Another Plea

Hello friends.

You may remember my post from last week about the Chase Community Giving contest that the wonderful non-profit at which I work, Erasing the Distance, is currently competing in. Well, here's an update: WE ARE SO CLOSE TO WINNING!

In order to win the $25,000 for our organization, we must gather enough votes to be in the Top 100 charities when the contest ends at exactly 11:59AM EST Nov. 22nd. (Chase ain't screwing around, people. They are nothing if not specific.) Currently, we are hovering right around the 100th spot. Sometimes we are higher, sometimes lower. Rankings change constantly as votes continue to come in. As you can imagine, this is a very nerve-wracking position in which to be. If we were, say, around 75th place or so, then maybe we could relax a little bit. Conversely, if we were around 130th, we might start resigning ourselves for the inevitable. But bouncing back and forth over the divider line that determines whether we receive $25,000 to help continue to shed light on mental health issues through theatre or whether we end up empty-handed is excruciating.

The support we have received has been tremendous. YOU, my lovely readers, have been tremendous. We've also received some exciting coverage about our contest participation on the web. Click on some of the links below to check it out:

FitPerez.com

OakPark.com

MakeItBetter.net

TribuneLocal.com

WantADumpsterBaby.com

GenwithaG.com

But our work is not done. We have to continue to spread the word. There are only a few days left in the contest, and I truly believe we can make this happen. But I need your help.

Please continue to encourage everyone you know to vote. Send them this blog post. Point them towards our website, which has all the information you need on exactly how to vote. Explain that we are not asking for money; only a couple minutes of time. Reach out to co-workers, colleagues, and acquaintances with specific requests: Can I distribute information at work? Would you blog about this? Can you post info on your Facebook page/send info in an e-newsletter/email your own contacts? Reach out beyond your closest circle of friends and loved ones. Include people you normally wouldn't think to ask for a favor. I have been pleasantly surprised by some of the people who have been my strongest supporters through this. Give all the people in your life a chance to surprise YOU.

I believe that most people want to be of help - to their neighbors, their friends, and their community - and they simply don't always know how to go about it. Helping Erasing the Distance win this contest is an easy, quick and cost-free way to support a charitable organization and positively impact so many lives. I have personally seen the amazing work Erasing the Distance has done over the last six years, and a $25,000 grant will go a very, very long way toward helping us continue to use the power of performance to disarm stigma, spark dialogue, educate, and promote healing surrounding issues of mental health.

Thank you so very much for your help everybody! Together, we can do this!