Pre-event donations crucial as event changes format, relocates to RTD grounds
It’s been about five years since Midland blogger Eric Siegmund brought the first Blogathon effort to Midland and four years since MyWestTexas joined in on the effort, which has grown exponentially since it took off in 2007; Blogathon, or Blogging For Fair Havens as it has come to be referred to, has, shall we say, reached new heights in the last two years. The fund-raiser for the faith-based transitional housing facility for women and their children has seen Midlanders as well as generous donors from Royse City to Kansas City and from Austin to Houston donate almost $25,000 in just the last two years combined.
Blogging for Fair Havens takes another leap forward this year by moving the event to Rock The Desert, Aug. 7-8. The annual outdoor Christian music concert staged at the festival grounds on FM 1788 near Midland International Airport could see as many as 50,000 people this year.
It’s a tremendous opportunity for Fair Havens to receive that sort of foot traffic. Once again, I'll by hoisted up in a 30-foot high scissor lift, like we've done in the H-E-B parking lot the last two years. Having 50,000 cars drive by and see us is great. Having 50,000 people walk by us is an opportunity that has the potential to really increase awareness of what this wonderful faith-based facility does for women who are seeking a fresh-start in life.
Midland Fair Havens recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The facility provides a new opportunity and rent-free housing for women and children who are looking for a fresh start after being in an abusive or troubled relationship, or in a setting in which they had been neglected or were never afforded an opportunity to make as much of their lives as they would have hoped.
All proceeds raised during Blogging For Fair Havens go to help these women and their children. Organizers and volunteers with Fair Haven hope to raise $20,000 this year while realizing that trading the high traffic spotlight at the corner of Midkiff and Wadley for Rock the Desert, accessible only to ticketed concert goers, presents a new challenge.
Moving to the Rock the Desert grounds is a phenomenal opportunity for us to spread the word of what Fair Havens does by touching those who walk by our tent and our lift. Since we won’t be in the H-E-B parking lot, it is critical to our fundraising effort to reach people prior to the day of the event. If you would like to make a donation to Blogging For Fair Havens, the ability to make that pledge online is easy and even more important this year.
To donate or make a pledge online, visit the www.midlandfairhavens.org <http://www.midlandfairhavens.org> Web site, and click on the “Donate Now” button at the bottom of the page, or just drop me an email with your pledge amount, name, address and contact information to Jimmy@mrt.com. Contributions can also be made at the blogging for Fair Havens booth at Rock The Desert, Friday and Saturday August 7-8.
This year, I'll be in the scissor lift (donated by Shorty’s Rentals) at the RTD grounds from 1 p.m.-midnight Friday, Aug, 7, and then again from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8.
The women who seek out Fair Havens to make their life and the lives of their children better will benefit greatly from the generosity of those who help with this effort. The giving spirit of Midlanders, Texans and those from different points around the country during this event is touching and never ceases to amaze me.
When Blogging For Fair Havens was associated with the Blogathon event in 2006 and 2007, it raised more money than any other blogging effort in the world. Both years, there were more than 400 independent bloggers participating in the fundraiser.
More information on Blogging for Fair Havens will be forthcoming.
So, how's the event? I'd like to hear from it because it for a good benefits.
-nico
Posted by: scissor lift | Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 09:32 PM