July 3, 2010

Longtime Listener CNMC Challenge

A CHALLENGE

If you listened to CF77, then you probably know that a longtime listener of the Catholic Foodie has taken a special interest in seeing that the Catholic Foodie make it to the CNMC this year. He contacted me the other day and encouraged me to approach my listeners and readers for donations to attend the CNMC. He said that he would match whatever donations come in.

Wow. Very humbling for me. It also makes me very excited. Excited because people “get it.” They see what the Catholic Foodie is all about, and they want to see it continue and to reach a greater audience.

WHY WOULD I NEED DONATIONS?

If you have been listening to the podcast, then you know that I have left my career in education. After working with teenagers for 17 years (as a high school teacher, a youth minister, a catechist, and a Director of Religious Education), I have come to see that it is time to move on. So, the end of May marked my official exodus.

AND WHAT AM I MOVING TOWARD?

Starting my own business.

I have been engaged in using new online technologies (new media / social media) for education and ministry for the last 5 years. I am passionate about these new media. Not only are they revolutionizing the way that we relate and communicate as individuals, they are transforming social and business interaction. So, I am now helping businesses, non-profits, schools, churches and ministries to use new media to further their missions and to build a community around their brands.

Notice what I said above. I am starting my own business. I am launching my own business. Launch. It’s what we do with rockets. And you know that it takes a tremendous effort for a rocket to break through the atmosphere. It is a process.

So, I am in transition. I am not yet where I need to be. I am building a clientele. I’m not there yet. Most of my resources are committed to launching this business. There’s not much left right now for the Catholic Foodie. Especially after my recent investment in the Heil PR-40 microphone (thank you Cliff Ravenscraft!).

A couple of episodes back, I mentioned in passing that I hoped to be at the CNMC this year, but that I didn’t know if it would happen. Too much is in flux right now. For this reason, this longtime listener contacted me. I want to take him up on his offer because I believe it is important for me to attend the CNMC. That is why I am swallowing my pride and asking my listeners for a donation.

SO WHAT DO I DO NOW?

If you would like to contribute, simply click on the link below. The link will take you to a donation page. You can enter whatever amount you would like to give. You can use any credit card. You do not need to have a PayPal account. If you do, you can simply log in to PayPal on that page too.

I thank you so much for your donation, and I am particularly indebted to the longtime listener who is matching your donation. The total amount for airfare and hotel is about $670. That is the amount I am looking to cover.

God bless you!