Proceeds from the sale of this fundraiser will be going to   Paul's Pantry of Green Bay, WI. Paul's Pantry has helped thousands of people in need since 1984 and zero funds from Federal, State, or local tax revenue. There are many styles and sizes to choose from. Just click and image and check out the selection.

Proceeds from sale of this fundraiser will benefit Vets and Friends of Appleton, WI.

Vets & Friends of Wisconsin: Our mission is to provide services and benefits that will improve veterans’ quality of life.

Our Vision is a world where veterans assimilate into their communities with great appreciation for their service. 

Their Eyes were Opened

In the village of Chimerenz, two groups known as the Robenz and Danenz people lived on either side of a wide river. The river was beautiful, sparkling in the sun, and there were several bridges that connected the two sides of the village. These bridges were important because they allowed trade and transportation, and they brought people together for festivals and celebrations. But, despite the bridges, there was a tension that hung over Chimerenz like dark clouds.

The Robenz and Danenz often looked across the river with judgment. They each blamed the other for the misunderstandings and problems that had divided them. "If only they would see things our way," each group would think. This blame made it hard for them to come together and work towards solutions that could benefit everyone.

One day, a traveler named Elara, who had once lived in Chimerenz, returned after many years. Elara had left to seek knowledge and wisdom in faraway lands, but when she arrived home, her heart sank. The vibrant village she remembered was now clouded by distrust and sorrow.

Elara wanted to help, but she didn’t want to choose sides. Instead, she decided to share a message of peace. Anonymously, she took out ads in the local paper and posted on social media. Her message was simple but powerful: “Open hearts, open minds, open arms, equal peace.” She hoped that these words would strike a chord in her fellow villagers.

Slowly, people began to talk about the message. They gathered around the bridges, some with cups of warm tea, others with homemade bread. As they discussed the phrase, something magical started to happen. They began to remember the teachings they had learned as children about kindness and understanding. They recalled stories about the importance of opening their hearts to one another, of listening with open minds, and of embracing each other with open arms.

Some villagers realized that, over time, they had twisted these teachings to fit their own beliefs and had forgotten the joy of unity. The thought of peace began to illuminate their faces. They started to meet in small groups, sharing their hopes and dreams. The bridges, once mere structures over the river, became symbols of connection.

As time passed, the village of Chimerenz began to change. The Robenz and Danenz people realized that they were more alike than different. They started coming together for festivals again, and the laughter of children echoed across the river. The colors of their traditional clothes sparkled in the sunshine during the parades, and their music filled the air with joy.

Elara watched from a distance, her heart swelling with pride. She felt that even as an anonymous figure, her message had sparked a movement of love and understanding. With open hearts, open minds, and open arms, the village of Chimerenz had started to heal.

The river that once divided them now flowed with the hope of a brighter future. Together, the Robenz and Danenz people rebuilt their village, transforming it back into a place of vibrancy and prosperity. And it all began with a simple message of love and peace, reminding them of who they were and what they could become together.