Biggest Thank you From all of us!

First, I want to thank NIALANEWS, Oasis Living Al Ain, Buzz, Abu Dhabi Zoom, 7days news, Gulf News on behalf of myself and the event and all the other people you have connected in Al Ain and UAE residents. Thank you for the things that you make happen just by offering this service to us free of charge. Since it's conception, it has connected people and made all of this happen. I would like to thank all the other people responsible for the daily upkeep, I believe I can say with certainty that all of us who have taken advantage of this service and your time and efforts, do appreciate it. So many good things have come to pass because of your work. So, on Behalf of Al Ain, I say a big THANK YOU! 

An incredible big Thanks to Artist Laurel Moore and all she did to spread the word within the art community which resulted in amazing items being donated that eventually had to be part of the raffle, since the auction was not allowed to go on.

I will keep these memories and all the notes in my tattered notebook with me forever. However, the memory of the beautiful works of art that were donated will forever stay in my mind. Thank you all so much. I am looking forward to having an interview and posting pics of the event thanking each one of you personally/publicly. 

I also want to take a moment and hug everyone that participated in volunteering, in sponsoring and attending the event. There were some road blocks that tried to keep it from happening, however, it was a train on a mission and nothing was going to keep it from happening. Yes, the auction got cancelled as well as raising funds with sales, but, that did not stop the AWARENESS part of this message. Please, keep in mind at all times, that the person next to you might be the one that needs the information you learned through attending. Take a minute and look into their eyes. You can see it. Do something. Just strike up a conversation and listen. 

If you would rather, help in a different way, you can always donate to the Phillipino Embassy or EWAA' or contact me and I will help you arrange a way to give those things we take for granted, to someone who will think it's their birthday. If you are leaving the country and can't sell everything, please don't leave it behind for the landlord. I will arrange to help you load it up and take it to the shelters. 

We will do this again, this was the first of it's kind here and we had to learn all the different rules/laws regarding this issue.  However, we will know more about the rules/regulations and be prepared for entertainment snafus, the time issues, etc. The food was great and it seemed everyone was enjoying themselves. I am deeply grateful for what the whole experience has done in me. I look forward to seeing what He has planned for me in the future and I truly hope that you will also be a part of that. I can't thank everyone enough for their time, efforts, and strength in making this come to pass. You are truly angels. 

It was amazing sitting on that staircase overlooking everyone and reflecting on the events that created this and the uphill battle that it took to get this spoken about. I just wished that the shelter ladies could have been a part as originally planned, however, I do believe enough ppl heard the message and will pass it along. The April Flower seed has been planted, it is up to you to nurture it and make it grow. 

Thank you so much everyone. 

Love from the bottom of my heart!
Michelle Mellinger

The Media Sponsor pulled out because of disbelief (my reply)

This was in response to the email I got telling me why the media pulled out at the final hour.

Yes, I don't have an (official) agreement with them (EWAA) on a legal way. I was just one person trying to make a difference and wanted to help the ladies in the shelters there. I truly did not know what I was getting myself into and honestly didn't care nor think about the repercussions. 

I would love for you to see the conversation between me and EWAA' or have sat in on the meeting we had at the shelter. In the beginning it was, "Absolutely, lets join together and do this". But we need a meeting with BOD. Well, I said, "Go ahead, however, this is going to happen with or without your support." They wanted a proposal. I said, "My proposal is to have a big party, raise awareness, get donations to the shelters and money for the other needs" She said the BOD wouldn't accept this as a proposal and it needed to be professionally written. I asked her to explain to me exactly what they needed it to say as I have no clue. If they could help me help them? She said, and I quote, "It is not my job to teach you how to do a proposal". That floored me. In my retort, I asked her "Isn't it your job to help the shelters run smoothly?" "And, how long would it take you to explain to me exactly what words you need me to put into print?". I also asked her why was it so hard to help them? And, my question is now, "Why should I be chasing a charity to help them when they should be chasing me?" It's like everyone just shows up for their jobs and just does only, exactly what they need to do for the day and not go above and beyond to really make a difference.

I took the responsibility after finding an abandoned baby and didn't sit on my ass. Yes, I learned what the rules where along the way. I got the backing that I needed in the end. In fact, at 5pm the day before. Only because I have believed every step of the way that this was going to happen in spite of all of the obstacles. God has been in control of this a long time before I even found the baby.

