Thursday, August 6, 2009
Shoebob Heart and Sole
I apologize for not keeping up with the blogging stuff. Here is the latest update. Our dream was to have raised $60,000 by June 30 to make sure we could have the books on the shelves by November 1. We fell short of our goal. As of June 30 we had raised only $10,000. That is a lot of money even still and we plan on continuing the effort but we are going to use a different tack. I applied for 501c3 status in late June and we should be our own non-profit soon. As soon as all that happens we will let all of you know. This has been a great opportunity for us to deepen and clarify our goals to how we are going to share our message of "bite sized philanthropy" and that everyone can be a difference maker. So be a difference maker and stay in touch. Thanks, Bob
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Bobs thoughts about the book
This effort is a for profit venture focused on three long term goals of mine. The first goal is to raise the capital to get the book “Shoebob Heart and Sole” written, self published, distributed and sold. I intend to have the book on the shelves by November 1, 2009 in an effort to help raise awareness for this year’s Sleepout. The goal of the book is to show people of any age that they can be difference makers and can be philanthropists regardless of their financial status, where they live or who their parents are. The book will highlight stories from my involvement and the involvement of local youth leaders with the Sleepout from its inception in 1996.
Secondly, funds raised over and above those necessary to get the book out to the public will go to help propel my public speaking career on the aforementioned subjects of being difference makers and being philanthropists. My desire is to spend a little less time with leather and more time sharing my message of hope and encouragement.
Thirdly, funds from the book and speaking will go to the development of my dream of a national Sleepout which would involve the youth of America. I believe that we could have up to 5 million people sleeping outside one night every year to raise awareness of the lack of affordable housing and the homeless issues in our country. Each young person who would sleep outside one night would begin to learn that they can make a difference right where they are no matter their location, their culture, their wealth or lack of wealth or any other factor. I believe that we can teach these values to this generation and generations to come. It will all start with your contributions. Help me publish this book one word, one sentence, one paragraph and one chapter at a time.
Thanks,
Bob Fisher
Secondly, funds raised over and above those necessary to get the book out to the public will go to help propel my public speaking career on the aforementioned subjects of being difference makers and being philanthropists. My desire is to spend a little less time with leather and more time sharing my message of hope and encouragement.
Thirdly, funds from the book and speaking will go to the development of my dream of a national Sleepout which would involve the youth of America. I believe that we could have up to 5 million people sleeping outside one night every year to raise awareness of the lack of affordable housing and the homeless issues in our country. Each young person who would sleep outside one night would begin to learn that they can make a difference right where they are no matter their location, their culture, their wealth or lack of wealth or any other factor. I believe that we can teach these values to this generation and generations to come. It will all start with your contributions. Help me publish this book one word, one sentence, one paragraph and one chapter at a time.
Thanks,
Bob Fisher
My wife really knows my heart.
Here is a short letter that my wife wrote to explain why I am writing the book and what my goals are. I am adding a post too, but I think like this one better myself. You choose.
My glimpse into Bob’s Vision
By Terrisa Fisher
Since I met Bob nearly three years ago, I’ve heard him many times tell the story of the birth of the Sleepout. You probably have heard him speak of it as well. He starts by telling about his winter camping experiment in his backyard, about his discomfort, and then about the voice or sense that he should move the tent to the front yard and do something for the needy people of Wayzata. His story progresses to the present -- to the current needs of our neighbors -- and praises listeners for their many generous acts and financial gifts.
During the time we were friends, then dating, then engaged and married, I had many opportunities to hear the story in various ways. I admit that for a time I expectantly listened for an impassioned invective about homelessness. At times I was disappointed that I didn’t hear a rant; certainly Bob always conveyed compassion and provided help for people in all kinds of struggles, but missing was what I expected from an activist. So I listened again. And the theme that became clear to me was revealed in the very first part of his story: move the tent. He did – not knowing exactly what would transpire in the days and years after that decision. Although the cause is a good one, Bob’s guiding motivation has been to follow the voice when he hears it.
Many times the two of us discuss our inspirations and intents. Always, Bob repeats his intention to facilitate a nationwide Sleepout. Then he becomes passionate -- about engaging people in service projects such as sleepouts because he desires that young people especially realize their own power to affect good in the world. So Bob continues to hear “move the tent” and again he is not certain what will transpire in the days and years to come. He/we can only listen, move the tent, and trust that the effort will help people with their needs.
So, what does this continued calling have to do with a book about Shoebob? Frankly, people want to read stories about a person more than books called “Obey the Voice,” so it has to be about Bob (much to his chagrin). From my point of view, the book has two primary goals. First, the immediate goal is to tell the story of a bite-sized philanthropist (as the writer Terry Esau has called him on occasion). Even though the book is not a prescription of how to start a sleepout or a self-help book, it will have the power to inspire. Bob, Terry, and I hope that readers will become bite-sized philanthropists because of reading the story about a regular guy who did.
