We Walk Because They Walk

Before I ask what I am here to ask, I want to say two things: First. You guys are the best. You have me convinced that I am the Sock Knitter Queen Bee with your comments to my Broken Cable Rib Socks. And then your response to my last post. Well, you really get me! You know I cannot live with those socks the way they are. They have been in time-out for a week, but I am itching to finish them. I have set a goal of a pair-a-month this year, so I need to finish those for May.

Second, and this is important, especially because of what I am about to ask next. Go read Claudia's blog and consider making a generous donation to her MS 150 Bike Tour to support Multiple Sclerosis. After reading about last year's ride, I am on my knees in homage and thank her again for taking this up. I have a close family member with MS and support this organization. Go. Now. Donate.

Now my favor to ask. While in the midst of the original writing of this post, Claudia posted her fundraising request. I had decided then that I might not ask you to consider donating to another charity so soon. I admire and respect Claudia, consider her a close friend and did not want to step on her fund-raising toes in any way. Then I thought how what I, actually we, because my family participates in this every year, are doing is for a totally different and as important need.

Crop Walk is a fund-raising effort that supports hunger locally, and the relief and development effort of Church World Service nationally and worldwide. A first responder to disasters, CWS has contacts and resources world wide, enabling them to send immediate aid and relief when disaster occurs. Additionally, CWS remains in disaster stricken areas for years helping to rebuild and lend emotional and financial support to victims. CWS is also involved in third world social and economic development, immigration and refugee programs, among other services. Please read more about it here and here.

The Campbell Family has supported and participated in this event for the eight years. Dad, Meagan and Dad-in-law will be walking this year, Erin will be manning a water stop and I, unfortunately, will be unable to walk for the first time (due to that injury-the one that is taking so long to HEAL!), although I may walk the first mile or two and then go back and take up my post as a support person at the walk headquarters. Volunteering there is my way of giving this year. Next year? I race the thing!

Where do you come in? Well, there was a challenge put to us at our last meeting. Could two of the organizing members raise an addtional $500 each through an on-line campaign? Hmmmm..... Five-hundred doesn't seem too much. I have set that as my online goal, but if we could go higher..........

As and enticement I had selected some thank-you gifts, and will be adding to them as the drive continues. I will be fundraising here for the next five weeks. Our walk is technically on May 21, but I will continue to take donations and raffle gifts until June 2nd, at the earliest. You can donate directly through our web-page or through a Paypal account I have set up, I will cover all fees and your total donation will be forwarded to Crop Walk (I'm still working on the Paypal thing.  If you want to make a donation via Paypal, email me for the info.  Thanks). Thank you so much for your generosity. Now go. Donate! Again. Jeesh, I ask so much!

"What lovely thank-you gifts are there?" you ask. There will be a random draw one each Thursday of the four weeks of fund-raising.  The first of these gifts will be this lovely hand-painted Zephyr lace yarn, hand painted by Furryarns. 

Furryarns hand-painted Zephyr in Mediterranean

Of course, I haven't quite matched the color in the photo, it is a lovely royal purple, a spruce leaning to turquoise, the purple gets so dark in some spots it looks almost charcoal. It is really gorgeous. There are two skeins totalling 4 ounces, 1260 yards.

I have set what is, in my mind, a meager goal of $500. When we meet that there will be the offering of a grand thank-you gift. I have started knitting this shawl from Three Cornered and Long Shawls in an icelandic lace(ish) weight single.

If (wouldn't it be wonderful! Spread the word!) we double that amount, I will offer another hand-knitted by me item as another grand thank-you gift. And, let's say you have gotten this far in the post, are not going to Maryland Sheep & Wool this weekend and there are donations totalling half of my goal amount by Sunday evening I will immediately draw from the generous givers for this gift.

Thanks!

Comments

[Kathy]

I just made a donation -- best of luck!

[Ranger Susie]

I just donated. Good luck, Teresa!

[Anne]

As an sometime reader and fellow broken cable sock knitter, a donation to Crop Walk seems like a small gesture. Best wishes for a great event!

[Christy]

Don't push yourself on the racing thing! Volunteering is contributing.

What a great cause!

[Laura A]

I just donated. Support people are necessary and wonderful, but I hope you get to walk next year!

[julia fc]

I'll donate for your walk when I see you. Okay?

[Kathleen]

Wish I had more to donate but it's tight right now with construction!

[claudia]

This sounds like a great cause and definitely needs my support. But knowing you, it must be killing you to not walk the whole thing this year.

[Kathy]

I'm just catching up from a blogland hiatus - sheesh woman, you ARE the Queen Bee of Socks!!! They are all gorgeous - and I think if I lived anywhere near you, you might fear for those stripey koigu ones since I'd be plotting how to pinch them out of the laundry basket!! They're beautiful!!

I love that you and your family do the walk together each year - it's a great cause and a great way to include everyone in something that matters. I donated - make sure to let us know when you reach your goal!!

[Your Teaswap Pal]

Just a hello from your teaswap pal! I too am inspired by your sock knitting. I went right over to IK to download that Broken Cable Rib pattern.

[Kristen]

my donation will head your way soon - I just have to wait for a few things to even out first. :) I am more than happy to support you and your family - volunteers and/or walkers!

[Kristen]

my donation will head your way soon - I just have to wait for a few things to even out first. :) I am more than happy to support you and your family - volunteers and/or walkers!

[Carole]

Donation made. Good luck reaching your goal.

[anne]

theresa, today i made my first online sale of a pattern to one of my blog readers (up til now, i have just been selling them locally). and to celebrate, i want you to take the money for the walk! thank you for participating!

[Karen]

Late with my donation...but still made it in time. Whew! :)

[Diane E.]

Hi Terry,
Hope you had a successful walk!
Diane E.

[FreeStoring]

hay!!
good project :)
senks :)