Last night I was actually upset & griping when my DSL internet service went out at 8PM because of the storm. (I still had power & phone)

Then as I lay in bed around 11PM watching Fox News I saw the true devastation that the hurricane caused. I saw reporters cry as they interviewed & people cry as they told of lost, missing, & dead family members. Today I have seen the real horror that this hurricane has caused.

Well when I got home from work today my internet was working perfectly again. I wish I could say the same for all the victims of Katrina. It kinda puts things into perspective.

I started having whirlwind dreams of massive car club fund raisers & I imagined all car clubs uniting & raising massive amounts of moolah for these poor people but then as I came back down to the planet earth I just hoped everyone will remember how lucky we all are & if you can, give a little from your pocketbook to help those who are for-the-moment so much less fortunate than us :smile:

 

Earlier today, YuccaPatrol, in Hoover, a suburb of Birmingham, was able to access a computer very briefly and sent me the following Private Message:

"no phone, no power, no internet.

will get back when I can."


He was able to use his cell phone to call me a few minutes ago. He's been without power, etc., the past two days. He's okay. His dad brought him a small generator which Andrew and Elizabeth are using to try to save their beautiful fish tanks.

He just wanted everyone to know that he's been unable to communicate, misses everyone, and that other than Elizabeth having the flu, they're fine. I'm sure he'll post about it when he can.


Clover

 

If you want to do something to help the folks most affected by Hurricane Katrina, make a donation to the Red Cross or the Salvation Army. If every US MINI owner gave just a dollar that would be approximately $30000. Look and find that dollar and give. No one is asking anyone to give til it hurts, but you can clearly see those who are hurting. We may complain about the high price of gasoline, but we have a home to go to and a bed to sleep in. Do what you can.

 

Actually there are like 130K cars sold in US so thata like $130,000. A GOOD contribution!

 

Hurricane Katrina has left incredible devastation and deserves an extraordinary response. I understand your reluctance to challenge people to "give till it hurts," but a $1.00 donation, even as an example, is pretty anemic. Each of us has probably already given an amount that we're comfortable giving, or plan to do so. Also, you're not going to reach all ###? U.S. MINI owners here. You are going to reach NAM regulars (members and visitors) however. We recently had a high of 846 members -- and I KNOW I wasn't on line then -- so mayber there are 1,000 - 2,000 NAM regulars?

I propose that we challenge NAM'ers to "give outside of your comfort zone" in appreciation of all we have, MINIs included. That amount would vary by member, just as the amount that each person would give without this extra prompting would vary.

Here's how it works for me. I've had an amount in mind all day that I'll be giving to my favorite charity or charities (in my case, I'll probably split that between the Red Cross and an organization associated with my church).

To give outside of my comfort zone, I will up my planned contribution by the cost of one tank of gasoline.

Your comfort zone will of course be different -- maybe higher, maybe lower.

What do you think? Are you ready to give outside of your comfort zone? Are we up to the challenge?

 

I just gave Out side my Zone!!!

You can use the iTunes Music Store to Donate! Very Easy....

Here's wishing everyone affected God's Speed back to a normal life!

 

Alot of employers are matching contributions. Check with yours, maybe you can double your money.

 

(OK call me crazy but I just had to say this cause it keeps running through my head )

What if all the car clubs (Miata, BMW, Porsche, Corvette, Mustang, PT Cruiser, Mini Cooper, & others I cannot even think of) joined together & had a huge meet & greet somewhere in Central Alabama (maybe Barber motorsports or anywhere that would allow) & we all donated a bit of money to the Red Cross while having fun & getting to check out each others cars. Maybe we could even get a band to play a song or 2 for the cause (I know one that might).


What if on a longshot we attracted some other people with our huge showing of cars & those people donated a little bit. Wouldn't that be great?

 

Bamat:

Sorry -- I wasn't trying to get your thread off-track. Can I plead ADD?

Getting car clubs together for a fund raiser sounds like a great idea.

Now... back to your regularly scheduled Hurricane Katrina relief idea.

 

For the heck of it last night I emailed several car clubs to see if anyone else might be interested in a get together. So far the Corvette, Miata, PT Cruizer club says they would like to do it. Also the Miata club knows a band that would play (If we could get anything organized enough to have a band )

Does anyone have any ideas on a loaction we might could do something like this? (wonder if Tom Williams would let us use their empty lot where to future Mini dealership will go?)

 

F.Y.I...

I spoke with a member of the Corvette club today. She said their club president knew people at Barber & was contacting them to check on the possibility of us using their site for a multi car club hurricane fundraiser. It sounds like the Corvette club has alot of experience at organizing fund raisers (compared to my zero experience) so I told them to please run with it & keep me posted. I also called & left a message for the Tom Williams BMW general manager to see about the possibility of meeting there.

Will keep ya posted

 

TT, I will do whatever I can to help organize and fund raise for the car club hurricane relief event.

