To give you goosebumps: The Children of Newtown and Ingrid Michaelson cover “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – a stirring tribute to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, with 100% of proceeds donated to the United Way of Western Connecticut.
A little over a week ago, I wrote this Tumblr post asking for anyone and everyone who could afford to make a donation that will literally help save the life of someone I care about.
When I posted it the donation page had only been up for about 3 days, and the balance was at 0. The totals are only updated weekly, but this week it jumped from 0 to $3,000. In one week, $3,000 was raised. Sal’s friends and family have been passing the word on as much as they can. But I’m pretty sure, a lot of those donations came from people on Tumblr. With over 200 notes, I was so touched by how everyone jumped on board with spreading the word even if they couldn’t donate. If every follower I had donated $1 Sal’s surgery would be paid for and then some. Obviously I don’t think every follower will/can donate $1, but I do think even the smallest of donations can be powerful.
I hope you will help me continue spreading the word about Sal and donating if you can. Sal’s in a band, and one of the venues they played with are allowing them to do a benefit for them. Pooped, who I’ve never even met, convinced a small business owner to do a raffle with the funds going to Sal and has also been sharing the information with her family and friends via facebook. You never know what might happen when you pass Sal’s story along. I’d love to see the number jump again next week and to continue to blow Sal and his family away.
Sal posted the following to his facebook this week:
I’m not one to ask for much. I’m mostly a “giver.” I love to help my friends and family out whenever possible. Unfortunately, at this time, I do need to ask YOU for help. If you can please click on the link below and share, I would be forever grateful. I would like to reach out to as many people as I can. Also, if you can donate any amount that fits your budget at this time, that will be much appreciated.
Thanks to those that have donated and showed their love and support. I CANNOT Thank You enough!!! It’s been a difficult, emotional journey so far for myself and my family. But knowing that there are such great people in this world that really do care, it puts a smile on my face and makes me realize that I am a very lucky individual.”
—-Additionally, if anyone is having any trouble with the link or have any questions relating to the billing or donations please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399. Thank you so much!
I have known Sal Pulito since I was in the third grade. His sister, Aurora, has been best friends with my sister since they were in Kindergarten. Sal was born with Pulmonary Atresia, which means that there is a lack of blood flow to his lungs. It has become a life and death situation for him. Sal is one of the most kind-hearted people I have ever met. He is probably the only one that understand the difficulty of dealing with the antics of “Salt and Pepper” as our sisters called themselves.
His insurance covers a very small percentage of the medical costs, and the deductable that he has to reach first is huge. Obviously, this explains my passion for the recent Health Care legislation, as I know it has been for many people on tumblr. But this story is so personal to me, I wish I could paint you a better picture of the Pulito family, but I will do my best below.
Sal’s parents are first generation immigrants from Italy. They speak Italian and English. Sal’s dad loves Elvis, and admittedly, looked a little bit like him when we were all younger. Sal is a phenomenal key board player, and has been in a band that performs at local restaurants and parties. In recent years, due to his medical condition Sal has had to move back home with his parents. Sal is a year older than me, and I can only imagine the freedom in addition to the good health Sal is hoping to have with this surgery. Sal’s older sister Jackie has a spirited daughter who is 12, and Sal is such a good uncle to her. Nina is the oldest, and for all you Chi-town people I know, she lives in Chicago with her husband and is book sniffer like many of us. Aurora has a little boy who Sal entertains with his music, and Vinny is adorable when he dances along. I have to say Sal’s mother is probably my favorite in the family. Her Italian Flag cookies and homemade spaghetti sauce have been a favorite in our household. Mrs. Pulito is one of the warmest people you could ever meet, and seems to take you into the family as soon as she meets you. She wants the best for everyone, and is always there with a hug and a kiss.
I can only imagine the financial hardship Sal’s condition has added up to over the years. But, what is stuck in the back of my throat is imagining this family without Sal. It is my every hope and prayer that all goes well for them. It would mean a lot to me if you could make a donation, even $1 donations help. I know money is tight for many, so reblogs are very much appreciated as well.
Please click the link above to visit his donation page. The Donate Now button is at the top of the screen.
The Clevelander that I am, Lebron James is certainly not my favorite person.
I am happy, however, to hear that he is using his fame for good.
Now, alongside State Farm, James has high school dropouts in his sights. The insurance giant recently launched a program called 26 Seconds, due to the staggering fact that a student drops out of high school every 26 seconds in the United States. The basketball star appears on the 26 Seconds website and helped launch the campaign.
James, who went straight to the NBA after high school, first announced his participation last Wednesday on Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski’s weekly radio show. (Krzyzewski coached James in the 2008 Olympics.)
“First of all, ‘26 Seconds’ is basically an initiative behind kids staying in school,” James said on the show. “Every 26 seconds a kid drops out of school, and that’s not good. I think in America, we all know when kids graduate, they have a better future in life.”
I just hope he realizes that he is a role model for many kids, and that his actions on and off the court do send them a message.
If your students and your school are looking for a way to help Japan, I think this is a great idea and way to learn a little about Japan’s culture.
