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* Most of you probably don’t know that my maternal grandparents were born and raised in southern Illinois. Grandma was from a farm near Carmi, and Granddad was from a farm near Enfield. Granddad moved his family to Pontiac, but when they were flooded out he started all over on a farm in Milks Grove Township in Iroquois County. Both of my grandparents kept in touch with friends and family back home, so I learned quite a bit about southern Illinois through them.
Anyway, my family’s heritage combined with the fact that my mom was literally swept away by a violent flood in Pontiac when she was a kid (she and her sister were sitting in an old bathtub, but were thankfully rescued) brought back a lot of old memories during the recent flood down ‘yonder. Here’s a short video of what happened to Carmi…
* When I heard about a planned June 4th benefit for flood victims, I immediately volunteered to help. The ad on this page is donated and I’ve contributed to the silent auction. But I’ll also be contributing cash to the cause.
* And that brings me to you. Most of us watched in horror as events overtook Cario and surrounding areas last month. Here’s your opportunity to do something about it.
The “Southern Illinois Together” fundraiser is Saturday, June 4th at the Black Diamond Warehouse in Marion (2400 Black Diamond Drive). Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. They’ll have free food and wine samples, and both a silent and a live auction.
You don’t have to attend to contribute, however. The Poshard Foundation has agreed to accept checks on the benefit’s behalf. If you’re able, please send the most generous donation you can muster to…
Poshard Foundation
700 Logan College Dr.
Carterville, IL 62918Check memo: Flood Victims
All money raised will go to local organizations which continue to help flood victims. I’m told the Shawnee Development Council, among others, will assist with the determination about who gets what.
Thanks for listening and for helping.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 1:13 pm
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I am from Southern Il.Will send check.
Comment by Stella Black Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 1:29 pm
From Southern Il. Will send check.
Comment by Stella Black Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 1:37 pm
Thank you so much. I will help spread the word…
Comment by LINK Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 1:37 pm
I wrote a column for the Carmi Times for almost 20 years. I was born there, and started my teaching career in nearby Grayville. I will most certainly donate and spread the word.
Comment by Fan of the Game Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 1:58 pm
Rich - I’m from Northern Illinois but I’ll donate and spread the word.
Comment by gathersno Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 2:11 pm
We lived in Southern IL, but not now
We will send a check anyway
How about we ask the GOP remap lawyers collecting all that fat remap cash to ante up?
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 2:14 pm
Rich, thanks for showing that the flooding wasnt just in Cairo….its the first time i remember Route 1 covered going into Carmi…Dang, roots in White county….u are almost one of us….lol anyway already planning to be at black diamond….
Comment by way south of chicago Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 2:18 pm
So many in our nation are hurting, so I will send check along with checks for Red Cross, etc.
Comment by Southern Lady Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 2:29 pm
I mailed my check yesterday right after I saw the ad. And I printed out the ad to post in an appropriate place.
Comment by waitress practing politics... Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 3:00 pm
I will send money but how many legislative districts does that video cover?
Comment by Bigtwich Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 3:16 pm
Thanks for the info, Rich, and I will donate to a very worthy cause. I appreciate knowing about a local organization that knows where the most need is and targets those folks. I get rather disgusted when I see how much money collected by some national organizations is spent on big salaries for the CEO and does not get down to the people really in need.
I worked in the Pontiac area for most of my teaching career so I had heard the stories about the floods in the past and saw the devastation by the most recent one.
Comment by Nearly Normal Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 3:21 pm
Bigtwich–
Carmi is in the 118th House district (Brandon Phelps) and the 59th Senate district (Gary Forby). The flooding was incredibly widespread across southern Illinois, however. Communities as far north as Jefferson county were affected as well as those west to Randolph county; east to Gallatin, Hardin, and White (as the video shows); and obviously as south as Massac, Pulaski, and Alexander.
Here is a good map for you to reference which legislative districts this covers.
http://www.illinoissmokersrights.com/images/illinoislegislativedistricts_map.bmp
Comment by LN Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 3:29 pm
This does touch the heart strings. My check is in the mail.
Comment by Lady GaGa Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 3:29 pm
I’m from the Quad Cities so flooding is nothing new here but I will do all I can to help out, a lot of people need our help right now and those of us who can help need too so let’s do it. Thank You Rich for informing us how to help
Comment by Publius Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 3:36 pm
Way to reach out. Send a check, but consider taking a road trip down south as well and spend a few bucks.
Southern Illinois is especially beautiful in the spring. I recommend the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge between Marion and Carbondale. Lots of great hiking, and I imagine the waterfalls are quite brisk about now. Good for what ails you.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 3:43 pm
Thanks for the help Rich. Folks down here are hurting and anything you can do sure will be appreciated. I was just in Carmi yesterday and the Little Wabash is still pretty high.
Comment by nieva Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 3:56 pm
I’m a transplant from Chicago. My check will be in the mail. I will spread the word up here.
