Musical pairing – You’ve Got a Friend by Carole King
Normally my 52 Sundays posts are photos of something that caught my eye during the week or in our travels; but today’s 52 Sundays post is dedicated to my friend Erika of Ivory Hut. Some of you who come here to Smith Bites are fellow bloggers and some of you are friends on my Facebook page, so you might already know that Erika’s home burned to the ground this past week – they barely made it out alive but thankfully all family members are safe. However, they have lost absolutely everything; and while they do have insurance that will replace their home eventually, insurance does not cover the loss of income nor does it cover everyday needs today, tomorrow, next week – the only person who got out of the house with a pair of shoes on, was Erika. And she makes her living as a freelance writer and photographer – camera equipment, computers, everything – gone.
Two friends of Erika’s closest friends have set up the website, ‘Friends of Ivory Hut’ which gives updates on Erika’s status, you can read about the fire and the site also has a PayPal button for those who would like to make a donation to help. The goal is to reach $10,000 by this coming Wednesday – as of Friday, they had collected $5600. It doesn’t matter the dollar amount you can contribute – every single donation is appreciated and will help. And if you can’t make a contribution that is absolutely fine and please understand that there is no pressure to do so.
I know Erika appreciates and covets your prayers – you can head over to her site, Ivory Hut, and just leave her a word of encouragement.
I’m going to leave this post up until Wednesday when the ‘Friends’ site moves forward with another fundraiser – I would appreciate you passing this post along to anyone who might be interested. And then on Thursday, I’ll be back with another recipe for you to try!
Thank you so much for coming to this blog, you guys are the best!
This is fabulous! Thanks for sharing!!
Very lovely post darlin’! The music was perfect & poignant.
I read with sadness this post of your friends awful reality. My deepest sympathies go out to her as I know what its like to go through the horror of a fire. My family went through a massive Bushfire that wiped out many of our friends homes, (luckily ours was saved) but the weeks and months & sometimes years it takes to put the experience in your past is a huge challenge. I hope the road back to health, wealth & happiness is swift & healing for all concerned. Thanks for sharing & letting us be part of the healing.
Cheers Anna
Love this, Debra.
Lovely post, Debra! My heart sank when I read the news the morning after the fire. I couldn’t imagine the loss of what Erika and her family have gone through, but I am so touched by the outpouring of love and support from the food blogging community. We’re a wonderful bunch. 🙂 Thank you, for dedicating a post to Erika so we can all spread the word and help however we can.
And happy long weekend to you, too!
[K]
What a lovely thought! It’s great to know so many people care and I’m sure Erika and her family appreciates each and every donation and prayer.
There, but for the grace of G-d, go I. It could happen to anyone in a heartbeat.
The musical pairing made me teary – love it.
It is great how everyone has rallied to help out their family. I cannot imagine what they are going through, but at least there is a bright spot in the fact that everyone has been so generous in donating.
I will be thinking and praying for Erika and her family. I’m so glad she is okay but what a horrific experience. I will pass this fundraiser around too!