New Orleans Meet & Greet Update

Ok before I get yelled at, obviously the November get together is cancelled, at least for New Orleans. I just wanted to let everyone know I heard from the hotel. She indicated that they were not hit real bad (some broken windows and a ballroom were lost, but not flooding). She said that the French Quarter and Bourbon St. were probably affected the least. They are currently housing people from FEMA to help in the relief efforts. The hotel plans to be open for business again in April and they would love it if our group would come there in May for our 1 year anniversaries. I for one would love to go, I feel for the people there and I cant imagine what things must be like right now, but by supporting the economy there it will help them rebuild and hopefully things can go back to "normal" for them soon! On a side note I heard of a site www.hurricanehousingsearch.org where you can offer to house displaced victims of Katrina. Since my daughter is gone now and I have a 3 bedroom house I thought I would check into it. I am also holding a silent auction at work this Friday to raise money for the Red Cross, my company is offering to double match donations made by our employees which is great! Cary

Cary, Why do you feel like you were going to be yelled at? You had no idea this was going to happen when you volunteered to set the Meet N Greet up. I'm glad you posted about the hotel, I was wondering how they faired. I'd love to go in May, and I think you're right - it's a great way to help their economy and honor their resilience!

My company offered to match employee donations up to $5,000 but the outpouring was far more generous and the company knocked it up to $10,000. The employees were up to the task and donated over $11,500. Kathy

Cary I wan't going to be able to go in November, poor me will be on a cruise with my hubby for our 10 yr anniversary, looking all sexy and what not, so rescheduling sounds excellent to me. In May I am sure they will still need alot of supprt so maybe we can turn it into some type of volunteering project. Helping out one morning in the community or bringing some things down with us to donate. Jen

I don't know who would yell at you or why they would - but the reschedule works out great for me. I could most likely do May!! I would be able to meet all of my May buddies and help the economy in NO at the same time! Double bonus! Michelle

I know what Cary is saying is about getting yelled at...During our last post re this subject, there were some emotional responses. And it wasn't fair if you ask me...but no big deal, it is a message board, but it was almost like people thpught we were being intentionally inconsiderate.(this is just MY perception) With my hectic life, I personally don't keep up with current events as much. And even know I refuse to watch the news because I just can't take it. I had no idea the devastation that New Orleans was facing...Anyway, Cary thanks for following up, and you know that you can count me in! And I would love to do some type of volunteer work during our time there. My company has been great...we sent out a response team of 100, and yesterday I actually sponsored a Walk-A-Thon, and we raised $2000! May God continue to Bless us all, and may we never forget our fallen angels of 9/11 as well.

I haven't been posting on here much ( I plan on trying to change that) BUT please keep us up to date...May would be great for me and I would love to meet some of you all while helping out those in NO at the same time. I'm sure they are going to need as much help as they can get for a LONG time....so count me in (tentatively as it all depends on my work schedule and where I'm working at the time)

Cary~ I love your new pic, girl!!!! You hotty! I know what you mean about being "yelled at" too. Sorry that happened. I'm sure it was just emotions coming out and not directed at you. I might actually be able to go in May!!! I think that would be awesome. I'd be about due for a vacation then and I might have the time off saved up by then at work. Thanks for organizing for us. You rock! Julie

Thanks Julie, I figured it was bout time I updated. It would be great if you could go in May, I so want to meet you someday~ Cary