Thursday, September 22, 2011

Operation Julie's Smile

Hello Bloggeritas.  The crafting community is similar to any other community.  It can be cliquish and sometimes intimidating.  BUT...the bright side is for every negative encounter you have, there are 100 positive encounters!  I know you're thinking...isn't the title of this post "Operation Julie's Smile"?  Yes, it is.  I'm getting to that part.

So, yeah, like I was saying...

One day, I had a really "Debbie Downer" experience with another crafter.  My crafty heart was broken.  And in the same day, I received a comment from Julie Ranae, of Julie's Open Window.  You probably know her as the Creator and DT Coordinator of CAS-ual Fridays challenge blog, the Creator and DT Coordinator for The Play Date Cafe, DT Coordinator for Lil' Inker, DT Coordinator for the Sweet Stamp Shop, Designer for the Craft's Meow, Senior DT member for Market Street Stamps, DT Coordinator for The Twinery.  LOL!  If you're a paper crafter...you know her from SOMEWHERE...trust me.

So, again, back to my story...she commented on my card and told me that she liked my crafting style and that she was adding me to her "New blogs that you should visit" coloumn on her blog!  I could have died.  I think I did die for a split second! In that instant she restored my confidence and helped push me onward.  Whenever I achieve anything in the paper craft world, she gives me a shout out on her FB page.  She even encourages me when I'm not feeling like one of the cool crafting kids. 

She doesn't have to be geniune and personable.  But...she is.  She doesn't have to be supportive and encouraging.  But...she it.  Therefore, I would like for you to help her out!  Please read the rest of this post and do what you can to support.  I have a donation button in the upper right hand corner of my blog.  Please give what you can.

Many may know that a few weeks ago, Julie Ranae had to have emergency oral surgery resulting in the removal of her two front teeth. The dentist at that time believed the best course of action would be to remove the rest of her teeth and replace them with permanents. Relieved at finding a solution to her major dental problem, she visited the office for dental surgery. Unfortunately, it wasn't the visit she was expecting. After the consultation and scheduling the surgery, the surgeon's office informed her that she would need to bring $4000 back to the appointment with her and they would proceed. This amount would not include the 'dentures' she would need as well.

Here Julie is today, sitting without front teeth that were pulled with the belief that they would be replaced immediately. This has been an overwhelming experience for our dear friend and one that I hope our creative community can help with.

Join us beginning October 7th for a blog hop to benefit Julie called 'Operation Julie's Smile'. There are a variety of companies and design teams who will be participating in this hop to help raise funds for this benefit.

So far, nearly $1000 in prizes have been donated by the participating companies and we expect this will only increase as our hop date draws near! Both participants and those who donate will be eligible to win the fabulous prizes.

Operation Julie's Smile is now accepting designers/teams who would like to be a part of the benefit hop. If you are interested in getting involved in this creative fundraising event, please contact Nicole Rixon at nicolehrixon@gmail.com The deadline to be
a part of the hop is Wednesday, Sept 28th.

See you starting October 7th and thank you in advance for your support!



2 comments:

Julie Ranae said...

Awww Rochelle...I had no idea of that story. I am just so glad that I was in the right place at the right time to be of encouragement. Even with that L.O.N.G. list of things I do (which made ME exhausted reading it) I always want to find time to encourage another crafter...another friend.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting this on your blog...and I can't wait to share a new smile with you!

Just me... said...

Rochelle, This is just about one of *the* nicest posts I have read in regards to OJS! It's beyond words the kindness you've shown by writing this... I appreciate your willingness to help and post... you'll be one of the reasons that Julie will be able to smile the way she wants to! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Big Hugs, Nicole Rixon