Well, the summer has come and gone and it was a difficult one. August was especially hard for me. Not only was the first anniversary of my Mom's passing on August 5th, I also lost 2 very special people in my life. It took its toll on me and I took time away from most things, especially my blog and the 2009 Christmas Challenge blog, where we make ornaments and post them for all to see.
I did, however, follow up on a contact I made in June with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. I made it my business to meet the President and CEO, Joe Daniels, at the public opening presentation of the memorial site at Ground Zero. He was very impressed with The Americana Stars Memorial and asked me to set up an appointment. We finally met September 14 and he does agree that this project should be shown at Ground Zero. I told him that all of my stitchers and supporters would love to know this - would he mind if I told them. He said no.
You can imagine how excited I was after all of these years of stitching. I wanted to wait a couple of weeks before I told all of you when I felt more comfortable with the news. It has been my highest goal from the start to have this memorial project displayed at the epicenter of that terrible day. I cannot tell you how many people, as much as they loved and believed in the work, were skeptical that I could actually get such a unique, but massive piece shown at such a perfect location. All I can say is YOU HAVE TO REACH FOR THE SUN IN ORDER TO TOUCH THE MOON.
There is still so much to be done. I have more stars to stitch and new ideas for the display mechanism. More people with which to meet. It is amazing how much time goes into thinking, planning, and thinking some more.
My biggest hurdle is fundraising. I now have a total of $250 in my non-profit account ($20 is from me - I had to test the system first). Barely a start. Much more will be needed to afford a location to make the panels. Please spread the word about The Americana Stars Memorial so we can bring in what is needed. $10 from everyone who reads my story and publishes it on their website or sends it out to their email lists can make a big difference. And ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! All donors will receive a Certificate of Donation with my personal thanks. The organization that is sponsoring the project has complete legal and IRS oversight, so all funds used must be accounted for. I have worked very hard to secure the credibility and integrity of this memorial. It will pass every test of scrutiny.
I tell you this because we have all heard of money that was donated in the name of 9/11 and then stolen. The people who have done that are horrible. They make it so difficult for legitimate endeavors such as mine. If anyone has any question, they have only to read my website or email me with their questions. I will be very happy to respond.
After 7 years of work, I am determined to take this all the way. I want not only to show it at Ground Zero, but in other museums and locations around New York and around the country. I do have my work cut out for me.
I am so grateful for everyone who has stuck by me throughout this process up to now - my stitchers, my friends, my Material Sponsors (see the left side bar). Please check out their websites to see the products they are selling. I am using their products because they are the best.
See you later! Thanks for reading!
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