What's sad is that everyone I pleaded with that abandoned me in the final hours really missed out on an incredible scene. I had a Harley Davidson Parade through town. Disney characters, magic show, raffle, incredible food, games and activities for the kids as well as, face painting, falcon show, raffle (even though the auction with items worth over 1.567million dhs was cancelled). 

If you would like to do the aftermath story and show that no matter how hard it is, no matter what obstacles you face, and dead ends you may find, God will definitely help you find a way over them, around them or just plain through them. And, look at what happened because I didn't give up on it. Nor did the ppl who believed in the cause. Look at how many ppl showed up and didn't care whether there was a specific license. Even if we couldn't have the auction or raise funds, we did the Awareness Event that I was after from the beginning. It wasn't perfect. And there were some things that were happening behind the scene that no one was aware of. It will be better next year. Or in 6months. Im not sure. I now have the attention of many ppl and I don't anticipate losing it. You can choose to be a part of this incredible opportunity to make a difference, or you can turn your back. I'm not chasing anyone. It will grow into an amazing change in this country on the backs of those who chose/choose to carry the message. 

Thank you for the wonderful article Nabila and Oasis did. Really, it was so well written. That's why I agreed to say that Oasis Living Al Ain magazine was the media sponsor in this........

I did manage to find a professional photographer to take the pictures. That's because God stepped in at the final hour.

I do hope you reconsider your stand on reporting this story. You can choose a different angle. I'm going to meet with the Phillipino Ambassador. I promise you, they will be happy to have the things that were actually donated. 

I do look forward to your response.

Yours Truly,

Michelle Mellinger

Exciting Update

It looks like an incredible event will actually come to life on Friday Nov 18th! I am impressed with the list of sponsors that have taken on this responsibility to help this important cause.
Al Noor Hospital providing clowns, balloons, magicians, Disney character, free diabetes medical checks, banners, tshirts
Pfizer Pharmaceutical co providing breast feeding awareness information as well as giving free toys and games to the children.
Al Ghadeer water providing all the water needs
Lacnor providing 240 boxed juices and cooler
Black Eagles Motorcycle Club leading the parade from Danat Hotel to the Palm Resort Golf Club at 3pm
Elite Vvip offering the incredible packages listed in earlier blog
Carl van Rosenveldt auctioning the sports memorabilia
Desert Grooves providing music
Oasis Living Al Ain magazine for being the media
Ahmed Saidawi for his beautiful work on the logo and flyers
Artists: Laurel Moore, Jalal of Ghaf Gallery, Antonella Antonioni, Laura Talhoui for donating wonderful works of art.
And many private donations of gently used items
This is an amazing event that is finally taking place here. There are many volunteers that I haven't listed as the list is long. I will post those in a future blog. Thank you everyone for helping me and April get this show on the road!

SPORTS MEMORABILIA AND VIP EVENTS TICKETS OFFERED AT AUCTION

These are some of the sports items up for sale at the event:
Manchester United Jersey 2010/2011
Real Madrid signed Jersey
Wayne Rooney signed photo
Rory Mcilroy signed photo
Lance Armstrong signed photo

as well as the following VIP event tickets:

Formula One

Available for Abu Dhabi, Singapore and India.
Indicative £10,000 per package
One package per team at each race!

FULL VIP TEAM PACKAGES.

FERRARI, McCLAREN, RED BULL AND FORCE INDIA.

BAFTA AWARDS UK V.I.P PACKAGES

TABLE OF TEN

OR

PAIRS OF TICKETS

THE OSCARS WITH A LIST STAR

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL MUNICH 

Tag in facebook

If you are coming to the event, please tag (FB) Aprils Flowers Jameela (add as friend), in one of your facebook pics so I can get a head count. If you haven't gotten your tickets, the time is coming up quickly. It may be that we will be able to sell tickets the day of the event as well. I'll find out in the next few days. Keep you posted. M

This is the menu at the event!! Sounds great!

