Get a Clue Thank You Message

A personal message of thanks from TLC to the fandom

How You – Yes, You – Made History

As you undoubtedly have read on our front page by now, our attempts to win the card containing 93 words about Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix were thwarted when an anonymous American bidder pledged roughly $38,000 for the item.

Of course, we’re sure you’re disappointed in the result. However, our own disappointment over not winning the card notwithstanding, we are thrilled with the way the fandom came together to support The Leaky Cauldron’s massive charity drive.

In just eight days, 2200 of us donated money through Leaky, Inc. In just eight days, $24,000 was raised to support literacy. That’s what’s known as making a difference. That’s called leaving the world a little better than we found it eight days ago.

Thanks to everyone who generously donated. You’ve shown what you truly are. Thanks to all news organizations and websites, especially BBC Newsround, BBC “Radio Five Live,” the New York Times, the Associated Press and Spin 103 FM in Ireland, that generously gave this charity drive such amazing press. Thank you to the thousands of Web masters who made and posted banners, and to the thousands of fans who sent news of our drive to every nook and cranny of the fandom they could think of. Without you, the donation would not have been nearly so substantial. Thanks to Sotheby’s, for running such a worthy auction. Enormous thanks to J.K. Rowling, for yet again putting her money where her mouth is; it’s not every celebrity who makes such stunning use of her influence.

It’s unsurprising that most participants in this drive seemed more excited about the prospect of giving something to charity than of getting something out of Sotheby’s – that’s the Harry Potter Fandom we’re all proud to be a part of. We didn’t get the card, but a lot of people just got a whole lot of books. When you fantastic donors are finally reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and your hearts are moved again by Harry’s bravery, Ron’s passion, and Hermione’s ethics, remember: you’re just like them.

The Leaky Cauldron team wishes you a very warm, safe and happy holiday season and congratulates you on making real magic.

Love from,
The entire staff of The Leaky Cauldron.