Banky For President

I know Blog Action Day is supposed to be about poverty.  Poverty isn’t just about individuals, it’s also about agencies and charities struggling to add value and relying on donations to do so.  So in an effort to make a difference, I’m highlighting three charities on this, Blog Action Day ‘08 and hope you can contribute to any or all.  I’ll put my money where my mouth is and match a portion to each charity.

I have a wonderful friend named Mari.  She is the proud mother of strong young woman named Elizabeth who is struggling with Aplastic Anemia.  Aplastic Anemia is a where blood cells in the bone marrow isn’t replenished.

Recently, Elizabeth took a trip to New York City where she was featured on ABC News and MTV’s TRL.

Check out here interview by clicking here.

As you can imagine, this would be difficult for anyone to deal with but imagine dealing with this as a teenager . . . And I can tell you that Elizabeth, as evidenced in the video, exhibits strength, grace and style while facing incredible adversity.   I’m very proud of her and her entire family and her ability to think of using this disease as an opportunity to educate others.

Join me in contributing to the Aplastic Anemia Foundation.  I’ll match the collective amount of contributions up to 100 dollars.  Let me know you contributed by emailing me.

Oh and note her advice at the end to not give up on your dreams . . .hard to believe this is a teenager . . .

Billy loves Voodoo

In the heart of Louisburg Kansas, 20 miles south of Kansas City or so, exists a haven for some of the biggest and most incredible cats you’ll ever see. It’s the Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary and it may come as a surprise to you but it’s been around since August of 2000.

I visited the facility a couple of weeks ago and took a number of pictures which you can see here. The staff is completely voluntary and put in an INCREDIBLE amount of hours.

Feel free to donate here. I’ll match all contributions up to 50 dollars. Do let me know that you contributed by emailing me.

I have a friend by the name of Jim Hammer. His nephew Joey died of Leukemia.  In honor of his life and to combat this ugly disease, Jim and his family run a marathon every year to raise money.  Over the years they have raised upwards of 100,000 dollars to fight cancer.  This year is no different and they need your help.

Click this link to donate and I’ll match any contribution upwards of 200 dollars and highlight your name in this blog.  Gimme a shout when you do so and what you contributed so I can keep a running total.

Let’s make a difference.

Courtesy of @silverzippo, my grass-roots campaign seems to be finally taking hold. Incidentally, for you supporters out there, I’m polling just slightly behind Ralph Nader . . .

The Rat Pack and Kathleen Sebellius

I went to see Tab Benoit Thursday evening, October 2nd and noticed that a certain Kansas governor was also in the audience. She took three photos with a very appreciative crowd.

Check out the rest of the photos at Flickr (I know I still have tagging to do)!  Thanks to @Silverzippo, @princessofworld, @wrytir, and TheThunderbolt for just a wonderful time.