Wheels For Henry

Henry Has Almost Got His Wheels!

2010-07-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

Wheels for Henry has been lying dormant since the valiant efforts of one Mary Hayward and the 50+ crafters and friends who helped us raise over $4,000 last winter! That left us about $15,500 shy of our goal, a daunting figure that I had to walk away from for a bit while I dealt with more pressing matters. Several months later and I've got a bigger kid in a considerably bigger wheelchair and the same sardine can car, which has really put a damper on our gadding about town.

The recent state budget cuts have lit a fire underneath me though. The sad and scary fact of the matter is that we could lose all the supports we've had for the past year or so (including $$ for the conversion part of the van) in the next fiscal year, so we need to use it or quite possibly lose it. At the same time I also discovered that the full cost of the conversion is not covered as I was previously advised, which set us back another $6,500. But here's the good news: I've found a really nice 2006 Toyota Sienna with a used conversion and a family member has graciously agreed to co-sign a loan for the balance, so it looks like we should have a van sometime this month!

This is going to leave me with a hefty monthly payment, but rather than wait until we have every penny I've decided to take a leap of faith and trust that it will come together as needed (and my back can't really wait any longer). We're looking into setting up a Wheels for Henry night at a local restaurant, perhaps we'll do another online craft sale, and maybe if I can pull it off, a big dance party/benefit!

I'll keep you *posted*

xChloe

P.S. Photo courtesy of Henthorn. Please note: this is not our van but it is still pretty awesome!

Quick Update!

2009-11-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

With 35 out of 56 vendors reporting we've received over $1500 from the benefit bazaar! Combine that with contributions from individuals and we've raised over $4000! Our current goal is now approximately $15,500! Stay tuned for future fund-raising efforts.

P.S. If you want to make a contribution through PayPal, please mark it as a gift -- that way they don't take a chunk out of it as they do with donations and payments.

What Kind of Wheels Does Henry Need?

2009-11-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

Over the past couple of weeks I've had a few well-meaning individuals contact me with alternative suggestions to solving our transportation dilemma, none of which was appropriate to the needs of our family. I realized that a little clarification on what we're aiming for and why would be helpful. While advice from a seasoned veteran is always welcome, sometimes there are just too many hidden factors for a person outside the family to understand their needs.

The cost of our van conversion is covered by a program Henry qualified for earlier this year, but it will not cover the cost of the actual vehicle. As a single parent who has only been able to return to work full time as of this past March, I am unable to finance this purchase. As far as I know there are no funding sources that will help with purchasing a vehicle, so we have turned to family, friends and the wider community to help us raise the funds.

Because the conversion is so costly, the vehicle needs to have a lot of life in it as well as suit our needs (safe, reliable, fuel efficient, long engine life) as we'll be driving it for a long time. I've narrowed the field down to a used Toyota Sienna or a Honda Odyssey. These are not the cheapest vehicles on the market, but they are the best fit for us. A good candidate for conversion would be a 2006-2009 model, in excellent condition, with less than 35,000 miles. If you know anyone with such a vehicle who wants to give us a sweet deal, send 'em our way!

So, while I could take the $5000+ we have raised and buy an old and out-of-date, gas guzzling converted van that doesn't fit our needs that might last a few years (and forgo the brand new, warranty covered conversion), or I could settle for a late model Dodge Caravan that, while significantly cheaper will have considerably less engine life, I'm thinking about the best use of our resources and the best solution for our needs in the long-term. That's going to require more $$ upfront but will save $$ down the line by reducing fuel, repair and replacement costs.

Dia de los Muertos

2009-11-02T00:37:00.000-08:00

My pal Shawn Gascoyne-Bowman organized a little fundraiser at Someday Lounge's Dia de los Muertos celebration today and raised $200 in donations to Wheels for Henry with her homemade sugar skulls! A parade featuring Lions of Batucada led by a caravan of hearses marched down 4th Ave. to Someday for indoor festivities where the kids went crazy with glitter glue pens decorating the sugar skulls.

