Date     Digest      Days BEFORE 5000
8/25T     4980       20
8/26F     4981       19
8/27S     4982       18
8/28S     4983       17
8/29M     4984       16
8/30T     4985       15
8/31W     4986       14
9/1T      4987       13
9/2F      4988       12
9/3S      4989       11
9/4S      4990       10
9/5M      4991        9
9/6 T     4992        8
9/7W      4993        7
9/8T      4994        6
9/9F      4995        5
9/10S     4996        4
9/11S     4997        3
9/12M     4998        2
9/13T     4999        1
9/14W     5000     THE BIG DAY ITSELF!
 
"Who is Bill Gruber?" some of you ask.  Bill is BIG, the man who brings
you your FML everyday.  He has done so when he has been ill.  He has done
so when he has been overloaded with work and barely sleeping.  He has
done so remotely when he has been away enjoying conferences, symposia,
the FML 10th year reunion, vacations, holidays, celebrations, and more.
 
Why does Bill give you this astounding gift of his time every day?  It
certainly is not as if he didn't have other options.  He's got his own
life: his loved ones, his recreation, his friends, his work, his other
interests.  He does it because he is wonderful person and because you
might need something in any given day's FML.
 
The FML has been around since Chris Lewis, the founder, mailed out the
first FML on Dec 21, 1987 at 19:14 (7: 14 p.m.) but at first the FML
remained a small list, arriving only sporadically.  Even during its early
years Bill Gruber performed a very important function.  Back then a LOT
of cities or states outlawed ferrets.  Bill provided a way for those
people to hide their addresses.  When Chris decided that he could no
longer moderate Bill became the FMLs second moderator of only 2
moderators during its life, and he has been here doing all of this work
for us all ever since.  His steady hand, logical mind, and kind heart
grew the list from dozens of members to thousands.
 
Bill has chosen 2 established, U.S. tax deductible charities which help
ferret shelters to benefit from his accomplishments, and so far those of
you who have such kind hearts have given $3,092 of the GOAL of $5,000
collected in the first 30 days of this fund drive, and given by over a
hundred of our 2,500 members (and you can see who is so generous,
constructive, and kind on the website if you want!).  Even a dollar or
three donated makes a real difference when it all is added up; all
donations are appreciated!  Giving to help others as a celebration is
entirely in character for Bill Gruber!
 
Remember when your Mama, Daddy, Aunt, Uncle, or Grand taught you as a
child to always say thank you to those who helped you? :-)  This is your
big chance to honor their wisdom, help shelters, have a deduction on your
U.S. taxes, and thank the man who helps you every day.  It is so
incredibly cool when being gracious also saves ferret lives, isn't it?
 
We are in the COUNTDOWN, and we really can reach the goal!  Be one of
the ones who gets us there!
 
http://www.geocities.com/imdella/fml5000.html
[Posted in FML issue 4981]