This is my first diary, so forgive if I fail to observe any conventions.
Yesterday, three of us sat down to lunch in Boulder. In about an hour and a half, we organized Bead Aid: starting Tuesday, kiosks at local business will sell purple, green, and gold Mardi Gras beads at $10 a strand, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross Disaster Response Fund.
Roche Colorado purchased 5,000 strands of beads. The Community Foundation Serving Boulder County is endorsing this effort--which is currently being conducted by just the three of us--and donors can be assured that this is a legitimate fundraiser, authorized by our regional Red Cross office.
I read in the NYT this morning that some Florida high school students are doing the same thing, and hoping that the beads will become as symbolic of relief support as the Live Strong bracelets have been.
This is an easy, easy way to generate support that is both financial and moral. I urge folks across the country to spread Bead Aid!