Back to baseline - but in a good way. Once the initial exhaustion wore off, the simple satisfaction of a job well-done. What a fabulous event! A tad chaotic at times, marvelously well-attended, and so far we've raised about $12,000 with more coming as the silent auction items are closed out and we gear up for an eBay auction.
The turnout was incredible - we sold about 300 admission tickets. There was a steady stream of folks coming through the whole time. Random people at the Eagles club came up and donated $20s. Larry and his staff made things easy the whole way through.
Dinner from Fat Lorenzo's was delicious! And Scott is even more of an amazingly generous soul to donate the whole dinner on a day he was already catering for an event for 2500 people.
The carnival was a huge hit - the kids had a blast. And Will looked good!
The auction went pretty well - such a beautiful display of creativity and generosity. I'm still bumming I didn't get the quilt.
Many many thanks to our excellent volunteers who kept things running and all those in attendance for being fun and fabulous in supporting Will and his family.
Check out the local news coverage at http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/08/06/family-holds-%E2%80%98strong-will%E2%80%99-fundraiser-for-boy-with-cancer/
And no, you didn't win the Wall o' Wine. I didn't either.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Music and more
Wow! We have some great music happening at the StrongWilled Benefit today! Be sure to bring your dancing shoes, shop the silent auction, play some games and have a great spaghetti dinner by Fat Lorenzo's. And who knows, you might just win the raffle grand prize of the Wall o' Wine!
Starting our pulses moving at 3:00 are Store Bought Hair, a Dixieland jazz group with strings, horns, and terrific vocals. This group has its' own following in the Twin Cities and promises to get you going.
Around 4:00, Walker West Music Academy presents Hit Hard Crew (HHC) Jazz Ensemble. HHC is one of four jazz ensembles at Walker West. With less than one year under their belt, HHC has nonetheless managed to conquer some of the greatest names in jazz. Their repertoire includes tunes from Charlie Parker, Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Lee Morgan and Wayne Shorter, to name a few. All this from a group of kids ranging in age from 13 to 17.
Finally, at 5:00 we have Third Rail playing blues, R & B and get-down-dirty rock n' roll. This group has been known on the private party circuit in past years and has come back together for a great cause. High energy, great rhythms are guaranteed to get you on the dance floor... or bid on an auction item.... or buy raffle tickets... or just sit back and enjoy with a drink from the cash bar. Don't forget to bring your dancing shoes!
See you there!
Starting our pulses moving at 3:00 are Store Bought Hair, a Dixieland jazz group with strings, horns, and terrific vocals. This group has its' own following in the Twin Cities and promises to get you going.
Around 4:00, Walker West Music Academy presents Hit Hard Crew (HHC) Jazz Ensemble. HHC is one of four jazz ensembles at Walker West. With less than one year under their belt, HHC has nonetheless managed to conquer some of the greatest names in jazz. Their repertoire includes tunes from Charlie Parker, Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Lee Morgan and Wayne Shorter, to name a few. All this from a group of kids ranging in age from 13 to 17.
Finally, at 5:00 we have Third Rail playing blues, R & B and get-down-dirty rock n' roll. This group has been known on the private party circuit in past years and has come back together for a great cause. High energy, great rhythms are guaranteed to get you on the dance floor... or bid on an auction item.... or buy raffle tickets... or just sit back and enjoy with a drink from the cash bar. Don't forget to bring your dancing shoes!
See you there!
Current Events
In case you missed it, we just had a Shout Out from Mark Wheat, 89.3 The Current's DJ plugging the benefit. Psyched!
Need event details? IT'S TOMORROW!!!
StrongWilled Benefit
Sat. Aug 6th from 3pm to 7pm
Mpls Eagles Club, 2507 East 25th Street, Minneapolis
$5 person/$25 per family gets you live music, dinner & dessert, door prizes, and a moon bounce. There will be carnival games & activities for the kids. We've got an amazing Silent Auction, and the grand prize in the raffle is the Wall o' Wine (40+ bottles, and counting!)
Not a bit of this would be possible without the support of Mpls Eagles, Fat Lorenzo, our musical acts Store Bought Hair, Third Rail, Hit Hard Crew and an unbelievable number of local artists, businesses.