Power restored late last night. I spent the powerless time furiously working to save the fish in all of our aquariums. I know that there are much greater problems that a couple dozen nice tropical fish, but it was something I could do to feel like I was helping something.

Now it is time for all of us to give both our time and our money and other resources to help all of those harmed by the storm.

 

It must have been pretty bad in Birmingham, Yucca. I talked with my father today and he said most of his neighbors have power restored and he lives in Ocean Springs. Across the bay from Biloxi. He did say his new Skylight, courtesy of Katrina, gives him plenty of light in his house.

 

I got a call from Rich, the GM of Tom Williams BMW today. He gave a conditional OK for using the future Mini dealership site for a fundraiser (provisional on his approval of activities & no alcohol being served). I know the corvette club president is working on Barber's. I would prefer Tom Williams as I feel it is a more central & accessible location but there is alot else to consider. I am going to talk to the pres of the Vette club on Tues for her much needed guidance as she has actual experience in coordinating events such as these. I will keep you posted.

I dropped a few things off at the corvette club collection Friday nite & I would like to post comments from the driver who delivered the goods & their reaction to the surroundings they encountered on their trek:

Dear Friends:

The NRTR ("No Red Tape Relief" trip as Terry so aptly named it) to the Biloxi/Ocean Springs area of Mississippi is complete. Paul, Terry and I left this morning for our 12 hour trek. The trip was successful and safe. We experienced absolutely no problems getting into the area - probably the result of many prayers.

I want to personally thank each of you who donated both your items, your cash and your time. And, I encourage you that if you haven't done something to help the residents of the hurricane stricken gulf area that you seriously consider doing so without delay. The need is so incredible!

When we arrived we gave some items to the neighborhood where our friends the Hamlett's live. There was a baby next door who needed formula, cereal and fruit, and an older couple we were able to help with some staples that would keep until their power could be restored. Most everyone didn't want to take anything because they all said there were more people in greater need.

Our next move was to contact the local police department and ask if they could direct us to a location where our van load of food and supplies could be put to best use. We were directed to the local Lutheran church. The church is on Hwy 90 just before the Biloxi bridge which is totally destroyed. The church is serving as a shelter for those left homeless, as well as a distribution center for people who still have a home; or, are able to stay with friends and family who didn't loose everything. The church workers were organized, efficient, and were very thankful for our provisions.

Let me share this story for those of you who brought pet food (we had over 150 pounds of dog food and 40 pounds of cat food). The animal shelter was completely destroyed and many pets were killed. Since the hurricane many animals have been recovered wandering around, as well as pets who were left chained to trees and fences where there is no longer a home left standing. These animals were starving. The food we took will be immediately used to help save some of these dogs and cats.

Again, thank you so much for your contributions. Please know that you made the difference for many people who will have hot meals, bottled water, and personal care items.

Just one more note: Paul suggested asking Niki's West for a donation - since we eat there quite frequently - and, the next time you eat at Niki's West on Finley Avenue, please take time to thank Teddy for his contributions. He gave us 200 pounds of potatoes, 100 pounds of sugar, 100 pounds of flour and corn meal, 20 gallon cans of fruit and vegetables, 20 pounds of pasta, 4 gallons of honey, 8 gallons of juice, a case of salt, a case of oatmeal. Then he said "if ya'll make another trip just let me know, I'll give you some more things then."

May God bless Teddy and each and every one of you who helped in this effort.

Sharon Mathews

Membership Chairman

Mid-Alabama Corvette Club

 

p.s...

glad you got power back Yukka & glad the fish are OK. Animals may seem insignificant in this horrible time but I am one of the people who donated cat & dog food for the Corvette Club trek to MS because I felt like no one was thinking of the pets (I know they take a backseat to us humans but I also know that my dog means an awful lot to me :smile: )

 

These are great ideas. Just to give you a little perspective from the Baton Rouge area, our population has literally doubled since Katrina. Our Board of realtors estimates there will be NO inventory (homes for sale) by the end of next week. Inventory normally hovers around 2500-3500. People are paying 10K and more above asking price sight-unseen.

Our grocery stores and convienences have been overwhelmed. Fast food places have run out of many items. Malls and restuarants are closing early. Many gas pumps are empty. The ones that have fuel have long lines and take cash only. I met some guys today from MS that drove in to get gas. None is available where they are (Gas is being diverted for relief efforts).

I rented a home 2 days ago to someone, only to tell him today someone wants to buy it. I've NEVER seen anything like this. Pictures of N.O. look like something from Iraq or Afganistan. I think our nation will be forever changed. Anyway thanks for trying to do something positve in this situation. I can try to get our local club to help out as well.

 

In just the last day we've raised a couple hundred dollars--not much I know, but we're working on our end to raise money from as many MINIer's in the Los Angeles area to donate to the Red Cross.

I also wasn't truly aware of the devastation until I watched the news the other day--several days after the hurricane. Truly heartwrenching.