Palm Sports Resort

                    Buffet Menu

Presented on mirror

Assorted Cold Cut

  Salads

Waldorf salad with cranberries and pecan

Greek Salad,

German Potato and bacon Salad

Rocca Parmesan,

Chicken and Pasta Salad,

Hummus, Moutable

Assorted vegetable

Side Sauces

Main Course

Mushroom Rice

Herbed Tenderloin Beef, in Garlic and Theme Gravy

Grilled Hamour Fillet with Lemon Butter Sauce

Mash potato

Corn on the Cop

Sautted Vegetable

Penne Arabiatta

Desserts

Fresh Fruit Basket,

Fruit salad,

Apple pie, Fruit Cake

Chocolate cake, New York Cheese Cake,

Cream Brule, Chocolate Mouse

Assorted Bread

Corn Bread roll & Dinner roll and loafs 

This is the menu at the event!! Sounds great!

Palm Sports Resort

                    Buffet Menu

Presented on mirror

Assorted Cold Cut

  Salads

Waldorf salad with cranberries and pecan

Greek Salad,

German Potato and bacon Salad

Rocca Parmesan,

Chicken and Pasta Salad,

Hummus, Moutable

Assorted vegetable

Side Sauces

Main Course

Mushroom Rice

Herbed Tenderloin Beef, in Garlic and Theme Gravy

Grilled Hamour Fillet with Lemon Butter Sauce

Mash potato

Corn on the Cop

Sautted Vegetable

Penne Arabiatta

Desserts

Fresh Fruit Basket,

Fruit salad,

Apple pie, Fruit Cake

Chocolate cake, New York Cheese Cake,

Cream Brule, Chocolate Mouse

Assorted Bread

Corn Bread roll & Dinner roll and loafs 

AMAZING NEWS!!!

Al Noor Hospital has agreed to sponsor the event. They are bringing clowns, balloons, decorations, face painting, magicians, disney characters, medical check ups, etc. Pfizer will be there as well promoting breast feeding awareness. Tshirts, etc. Now? I just have to get the Harley clubs to verify.......work is not complete.......But, today with the event in Oasis Living Al Ain magazine and Time Out Abu Dahbi? Well, heck, I'm doing ok today.

Promote your business while helping the cause!

Please join us on Nov 18th at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club 4-11pm for BBQ, Bikes, Bands, Cash Bar, Auction, Raffle to raise awareness about the shelters available for abused, exploited women and children here as well as several other charities that need your help. If you would like to volunteer, buy tickets (before Nov 13th) or sponsor a table to not only promote your own business/charity, it will be a wonderful donation.

Each table is 500dh which will include one dinner buffet. You are welcome to hand out flyers, coupons, examples of your product.

Please see the attached flyer for more info and also go to http://Aprilsflowerscharity.blogspot.com to see some of the wonderful works of art being donated by our local artists for the auction as well as Exclusive VIP tickets to major events here, USA, Europe. You can also search my name in Gulf News and this months Oasis Living al Ain magazine.

If you could print the attached flyer and pass it out/post it with your coworkers, friends, family that would be an enormous gift as well. Thank you in advance.

If you have any questions, or would like to participate in any capacity, please text me at 050 175 3853 or email us at Aprils.flowers@yahoo.com 

Sincerely,

Michelle Mellinger

Another wonderful art donation! Laura Talhouai

Need sponsors

Please know that we are asking businesses to sponsor a table at the event. You are welcome to pass out flyers and promote your business while doing something great at the same time. The cost is 500dhs each table, which will include one person buffet, charities of course are welcome to promote with out this cost but with entry fee. Please contact me as soon as possible. Thank you. M 05017503853

Open letter.....

Hey hon, 

Missed you last night. We stayed until 10:30pm trying to come up with more ways to increase the dhs raised. Lots of good ideas. 

I'm also trying to raise enough donation of items before Nov 4th to take to Dubai to sell at a flea market to raise more money for the bands license to play, printing, etc. I know it's last minute, but if you can ask the other teachers, etc if they have something to donate for this,  that would be great. 

 Is AAESS having any sale days like before? I can take a table then as well. I truly just need a bunch of flyers printed for this. Im paying this out of my own pocket and its not deep.....but if the school agrees to let you make copies for this, that would be a nice donation.

Also.....

