Slidell, Louisiana
Post Hurricane Katrina
When a community comes together - it can be good, amazingly, heart-wrenchingly good. Our little Yard Sale idea sounded like a loser to some folks but people with such thoughts simply do not know what a group of people can accomplish when the right emotional buttons are touched. Apparently, we touched those buttons and more - we made $5097 in one day!
A lot of effort was made by many but it all perfectly came together with fun, enthusiasm and shear delight! Our newly refurbished trailer which reflects the efforts of so many generous people was on display. People just fell in love with the trailer and its purpose and embraced the cause with their own generous support.
Dave Zarse from Continental RV donated his time to install some new trailer parts that were desperately needed. Steve Castro, our painting contractor neighbor, saved the day the last minute and repainted the outside of the trailer a mellow yellow color that Pontchartrain folks requested. Karen Gallo of Luca Signs donated part of the making of a wonderful banner for the Pontchartrain Humane Society so they can put up the banner when they have animal adoption events at shopping malls.
The effort of Brad Ebersol is unspeakable. He and David gutted the whole inside of the trailer and reconstructed the inside siding with over 60 hours of sweat and tears. As for me, Micki, I thought one coat of paint on the inside would "do it." Alias, this was another of the delusions of grandeur that have plagued me my entire life. This one was a "four coats of paint required" delusion but the result is amazing.
David created a new melamine bench and table that gives the interior a clean, fresh look. Six stainless steel cages donated by the Southern Arizona Humane Society in Tucson were fitted inside. We kept the original green-checked floor that will not show much dirt but helps create a very homey, retro feel.
There are so many people to thank - the donations are still rolling in - the trailer will almost be filled once we're packed and ready to go. A huge thank you to all of the volunteers at the Yard Sale - there were so many, what a great group of people in our community. They all had better things to do, they didn't need to add this to their list, but they came, they worked, they shared, and laughed. So many people it just boggles my mind! Thank you all! We had some bills to pay, but a check for $3000 will go to Pontchartrain Humane Society. The realities of our collective efforts - volunteer and cut rate - include four new tires, axel greased, bearings packed, lights, skylights, paint, melamine, plywood and an extended tow bar. Best of all, we all feel good that we are providing a free space that will help them tremendously in the future adoptions of their staggering amount of homeless animals still left behind.
Just two days before departure...
And the story continues...
Micki Voisard
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