Save the Dates (And, Thank You Mishawaka and Elkhart!)

Although I've already thanked them both, when you have a moment, please be sure to thank Mishawaka Mayor Rea and Elkhart Mayor Moore for their proclamations. You see, Mayor Rea recently proclaimed October 2009 "R.E.A.C.H. a Child Month" in the City of Mishawaka. For his part, Mayor Rea named June 14, 2009 "With Wings and a Halo - R.E.A.C.H. a Child Awareness Day."

Besides thanking Mayors Rea and Moore for their proclamations, what can Hoosiers do to participate in R.E.A.C.H. a Child Awareness Day and R.E.A.C.H. a Child Month? Lots of things!

* Make a tax-deductible financial contribution (if you have a PayPal account, you can do so in just seconds by using the "Donate" button below)
* Arrange a corporate sponsorship gift
* Join the With Wings and a Halo - R.E.A.C.H. a Child! Indiana facebook cause
* Add a link on your website to With Wings and a Halo – R.E.A.C.H. a Child!
* If you work at a bookstore, consider following Olivia's lead at the Waldenbooks in Elkhart and host a month-long bookdrive on our behalf
* If you attend one of Indiana's colleges or universities and are a member of a student organization, please consider holding a campus-wide bookdrive

As I'm asking for your help in helping Indiana children, as well as the State's first-responders, if I can be of assistance with any of the above, please do not hesitate to email me at either michael@reachachild.org or reachachildindiana@gmail.com.

There's More Than One Way to Get Children's Books Into Police Cars (This Might Be the Worst)

So, I had just left the Mayor of Mishawaka's office; Mayor Rea had graciously proclaimed October 2009 as "R.E.A.C.H. a Child Month In the City of Mishawaka." Anyway, I'm driving down Grape Road, when I realized that I was traveling a little too fast. Unfortunately, I came to that realization just seconds after a Mishawaka Police Officer had come to the same conclusion. My first thought, of course, was "Should I tell the Officer that I had just left the Mayor's office, and show him the proclamation?" I decided, no.

The Officer informed me that he had clocked me going 42 in a 30. Following standard procedure, he asked to see my driver's license, as well as proof of insurance. I complied. We then talked a bit about my car - 1979 MGB - as well as, its top speed (120). He was very professional and, ultimately, kind, as I was let off with just a warning.

Now, I've spent the last week or so trying to present With Wings and a Halo - R.E.A.C.H. a Child! Indiana to the Mishawaka Police Department. So...

"Mind if I step out of the car to talk to you about something, Officer?"

He didn't. So, I did it. I presented R.E.A.C.H. a Child! to him right there on the shoulder of the busy road. Of course, he loved it! We traded business cards, and he requested that I email him, so he can get me in touch with the right people in the department.

Is it better to be good or lucky? Best to be both. Today, though, I'm just thankful for the chance encounter... and for not being issued a ticket.