A couple from my high school now lives in the area that was hit and here’s a before & after photo they posted of their home:
Many of these people lost everything, their homes, vehicles, clothing, etc. and some even lost loved ones, including April & Daniel Smith who lost both of their young sons (powerful, powerful story). On Tuesday, I was in the airport waiting for my flight to Charlotte, scrolling down my FB feed & my stomach was just aching at the awful, heartbreaking statuses and photos from those who were affected by the storm. It’s so hard to live a normal life knowing that people who live just 2 hours from you have lost everything.
That being said, I reached out to a few of the businesses that I work closely with and asked if they would want to do something to raise money for the tornado victims. Almost every business I e-mailed responded back immediately with a strong willingness to do whatever they could. I will have to admit that I cried as I read the responses from these businesses who were so gracious & concerned for the state of Arkansas. We came up with the idea to do a giveaway of some of the more popular items from my blog.
(USE THIS LINK TO DONATE)
A bracelet & earring set from Mindy Mae’s Market. || Gorgeous Turquoise Earrings from Crystal Feather Boutique || A Love Stylize Decadency Necklace in Gold.
$100 Giftcard to Catch Bliss Boutique – where I got this romper & many other clothing items seen on The Sweetest Thing. || These iHomeAudio headphones.
A monogram necklace from Love Always Couture. || A light up gloss from Whitening Lightnening. || A piece of Jewelry from Siramara.
~~~
I’m truly touched by the generosity of each of these businesses – all of which were ready & willing to do what they could to help the state that has my heart.
Use the GiveForward.com tool to make your donations. You can donate amounts smaller than $25 by clicking on ‘OTHER’. The money raised will be donated to the victims of the tornado.
**If you put ANONYMOUS and still want to enter – let me know so I can have you down for the giveaway! Otherwise I can’t contact you.** (emilysweetestthing@gmail.com)
Keep in mind, if you aren’t interested in winning this giveaway or don’t have the means to donate – you can always share the link to this post on your Facebook/Twitter to give it more exposure! The more we can raise, the better.
Amazing cause, praying for your family friends.
The Style Storm
<3, Christina
Holy Cow,
Girl I am completely blown away this! this is AWESOME! where can we donate? Maybe I'm blind but I don't see it! I have several friends that like in Arkansas. Praying for all that where hit!
I'm so glad you're doing this. A few of my friends lost their homes in the tornadoes as well.
-Hannah
sweeterthanserenity.blogspot.com
<3
Here's the link: https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/rfk4/-arkanstrong
I am not able to put a tool on my blog but it's in bold, hot pink if you need it again! 🙂 Thank you so much!!!
Aw 🙁 Heartbreaking. Thank you for donating, Hannah! <3
This is amazing! I will definitely donate!
Haley
haleyvalerie.com
Wow. No words. Just read the story of April and Daniel and those sweet boys. Praying for peace and comfort for the Smiths and everyone affected by that terrible weather.
xo
So sad, but glad people are helping!
laurenroseprep.blogspot.com
So happy to help however way we can Emily. Thanks for starting this fundraiser. Love & prayers from Miami.
xoxo, Jessica Maria
Thank you for helping Emily! Prayers from Hot Springs!
Thank you for helping Emily! Prayers from Hot Springs!
I love that you're using your blog to get the word out and raise money for those who need it!
XoXo
Nikki
Arkansas also holds a place dear to my heart as my aunt, uncle and cousins still live in Springdale! I will definitely be donating, as soon as I get paid tomorrow!
Oh my gosh! Insane!!
What a great idea! You are wonderful!
-Adrienne. xo
Citizen of the World
Citizen of the World
This foundraiser is so inspiring. Praying for everyone effected.
Emily, you are amazing! I love you & your blog so much. This just really made it all worth it. Thanks for doing this! Our poor state is in such shambles 🙁
You have the biggest heart, Emilyl! This was such a wonderful and creative idea. Donating now, and sending love and prayers!
-Rach
http://www.lamariposablog.com
This is why I follow you, Emily! You have a huge heart! Shared on Twitter, my Facebook page and will share again on Twitter! XO
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So touched. Its so nice to see people like you reaching out to others in such a way. Will most definitely donate and will be sharing with my family and friends!
The story of April and Daniel is so moving. Thank you so much for sharing. Their faith and strength are amazing. We lived in Japan during the 2011 Tsunami. Seeing and living thru a major disaster is something that changes you forever.
I'm glad you're doing this to help those affected by the tornado!
Liz @ http://www.shoppingmycloset.com
Absolutely devastating! You are doing such a great thing raising money!
This is fabulous! What better way to take advantage of this platform, than to bless those who need it the most?! These experiences, though tragic, will only bring increased value to these "things" we can easily take for granted.
When is the last day to donate for the giveaway? You are doing an amazing thing!
What a great idea! Done…hope my little bit helps! andreaunke@yahoo.com
Beautiful gesture!