Red Fork Hippie Chick here with a news bulletin and a request for help:
I just became aware this morning of a situation that requires some assistance. The Vega Motel on Route 66 in Texas was forced to shut down for a while because one of the owners was seriously ill. He has recovered, thank God, but the family's finances haven't, and they need a pretty healthy cash infusion to be able to get the utilities back on so they can reopen the motel.
These folks are about as sweet as anybody you'll ever want to meet, and they are diehard Route 66 supporters. They always go out of their way to support whatever group or project I'm shilling for, and I'd really like to be able to return the favor by getting them open again in time to take advantage of the influx of tourists generated by the release of Cars, which opened across the country this weekend.
After you go see the movie (which I highly recommend) and get all fired up about helping Route 66, I have a tiny little request: Please send a donation, in any amount you can afford, to Friends of the Mother Road.
Friends is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Historic Route 66. Although our primary focus is on Missouri, we will go anywhere we are needed on the road.
Right now, we are needed in Vega. If you would be willing to help, please write a check payable to Friends of the Mother Road and mail it to:
Friends of the Mother Road Inc.
3947 Russell
St. Louis, MO 63110
Write "VEGA MOTEL" in the subject line so our treasurer will know where to direct the money.
This one of those incredible moments of opportunity when you can make a very real impact on the Mother Road by playing a direct role in getting a historic business open again.
The motel recently was added to the National Register of Historic Places. That's a huge honor and a wonderful confirmation of its enormous historic and cultural value … but it doesn't come with a cash award, and it doesn't guarantee a property's survival. Only steady business from enthusiastic tourists and generous support from all the Mother Road's children can ensure that a property will be around for another generation.
Our goal is to raise enough money to help the motel reopen by the end of June. Will you help?