When Shawn isn't making macabre crafts, homemade hula hoops, or hosting soirees, she does other cool stuff like promoting and celebrating kid's art and organizing fun cultural events. Her cool kids are often happily involved in her shenanigans (see above). Such a lively, lovely, and creative bunch! Thanks, guys!

2009-11-01T10:29:00.001-08:00

Thanks, Everyone!

2009-11-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

The Wheels for Henry online benefit bazaar is officially over but the Wheels will keep rolling until we meet our goal! Thank you to Mary Hayward of KitKnitty for organizing and running the show, Kate Bingaman-Burt for illustrations, plus all our vendors, shoppers and donors! We've raised over $2500 in 2 short weeks (and that's before vendors make their contributions)! More events are in the works, please get in touch if you have any bright ideas of your own!

Vendor Profile: sparklegarden

2009-10-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

sparklegarden

Shop description: Sparklegarden features artisan handmade precious metal and gemstone jewelry, personalized items such as guitar picks and pet id tags, bridal/bridesmaid jewelry, and dream necklaces.

Vendor Profile: Ayun Halliday

2009-10-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Ayun Halliday

Shop description: Dare to be Heinie! Read the East Village Inky! Ayun Halliday has been chronicling her family's daily life in NYC and beyond in this award winning, handwritten, hand illustrated zine for over a decade! If you've got 'em all (because you shop at Reading Frenzy, as well you should) or would prefer to upgrade Henry's ride via one of Ayun's self-mocking autobiographies (The Big Rumpus, No Touch Monkey, Job Hopper, and Dirty Sugar Cookies) or her recently published kid's book, Always Lots of Heinies at the Zoo, you can paypal her directly at ayun@ayunhalliday.com .

You can buy zines from her Etsy shop.

People can also paypal her directly to ayun@ayunhalliday.com

$3 per East Village Inky zine

In stock issues are 15-20, 22-27, 29-30,32-36, 38, 39, 41, 42

and/or

$15 per autographed book

The Big Rumpus
No Touch Monkey!
Job Hopper
Dirty Sugar Cookies
Always Lots of Heinies at the Zoo.

Check out her Amazon page to learn more about her books, but remember to buy them from her directly for the proceeds to go to Wheels For Henry.

Vendor Profile: Obsessive Consumption

2009-10-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

Obsessive Consumption

Shop description: Kate Bingaman-Burt makes her painfully mundane purchases, well, irresistible or at least gives us something to make us feel less self-conscious about how frequently we spend to fill the void.

Vendor Profile: Jill Bliss

2009-10-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

Jill Bliss

Shop description: Nature-inspired paper goods and fabric accessories

Vendor Profile: Little Cottage Pillows

2009-10-21T18:26:00.003-07:00

Little Cottage Pillows

Shop description: Decorative pillows using a variety of hand techniques including, dyeing, painting embroidery & quilting on organic cotton and filled with organic cotton fill.

Vendor Profile: Chet & Dot

2009-10-21T18:26:00.001-07:00

Chet & Dot

100 % of the money from the sale of this item will go to Wheels For Henry.

Vendor Profile: Bossa Nova Baby

2009-10-21T18:25:00.001-07:00

Bossa Nova Baby

Shop description: Vintage inspired clothing and accessories

Vendor Profile: Robot Candy

2009-10-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

Robot Candy

100 % of the money from the sale of this item will go to Wheels For Henry.

Vendor Profile: SNAP Design

2009-10-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

SNAP Design

Shop description: One of a kind hand-made shoulder bags, laptop cases, totes, accessories, date planners and more!

$1000 and Rising!

2009-10-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say that we've crossed the $1000 mark for donations in just one week ($1052.82 to be exact)! That's more than 5% of our goal and doesn't include any proceeds from the benefit bazaar! Donations from $5 to $500 have come from all over the country and as far away as the UK! I can't stop using exclamation points!!! Thank you!

