It’s so hard to believe that 2011 will be rolling to a close in just a few days. This has been a whirlwind year with so many wonderful experiences, and I can’t wait to see what 2012 will bring! For me, personally, these are the top five highlights from 2011:
5. Finally getting to see an Atlanta Braves spring training game at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports
4. Coordinating my 100th wedding and publishing a nonfiction book for wedding vendors
3. Buying a new house and moving into it
2. My daughter’s graduation from VPK and her first day of Kindergarten
1. Publication of the Daughters of Saraqael trilogy
There are other highlights, of course, not the least of which is joining Twitter and Triberr and connecting with so many awesome people. In the new year, I’m inviting some of the amazing writers I’ve connected with to participate in my blog, so be on the lookout for interviews and guest posts to come. I’m very grateful to everyone who invited me to participate on their blogs this year and look forward to returning the nod!
Lastly, a 2011 accomplishment that has a lot of meaning to me is the establishment of the Raine Gives Back initiative. I’ve donated 5% of my net earnings from book sales each month to a different cause, beginning in October. The very worthy cause receiving a donation in December is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a suggestion offered to me by author Sara Reine. My donation will be made in Sara’s name once December’s sales numbers are finalized.
Do you have a cause that you feel is worthy of a donation from Raine Gives Back? If so, please comment and tell me more. I’m looking forward to contributing to many great causes in the new year, and, as always, I thank you for your support!
Raine Gives Back: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
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About the Author: Raine
Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of bestselling Young Adult and New Adult fiction. Known for character-driven stories that inspire the imagination, Raine has signed with multiple award-winning producer Chase Chenowith of Back Fence Productions to bring her popular Daughters of Saraqael trilogy to the big screen. She’s a proud indie author who is living the dream. When she isn’t writing or glued to e-mail or social networking sites, Raine can usually be found vacationing with her husband and daughter on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.
Hi Raine,
That was a really nice article. I always enjoy seeing how people give back.
I am really enjoying your Daughters of Saraqael, just finished Central last night and I will start on Foretold tonight.
I wanted to share with you re: worthy cause.
There is a 12 year old girl named Jessica Joy Rees and she has late stage, inoperable brain cancer. She is absolutely amazing. Instead of wallowing in self pity, she started the Joy Jar project. Her goal is to produce 50,000 joy jars to 50,000 children with cancer. She has also started the NEGU ( pronounced knee goo ) foundation which stands for Never Ever Give Up. She recently made a request to get 50,000 followers on her facebook page and is about half way there. She is also trying to get people to record a quick video via any means possible simply saying ” I NEGU … do you? ”
I was hoping if you ever have a spare minute you might take a look at her facebook page ~ facebook.com/JessicaJoyRees and after reading about what she is doing to give back, maybe help out by encouraging others to friend her to help her reach her goal, or in any way that you feel worthy?
Thank you so much for your time and for all the enjoyment your books are bringing me.
Sincerely,
Heidi
hkdaksmom@aol.com
heidiknowles@twitter
This is truly an inspirational story, Heidi. Thank you so much for bringing it to my attention! I’ve just gone to Jessica’s Facebook page and liked it. I also shared it to encourage my FB friends to like it, and I will absolutely do what I can to help Jessica reach her goal. This is what giving back is all about! *HUGS*
I love that you put baseball there in the post :D Also that you have started this initiative. One of the worthy causes that I try to help when I can is the NoH8 campaign, also The Trevor Project. It helps prevent suicide amongst the Gay, Lesbian and Transgender teens. Something that we should all support in my humble opinion, as teens need our support no matter what their sexual preferences are. A life is a life and a precious one, no matter race, gender, or sexual preferences.
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Another very worthy cause, Lyn, and one I will definitely include on my list for this coming year. Thanks so much for the awesome suggestion! *hugs*