The Kindness of Strangers: May 2009

Here is a performance by my honey's singing group in Franklin, NC

Thank you to my Sphere of Support

Many people have stepped up to support me in this project. Without their help, I would not have had the fortitude, shelter, comfort & food to keep me going. The folks listed are a testimony to this collaborative effort:

Jonathan Snyder who loves me unconditionally, keeps me warm, and lets me stash my stuff at his place.

Phil Kliger for writing the music inspired by the stories and creative brainstorming sessions and for being The Shepherd of Essence.

Liz Wenglin for financial and emotional support and for enrolling the Family of Women to gather and send art supplies and toys and books to the Boys and Girls Club of Hancock County.

Greg & Karen Sumner for providing safe haven...and putting it on my tab

Eric Udell for being my Special Technical Consultant

Irene McIntosh for re-energizing my soul with her good spirits

Ed Cake for allowing me to interrupt often & for answering my questions

Denise Wilson for balancing her technical expertise with her big heart and bigger faith

Ken and Dawn Wetzel for opening their hearts and their home

Galen Smith for thought-provoking conversation & editing skills

Susan Cambria for her dedication to the people of Mississippi & financial support of my work - and for continuing to tell the stories and bring volunteers with her to the Gulf Coast four years after the initial disaster

Kathy Nolan for her positive energy and financial support of my film

Elizabeth Mammina-Dincher for supportive emails and financial support of my film

Jen Denley for positive energy and financial support of my film

Katie Rose for a powerful suggestion

Craig Hamill for listening & offering alternate interpretations (& for hanging in there during the cocktail napkin incident!), for letting me vent and sending me a gift when I needed it

Ellis Anderson for her generosity and commitment to keeping the Coast for the kids.

Joe Tomasovsky for his brilliant photographs and his mind-expanding suggestions.

Frank and Cecilia Gastelum for financial support of my film

All of the volunteers who continue to come here to help, to send donations, to act as ambassadors and to spread the word that as great as people have been, the needs are greater. For the people who live up to our name: The United States of America.

Ella Kliger
ellakliger@gmailcom
Storyteller and supporter of the Gulf Coast

Rehydr8d Soul

The title for this blog was inspired by two people: Amanda Marais and Phil Kliger.

Amanda worked for Hands On New Orleans. When I interviewed her, she told me that the reason that she came down here to help was, "My soul was dehydrated. I researched online and found Hands On. I've been here for two months and I may never leave."

My brother, Phil, composed some of the music for my documentary. When he watched the first footage I shot, he was inspired by Amanda's phrase and wrote a beautiful song called "dehydr8d soul".

Since I have been here, my soul has been rehydrated. I didn't realize how disconnected I had become, in many aspects of my life. Perhaps it took the flood waters of Katrina to wash away my complacency, to inspire me to do the best, most heartfelt work of my life.

The Kindness of Strangers

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

2009 Silver Arts Follies

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There's more to the stories

Thank you to my Sphere of Support

Still interested? Read on, MacDuff!

Rehydr8d Soul

Every person makes a difference, every visit counts

Remnants from the storm

Boys and Girls Club - Hancock County

Boys&Girls Club - Hancock County

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Keen for connection? More stories here