Thank you!

As our nation and people around the globe continue to grieve the loss of young lives, I offer a bit of good news and a ton of gratitude…

Through the generosity of this blog’s readers, several hundred dollars was raised this year (assuming all pledges are donated) to Santa’s Cause, a non-profit organization in York County that operates with no overhead or administrative expenses.

Santa’s Cause focuses on children who are in state custody or temporary foster homes, ensuring that each of these children will receive a gift during this season of giving. I am proud of all of you who donated…no amount was too small.

I decided to auction what I describe as the last package of Twinkies in Maine. Though dozens of people donated in varying amounts, the single-largest donation came from Grady and Suzanne Sexton, the owner’s of Grady’s Television and a couple that I am proud to call my friends.

Congratulations, Grady and Sue! I will personally deliver your Twinkies tomorrow morning! (I’m sure they are still yummy)

As you wrap up your last-minute Christmas shopping, you may want to consider a donation to Santa’s Cause. Visit their website here and donate online. A pink sweater, a curling iron, some new underwear. Those are the items on these wish lists.

Or you could stop by the Biddeford Wal-Mart on Friday, between noon and three and throw some money into the Salvation Army bucket for a chance to watch me ring bells in the cold. Either way, you will be taking action to make a child’s life brighter, and what could be better than that?

P.S. A special thanks to my friends at the Bangor Daily News, the Portland Daily Sun and Maine Public Broadcasting for the added publicity and public awareness!