If you're receiving this e-mail, congratulations! You're my hero for helping raise a lot of money and a little bit'a hell in the name of gun safety. I thought I'd share some small updates to show how HYF has grown and what you've helped accomplish - aside from sending this cheeky newsletter.
Over the last year, I pretended like I knew how to speak in front of politicians, news cameras and probably some confused passersby on the steps of Hoboken City Hall. Soon after, I had a near out-of-body heart attack when an editor at O Magazine told me they were interested in my family's story. It didn't end up getting printed, but come on - that's still worth a mention! On the bright side, one of my childhood imaginary BFFs, actress Mayim Biyalik was kind enough to publish an article I'd written. This will surely spark Oprah's jealousy, leading to an article and/or made-for-tv movie sometime next year (release date TBD).
More recently, I organized and co-hosted a gun violence meditation rally where we did some activism on the spot, like having everyone save their senators' digits into their phones. Hopefully they'll use those to rally for change and not for inappropriate late-night dials. No judgement, it's just... we're trying to change laws here - stay focused, people! I've also made (appropriate) calls to senators and voted in mid-term elections for the first time in my life, which means I no longer have to be embarrassed for never having done those things. Self-five!
That said, it hasn't all been rainbows, sunshine and well-meaning drunk dials.
I try to be as light about this topic as possible, but it's been a challenging year. I've been the target of some clever but hurtful and poorly-spelled internet insults. I've also learned that something called a bump stock is insanely terrifying and that I'm extremely tired of seeing victim collages splash across news outlets. It's that kind of ugliness that will prevail unless we continue to fight back.
I'm so proud to say that 875 Hold Your Fire shirts are out in the world, starting new conversations and making people look like they give a crap every single day. I haven't personally changed any laws or learned to speak French like I said I would for the last two New Years Eves, but I've done lots of small things to help prevent gun violence and I'm pretty fricking proud of that. Hopefully my dad, John Sacci who was the inspiration for all of these do-good shenanigans, is too.
Thank you so much for your help, your hugs and all of your kind words even if you were lying a little in telling me I did a good job of speaking when my mouth was full of marbles. I've been powered by a cocktail of encouragement and chocolate - without that, HYF would never have gotten so far this year. Thank you, and chocolate - if you can hear me, thank you too. Hope you have the happiest holiday season and please hug the ones you love.
- Kristina
P.S. Here are two other small but mighty updates!
