The Help

This week I had every intention of showing you sneak preview outfits each day before the shop opens on Thursday. But not today. Today, there's something more important than fashion, cute scarf tutorials, and polka dot skirts. And if I didn't talk about it, I would feel guilty for a really, really, really long time. I usually stay pretty neutral and encouraging in my posts, but today I can't. And if you get offended, I can't apologize.

There's something called the 80/20 rule. You've probably heard of it, and it's shocking. It means that 80% of a result was done by only 20% of the people. Example: 80% of our country's wealth comes from 20% of the people. This rule can be applied to every area of our lives. Only 20% of people in a particular group work to make 80% of the outcome. Where am i going with this? You'll see...

Tonight I went and saw the movie The Help. It's about Mississippi in the 1960s, and the black "maids" that white women would hire to raise their children, do all the work, and use to treat like crap. Everyone considered it acceptable, because everyone did it. If they see a black woman getting beaten, all of them turn there backs. After all, it's just a Negro. The 1960s was marked by Civil Rights movements, trying to gain equality. Blacks fought to be considered human. Thousands died from beatings, hangings, burning... you name it. It makes me ashamed.

But finally, people started to see the cruelty in it, and stepped up to fight for what's right. Apply the 80/20 rule here.

While I was already in tears watching The Help, I got a text. I usually never check my phone during movies, but a feeling compelled me to. It was from a student at the high school we're trying to raise scholarship money for. This kid is a hero of mine, but I won't go into details as to why. I will, however, tell you what his text said. I opened my phone to read:

"Ashley, do you think you can help me with something?"

"Of course, what's up?"

"My bus pass is about to expire, and my mom doesn't have enough money to buy me a new one for the next few months. I dont know what to do. I need to get to school everyday."

I lost it. Every emotion that I've had these past several months as I've put ALL of my energy into raising money for these kids came spilling out. My heart ached, but at the same time felt comforted that my dear friend knew he could turn to me to ask for help. It kills me that I can't help every kid out there, but I have to be grateful that I'm blessed to know a few. I hear a lot of time, "Ashley, you're doing great things, keep going." But their contribution stops there. As the movie played, and my conversation with my friend continued, I was overwhelmed with a disheartening confirmation. We STILL fight the same fight today as we did back then. But few people do anything about it. And a lot of times, it is because they are unaware of the need that fills our country.

Why do white schools have better teachers, academics, and more funding? If you don't believe me, come visit the schools I work with, experience their poverty, and your eyes will be opened to a world you never knew existed. If you ask me, the kids at every school, inner city or not, are equal. And they have as much potential as the one living high on the mountain. But they are not given a chance.

People still oppress each other, turn their backs when someone needs help, and criticize what they don't understand. Over half of children in our country are starving, yet only 20% of the population does something about it. I see it EVERY SINGLE DAY as I work with the students at Cesar Chavez. If the country knew just one kid, and the struggles they went through, we'd have millions raised in a day. But it's easy for people to turn their heads. It's easy to look away from reality and go get hair and nails done instead. I truly believe that those of us who have opportunities are responsible to help others have the same. We're not born with an equal chance... so someone has to do something to help instead of turning away. I fight every day to be that person.

And you know what? It's the hardest thing I've ever done. I can't tell you the heartache it brings me. Businesses that I talk to are shocked that I spend hours a day trying to bring in money for these kids. Well I'll tell you what, I'm shocked that they don't.

If 100% of us, instead of 20%, shared the work load, gave selflessly, and worked together, there would be far less negativity and suffering happening to our neighbors. We may not know those in need personally, but they are a person. A person who needs love, help, and assurance just like we do.

I haven't stopped crying for the past 4 hours. My heart aches. But I'll tell ya, I'm as motivated as heck to bring in over $20,000 for these kids. I'll fight for it. And I can't express enough love and gratitude to you who have been fighting with me.