Val,
As you point out, there's lots AND LOTS of good stuff in the works here in Maryland concerning CubaNostalgia 2006.
I still need to cross a few t's and dot a lot of i's here, but you can expect a full, detailed proposal to reach your paws in the next week or two. I promise (I do have other things to be concerned about, such as how I'm going to start earning a living between now and May).
But rest assured, *help is on the way* mai fren!
You won't be alone... and now that I know for sure that there will be some rumberas there, I'm more committed than ever!
JulioZ

Val, as a poor PhD student in New England, I don't have much acess to anything to get sponsorships. But if anyone needs any help with ideas (I am a marketer/advertiser by career and profession), I will gladly help. If you need printing done, I know a couple of shops down in Miami Lakes, that might give us some discounted pricing or help us find some one who does. If you want to do a direct mail campaign, I know the people who can help. I will help any way I can. Count me in!

Everyone's always sharing recipes on this blog - why not sell Cuban cookbooks like the churches up here in Georgia do?

Not a bad idea Scott, the church I go to up here in New England does the same thing!

Val-How about a compilation of some of our favorite Babalu stories, printed up nicely, and signed by the author?

Whatever you need, count me in! =)

Val, speaking for myself, surely we can put some "chavitos" into the pot - just kidding, no "chavitos." Just some good 'ol American Benjamins. Maybe a Babalu Lottery??

Greetings!

In putting my 2 cents . . . regarding financial funding . . . how about listing some memorabilia, or other items on eBay? I'm sure that some of us have one or two items we can sell on eBay... and the money generated from the auction can be donated to cover some of the Babalu exhibit expenses at Cuba Nostalgia Convention. Maybe the Babalu site can have a link into the specific auctions . . . Just a thought . . . Good Luck! I wish you well/Melek :)

"I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do the something I can do."
-- Helen Keller

Why don't we get direct to point. How much funding is needed to accomplish this and do it well? How about getting the friends of this site to send in their contributions. We probably spend $30 or more per week each at Starbucks. Just drink Folgers for one week and send the difference to Val.

Also, here is an idea. How about having a t-shirt design available now, and offer them on this site. It's cheesy, but I'll buy one, XL please. I am sure that there is at least one person reading this that knows design and can come up with a concept that complements both Babalublog and Cuba Nostalgia.

I will start looking into the things we spoke about New Years Eve.

Efrain

Val.
You have such a great pool of ideas and people willing to help here!
I think the t shirt idea is great! the cook book also sounds nice (people always aksing for recipes)
An ad book maybe? there are so many people in Babalu from all over the country!
I know....too many chiefs, not enough Indians, right?
:)
Carmen

Whatever you guys need help with, let me know-

cash donations: let us know where to send them. you're not asking, we are giving.

mercancia: have stuff there to sell, we'll buy. suggestion: pon una frase de marti, or something that appeals to most cubans, that way you'll have muchos buyers, not only the people from babalú. well, you know what to do-

a referral guide online. let's have a section with the things we do, our businesses, or if we have merchandise to sell for all of us to use each other if we can. It will not be practical in all cases since we are from all over the country, but if I'm looking for a cigar lighter and somebody here owns a cigar shop, then I'll buy from them instead- get it? and we can always donate a percentage or a set amount for the business referral- honor system kind of thing- networking people! :)

I don't know if I'm going to be able to make it since I'll have a young baby by then, but I'll try- besides, I'll have to take my baby to la florida for my relatives to meet him- :) - I already told my husband about this.

Babalu Blog painter's caps. An idea whose time has come.

You could also sell the Babalu Blog cookbook. IF YOU HAD WRITTEN IT.

Was that hint too subtle?

Here is an idea for a t-shirt. How about a Che t-shirt, it is fashionable, isn't? Here is the twist...list the names of all the people he had assassinated. The names can be found in the cubaarchive.org web site. I am sure a volunteer graphic designer can come up with an impacting message.

great idea orlando!!!! to put names and/ or pictures of people that have been murdered by castro/ che and a note to that effect-

te quedaste vacio!