"Community"

These past five weeks have been amazing, and when I look at where our total stands, honestly, I can hardly believe my eyes.   We're closing in on $52,000.    I am so proud of us.   We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for caring and giving so much.  It's a remarkable, beautiful thing.   

When I started this blog nearly four years ago, it was just about finding homes for our kittens.  The thought of people outside the Tacoma/Seattle area following the blog never really entered my mind.   

Slowly but surely,  we picked up new readers from around the world, a community started to grow around it, and it started to become something else.    I can hardly believe where we are and what we are today.   

I think for many the IBKC is a bright, happy place to visit each day. It's a quick break from your own reality.  Because of that, I  try hard to keep it light, feel-good, and free of snarky remarks and any negativity. 

On the blog I try to create a genuine and real experience similar to an actual visit with a litter of kittens where you check your baggage at the door, forget your woes, and just witness and enjoy their joy.

I feel like this blog is a place that you can come to and feel a part of.  I know many of you are deeply invested  in the lives of these kittens.  You're  happy when a new litter arrives and you cry when they leave.    

You've connected with people here that share your same passions.  You've made acquaintances, and dear friends too.  

So if you're asking why should I give to a shelter outside my community?  Well, this is your community.     And you're helping the shelter that's in the heart of it.  The animals you are helping, you know.   

Even though we have passed our mighty goal, I'm dedicated to seeing this through to the end, and I'm hoping you'll stick with me. 

I've seen first-hand our money put to work and the good things that have happened because of it.   I know that if we can bring in a little more, we can help that much more.  

I'm not asking any who have given,  to give more.  I would just like to ask those who have been thinking about giving,  and are in a position to give,  to please to give now.     

Big or small,  whatever you can do.   

Every donation matters because when we pool all of our money together, we can do huge things and make big changes.  

As you know, when we're all done with this FUNdraiser,  we'll be raffling off the naming rights to a kitten from our upcoming litter, and one lucky donor will receive this prize.   

 I've decided to sweeten the pot a bit.   

For every squillion that comes in today,  I'll be offering up naming rights to another kitten for the raffle.     

AND to make things sweeter yet,  one VERY lucky donor will be the recipient of this lovely watercolor painting of  Charlene Butterbean by my dear husband, Craig.   It will be matted and framed and ready to hang on your wall!  

  

Every donation made during the fundraiser  is an entry, and when everything wraps up tomorrow, we'll randomly select our winners, and then announce them on Monday.  

Thank so much for all the love and support.  We'll never be able to fully express how much it means to us.     You are very special people, and I'm grateful to have you in my life.   Thank you for all you do and all that you've given.   Thank you for being here every single day.   You all are awesome. 

xoxo 

Laurie

Now, one more time.  

To make a tax-deductible donation, please pay a visit to FUNdraising page!