Now I have to calm down enough to get productive. I'm a bit giddy. Is this time to make my wee crush on Mark Wheat public?
See you tomorrow.
Need event details? IT'S TOMORROW!!!
StrongWilled Benefit
Sat. Aug 6th from 3pm to 7pm
Mpls Eagles Club, 2507 East 25th Street, Minneapolis
$5 person/$25 per family gets you live music, dinner & dessert, door prizes, and a moon bounce. There will be carnival games & activities for the kids. We've got an amazing Silent Auction, and the grand prize in the raffle is the Wall o' Wine (40+ bottles, and counting!)
Not a bit of this would be possible without the support of Mpls Eagles, Fat Lorenzo, our musical acts Store Bought Hair, Third Rail, Hit Hard Crew and an unbelievable number of local artists, businesses.
Now I have to calm down enough to get productive. I'm a bit giddy. Is this time to make my wee crush on Mark Wheat public?
See you tomorrow.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Go time
When the going gets tough, the tough get going... on ShrinkyDinks.
Of all the zillion last-minute tasks that are actually on the to do list, instead, I find myself needing to do logo design and prototype ShrinkyDink earrings. And spend way too much time huffing Sharpies and breathing toxic fumes from the toaster. That can't be helping my attention span. Ah, well.... distraction is a marvelous thing.
But at 3pm this very Saturday, to heck with the minutiae, it is GO time! The bands will be playing, the kids will be happily occupied, and maybe you can catch up with old friends. Dinner is at 5pm and will be lovely pasta from Fat Lorenzo's. I have personally strongarmed the best bakers I know to put on a dessert buffet that will wow you. Plan on nearly $8000 worth of donated silent auction items to tempt you. Door prizes, games for kids, LOTS going on.
The big draw? The guest of honor - I honestly can't wait to see Will! My kids are officially clamoring... and they're not alone. I wonder how you handle that much attention when you're a cool 6 1/2 year old. Then again, it will probably be less daunting than the average day as of late. This Wednesday? Surgery at 3, home by 6.
Amazing - I don't even know a tiny bit how that feels.... For some reason, I keep thinking of when Lily was about 2 1/2 and we took her to Children's Hospital to get her adenoids out and ear tubes in. They gave her the anesthesia while I was holding her, then took her from my arms. I was nearly hysterical, so unbelievably scared. I knew it was an incredibly minor procedure but that was my baby girl who went slack. Rational thought be damned. Of course she was back to her old self in minutes - I was the one who needed to spend a day in bed to recuperate. We were supposed to "keep her quiet" and minimize activity. We had to hide her tricycle.
Will's journey is completely beyond imagining, and he is so incredibly resilient. I want his family to be able to focus on him. So it may be a distraction from the big picture, but this fundraiser is one thing we can do - to ease a little stress, wish him well, support the amazing Newell family.
It's a big deal. Don't let the ShrinkyDinks fool you.
See you on Saturday.
Of all the zillion last-minute tasks that are actually on the to do list, instead, I find myself needing to do logo design and prototype ShrinkyDink earrings. And spend way too much time huffing Sharpies and breathing toxic fumes from the toaster. That can't be helping my attention span. Ah, well.... distraction is a marvelous thing.
But at 3pm this very Saturday, to heck with the minutiae, it is GO time! The bands will be playing, the kids will be happily occupied, and maybe you can catch up with old friends. Dinner is at 5pm and will be lovely pasta from Fat Lorenzo's. I have personally strongarmed the best bakers I know to put on a dessert buffet that will wow you. Plan on nearly $8000 worth of donated silent auction items to tempt you. Door prizes, games for kids, LOTS going on.
The big draw? The guest of honor - I honestly can't wait to see Will! My kids are officially clamoring... and they're not alone. I wonder how you handle that much attention when you're a cool 6 1/2 year old. Then again, it will probably be less daunting than the average day as of late. This Wednesday? Surgery at 3, home by 6.