If the kids can make auction paddle (you know, the ones that have a number on them for the auction) and decorate them in art class? I asked one principle to do this. But, her art teacher is overwhelmed with projects. It only should be simple. Maybe a cardboard, or posterboard on a stick, or something to hold it up, whatever that might be. It would be great if everyone one was different with creativity being the reason. Maybe give each student a beginning number from 100-? as many as would like to make. Then the people that want to bid can pick which paddle they want to use. It would be a great way to show the young adults/children a simple way that they can help make a change in the world around them by just doing one little thing.  We can put them on a table at the door as ppl come in they can choose. It only takes one person at a time. I hope you are one of the ones that join us in this cause. 

It's going to be an amazing Awareness event about what locals can do to help women/children that are being abused, and there are two other charities Iim working with now that may be a part of this. One is Cure from Oasis hospital. They do surgeries on children with cleft palates, deformities, etc that cant afford it. As well as the Filipino house, who I personally believe needs the grassroots help. 

Tickets!

Ok, yall, we have to start selling these tickets. It's not far off and I really need to know how much food to order! Meeting at Hilton Paco's 6-9pm Sunday, Oct 30th. Please txt me your coming. Michelle 050 175 3853

We need volunteers!

Well, we need you. We need that one person to make the difference. If each individual said, "Oh, there's enough people to do this, I'll just watch my favorite show"......well do you know how many people that adds up to? Yes, one person can make a difference. One person at a time can make a difference. I know this first hand. 

Please, if you have a few minutes a day to help this event, we really could use some support from you. In any capacity. Can you donate items for the shelters? Can you donate items for an auction? Can you help sell tickets? Can you sponsor a band license? Would you like to sell some of your handmade items at the event for the charity? Can you print some of the attached flyers and distribute them? Can you offer some legal advice? Do you know someone in the media that can get this out? 

Do you know someone that needs the help of the shelters? Can you give the taxi guy/doorman/delivery guy/gas station attendant/car washer/mani pedi girl that extra dirham? Just for today? 

Sincerely,

L Michelle Mellinger

http://Aprilsflowerscharity.blogspot.com

050 175 3853 (plz text first)

OFFICIAL FLYER

This wonderful creation was done by Ahmed Saidawi to benefit the event. I want to thank him publicly for all the time and effort he spent on making this a perfect piece of art!

Please feel free to download/copy,  to forward to your friends, family, coworkers and database. If you would like to help in circulating these or would like to help with tickets sales or event day activities, please feel free to contact me at the information provided on the flyer.

Thank you again Ahmed and all of you who are helping me make this a successful event. Your all angels! Michelle

Please pass along the ticket/pricing information Thanks

WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S SHELTER AWARENESS/AUCTION EVENT

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH

4-11PM

BANDS, BIKERS, BBQ Banquet, Cash bar, Auction

Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club

(formerly Palm Resort)

Adults: 150dhs w/donation 100dhs

Children 4-12yrs old 75dh

Under 4yrs old free

Please join us for an incredible event honoring those who help the women and children's shelters. They are in need of clothes, toiletries, books/mags in foreign languages, teachers, arts/crafts materials to run the shelters. Please help make aware the programs available to those less fortunate.

If you would like to donate items to be auctioned or would like to attend the event, please contact L. Michelle Mellinger @ Aprils.flowers@yahoo.com or txt 050 175 385

http://Aprilsflowerscharity.blogspot.com

Listing the donors already donating items/time/service or

PLEASE FORGIVE ME IF I'VE NEGLECTED ANYONE AS THE LIST IS LONG. I WANT TO THANK THE ANGELS MENTIONED HERE AND THOSE WHO WILL BE ATTENDING THE EVENT ON NOV 18th IN AL AIN GOLF CLUB!

Artists:                                                                          

Laurel Moore

Jalal of Ghaf Gallery

Antonella Antonioni-AD

Flordeliza Pesigan

Suzie Chatterji

Ahmed Saidawi

Sean Cox

Karen Lecocq

Business donations:

Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club- venue

Danat Hotel-vouchers

Hilton Hotel-vouchers

Wing Tzun -kung Fu classes

Al Nada Salon-vouchers for beauty treatments

Al Noor Hospital- free medical screenings on day of the event

Private Company in London-VIP tickets to the following:

• Formula One (next year)(as this event is held after this years F1)
• Ferrari World
• McLaren, Red Bull and Force India tickets
• Bafta Awards UK
• Full VIP round trip, red carpet, limousine to the Oscars in California
• Champion League Final Munich 

All the above have a starting bid and whatever is made over that amount goes to the charity. The value of these VIP packages range from 57,000dhs all the way up to 1,567,780Dirhams. So, it would be helpful if you could get involved to get the word out to those ppl who can possibly afford such expenses.