Vendor Profile: Tripper Dungan

2009-10-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

Tripper Dungan

Shop description: My paintings are three dee when you look at them with chromadepth 3D glasses. Each piece comes with a complementary pair.

Vendor Profile: Discomedusa Design

2009-10-19T20:04:00.001-07:00

Discomedusa Design

Shop description: i am art school grad, retraining in microbiology, taking a little detour to enjoy being a parent and make jewelry for (some semblance of) a living! my designs alternate between an aesthetic i think of as 'industrial-organic' and clean modern lines.

Vendor Profile: Triple Threat

2009-10-19T20:03:00.006-07:00

Triple Threat

Shop description: Fun, vibrant fabric accessories with a frayed edge!

Vendor Profile: Jessi Taylor

2009-10-19T20:03:00.005-07:00

Jessi Taylor

Shop description: Everything you see here is handmade, individually, and that means that no two things are ever exactly the same, and nothing is "perfect". I love that!

Vendor Profile: Livvie Lee

2009-10-19T20:03:00.003-07:00

Livvie Lee

Shop description: My shop consists of some aprons, headbands, and skirts mostly for little girls.

Vendor Profile: Kenton Beadworks

2009-10-19T20:03:00.001-07:00

Kenton Beadworks

Shop description: Kenton Beadworks is a one woman shop. I have been creating handcrafted jewelry for over 10 years. Quality affordable jewelry is difficult to find; so I have started this endeavor for others like me who crave exceptional quality jewelry at an exceptional price.

Vendor Profile: Rumpos-Big Imagination

2009-10-19T20:02:00.002-07:00

Rumpos-Big Imaginations

Shop description: Rumpos sells mixed media playscapes for children depicting the natural world--small sourced and all natural fibers.

Vendor Profile: Auntie Rumpos

2009-10-19T20:02:00.001-07:00

Auntie Rumpos

Shop description: Auntie Rumpos sells housewares and personal goods handmade from vintage and small-sourced all-natural fibers.

Vendor Profile: boolah baguette

2009-10-18T19:52:00.007-07:00

boolah baguette

Shop description: Lovely things for babies and children - handmade from soft, mostly recycled fabrics.

Vendor Profile: Woolie Originals

2009-10-18T19:52:00.006-07:00

Woolie Originals

Shop description: Woolie Originals is donating a portion of their brick & mortar sales to Wheels For Henry. Please check out their website to see where to buy or to commission a work.

Vendor Profile: Una

2009-10-18T19:52:00.005-07:00

Una

Shop description: As with most creative endeavors, Una began as a brainchild. When the line eventually launched at the end of 2007, the idea was to stitch not-basic pieces in organic cotton or reclaimed fabric and then trim it with vintage buttons, lace, or a simple screen print. The other objective was to focus on small-scale, local production. For the most part, it's me. One girl. When I chose the name, Una, I selected it because in Spanish it is simply the female form of "one". But in Latin it also means "in one together". A much more powerful notion and not as lonely as I originally thought it might be. By producing and selling my pieces locally, I have had the opportunity to connect with the community on a more intimate level, meeting a lot of inspiring people along the way.
(It is after all, about the journey.)

Vendor Profile: Criminal Crafts

2009-10-18T19:52:00.004-07:00

Criminal Crafts

Shop description: Hip espionage and Pulp fiction crafts for the mayhem minded.

Vendor Profile: Two Sarahs

2009-10-18T19:52:00.003-07:00

Two Sarahs

Shop description: I make screenprints, etchings, and waxed screenprinted blocks. I like to use images of birds and animals, floating heads, teeth and bones, and the American Sign Language alphabet.

Vendor Profile: Sprouthead

2009-10-18T19:52:00.002-07:00

Sprouthead

Shop description: I make illustrated zines with poetry and writing, hand-made prints, bookplates, stationery, pins, and clothing. And for those in the Halloweeny mood, I've made some paper masks and I'm offering Inspiration Card Readings (like tarot readings) from a set of symbolic cards that I created.

