Updates/Press Releases:
09-28-05
09-30-05
10-03-05
10-05-05
10-07-05
10-09-05
10-11-05
mission completed
Willits News Article
This month, while taking a break from film reviewing to tour with my books, I ran into a very inspiring fellow in Northern California. Jim's heart leapt out of his chest for the people in New Orleans. He kept hearing about supplies, and how so many people weren't getting them. So, he put his foot down and his posters up. "Travel Trailer Care-A-Van to New Orleans." The poster confused me so I asked him about it.
Jim said (and I paraphrase), "They [the hurricane victims] have no place to live, they need decent temporary housing while they get their lives back together. So we're gonna round up a bunch of donated travel trailers and we're lookin' for vehicles to tow 'em down and drivers. My truck's got a hitch and already one lady has donated a trailer. You wanna come? We could use a writer person on the trip to tell more people."
At that moment, I had already been on the road for nearly a month. So, while the thought was very sweet, I had a great deal to take care of back home in Los Angeles. I didn't think I'd be able to join the actual caravan, so as I drove hours on the road home I contemplated others ways in which I could help Jim's mission. I decided to advertise for his plight on my website. Additionally, I redesigned his flyer and sent him a bunch of copies. Still, it didn't seem enough, and the more I talked to him and his wife Sue on the phone, the more I felt compelled to stop what I was doing and join -- add my writing talents to this noble mission. In the first days of the disaster, I remember watching the images on the TV and feeling as though I wanted to help, feeling frustrated that they weren't being helped. Well, here was Jim forcing me to fez up. I had to face the music. To give up two weeks from my work and life here is small potatoes compared to what those in the Gulf have given up. After a few days I called Jim, "I'm in -- what do you need me to do?"
If you live between Northern California and the Gulf and are inspired to help out or join this common man caravan please call Jim and Sue at 707-459-5495 or email me at: ross@rossanthony.com subject: COMMON MAN CARAVAN.
As part of my duties to the project I'll be writing updates/press releases which will be posted on this page. As of right now, our planned departure date has been moved to OCTOBER 6th, 2005. I plan to leave L.A. Monday the 3rd and join up with their preparations on the 4th.
Enjoy the day,
Ross Anthony.
09-27-05
