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 fantastic idea! Love your recipes….I’ll keep clickin!!
thanks for this and thank you for everyone donating, some of my family and friends have lost everything thankfully i was lucky and nothing was to serious but its crazy thanks everyone!
So cool of you! Just spent a good 10 minutes clicking the link/refreshing the page. Hope that works.
Cheers to you and your blog. Love everything about it – including your endless goodwill and generosity.
You’re so much cooler than Serena van der Woodsen. 😉
As a fellow blogger from a region effected by Sandy, I really appreciate what you’re doing here. I’ll spread the word, and start clicking around.
Katie – as always, youre the best, and you continue to get better <3
You made it sooo easy, and fun even. I am even clicking on all the ads just for the helluv it! 🙂
(Anyone who questions anything about this is an ass, sorry to curse. I dont think you need to post anything about what you make, personally. You work your butt off.)
I live in NJ and have relatives in NYC and everything is terrible. The Jersey shore of my childhood is really "no more," and i'm 53 and have never seen anything like this. Thanks again to everyone.
Katie – remember, negative, hurtful people are usually unhappy and jealous – sadly.
I am FROM NJ and lived here MY ENTIRE life, spending every summer at the shore. I have donated and helped other ways, and there is no reason for people to advertise them here. We have Facebook for that.
Let Katie do her job, and do the good she does, please. Thank You.
Thanks, Jilly. I’m keeping you and your NJ friends in my thoughts :(.
You are so nice katie!
I will make sure to visit this site every day!!!!!
I really admire your generosity!!!:)
You are awesome!
Thanks Katie! This was the easiest (and yummiest) way to help out yet!
You are a super cool person. 🙂 My mom is visiting this week, so I’ll be clicking extra because I’m planning on making a bunch of your awesome desserts. Two thumbs up all around! 🙂