Mike, here in Lexington we have an organization called B.A.W.L. Bluegrass Animal Wefare League. It is a free spay neuter program for low income pet owners that also does a humane education for schools...sort of like a weekly reader program with environmental and animal issues discussed. The program is provided free for over 800 kids in Fayette County Kentucky schools. My office manager is treasurer of the group. I am one of the primary sponsors. I supplied cameras and printers for their pictures with Santa (or Easter Bunny, or whatever), regular cash donations, and play jobs where the client writes a check to B.A.W.L. That way, it is tax deductible as a donation.


But, my focus here is doing things with my friends in their area. That's why, if you send me the exact name of the organization, and your address, I'll mail you a check to deliver to your chosen group in your area. It will either be January 1 or April 1, at the latest, depending on several other pending responses.

Chas, I'll be glad to send you the check for our musician buddies and the New Orleans Habitat project that is involved. That will be January 1.

So glad that you and I can do a little thing like this together. And, it's really generous that you are making a contribution.

Thanks, folks. I need one more group to complete my little program through April 1, 2009. I'll let you know when we need additional suggestions for this small but important (to me, for sure) program. I'm thinking seriously of increasing the program to include donations of $300.00 a month, vs the current $300 per quarter, which I have already increased slightly when ideal groups popped up.


Isn't it great that people who have never met in person are making a small difference in the lives of people who really need assistance all over the country (world, really-counting our Monk friend suggested by Taike)? And, best of all, we're doing it together. For me, that's really what friendship is all about.

In appreciation,

Russ Lay



[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 09-26-2008).]