OFFICIAL ROSES FOR HELEN THREAD 4 - LAST CHANCE TO DONATE BY 2 EST TODAY!

[helderheid]

Thread #1: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=733987&mesg_id=733987

Thread #2: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=744488&mesg_id=744488

Thread #3: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=757424&mesg_id=757424

Helen Thomas is getting roses! Donations will be accepted until Monday morning - then I will buy the roses for her which will be fed exed overnight. Vases and buckets are included. They are being purchased at www.organicbouqet.com - they are selling them by the 12 dozen (a dozen dozen) at $180 including shipping.

I will include the names of all on the thank you card which will read something like:

Thank you Helen for bringing up the Project for a New American Century in the corporate media and for asking the President the questions all Americans want answered about Iraq! Thank you for always siding on the side of truth and asking for others to do the same! We've got your back! Thank you, Ms. Thomas.

Speaking of Helen Thomas and PNAC, check out this link too!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x741853

To donate, go to www.starcampaign.com/donate.htm

[helderheid]

1. I am wondering if we could raise $360 by 2 EST today - that would give her

a dozen dozen dozen!

[Binka]

2. I Just Took A Big Bite Out Of That $360

I hope we can get the rest before 2 EST. I'll continue to follow in case you might need Mama Binka to help again.

[helderheid]

3. HOLY MOLY DID YOU EVER!

[helderheid]

4. UPS vs Fed Ex - DUers enlightened others again!

Email from Organic Bouquet:

Right now, I'm afraid our only carrier is FED EX, although were working out a deal with UPS to ship with them. I didn't know that FED EX wasnt unionized.


DU, you enlightened more people once more!

[helderheid]

5. REMINDER - PLEASE NO E-CHECKS!

Because they don't clear immediately, I have to cover the e-checks - please send instant funds only - thanks!

[skooooo]

6. What if there are TOO many?

I saw there was enough $$ for 60 dozen already. Hope this gets on the news.

[helderheid]

7. I believe she'll donate the flowers to VA hospitals - I kinda like the

goal of a dozen dozen dozen. :) That works out to 1728 roses

[helderheid]

8. UPDATE

Cleared funds: $1707.74
Uncleared: $138 (not including fees Pay Pal will deduct)
Total: $1845 (again, some fees will be deducted from the uncleared amount so this is not exact)

$1800 = 120 Dozen
$1980 = 132 Dozen
$2160 = 144 Dozen (a dozen dozen dozen) :)

[wakeme2008]

9. OK I did a little more :) nt

[helderheid]

10. thank you!!

[wakeme2008]

11. forgot did it by CC this time....

:)

[FourScore]

12. 2323 is the number

of US troop fatalities from this ill concieved war. (At least that's the number I got from the www.icasualtie.org website.) Wouldn't it be great if we could send her a rose for every fallen US soldier to honor her standing up for them. I doubt we could get that many donations by 2:00. But I'll certainly contribute. God, I love that woman. Thanks for whoever started this campaign of roses. Good idea!

[helderheid]

13. Ah, that is a good idea! I doubt though we could pull it together by 2

and unfortunately, that number keeps getting bigger :cry: :mad: :cry:

[FourScore]

15. So true. Sadly the number keeps rising.

If we did aim for the 2323 number then it means we would need 194 dozen. Hmmm...Not much time to raise that much money.

[wakeme2008]

14. Welcome to DU

:hi:

[FourScore]

16. Thank you!

I'm happy to be here.

[helderheid]

17. JUST TALKED TO HER OFFICE

She is in town this week and they are so thrilled we are doing this for her!!

[Nickster]

24. Are they going to keep it a surprise for Helen?

[bear425]

86. What'd they say? What'd they say! I'm so excited!

I couldn't donate a lot, but I'm glad to be part of this. Thank you again for organizing it helderheid!

[helderheid]

87. see #26! :)

[troubleinwinter]

18. Sent a little bit more!

[helderheid]

19. TOTALS

1760 cleared
138 uncleared
total 1898

[FourScore]

21. I just donated.

I'll check back in around 1:30.

[helderheid]

20. can I get one more rec? I am shaking from talking to her office

So nervous and excited!

[troubleinwinter]

22. Done!!!

[xiamiam]

23. please tell us the conversation...

