Something different today.
The proceeds of this bag is going to a fundraiser right here in my own town, towards a cause dear to my heart.
The Imagine 2008 1st Annual Rock & Roll Half Marathon is a non-competitive half marathon fundraiser organized in the loving memory of Joey Stott, an exceptional human being who left us far too soon! Our goal…to prevent suicide and defeat the negative social stigma surrounding the issue.
Funds raised go directly to suicide awareness campaigns, research and education.
The Stotts did a presentation in our church not long ago and it was powerful.
Our community has been deeply affected by mental health issues and lost two young men two years ago within three months. One of them was my first cousin's son.
I know what it is like to live with mental illness, personally, and watching the pain of it through my family members who have struggled with the challenges that come with these diagnoses. I would really love to see stigma be a thing of the past. For everyone's sake, but especially people who need to feel safe about asking for help. Both from the general public, and the medical community. And the church.
So, imagine with us.
I also encourage you to check out the link to the Imagine project, and if you are in the area; come out to the event tomorrow to show your support for the runners, musicians, volunteers, and the Kehler and Stott families.
A bit about the bag. This flap has the most gorgeous blend of colours, and came to me via Rosa. It is actually the bodice to a dress that her sister Patti bought on her honeymoon many moons ago! The body is made of durable upholstery sample material. The shoulder strap is two neckties, clipped together with an old tie clip that got unearthed in a tin full of buttons. Hippy guy came off a sheet that I bought many, many years ago and have been using in all sorts of projects. As usual, there is a pocket imbedded in each side panel, and two pockets on the inside.
This bag starts at $45.00, and bids will be accepted until 8 pm, cst.
For any newbies- to leave a bid, simply click "Comments"; leave your name or pretend name, and a dollar amount. If you have a blogger account, you will enter that way. If you do not, simply choose "anonymous" and your comment should publish.
18 comments:
its stunning joyce.
This bag is very beautiful and I love what it means. I have personal experience with mental illness as well in my family and she is doing fine to this day. She did realize (on her own) that she needed help and with family and her doctor she has come a very long way. I bid $50.00. See you tomorrow at the run!!!!!! I will be there with my coffee cup at 6:45 a.m. MK
MK my partner in crime tomorrow... 6:45am seems cruel doesn't it?
beautiful Joyce!
now imagine me with this bag on my shoulder, wandering thru Value Village, and who should I see but Rosa and Patti. (not unheard of event) FUN/NY (part of wellness - reaching for the funny!)
I would like to bid $60
boler babe
G& M- should I be nice and bring you dark java in the wee hours?
And Gloria- was that a bid for $645.00? wmah, ha, ha.
Lory- you've always been good at wellness. Looking at the good.
I remember distinctly one morning leaving the back door LATE to drive the girls to school. you told me later how wonderful it was to see a calm mom with call kids going to school late, but happy, secure, and calm.
That was true, and so good to hear.
Thank you Joyce.
$65
L
Joyce, you are a beautiful person.
Thank you thank you thank you for doing this.
$70
don't even bring up late for school!
they are who they are... Katie Bird has complete panic attacks, and is super organized just to avoid them. (not my kid!)
I love this bag... especially 'cause it is dark enough fabrics for me to spill coffee on!
$75
Thank you for doing your best always, for you & yours & the multitudes. You walk in his footsteps & lighten his task. You help others more than you will ever know.
Joyce - simply beautiful, the bag and the cause. See you there tomorrow. We're playing at noon if you're interested.
joyce - extra strong with lots of cream please... in brians fav cup :P
What a good cause...your kindness knows no limits...
My father had two cousins he grew up with commit suicide in the past couple of years..devestating and our family and extended families are still healing.
I hope you get a good donation for this bag...
Anonymous
posting to see what time it is..?
?
is your clock the same as mine?
$80
Lisa
Hi Joyce... done licking my wounds, and actually taught Katie how to sew! I thought it would be stressful, but she had an incredibly steady foot, and care free dispo..
anyway... wanted to tell you about a great workshop I attended.
called ASIST applied suicide intervention skills training.
even role playing that, instead of horrifying, was intense/real/honest. beautiful what all walks brought to our group.
it was presented through regional health authority. "Living Works" is perhaps the developer of material.
dreary of annual 'training', this was meaningful/powerful..
perhaps your authority is presenting/offers.
have a good weekend.
lory
Hi Joyce. This bag speaks to me. Definitely a cause close to my heart. My bid on this one is $85.00
woolly
hi wooly, and thank you so much for your bid and your comment.
Unfortunately, the bids closed at 8 pm on Friday and the bag went to Lisa. Thank you all for your support and honesty.
Maybe the Imagine run can be the start of some honest dialoque.
I see it is the 27th today. Oops missed the bidding. Next time!
woolly
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