Comment by mokenavince Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 4:20 pm
Rich, and all others pledging to contribute:
A very heartfelt thank you. Your help and support is greatly appreciated. And yes, the city of Cairo itself was saved, by the skin of the teeth, from great devestation, but the surrounding areas of Alexander County were devestaed. The East Cape / McClure area is still going through it. I know first hand about what went on in Alexander County, but have seen the news coverage of the entire area, and know how badly the assistance is needed. Also, there are several Churches who have come to the area and are providing actual hands on help in clean up and repairs to peoples homes. This has shown how people can put aside differences and still come together when needed. It has shown me and others in the area that this State is still filled with good people.
One more thing I have to add. The work done by IDNR through this was outstanding. I know that the IDNR staff from Horseshoe Lake and Union County Refuge worked tirelessly to assist in anyway they could and the work they did will not be forgotten.
Comment by SO IL M Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 7:55 pm
I am from Carmi, my mom lives in east Carmi and her house (one block east of bridge on Main stree) was flooded and had no flood insurance, my brothers, sisters and our kids spent a week ago saturday and sunday cleaning up..filled a large dumpest full out of her house…never seen anything like this before…glad to hear you from down here in good old neck of the woods lol
Comment by 13th Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 9:34 pm
I lived, went to school, and worked in So. Il. for quite a few years and my wife grew up there.
I’m with wordslinger…donate now, then go down and visit! Stay at the Giant City Lodge, drive the wine trail, check out the old mansions in Cairo, get you picture taken with Superman in Metropolis, visit Cave-In-Rock, visit the Cache River wetlands, hike in the Shawnee National Forest, visit the State Parks AND have some awesome barbeque.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, May 24, 11 @ 9:54 pm
Rich, Black Diamond is also raffling off a new Harley to benefit flood victims. Following is a news release:
40 DAYS AND NIGHTS TO RAISE 40 GRAND DISASTER RELIEF EFFORT
Marion IL - The co-owners of two regional Harley-Davidson dealerships, have announced an effort to raise money for flood victims in Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri.
“Our goal is to raise $40,000 in 40 days by selling raffle tickets for the chance to win a brand new 2011 Harley-Davidson Superlow” said Shad Zimbro, co-owner, Black Diamond and Bootheel Harley-Davidson.
Black Diamond Harley-Davidson in Marion, Illinois and Bootheel Harley-Davidson in Scott City, Missouri, will begin selling raffle tickets on May 21st, and 2011 and draw for a winner on July 2nd, 2011.
“We want to help as many families as possible who have been affected by recent flooding,” said Rodney Cabaness, co-owner, Black Diamond and Bootheel Harley-Davidson. “Raffling off a new Harley-Davidson will be our key effort in raising funds for victims hurt by this natural disaster.” Said Cabaness.
There will also be a chance to win other prizes, including a five night stay at a luxury timeshare at Daytona Beach, Florida, valued at over $2,000, and a gift basket valued at over $250. “When you purchase a raffle ticket, you are doing more than getting the chance to win one of these great prizes, you are reaching out to flood victims who were hit hard by this historic disaster.” said Jeremy Pinkston, Marketing Director, Black Diamond Harley-Davidson. “This is an opportunity for neighbor to help neighbor.” Said Pinkston.
In addition to the motorcycle raffle both dealerships will conduct month long fundraising drives to provide immediate relief to those in need. Items such as non-perishable foods, blankets, and personal hygiene products will be accepted and donated to the American Red Cross. Also, stuffed teddy bears will be sold for a minimum donation of $5 and given to children who have been displaced by the floods.
Raffle tickets are available for purchase at Black Diamond Harley-Davidson, in Marion, Illinois or Bootheel Harley-Davidson, in Scott City, Missouri. Ticket prices are one ticket for $10 or four tickets for $20. Need not be present to win.
For more information contact: Jeremy Pinkston, Black Diamond Harley-Davidson, 618-997-4577 or Jason Butler, Bootheel Harley-Davidson, 573-334-7716.
I know the prize bike is going to make several appearances at locations around southern Illinois. Probably the closest to Carmi will be at Chappy’s in Grayville on June 4, with the Miller Lite girls. Tickets will be available at that time. I think there are also two appearances set for LeMond’s Chevrolet-Chrysler in Fairfield, but I don’t know the dates.
Comment by Southern Illinois boy Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 12:19 am
They may need even more aid by the time this event is held… the same weather system that set off huge tornadoes in OK and KS last night is headed for IL, and The Weather Channel says there is a 9 in 10 (that’s right, 9 out of 10!) chance that So. Ill. will get hit by at least one tornado today! That’s about the same level of risk that was predicted for AL and MS prior to the Tuscaloosa tornado, so please, everybody, stay alert today and have a safe place to go if it gets bad!
Comment by Secret Square Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 5:57 am
Sending check. All this rain the past few days are not helping efforts and I can’t imagine what these folks are going through now. My prayers are with them.
Comment by silver fox Wednesday, May 25, 11 @ 7:30 am