Within our community, there are several subgroups. Included among them are WIRRacers, WIRSavers, and the Grocery Challenge to name a few. The group in which I'm most active is one known as Controlled Spend. The CS group is not the focus of this blog, but therein lies it's origin. Each week the controlled spend thread posts a question of the week and a challenge of the week. Recently the challenge asked each member to perform a random act of kindness. It is that challenge that laid the path to setting up a fund to help Lisamomof4.
The support that came in was not limited to controlled spend members, I've received e-mails from many members of the WIR community at-large offering to contribute. The compassion and generosity of our community amazes me. Although we each face our own financial hurdles, seeing so many find room in their budget for kindness leaves me in awe.
The original idea to help Lisa has been expanded to include another regular WIR poster, New-Mummy. Several members who contacted me in regard to helping Lisa mentioned they also wished to do something for New-Mummy at this difficult time in her life. I understand times are tight and our resources are limited ... that's exactly why its so important to help them now. By joining forces, we can help ease their financial burden without significant damage to our own monetary goals. Whether you are able to give $1 or $100, know your contribution will make a difference.
The accounts for both members have been set up through ING. The accounts are held jointly by fellow controlled spend member Sheila in Cali and myself. Paypal donation buttons have been included here for both recipients to facilitate the process. Please know, we will provide a detailed account of both funds on a regular basis to SES Books (WIR CS member / fund administrator) to protect the legitimacy of the cause. When the time comes, funds will be transferred either electronically or by certified check to Lisa and New-Mummy (or to the designated payee - i.e. cemetery, monument company, hospital etc.). Please know, I'm learning as I go on this and hope anyone having questions, suggestions or comments will feel free to post them or e-mail me.
Whether you are making a donation or simply offering your prayers and support, we thank you for your kindness and generosity. Know that you have made a positive impact on Lisamomof4 and New-Mummy's lives, emotionally and financially. It is with certainty that I say both of our recipients will pay the kindness forward many times over.
With sincere thanks,
Barb Lafferty (beej67 - WIR)
UPDATE (POSTED SEPT. 07, 2008):
I wanted to update everyone on how things are going. To date, we have just under 80 total contributions for the two funds combined!
Currently Lisa's fund is just over half of the total estimated costs for replacement stones and installation. I have a good feeling we'll achieve at minimum the cost of the markers themselves, if not installation. Installation includes footing construction, survey and stone approval fees (from the cemetery). I had no idea there was so much involved going through this process, I can't imagine making these decisions when one isn't of clear mind. No matter what our balance ends up, we will have helped Lisa's family to honor Robbie and Nat.
Our efforts for New-Mummy are also going well. The plan at present (pending feasibility) is for New-Mummy's dad to carve the memorial for Aeryn. What a lovely tribute to his granddaughter! Once completed, the piece will be shipped to Sheila in Cali, and her company will design and craft the concrete base to house the memorial. Sheila's husband's employer has the capability to etch the base to further personalize it. Both companies have generously offered their services free of charge. The fund will cover material, shipping and installation costs. Once costs have been determined, any remaining funds would be used for grief counseling and outstanding medical expenses. Thanks to your response, New-Mummy's family will know that Aeryn will never be forgotten.
I've had the opportunity to correspond with both Lisa and New-Mummy by e-mail. They have both been overwhelmed by the response of the WIR and have a hard time putting into words what this has meant to them ... I want to thank you all again, though I feel that truly I can't ever find adequate words for thanks. I too wish to express my appreciation for your generosity, kindness and compassion. I am proud to call myself a member of WIR and honored to be a part of your community.
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