Through my Secret Santa efforts, I had become friendly with Lori Yonts of Sunkissed Acres Rescue and Retirement in Summerville GA. That December, just before Christmas, one of her barns had burned down. Through the wonderful generosity of so many on the Chronicles Forums, much of what had been lost - which was considerable - had been replaced. However, the insurance company did not come through with the actual value of the buildings and equipment, forcing Lori to take on additional work at nights doing foal watch. Even though I am hardly a marketing guru, I realized that Lori needed a way to ensure donations coming in on a consistent basis. But she was overwhelmed with the needs of the rescue - upkeep and maintenance of Sunkissed, as well as care of all the animals there, in addition to rescue and seizures.

Lori had been invited to a Rescue Fair in the area, the only equine rescue to be represented. I thought this was a fabulous idea - great PR! But when I asked Lori if she had flyers, she said no - because she simply didn't have the time, the computer, the skills to put one together.

Well, I did. So Lori e mailed me some pictures, some descriptions, and I put together a flyer, made a pdf, and FedEx abut 100 copies down to her for the fair. It dawned on me...this didn't require that much. And yet, it made such an enormous difference to someone "in the trenches." I made a flyer for her Goodwill store, "Hoof and Woof," I made her stationery, I made her a letterhead. We discussed possible fundraising options. All very small potatoes on my part. But still, a contribution - and one done over a distance of 1000 miles.

I also solicited donations for an upcoming Open House for Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society (working out of Texas and Arkansas). Jennifer WIlliams sent me their past corporate donors list, and I emailed or snail mailed requests. I did 5 or so a day - not an onerous task at all, and it helped obtain some items for their fundraiser.

All very much in the dribble category. I was happy to make a difference, regardless in however small a way.

Little did I realize that evens were coming together that would send me down a much more exciting path...