Reflections on the Past Week...

 

Hello Everyone,

Over the past five days, Argyle Empire has been hosting a fundraising campaign to aid those affected by the tragic events in both Boston and West, Texas. Within hours of the bombing at the Boston Marathon, Coco, Elli, Sere and I began brainstorming about ways to help. Once we had an idea or two, we decided to see if we could quickly organize our plans into action. What has happened since then has been nothing short of amazing.

SR immediately agreed to offer up signed UK editions of "Gabriel's Inferno" and "Gabriel's Rapture" as an incentive for donors. When asked, many of our online friends stepped up without hesitation to promote our campaign. Some of these friends run blogs and can reach large numbers of people with a post, while some have used their personal social media accounts to support our efforts non-stop for the past five days.  From this side of the screen, I can tell you it was uplifting to watch word of the fundraiser radiate throughout our global online community.

As far as the logistics were concerned, everything had fallen into place effortlessly. All that was left to do was sit back and see if people would be willing to donate funds to support the Red Cross, The One Boston Fund, or any other charity that has dedicated its resources to helping people in the effected areas. If you've ever worked a fundraiser, you know the most nerve-wracking moments are the ones that tick by as you wait for the first donation to arrive. Needless to say, we didn't have to wait long.

Over the first 5 days of our campaign, we have received $1,525.00.  This averages out to $305.00 per day, with an average donation of $38.00.  With 9 days left to go on the calendar, we have set an ultimate goal of $2,500.00 and are 60% of the way to reaching it.

But there is more taking place here beyond the statistics.  Over the course of the week, as I thanked one donor after another, I heard one message over and over again:

"No need to enter me in the contest as much as I would love an opportunity to have a signed book by SR my motivation is different this time."

"I already have the books and enjoy them so much on so many different levels, that I'm really not in need of another copy."

"Of course I'll be donating but would prefer others to win the giveaway."

"Don't enter me in the giveaway. I'd like for someone else to have the opportunity to win them. I'm just happy to help."

 

Responses like this presented us with an interesting situation. We actually found ourselves in a position of motivating donors to enter the giveaway.  Thankfully one donor approached us, asking if it would be all right to pay it forward. She was willing to enter the giveaway as long as she could gift her prize to someone else. Once I began sharing this idea with those who'd turned down the opportunity to win the signed books, giveaway entries begin flowing in.

 

What an incredible group of people you are. Truly.

 

As we approach the halfway point of our fundraising campaign we find ourselves at a critical phase. Recovery efforts are well underway, but the need to assist victims has not yet been fully met. As the emergent nature of both disasters begins to recede, the work these charitable organizations do will carry on. Several families are mourning the loss of a loved one, and many more are praying at the bedsides of injured relatives. Some have lost their homes or their jobs, possibly both. And countless numbers of people who were firsthand witnesses to these horrific events will need time to psychologically process what they have experienced.

 

The four of us at Argyle Empire are highly motivated to meet our goal, but we need your help to get there.  If you haven't donated already, please consider doing so.  If you have donated, please keep reaching out to friends and family to participate.

Donate a minimum of $5.00 to either the American Red Cross, your local chapter of the Red Cross or to The One Fund Boston, and simply email a copy of your receipt to me at jenn@argyleempire.com. Then enter the giveaway posted at the top of our homepage.

Every effort you make is a worthwhile one, and we thank you for proving that goodness surrounds us.

Take Care,
Jenn, Coco, Elli & Sere