***Final Tally****
As of 4pm Pacific time, the total amount donated was $6,956.92 which is $456.92 over the goal, and which will go to charity. Since all of you are the reason why the goal was made, it stands to reason that you should get to decide what charities should receive the excess funds. I have said thank you so many times over the past two days, not only here but in trying to respond to your e-mails and notes. I promise I will get to all of you, but there are so many people to e-mail it will take a few days. So many of you have shared what is going on in your life and said so many nice things and you did this whether you donated or not and I want to make sure I give you the same consideration that you gave me by taking the time to write or donate or both.
On Friday in Your Turn I will come up with a way for us to vote on charities. Also, out of the 426 people who donated, a considerable number donated $50 and I will e-mail you in the next week and get your information and to see which book you want and what the inscription should read.
I know many of you indicated you would like the donation button to remain, and that is very kind, but as I said yesterday, this was a one-time thing and my hope is that prior to next year's deadline that advertising picks back up and it won't be necessary to ask for your monetary help again. I will leave up the buttons until midnight and then will take them off the post.
I really don't know what else to say, except to say thank you.
