Fundraiser Update!

I am beyond amazed at how much response we got from the "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" fundraiser. Not only did people download the song, donate a few extra bucks, make hot cocoa gifts, we even had someone make a "Hot Chocolate Stand" with their family! 

There were people from all over the country who bought extra download codes and used those as part of their gift packages to loved ones, or at parties, etc. Here's a few examples of how they turned out.

As for the hot cocoa stand, Shelley Coates decided to put one together with her family and it turned out beautifully! In fact, her 6 year old son was part of the motivation behind it all. When he saw the Mormon Helping Hands video, he was so moved by what had happened to families in the East Coast during hurricane Sandy that he wanted to raise money in efforts to help those people "buy a new house." They were able to raise $105, and it was sent to a woman and her two daughters who live in Staten Island along with a note and pictures of their hot cocoa stand. 

I honestly can't help but get teary-eyed as I look at these photos. I am truly so touched and inspired by the examples of others. Especially this little boy- so young and with such a pure heart. Children inspire me.

As for the money that we raised for the "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" fundraiser...we made a total of $681! 

With that money, we did the following:

Bought gift cards for families in need...

Bought clothes to donate to the Steven Siller Foundation which is a place in Staten Island that is collecting clothes, food and items for people who lost everything during the storms. Those people were allowed to come to the foundation and do some "shopping" for things they needed. I was told they were in need of teenage clothes in particular, so that's what I spent my Saturday before Christmas doing. I went to buy the clothes in the crazy packed lines at the stores...

I then drove to the foundation in Staten Island, praying the whole way that I'd get there before they closed at 4:00pm. (I made it...but just barely!)

Since they were closing up, I didn't get as many photos as I would have liked to...but I got a photo with this guy at the foundation. Not even sure who he is really, but it's all I have to show I'm afraid. :)

So THANK YOU to you all for your support in this fundraiser! Thanks for listening, for spreading the word, for downloading, or for reading. Thank you again to Weeds to Wishes and How Does She for writing about it as well and supporting. And lastly, thank you to the musicians who made the  music happen.

It was such a joy and the highlight of my Christmas this year.

May you all have a blessed 2013!!

Xo,

Bianca 

Check out how awesome this idea is...

I am so pleased to team up with WeedsToWishes.com and HowDoesShe.com for this digital download of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!" We have had so much fun brainstorming creative ideas as to how we can raise funds to help families in need this Christmas.

At first we thought..."Oh, what a great idea to give a Hot Cocoa gift away to loved ones and include the download code." (like you see in the photo above) But then, we thought to take it even one step further...

..."How about we make a Hot Cocoa Stand (kind of like a lemonade stand) and get the whole fam involved! And that's just what we did! Only, there are free printables on both WeedsToWishes.com and HowDoesShe.com that will allow you to download the cute banner and labels so that you can make your very own Hot Cocoa Stand!

Isn't that amazing?! Seriously...it's like a dream come true. Please let me know if you try it and how it goes for you! I'd love to see and hear how it turned out.

And as a last reminder- if you'd still like to download the song or get download codes from me, you can download the song here or email me with questions at biancamerkleymusic@gmail.com-



Thank you again to those of you who have already downloaded it...and to all of you who have shared it, reposed it, and tweeted about it...thank you so much! It will mean so much to those we help this Christmas. So thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Xo,

Bianca

Here's how to get your download codes...

Free Printable!

Download PDF here

Download jpg here

Ok, first of all...I've just got to say THANK YOU so much for downloading this song, sharing it with others, and for the kind comments and emails! My heart is so full. Thank you so much. 

As for the download codes...here's how you can get them.

1. Download and print this printable tag.
2. Then be sure to download the song here. When you do so, there will be a section where you can send me a comment. If you want download codes (perhaps to give away as gifts), just send me a comment in this message telling me how many codes you would like. This will then give me your email address which will allow me to respond to you with the download codes.
3. Or, you may also email me at biancamerkleymusic@gmail.com and I will reply to your email with download codes.
4. If you would like multiple download codes (perhaps to give away to your neighbors with some hot coco), then I would suggest (although you don't have to) that you put an extra dollar or more in the "Name Your Price" box (for example, if you want 10 download codes, then $10 would be appreciated). 
5. Lastly, once you receive your codes and have printed out your printable, then you may write the download codes in the blank on the bottom of the cards where it says, "Download Code."
6. If you'd like some super cute ideas as to how this download card thing can work as a gift, then go check it out on these blogs, "Weeds to Wishes", or "How Does She." Adorbs.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks again for being a part of this! ...And may your days be jolly and bright. 

Xo,

Bianca