RG4N Blog

Missed out on our recent volunteer fair?

We heard from a lot of people who were interested but unable to attend that night. So, we're doing it again this Wednesday.

We need people to help with:

• RG4N House Parties
• Business Outreach
• The RG4N e-Bay Store
• Music Benefit
• General Volunteering
• ... and more!

Whether you have a little time or a lot, you can make a difference and we want your help.

Click here for more info.

The volunteer rally held Monday night at Genuine Joe Coffeehouse was a smashing success.

The court date for our hearing is November 13th—just 61 days away. So, the Fundraising Committee is kicking it into high gear. Over 2 dozen volunteers showed to learn about the planned fundraising activities, and find out ways to help.

Fundraising projects include House Parties, Business Outreach, an RG4N Discount Card, an e-Bay Store, a Music Benefit and other fun activites. Additional volunteers are still needed to help each project, so tell us what interests you and how you would like to help. Email volunteer [at] rg4n [dot] org to sign up today.

The moment of reckoning is nearly at hand. On November 13, we are scheduled to appear before a judge to present our case.

As you know, lawsuits are expensive. The community has shown extraordinary support to get us to this point. Now we need to take it over the top.

So between now and then, there will be a massive fundraising effort. And we need massive volunteer support to run that effort.

If you can help, please attend our Volunteer Rally this Monday evening. More information here.

Wal-Mart is trying to build a giant two-story supercenter in the middle of a residential neighborhood in Austin, Texas. Residents are outraged and have filed a lawsuit against the city and the developers.

All through the summer of 2007, neighborhood residents have been turning out weekly to march in protest against the plan. They meet every Saturday morning at the corner of Anderson and Burnet, just next to the Northcross property. (Music by James Taylor, "Traffic Jam".) [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lFKsNSiYkE]

News 8 Austin reported earlier this week on the lawsuit to block the development at Northcross:

Part of the mall at Anderson Lane and Burnet Road is already being demolished. The 198,000-square-foot site planned for the retail giant, however, is on hold.

"They've agreed not to do any external demolition of the part of the mall that's suppose to become the Supercenter until after we go to trial," Hope Morrison of Responsible Growth for Northcross said.

The story reports that the trial will begin Nov. 18 and should last about a week.

Read the whole thing here: Northcross Wal-Mart headed to trial

Last weekend, Michelle Wibbelsman (Allandale) and a few friends hosted the first RG4N Fundraising House Party. Funds from the party will go to the RG4N lawsuit. The party was a roaring success.

Her co-hosts helped with snack foods and adult beverage. She played Cindy Fisher's photo/music DVD, which is a 15-minute pictoral history of RG4N events, meetings and protests. She also showed the Southpark Wal-Mart episode.

Michelle and her co-hosts made a giant thermometer that measured the evening's fundraising efforts. By then end of the night, the thermometer was about to explode! The night capped off with a Mr. Smiley pinata bashing, complete with Mr. Angry Smiley novelties and candy. What fun!

At the end of the night, her two dozen guests raised over $2000! Never underestimate what a small group of dedicated people can do! We've got some pictures from the event—check them out here.

So, are you looking for a fun way to help the RG4N lawsuit? How about holding your own RG4N Fundraising House Party? We'd be delighted to help you make your party a success. Send an email to fundraising [at] rg4n [dot] org and let us know the date. We'll provide you with an agenda, information and handouts, a raffle drawing with prizes—even a giant fundraising thermometer (thanks Michelle!). We'll get plates, napkins and cups if you need them. RG4N Steering Committee Members will attend, mingle with your friends and neighbors, and speak on the issues and answer questions. It's all for fun and all for a great cause!

Email fundraising [at] rg4n [dot] org and let us help you plan your own RG4N Fundraising House Party.

Don is not happy.

Wal-Mart is trying to build a gigantumongous supercenter in his neighborhood. And that makes Don grumpy.

So every Saturday morning, Don heads over to the corner of Anderson and Burnet to join the weekly protest.

If you've got some time this Saturday morning, drop by and join the protest. You'll get to meet lots of nice people (like Don) and help make our neighborhood better.

When word gets out about a Wal-Mart Supercenter coming into a residential neighborhood in Austin, TX, hundreds of upset people converged on City Hall Dec 14, 2006.

Responsible Growth for Northcross (RG4N) organized a noontime rally that filled the City Hall plaza. Later that evening, citizens appeared before the Austin City Council to testify in opposition to the supercenter development. (Music by Kids Bop Kids, "Waiting on the World to Change.") [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74TvkaEIjb0]