Fellow Team Members,

We’ve come a long way. Our Dixie Memory Makers event will be a memory in 48 hours. I have (and I am sure you have as well) had my spirit lifted beyond anything I imagined at the onset of this project. Over the past few weeks, the atmosphere on our team has been electrifying. At every step of the way you see sparkle in the eyes of the volunteers; great ideas, going the extra mile, helping each other. At the very core, the beauty of this all, is the fact that we are able to directly interact with the guests we are assisting. There are not many charitable ventures that provide such a personalized one-on-one experience. I think that has been the magic. We have made new friends, established new acquaintances, and will continue along that path as the crowd pours in Saturday. Surely we are blessed to be able to be in a position to engage our beloved guests in this manner. Along the way we may pick up a few new skills, have more fun than a barrel of monkeys, and even enjoy being moved by sensitive stories of redemption. We expect about 100 guests (in groups or individuals). Our team strength is about 50 volunteers. The goal has never veered from the onset:

We want to make our guests see the beauty they have always possessed. We want them to realize that they count in this world.

Without going into more of a monologue, I wish to personally thank each and every one of you that has joined the team and shared in the planning, orchestration, meetings, running around, donations, labor, and the like. I think we are at the peak. Difficulties have been handily overcome to the satisfaction of all. It should be a breeze from here. I have never witnessed a more devoted group of folks than you have become. Hat’s off! Let’s git ‘er done!

That’s right! This is the week. The Dixie Memory Makers (Help-Portrait) event is the Saturday, December 10. Time for the team to get in the mood.  The team should come early (8 AM) and stay late through cleanup if you can.

• This just in: our paper and easels have been delivered. 
• Everyone is coming to the meeting at The Egg & I on Saturday morning at 8:00 am, right? (The correct answer is “yes”.)

That is all. You may now resume your regularly scheduled activity.

In the aftermath of last Saturday’s meeting, a few of us have been discussing materials:

Frames

All plastic, wood, or metal frames are too expensive for us without a VERY generous community donor. The least expensive 5×7 frame is about $4 wholesale plus shipping. We will be sourcing some very smart-looking easel mounts that are available to us in the quality we need. We are looking at $1.00 each with free shipping. Total cost for 150 pieces is $150.

Paper

We will be printing borderless 5x7s. We will use 8.5×11 paper and trim down the 5×7 prints. For the sake of affordability, consistency, and compatibility, we will all be using Red River 68# Ultra Pro Satin 2.0. This is compatible with all dye and pigment printers. Profiles are available at the Red River website. We will buy 300 sheets of 8.5×11 ($0.33 each). With shipping, this should come to about $125.

Expenses

As a group, we dealt with the likely reality that we were going to be faced with cash expenses for this event that would need to somehow be subsidized. Here is an itemized list of what we will likely incur:

• Room Rental – $150
• Print Paper – $125
• Print Easels – $150
• Token Handouts – $175

That totals $600. We decided to accept voluntary contributions from the team members. $25 is the suggested target amount. If you give more than we need, some will be returned afterwards. Expenses and donations will be accounted for. You will be given a tax-deduction receipt. Already, some folks have stepped up and we have some donations. Please take this request seriously. If you can contribute, the need is immediate. Call Bob Kulon at 435-275-5975 or email at bkulon@hotmail.com to make arrangements.