Vendor Profile: Rags + Bones

2009-10-18T19:52:00.001-07:00

Rags + Bones

Shop description: I have a passion for crafting, a love of rummaging and a need to keep myself busy. My materials are primarily reclaimed, recycled, left over or otherwise unwanted. When I go out looking for materials, I always have certain things I look for but the real fun is stumbling upon something really great or unusual to work with. I never toss anything out without first thinking of the craft potential. I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Vendor Profile: Power and Light Press

2009-10-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

Power and Light Press

Shop description: Power and Light Press is born from a love of paper, type, and history, and inspired by overheard conversations, whiskey, the color brown, the Wild West, dogs, the wind, vintage office supplies, tiny things of all kinds, and beards, among other things.

We are a letterpress printing and design studio specializing in music packaging, posters, invitations, stationery, business cards, small handmade books, calendars, and other printed ephemera.

I try to work with scrap materials and paper as much as possible, and when larger paper is called for, I stick with recycled stock. As a maker of stuff, it is important to me to be aware of my own footprint and to tread as lightly as possible.

Vendor Profile: Phoebe Owens

2009-10-18T19:46:00.009-07:00

Phoebe Owens

Shop description: Phoebe loves to make lamps and curtains out of old slides, and she also loves to screen-print onto fabric and random objects as well as sew and do anything fidgety! Her inspiration comes from wanting things that don't exist, daydreams and vision quests. She prefers to use recycled ingredients and packaging, and she likes to get all of her supplies from second-hand sources and local suppliers.

Vendor Profile: PenFelt

2009-10-18T19:46:00.007-07:00

PenFelt

Shop description: Each item is made personally by The Duchess of Felt: LeBrie Rich.
All of my work is hand-felted with fiber that I dye in small batches.

Vendor Profile: Paddy Litvak Jewelry

2009-10-18T19:46:00.006-07:00

Paddy Litvak Jewelry

Shop description: I take great pride in creating covetous jewelry from quality stones, crystals, pearls, and other precious things with a focus on wirework. All my jewelry is made from fine or sterling silver unless otherwise stated.

Vendor Profile: Mmm...Fiber!

2009-10-18T19:46:00.005-07:00

Mmm...Fiber!

Shop description: Hi! I'm Adrienne Shaffer, a fiber fanatic living in Portland, Oregon with my boyfriend, my puppies, my sewing machine and my ever-growing collection of yarn. All items designed and made by me - any inquiries regarding custom work and wholesale orders are welcome!

Vendor Profile: Miss Purl

2009-10-18T19:46:00.004-07:00

Miss Purl

Shop description: I sell stitch markers for knitting and small notion tins.

Vendor Profile: Lolabelle Designs

2009-10-18T19:46:00.003-07:00

Lolabelle Designs

Shop description: Each Lolabelle Designs piece is an original, handmade work of art. Much of our jewelry is one of a kind. The beautiful gemstones used in our creations have natural variations that make each piece individual. Every gemstone is said to offer unique healing properties that will bring positive energy to the wearer.

Vendor Profile: loaded hips press

2009-10-18T19:46:00.002-07:00

loaded hips press

Shop description: I print things by hand, letterpress, gocco, and silk screen. I love yummy, luscious ink. I'm also a painter and I make kinetic wooden sculptures. My studio is 60s girl group powered.

Vendor Profile: Lastwater

2009-10-18T19:46:00.001-07:00

Lastwater

Shop description: Lastwater studio contains blue book tiles, etchings, and oil paintings of children taking the world apart from the inside out (or views of those places where this might be done).

Vendor Profile: LASDesigns

2009-10-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

LASDesigns

Shop description: Handmade ceramics: color and texture for everyday use.