[helderheid]

26. OK, well I called the hill first and they gave me the correct number

and I talked to a receptionist - said we'd raised some money to send roses to Helen - he was touched and gave me the address and said she was in town this week. Then I said "There will be thousands." "THOUSANDS??!? Are you SERIOUS??" "I'm Serious!" "WOW!! Let me transfer you!!" I ended up talking to the buereu chief and he wanted to make it clear they couldn't exploit this for our website - I assured him that wasn't what I wanted but I just wanted to make sure there was a camera taking pictures. "What do we do with the product of that picture?" "Have it for Helen for a feel good moment in the future? I just want to make sure she has something to remember the day." "OH, well that's FINE! Do you have our address?" I re-confirmed I did and then my phone cut off for some reason. :)

We will need to come up with a press release ourselves so that she really gets to shine!

[xiamiam]

30. probably need to have someone else take a photo as well...

[helderheid]

36. I will cross post this in DC DU :)

[FourScore]

25. I tried to recommemend

but I am too new here and haven't posted enough yet.:-(
Oh well. Those of you who can recommend, let's keep this at the top!

[helderheid]

27. WELCOME TO DU!!

:hi:

[FourScore]

29. Thanks helderheid.

[Binka]

31. Got The PP Off

And threw in an extra bit :loveya:

[helderheid]

28. 2.5 HOURS TO GO!

[Bombero1956]

33. kickeroo

:kick::kick::kick::kick:

[helderheid]

32. $83 SHY OF A DOZEN DOZEN DOZEN!

[FourScore]

35. Do you think we could keep it up and aim for the 2323?

Man I'm stubborn, aren't I?:-)

[GOPFighter]

37. I sent a few bucks

Don't know how you will know who it's from though...

[elf]

34. Every Rose from the bottom of my heart

I send a good amount with great respect for Helen Thomas!!!

[helderheid]

38. Self Delete

Too many opinions will bog this down

[helderheid]

40. Another option is to do vases and subtract the number of roses - thoughts?

[wakeme2008]

41. IMHO subtract the rose and include the vases

:)

[helderheid]

44. we certainly have enough roses still that would make a BIG impact

It would leave us with $1540 left for roses (as of now) which I personally could get to the next level if need be of $1620 for 108 dozen which equals 1296 roses

[helderheid]

45. of course less roses, less vases too!

[wakeme2008]

47. run for the roses :) nt

[troubleinwinter]

42. Perhaps

go ahead and order the flowers now, and keep the donation threads open so that we might get some more $$ for someone local to find buckets. $7.44 seems a lot. Plus I think it makes shipping more difficult. Maybe a DC floral supply would deliver a pile of containers? At least there is some time to arrange something.

[troubleinwinter]

46. Second thought, I agree. Get the vases!

[helderheid]

48. I think so too. And I think Friday is a better day to arrive than Tuesday.

[xiamiam]

52. if its friday theres no weekend mention of it ..

[helderheid]

57. I know - he thinks he may be able to do Thursday - more than anything

I want HER to get the message but I think if we are strategic with getting press releases out and emails to Keith Olbermann, we could get Friday news. He said these are extremely high quality roses too so she could donate them (if she wants) on Monday

[xiamiam]

50. friday is not a good day...so it looks like tuesday...would also give

time to get the container thing together...because i agree that 7.44 is a little high..call a floral supply place in dc...probably could buy a couple cases and have them delivered for a fraction of that...maybe...

[troubleinwinter]

39. Thank you for this, helderheid! And a kick!

:kick: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[wakeme2008]

43. Kicking for the Roses nt

:)

[realFedUp]

49. She might think she's died....

you must have enough to bury her in by now :-)

[helderheid]

51. ANNOUNCEMENT

I am waiting to hear from the florist how many flowers and vases our money will buy - I will let you all know as soon as I hear from him. It will still be over 1000 roses easily! Also, I feel strongly that time is of the essence and want these in her office as soon as possible so I will request they get this order delivered by Friday.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!

PS - donations are open for another hour and 50 minutes!

[troubleinwinter]

53. Yes, let's go for it... and I'm kickin' in another little bit to help.

Let keep recommending this thread & hope for more bucks!

[helderheid]

55. You're awesome!

[suffragette]

54. K&R

for the smile this will bring to Helen.

[helderheid]

56. JUST TALKED TO THE FLORIST

With current funds, we can afford 9 dozen dozen with vases (well over 1000 roses) - they arrive in boxes - I will need to alert her staff! He thinks Thursday is possible but he cannot say for sure, it may be Friday - he is calling his CEO now!

