Fifty Thousand Shirts

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Day 85 • 11 August 2008

Lin Hao

From the beginning, I've referred to Fifty Thousand Shirts as a project of Hope. And on Friday night, as I watched the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics, I couldn't help but think how "hope" comes in so many different shapes and sizes.

On one end of the spectrum, you have the biggest—and most expensive—event in the world, the the 2008 Olympic Games. I just read an article that estimated the final cost at $US 58.5 billion. That's big. But there's no arguing that these games are doing their part to help bring hope to the Chinese people.

On the other end of the spectrum, you have Lin Hao, the 9 year old boy who walked hand-in-hand with Yao Ming to lead the Chinese athletes around Olympic Stadium. Compared to the size of Yao, this boy was small. Compared to the size of the Olympics, he was practically insignificant.

And yet so amazingly significant.

Lin Hao attended a school in YingXui, one of the hardest hit areas of the quake. Of Lin's 30 classmates, only 10 survived when the school collapsed. That Lin is alive is reason enough to find hope in his story. But when you hear that he risked his life to pull two of his fellow classmates from the rubble, you understand how he could walk out on the Olympic stage and not go unnoticed.

You can read more about Lin's story here.

Day 52 • 9 July 2008

It's been 23 days since my last entry

As a popular Jordin Sparks song says, "I can't live, can't breathe with no air." The same is true for me, and for Fifty Thousand Shirts. Thankfully, after a few weeks of work and personal life taking the wind out of my sails, I've finally been able to catch my breath and re-focus on the 50k project.

We're still looking for a charitable organization to partner with, so if anybody knows someone who knows someone who knows someone... let me know.

In other news, our myspace page is looking nice and pretty, thanks to John, and the other kind folks over at FiveEdge Media. So if you're a myspace-er, head on over there and become our friend.

I know I've been promising the store for a while now... we're working through some bugs, and we'll be getting it online soon. I'm not gonna tell you when (cause I'd probably just have to apologize for being late again), I'll just say be on the lookout for an email that says we're ready for your official order.

Day 29 • 16 June 2008

Trying To Put a Positive Spin on Unfortunate Circumstances

First, I apologize for the lack of updates recently. On Thursday afternoon of last week, I was blind-sided with some unfortunate news—World Vision will no longer be participating in our project.

"Unfortunately, our organization's position in this situation, is to decline doing the promotion, even though we are very grateful for the motivated and well-intentioned passion behind the idea."

I struggle with what, and how much to say, but it is certainly frustrating on several levels. For one, their name and reputation brought a significant amount of credibility to our campaign to raise $1,000,000 for the victims and survivors of the May 12th earthquake. We were also looking forward to the exposure we'd receive through their website, as well as their artist associates program, and were excited about how that exposure would help us reach our goal.

While the parting of ways was simply a legal matter (one that couldn't be sorted out without a significant amount of time and/or money on both sides), it's still hard not to take it personally. World Vision had been verbally committed since Day 2 of the project, and now we're left to find another charitable organization to partner with/donate to.

So now we move forward.

THE PROJECT: My goal is no different today than it was a month ago when this project started. I still believe we can get 50,000 people to help us raise $1,000,000. And I need your help more than ever to spread the word.

THE STORE: While the store was ready to launch this last Friday, I decided to put things on hold until I was able to communicate this recent news. We're now set to launch mid week. We'll be sending an email to everyone who pre-ordered to let them know as soon as the store is up.

A NEW CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION: We're actively seeking a new non-profit or charity to partner with (or simply donate to). I have a list of about a dozen that I'll be contacting in the next couple days, but if you work for, or know of an organization that might be interested, we'd love to hear from you.

WORLD VISION: We've been asked to remove any logos and references to World Vision from our site. While they didn't mention anything beyond that, I'd ask that if you've personally blogged/posted about the project and have mentioned WV's involvement, that you do the same. We'll be sure to let you know as soon as we find a new partner, so you can update the info on your site.

A PERSONAL NOTE: I can't even begin to communicate how disappointing it is to try so hard to do something good, only to have "legal issues" get in the way, and a partnership like this fall apart. I've never intended for this to be a "religious" or "Christian" project, but I do believe in God, and I truly believe—even in the midst of this—that God's plan is perfect, and that He works all things out for good. This project is not about me... it's not about "Fifty Thousand Shirts"... it's not even about the charity that we donate to... it's about making a positive impact in the lives that were affected in China. I am confident that this new direction, whatever direction it may be, will ultimately do more good to that end.