Vendor Profile: KitKnitty

2009-10-18T19:45:00.001-07:00

KitKnitty

Shop description: KitKnitty carries imported Japanese stationery and craft supplies. We are also an official Sublime Stitching pattern distributor.

Vendor Profile: Kendi by Cat Prospero

2009-10-18T19:40:00.011-07:00

Kendi by Cat Prospero

Shop description: Kendi is all about having fun with your jewelry and accessories! We recycle vintage components and try to use unique pieces to create each item.

Vendor Profile: Kaity Bug

2009-10-18T19:40:00.010-07:00

Kaity Bug

Shop description: Accessories for Moms & Little Ones ~ Nursing Covers, Diaper Totes, Tutus, Little Handbags, Bibs & Games

Vendor Profile: joeyjojo666

2009-10-18T19:40:00.009-07:00

joeyjojo666

Shop description: If I had to describe my philosophy in a few words it would be... "Stay silly and drink as much coffee as possible."

Vendor Profile: jDUCT

2009-10-18T19:40:00.008-07:00

jDUCT

Shop description: Colorful, fun and unique handmade duct tape wallets and flask.

Vendor Profile: ilee papergoods

2009-10-18T19:40:00.007-07:00

ilee papergoods

Shop description: Most of our products are lovingly printed by hand, using silkscreen or letterpress techniques. Please check out our new additions, labels. They are offset printed.

Vendor Profile: I LIVE TO CREATE

2009-10-18T19:40:00.006-07:00

I LIVE TO CREATE

Shop description: I'm just a freelance graphic artist who has a strong sense of color and can be a bit of a font snob which is much better than being a people snob. Papyrus or CurlzMT don't have feelings. So, it works out.

Vendor Profile: Hopeful Monsters Apparel

2009-10-18T19:40:00.005-07:00

Hopeful Monsters Apparel

Shop description: Hopeful Monsters began in 2001 on an old dining room table from a few marine creature sketches. Over the years it has evolved into a one-woman fashion empire in Portland, OR, producing a range of stylish, unique clothing, accessories, and housewares for the discerning urbanite. Every piece of apparel is hand screen printed with my own two hands with an attention to detail and a passion for quality unrivaled by common, mass produced goods. I strive to use enviornmentally and socially responsible materials and techniques so you can feel good about your purchase from the ground up.

Vendor Profile: Holden Lee Tees

2009-10-18T19:40:00.004-07:00

Holden Lee Tees

Shop description: holden lee tees is a collaboration between me and my seven-year-old son Holden. Each shirt features a silk screened character drawing and bio created by Holden.

Vendor Profile: go robot!

2009-10-18T19:40:00.003-07:00

go robot!

Shop description: Modern jewelry in resins, wood, sterling, mixed metals, and re-purposed material.

Vendor Profile: glamspoon

2009-10-18T19:40:00.001-07:00

glamspoon

Shop description: glam.spoon currently consists of one-of-a-kind pieces crafted and refashioned from primarily recycled materials.

Vendor Profile: Flapper Girl

2009-10-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

Flapper Girl

Shop description: Flapper Girl is my line of accessories and other fabulous creations. I guess I would describe my style as a little retro, cute, fun, and well-crafted.

Vendor Profile: cori kindred handmade

2009-10-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

cori kindred handmade

Shop description: cori kindred is a crafty girl from portland, oregon who loves using old stuff to make new things, taking pictures using vintage cameras and stashing pinecones around her house like a squirrel.

Vendor Profile: Ceramic Jones

2009-10-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Ceramic Jones

Shop description: I am an artist living and working in Portland, OR. My work consists of functional pottery, tiles, and mixed media sculpture, all of which are made for the kitchen and the home. I work primarily in earthenware which is coated with slip, terra sig, and glaze.

Vendor Profile: Catherine Chandler

2009-10-18T18:56:00.000-07:00

Catherine Chandler

Shop description: Modern jewelry inspired by nature.

