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.
What a GREAT idea and SO easy!
From a current Manhattanite, former NJ resident, and native Long Islander, who is watching these beloved places have to deal with such heartache, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. New York love stretches it’s way to you!
I just refreshed 20 times. Does that count? :p
Since your page clicks only cover American readers, have you considered linking to (Canadian) Angela Liddon’s fundraising post on http://www.ohsheglows.com in your post? So far she has raised an amazing $5,861 and readers from any country can contribute. Just something to consider if you’re interested in reaching a broader spectrum.
No, she wouldn’t consider that because then she would lose out on making money herself by increased page views. She can use all these clicks for leverage with advertisers as to how many people click her site. This isn’t really about donations. It’s about increasing her stats and trying to look helpful in the process. She NEVER links to other blogs.
JC: your comment was so incredibly rude and hurtful, and the only reason I’m even bothering to post it and respond is because I wanted to point out that you really don’t even know what you’re talking about. I work with a third-party advertising company, and therefore I don’t ever tell the actual companies what my page views are. So I am in no way using this for my own gain, and to suggest it is just sick. My parents grew up in one of the hardest-hit areas of this hurricane, and I have friend and relatives who have lost everything. If you don’t think my efforts to help are good enough, why don’t you do it better, instead of wasting your time criticizing someone who IS trying?
You idiot, she just linked to other blogs (ohsheglows among them) last week.
https://lett-trim.today/2012/10/16/healthy-halloween-candy/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
And seriously what are YOU doing to make the world a better place?
Wow, that is low, even for a troll. I agree with anonymous. JC, I would really love to hear what you are doing to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy. If you ever bother to come back and read this, I really would like to know.
It makes me sad that there are people like you in the world.
JC, just another coward troll with nothing better to do than sit in front of a computer all day and spread hate. Does it feel good to live in such darkness?? I certainly hope you have been in the middle of the disaster(s), rescuing people with your own bare hands by the way you sound so high and mighty. Or perhaps you can climb dangerous electrical towers and restore power. Either way, if you used that hateful energy to do something positive, the world would be better off, and YOU would probably be a much happier person.
Katie, the people who are trolling are probably sitting at home, picking their butts, and eating a steak. (Not that there’s anything wrong with steak or meat-eaters…I’m married to one…just the same principal of non-vegans who criticize vegan blogs, vegans who go psycho and bash on a vegetarian baker who still uses eggs, etc. etc…you get my point…). It’s a shame that you’ve scratched your personal fund-raising efforts. I shared a link to your blog on my Facebook when you first announced you were doing this, and I’ll share it again today just to show the love you were attempting to share with the people who had/have been affected by Hurricane Sandy (and the animals).
JC…you are what is wrong with this world…and you frighten me. 🙁 I hope you can heal from the awful pain you must endure every day to be this way.
Katie: you are what is right with this world…and I am filled with hope because of you.
You’re sick dude just be quiet.
Great point! Non US readers should definitely check out some other options for giving since clicking around this site won’t do anything. Also I think it’d be really wonderfully transparent if Katie could show last month as compared to this month.
Brittany: Thanks for the suggestion. I edited my post!
Katie what you are doing is wonderful. Our World needs more kindness, compassion, caring, and love oops an of course Chocolate! Thank you for always spreading your Sunshine, you make my days brighter 🙂
Much Love
Jennifer
Click, click, clicking away!
Thank you so much for your generosity and thoughtfulness. I am from the Jersey Shore and my family, friends, and relatives are right in the middle of the mess … the damage is absolutely devastating in parts of NJ and NY. Your kindness is sooooo appreciated, Katie!
Also, I absolutely love your blog. 🙂
You’re a beautiful person, Katie 🙂 and I can always use an extra reason to surf around your blog
we love you! not that we needed another reason to visit your site…
Great idea Katie! Good on ya 🙂
You have such a heart of gold! Reasons like this are why I check out your blog several times a day:)