[jeanarrett]

59. I know Helen's staff knows, but it will be a surprise for her won't it?

[helderheid]

62. I sure hope so! I asked they keep it quiet!

[troubleinwinter]

63. Just WUUUNDERFUL!!!!!

[FourScore]

64. Is there any way

to continue accepting donations for a few days while they get it arranged?
The vases thing seems strange. You would think they could offer you floral buckets for a much more reasonable price. Kinda' sounds like they are milkin' this a bit.

[helderheid]

65. They are sent from Miami in boxes and can send vases seperately in boxes

but don't have buckets - they are an internet based company.

[wakeme2008]

58. kicking for Friday......

Myself I will be in Tortola BVI



:)

[GardeningGal]

60. I just sent a little more. I want to see her face too!

I hope this sends a message to some of the other press out there. That we are paying attention and appreciate the efforts of those that do their job.

[FourScore]

69. Boy that's the truth.

Wouldn't it be great if we could send them straight to the White House press room?:D That would solve all the issues. Plenty of photographers, and you can be sure all the press and White Staff would hear about it. Ahhh...if only it were so easy...

[jeanarrett]

61. It's not much, but I sent in my little bit.

[wakeme2008]

70. Every little bit helps

:hug:

[wakeme2008]

66. Yet another $50 :)

10 doz doz sounds right.... :) Or is the left ...:)

[helderheid]

67. :)

Thank you!

[FourScore]

68. Helderheid

Do you have a strong personal preference for this floral company? Because I think I have found a wholesale company that specializesin these sorts of bulk orders, can ship within 48 hours, has a huge variety to pick from and can beat the other stores prices.

[FourScore]

71. Am I meddling too much?

I certainly don't mean to.:blush:

[wakeme2008]

76. Not really, she is probably on the phone with the flower ppl

Check the first thread, this company was picked because they are all organic

[helderheid]

77. no you're fine - see post 76 - that's why this florist - I was picking up

my son from kindergarten :)

[spuddonna]

72. I just found $5 in my budget, and made an online payment! woo hoo!

Sorry it isn't much, but we're broke! :7 (Or as my mama says, "we're low on cash but rich with love!")

[wakeme2008]

74. Every little bit helps

:hug:

[demgurl]

73. I donated - just in the nick of time.

Not much but every little bit helps, right?

[wakeme2008]

75. Right Demgurl

:hug:

[helderheid]

78. I know I said donate until 2 EST but unless you didn't donate and are

feeling a burning desire, please stop donating - my contact at the florist has been making FINAL arrangements with his contacts and I really don't want to throw any wrenches in to this. I'll post details soon.

[CottonBear]

79. When is the delivery date? You previously said April14? n/t

[helderheid]

80. Just talked to Helen's staff - Thursday would be perfect but they cannot

accept them on Friday so unless they can guarantee them on Thursday, it will most likely be Tuesday April 4th

[troubleinwinter]

82. All very good. Excellent work!

[CottonBear]

85. OK. Cool! Thanks for organizing this delivery. n/t

[holboz]

81. K& R - I donated a fiver...

wish it could be more but I wanted to give something. Helen Thomas rocks (and she has the same name as my grandmother!)

[FourScore]

83. Will the flowers

be arranged in the vases? One bulk place warned me that they may not arrange them for delivery at bulk prices, but rather send the vases and roses in seperate boxes. Yikes. I said that I felt sure that the price was an arranged bouquet price, but it got me worried. Do you know if it is?

[helderheid]

84. They are not arranged but her staff is aware and willing to arrange them

[GOPFighter]

89. Maybe there is someone in the Washington area...

...who could help her staff with the flowers. I'm sure this will be great for Helen but possibly a nightmare for her staff. I work just outside DC but I'm swamped this week and will be out of town next week otherwise I'd offer to help. Maybe someone else? And maybe take a picture and post it here?

[helderheid]

90. I've posted in the DC and MD forum - no bites yet - do you know of someone

locally you could call?

[helderheid]

88. UPDATE: I have messages in with the florist - waiting to hear back on

a solid delivery date - I have not transferred the money yet.

THANK YOU ALL!

[FourScore]

92. Just curious

what the final numbers are looking like. How much did you raise and how many flowers and vases would be sent? And is the delivery date definitely set for this Thursday?

