For the Love of Abigail: September 2012

Friday, September 21, 2012

Flower Power!

Thanks to some purchases that have been made this week on our flower site and some direct donations, we are continuing to inch our way up on the thermometer. (FYI: Our total on the flower fundraising is more than listed online because we have manual orders to input separately) We're getting very close to having raised $1000 so far!! I encourage you to take a look at the flower site and see if you see anything you like for fall planting! They have tons of options and also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Not to mention, they are very generous with the portion that comes to us. We get a full 50% of every purchase! Right now, they are also offering a free gift when you place an order of at least $40. Thanks so much to everyone showing your love and support! We will be sure Abigail always knows that you were a part of bringing her home!

Our Flower Fundraiser!

Monday, September 10, 2012

Thank you!

Thank you so very much to those of you who have been praying for us and have shown your support in the first 2 weeks since we announced our plans to adopt! We still have a very long way to go but we're very excited and thankful to have raised 1/10 (or $800) of our initial goal ($8000). Once we have the $8000, we will be able to get the process rolling and start applying for grants.

Please know that we have been putting money in the account right along with you as often as we possibly can and we will continue to contribute ourselves as much as possible! Benson also plans to rev up his garden design business this fall to help! Thanks again to everyone! Please help us keep up the momentum through your prayers and support. The next financial goal we're looking for short term is to reach $1000! We still have a long ways to go but with God and all of our awesome friends and family, we know we'll get there in His perfect timing!!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Fair trade Coffee with a Cause

We're very excited to have partenered with "Just Love Coffee" in our fundraising efforts!

The Story

Just Love Coffee represents a labor of love for those who roast it and drink it. In the spring of 2009, Rob and his wife, Emily, added to their family of 4 by adopting from Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee. Rob, who had a long-time desire to start his own coffee roasting company, began to read about the conditions and wages of the average coffee farmer there.

At the same time, the Webb’s searched for a way to raise funds to help offset their adoption costs. Along the journey, two unique ideas merged -- was there a way to marry the need for fundraising with a coffee roasting company? Not just any coffee roasting company, but one that produced specialty coffee that was sustainable, high quality, and comparable to only the finest coffees in the world.

The idea took shape; Rob would use the high quality coffee to help families raise money through their own customizable online storefronts. Also, a portion of the proceeds of the coffee purchased through the main website would go towards an orphanage in need in Ethiopia. Thus, Just Love Coffee Roasters was born. From there, the mission of Just Love Coffee has extended to include fundraising for benevolent organizations, schools, families with children who have medical needs, and other causes.

So... when you choose to purchase coffee from our link at www.justlovecoffee.com/abigail , you are not only helping support us in our adoption fundraising but you're helping many others in the process!

Famous Adoptions: Lesson 3

Did you know that... Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, Melissa Gilbert was adopted at birth by Ed Gilbert and Barbara Crane, both Hollywood actors. Ed Gilbert died when Melissa was 11, and Michael Landon, who played her father on television, became a surrogate father to her. Melissa's brother Jonathan Gilbert, who portrayed Willie Oleson on Little House was also adopted. Melissa continues to act, mostly in made-for-TV movies, and she served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 2001 to 2005.

Famous Adoptions: Lesson 5

Did you know that... Dave Thomas, the founder of fast-food restaurant giant Wendy's, was given up for adoption at 6 weeks of age. After his adoptive mother's death when he was 5, his father moved around the country seeking work. Dave spent time in Michigan with his grandmother, Minnie Sinclair, whom he credited with teaching him the importance of service and treating others well and with respect, lessons that helped him in his future business life. Thomas left high school in the tenth grade to work full-time at a restaurant. After a stint in the army, Thomas moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he opened his first Wendy's restaurant in 1969. He would later found the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to promote adoption law simplification and reduce adoption costs in the United States.

Famous Adoptions: Lesson 7

Did you know that... Aristotle, son of Nicomachus, physician to King Amyntas II was adopted? His parents died when he was still a very young boy and he was brought up by a guardian, Proxenus, who sent him to Plato's academy in Athens about 367. He spent 20 years there and eventually founded his own academy. His writings have claimed a great place in the History of Western Philosophy and Science, and until the Renaissance they formed a major part of all European education. He was also appointed tutor to the future Alexander the Great. His first wife was Pythias, niece and adoptive daughter of his patron, King Hermeias of Atarneus and Assos. He later adopted Nicanor of Stagirus, Proxenus' son, who also married his daughter.

For the Love of Abigail