We're a sponsor - Let's do this!

[John Pickard]

See the banner up near the top of the page? We're going to help send a young athlete to Europe to compete!

Melodie is the daughter of a good friend of mine. She is a competitive swimmer, and she has the opportunity to compete this summer in Austria through the "People to People" organization. Together with Dirk Benedict Central (and Colonial Fleets & 3d Gladiators and LauretteSpang.com), I have the distinct honor and pleasure of being a sponsor for her in this endeavor.

Every penny donated will go for her expenses for this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

To learn more, see a few photos of Melodie competing, and to contribute, click on the banner or just go here:

Melodie's Page

Or - ask me!

Let's make it happen.

I am
Dawg

[Lucia Helena]

Congratulations for the great gesture.
Melodie must be very happy.
If my assistance is not material, is spiritual for sure.

[John Pickard]

Well, it's been a week. I've gotten some heart-warming emails and a couple of snarky ones, and not a whole lot of activity on the contribution side.

I know times are tough; this is a recurring theme in the emails I've received. And I am grateful to those people who have written to say they will contribute as soon as they can.

So how about the rest of us? Can't we come up with 5 or 10 dollars to help make a dream come true?

Go here: Melodie's Page and contribute through PayPal - or contact me and we'll see what we can work out.

Thanks.

I am
Dawg

[Darrell Lawrence]

To all: Maybe you yourself cannot help out, but maybe you know someone that can: Friends, co-workers, employer, corporations, etc.

At least pass the word around

[Aphrodite]

She lives in Bishop, California? Wow, and I just moved from Yosemite. What a small world.

[Darrell Lawrence]

Small world indeed, since I live in the same area as her. Wow

[marginrob]

Thank you for the opportunity to contribute. I may be able to give more in a couple of weeks, but I had to give. I wish Melodie the best!

[John Pickard]

Thank you, marginrob - and welcome to Dirk's Works!

I am
Dawg

[asmay]

Great idea! I made a donation (hope it worked well) and can only say that I hope you will reach your goal, Melody. All the best!

[John Pickard]

Thank you so much, asmay!

The trip isn't until this summer, so there is some time - but it will take time to raise all that is needed. Melodie and her Dad are working in their neighborhood to raise money as well.

But everything you guys can contribute is so appreciated!

Thanks to everyone!

I am
Dawg

[Darrell Lawrence]

If your name is on the Who Donated page, then it came through

[John Pickard]

asmay, will you please check and see if your name appears on the "Donated" section at Melodie's page? Not sure it's there.

If it isn't, the transaction didn't "take", and you'll want to check your information to see if any money was deducted or not.

I am
Dawg

[asmay]

Yes, will do so. Already had the feeling it didn´t go as it should.

Tried again and all went well!

[John Pickard]

And it took!

Thanks, asmay!

I am
Dawg

[John Pickard]

Hey, everybody!

First, let me thank everyone who has contributed so far to Melodie's trip. I am so happy for the support that's been shown so far, but we've still got a long way to go.

I know not everyone likes using PayPal for whatever reason. So we've put into place a snail-mail option for you. You can send a check to Melodie at the following address:

Melodie Lawrence


Again, thanks to everyone!

I am
Dawg

[John Pickard]

OK, guys - the PMB echoes when I check it...

Let's not forget that, even in these troubled times, we have it within our power to help realize a dream. It won't take much individually, but together we can send Melodie to Austria this summer.

The link to her page is at the top of this page. You can pay by PayPal, or by mailing a check/money order to:

Melodie Lawrence

We can do this, together. And together we can cheer her on. Tell all your friends.

I am
Dawg

[John Pickard]

Hi, everyone!

Here in the U.S. we’re celebrating Memorial Day, where we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms and opportunities; I hope you’re all flying flags this weekend! We’re getting together with family and friends, having cookouts – hot dogs, hamburgers, or steaks on the grill – maybe for the first time this year…. It’s the unofficial beginning of summer with longer days, baseball games, the municipal pools opening for the season….

And we still need your help to send Melodie Lawrence to Austria this summer. The deadline is fast approaching – the money needs to be in by the end of June – and we’ve still got a long way to go.

This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Melodie to represent her country and compete with other student athletes from around the world; an educational experience second to none, and a chance to meet her peers from other nations.

This is a Big Deal. But it’s not free, and if we can’t collectively raise enough money – $6,000 – she won’t be able to go at all. So we still need your help.

Please send a few dollars and then pass on the link and address to your friends and family who enjoy swimming – or competition of any sort – and ask them to take a look and contribute. Post the link at other sites you frequent.

In these uncertain times, we’re not at all confident what tomorrow may bring. But we know we can help make Melodie’s tomorrow something truly special and we should feel good about our role in that.

The PayPal link is on her page:

https://www.3dgladiators.com/mdl/

Or you can send a check to her via snail-mail here:

Melodie Lawrence
c/o John Pickard
11575 SW Pacific Hwy, PMB #174
Tigard, OR 97223

Thank you!

[Darrell Lawrence]

Melodie left from Reno on Sunday the 5th, on schedule. She arrived in Vienna on schedule as well. A little hiccup in the hotel they were staying at, but she's settled in. She enjoyed her first plane ride!

[Darrell Lawrence]

Anyone wanting to follow her results, etc, click here:

https://www.cis-online.net/resultlist...page=1&style=0

[MrsSpooky]

It's probably too late, but I donated. If nothing else, it may help defray some expenses (like lunch :\ ).