Extending thanks

Say hello to Stella's first cousin twice removed! If you ask me, they look like identical twins, but what do I know--it's been awhile since I've seen her...

Earlier today, I finished what at one point seemed to be a never-ending project: thank-you cards (have I spoken too soon?). It was certainly no small expense of time or money. Part of me feels like I have been writing thank you cards for months on end for this tour (perhaps because I have). But yet it is necessary. One donor in particular was flattered, having never before received a thank-you card from a "guy." Apparently most guys don't believe in writing them.

Even though I have thanked sixty donors individually, and knowing that I will forget someone, allow me now to take the opportunity to extend my thanks to ALL who made this tour possible for me. In particular, I am thankful for all who made the Benefit Recital happen last week. To a casual observer, the events after church at Rondout Valley United Methodist Church in Stone Ridge may have seemed simple enough: a meal for forty people (instead of coffee hour), followed by an hour of music. But the preparation for those events was huge. And I can't take credit for most of it. My two collaborators were from nowhere nearby. But we made it work. Barbara Pickhardt, my accompanist and former piano teacher, is from Woodstock, about a forty-five minute drive from the church. Enid Blount Press, my former clarinet teacher, is from New York City. I made the effort to go to both Woodstock and New York City to rehearse with each of them individually. But for the recital, they are the ones who had to travel. Whereas Barbara made her own way to RVUMC, my father picked up Enid at the train station in Poughkeepsie during church. Perhaps unbeknownst to the casual observer, Enid did not just magically appear. Dad, your dream of becoming a taxi driver in your next life is starting to come true in this one. :)

While I helped to set up the tables in the Jones Room of the church the day before the luncheon, in the course of my clarinet warm-ups on the morning of the recital, I walked out to find fancy tablecloths and table settings in place. Not only that, but Kathryn had beautifully and meticulously arranged the card table with the CDs, DVDs, and jewelry. The items on the table didn't just appear out of nowhere. My mom, Kathryn, and I (to a very limited extent) spent hours on end duplicating the recordings, creating covers, and cutting them to fit perfectly inside the cases. Neither did the jewelry just appear out of nowhere. My friend Swapna Kollu spent the bulk of an entire weekend forming and baking the jewelry just for this occasion. The recital program was also a large undertaking which I created but which my mom and Kathryn produced, along with a "Fast Facts" insert for those who were not able to attend the luncheon.

In terms of the actual food prepared, my part was easy. I just had to advertise the potluck within the church, and food magically appeared. And frankly, I didn't even really do the advertising. All I did was create a facebook event; my mom did the rest. Thanks to her efforts, roughly sixty-five were able to attend--a full house for those of you who have seen the sanctuary in RVUMC. After giving my talk during the luncheon on micro-credit and the bike tour, I held a quick dress rehearsal to hold with Enid and Barbara. I have no idea what happened when I was gone; all I know is that when I came back for the dessert reception, the Jones Room was clean. I'm sorry to say that I don't even know who to thank...I'd imagine many people!

Through the collective efforts of all who helped, the audience's generosity exceeded my wildest expectations. To be honest, I had my doubts that many people would actually show up in the first place. After all, I hardly invited anyone. Even if they did show up, I had my doubts that they would contribute. The state of the economy supports that claim, as well as the fact that the most donations are not tax-deductible in the U.S. since Global Agents for Change is a Canadian non-profit organization. And even if they did contribute, I had my doubts that the toal amount raised would all add up to the remaining $750 I had to raise in order to participate in the bike tour. Though I didn't necessarily ever state these fears out loud, the thought had certainly crossed my mind, "what do I do if it doesn't all add up?" I am happy to say that I never had to seriously consider that question, because through the generosity of all who were in attendance--and even some who had to leave before the recital, $939 was raised for the organization, as well as $200 to help cover personal expenses!

It is in this attitude of gratitude that I am headed off to bed. After all, what else is there left to do? My blog post is nearly complete, my bags are packed, and the required money has been raised. The time is come. After months of preparation, I leave tomorrow morning for orientation in Vancouver. I know not the road that lies before me, but I know that it will be a road of adventure, surprises, hardship, and fun. Glad to have you on board for the ride!