[helderheid]

94. check 93 :) also, total roses in vases: 1200

[juajen]

91. I recommended

and here's your :kick:

[helderheid]

93. DONE! - 1200 Roses in vases in 7 varieties:

Payment To Organic Bouquet Mar. 27, 2006 Completed Details -$2,206.00 USD

They will be delivered either Thursday morning, or if they cannot make it, then Tuesday April 4th!

I AM SO EXCITED!

1200 roses in vases - 7 varieties:

goldstrike

Versillia

Pink Intuition

Rosselle

Cherry Love

Crown Majesty

Shocking Versillia

[FourScore]

100. 1200 roses in vases

Do you mean they will deliver them already in the vases after all?

[helderheid]

101. no no, the vases are sent seperately, unfortunately.

[Synnical]

102. helderheid - you so totally rock

Thanks for tackling this task. You did a fantastic job. I'm excited, too. Thank you, thank you.

:toast: :bounce: :yourock: :hug:

[helderheid]

103. I am feeling so grateful to be part of this community of online love!

YOU rock!! DU ROCKS!! :)

[livvy]

104. Ooooh...They are gorgeous!

I can't decide which is my favorite. This really is exciting. You did a fantastic job, helderheid. Thanks so much for doing this!

[Bukowski Fan]

95. Quick Question

My girlfriend is a photojournalist and would love to take a picture of Helen receiving the roses, how would we go about making this happen? Is there a way to work this out with the delivery person?

[helderheid]

96. Oh that would be WONDERFUL!!! She's in DC?

If you could get me her contact info I can get that to the flower people and have them contact her when they know the exact time!!

[Bukowski Fan]

97. Because I'm new here

I can't send you a private message. But if you email me, I can email you back with her contact info.

Thanks a lot!

JakeConarck

AT

yahoo

DOT

com

[helderheid]

99. you've been emailed!

[ronnykmarshall]

98. Ah poop !! I missed the deadline

This is very cool. I'm sure Helen will be thrilled.

[troubleinwinter]

105. This is sooooo groovy!

I betcha can guess which is may favorite rose! (actually, my avatar is for Cindy)

I am still hoping we can find the contact for the THANK YOU PATRIOT site, so we can get Helen in the Hall of Fame page.

Thank you, helderheid, for doing all this work!

[GardeningGal]

106. I'm so excited! I hope we can get a picture.

I know that it's planned, but you never know. I feel like a kid in a candy shop right now and I didn't do anything but donate.

Thank you helderheid for this. I'm sure it was alot of work.

(PS....I like the bicolor ones!)

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

107. It's not every day that an American Lady receives 1200 Roses!

How many women in the world have had such an experience? Not many, I'd say.
A day to remember always, for her and for us. This sites appreciation of her excellence in journalism is a fine thing indeed.
I don't care if we get a pic of delivery, or Even if the card was simply signed Anonymous Americans ~ That would be fine with me.
Helen's getting Roses, that's all that really matters.

Excellent job and Thank You!, Helderheid! Hope the staff gets some flowers to take home themselves after setting them up! What a fine thing it would be to work with the likes of Ms. Thomas. That's a reward all on it's own.

[NMDemDist2]

108. how can we tip off the Washington Press Corp? does the WaPo have a

tips line?

[helderheid]

109. I'll fax the release out to the AP and Reuters - I'll see if I can't

locate DC press to fax it to - we're just waiting until Wedneday until we'll know for certain what day the flowers will be arriving. I will set up a seperate post giving DUers their marching orders to contact Keith Olbermann, John Stewart, and Bill Maher! OH and OPRAH!

[NMDemDist2]

110. we need more than that. don't forget Knight Ridder, and the UK papers

too!

lots to glean from this list in the research forum too

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_oet&address=358x1903

[helderheid]

112. thanks - we need to hit it and hard - as soon as I have a date pinned and

we have a press release ( katinmn is experienced in writing them and has agreed to do this one - THANK YOU katinmn!!) we need to do an action alert with as many recommends as possible and get DUers spreading the word! :) It can serve too as a sounding board for ideas on how to maximize the message far and wide.

:)

EEEK! :)

[Beaverhausen]

111. excellent idea

we should also hit all the other blogs like atrios, smirking chimp, etc.

[xiamiam]

113. Excellent job Helderheid...thank you...