Facebook went crazy this week as local residents posted either photos or commented about their measly AT&T settlement checks. But, it was these checks which inspired two local women to make a difference with theirs and are encouraging others to do the same.
Karen Rarey
“In the first 12 hours after posting my 6 cent check on Facebook, I received 150 responses,” said Brentwood City Council Candidate Karen Rarey. “Some were rather comical, while others posted their minuscule amounts, but the one that really caught my eye was Diane O’Brien’s comment.”
O’Brien, who owns Ribbons and Roses in downtown Brentwood, posted, “This is hilarious! Karen Rarey, put up a box for donations and everyone can donate their checks to a worthy cause.”
O’Brien added, “Like families in need here locally. I’ll be the first to donate ours.”
“O’Brien was onto something – what a brilliant idea,” said Rarey. “I reached out to Diane to see if we could use her shop as the donation point and suggested we donate the funds to the Brentwood Regional Community Chest.”
The Brentwood Regional Community Chest serves over 550 families who are in need during the holiday season by providing them with a box chockful of food and Christmas presents for all the children.
“I too will be donating my 6 cent check, plus another $20 to the Community Chest,” said Rarey. “And I encourage others to do the same.”
O’Brien has set up a white wooden chest in her shop for donations to the Brentwood Regional Community Chest, but has taken it one step further and will memorialize each contributor to the cause.
“I also think it would be fun for me to take a picture of each person with their check,” said O’Brien. “We could post it all over social media.”
“Let’ make a difference this holiday season to families in need,” said Rarey. “Sign your checks over to Brentwood Regional Community Chest, drop it off at Ribbons and Roses, and if you’re able to throw in some extra cash.”
To donate your AT&T settlement check, or to make a contribution to the Brentwood Regional Community Chest, stop by Ribbons and Roses at 151 Chestnut St in Brentwood. For more information, contact Rarey at 925-303-5248.
