From the get-go, this roof-raiser was going about as brilliantly as it possibly could.
But today? First came that totally surprising $330 from A. Then I collected the snail. OMG.
D. — a honey of a guy — sent a package containing a Kershaw pocket knife, a letter with one of the most roller-coastery personal stories I’ve read in many a year, and two portraits of Ben Franklin. Whoa. I never knew old Ben was so handsome!
Nearly there, nearly there …
The next envelope shattered the glass at the top of the thermometer. I can only say, “Thank you, Anonymous,” and even that may be crossing a line because this donation came with a strict, “NO CREDIT” order.
But how do you not give credit?
What now? Well, now I call the roofing crews and get myself a spot on their schedules. There will be no drowned cats, drenched doggies, or soggy writers this winter.
The total cost of my roof-to-be is $8,300. I was hoping to raise half of that with this fundraiser. You have contributed over 60 percent! Which leaves me with a much lighter, much more doable, burden. I was a little worried there for a while.
How do you say thank you? When I started, I had no idea what would happen. Maybe you’d send a cumulative few hundred and I’d get a few comments telling me (in effect), “Why should anybody send you money when children are starving in Africa?”
I feel so awkward asking for money!
I knew some old friends and Usual Suspects would kick in. But I didn’t know whether I’d end up … embarrassed or what. I’d have been grateful for any contributions. I’m speechlessly grateful for what you all have done. And while the Usual Suspects jumped in generously, so did so many people I’ve never heard from before.
My “official” thank yous will go out shortly. (I’ve been acknowledging all donations in comments as they’ve come in, and hope I haven’t been rude making some of you wait weeks for a better thank you.)
This roof-raiser has met its goals — emphatically and amazingly. I’ll still leave the “donate” button up a while longer for anybody who’d still like to “have their names on some memorial shingles” (LOL early contributors T & T for that).
But … wow. Just wow. And did I mention … wow?
CONGRATULATIONS, Claire! Nobody deserves it more.
I’m reminded of the snow coming through Diana Keaton’s roof in “Baby Boom”. But no winter storms for you…
Yay!
Thank you, Pat. Thank you, Joel. And Joel, I think you can safely de-sticky that fundraising post now. 🙂 It would be great to get even a little more toward the roof cost. But shazam, I have more than I ever imagined now.
Oh Happy dance! I keep saying it, but you and Joel have the coolest friends!
Karen — We do. That’s all there is to it. They’re cool in supporting us when needed. But that’s because they’re cool in general. Cool to begin with.
. o O (Oh I get by with a little help from my friends)
Cool beans.
I’m still grinning over you having a cat.
http://cheezburger.com/4977017856
Y’all are being so dignified about this….so, allow me –
HOLY SHIT CLAIRE !!!!!!!!!!!! IS THIS AWESOME OR WHAT?????
heh
Couldn’t have happened to a better person, couldn’t have had a better finale (or can it? heh), couldn’t be prouder of the people here who are just so incredibly good hearted and never hesitated helping. Can’t wait to see the “I gotta roof!!” post (with pictures)….
Having said all the squee part…Thank you, Claire, for all the years of teaching us and making us think a little deeper. Undoubtedly helped a few of us get a little bit clearer on what we think, as well. This is one of my favorite blogs, I check on every day, so I’m probably still behind on “owing you” 🙂 It’s alot more work writing it than it is reading it.
Not a drinker, so “Pepsi toast” to everyone!!!! 🙂
Woo Hoo! I’m glad to see that we blew the top off this (the donation thermometer, not the roof).
Sorry I’m so late in the game; been a little preoccupied this week. Hope you found a good roofer. If the project doesn’t run over, like most do…I’m sure you can find a use for the funds.
Thank you, furrydoc! How great to get your donation. I’ll go add it now. And no worries on having a use for the money; the project will definitely run beyond what you guys have donated for it (’cause I wasn’t asking for the whole cost). But you’ve both bought yourself a nice bunch of “memorial shingles” and helped ease my burden.
Thank you for the woohoo!, LibertyNews. It’s definitely a woohoo! occasion.
BTW, I’m sorry about the difficulties you had trying to donate. I did sign up for Dwolla, which I hadn’t known about and which looks as if it could be a good PayPal alternative. But after I created an account, they wanted so much snoopy information that I backed out rather than give it.
“HOLY SHIT CLAIRE !!!!!!!!!!!! IS THIS AWESOME OR WHAT?????”
LOL, naturegirl! Thank you for your part in this and for the excitement. Yeah. It’s AWESOME. 🙂
How do I donate The Old Fashioned Way (money order?)
Scott — I will happily email you with snailing information.
It probably would help if I gave the right one….
Very happy for you Claire!!!
Thanks for help making it happen, Wendy!