Vendor Profile: Cate Anevski

2009-10-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

Cate Anevski

Shop description: My head is filled to the brim with bizarre images. These images are inspired by dreams, books, movies, nature, my pets, and everything else I've ever seen. I decided to become an illustrator so that I could share these images with everyone, whether they want to see it or not.

Vendor Profile: Betsy Walton

2009-10-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

Betsy Walton

Shop description: I mostly sell prints here, but I also have a good selection of original works available. Please get in touch if you are looking for a specific image and you don't see it here, or if you are looking for originals.

Vendor Profile: Berkley Illustration

2009-10-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

Berkley Illustration

Shop description: Prints and accessories, mostly featuring animals in clothing.

Vendor Profile: Bacon and Eggs Press

2009-10-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Bacon and Eggs Press

Shop description: Bacon & Eggs Press, where you'll find the best guide to eating breakfast in Portland, as well as hiking books to help you discover the most scenic locations to walk off those breakfast pounds.

Vendor Profile: B Hive Designs

2009-10-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

B Hive Designs

Shop description: Barbara has been making lovely little things since she can remember, from tiny little rainbow notebooks in third grade, to jewelry in high school, and now quilts and t-shirts as a mom. She has always had an urge to make things beautiful, and now she can while working at home with her two little boys. They are a good reason to stay at home, and be creative!

Vendor Profile: Arcane Arts

2009-10-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

Arcane Arts

Shop description: My work mainly consists of (but is not limited to) illustrations in marker, ink, water colors, cut paper and acrylics. I enjoy using found objects and fabrics to incorporate them into my illustrations.

Vendor Profile: April O’Connor

2009-10-18T09:25:00.034-07:00

April O’Connor
Shop description: I describe my cityscape paintings as primitive in style, with a general feel of "making do." Painfully oversimplified, the images are of poor urban neighborhoods. The invisible residents of my paintings are making do with what they can scrape together, and I make do without the luxuries of dimension and shadow. There's a balance of tragic living conditions with the unexpected beauty of polluted air and the miracle that these communities hold themselves up.

List of Participating Vendors

2009-10-17T21:57:00.000-07:00

It's October 18! Let the buying begin!!!!

Thank you so much to the following participating vendors. We'll post more information about them throughout the day. Vendors are still welcome to sign up if they'd like to join in!

April O’Connor
Arcane Arts
Auntie Rumpos
Ayun Halliday
B Hive Designs
Bacon and Eggs Press
Bee's Knees Industries
Berkley Illustration
betsy walton
Boolah Baguette
Bossa Nova Baby
Catherine Chandler
Ceramic Jones
Chet and Dot
cori kindred handmade
Criminal Crafts
Discomedusa Design
Flapper Girl
glamspoon
go robot!
Holden Lee Tees
Hopeful Monsters Apparel
I LIVE TO CREATE
ilee papergoods
jDUCT
Jessi Taylor
Jill Bliss
joeyjojo666
Kaity Bug
Kendi by Cat Prospero
Kenton Beadworks
KitKnitty
LASDesigns
Lastwater
Little Cottage Pillows
Livvie Lee
loaded hips press
Lolabelle Designs
Miss Purl
Mmm...Fiber!
Obsessive Consumption
Paddy Litvak Jewelry
PenFelt
Peri Ponchos
Phoebe Owens
Power and Light Press
Rags + Bones
Robot Candy
Rumpos-Big Imaginations
SNAP Design
sparklegarden
Sprouthead
Triple Threat
Tripper Dungan
Two Sarahs
Una
Woolie Originals

Dia de los Muertos Procession and Altar Build

2009-10-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

My pal Shawn Bowman and the great folks at Someday Lounge are organizing a Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos event and the proceeds are being donated to Wheels for Henry! Shawn is one crafty lady and will be making dozens of sugar skulls ready for decoration at the event. If you can't attend, they'll be available online through Criminal Crafts. They're not up there yet but will be soon. Hope to see you there!

