It’s been two years since I went to Louisiana with a local church.  The experience I had there helping families recover after hurricane Katrina affects me to this day.  When I returned I started the Black & White Games Blanket Project to support efforts in the region.

 The Project

The money I made from game sales was donated to I.D.E.S., the mission organization I worked with in 2006.  While I.D.E.S. works in areas of need all over the world I asked that my money go directly to individuals in Louisiana and Mississippi because I saw their situation and their appreciation with my own eyes.  Close family members and friends worked with I.D.E.S. as well, so I trusted every dollar was being used wisely.

 I’m very pleased with the amount of money I’ve been able to send their way over the past two years.  There’s no doubt sales from Take Your Pick, my small party game from SimplyFun, provided the most funds for this endeavor.  It’s been such a blessing to learn so many people are enjoying this game.  Through its entertainment value and financial rewards the original Take Your Pick (along with the spin-offs we put out each year) have made a small but significant difference in the lives of many. 

 What’s It To Ya? takes a distant second place for its contribution to the cause.  Compared to Take Your Pick I enjoy this game so much more and its underlying statement of values will always make it dear to my heart.  I believe it is perfectly suited as a game with a mission.  I found immense pleasure over the past six months making the videos in the What’s It To Ya? Project.  I didn’t come close to a polished production until the third episode, but that first one has some moments that brings to life my vision for the game and my desire to touch the world.

 My Three 4 $5 CD collection of print-and-play games is worth mentioning as another creation that generates regular funds for the Blanket Project.  It’s an even smaller piece, but through its simplicity and low price it perfectly illustrates my own quest to find joy apart from extravagance.  I’m grateful that it proves to be a steady seller and the second volume should see the light of day this summer.

 Other games like Ballot Bots, the print-and-play stuff from PyroMyth and Snakebite (now produced by Blue Panther) continue to sell, making it fun to keep trying my hand at smaller ideas. 

 Changes

So I have no thought of ending the Blanket Project, but some changes are in order.  My family and I traveled to Louisiana at the start of 2008.  While there’s no doubt the region is still filled with many who are hurting from the effects of hurricane Katrina, much of the region has returned to normal life.  In the light of this and the other major catastrophes that have taken place in our world, I’m changing the direction of funds from the Blanket Project.  At this time much of the money will still be sent to I.D.E.S.. However, I will now ask them to use the funds where they are most needed.  They work all over the world, including devastated areas such as Burma and the Midwest United States. 

 Additionally, I’m discovering some very important ministries close to home that I will support from time to time.  While these needs in and around Lapeer, Michigan will never make the national news, I believe an individual can do nothing more important than small acts of kindness in his or her own world.

Last updated July 3, 2008.