Please send out auction requests to people you know today....

If you haven't had time to write the e-mail, you can copy and paste the sample e-mail below and customize to suit you and the people you know.

(Person's name) --

I'm involved in a project that I wanted to ask your help with -- Olympia Flood Aid. I know you are already well aware of the fact that many of our local farms in south Thurston and Lewis counties were hard hit by December's flooding -- and they're still digging out, literally and figuratively, and will be doing so for some time.

Olympia Flood Aid, a loose collective of musicians and friends, is organizing a two-night benefit event, Feb. 16 & 17, at the Olympia Eagles Ballroom, with a multitude of bands and solo performances as well as a silent auction. All donations and profits will go to the Olympia Food Co-op's Flood Relief Fund. This fund donates all of its proceeds directly to farmers, with no overhead. Our hope is to make this a continuing initiative, with additional events in the future.

Beyond inviting you to attend the event, I'm writing to ask you to consider making a donation of goods or services to this auction -- -- any gift, of any dollar value, is welcome -- and to ask you to help get the word out about this effort. I no longer pass on e-mail petitions to my friends but this is truly a community networking project -- where friends talking to friends can make all the difference. I'm hoping you'll consider helping build this network.

Given the timing of the storm, and the holidays, this effort--like so many others in Thurston County for flood relief--is being organized with a very short time frame. With just two weeks left until the actual event, rapid responses are essential. If you or someone you know wants to contribute to the auction, please let me know or write to floodfarmrelief@gmail.com by Monday, Feb. 11. (Of course, we'll take things later than that date, but then we'll be scrambling to get everything ready by Saturday!) You can send e-mail to the same address if you're interested in volunteering for the event.

Here are two websites with more information about the project and the event:

http://www.myspace.com/farmfloodrelief
http://olympiafloodaid.blogspot.com/

If you are considering contributing to the auction, I’ve listed some ideas below.

Goods: handmade items—crafts, jewelry, pottery, etc.; used items in good condition—bicycles, musical instruments and equipment, antique or vintage items, gift certificates from your favorite restaurants or stores, fantastic desserts, wine, plants, baskets of bath products and other “special items” – gourmet food, chocolate, etc.

Services: massages and other bodywork, carpentry, car repair, gardening (or weeding!), housecleaning, preparation of a themed dinner at someone’s home, sailboat cruises, gift certificates to restaurants you like, dog grooming, the list is endless…

Thanks so much for considering this request. Let me know if you have any questions or ideas or ideas to pass on.

(Your name)