Tuesday, September 26, 2006

The Christmas Challenge

That's right folks. I know the a/c's have barely stopped running (if at all) and I'm already talking about Christmas. Well, if you don't mind, it is for a very good cause. Please help spread the word.

Our kind and gracious neighbors over at LaVergne Blog want to bring our attention to a Christmas charity that Bob Parks Realty does every year. Mrs. Kathy T. has requested your help. I want to go one step farther and let the businesses of Middle Tennessee know that if they donate money or toys to this initiative we will give you mention on our November Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcaster's Group Meeting Podcast and will post a special Thank You Middle Tennessee page for all the businesses that participated right here on the Smyrna Blog.

This year this blog has received more than 24,000 visits. Now, ask yourself how much is it worth? I can tell you that today we had an opportunity to run a banner ad on a site for $1800 for one year and it was one click away from the home page. I'm offering you one click away for a mere donation to the charitable cause.

Donate to the cause and you'll get:
  • Mention on one of the best Middle Tennessee Podcasts
  • Year long link to your website (if you have one) on this blog
  • Phone Number, Address and contact information listed on this website all year long
So, take note of the call to action below and let's help some kids out!

Christmas May be Cancelled

Although it isn't yet Halloween - and even as we're getting ready for the awesome Trail of Treats - it's starting to look like Christmas may be cancelled this year for about 120-200 children from LaVergne and Smyrna.

Some background. Every year, Bob Parks Realty hosts Christmas parties throughout middle Tennessee for children who have been identified by school counselors as being in need of some extra support from the community. In the past, we have raised enough money to buy each child a set of clothing (including gloves, hats, and coats) and a toy. Many parents request that the children not open their gifts at the party because otherwise they won't have anything to open Christmas morning.

We need to raise $14,000 each year to make this possible. At this time, we've only raised $4,000. We've received support in LaVergne from one insurance agency (thank you Ernie Dunbar) and that's it. I am posting this to give our local bus inesses the opportunity to step up to the plate and make this event happen this year for the children of LaVergne and Smyrna who are not as fortunate as other kids.

If you read this and you own a company or work at a company, please please please be generous. Give us $10. Give us $100. Give us $1000. Ask your bosses if they can help. Pass the hat around the office if the company is unwilling to step-up and see if your colleagues can.

If you have any questions or you would like to make a tax-free contribution, you are welcome to contact me at 491-2161. If you don't want to talk to me, call my office and talk to my broker John Mayfield or our office manager Debbie Bricco at 459-4040. But please help. This is not for my company or for me. It's for our kids in this community. Can you help, LaVergne? Thank you.

Can you help, Middle Tennessee?

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