Within hours after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, my host provider allowed bloggers like me a chance to contribute. I immediately included a "Help Hurricane Victims" banner ad with proceeds going directly to the American Red Cross, whose relief efforts I've admired.
Much to my dismay, within weeks of this tragic event, allegations of fraud and waste began to make headlines. I left the banner running through the new year, but when the drip, drip, drip of innuendo became a flood of outraged concern, I belatedly removed the banner. And now, USA Today reports, "Red Cross to release results of fraud inquiry," p. 3a (03/27/2006).
What's a conscientious, caring person to think? Fortunately in the same edition, a headline reads, "A bid to save the Gulf Coast's music." In light of the devastating loss of entire neighborhoods, which remains a driving need, investing in bringing music back to the area seems like a small thing. But many of those homes housed musicians and their instruments. So it's a double loss when you add one's livelihood to the mix.
The nation's biggest concert promoters, agreed to band together (pun intended) to bring the music back. Music Rising (www.musicrising.org) has given 1100 grants, so far, to musicians enabling them to buy instruments at or below cost. I think this is grassroots giving at its best.
Please contribute if you can and spread the word and help cure the hangover after Hurricane Katrina.
