Aug
14

Donations Needed!

One of my favorite things about crafty people is that they tend to be inherently giving beings. It’s for this reason that I post a request; I need your help.  I’m looking for product donations for a silent auction to benefit the medical fund for my dear, childhood friend, Jason Orpe.  Knitted hats, signed copies of craft books, crocheted booties, sewn purses, art pieces–whatever you’ve got and are willing to part with for a good cause–would be much appreciated!

Jason in 2008

Jason was recently diagnosed with  ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.  He’s 35. He’s newly married. He and his wife have a beautiful, baby son. He’s dying.
As the disease quickly takes hold of his body, his old friends–many of us who were there when he scored his first soccer goal, danced his first slow-dance, and sipped his first beer–are rallying together to do what we can to take financial stress off of his young family so they can concentrate on their remaining time together.  
Jason at my backyard party in 7th grade

At the end of this month there will be a fundraising event, “The Jason Orpe Mojo Fest“, held in Torrance, CA (our home town).  All items you donate will be auctioned off at the event (unsold items will later be included in an online auction), with proceeds funneled directly to the Orpe family.
To participate in the benefit, please send your product offerings by AUGUST 27th to:
Mojo Fest
c/0 Jeanne Nishida
14927 La Salle Ave
Gardena, CA 90247

If you’re unable to donate a physical item but would still like to help, you can also donate money directly to Jason’s medical fund by clicking on the button below.  $5, $10, $20–no amount is too small.  

To read Jason’s story in his own words, check out the Friends of Jason Orpe website, or his personal blog.  To learn more about ALS, go here.
I am so grateful for readers like you and am humbled by your generosity.  I am in your debt. Thank you!
With love,
Vickie