The second goal of the book is to create a tool to use as a catalyst for the national sleepout movement. When we contemplate how to grow a local community demonstration of neighborliness into a nation-wide caring consciousness, the tent move becomes a bit abstract for us! How does a fellow move a tent from his front yard on Central Avenue, Wayzata onto the yards in every town in the nation? One step is exposure. Bob says that his focus was always on raising awareness – never money. That remains true. Bob has innumerable friends in the Wayzata area who support him and the local cause. They may question why there needs to be a book about the repairman they know so well. My answer is that the book is Bob’s resume – the introduction that he needs to meet potential philanthropists outside of the Wayzata area. The Cause is addressing affordable housing issues at a national level. Bob is willing and ready to move the tent. Please help by sharing your resources as you are guided -- your wisdom, your awareness of affordable housing issues, Bob’s national vision with your acquaintances, and if inspired, your financial support. Thank you for your part in creating something good in Wayzata and in neighborhoods across the country.
I am pretty sure I won't be able to top this. Bob
My glimpse into Bob’s Vision
By Terrisa Fisher
Since I met Bob nearly three years ago, I’ve heard him many times tell the story of the birth of the Sleepout. You probably have heard him speak of it as well. He starts by telling about his winter camping experiment in his backyard, about his discomfort, and then about the voice or sense that he should move the tent to the front yard and do something for the needy people of Wayzata. His story progresses to the present -- to the current needs of our neighbors -- and praises listeners for their many generous acts and financial gifts.
During the time we were friends, then dating, then engaged and married, I had many opportunities to hear the story in various ways. I admit that for a time I expectantly listened for an impassioned invective about homelessness. At times I was disappointed that I didn’t hear a rant; certainly Bob always conveyed compassion and provided help for people in all kinds of struggles, but missing was what I expected from an activist. So I listened again. And the theme that became clear to me was revealed in the very first part of his story: move the tent. He did – not knowing exactly what would transpire in the days and years after that decision. Although the cause is a good one, Bob’s guiding motivation has been to follow the voice when he hears it.
Many times the two of us discuss our inspirations and intents. Always, Bob repeats his intention to facilitate a nationwide Sleepout. Then he becomes passionate -- about engaging people in service projects such as sleepouts because he desires that young people especially realize their own power to affect good in the world. So Bob continues to hear “move the tent” and again he is not certain what will transpire in the days and years to come. He/we can only listen, move the tent, and trust that the effort will help people with their needs.
So, what does this continued calling have to do with a book about Shoebob? Frankly, people want to read stories about a person more than books called “Obey the Voice,” so it has to be about Bob (much to his chagrin). From my point of view, the book has two primary goals. First, the immediate goal is to tell the story of a bite-sized philanthropist (as the writer Terry Esau has called him on occasion). Even though the book is not a prescription of how to start a sleepout or a self-help book, it will have the power to inspire. Bob, Terry, and I hope that readers will become bite-sized philanthropists because of reading the story about a regular guy who did.
The second goal of the book is to create a tool to use as a catalyst for the national sleepout movement. When we contemplate how to grow a local community demonstration of neighborliness into a nation-wide caring consciousness, the tent move becomes a bit abstract for us! How does a fellow move a tent from his front yard on Central Avenue, Wayzata onto the yards in every town in the nation? One step is exposure. Bob says that his focus was always on raising awareness – never money. That remains true. Bob has innumerable friends in the Wayzata area who support him and the local cause. They may question why there needs to be a book about the repairman they know so well. My answer is that the book is Bob’s resume – the introduction that he needs to meet potential philanthropists outside of the Wayzata area. The Cause is addressing affordable housing issues at a national level. Bob is willing and ready to move the tent. Please help by sharing your resources as you are guided -- your wisdom, your awareness of affordable housing issues, Bob’s national vision with your acquaintances, and if inspired, your financial support. Thank you for your part in creating something good in Wayzata and in neighborhoods across the country.
I am pretty sure I won't be able to top this. Bob
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
We the people-the publisher!
We, the people of MN (and the USA) are going to help Bob Fisher get his story in bookstores-because we believe that by telling his story we will encourage others to become bite-sized philanthropists. Here's how you can help:
• 1 Word—$1
• 1 Sentence—$10
• 1 Paragraph—$50
• 1 Page—$250
• 1 Chapter—$2500
If we can raise $60,000 by June 30th, ShoeBob-Heart & Sole will be in bookstores November 1st! Click the 'Donate' button to the right and help make it happen. Your Return On Investment?--A future generation of blue-collar-philanthropists. Thank you!
• 1 Word—$1
• 1 Sentence—$10
• 1 Paragraph—$50
• 1 Page—$250
• 1 Chapter—$2500
If we can raise $60,000 by June 30th, ShoeBob-Heart & Sole will be in bookstores November 1st! Click the 'Donate' button to the right and help make it happen. Your Return On Investment?--A future generation of blue-collar-philanthropists. Thank you!
WCCO TV Interview
Check out the interview on WCCO. Click the link to view:
http://wcco.com/video/?id=60398@wcco.dayport.com
http://wcco.com/video/?id=60398@wcco.dayport.com
Monday, June 8, 2009
Watch for Shoe Bob on KARE 11 Today with Diana Pierce
Watch Bob Fisher and Terry Esau on KARE 11 @ 4 with Diana Pierce today as they promote their new book called Shoe Bob: Heart and Sole. Fisher and Esau plan to raise the money to publish the book by selling words and chapters. Stay tuned as we will post the KARE 11 interview here after the fact.
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