* Raighne Hogan's Little Heart project on behalf of marriage equality is moving into the last days of its Kickstarter program and is still a long ways off from meeting its goal. There are a ton of Kickstarter initiatives out there, but this one seems like it has an issues-focus and isn't something that could be funded under too many other existing mechanisms.* a couple of folks out there have forwarded the following letter that indicates the ToonSeum in Pittsburgh could use a helping hand after suffering a flood.
Dear friends of the ToonSeum,A look at the linked-to donation page doesn't provide more information on the flooding, but local media have apparently picked up on the same plea.
I am writing to you today in a personal plea. Over the past five years the ToonSeum has had a great many successes with your help and support. We have grown from a tiny space inside of another museum to a unique independent attraction in downtown Pittsburgh's Cultural District. We have brought in some of the top cartoonist in the nation and exhibited over 40 exhibits! This New Year brings exciting new exhibits and opportunities including our newly opened Will Eisner's New York exhibit on loan from Denis Kitchen and our friends at MOCCA. I know as members and fans you will enjoy our summer exhibitions, which include Care Bears 30 Years of Caring, and Pittsburgh is Gotham! We also have a great line up of programming and workshops.
As we enter another phase of our growth we have hit a small setback. Last week during the heavy rains, our warehouse began to leak and flood. While no original artwork was stored at this site we did lose a great number of books, comics, exhibition reproductions and equipment. Much of these items were awaiting transfer to our new ToonSeum library on site. This was a temporary offsite holding storage where we kept books and equipment awaiting cataloging and transfer. We also used this space to store event and workshop supplies and equipment.
The damage and clean up will be extensive. During this time the ToonSeum's day-to-day operations will remain unaffected however the cost of replacing what was lost and the clean up will be difficult.
We are reaching out to you, our fans, for your help.
Your tax-deductible donation will help support the ToonSeum is this tough time. Any amount is deeply appreciated and will help greatly.
There are several ways to give and links are provided below.
You can donate via Razoo at http://toonseum.org/waystogive.html
Paypal to donate@toonseum.org
Or by sending a check to:
The ToonSeum
945 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
On behalf of the ToonSeum, our board, volunteers, staff and myself,
Thank you.
We exist because of fans like you.
* another project that looks like it could use a major angel or two is the SLG attempt to improve its Art Boutiki Gallery.
* to update on a previous item of focus from this column (and individual posts like it), Jim Woodring's request for money to complete his book Fran has moved past the halfway point. Jim Woodring is one of our finest cartoonists.