Day 20 • 7 June 2008

Site Updates

We recently added a new page to the site, called Action – go there and grab some banners for your myspace, blog, facebook, or any other place you call home on the ol' interwebs!

I just set up our Twitter account! I have to admit that I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to tweeting(?), but go show us some love, and watch us grow.

World Vision Update

If you have any questions regarding our partnership with World Vision, please feel free to call Deborah Johnson at (253) 815-5992. She works in the donor department at World Vision's US office in Federal Way, WA, and has made herself available to answer your questions.

Day 17 • 4 June 2008

My Fingers Hurt

I replied to nearly 250 emails today, and still have almost 100 in my inbox to keep me playing catch-up. Thanks to everyone for your patience as I try to read and respond to each one.

As we work to prepare for our big push once the store launches, I continue to be amazed at the efforts of many of you to spread the word through your networks. As of 6PM this evening, we have over 525 names on the wall! Our facebook group is at 591 members, and the YouTube video has been viewed nearly 1,000 times. We also just got an offer from FiveEdge Media to help us with our MySpace page!

Keep spreading the word!

Day 14 • 1 June 2008

Htet Moe Aung

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of sending a few emails back and forth with Wendy Hinkle, one of our Fifty Thousand Shirts supporters. She had told me that she sent a mass email out to many of her contacts, and needless to say, I was truly thankful for her support. I also learned that she was sponsoring a child, named Htet Moe Aung, through World Vision. Below is part of her email...

"God bless you & your heart. I know what it is like to feel moved to do things in the wake of tragedy, but yet not know how to make a difference as just one person without a ton of money. The child I sponsor in Myanmar is still missing now almost a month after the cyclone that hit there. I cried my eyes out when I watched the news the following morning. I figured, if anything, I could ask people to help me pray... and so I'll extend the invitation to you as well. I've attached a file with his picture so you can print it out and post it where you can see it everyday."

While this site, and this project, is currently focused on China, I felt moved to share Wendy's email, and her invitation to pray. So many lives have been lost, and so many men, women and children are still missing—both in Myanmar, and in China. Please pray.

Day 13 • 31 May 2008

Updates

We've received nearly 450 reservations for shirts in less than two weeks! Our YouTube video has almost 450 views in just two days! And our Facebook group has surpassed 300 members in one week's time! As the project continues to grow, we're working hard to keep up. Thanks to all who are spreading the word, and helping to bring hope to those in need.

A Few Updates:

• The store is set to be online next week. Thank you for being so patient... we'll have it ready soon, and then the BIG push begins!
• Be on the lookout for changes to the site in the coming days/weeks, including RSS feeds, banner ad resources, links to our growing community and more.
• We've reached an agreement with a printer, and the first run of shirts will be ready to print as soon as we hit 2,001 on the wall!

Day 10 • 28 May 2008

50k on YouTube

Anticipation continues to grow as we get closer to launching the store and finalizing the shirts. I've heard from many people who are waiting for the store to get online before taking action—so believe me, we're acting quickly. Thanks for your patience.

We posted a quick little slideshow video today on YouTube! We're extremely grateful to Mat Kearney, Aware Records and EMI Music Publishing for allowing us to use Mat's song "All I Need" for the video. Mat said he was honored we chose to use the song, and since I've been a fan of Mat's music for a while now, I was certainly proud to be able to use it.

Check it...

Please feel free to use this as a tool to help spread the word. Below is the direct link to the video on YouTube.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=kMZFPLlb_uY

Day 8 • 26 May 2008

One Week Later

It's been two weeks since the quake, and one week since the Fifty Thousand Shirts project started, and the need in China is greater than ever. A strong aftershock on Sunday took several more lives, injured about 1,000 others, and destroyed more than 70,000 homes. According to a report on CNN's website, the official toll from the original quake has now risen to 65,080, another 360,058 people were injured, and 23,150 are still missing.

On a more positive note, at a news conference on Sunday, it was reported that rescue workers had pulled 6,537 people alive from the rubble of the earthquake.

Day 7 • 25 May 2008

Growing

Obviously, we're still working on getting the actual store online, but we're also working at getting other parts of the site where they need to be. We're putting up an FAQs page to help answer some of the common questions that come in, and we're still working to provide resources to those who choose to use them to help spread the word.

