| Originally posted by Louise at Pam's House Blend here
Despite a very foggy and soggy morning, many made the drive to Augusta earlier today to have breakfast at the Cony High School Civil Right Team's Diversity Day fundraiser.
In fact, when I got there at 8:15 all of the restaurant's parking spaces were taken and I had to park next door at the Comfort Inn!
Walking in, I was greeted by a few of the CRT members and met April Fenton-Hulett, their teacher/advisor. A delightful woman... I asked her quietly how turnout had been, both of supporters and protesters-
And was told that NOT A SINGLE ONE SHOWED UP. NOT ONE.
And that not a single supporter had brought a sign- they ALL came simply to have breakfast and support the kids.
The 99's manager, Ken Stinchfield, was talking with a local police officer (that "99" paid for themselves, to be there for the event! Talk about unwavering support!) and 2 Kennebec Journal reporters, who later sat down for breakfast themselves. I later thanked Ken and chatted with him; it was nice as one parent to another to discuss the value of Maine's Civil Rights Teams - he said that they have held similar events for other schools and will continue to do so.
Another person I met was Maine Civil Liberty Union and Southern Maine GLSEN's Betsy Parsons, whom I have been wanting to meet for a long time.
She was equally pleased by the large turnout and extremely positive outpouring of donations and support the students were receiving- the kids were seeing and learning first-hand that while we Mainers come from very diverse backgrounds, we come together to help each other for a common goal.
She introduced me to Tom Harnett - he and I sat down to chat for awhile as well and he related stories of his work with Maine's GSAs, CRTs, etc, as well as the recent campaign and what happens next.
A true pleasure to meet Mr. Harnett; I blogged last night in part about Mike Heath's run-in with Tom back in 2007.
And that reminds me:
A Big "Thank You!" to Mike Hein and his Maine Family Policy Council website, for their online PSA- turnout was terrific, because of YOU! ;) -- Louise |
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