The Situation Room

That is just amazing, Redbear!

Out-STANDING!!!

I'm going over to Wells Fargo here in a minute - despite all this generosity, you can't stop me from making a donation as well!

Hope the family made it through today OK - still a long road ahead - having an empty seat at the dinner table will be tough...

That is fabulous news. So wonderful to have people step up no matter what they may or may not have.

Glad to hear the funeral was nice. I couldn't get out of work today or I would have joined you again today.

Thanks to those who have done the ground work for the rest of us to respond. I really do appreciate it. Some things really do matter.

indeed thanks Red, Sue, Lilslim, Lilman, Jason and everyone who worked hard pulling it all off!

Was a sad day. My heart sank when Kaitlynn ran into the memorial area and yelled - "Daddy". Was also sad learning how Mark lost his mom at age 5 and his dad at age 13. Life is so wacked sometimes.

On a good note - Nicole told me her dad got moved today to Bethesda to start his rehabilitation. Great news!

Just remember though - Nicole is going to need help beyond the funeral and the next couple weeks. Let's make a point to follow up through out the year and help in any way we can.

Nicole is going to need help beyond the funeral and the next couple weeks. Let's make a point to follow up through out the year and help in any way we can.

This is so, so, so important. Thank you for bringing this up. Our society generally allows 3 days for heavy grieving, six weeks for adjusting, and certainly after one year they think people should have "gotten over it".

Most bereaved persons only begin to really feel the loss (especially after sudden death) after 2-6 months. I was like the walking wounded for a long time. Deer in the headlights. Glazed. I'm amazed I didn't make any really big mistakes. Tried to balance the checkbook at around one month and the numbers were moving around on the page.

I am so glad to hear there is a plea, and hopefully a beginning plan for us to be there for the long haul.

I took my donation check to Wells Fargo today. At first they were unable to process it, saying there was no authorization on the account for them to accept donations without an account number. Then the teller asked his bank manager for help. Apparently, that was the authorization that was needed. They were able to process it quickly and generate a receipt.

Just thought I'd mention that in case anyone runs into a glitch if they take a check to Wells Fargo.

When I walked into Wells Fargo this afternoon the payday cashier/teller line was at full strength *groan* - I talked to one of the account rep / loan agents behind a desk who looked bored and he helped me punch up the correct account number no problem.

I'm gonna put a reminder on my mailbox right now. Thanks. (Good to see you today!)

"when Sue and I pulled Nicole aside and quietly said that the headstone would be taken care of by the Cooler crew and she shouldn't worry about it, she began to cry again."

me too :frown:

You kids rock :smile:

Woah...

Just checked the accounts this morning because a goofy IP address came in - blocked, Iraq. Zephy donated from Iraq!`

:cool: and thats what makes that guy so KOOL!!! A Million miles away and still helping more then anyone I know of!! it is so Kool

Did it go through alright? I hope you are still able to use it for something with funeral being paid already...

Thanks, but I didn't do anything a lot of you didn't do.

And I am only like 7400 miles away :wink:

Yeah, came through fine. we'll use it.

I cannot tell you all how reading the last few days from all of you has warmed my families heart. I am proud to call myself a member of this cooler crew, and I tip my hat to you all. Will there be a hat being passed at the predig, or should I still go to paypal?

Thanks Ares!

Perfect!

You people rock!!!

In tough times you really find out who your friends are.

I'll be going to Wells Fargo on Mon.

Kudos to those of you who did all the leg work.

TC or Redbear:

I've had a request again for an address a donation check should be mailed to.

The donee does not want to use PayPal, and wants to mail the check.

Could one of you post back, or PM me or Facebook e-mail me with an address please? Thanks!

(Sue, I know you said I could mail mine to you. I ended up taking mine to Wells Fargo instead. And I don't want to just give your address out without your permission. Am also thinking perhaps another address has been established for mailing donations.)

The donee knows to make the check to Mark Evenson Memorial.

Thanks, Ares!

I do have to mention what a wonderful place Mark is in Calvary Cemetery! He is in a high location with a beautiful view of the sunrise over the Cathedral and downtown St. Paul.

Any word on what the PP reporter photog at the funeral was up to? Just pics?

Story to run when?

Cooler Crew comes to the aid of a widow - Pioneer Press

very nice story. randy, looks like jean (the photojounalist) was digging you, my wife thinks your kinda cute too, thanks..

diggin him? She was practically in my lap taking the pictures.

do you blame her?

I need to go home...

I was just thinking...with all the needs that are likely to be ongoing...is anyone else thinking Extreme Home Makeover?

GREAT IDEA!!!!

Heartfelt letter time. Who is a great writer?

I'm a good writer, but the heartfelt thing is kind of outside my area of expertise.

I'd be happy to help edit. Not really close enough to the situation to craft the letter. Also pushing against the clock on a writing project. But I'm sure I could find time to help edit.

I don't think that'd work in this situtation, they live in a trailer, not a house, and they rent, not own, so they wouldn't be able to do the tear down.

Got an idea that may / may not work. I need to talk to some people at our church - they've had an on-going project remodeling trailer houses - mostly in the City of Landfall (wedged between 3M and Oakdale). They've fixed up a few in Maplewood as well.

The mission project kinda fell apart from lack of funding this past spring, but there's plenty of repair 'talent' available - I'll stir the pot next Sunday and see what comes up. They may be able to help with fixing up a lot of minor stuff that won't involve Ty Pennington and a large Backhoe.

you are such a sweetheart maddog

That is such an awesome idea! I know that they could really use it. A "new" home may make it a little easier on Nicole.

Pay Me told me that Extreme Home Makeover sometimes will buy the person land and build them a house so her renting wouldn't exclude her.

MadDog, great idea! And this is a great time for brainstorming, so all ideas can be considered. Until we ask, we won't rule anything out.

Hey Ya'll

if you need "heart felt letter" writing for anything, send me the details and I can do my best to draft stuff. I write most of our donation letters for my chapter of 20-30 and nearly all of our international donation requests. I've got lots of phrases that tug at heartstrings and wallets.

I nominate you!!!

thanks for offering Vino

I second that motion :cool:

Good news:

Not really mine to tell, but I spoke to Sue today, and she's found a company that is going to work with Nicole to get the headstone for Mark at no cost. So...the great news is the money that everybody has given will be able to be used for the stuff that isn't very sexy (not that funeral costs really are...) the day to day stuff that in the coming weeks and months will be needed - the donations continue to come in on a daily basis and continue to add up. Katilynn will be well taken care of thanks to all of you.

Absolutely spot on FANTASTIC!

That is great news!!

Wow! Great job pulling that off Sue!!!

Thanks for letting us know Bear.

I love good news even if it's associated with some really bad news.