Deb, When I started a grassroots movement to build a community built playground all I had was the enthusiasm. But lots of it! I had absolutely no experience, no knowledge, and not a lot of support. But there were many people who thought I could never do it. But I kept going, kept learning, building support, never stopped. It took me WAY out of my comfort zone. I spoke to EVERY group in town, the village council and county commissioner recognized the sound of my voice. It was like a political compaign. Two years later, we, the committee of people who dedicated themselves as much as I did, had raised over $250,000, organized 3000 volunteers, fed those volunteers 14 meals over 7 days ... then we sat in our 20,000 sq.ft. playground and watched our kids play (and cried a little). Let's just say they never doubted me again! Anything is possible with enthusiasm! However, when I started I did set an unrealistic goal in regards to time. A person I respected suggested I spread out the time line and slow down. It's better to take your time and plan, build support, get your ducks in a row. So my other to points of advice are 1) Get in good with the school principal, maybe he/she can recommend a couple teachers to help you. If the principal asks the teachers you might get a better response, and more committment in the long. 2) It's not a bad thing if the plants don't go in this year. This can be your planning year. So maybe you make it a reality next fall, then you'll have all the kinks worked out, won't be putting pressure on the school to add one more project to their list. If you approach a business for a donation, it's in your favor if they have several months to make the donation when it fits into their budget. A business who donates now might also donate next year, you'd get more stuff. Or a business who can't afford to donate right now, might be able to if the they plan for it in a few months. Many businesses' end/start their fiscal years in October, so it's a good time to solicit donations as they are making budgets. I can think of dozens of reasons to give yourself this year to plan, with the goal of planting next year. I know you're excited now and that makes us like kids, we want it NOW! Believe me, I've been there, I'm the same way. So take it from me, slow down, make yourself a good timeline, with the help of other volunteers you enlist. It's better to make sure it happens right even if it takes longer than you dreamed. I would really love to see you make your dream a reality for the children. So if I can answer any questions or give moral support, you can always email me. I don't know a thing about the gardening side of it, but I can help with selling the idea! Stephanie

Go to HMF and look up the genetic trees of all those roses you might use. Find out what roses are in their backgrounds and what characteristics they might add to the mix. I can tell you from my own experience that the genetic default code for most seedlings is few petals and pink. I've crossed two many petaled yellow roses (Golden Celebration X Graham Thomas) and ended up with 5 petaled pink seedlings, lol! Both, of course, have pink ancestry. There is a huge amount of trial and error and patience required to do breeding but it is always interesting and fun!

I hope you won't think I'm a "naysayer", I'm not saying don't do a GME (or Youcaring, etc.) but I wanted to offer other options too. I have been involved in fundraising for similar projects. The most recent was in Guatemala. For the shoes, toothbrushes and possibly even drugs, I would contact people about donating. We did shoes and toothbrushes (and other items) and much of this was donated by some area dentists and other groups, stores, etc. We also had a car show and "yard sale" to fund some of the items we needed. We have friends who are missionaries in Honduras. They work with a medical team (go out into the less populated areas with a team of both missionaries and medical staff). They have raised funds through selling of items (some wonderful candles made in the area) and coffee from their area. Just a few ideas. Also, as a project leader in my area for the Operation Christmas Child (shoe box project) you can find flip-flops (probably now) for cheap. We bought up a ton at places like Target, dollar store, etc. well in advance. Sounds like a great experience and I wish you much luck in obtaining funding/items!

I just did my first request for withdrawal. It is supposed to be in my bank around the 16th. The fund is staying open so can still accept donations. The % taken out is I think around 5to8 %. Not bad at all. This is going to help us a lot! Thanks so much!