Monday, May 01, 2006

We're Going Back!

We're going back to New Orleans! Consider joining a group of Eden Prairie, MN staff members for a fun, eye-opening, life-changing (seriously) travel opportunity. Here are some details:
  • Dates - June 9-17; and/or June 16-24. We may be going both weeks; or, depending on interest, we may choose just one week that works best for most. Please e-mail Chris Kreie at ckreie@edenpr.org or call him at 5-7681 to let him know which week you plan to go.
  • Trasportation - Road trip or flight, it's up to you. Some of us will travel in a caravan of vehicles. If you cannot drive, chances are very good that you can ride with someone else. You could use your own vehicle or rent something. We rented a minivan last time that fit six very comfortably for only $350 for the week. Or, fly. Currently round trip flights to New Orleans cost roughly $280.
  • Accomodations - We will stay at First Street United Methodist Church in New Orleans. The church has a large room set up with wooden bunks. It is air conditioned and actually very comfortable. You will want to bring a sleeping bag and air mattress.
  • The Work - We will be led by volunteer leaders from Hands On Network and AmeriCorps. We will assist with whatever projects they have going on at the time, but more than likely our work will involve gutting homes in preparation for their restoration.
  • Cost - The cost of the trip will involve two things. One - We suggest that each participant raise $100 to go toward hurricane relief in New Orleans. The money will go toward either Hands On, James Singleton Charter School, or another worthy cause in the area. More on this to come. Two - The cost of transportation to and from New Orleans. For the Oak Point group it cost the six of us roughly $200 each for the van, gas, and lodging. The other expenses will be any entertainment or dining out once you are in New Orleans. Hands On provides all our meals at no cost to us.
  • Fund Raising - Consider asking friends, family, colleagues to donate money for the trip. The Oak Point group raised close to $5,000 doing this. We were able to defray some of our transportation costs and still present large checks to two relief organizations.

Please respond to Chris Kreie, ckreie@edenpr.org or 5-7681, if you plan to go or if you have any further questions. If possible, repond by May 12th in order to give us time to make all the arrangements.

Scroll though the blog below to get more details of our awesome trip over spring break!