Hello:
I wrote a month ago about my work with a lavender co-op, called The Lavender Project, in a poor Mexican village, Rancho La Colorada.
At that point, I was getting ready for a big benefit for the co-op. Well, I just wanted to report that the benefit was a grand success. We sold out of tickets early on, had about 45 auction items and lots of great margaritas! To the left, that's Robb and me at the party, with Tes Balcomb and Jim Tryon, founders of St. Anthony's Alliance, the U.S. non-profit that has helped The Lavender Project evolve. (They're the normal-sized ones in front with us. The big "people" in back with some make-up issues are puppets called Mojigangas, which no good Mexican party should be without!)
Best of all we achieved our fund-raising goal. We netted after all our expenses, $10,448 US.
I think this is an amazing accomplishment given the state of the economy. Thanks to all of you who made donations (of either money or silent auction items) and to those of you who attended the benefit.
How the Money Will be Used
The goal of The Lavender Project is for the people of Rancho La Colorada to become self-sufficient through lavender so that many of the men who go to the States every year for work can stay home.
The project will use the $10,400 to expand their acreage, their irrigation system, their soapmaking capacity and to invest in beehives and training so they can make and sell lavender honey.
For more information or to make an on-line donation (this money goes directly to the co-op by the way, not to administration costs), visit the Lavender Project website.
And Don't Forget My Nephew! (I Can't)
I've been consumed by this lavender benefit for the past month, but I wanted to remind you that we're still raising money through the Seed Campaign for the organization that my brother and sister-in-law founded, the Pediatric Proton Foundation. (So many good causes!)
As thanks for their son Jake's recovery and to help other families who are faced with a childhood cancer, Susan and Jim's mission is to provide education and assistance to parents of children with cancer who are interested in pursuing proton therapy, the effective but relatively unknown treatment that helped Jake beat his bone cancer. The goal is to raise enough money to give grants to families so that they can afford the treatment.
Please visit their website and learn more about the foundation and proton therapy. If you know someone who has cancer (God forbid), especially a child with cancer (doubly God forbid), please refer them to the website.
Remember How The Seed Campaign Works
If you've got to buy things, why not make each dollar go farther and help the Pediatric Proton Foundation and kids like my nephew in the process? If you buy your Amazon products through my website, you can be doing good when so many people are in need (and donations are down for many non-profits.) On my home page, click on "Buy the Book," which will take you to Amazon.
Once you're at Amazon, either buy my book (smile! thanks!) or find another product to buy. Amazon will return a commission on any item purchased to the Seed Campaign. EASY!
I've decided to change beneficiaries every three months instead of each month. So until the end of September, a percentage of your purchases will go to the Pediatric Proton Foundation.
All best wishes and many thanks--Jeannie
