Struggling towards victory (emphasis on struggling)
Friends,
I hope each of you is taking some time today to enjoy some combination of springtime, family, friends, hope, and Easter for those who celebrate.
This week was full of victories and a few big failures- see my weekly updates at the bottom of this email for details.
But it was also a very painful week, literally.
On Wednesday evening, I was struck from behind by a driver while riding my bike. I thank God that my injuries were extremely minor in the grand scheme of things, but I have spent a lot of time since then in the company of ice packs and epsom salts, my main form of transportation is out of commission until I get a few minor parts replaced, and quite frankly I lost a few days that I desperately needed to use to help set up work for the fundraiser and training coming up this weekend.
We have the basics in place for a successful power-building training this weekend. Trainers have their flights booked and paid for. The donated venue is confirmed. Housing for out-of-town guests is confirmed and paid for. But we still need to:
-Arrange for coffee and food
-Finalize, add some graphic design, and print materials for participants
-get a LOT more RSVPs in place to be sure we train as many people as possible!
For the fundraiser this Friday, we have not only the basics but everything we should need. There are already a ton of RSVPs for this event, we have food, drinks, the venue, and some really sweet silent auction items donated. But we still need:
-More silent auction items to raise more money
-More RSVPs to have more fun and raise more money
I could really use some help getting ready for both events.
Thank you so much to those of who who have already RSVPed and done so much to help make these events awesome. Everyone reading this email could still help out. What can you do?
-Call five people you know and invite them to the fundraiser and training. Remember to ask them to RSVP!
-Visit a business or two this week and ask what they can donate for the silent auction on Friday night.
-Consider creating some art and donating it for the silent auction.
-Let me know if you have a recommendation for box lunches or coffee on Saturday and Sunday, especially if you know a vendor who'd be willing to donate or offer a discount in light of our cause.
-Let me know if you have any availability this week to help come up with some snacks and soft drinks to have available on tables at the training. I have funds and time to run to the grocery to pick some up, but if you could donate some or donate your time to make a grocery run and be reimbursed, this would be a huge help.
-If you really want to help but can't do any of the above, you can always throw some money my way so I can replace sweat equity with paid support. I'd prefer any of the above ways to help over money, though, as I want to be sure as much money as possible goes to Katrina Owens this Friday.
The events this weekend will be a lot of fun and powerful even if nothing happens between today and Friday. But we can make them a lot better with some work this week!
Happy Easter to all of you. Happy Trans Day of Visibility as well. Have a wonderful week.
In love and solidarity,
Jesse