I will make this short and sweet.
By now, many of you know about Brenda’s recent hardships. You probably also know that I’ve set up a GoFundMe account for her, located in my sidebar. If you’re not familiar with Brenda’s story, here’s an excerpt from her GoFundMe account:
‘My name is Doreen and I’m creating this GoFundMe account on behalf of a friend.
A friend I’ve never met.
Allow me to explain.
About three years ago I stumbled upon Brenda’s blog, ‘Cozy Little House’ . Like many home and garden blogs, Brenda provided practical and useful advice. But her blog was different. Brenda’s writing was compelling. So much so that after discovering it I spent the next two weeks reading EVERY. SINGLE. POST…all 500+ of them…something I had never done before nor since.
Brenda’s life, one which she shares openly, reads like a novel and is proof positive that truth is stranger than fiction. She writes from the heart and shares her unbelievable true-life stories with her readers. By doing so, she has helped many come out of darkness and depression.
As a baby, she was sold by her mother and raised in less than ideal circumstances. She spent her youth with families that didn’t want her. She found herself pregnant, alone, and nearly homeless at 17, but somehow managed to fight her way out of what seemed like a hopeless situation.’
To read the rest of the story, go here.
Many of you reading this have blogs. I would love it if you would put the GoFundMe donate button on your blog, and maybe write a quick post about it too. If you’re on Blogger, here are the instructions as provided to me:
1) Sign into your blogger account
2) Click on your blog name to go to the dashboard
3) Click on the Layout tab
4) Click “Add Gadget” where you would like the widget to appear. Here is a screenshot: http://screencast.com/t/Go2KWrnCZavj
5) Select the “HTML/JavaScript” gadget pictured here: http://screencast.com/t/wfrSw5y9uS
6) Choose a Title and copy and paste the code there before pressing “Save”
Here is the code you need:
<a target=”_blank” style=”border:none;” href=”http://www.gofundme.com/vg36h4?utm_medium=wdgt” title=”Visit this page now.”><img style=”border:none;” src=”https://funds.gofundme.com/css/3.0_donate/green/widget.png”></a>
And that’s it! Your widget will now appear on the blog.
If you’re on WordPress like I am, just use the same code and add a text widget. If you have any questions or issues, let me know.
I know many of you either don’t have Twitter or Facebook accounts, or you’re like me and rarely use them. How about making an exception and sharing this on whatever social media accounts you have that are active? Now is not the time to be shy or complacent. Nothing much will happen if we don’t work together, but if we do, anything is possible.
Can you imagine how awesome it would be if we helped Brenda realize her dream?? For years she has helped many of us, giving unselfishly of her time and expertise. Now it’s our turn to give back.
Let’s make this happen!
Sharing At
Candace says
Doreen – Thank you for setting up the GoFundMe for Brenda. I only just recently found her blog, and wow – I can’t imagine going through all that she’s been through. Wishing her the best.
Mo says
A lot of us have been through bad things and things always work out.
Terry Bryson says
I donated..but had trouble..your widget seems empty..the only way I got to the fund page is by clicking “here”. It says help brenda..but nothing us clickable. Thanks
Doreen says
Thank for letting me know Terry. You’re right. It does look like the widget is gone. I will try to fix it. Thank you for donating!
Cecilia says
Doreen,
You have such a sweet spirit. I agree no one should have to worry about the future. As soon as I get to a secure server, I will help.
Kelly says
This is such a generous thing to do for Brenda. She has always been a great friend to me and helped me with my blog. I’m not very good with technical things (on the computer) so she has graciously helped me out whenever I needed it. I will definitely return the favor. I will add that button to my sidebar too.
Doreen says
Thank you Kelly! If it’s not too much to ask, perhaps you can mention that it’s there in your next post? I’m afraid it might go unnoticed otherwise.
xxx
Sally says
Doreen, I’ve added to the Go Fund Me Account for Brenda. I admire her and have much respect for her. She is such an intelligent woman.
I got an E-mail that said my account would be charged monthly?m I love Brenda, but I can’t afford this every month? Do t I have to approve it? Please let me know. The monthly charges, I mean. I happily donate to Brenda!
Sally says
Doreen, never mind, I figured it out!!
Mary says
If possible, may I have her mailing address? I have read Brenda’s blog for years. I cannot wait each day to see and read it. She is like an old friend. Been with her through ups and downs. I have always wanted to send her something but didn’t know how or where to send it. Thank you so much. Blessings. Mary Ann B.
Al says
My curiosity is sparked. You speak (write) so highly of her blog that I have to go check it out.
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, I wasn’t sure what you meant about the strawberries story. Could you explain it to me through e-mail? Thanks.
~Sheri
rue says
Hi Doreen 🙂 I also had problems with the widget, but I went on the site and got this code:
and it worked.
You are wonderful to have done this.
xo,
rue
rue says
Well I guess that didn’t work LOL
Doreen says
Thanks for trying Rue…not sure why it’s not working. I tried it in my phone and iPad and had no issues.
Try this link Rue and let me know how it goes.
http://www.gofundme.com/vg36h4
Sandy says
You are so thoughtful to begin this account for Brenda. Like you, 4 years ago I found her blog and began reading all of the past blogs. Fortunately, God has blessed me and it’s time to pay forward. Thank you so much for this chance to help a fellow blogger. May God bless you.
Doreen says
That’s very kind of you Sandy! Blessings to you as well!