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Magnolia Festival results and pictures!

Well, for my first “official” event, I think things went very well. I had plenty of fliers made and came home with just a few left. I had a huge stack of cards with the Soldiers’ Angels mission statement and web address on them, and every single one of those disappeared! (I guess it makes sense … those cards are small enough to fit into a pocket or purse without too much fuss or folding, and the fliers had a TON of information on them!)

Mental note: print more cards next time!

With the exception of occasional tent fly-away attempts (the wind was unreal!), things went very smoothly and I’m definitely looking forward to going back next year! I’ve been looking at my calendar of local events and I don’t think there’s anything really going on until August or September, so I’ll be looking for other ways to get the word out about Soldiers’ Angels.

Suggestions are MOST welcome!

I have the pictures up here, so please feel free to hop over and take a peek!

Note: my daughter was in the karate demonstration, so like any proud mama I took lots of pictures!!!

How many go unloved?

It’s no secret I’m a huge PostSecret fan. One of the postcards listed in today’s edition broke my heart:

From hearing from my own adopted soldiers, and friends and family who’ve served or are still serving, I can only imagine how that soldier feels. It’s got to be one of the worst things in the world — feeling forgotten, unloved.

I hope whoever that card was meant to reach got the message. But how many others are out there feeling the same way?

At the Magnolia Festival yesterday, something struck me as I explained to those who came by the booth about Soldiers’ Angels and what we do — there are so many here who want to help, but have no idea where to go or how to get started. I had a large stack of cards with the Soldiers’ Angels web address and our mission statement on them, and gave out every single one.

A few stopped to look at the binder of pictures and testimonials I had. One that the binder contained was this:

“Mail is more important than even hot showers or hot food. When I was in Fallujah, the mail center received about eight shipping containers every two days; three were filled with letters. People at home probably have no idea how much their little cards, letter and goodie bags boost morale. Countless walls around Iraq are wallpapered with cards and letters. Soldiers and marines especially love the cards from kids. There is nothing better over here than reading two-dozen cards from kids who can barely hold a crayon. If a kid sends a card, rest assured that card will be stuck in a wall somewhere, and it will bring a smile to many a soldiers and marine.”

- author Michael Yon, Moment of Truth in Iraq

It’s such a simple thing and yet it means the world to someone a thousand miles away. If you are interested, please visit www.soldiersangels.org and help us support those who are deployed throughout the world defending and protecting the freedoms we cherish.

(x-posted to my personal blog)

Reminder: Magnolia Festival

Good morning! This is a quick reminder that I will be running a booth at Gardendale’s Magnolia Festival this upcoming Saturday, April 19th, from 10am to 5pm. I will be handing out information on Soldiers’ Angels to anyone who’s interested and giving out coloring pages and stickers to kiddies. If you’re so inclined, please feel free to come by and say ‘Hello!’

For information, a schedule of events and directions, visit www.MagnoliaFestival.org

I look forward to meeting some of you!

SA Alabama coming to Magnolia Festival

I filed the paperwork this morning and have already begun gathering the necessary materials, supplies, etc. for the booth (space) I will be occupying at the upcoming Magnolia Festival in Gardendale, April 19th! Any area Angels in the area (or passing through) are welcome to come by and see me!

For information and directions, visit www.magnoliafestival.org