So even though Idris fell into a VERY select group of customers, we still had 734 views of the auction page, many hits to the blog. At least a dozen shares of the link of Facebook, and close to 20 posts of the link on twitter. For that many people to take a look at something I made, and be willing to help out with this very worthy cause, I am SO intensely grateful.
Today marks twenty days, just shy of three weeks since the fires claimed so many homes in Colorado Springs. Me and my family drove past some of the effected areas today, the main Verizon server building, one of the huge hubs for the national network, had the fire literally touch its property, only the flat expanse of the the parking lot kept the fire from reaching the structure. unfortunately so many of the homes near it were not so lucky.
Even among the houses that were spared, almost all the wooden fences burned. Fire started at one end and burned all the way around, baring neighborhoods to the curiosity of on lookers.
Seeing the homes, gone, was worse. One home in particular, only one wall was left, on that wall you could see the siding, and know what color the home had been, the rest of it was completely gone. Wood and steel and every belonging turned to rubble and ash. My Mom's told me several family we know personally have lost their homes. Sure, these people had insurance, and they got out with their lives, but I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose everything irreplaceable. One family had lived in their home for over thirty years, and now they have to start again from literally nothing.
I didn't bring my camera when we went there. I didn't want to seem like I was prying into the lives of people who'd suffered, but one memory remains in my mind. As we drove past an open space, of what used to be forest, a herd of deer, several young bucks and one just out of his spots, walked along the road beneath the resin black skeletons of pine trees. Proof that some life still exists in the woods today.
Thank you again for all your bids, shares, and attention. Thank you for taking a minute to help me give a little something back. I'm not done yet, I'm already looking at future projects, and other ways I can do what little I can to give help to so many in need.
Idris the Tardis pony sold for 31 dollars today at Auction. 100% of that will be going to The Pikes Peak Red Cross, and I will be paying the shipping costs myself. I'm happy to know that she will be loved where she's going.
I have one last thing to ask, if you want to give back directly, if you want to chip in what little you might have, you can donate to the Red Cross Directly here. The page gives you the option of choosing where the money will go, if not to the families of this specific fire, but to disaster relief everywhere, or to wherever they have the greatest need. You can name any dollar amount you want.
I am not rich, but I am very fortunate. I have my home, my family, and my ponies. I also feel very grateful to have been helped by so many people. Thank you again for all your help.
Liz