Online Business Networking Communities Raise Funds to Help Fellow Member Recover from Disaster

Released on = July 29, 2007, 9:51 pm

Press Release Author = Gwen Elliott Relief Fundraiser

Industry = Small Business

Press Release Summary = On June 15, 2007, Gwen Elliott, an Internet businesswoman
and Virginia Beach, Virginia resident, lost her son and everything she owned in a
tragic house fire. To help Gwen rebuild her life, virtual business networking groups
have partnered to hold an online fundraiser. To facilitate the effort, BoldBizBabes
established an e-commerce store and the Gwen Elliott Relief Fund (GERF) at
http://www.Help-Gwen-Elliott.com. BoldBizBabes owner and founder Karen
Wilson-Dooley, explains, \"We are reaching out to businesses across the nation to
inform them of Gwen\'s tragic loss and compel them to donate products and services
that we can place in the e-commerce store for sale. Businesses will be gaining free
exposure to online community members while also helping Gwen. 100% of the proceeds
are going directly to Gwen through GERF.\"

Press Release Body = Virginia Beach, VA - On June 15, 2007, Gwen Elliott, an
Internet businesswoman and Virginia Beach, Virginia resident, lost her son and
everything she owned in a tragic house fire. To help Gwen rebuild her life, virtual
business networking groups have partnered to hold an online fundraiser. To
facilitate the effort, BoldBizBabes established an e-commerce store and the Gwen
Elliott Relief Fund (GERF) at http://www.Help-Gwen-Elliott.com. BoldBizBabes owner
and founder Karen Wilson-Dooley, explains, \"We are reaching out to businesses across
the nation to inform them of Gwen\'s tragic loss and compel them to donate products
and services that we can place in the e-commerce store for sale. Businesses will be
gaining free exposure to online community members while also helping Gwen. 100% of
the proceeds are going directly to Gwen through GERF.\"

Wilson-Dooley states, \"Gwen has been a member of our group almost since its
inception. In our groups, not only do we discuss business issues, we also get to
know one another personally and become good friends. Naturally, in a time of
disaster, we want to help a member through her recovery in any way we can by meeting
her emotional, financial, and tangible needs.\"

This is just one example of how communities have pulled together to help. Terra
Williams, GERF Project Coordinator and long-time member of BoldBizBabes, states,
\"When I learned of what happened to Gwen, I knew something had to be done so that
she could get immediate assistance. I contacted Laurie Brown, my partner in
HomeBizBuds networking group, and we went to work on a plan to get our group of
members to help out. Each volunteer was assigned a list of needs, and they have not
disappointed us yet. We are proud to help another member of our online community in
her hour of need.\" This group not only donated products, but they shipped items and
money to Gwen directly to meet her immediate needs, while helping coordinate the
nationwide fundraiser.

Bobette Kyle, another long-time member of BoldBizBabes, explains this willingness to
help. \"It is members like Gwen who have helped me build and grow my business, break
through challenges, and keep moving forward. Unlike local networking groups that
meet once weekly, or even monthly, we have daily contact as a group online. The
camaraderie built among the women extends beyond the scope of business. Gwen is our
friend, as well as a colleague, and we want to help her work through her grief and
rebuild her life. We hope that other businesses across the nation will be generous
givers in helping us make this fundraiser a success!\"

The Help-Gwen-Elliott.com Web site was erected to gather and manage donations, sell
donated items, and provide information to those who are interested in helping in
some way. While cash donations are being accepted, the group is also collecting
product donations from businesses that can be listed and sold via the Web site. This
is an opportunity for businesses to improve online awareness of their products or
services. \"These donations will enable us to build a substantial e-commerce store
where individuals can shop for products and services they can use, while helping us
raise funds for Gwen,\" states Wilson-Dooley.

Product donations can be made directly through the Web site. To inquire about how
you can help, contact Terra Williams, Project Coordinator at 1.888.430.4491.

About Gwen Elliott
Gwen Elliott lost her son and everything she owned in a tragic house fire on June
15, 2007. Trevor, a 10-year-old autistic boy, who was loved and remembered by all
who knew him as vibrant and likeable, sought refuge from the fire in his bedroom.
His mother and neighbors tried to locate him, but it was too late. A firefighter
recovered the lifeless boy from his bed where he was surrounded by his stuffed
animals, with which he often found solace. He died of smoke inhalation before he
could be brought to safety. The home and its contents were a total loss. To read the
media coverage regarding Gwen\'s loss, go to:
http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story

Web Site = http://www.Help-Gwen-Elliott.com

Contact Details = Terra Williams
email: terra@easyscratchoffs.com
Phone: 1.888.430.4491
8050 Watson Road, Suite 315
St. Louis MO 63119

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