It's been awesome to see the growth of the project in the last week. From an idea to over 300 shirts and an estimated $6,000 raised in less than 7 days. And it's been such an encouragement to read some of the responses from the emails that come in. At some point I'd like to post some of the messages for you, to share what othe people are saying or doing.

Highlights:

• The wall is at 300 and growing steadily!
• The site has recieved over 13,000 pageviews since Wednesday!
• We added the FAQs page, and will continue to update it to help answer your questions.
• We got an offer from someone willing to create a Chinese version of the site—how cool would that be!? I'll let you know more as that progresses.
• The list of websites and blogs with stories about Fifty Thousand Shirts continues to grow—thanks to all who have linked to us and/or shared our story!

Day 6 • 24 May 2008

What the Weekend Holds

I'll admit I'm a little anxioius to see how this weekend thing goes. Working in the design/web industry, I notice a trend in almost every site's traffic—big spikes on Monday, followed by a fairly steady week, and then significant drop-off on Fri, Sat, and Sun. In a project like this, I believe momentum is a powerful thing... let's hope we don't lose it

On a personal level, I've learned that I need to let go of some of my "concepts" and let this project grow how it will. I've been hung up on this idea of 1 shirt/1 name, and to that end, I've pushed people to give me a name for each shirt they purchase. Recently, a gentleman asked to reserve 10 shirts in the name of "Westwinds Church." I started to think, "Who am I to say a name needs to be applied to each shirt!?" Everyone here is just trying to do some good, and what if those 10 shirts didn't end up getting "purchased" because of my personal hang-ups? So, I'll still ask if you want certain names applied to each shirt... but I won't be pushing the idea anymore.

Highlights:

• We're over 260 on the wall now! Thanks to all 260+ of you!
• This weekend I hope to respond to every single email that has come in (except for the fun weight-loss offers, and bank account scams... gotta love spam!).
• There have been several emails by supporters offering their services. I'll also be getting back to you as well, and I thank you for your patience.
• While I wait for that documentary/interview on the 31st, I thought it would be good to put together a video/slidshow type thing as another way of getting the word out virally. I'll let ya'll know when it's done.
• The most recent reports now put the death toll over 60,000, and expectations are that it will rise to around 80,000. My hope is that we can sell out of our shirts, and start a new project to help do more.

Day 5 • 23 May 2008

Bigger Goals

Day 4 showed a lot of growth. I recieved 87 emails from people who wanted to either reserve a shirt for 1 or more people, or offer help in some way. The website recieved 3,224 unique visitors in it's first full day online. And as of 6:00AM PST, we've reached 168 shirts on the wall. If I can meet my target goal of donating $20.00/shirt, that means in the 40 hours we've been able to recieve shirt "orders," we've raised $3,360! Thank you to everyone who is doing their part... now we need to do more!

Needs:

• I'm currently looking for corporate sponsors to help offset costs. I'm asking for donations between $1,000 - $10,000. I have to work out details with World Vision, to get these sponsorships to be tax deductible, but if you, or someone you know would be interested in making a sizable donation, please send me an email or give me a call.
• I need help with PR. I've realized from the start of this project that in order for our goal to be met, we'll need to move beyond grassroots, and into the mainstream. If there are one or more individuals who have been blessed with this talent, or even if you just have connections, please let me know.
• I'm looking for ad-space donations. We can design the ads, but we're looking for people to donate the space on websites or in magazines... or any other avenue that gets eyeballs and can drive traffic and create interest. We're also working on setting up a page on our site with banner ads and button resources for everyone to use.
• I'm sure I need more, but that's what I've got so far. If you've got other creative way you'd like to help. Please feel free to send me your ideas!
• If anyone out there has a desire to design and set up pages for either MySpace or Virb, we'd love to have your help. Shoot me an email and we'll chat!!

Day 4 • 22 May 2008

51,151 and Rising

This morning, a friend sent me a link to this story on CNN. I've heard that some estimates are now placing the expected death toll closer to 70,000. This certainly doesn't change our project, but it does make me wonder how we can help out even more once we sell out of our 50,000 shirts.

