Reasons why today rocked

So for those of you who are just sick and tired of my pessimism, ("Just cheer up you big faker!") I thought I would share that today has been a GREAT day. Here are the many reasons why:

1. I made it through the second week of my new job at The Faison School. It's a tough job, no question, but definitely rewarding work. Today was extra rewarding because I got my first paycheck. Hooray!
2. I got to spend a relaxing afternoon running errands that included stopping by the Godiva store and using a gift card. Remember: Chocolate Makes Everything Better.
   
3. I came home and got to see my husband for a few hours before he jetted off to Kings Dominion for an evening of work. These days, we pass like ships in the night so it was nice to be able to chat and spend some quality time together.
   
4. My brother was very thoughtful. He heard the message on the answering machine from the Ashland library telling me that the book I had reserved was in, went to the library, and checked it out for me. Now I just need to find time to read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
   
5. Speaking of books, my aforementioned very thoughtful husband found a new book by Carl Hiaasen (Star Island) and bought it for me at Costco today. Did I mention I have some reading to do?
6. I don't have to work at Romp n' Roll tonight. This means that I can have a restful evening at home with a glass of wine and a movie (or reading a book?). This is refreshing because I've spent every evening this week there (after working my "day job") and I'm pretty much exhausted.
   

And finally: the bestest, most wonderful, most fabulous news that I could receive today was from the IRS. Who gets good news from the IRS? Well, CJSTUF did today when we received the OFFICIAL word that we have 501(c)3 status. Yes, indeedy! This means that we can do LOTS of things now including apply for grants, fix our paypal account, get official corporate volunteers and sponsors, get access to free software, get sales tax discounts, etc., etc., etc.

More news to come! Thanks for your loyal support...and keep it comin'.
It's now OFFICIALLY tax-deductible!

PS If you have already donated to us this year, all of your donations for 2010 will retroactively be considered tax deductible. If you have NOT received a thank you note or statement from us reflecting your donation, please let us know ASAP and we will send out a letter for you. We have been sending out thank you notes and confirmation letters throughout the year but some have come back to us with incorrect addresses.
Thanks!

FAQ about donations:

Thank you to everyone who has inquired about donations to CJSTUF and other donations in Charlotte's honor. There have been a number of questions so I am going to address them here:

1. To Whom Should I make a donation in Charlotte's honor?

There are a number of worthy causes that have benefitted us this year. Besides CJSTUF, donations can be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, ASK Clinic at MCV, or Noah's Children. Other worthy causes not mentioned in the obituary include ReeseStrong, Connor's Heroes, Ronald McDonald House, and Caring Bridge.

2. How can I make a donation to CJSTUF (or any of these other organizations)?

You can bring your donation to the memorial service on Saturday. There will be a lockbox at the service and reception with the logos of all the organizations that have benefitted us (as well as CJSTUF). Donations can be accepted there. All cash donations will go to CJSTUF unless otherwise specified.

A donation link will be set up on the website soon (we are working on this). This will allow for online donations via PayPal. Other donations to CJSTUF can be sent to our home address: 9 Slash Ct, Ashland, VA 23005. Checks should be made out to Charlotte or to CJSTUF.

3. Are donations to CJSTUF tax-deductible?

While we are an officially incorporated organization, we do not yet have 501(c)3 status. Donations are NOT currently tax deductible; however, our board is pursuing tax-exempt status and we expect to have this before the end of 2010. We will definitely make sure everyone knows when we have tax-exempt status.

4. I work for a company or volunteer for an organization that raises money and/or matches funds for other organizations. We would like to help CJSTUF. How do we go about this?

We would love to work with you and your company/organziation. Most companies or other organizations require that a benefitting organization be tax-exempt or have tax-exempt status in order to qualify. CJSTUF is not going anywhere and we would be happy to work with you once we reach tax-exempt status! Just keep your eyes and ears open.

Thank you, again, for the momentum and energy and giving spirit that has been put forth in Charlotte's name. We are humbled and appreciative!

Rachel and Roger