Thanks, Kate!

2009-10-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

A quick note to say thanks to the unstoppable Kate Bingaman-Burt for the lovely minivan graphic! Check out Kate's blog, Obsessive Consumption.

Crafty Wonderland!

2009-10-11T20:38:00.001-07:00

I had fun spreading the word about Wheels for Henry today at Crafty Wonderland! Special thanks to Cathy & Torie for all their support, including donating the proceeds from the ever popular Crafty Wonderland gumball machine!

Several vendors donated goods and services for what may end up being an online auction later this year. Thank you Harlan Mahaffy, Lucky Looloo, Appleseed Designs, Andi Zeisler, and susanstars for your generous contributions!

Let's Get Started!

2009-10-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

Greetings, fellow independent online retailers!

I'm writing to invite you to participate in an online Benefit Bazaar to help raise funds for a converted (wheelchair) van for a hardworking single mom in Portland, Oregon. Chloe Eudaly is the proprietress of Reading Frenzy, a disability advocate, and the proud mom of an amazing kid who happens to get around in a wheelchair. They’re more than halfway to funding a used converted van (The van is approx. $45,000) and are now turning to family, friends and the broader community to help raise the rest (We have about $19,500 to go.).

Henry has a great life with his mom, and his dad, who he lives with part-time, and most of his medical needs are covered through insurance and a Medicaid waiver, including the cost of a van conversion. However, first they need a van to convert! It’s been a struggle to keep her business going as Chloe was unable to return to work full-time for several years in order to tend to Henry’s needs, which is why she’s not in a position to finance the van herself.

Chloe currently drives a 20-year-old Toyota Corolla, and has to lift and transfer Henry and his chair in and out of the car, which is becoming more and more challenging as Henry grows. Their lack of adequate transportation is cutting down on what they’re able to accomplish in a day -- errands, appointments, recreation and social opportunities -- and has kept them from traveling any distance for the past few years (Henry has too much equipment to take for trips in their compact car). Henry is rapidly outgrowing his current wheelchair and when he does the new one won't fit in their car, so time is off the essence!

If you know Chloe, then you know how hard she works to encourage and support her community in Portland, Oregon. If you're not from Portland, or are unfamiliar with Chloe's shop, Reading Frenzy, check out the "About" page on the website.

For the online bazaar, we're asking that you contribute 10-30% of sales generated through the bazaar for a 2-week period starting on Sunday, October 18 and ending on Saturday, October 31. This event will be promoted to thousands of d.i.y. enthusiasts by Chloe, Torie and Cathy from Crafty Wonderland and me, Mary Hayward of KitKnitty. Not only is this a great cause to support, but it’s a great way to start promoting your holiday sales.

If you want to learn more as the event approaches, you can register for our RSS feeds on the WheelsForHenry.com site or follow us on our Facebook or Twitter page.

If you have any questions about this event or suggestions for people/websites to contact or ways to make this event more successful, feel free to contact me at WheelsForHenry [@] gmail [dot] com.

Thank you so much for your time. Hope you'll join us for our fundraising event!

Best wishes,
Mary

How Do I Sign Up?

2009-09-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

To sign up, send the following information to Mary at WheelsForHenry [@] gmail [dot] com and include the following participation details:

* Web address of your store: _________________________

* If you have a small button logo for your store, please send me a link (optional): _______________________________

* Contact name (For my use only. Will not be posted on any sites or given to anyone else.): ________________________

* Contact email (Again, for my use only. Will not be posted on any sites or given to anyone else.): ________________________

* A brief description of your shop or goods (for use on the blog): ______________________________

* I might do some kind of featured product section on the promotional blog. If you'd like an item featured, post a link or few here: ________________________________

* What percentage would you like to donate?
________________________________

*********** The event starts on October 18 and there's no official deadline, but it would be nice to get all essential info (web address/contact info) before October 14. You can send more info at any time, if you wish. ************