Our drive for 2006 began in July, when the first Grassroots Fan Reunion was held over a four-day period in Hollywood and Santa Barbara, CA.

Fan Coordinators, Martita H. and Emma H., first held an auction of KL memorabilia to jump-start the drive and then made arrangements on the final day of the reunion for the KL fans to experience a tour of The Unity Shoppe facilities, and everyone spent the afternoon volunteering and meeting some of the famililes Unity services. Those in attendance can tell you that there's nothing out there like it.

Our thanks to Dan who was so taken by the entire experience that he wrote out a generous check on the spot, and to Lana, who made a pledge to make a monthly contribution for a full year!

These combined efforts raised over $1,200, and we hope that is just the beginning of what will be our largest contribution to this annual event yet!

Following are first-hand testimonials and photos from this special summer '06 experience:

For years I've known that The Unity Shoppe was an exceptional charitable organization, but I was truly overwhelmed when I was able to visit, take the tour and volunteer.  The dedication of the employees and volunteers there is palpable.  It really is a "labor of love".

 

It fills a need in a very unique way that should be the blueprint for other charities around the country, because it WORKS.

 

I was honored to be the "check out girl" at the grocery store and it filled my heart knowing that I was helping in a very small way to ensure that those in need would have food on their table.

 

I will always cherish my visit there, and hope that it won't be my last!  - Peggy

There are many things I remember about volunteering. Seeing the brand new items for parents to choose for their children. The really thoughtful items for seniors -- learning to box and shrink-wrap items!!!  The store with real scanners.  I can't remember anyone wanting to stop working when it was time!! Elvira had to assure us that someone else was coming in to continue the work.

I remember in the store we were working in the canned soups and there was a lot of one particular type of soup. At first I felt really bad then I realized, no it is really good. People are CHOOSING what they want and leaving things behind that they DO NOT WANT. How amazing is that!!! I wanted to cry and yet I couldn't stop being happy. We didn't want to quit working. We wanted everything to be the best we could possibly make it. My only hope is that more people see first-hand how wonderful the Unity Shoppe Concept is and not only start or contribute to the Unity Shoppe in Santa Barbara so that it can continue making people's lives better, but also to find a way to spread it across America. It was totally amazing!! Working with each other. People helping each other. - Emma

My experience at the Unity Shoppe was wonderful. I was simply in awe at how well run and organized this incredible organization is. Unity reaches so many people in so many ways, food, clothing, self esteem to name are a few things for all who are touched by their magic.

There is definitely A LOT OF LOVE THERE. There is love for the cause and especially love for the people they serve. I for one am proud to have been able to experience it first hand. I have given every year for the past few years and have always known it was a very worthy cause -- after all Kenny is a part of it -- but after being there and seeing all that is put into Unity, I am even more happy to contribute to this very worthy organization.  - Rose