Thankful for people who DO good stuff about bad stuff

First, Maureen Johnson.

Shortly after the news about Japan came out, Maureen jumped into action. She asked people on Twitter to donate to Shelterbox. Then, she told people if they donated, they'd be entered to win a copy of her new book. So other people said, "Hey! I'll donate a book too!" So more people started donating money. And then when that happened, more people started donating books! And it was this amazing thing! In just a few days, Maureen raised $14,202! You can read about it HERE.

Second, this CUTE (sorry) guy, Victor Kim, in LA. Here's what he says about the video below. Please read, watch and share. :)
For every 1,000,000 views that this video gets, I will donate another $600. I will take screenshots again and post on my site http://www.higatv.com for proof, when it happens. People keep saying "why don't you just donate the money instead of trying to get people to view it?" My biggest strength right now is that I'm fortunate enough to have a following. The purpose of this video was not only to support Japan myself, but to encourage others as well. I could have easily donated the money and not made a video about it, but I think its a lot more important to get support from all over the world. I personally can't donate a million dollars, but if millions of people watch this and decide to chip in, it is possible... I'm just trying to help in the best way that I can.
Money Donated so far: $1250
3/14 - $600 (honk!)
3/16 - $650 (1 million views)



Third, Greg Fishbone.

Greg is the NESCBWI conference organizer this year. He also has a little kid. So we know how busy he is already. But when he heard about the authors in the U.K. who'd organized an auction to raise money for Japan, he felt bad he'd missed the chance to help out. So he started his own auction. If you want to donate, or bid, please check the details here: http://kidlit4japan.wordpress.com/ In one day Greg set up a Web site, and a Twitter account (Follow @kidlit4japan) and people began donating like crazy.

I know we all WANT to help. Sometimes, it just takes an amazing person like one of these three people to lead us. Because just like Victor said, it's not just about writing a check. It's about raising awareness. So THANK YOU for taking the reins when things get rough and we need a leader to wave their hands and say,"Over here! I have a plan!" And thank you for being awesome role models. For having big hearts. For believing in the goodness of others. And caring enough to take action.

Yes. That's what I'm thankful for today.

And to every one else who not only gives, but says "Hey! I have this great idea to bring people together to do something amazing." And then they DO IT. Wow. Thanks people! I love you!