Amazing - I don't even know a tiny bit how that feels.... For some reason, I keep thinking of when Lily was about 2 1/2 and we took her to Children's Hospital to get her adenoids out and ear tubes in. They gave her the anesthesia while I was holding her, then took her from my arms. I was nearly hysterical, so unbelievably scared. I knew it was an incredibly minor procedure but that was my baby girl who went slack. Rational thought be damned. Of course she was back to her old self in minutes - I was the one who needed to spend a day in bed to recuperate. We were supposed to "keep her quiet" and minimize activity. We had to hide her tricycle.
Will's journey is completely beyond imagining, and he is so incredibly resilient. I want his family to be able to focus on him. So it may be a distraction from the big picture, but this fundraiser is one thing we can do - to ease a little stress, wish him well, support the amazing Newell family.
It's a big deal. Don't let the ShrinkyDinks fool you.
See you on Saturday.
Tired but wired
Marathon meeting last night - but it's great to get a handle on how things should proceed. It's also darned impressive looking at the silent auction items we've gathered. I'll update with a list of our phenomenal offerings later on today.
We're so far looking at 40+ bottles of wine for the Wall o' Wine grand prize in our raffle. Not a bad haul for a mere $5 a raffle ticket.
AND a moon bounce. This is going to be fun for all ages.
And best of all, our guest of honor will be making an appearance.
We're so far looking at 40+ bottles of wine for the Wall o' Wine grand prize in our raffle. Not a bad haul for a mere $5 a raffle ticket.
AND a moon bounce. This is going to be fun for all ages.
And best of all, our guest of honor will be making an appearance.
Monday, August 1, 2011
6 degrees of separation?
No, I'm not talking about Kevin Bacon here. It's the idea of how everyone on earth can be connected to everyone else by merely 6 degrees of separation. I think here in the Twin Cities, it is more like 2.5, even for us transplants.
I met Janel and Mike at a party hosted by friends Brian and Julia. I overheard Mike's rather distinct narrative style as he described going househunting in what was then my neighborhood and he said - "the people were nice, but there was this ridiculously friendly cat" At that point, I entered the conversation with "Yup, that would be my cat, Zelda." She does outreach, apparently. Happily enough, Mike and Janel moved in to our neighborhood one street over, two blocks up. From bumping into the family at the playground, then doing playdates, eventually winning them over to our cooperative preschool - our families grew together. Xavier and Will had great fun at preschool then the subsequent lunch & playdates each wk meant that other than my own children, I think I've spent the most time with Will. Will's little brother Joseph was to be my godson; we did a Baptism of Intent. He didn't survive and I'd like to think he's their personal angel. Thomas, now 3, is my godson as well. Mike and Janel are both my friends and we've seen each other thru ups and downs before. Facing this though... scares the hell out of me. I don't know what to say. I don't know what to do. I don't know how to explain all this to my kids. I pray although with more cynicism than I used to.... but I still pray. I am amazed by this incredible family and Will's unbelievably strong will!
Back to the degrees of separation- I am blessed know a lot of fabulous people, who in turn know even more fabulous people. Just today, my friend Louise - who has spent time with the Newells on more than a few occasions - told me that her friend, the photographer Shelly Mossman, wanted to do more than her already generous donation of a $500 family photo shoot. She's also offering to do a wedding - 5 hrs of coverage, plus the files. This is normally $2800. And a lot of her time and talent. For a little guy who she doesn't even know....yet. Shelly will be at the event to show her photos and talk to prospective bidders. If you know someone who is tying the knot, please bring them to the event so they can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
Be sure to look at the previous post re: auction items starting now, on gmail.
I met Janel and Mike at a party hosted by friends Brian and Julia. I overheard Mike's rather distinct narrative style as he described going househunting in what was then my neighborhood and he said - "the people were nice, but there was this ridiculously friendly cat" At that point, I entered the conversation with "Yup, that would be my cat, Zelda." She does outreach, apparently. Happily enough, Mike and Janel moved in to our neighborhood one street over, two blocks up. From bumping into the family at the playground, then doing playdates, eventually winning them over to our cooperative preschool - our families grew together. Xavier and Will had great fun at preschool then the subsequent lunch & playdates each wk meant that other than my own children, I think I've spent the most time with Will. Will's little brother Joseph was to be my godson; we did a Baptism of Intent. He didn't survive and I'd like to think he's their personal angel. Thomas, now 3, is my godson as well. Mike and Janel are both my friends and we've seen each other thru ups and downs before. Facing this though... scares the hell out of me. I don't know what to say. I don't know what to do. I don't know how to explain all this to my kids. I pray although with more cynicism than I used to.... but I still pray. I am amazed by this incredible family and Will's unbelievably strong will!
