If it weren't for Steemit, I'll admit I probably wouldn't be thinking much about the current crisis in Venezuela. However, the time I've spent on Steemit has enabled me to interact with a variety of people. Many I consider friends, and some I've had the ability and good fortune to even meet in person. One individual who I consider a friend but have not had the pleasure of meeting is Carmen Yanes, Steemit's very own 
Hive account@yanes94. For me, Carmen has put a personal face to the troubles in Venezuela which of course makes me more invested and empathetic to the plight.
If you follow me, then we probably "run in the same circles" on Steem and you're most likely already aware of, if not following Hive account@yanes94. She's been a dedicated Steemian for more than two years, and came to my attention when she first started sharing her artwork. At one point, she even did a portrait of me, as she did of several other Steemians around the same time. I was both impressed and flattered.
Portrait of Bryan "the Imp" Imhoff (I may have sent her a slightly younger, thinner version of myself for reference...) by Carmen Yanes; Hive account@yanes94
In the past couple years I've seen her steady artistic growth and I'm always in awe of her dedication and work ethic. Already a professional in that she's using Steem to help support herself and her family these past years during the dire economic times in Venezuela, I have no doubt with a little more experience and just a smidge of opportunity, she has a bright future as a professional illustrator if that's what she chooses to pursue.
If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and check out her blog at Hive account@yanes94. Give her a follow. I remember when she was working to perfect her colored pencil technique, now she's moved on to teaching herself digital painting with some amazing results already.
A recent favorite of mine done by Carmen Yanes, Hive account@yanes94
So that's Carmen in a nutshell. She strikes me as a very genuine and caring individual, and a talented hardworking artist. I value the contribution she's making to Steem and think she's also a shining example of just what Steem can mean for, and the value it can bring to many people across the world.
Which brings me to the current situation. If you're completely unaware, on top of the economic strife and regular shortages of food, medicine, and supplies that Venezuela has suffered over the past years; the power grid has almost completely failed leaving the vast majority of the country without power for the past week. 
Hive account@preparedwombat's share of a recent article actually kickstarted me to write this post as it again got me thinking about Venezuela.
As can be expected, the account of Hive account@yanes94 has also been correspondingly "dark" over the past week. I've been keeping an eye, dropping a little comment on her latest post, hoping to see her safe return. Thankfully, by glancing at her wallet history, I can see there was at least a transfer roughly 10 hours ago; seemingly made to an exchange which hopefully can get her some needed currency in some fashion during these trying times. From this I can only hopefully assume she is at least surviving and somewhat safe for the moment.
I can only speculate from what I've read in the news and see by her account transactions that only the bare minimum of activities may be done by Hive account@yanes94 in order to conserve precious electronic battery and make use of very limited internet access. But there is at least seemingly some account access for Carmen that may be doing some good "on the ground."
Unfortunately, since Hive account@yanes94 has been unable to post for over a week now, the flow of funds to her account has dried up and you can see that at soonest she will have to wait 5 more days for the next power down, and her reserves will be rapidly depleted as this situation drags on.
So I propose doing a couple things, for Hive account@yanes94 and for any other Venezuelan friends you may follow and know are hurting right now.
First, if you have a couple spare Steem sitting around, consider sending it to Hive account@yanes94. I'm sure the ability to withdraw a bit immediately could be a great boon. Second, take a moment to make a post sharing your own favorite artworks or memories of Hive account@yanes94! Posting through an interface like SteemPeak makes it very easy to set "Beneficiary Rewards." These allow post rewards to be automatically redirected to users other than just the author of the post.
All proceeds from this post will automatically pay out to Hive account@yanes94 so vote generously and I encourage you to do the same for Carmen and other Venezuelans who can't earn for themselves at this moment. When they are able to return it would be nice to find they were not forgotten and their finances haven't been yet further destroyed by the crisis their country faces.
Hope you're safe Carmen. See you soon! We'll be waiting for you!
-Bryan "the Imp" Imhoff
I've used the tags #venezuelafundraise and #yanes94 in this post. If you choose to make beneficiary reward fundraising posts for Carmen or any other affected Venezuelan friends, consider doing the same (utilizing the name of the target Steemian) so that those who are willing can easily find multiple posts to vote on and support.
