So much for the “it’s not just rainbows and unicorns here” disclaimer. It’s raining rainbows today.
I shared Ruby’s Rainbow with you in March, and you all helped them raise the roof on their fundraising for the 3-21 Pledge campaign. Because of that, 32 individuals with Down syndrome received letters this week, informing them that Ruby’s Rainbow would help send them to college. Liz, Ruby’s Rainbow founder, texted me a picture of the rainbow-colored envelopes the day they went out–a text now wedged between a hundred other texts filled with recipient photos, ideas for growth, words from recipient’s families and new goals. Two time zones behind me, she’s often the first to text me in the morning and the last to text at night, her mission always the same: let’s send more people with Down syndrome to college. Let’s reach more people. “I’m sorry if I’m bothering you with all these! I promise I’ll stop,” she recently texted. But I can’t let her stop.
Ruby’s Rainbow is on fire.
Zach graduated from WCU’s UP Program this summer and is now living independently in his own apartment. He also finished his half marathon this year.
Ruby’s Rainbow just launched their 2015 RainBOWL auction online this morning. There are over 100 items in the boutique, sales of which will help provide more higher education opportunities to people with Down syndrome. Some of my favorite shops generously donated products, and there is plenty more (including many local shops and restaurants in the Austin, Texas area if you live nearby).
Brandon Gruber (a 2015 Ruby’s Rainbow participant) is an artist and donated some of his artwork to the auction.
And more Ruby’s Rainbow Auction items from some of my favorites:
1. Mark Poulin Sloth Family Necklace Set
2. Sophie & Lili Handmade Doll
3. Brandon Lack Original “Flower Garden”
4. The Measure Designs Sunsuit
5. Charlottesville Necklace from Sookie Sookie
6. Handmade Lion Mobile from Pink Cheeks Studio
7. North American Bear Company ABC Activity Mat
8. Detention Tees $20 Gift Card
9. Livie & Luca Your Pick Shoes
10. North American Bear 3 Little Pigs Nesting Puppets
Go check it out, shop and know that your purchases are providing opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome. I need more texts from Liz. Let’s help them continue to grow!
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