It will be in Oasis Living magazine in Nov. I am trying to get the Gulf News/National/7days etc to print an updated story as well as have it listed in Time Out Abu Dhabi and Time Out Dubai.

Private donations/volunteers/ Music Bands
Ayda

Koolyn

Carl van Rosenveldt

Ahmedd Saidawi

Helena Cuenet

Mary Beth hickey

Diana Mullin

Suparna Mathur

Maria Salva

Cassandra Greta

Iron Cowgirl

Joyce muthoni

Hassan khalil

Mike and Claire Smith

Angie Queensland

Mellissa Yeck

Angela Griffith

Daniella

Layla

Salam Vidal

Ruth

Jeanne

Joanne Murfin

Percy @ Oasis magazine

Irina

Agata

Susan Schmidt AWA

Rodi Hennawi

Sahing Faisal Ali

Cheryl Lyon

Jeff Price

Manny Peach

Phil O'Shea

Ali Maarrawi

Fantiniza

Shane McKenna of Desert Grooves

David/Lisa

Carrie Lavel

Lubna Abulrahman

Jenny O'Donnel

Noelene Shaw

Bjoern Wetterau

Lisa Kinsley

The list goes on and on.......

Wonderful art donations from Suzie Chatterji

Contact Info! Foreign books and magazine request

Thank you for helping me make this a successful event! It is growing by the day. We have another band volunteering for this event! So far, it looks like three will be there! 

It will be amazing!

Once again, I would like to ask everyone if they have any books, magazines in different languages, we could definitely use them! Please bring them to the event or contact me to arrange a drop off point. Thanks again.

Michelle

Aprils.flowers@yahoo.com

or please txt me at 050 175 3853 and I can return your call at my earliest convenience. 

Al Nada Salon Al Ain

Wonderful donation!

Wonderful update

For everyone following this story and event, I must let you know the incredible events of today. I met with the Director of the Women's shelter this morning and her support staff. IT WAS AMAZING!
After some wonderful sweet soft yellow dates and arabic coffee, we sat together from different countries and dressed very differently but had the same goal. We came up with some wonderful ideas for the event. The victims in the shelters do arts and crafts which will now be on sale at the event. So, they are helping themselves along with us.
We are getting the television company involved (unnamed until confirmed). I got an opportunity to meet some of the children at the shelter and heard their stories. I will only tell you that two of them were sold by their fathers into prostitution. They are 14 and 15. That gives you an idea of what this event is trying to do. To bring awareness, to bring hope to those who don't know that they have a place to go. To give those who want to volunteer and make a difference a place to do so. To let expats know that when they leave the country unexpectedly or can't find someone to take the things left behind, there is a place that they can call and donate the items rather than leave it for the landlords to profit from.
If you plan to attend this event, please, please, confirm it with me RSVP. It's very important that I get at least an idea of how many ppl are really going to be there, so I can arrange the catering, etc.
If you want to volunteer or donate items some of the things that are being asked for are books in ALL languages. Even old magazines. If someone wants to volunteer for the center teaching PE, arts/crafts, ping pong, swimming lessons, cooking skills, education in any capacity, or want to be a part of the team, please contact me.
After I left the center, I went for lunch. Randomly picked a place. And in walked three men wearing tshirts that say Events Management! Talk about being in the right place at the right time? Which doesn't even surprise me anymore, because it has happened throughout this whole journey. Of course, I immediately approached them and told them what I am trying to do and if they could give me any advice. They asked me what did I need? Stages built? Platforms? Advertising? OMG! Yes, yes, yes........so, as everything else that has happened up to now, God has put me in the right place at the right time and it started with a little beautiful girl I call April.

REVISION OF EVENTS FLYER PLEASE COPY AND CIRCULATE THANKS

WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S SHELTER AWARENESS/AUCTION EVENT

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH

4-11PM

BANDS, BIKERS, BBQ

Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club

(formerly Palm Resort)

Please join us for an incredible event honoring those who help the women and children here. They are in need of clothes, toys and household goods to run the shelters here and to help make aware the programs available to those less fortunate.

