PPP058: Use Your Talent for the Good of Others (aka Hurricane Harvey Relief – How you can help)
Summary: Hurricane Harvey was a Category 4 hurricane that made landfall on the coast of Texas Thursday, August 24<br> In less than four days, the storm dropped 40 inches of rain in south Texas, whose average amount of annual rainfall is 49.72 inches. The resulting flooding has caused massive damage to the homes and businesses in that area.<br> I am a proud Texan, born and raised. Texas is a BIG place and my home is many miles away from the storm and flooding. My family is safe. However, I have many personal friends and piano teacher friends who live in the Houston area. I’m hearing so many stories of their rescues and loss.<br> My brother, Terry, is a ranking official in law enforcement for the state of Texas, stationed close to Houston. His home and family are safe and dry but he has been working many long hours coordinating evacuation and rescue efforts. His work will continue as he assists with cleanup and rebuilding the community.<br> How can we help if we are so far away?<br> I’ve chosen to give monetary donations online through two organizations that I trust. I highly recommend that you make your own investigation and give to organizations and local charities that you trust.<br> <a href="https://www.mtnafoundation.org/contribute/contribute-now/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MTNA.org</a> – Music Teachers National Association has a benevolence fund designed to assist music teachers with replacing their teaching materials. When you follow the link, the first option to click is “MTNA Benevolence Fund” then scroll down to include your contact and payment information. There are optional boxes where you can indicate that your gift is in memory or honor of someone. You can name your piano kid, your piano teacher, Hurricane Harvey survivors, or simply leave the boxes blank.<br> <a href="https://www.mtnafoundation.org/contribute/contribute-now/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Support the MTNA Benevolence Fund here.</a><br> (If you are a music teacher needing assistance from MTNA, call their national office at 888-512-5278.)<br> <a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/all-disaster-units-to-texas-hurricane-harvey/?utm_source=Ggl&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=m_YGHH-B17V_HHSP-Article2&gclid=Cj0KEQjwranNBRDh3uGN5ojp9o8BEiQASu908I6UXIQbN0igTEDjwB0FaqYbQzDUascw0mh6YIlwLfoaAmXw8P8HAQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Samaritans Purse.org</a> – Co-founded by Franklin Graham, son of Christian evangelist, Billy Graham, Samaritan’s Purse “mobilizes staff and equipment and enlists thousands of volunteers to provide emergency aid to victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters in the United States. We often stay behind after our initial response to rebuild or restore houses for needy families.”<br> <a style="text-align: center;" href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/all-disaster-units-to-texas-hurricane-harvey/?utm_source=Ggl&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=m_YGHH-B17V_HHSP-Article2&gclid=Cj0KEQjwranNBRDh3uGN5ojp9o8BEiQASu908Eg1itbPQjLdCT_1nD7YYkVAmmJYlyq7b2sUJCzrtOAaAgRv8P8HAQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Make a donation through Samaritan’s Purse here.</a><br> <br> <a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Operation Christmas Child</a> is another program that enables us to give generously to children around the world.<br> How can I include my Piano Kid?<br> Tell them how you have given. Let them know about the organization you supported and how they will use the money to help others. Our children don’t know about these opportunities unless we tell them.<br> Organize a Practiceathon. If your child is participating in the <a href="http://www.pianoparentpodcast.com/septemberpracticechallenge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#3020 September Practice Challenge</a>, have them invite friends and family to sponsor their p...
