Thursday, October 29, 2009

Blog Hop and Card Drive

Join us on Monday, November 2nd for a Spread the Love Blog Hop and card drive!




New Hampshire is a small state filled with even smaller towns. It's the kind of place where you know everyone, leave your keys in the ignition when you run in the post office and don't worry about walking home from a neighbor's house at night. I live in the same town I grew up in by choice, not by necessity and love that my 6th grade music teacher is my daughter's principal, that my cheer leading coach is her guidance counselor and that soon she'll get the chance to beat my classmate's long standing high jump record on field day.

Mont Vernon is an even smaller town than mine about 40 minutes away. It is home to a long time friend and her family as well as their neighbor, 11 year old Jaimie Cates. On the night of October 4th Jaimie and her mom and my friend and her family went to bed with no way of knowing what events were about to transpire to change their lives.

Four local teenagers armed with knives, broke into their home and brutally murdered Kim Cates and seriously injured 11 year old Jaimie. They chose the home for no other reason than its location and for no other purpose than to bring harm to the occupants. It was a senseless, random crime that shook the small town and much of the state.

After receiving a grief filled email from my friend asking for help for the family, I knew I needed to help however I could. I asked my fellow stamper, New Hampshire gal, and long time friend Denise Lynn for ideas. Together, and with the artistic talents of Ann Vento, we came up with the idea of an international blog hop and this blog to raise awareness of the crime. We are hoping to shower Jaimie with wishes of love and hope from around the world to help her recover some of what was lost.

The hop starts at 10am ET on Monday, November 2nd and will include over 60 talented stampers, donations from fabulous stamp companies and lots of love. We are asing everyone to make and send a card to Jaimie as quickly as possible. If you are unable to make a card or wish to do more, please visit our sidebar and click on the donations link.

Thank you and see you Monday!!!
Erin Bailey