Back to the degrees of separation- I am blessed know a lot of fabulous people, who in turn know even more fabulous people. Just today, my friend Louise - who has spent time with the Newells on more than a few occasions - told me that her friend, the photographer Shelly Mossman, wanted to do more than her already generous donation of a $500 family photo shoot. She's also offering to do a wedding - 5 hrs of coverage, plus the files. This is normally $2800. And a lot of her time and talent. For a little guy who she doesn't even know....yet. Shelly will be at the event to show her photos and talk to prospective bidders. If you know someone who is tying the knot, please bring them to the event so they can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
Be sure to look at the previous post re: auction items starting now, on gmail.
Prebid on Silent Auction items!
Begins today! If you would like to place a bid on the following items, please email:
1. Your name
2. Phone Number
3. Maximum Bid
to strongwilledbenefit@gmail.com
We will contact the winners of the prizes on Sunday, August 7.
1. Weekend at Reinbold's Lake Home on Pine Lake in Frederic WI, includes 3 bedrooms and bunk room, 3 season porch and sleeps 8. This gorgeous! home lies on private Pine Lake and is stocked with lovely fish. It is located 90 minutes from the Twin Cities. I have spent many a great w/e and can say it is an amazing, luxurious place!! Excludes holiday weekends. Date of stay will be arranged with Reinbold's. I can forward pictures to any folks seriously interested in this. Mininum Bid: 400$
2. Photography Session with Jennifer Larson. 1 hour session with photo processing and DVD of best images. Does not include photos.
See: Jenniferlarson.wordpress.com for her stuff. This is a great auction item, her photography is outstanding!!!
3. 1 hour shiatsu massage at Eastern Shore Natural Health Care located on 2720 E. 50th St. Mpls, MN by Nokomis Beach coffee shop!
4. Rejuvenating Facial by Renee Ahalt at Juut Salon in St. Paul- She both teaches and does, she is will make your day. Treat yourself !!!
5. 18 holes of golf and 2 carts for 4 adults at Hiawatha Golf Course!
We are doing this to give folks who cannot be at the event the opportunity to be involved! Happy Bidding and Remember the main event is Saturday! Wahoo!!
1. Your name
2. Phone Number
3. Maximum Bid
to strongwilledbenefit@gmail.com
We will contact the winners of the prizes on Sunday, August 7.
1. Weekend at Reinbold's Lake Home on Pine Lake in Frederic WI, includes 3 bedrooms and bunk room, 3 season porch and sleeps 8. This gorgeous! home lies on private Pine Lake and is stocked with lovely fish. It is located 90 minutes from the Twin Cities. I have spent many a great w/e and can say it is an amazing, luxurious place!! Excludes holiday weekends. Date of stay will be arranged with Reinbold's. I can forward pictures to any folks seriously interested in this. Mininum Bid: 400$
2. Photography Session with Jennifer Larson. 1 hour session with photo processing and DVD of best images. Does not include photos.
See: Jenniferlarson.wordpress.com for her stuff. This is a great auction item, her photography is outstanding!!!
3. 1 hour shiatsu massage at Eastern Shore Natural Health Care located on 2720 E. 50th St. Mpls, MN by Nokomis Beach coffee shop!
4. Rejuvenating Facial by Renee Ahalt at Juut Salon in St. Paul- She both teaches and does, she is will make your day. Treat yourself !!!
5. 18 holes of golf and 2 carts for 4 adults at Hiawatha Golf Course!
We are doing this to give folks who cannot be at the event the opportunity to be involved! Happy Bidding and Remember the main event is Saturday! Wahoo!!
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