We're also doing fundraisers and donating proceeds from our raffles to these victims.

Richard Lin
c3 President & Founder
Cooper Club for Charities

 

Many thanks to Mark Ferguson for adding the "Let's Help Others in Need" link in the NAM header above. It is a wonderful resource for those seeking links to make donations.:smile:

Thanks, also, for NAM's generous donation of $250, Mark!


Clover

 

Deleted due to divisive political content.

Everyone is welcome in this forum, but because this is our local Alabama forum, please keep your responses to this thread on-topic and related to our local response to Hurricane Katrina.

I am looking forward to learning more about and helping with the planning for the local car club benefit for the victims of Katrina.



Thank you.

YuccaPatrol

 

 

Hey everyone, I just wanted to post in and let everyone know I made it through ok too. I am in the Hammond/Ponchatoula area of Louisiana which is about 20-25 miles from where the eastern wall passed over. We got gust here right around 115- 120. Luckly me and my family "and the mini" made it out un-harmed and with little damage to our house/vehicles. The rest of our subdivision and thousands upon thousands however were not as lucky. We got power and water back Thursday evening but havn't had cable,internet,or phones which after looking at New Orleans and Mississippi area online at work, I don't really care about the internet or cable or phones. Some people will be without that for months. We are about 42 miles directly north of New Orleans so we got delt a pretty big blow. I think everyone's ideas of sending at least $1 are great!! I was hoping everyone could come together and get something going. Going through something like this first hand was very scary and really makes you think more about the people you love and care about more then the possesions you own and alot about life itself. I hope our members from GSM in the general affected area were able to get out and are safe.
J that is a great idea. I'll run it by Lance and Matt and see what we can get done!!

Good luck everyone and God Bless!

 

HELP HELP HELP

I really need help from our local & statewide groups to move forward with this.

I have heard from the Miatas, PT Cruisers, & Corvettes already & they are interested in participating. If anyone knows how to reach the BMW, Mustang, S2000, Porsches, or any other car club, please contact them & see if they are interested in joining us. The president of the corvette club has a lot of experience at organizing fundraisers but unfortunately she is tied up for the next 3-4 weeks. I have zero experience in organizing fundraisers but I think with a little help we can do it. Here are the 3 options I have come up with. Please let me know what you think of them or if you have any ideas of your own. Also let me know dates you have free.

Option 1) We can all meet in the future Mini Dealership lot at Tom Williams in Irondale. I spoke with the BMW general manager & he sounds very open to this. All he wants to know is our exact plans & that no alcohol will be served. We can try to hold some kind of event there or we can just have a meet & greet there & then go on a massive multi-car club twisty ride down Hwy 25 from Leeds. Everyone that comes can bring cash, a check to the charity we decide to donate to, items for the evacuees, or if you have previously donated just bring yourself.

Option 2) I can call ahead to a local shelter that is housing evacuees & I can see what items they need most. We can all show up in our cars & bring them those items & have a meet & greet with the residents. One of the Miata members knows a band that may (don’t have a "for sure" on this yet) play for free.

Option 3) I can call ahead to a local shelter & we can throw them a picnic lunch. We could bring all of the food (kinda like a pot luck). Maybe the band could play.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, I need input from you guys. I can’t email the other car clubs to ask them for their input & participation until I at least have a rough draft of our plans to send them.

If you don’t wanna post on the boards please email me or send me a PM or email Harold & ask him for my phone number & call me.

Thanks,

Teresa

 

Here are a few pictures Sjolly and I took from last weekend when he and I and our wives went down to check on my father and take supplies. http://www.magicmini.com/sb/album/index.html It was of the Ocean Springs and Biloxi area.

 

Sorry, been out of touch in connecticut again, but how about a "Drop Your Drawers" campaign. You would probably wash and wear someone else's bluejeans or t-shirts, but not their skivvies. How anout collecting skivvies and other personal items to take to a local church for distribution.

don't get me wrong but the Red Cross and salvation Army take from $.15 to $.20 of every dollar donated for administration costs. Knowing that, I have still given, but now I want to do something more personal. I was thinking if we bought underwear in packs of 3 for each person in a family of four, we could have a pretty good impact. The Salvation army is giving out little sacks of personal grooming items, such as toothbrush, tooth paste, deoderant etc., and musch of the clothing that is being given is used. A good clean pair of drawers would probably feel good.

Tom Williams would probably allow us to use the "MINI" lot to collect the unmentionables and maybe even get some advertisment on the local TV/radio stations. Let me know what you think and we can take it from there.

Another thought to involve the entire nation of MINIs would be to post an address in MS, LA, and AL to send the undies if ordered on line, such as a church or National Guard Armory.

Stand up and Drop your Drawers.

 

Harold, your right about the underwear. The friend that lived in the house which flooded said the best thing he had recieved so far was a 7 pack of Hanes.