If you would like to donate new/gently used clothes, toys, household items, or items to be auctioned or would like to attend the event, please contact L. Michelle Mellinger at Aprils.flowers@yahoo.com or txt 050 175 3853

For more information about the benefiting group please see SHWC.AE or follow us on http://Aprilsflowerscharity.blogspot.com

Thank you Hassan Khalil

I want to thank Hassan Khalil and Al Ghadeer water for donating water to the event day. What a wonderful surprise. Thank you so much!

DONATIONS ARE AMAZING

I really want to thank Danat Hotel for donating so many things. They gave me vouchers for a two night stay. And Pete in Horse and Jockey gave me a voucher for Butchers night (great buffet of beef as you like), Aroma Therapy Massage, and two tickets to the go cart Raceway Al Ain. I want to say to everyone how amazing this has become. And I can't Thank you or God enough for this opportunity to make an Awareness of the needs of the less fortunate in this country. I am truly blessed by all of this. Thank you for your gathering of love. We can do this.

Nov 18th Awareness Event Flyer

Please if you can print this flyer and hang it up at work, or pass it on via email, I would appreciate it. As you may have read in the National News, 7day News and/or the Gulf Newspapers, I found the abandoned baby. My goal now is to shed light on the Shelters here that help women and children in need.

This will be a big event Nov 18th 4-11pm at Golf Club al Ain with music, bbq, drinks, an auction, Harley bikes, artists, etc. If you would like to volunteer or would like to donate itmes for the auction or a voucher for your business as a prize, please contact me at Aprils.flowers@yahoo.com. Or mail to: c/o Pete Smith PO Box 87904, Al Ain, UAE. For those of you who do not know, UAE has no zip codes. Or, you can drop off items at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting, Rugby and Golf Club (formerly Palm Resort) with an advanced notice so I can meet you there. But, please include your name, advertisement so that I can post it on the blogspot.

Or as I said before, if you can just post this around town in any capacity, I would appreciate it very much and so would the shelters. Thanks again. 

L Michelle Mellinger

http://Aprilsflowerscharity@blogspot.com

Aprils.flowers@yahoo.com

050 175 3853

Want to thank Ironcowgirl!

http://www.ironcowgirlmissy.com/ for donating a great tshirt and some amazing cds! I love you much! M

News from Crowne Plaza

I am truly upset that my efforts to have this event at Crowne Plaza isn't going to happen after all. I just wished they would have at least called me back to let me know it wasn't going to happen there. Apparently too many licenses will be needed for the music. I really don't understand. Because I've been to events there where 
they help stray animals. They do the Netball league events. But, Women and Children? Why not?
Anyway,
I'm currently working with Palm Resort. Hopefully, Nov 18th will be the day. It WILL happen! I've so many wonderful ppl making it an incredible event that the women and children will have an amazing turn out.
If you think for a moment you can help, please let me know. Truly, I can use some input!
Michelle

TO ALL THOSE PARTICIPATING IN THIS EVENT!

Hey hon!

It's really gone crazy! I have a better venue with stage, food, music, auction, etc. It will be at Palm Resort in Al Ain, on or about Nov 18th. The auction will be held later in the evening. I finally got confirmation for the venue. Just need to sign agreement in the next few days. They are asking for commitment agreements and photocopies of passports for the ppl involved as to cover insurance and also license for the event. 

I am so over the moon right now. A lot of knocking down doors and ringing phones have finally paid off! I am organizing a meeting for those who are directly involved in this, please let me know what days are good for you as I can try and make this good for everyone. If you have a logo, please forward it to me here so I can begin to add it to the publicity. Thanks so much! Look forward to meeting you soon.

Michelle

GREAT NEWS!! VENUE SET NOW

I want to thank Susan at AWA for assisting me in securing the Palm Resort in Al Ain. It is a perfect venue and has everything we need for this to finally come to happen. I was getting a little discouraged a I have been working on this for over a month and couldn't get anyone to be serious and commit....but, alas this is coming to pass, here we are and the work is finally paying off!
Looks like it will be Nov 18th. Giving everyone interested an opportunity to donate or collect clothes and toys. Thanks so much everyone!

Changing date of event

Hate having to change the date, however, working with the hotels and trying to get a venue arranged again has proven to be difficult. We have everything else we need for this to happen, but each time it seems we have the place to hold it, something comes up. May just hold it in the sandbox next to my villa.

