Sunday, March 27, 2011

Operation Auction



You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me

You've got troubles, well I've got 'em too
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
We stick together and we see it through
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me


While this song may bring back memories of the move Toy Story, I felt these lyrics were perfect for today’s blog.

One of the many things I love and admire about the romance community is how it supports all the members of the community in a positive, loving way. And starting today, you can support one of our fellow romance enthusiasts. See we, the romance community, have a friend in need.

Many of you may know Fatin, the wonderful lady who runs the RR&H Novel Thoughts blog. I “met” Fatin (or Mad as many of us know her) years ago when I first began visiting romance novel forums on the internet. The forum at Romance Reader At Heart was one of the first forums I felt truly comfortable discussing the books I read. The group of women there were so welcoming to a newbie like me. Nancy, Julie, Kristal, Fatin and so many others welcomed me with open arms and encouraged my love of romance novels. Fatin was forever suggesting new authors to me, many of which turned out to be my favorite authors. As the organizer of the Secret Santa book exchanged every year, she made sure everyone had a blast and man was it fun! Ever since the first year I participated in the exchange, I have received a beautiful handcrafted card from Fatin during the holiday season. From one crafter to another, I understand the time and love she puts into making every card. Fatin is just so sweet to remember me (and I am sure many others). She has such a sweet and gentle spirit!

Fatin not only runs the RR@H Novel Thoughts blog, but she is also an administrator of the WriteMinded loop, an author assistant and a tireless advocate for romance novels. In addition to her love for all things romance, Fatin is the proud mother of four very beautiful daughters.

On March 8, 2011, Fatin’s life changed forever. Her beloved husband was shot and killed while working at the convenience store the family owns. Sammy was known throughout the community as a man who would put a smile on your face and help anyone in need. This sad and senseless violent act has left four girls without a father and Fatin without the love of her life.

Since learning of this terrible incident, love and support has poured in from every corner of the romance community. And starting today you can show your love and support also. Operation Auction, a benefit auction for Fatin and her lovely girls, will be held today through Tuesday, March 29, 2011.

You can visit Operation Auction here.

To find out information about Operation Auction or to simply make a donation, please click here.

There are so many wonderful things up for auction, including but in no way limited to critiques by published authors and editors, gift cards, Nooks, autographed books. You name it and its probably there.

And of course The Romance Dish will be contributing a wonderful basket to Operation Auction. Here’s a brief description of our basket: Huge gift pack including $40 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice), an assortment of handcrafted chocolates, goodies, and 20 books signed by authors. All titles will be listed at auction.

So take some time over the next three days and please check out the auction. While you will be indulging in your love of romance, you will also be helping out a wonderful friend and sister of the romance community.

In addition to Operation Auction, an education fund has been established for Fatin’s four daughters. Checks can be mailed to the following address. Be sure to include all lines when address the envelope.

Soufan Family Fund
RBC Bank
2340 Sunset Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
M-C 000-005-0100


We hope that you will support Fatin and her girls!


~ Buffie

9 comments:

  1. I'll definitely check out the items. I'm sure I'll find a lot of stuff to bid on.

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  2. I have already made out my Wish List for this event. I did notice there were extra items for Day 1 that had not been previously listed.
    I do hope the auction does well for Fatin and her daughters.

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  3. Most admirable & worthy cause.

    marypres@gmail.com

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  4. Thanks to everyone for taking a look at Operation Auction! I hope we have a good turnout and raise some much needed funds for Fatin and her daughters.

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  5. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Dishes! I will definitely check it out.

    This is part of the reason I really love the romance community-we all pull together when someone is in need. I remember a similar auction being held at Eloisa and JQ's BB to raise money for a member who was having a difficult time as well.

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  6. Thanks for posting this. My wishlist is a mile long. I have also donated 3 non-book related items. The first one went up today. It is already over $120!!! So glad that the proceeds go to a good cause.

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  7. Thanks to all of you for checking out OPERATION AUCTION. There are so many things to bid on!!! And I'm sure you can find something you really want.

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  8. Is there a Payal link? I do most of my banking via electrons, and I would rather just give instead of bid.

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  9. Thank you so much to all of you for checking out the auction. The romance community is the most generous group of people in the world!

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