Sunday, September 05, 2010

An Anniversary and A Request


Four crazy, long, wonderful and hectic years ago I began Under the High Chair without a clue of what I was getting into. A pastime I assumed would probably fizzle and die by Christmas, turned into a hobby, then a passion, and finally, food blogging became a profession when I launched Simple Bites in February under the umbrella of Simple Living Media.

I could never have imagined the wild & wonderful ride blogging has been: the Twitter obsession, the acknowledgments, the opportunities, and most importantly, getting to interact daily with a community of incredible food bloggers.

Food bloggers are truly my extended family. I don't know how else to explain it.

OK, before this post starts sounding like one giant cliche, I'm going to share with you why I'm really posting today.

I want to make a point about the close-knit community of food bloggers, and then ask you for a favor. You know, 'cause it's my 'blogaversary'.

A few nights ago, a fellow food blogger lost her home and everything in it in a frightening fire. Erika Ghanny (of The Ivory Hut) barely made it out alive with her husband; her son ran back inside the burning house to save his grandmother trapped upstairs and exited out a window with her.

They lost everything. Everything. Baby photos, wedding rings, Erika's MacBookPro and Cannon 5D, all identification papers, her husband's prosthetic leg ---the loss is immeasurable.

Erika recounted the tragic story in a blog post the next day and it ripped my heart out as I sat reading about it with my morning coffee. News spread quickly on Twitter --and the food blogging community stepped into action, led by Alice and Maggy.

These ladies threw a website up, set up a paypal account, and the fund started rolling in. It was a relief to be able to DO something, and I added my donation as soon as I could see through my tears.

Overnight, $5000 was raised to cover the families immediate expenses (and that gesture made the local paper)...but we'd like to double that.
Here is where my request comes in. I had thought about a giveaway to celebrate this 4 year blogging milestone, but I just didn't feel comfortable about it when a fellow food blogger was in such desperate straights.

Won't you please honor Under the High Chair on her blogaversary by making a donation towards Friends of the Ivory Hut?
Here's how you can:

Head HERE to read a bit about Erika and donate at the bottom of the post.

Even $5 helps. Thank you. Please feel free to leave a comment if you made a donation; I would love to thank you personally!

Here is Erika's account of the fire, (I can't even imagine) plus a detailed description of how the money will be used and give details on Erika and her husbands particular situation.

Will you reach out and bless a stranger today?

4 comments:

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

I've already donated, but wanted to stop by and congratulate you on four years of blogging. What a lovely way to celebrate, by reaching out to a fellow food blogger. Beautiful post, Aimee.

Paula said...

First of all, in the long days of re-building ahead for Erika and her family, they need only to click on this post to realize that people from all over are united in their support of them.
Secondly, congratulations on four years of fabulously entertaining, enlighting and *phototastic* blogging. You should be commended for your excellent contributions to all things foodie and family.

abigail @ Paper and Cake said...

congratulations Aimée! I can't believe it's been four years - good for you :)

and I am so very sorry to hear about Erika - donated this am.

Unknown said...

Congratulations on 4 years, Aimee!

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