From the diaries -- Larry 

Many of us have been "tapped out" this year, especially after the series of disasters that hit the world after Katrina/Rita, the mega-tsunami, and earthquake in Pakistan, as well as our support to the troops in Iraq and Afganistan.  This letter, below, from Wes Clark was recently sent to us by email on behalf of the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation. He reminds us that it's the time for giving to those in need and for those forgotten.

Well, here's another CCN-inspired idea.  Ever get tired of being asked, "What do you want for Christmas?" either by your spouse, partner, relative or friend?  Instead, of recieving a sweater, tie, shirt or bermuda shirt that you'll never use anyway, maybe you can ask that (s)he donate to the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, on your behalf. It could certainly be a charity of your choice, but if you know of anyone who has done so, please feel free to share your story of the gift here.  Details of the event and cause is detailed in Clark's letter below;

LETTER FROM WES CLARK: 

Like you, I was moved by the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. These terrible disasters affected all of us as Americans, no matter where we live, regardless of whether or not we actually know someone who suffered directly. But as the stories about Katrina and Rita continue to fade from the media spotlight, we must remember that the rebuilding, the restoration, and the recovery in Louisiana continues every hour of every day.

I invite you to attend a fundraising reception on December 14th in Washington, DC, to help the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. During this busy holiday season please take a moment to help the residents of Louisiana whose homes and lives have been devastated by this year's disasters.

Host Committee: 

General Wesley Clark

Senator Bennett Johnston

Mary Matalin

Senator Mary Landrieu

Thomas Hale Boggs, Jr.

James Carville

Congressman Charlie Melancon

Senator John Breaux

Donna Brazile

Congressman Rodney Alexander

James Lee Witt

The Hon. Lindy Boggs

Congressman Chris John

Rodney Slater

The Hon. Esther Coopersmith

 

Cokie Roberts

 

With the support of:
President William Jefferson Clinton

and special guest:
Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco

Date: Wednesday, December 14th, 2005 When: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Where: The offices of Patton Boggs LLP
2550 M Street, NW
Washington, DC Donations: $250, $500, $1000 and up

**There are NO contribution limits for this relief project**
The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation is a non-profit organization
**All contributions are tax-deductible**

Please make donations payable to:
Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, Inc.
c/o James Lee Witt Associates
701  13th Street, Suite 850
Washington, DC  20005

The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation has been established in order to help provide assistance to our citizens in need through a network of Louisiana charities, non-profit and governmental agencies.
  
The Foundation will support long-term family restoration and recovery by focusing on education, housing, health care, legal assistance and jobs for Louisiana families whose lives have been altered by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

To learn more about the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, please go to: www.louisianahelp.org.  Please RSVP by December 13th by contacting Lisa Beyer at: 202-470-2022 or emailing her at:

.

And if you're unable to attend, you can still donate online at www.louisianahelp.org.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark