross so I think I got the bases covered.
I appreciate your attempt and am disheartened that there are people out there that can’t recognize someone trying to do something for others with no hidden agenda for themselves.
Keep on doing what you are doing. Your blog is great and your recipes are awesome!!
Wow, sure is easy for people to sit back in their comfortable house (that they STILL have) in their comfortable chair with heat, power and food and bash someone who is honestly trying to help, and in a big way. It amazes me that people would waste their energy sending hate mail to someone who IS helping when they themselves are doing nothing but lifting a finger to spread hate, anger and stupidity, not help.. Love and compassion is how we help. Those haters are just making the world worse. They must be VERY unhappy people. I’m sorry your efforts were bombarded with hate mail. That makes me sad. 🙁
I’m shocked and disappointed that so many miserable people would rather criticize your attempts to help than do anything productive or helpful themselves, but I completely understand why you changed your plans on this. Shame on those who contributed nothing but harrassment when so many people need so much.
Katie, I think your efforts to help people were more than amazing. I can’t believe that you recieved one hate message for all of the good you are doing. Thank you for bringing awareness to issue and showing so much selflessness and compassion for those affected.