Hi everyone

In case you didn't know, The Daily Grind's second anniversary will be on February 28th. Awhile back I started thinking about how I'd like to celebrate it and over past couple of weeks I've looked over numerous charitable organizations and I've finally decided on Heifer International.

Heifer works to get animals into a sustainable environment with impoverished villagers around the globe. The organization's reputation is very good and the work they do sounds like a lasting contribution to the ongoing problems of hunger and extreme poverty. I feel it's a good choice and I hope you'll agree. From their site:

Once families receive Heifer animals, they put their training to use. Soon, eggs, milk and meat improve nutrition. Extra eggs and milk can be sold to improve income, while animal manure fertilizes crops. Bees produce honey, and trees, vegetables, fruit and other crops begin to produce food, fuel and fibers. Water buffalo, oxen and camels provide draft power that makes farming and transportation much easier.

Heifer recipients pass one one or more of their animal's offspring, training and skills to another family in need. The new recipients agree to pass on the gift as well, creating a chain of giving that can touch thousands of lives.

I'm now accepting your original artwork to auction off on eBay in February. I hope to receive all pieces by February 15th, but there will be a short grace period of about a week to accommodate any delays in the postal service. This call goes out to any and all Daily Grinders past and present, their friends and family ( tiny_monster e.g.), and other friends of the Grind from LJ and elsewhere ( nedroidcomics e.g.). Please feel free to post this on your LJ and help out!

Aside from a celebration of the Daily Grind's second anniversary, I feel it's a way to tell the comics community that we Grinders are more than just a bunch of people who put 20 bucks into the pot in the hopes of getting some cash. To me the Grind is about challenging yourself when you don't feel like picking up a pencil, and supporting your fellow artists when they're ready to throw in the towel. In that spirit of support, it makes sense to me to help out those who can't even dream of owning a computer or taking part in this online community we take for granted. Thanks for any art you can spare!



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PS - Please don't worry about whether or not your art will fetch lots of money. It's not about your level of technical proficiency. Every dollar counts.