“You’ve changed my life”
“I wouldn’t be where I am without you and your work”
“Thank you so much. It is hard for me to believe I’m making chocolate at home. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Over the years I’ve received untold variations of these statements. And you know what? You folks have changed my life too. I feel utterly blessed…..and almost totally helpless to affect what is going on around us right now. And it has been eating at me as I watch friends, associates and people everywhere losing their jobs, worrying about loosing their homes and businesses and generally stressing out (rightfully so). Why? Because the truth of the matter is I’m basically doing fine. And I feel guilty for it through some semi-twisted form of survivor’s guilt. Chocolate Alchemy is also doing quite well. Apparently while people are holed up at home, properly practicing social distancing, lots of them (you) are making chocolate. So far, everyone here is safe and healthy and we have yet to lay anyone off. Most everyone are actually working more hours. And I am thankful beyond belief….so I need to pay it forward.
Ruzz (my Number 1) and I have been tossing ideas around for some time trying to come up with something that will have a meaningful impact. We seriously toyed around bringing more people on as contract labor to make masks and get them distributed….but at the end of the day it didn’t feel like it was doing enough. It would help maybe a dozen people directly through extra money and only supply token useful masks since there is no good, semi low tech way to make N-95 masks at home. Instead we started researching organizations that have taken care of the infrastructure and found one we like. I guess I could have donated to something supporting the chocolate industry or encouraged people to send chocolate or something to those on the front lines like some have done….but those both felt frankly too self serving and I just could not get behind them.
Instead I’ve decided to support an organization that is directly helping those helping that need it, regardless of industry, country, etc. It is to help the world we all belong to.
They are Direct Relief COVID-19.
So here we go.
Disclaimer: This aimed at ONLY those that can afford it. If you have lost your job, are financial strapped or whatever, just let this pass you by without guilt and take care of yourself.
On the flip side, if you are feeling a bit thankful for where you are and have been wondering what you could do to help out (more than sheltering in place as that IS helping), I hope you like one of these options.
Chocolate Alchemy is currently donating 20% of all profits through at least the end of April and will be starting the count from the beginning of April (no fooling). So if you only make a purchase from Chocolate Alchemy as you normally would, then you ARE helping. If you want to give more, and only want to do one transaction then I’ve set up a Donation page where you can add however much you like to your cart and 100% of that (we will cover all the transaction fees) will go to Direct Relief. Finally, we are also providing a way for you to donate directly to Direct Relief via a GoFundMe page.
You can see real time what your contributions are doing to help distribute medical supplies by going HERE
How You Can Contribute:
- Make a purchase at Chocolate Alchemy as you normally would and 20% of the profit goes directly to this fundraiser
- Donate directly through the GoFundMe page.
- Add a Donation to your shopping cart with your next Chocolate Alchemy purchase and we will add 100% of that donation to next week’s contribution ( you can do it for Wholesale too)
-Spread the Word!
Oh, and last but not least, I John Nanci will be matching, with my own personal money, the donation Chocolate Alchemy makes. dollar for dollar.. I guess I want you to know I’m right there doing what I’m asking you to do.
As an example:
You make purchases at our store and 20% of profits are $25
Chocolate Alchemy donates $25
John MATCHES and donates $25
If you also added $100 coupon donation then Chocolate Alchemy transfers that $100 directly for you without a further matching donations.
That is it. Help if you can. Stay safe either way, and please spread the word. Let’s change some lives together. I guarantee, you won’t regret it.
**A quick note of credit. That adorable COVID bunny in the header is the Novel bunny of Jeff Shepherd and available at Lillie Belle Farms