Highlights:

• A few design galleries picked up site, and we've also noticed traffic coming in from some bloggers. We're working on tools to help ya'll spread the word. Thanks for all you're doing.
• Jeff Nemecek, the owner of PureButtons.com just sent an email, and offered to donate 5,000 buttons to the project. Thanks to them, we'll now be able to offer a free, limited edition button, to the first 5,000 people that get a shirt!
• My sister-in-law set up a facebook group for the project. If you're into facebook, we'd love to have you join!
• As of 12:30PM PST, 51 new shirts have been reserved, pushing our total to 86. Last night, I had thought a good goal for today would be to reach 100 shirts... it looks like we're gonna fly past that number! I'm working hard to respond to each of your emails. Thank you for your patience and support.
• We jumped over the 100 shirt mark. It's exciting news in such a short time span (we started adding names just over 24 hours ago). To put 100 shirts in perspective though, it would take 500 days to complete our goal if we sold 100 shirts a day. Keep telling your friends, and family, and co-workers... and friends. Let's shoot for 200 in the next 24 hours!
• We're the Tee of the Day on Emptees. Check it!
• We've been Dugg! Please, please, please go show your support by Digging our site. If we made the front page, that would be HUGE.

Day 3 • 21 May 2008

It Can't All Be Good News

With a project like this, at least for me, it's easy to keep moving foward, and keep being excited, when you've got momentum. But when that momentum stops? By 7:00AM this morning it had been 48 hours since I first had the idea. So much had already happened, I was just hoping today wouldn't be a letdown.

Highlights:

• I called a buddy that works in Hollywood on my way into work. Asked him to check out what we were doing, and that I wanted him involved. He emailed shortly after, inviting me to come up on May 31st to shoot a 2-3 minute documentary about the project! So you can look forward to me in High Def, coming soon to a computer screen near you.
• After a couple emails back and forth, Media Temple said they'd host our site! They're hookin' us up with the big bandwidth, so let's start pushing the traffic. Big thanks guys.
• The site went live around 2PM PST! So a big thanks to my company, and especially to Garth for working so hard to get it online so quickly (from design to online in about 24 hours). You can't order shirts yet, and I'm sure there are some bugs. But it's up, and it looks good on my mac!
• Sent an email to American Apparel to see if they'd help us out with t-shirt costs.
• Met with Rich, the worship pastor at a local church. He said they'd show us some love once the shirts are ready
• Overall, so many people are showing their support, and expressing a desire to get involved. I wish I could include every name and tell every story. I hope for now, a general Thank You will do.
• We've got 34 people on the Wall already – that's 34 commitments to buy the shirts. Just 49,966 more to go. Get there.
• The only "bad" news today was from our first official quote on shirts and printing. The cost is a little steeper than we were hoping. But we're still looking.

Day 2 • 20 May 2008

Who's With Me?

I was up at 4:30AM. It's tough to sleep when your mind is racing. I had written a couple emails the night before, and was anxious to see if I had any responses. More than anything, today was about solidifying the idea a little more, trying to get some people involved, and just plain ol' moving forward (all while trying to get some actual work done).

Highlights:

• My company, Clear, is onboard. We revised the shirt design, and started working on the site
• I emailed a friend at World Vision, asking if they'd sign on as our charitable organization
• Called Media Temple to see if they'd hook us up with hosting
• Continued talks with printers to get costs as our design got closer to final
• Called and spoke with my friend at World Vision and got official confirmation that they want to be involved. I've got some work to do still, but they'll be handling the final donation to China, and have committed to helping us out with some ads or promotional space on their site, as well as trying to get some of their artists involved. This is really exciting news!
• More responses from more people, and it's all positive. Several are asking how they can get involved.

Day 1 • 19 May 2008

The Beginning

The first 24 hours was a whirlwind. It went from a normal Monday morning, to not just setting my lofty goal of 50,000 shirts and 1 million dollars, but actually telling people about it. I'm used to having a bunch of random ideas floating around in my head... but they're not usually this big, and I don't normally just throw myself out there. Obviously there's thoughts of "what if I fail?", but I'd rather fail while trying to do something great, than succeed at sitting on my butt, doing nothing (though I am quite skilled at that at times).

Some highlights:

• Settled on the basic idea for the tee, with the 50k tally marks being the central design element
• Set my goal of 50,000 shirts and 1 million dollars
• Bought the domain name fiftythousandshirts.com
• Completed 5,000 of my marks. Some guy commented that if I did one mark every half second, that it would take 6 hours and 56 minutes to complete (I haven't done the math)
• A couple print vendors reached out to say they'd like to help out with the project (lots of details to work out on that aspect)
• I've mentioned the idea and my goals to some family and friends and a few random strangers, and so far the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive