An Easy Good Deed Request from Office of Good Deeds

Hi Everyone,
First, an update-- thanks for all the kind letters of hope and support. I am more than a little relieved to say that the Depression/PTSD crap has lifted and I am feeling so much better. I am grateful for all the help and kindness.

Now that I'm re-energized, I'm ready to hop back on the Good Deeds Train. And today I'm inviting you to join me. See that chap up above? That's my buddy Simon. I love him so much. He has done so much for me. We knit together, set (legal) fires, and enjoy properly prepared tea, seeing as Simon is a proper Brit and all.

Simon also enjoys doing good deeds. And he enjoys running dozens of miles at a stretch (I know, I know-- WTF? But that's just the way he is.) Next month he's running the marathon and this time out, he's seeking sponsors to raise funds for a very excellent cause-- to provide Montessori scholarship funds.

Pictured below, just above a letter from Simon that I will include, is my darling son Henry Mowgli. As many of the six of you know, he is an awesome human and an amazing musician. I love him so much, too (natch). Well Henry got his start at Montessori House of Children in the '04, and he still remembers that place and what an amazing impact it had in his life. I know, without a shred of a doubt, that he grew up to be so creative in large part thanks to this great foundation that includes freedom to truly explore one's interests vs. learning by rote.

Even though Montessori was technically beyond my reach financially, I begged, borrowed and stole to make it happen and let me tell you-- worth every single penny. It's why I'm going to kick in and sponsor Simon, to allow other kids the chance, too. If you've got five bucks to spare, please consider kicking in for this most excellent endeavor. And if you want, you can get up at the crack of Tony Orlando and Dawn and join me as I cheer Simon on from the sidelines, one of my favorite annual traditions.

Scroll on down past Hen's picture for Simon's letter.
Thanks!
Love,
Spike

Dear Friends,

On Sunday 17th February 2013 I will be running in the Austin Marathon as I have for the last three years.  Previously I have never sought sponsorship due to my inherent reluctance to ask anyone for anything.  I'm trying to get over that and this year have an opportunity to support a cause that is very dear to my heart and part of the official Austin Marathon 26 Miles for 26 Charities.

Parkside Community School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit school and has been an educational oasis within the Austin community for the last 22 years.   At least 74% of the fundraising that they do is to support their scholarship fund in order to maintain their cultural and economic diversity so that all families wanting a Montessori education for their children can afford to receive one. I would be so very grateful if you could mail me a cheque (made out to Parkside Community School) or make a donation online with a credit card at: http://www.parksidecommunityschool.org/payments-donations/donations/. Your donation is tax-deductable. 

Many of you will know that my son attended Parkside for five years and I can testify as to what a worthy cause this is - its an exceptional school.  I would like Parkside to be able to continue the great work that it does with its scholarship program and would be very grateful for your support.

For my part, please know I will finish this Marathon for Parkside even if I'm on my hands and knees at the finish line!  

Many thanks,
Simon 
p.s. from spike-- if you want to mail a cheque, you can send it to 
Simon, c/o Spike Gillespie
PO Box 4843
Austin, TX 78765