Just a quick note.
Channel 15 news was over here today. I went to Costco, bought the hamburger buns and hot dog buns - and a few brats - and some sodas and green tea drinks - and then they came over to my house.
I'm getting that this is a good story in the midst of a lot of bad stuff going on out there right now. A LOT of bad stuff.
I was quite impressed, too. The reporter and the cameraman were very nice (read: cool) and professional individuals. I sometimes get a "view" in my brain of what some of those people are like - this broke that stereotype in my mind.
They came over to my house and I read a couple of emails I have received. No names - just some of the unbelievable tragic stories. I hope that doesn't offend whoever's email I might have read - but as I said, no names, addresses, nothing too revealing, just the story. The story is happening over and over and over all over the place. If the average person can just put a face to the situation going on, then it becomes personal and starts to touch the heart and soul in a way that does not happen with the generalizations that you see in the news.
I am only adding this for those that may be skeptical about my intentions, or who I am, or why I'm doing this. It never started out to be anything more than just an offering to the community - as small as it may be - to give a moment of refreshing, a time to let go of the stuff that is going on in so many individual's lives.
I am not very good at talking in front of cameras, so if you watch it tonight, well, in "real person" I am a very much more relaxed individual. They are showing on the 10:00 oclock news.
Anyway, I thought about the number of people that have replied and the fact that I invited some of the community I live - and figured I better go back and get more hamburger buns! Lol.
ben
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Ben I saw your story on the news tonight. I think it is wonderful what you are doing. I know how it feels to ask for help for the first time and not want to. It is very humiliating. This was the very first time I have ever lost a job and everything else with it. My car,almost my home and most of all my dignity. I just want to thank you so much for caring and helping. I am used to being the one to help others,even as small as it was. Now I can't do that. Not having transportation or anything. Thanks again for what you are doing.
ReplyDeleteHi Ben. Saw the story and went to find the craigslist ad to RSVP. Haven't found it, and I read your posts here and have found no way of contacting you other than commenting.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a very interesting idea and as a person who is losing their home on April 10th after being out of work for a year, it would be nice to have something fun to focus on for once.
Could you link the craigslist ad or post an e-mail to RSVP to? Thank you.
Hi folks:
ReplyDeleteCopy and paste this number: 1088822370 into the search field on Craigslist and it will bring up my ad. Reply to that ad - I prefer not to give out my email address on here.
Sorry to hear about the personal losses - your stories are going on all over America a million times over. I don't know of anyone that has job security right now - it might exist, I just don't know anyone personally that can say that.
Anyway, I'll get back to you later today if you reply to that ad.
ben
Ben I tried to copy and paste that number on craigslist but it kept saying it couldn't find it. My email addy is ltlredpepper@msn.com if you could send me the party info. Thankyou
ReplyDeleteBen, are you accepting donations? Through PayPal or something? I would love to make a contribution as you are doing such a wonderful thing for the community.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Peggysue.white@gmail.com
http://www.abc15.com/content/financialsurvival/azstories/story/Phoenix-Craigslist-ad-offers-free-dinner-to/M7TAN5CaMEKHX9tNItW8SQ.cspx
ReplyDeleteKristine: got your email and have replied.
ReplyDeleteltlredpepper@msn.com - also sent you an email.
Peggy: I'm not going to sit here and say I will turn down anything someone might want to do. One man who wrote a comment on an earlier post sent a small gift and it's going totally towards this party. I just don't want this to come off as anything other than what I said it's going to be: a free party that is for everyone that RSVP's and I don't expect anyone to bring anything if they don't want to, can't, or otherwise just have no ability to do so.
I also sent you an email.
Thanks!
Anonymous: Thanks for posting the link to the video and the story.
ben
Hi Ben,
ReplyDeleteI just saw your story on the news here in L.A. and I instantly turned to my computer to send you a message. What you're doing is absolutely wonderful, and I'd love to send you a donation.
Thank you so much,
Becky
Rebecca.Ellison@BCDTravel.com
hi Ben. blessings to you! how can we send donations?
ReplyDeleteMy email is melonie.obella@gmail.com
It's a wonderful thing you are doing Ben.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless You and God bless America!
Hello Ben, I live in Mesa and would love to donate. Please email me at angelag1977@hotmail.com with what I could do to help out. Thank you and God Bless
ReplyDeleteHey Ben~Hands down you're doing a great job. If you ever need a helping hand with prep, cooking, and clean up let me know. My comment link should direct you to my blog/email. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteHi Ben, I found out about your dinner for unemployed too late. Great idea and I admire your kind generosity. I'm willing to volunteer my help next time. --- Jeanette
ReplyDeleteGood for you Ben! It's nice to make a difference.
ReplyDelete