Artist Antonella Antonioni Beautiful works going up for auction at event

These will be classes auctioned off at Aprils Flower's Awareness Event

Women's and Children's Shelter Awareness Event Advert

This event is being held in the honor of the baby that was found in a poolside changing room on July 28th, she is being called 'April'. It is tentatively set for Sept 9th, however, that may change to Sept 16th. We need donations of Women's and Children's new/gently used clothes, toys and gifts. If you would like to donate items to be auctioned off at this event please contact me asap so we can arrange this as I am posting pics of auction items on the blogsite and would like to have as many pictures as possible. If you would like to participate in any other capacity, we need an auctioneer, and advertising, etc.

Regarding the baby, I have found that this is not unusual in UAE because of the laws. I am unable to legally adopt her because that is reserved for married locals. However, I get to see her often. This has touched me very deeply and I've started a drive to help the Women's and Children's Shelter in AD. And bring awareness to the plight of abused women, children and abandoned babies here. It's been amazing to see people come together for something that is heard of but not many people know about the help center, or it's needs. 

At this time, Harley Davidson of Dubai, HD of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain chapters have offered their support with a charity run collecting women's and children's clothes, toys, and gifts. I also have many artists donating their works be it paintings, photos crafts or vouchers for classes for an auction that will be held at the end of the run. I have a popular professional Dubai based rock and roll band coming to play. Face painters for the kids.  7days news has offered to cover this story.

If you find you can be a part of this in any capacity we would all appreciate it. 

Please contact:

L Michelle Mellinger

Aprils.flowers@yahoo.com

Aprilsflowerscharity@blogspot.com (following the progress)

050 175 3583 event contact number

Thank you to those of you donating your time and gifts

I would like to take a moment to thank all of you participating in this event. In any capacity all your efforts are greatly appreciated more than you know. I will post your work as you send them. Please take pics and send it to me via email at Aprils.Flowers@yahoo.com it is easier for me to upload this way. Thank you so much really.

Wonderful things happening

I want to take a moment just to tell everyone a few things that I have learned and still learning and the things I've seen God do in this.
I wanted a puppy or fish in my tank......I kept contemplating having something to be responsible other than myself. And this baby came along....I had no idea that night how this would change my life. I have always been involved in some capacity helping others with shelter, food, clothes etc. Charities involving animals. I never expected to be in charge of bringing together an event like this. Well, personally I believe that God is in charge and the reason I believe that is I've seen His hand in it way before I found her that night.
One of the amazing things is the people put into my path that I chose to befriend, be it Facebook, neighbors, Harley Davidson, people I met in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain who I love. Each of them have stepped forward to help with this cause and I can't be more greatful.
It was brought to my attention that 'April' isn't an unusual case. Many babies become abandoned or removed from their unwed mother's who in most cases (depending on case) do jail time and deported. I will offer a link to a story done by Gulf News recently by Aftab Kazni regarding adoption in UAE.
The amazing thing is that I had the phone number for the Women's and Children's Shelter in my phone for weeks before this happened. Not sure why I saved it really. Seemed like an important number to have. That encouraged me to do something. I had the experience in charity work, the friends, the phone numbers and then the baby all put into my life in this order. I don't believe this is a coincidence.
I hope that everyone can have such blessings in their lives. This has been such a wonderful experience for me and I intend on doing the best I can do to do what it's obvious to me God expects of me. I hope that He works through you to encourage you to make a difference in someone life on any level. It's an amazing feeling.
L Michelle Mellinger

Harley Davidson ride for Women's Center UAE

Please join my friends in what we hope will be a spectacular event on September 9th. We are in the early planning stages and could use any help with location, etc. or, donations of clothes, toys, and gifts for the Women and Children's Shelter in AD, as well as, the newborns that are abandoned here. If you can help in any capacity, or even if you cannot attend and have new or gently used Women and Childrens clothes, toys, etc....please contact  L Michelle Mellinger at Aprils.Flowers@yahoo.com
We are hoping to have a motorcycle run to raise awareness. The trail will be determined soon. We are also hoping to hold an auction at the end of the run. It is not necessary for you to have a motorcycle to participate. We would love having you in any capacity.