Exactly one month ago - November 8th - Christine and Brett lost their home, business, vehicles, and every personal possession except the clothes on their backs when the Camp Fire roared through Paradise.  Here we are, December 8th, and we have officially closed the fundraiser to new donations.  As the organizer I cannot possibly thank all of you enough for helping out with whatever you were able to spare.  We met and slightly exceeded our goal of $25,000, all because of YOU.  Your open-hearted generosity enabled them to re-start their business of making the world's most wonderful mah jongg racks.  These are my words, but more importantly, below are Christine's.  Love and gratitude to all - Gail

"CHRISTINE WHITMAN DESIGNS IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

The tears are starting again, thought I was over that.  I have learned that tears are the communication when words will not suffice.  I have been at a loss for words dozens of times since the fire so I cry my eyes out instead.  Somehow, "Thank you for rebuilding my life," just does not convey the depth of gratitude I feel.

That is precisely what this group has done, rebuild my life.  We have not been allowed to return to our pile of ashes, have no idea what our personal future holds, and understand that 'normal' remains somewhere beyond the horizon.

We do know what we are doing today.  Today, we are making racks (more tears).  I, we, are grateful beyond words.

Please scroll down and click on 'Read Latest Update' to see a photo of our brand new workshop."