After four fundraising diaries over about two weeks, we can declare a success! This community is so supportive, I feel grateful and proud to be a member here. Thank you all so much. Liberals! What a bunch!
I know you want to see who you've been helping. Y'all have seen the photo of Oreo reading the newspaper, which I show again below. Yesterday I dug up and scanned some other old photos so you could see all three. I only have a regular camera and don't want to spend money on film right now, but I'll upload new photos if I ever when I get a job.
Hundreds of people made recommendations, tipped, commented, republished, and offered employment leads. Dozens donated. It was a fantastic community effort. Details over the orange swirl of happiness.
Ginger with her brother-in-heaven Eeyore
"I almost care what that rectangular box is that you're holding"
We raised a total of about $2200, which will see me through the month, and I will stretch it a bit longer if I can; hopefully this will give me enough time to find a job to pay my expenses going forward. After wracking our collective brains, I asked the landlord about landscaping for him, and he agreed! From now on I'll be doing that in lieu of rent. This time, I used the collected funds to pay the rent, and to pay off bills including a big outstanding utility bill from the ridiculously cold month of February. The rest of the funds will be used for supplies for the cats (Oreo's insulin bottle has been ordered) and the dog, any other bills that crop up, and a little so that I can start eating again (yes, kidding; I am physiologically incapable of not eating). As most of you know, although I have very expensive cats, I do not own a car, in order to have enough money under normal circumstances to take care of them. I also have given up the purchase of any non-essentials for the time being, including caffeine, so that your donated money will stretch as long as possible.
Oreo reading his morning newspaper
"Mom, it says here that there might be a diabetes breakthrough soon"
Nearly as important as the money is the supportive nature of this community. If I could buy things with it, I'd be richer than the Koch Brothers. People stopped by the diaries in droves to comment very sweetly. Aw, shucks (and you with whom I have had pie fights were kind enough to keep your grumbling to yourselves for the duration of the fundraisers, which I also appreciate!). Lots of people offered job leads, social services leads, and other suggestions. I have been or will be following up on the various tips from all of you who commented.
I have one more question for all of you: Can anyone recommend a company to make T shirts and/or other swag, especially if they pay immediately after purchases are made? If so, please comment below. I've looked at Zazzle and they pay 45 days after the end of each month. I've looked at CafePress and they could be even worse at "up to" 60 days after the end of each month. We're talking PayPal transfers, folks, just like all of us have been doing for these fundraisers, that for us required only minutes per transaction. These companies don't have to take out any taxes. What in the world is the holdup? I don't understand this in these computerized days, so I'd like to partner with some company that isn't so sluggish, if I can find one.
Irresistible Rocky as a puppy at the Humane Society
His "please love me" face
If you haven't yet, please consider signing up to follow or join the Community Fundraisers group. They do amazing work, and the more people who show up to the diaries, the easier it will be for the next person who needs our help. You certainly don't have to have money to participate; your presence is a joy.
Thank you SO much, again, one and all! Kossacks are truly generous and overall amazing and wonderful! I don't care what Bill O'Reilly says about you! Please consider this an open thread if you'd like to post links in the Comments.