Just trying to do something positive......

Honestly, I am really just a person who would like to do something good for Northwest and the kids here. I have worked so extremely hard since March of '07 when we launched Jacob's Gift to create a charity that I can be proud of. A charity that can give back to our youth.

I blog about where our money goes but do not put out large press releases. We have privately donated to families in need. Most recently a single mom with 2 children working two jobs. We have made it possible to have family friendly events where parents come together with their children. We have made it possible for countless numbers of students to volunteer at safe events supervised by me to show them what it means to give back.

I am currently working with 3 other non-profit charities to help them with their fundraising by sharing all my documents I've used for our Night at the Races as well as getting theirs up and running. I'm helping a mom at Children's Hospital go through what may end up the loss of her baby in the NICU.

I am passionate about what I do and I love it. Why someone would pay for an ad which questions my charity about a donation to Code Red is beyond me. Why this person failed to contact my treasurer or myself about this donation is beyond me. Why this person is accusing my charity of being some kind of "front" for the school to donate to Code Red is beyond me. I donated to Code Red because saving our schools is important to our youth. The school was kind enough to host my fund and help get me off and running. I do not have separate checks that say Jacob's Gift. Our money is separate from the school's. Our money is private donations only, no taxpayer dollars.

I was so completely disheartened when I read this paid advertisement that appeared in the Independent yesterday. I will never write the persons name here, they don't deserve my keystroke.

My good Catholic friend Julie Barkey has always told me, "Where there is good, the devil will show up". It is so true but I will not be deterred. I know what we are doing in our son's memory is such a positive thing. I know when I take girls up to Children's to paint memory boxes for parents who have babies in the NICU, it's a wonderful thing. I know when we can have events like the dance on Feb. 21st and seeing all those kids dressed up with their parents, it's a wonderful thing.

I sincerely thank all my wonderful friends in this community who have been so supportive especially these last 2 days. I have truly made some awesome friendships.

I will continue to support Northwest and will vote Yes Tuesday.

Peace, love and joy to all (at least all who are nice people),

Joanna