Bump and thanks for the ping.
Great pictures. Just think - probably each attendee, and many of the passers by, and those who read or hear of the rally, and friends of all of the above, will be more pro-marriage due to your efforts. And then they'll influence their friends, their relatives, and then... etc.
You are a great example of what MORE of us should be doing.
The other good news is, for all the people in attendance, I had received nearly a hundred more phone calls and e-mails from people wishing to be there, but couldn't.
Remember I had mentioned to you our financial struggle, and how discouraging it was? Well, no more than two weeks after I had e-mailed you, we started receiving a lot more response and support. All told, we raised $2,800 in about 5 weeks' time. That enabled us to run 50 radio spots on the local Christian radio network, which drummed up a lot of last-minute support.
The greatest part of all of this is that it "puts us on the map" towards creating the RI Family Policy Council. We have the articles of incorporation set, we just need to get a Board of Directors together, and get some serious financial backing from larger institutions and businessmen - people that can commit to $5,000/year in donations on a regular basis.
We're getting a lot of direction and advice from groups like Focus on the Family, Family Research Council, and the Mass and Connecticut Family institutes. Soon, RI will be able to join their ranks - something not only desperately needed at this time, but something that's never had a voice in this state before.
"Is it true today
that when people stand
with the Fire of God
and the Truth in hand,
we'll see miracles?
We'll see angels sing?
We'll see broken hearts
making history?"
-Martin Smith