The Playhouse!

So a few weeks ago I decided to do a little project to help out a family that is adopting a little boy with down syndrome. Lynette Rehrer, tthe mother of one of Gabes old misison companions had this idea a year ago, to raffle off a playhouse for my friend Kecia's adoption of Kareen. We didnt get to it, but I thought it was an amazing idea! So about a month ago when I found out about the Preece's heading over to Eastern Europe to rescue Arnold....I decided to spring into action!

We got a playhouse off craigslist for $50....and many miracles later......our Little Red Riding Hood Cottage was born!

The house features cute gingerbread trim, shaker style shingles, pecan laminate hard wood flooring (installed by my husband in 103 degree heat :))

This house is totally decked out. I may have to raffle off my children as accessories since they think they live in it! It has a cheery little flower box, play kitchen, tea set & dishes, velcro playfood tray, rocking chair, bird and cage, telephone, picnic basket (for taking to grandmas house!), and even a working chandelier! Not to mention little red's riding hood and a wolf mask for dressing up in. 

The little blue box with the button to push is our "doorbell" and it says "hello friends,  Im out visiting my grandmas house, but come on in and make yourself at home!"  Its just too fun and cute for words!

And Its even if cuter in person if you can believe it. 

So. If you are reading this, and if you love me and if you have the heart to help save our little buddy Arnold from a sad institution life, PLEASE help spread the word about this raffle!

Come buy a ticket for $5. Or buy 5 for $20! Better yet, write me a check for your donation amount, or ask your work to make a sizable donation! We are drawing a winner on August 10th at 8pm in Peppermint park (next to pepperidge elementary school). We have a few other prizes we will draw for as well....so come be a part of the action!

I REALLY need people who might be willing to sell tickets to friends, ward members, and family members :) Its SUCH a good cause, and REALLY REALLY the house is WORTH IT! 

SO COME ONE COME ALL. EMAIL ME OR LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE. ILL COME TO YOU! 

I HAVE SET UP A BLOG WITH THE PLAYHOUSE STORY, INFORMATION ABOUT THE PREECES, AND HELPFUL LINKS AT: BOISESRAINBOW@BLOGSPOT.COM

Here is an email you can copy and paste to friends and family, coworkers, or church leaders:

The Preece family of Meridian Idaho is embarking on a very special mission to rescue a little boy named Arnold! Arnold is 4 years old and currently resides in an orphanage in Eastern Europe. He was placed there shortly after birth, simply because he has Down Syndrome. As many of you know, the conditions of orphanage life are difficult at best for a healthy child, let alone one with special needs! These little children with so much to offer the world, are literally hidden away in underfunded, overcrowded, and understaffed ADULT mental institutions at the tender age of 5-6. The reality of their situation is that many of them succumb to the sheer neglect they face on a daily basis in a place where nobody holds them, feeds or dresses them consistently - and they simply cannot live. They perish alone, unloved, and never being allowed the basic human right of being part of a family or having the chance to reach their full potential. 

I am just a 30 year old mom living here in the comforts of America. I had an awareness of the sad conditions of orphanage life around the world, but really had no idea of the reality of the situation for kids with disabilities. I am not in a position to adopt (having 3 kids under 3 already!) I cant hop a plane over to Kazakistan and care for them myself....what can I do???? That is when I found out about Reeces Rainbow through my friend Kecia who adopted a girl named Kareen.  Reeces Rainbow is an online organization that raises adoption grants for children in hopes that some family will come forward to save them. If money is available toward the staggering fees of $30-40,000 (which is the average cost of one adoption) a child is significantly more likely to get rescued out of orphanage or institution life. People like me, who want to help, can advocate for these kids and collect tax deductible donations that go DIRECTLY towards their adoption. 

When I found out that a family here in Boise was acting on a prompting to go and rescue little Arnold- I could not sit still! I had to act in any way possible to contribute to their fundraising efforts! My friend Aubrey and I, along with  many volunteers and donations (Including Kami who generously donated ALL the paint and many decorations!) put together a darling outdoor playhouse to raffle off for the Preece family. You can see the playhouse and read all about the remodel here at the website we started called Boises Rainbow. We are selling tickets for just $5 each, or 5 for $20. We will draw the winner at 8pm in Peppermint Park on August 10th. (Local delivery is offered.)

Please spread the word to ANYONE and EVERYONE you know! I am happy to drive anywhere to collect funds and deliver tickets to interested businesses or people who are willing to buy them! If you have any questions please dont hesitate to give me a call! I sincerely appreciate your help, as does the Preece family who cried with joy when they learned that they were not alone in the heartache for not only their little son, but all the children who languish away waiting for a family. This is a chance for genuine life changing action! Your dollars go directly to this boy who will hopefully be home before Christmas this year. 

Thank you!!! 

Christy Beal

Gabe truly deserves some type of gold medal for husband of the century. He has tirelessly slaved away for my obsession for the past month, making this whole project even possible! He has worked ALL day only to come home and work some more! I love you Gabe! I love you for jumping on board and making my project YOUR project! Seriously.

Love that guy!

And I love you for reading this and making a difference! thank you!