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!!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Unexpected gifts
As RSVPs trickle in, I'm struck by how many folks are reaching out with kind words, promises of prayer. I know I am enormously blessed by the people in my life, but every now and then a reminder is needed. This benefit has brought it all into focus.
Somewhere between apprehension and stress, there is motivation.
Assembling baskets o' goodies for the silent auction, making jewelry, even writing for the blog - it's been a bit of a creative outlet for me. Like many endeavors, what you get back in energy is surprisingly more than you put in.
Join us.
Somewhere between apprehension and stress, there is motivation.
Assembling baskets o' goodies for the silent auction, making jewelry, even writing for the blog - it's been a bit of a creative outlet for me. Like many endeavors, what you get back in energy is surprisingly more than you put in.
Join us.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Positively spinning
A week from tomorrow, to anticipate every eventuality and pull off a minor miracle. Naw, a tiny miracle. It's just money, right? Eeek.
While I'm putting out requests to the universe, the Newells Passat crapped out for good. So a really reliable 4 door wagon would be great, okay? Thanks.
The list for the silent auction items is nearly complete and pretty darned exciting. Some items to tantalize you: massage, handmade baskets, pottery, kids yoga party for 15 (gulp!), family photo sessions, jewelry workshops for kids and adults, purses, wearable art, etc.
I'm finding logistics daunting at this point, but am hoping for some clarity and strategizing will make up the difference. Thanks again to those willing to volunteer at the event.
Trying to put a positive spin on things, I'm looking forward to seeing so many folks. With all the kid activities, this will be a giant playdate of sorts, without the housecleaning beforehand. And a full bar. (Posting & hosting pick-up playdates with w(h)ine was sort of my neighborhood specialty, truth be told.)
And none of this would be possible without generous in-kind donations from The Eagles Club, Fat Lorenzo's, and musical acts Store Bought Hair, Hit Hard Crew, and Third Rail.
While I'm putting out requests to the universe, the Newells Passat crapped out for good. So a really reliable 4 door wagon would be great, okay? Thanks.
The list for the silent auction items is nearly complete and pretty darned exciting. Some items to tantalize you: massage, handmade baskets, pottery, kids yoga party for 15 (gulp!), family photo sessions, jewelry workshops for kids and adults, purses, wearable art, etc.
I'm finding logistics daunting at this point, but am hoping for some clarity and strategizing will make up the difference. Thanks again to those willing to volunteer at the event.
Trying to put a positive spin on things, I'm looking forward to seeing so many folks. With all the kid activities, this will be a giant playdate of sorts, without the housecleaning beforehand. And a full bar. (Posting & hosting pick-up playdates with w(h)ine was sort of my neighborhood specialty, truth be told.)
And none of this would be possible without generous in-kind donations from The Eagles Club, Fat Lorenzo's, and musical acts Store Bought Hair, Hit Hard Crew, and Third Rail.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
T minus 10 days and counting
Many folks have said they won't be in town for Will's benefit on August 6th, but would love to help in some way. Please consider a direct donation to Janell Newell - Strong Willed Benefit, Wells Fargo Bank, 2600 East Franklin Ave, Mpls MN 55406.
We're wrapping up soliciting for donations for the silent auction. We need to make sure we have a catalog of items ready to go. To thank our generous donors, we'll post a list along with the catalog. We'll be doing a FaceBook auction, as well as at the event. There will be door prizes, activities, games, raffles and many ways to participate for young and old alike.
We're still accepting donations for the Wall of Wine. I'll be home Thurs and Fri if you'd like to drop off a few bottles. I even promise not to drink them. We're also looking for a couple of wine display racks or crates. Need me to pick up items? E-mail me at karengreenbarnes@gmail.com.
We realize these are tough economic times, so if you can't contribute financially, please consider giving generously of your time and talent by volunteering at the event. E-mail Dianne or Becki at strongwilledbenefit@gmail.com.
We've got great energy and lots of fun planned, not to mention a great cause and way to celebrate community. Looking forward to seeing you and yours!
(Watch this space. Dianne will be profiling our musical acts - Store Bought Hair, Third Rail, and the Hit Hard Crew.)
Get the word out!
We're wrapping up soliciting for donations for the silent auction. We need to make sure we have a catalog of items ready to go. To thank our generous donors, we'll post a list along with the catalog. We'll be doing a FaceBook auction, as well as at the event. There will be door prizes, activities, games, raffles and many ways to participate for young and old alike.
We're still accepting donations for the Wall of Wine. I'll be home Thurs and Fri if you'd like to drop off a few bottles. I even promise not to drink them. We're also looking for a couple of wine display racks or crates. Need me to pick up items? E-mail me at karengreenbarnes@gmail.com.
We realize these are tough economic times, so if you can't contribute financially, please consider giving generously of your time and talent by volunteering at the event. E-mail Dianne or Becki at strongwilledbenefit@gmail.com.
We've got great energy and lots of fun planned, not to mention a great cause and way to celebrate community. Looking forward to seeing you and yours!
(Watch this space. Dianne will be profiling our musical acts - Store Bought Hair, Third Rail, and the Hit Hard Crew.)
Get the word out!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Technically challenged, do not try this at home
They say that trying to learn new skills during a crisis is a lot like building a house during a tornado.
Damn ubiquitous "they". And I owe my daughter yet another quarter for swearing. Now that Xav can read, he's going to want in on the action.
Each time I feel like whining over yet another technical snafu - say, attempting to attach an event invitation to a mass e-mail - I get a giant slap upside the head from the Goddess of Perspective. It says something like "Really? In the grand scheme of things? Really?" How is it that the Newells are facing each and every challenge and still able to function? Just thinking of facing such an illness in my kids feels like a hoof to the chest; I can barely breathe.
So the minor fits of self-doubt over fundraising don't even make a blip. Or so I keep telling myself. And if you haven't checked the CaringBridge site for Will lately, be sure to do so. Very cute puppy pictures, and Will looking pretty darn good for being less than a week post-surgery. Amazing.
The preschool cooperative experience really cemented our family's relationship with the Newells. We did the lunch/play date thing weekly, and Janel was kind enough to take over my position when we "graduated." My fundraising experience, such as it is, was part of the co-op. And it wasn't always pretty.
There was a desperate moment of planning where we actually considered the anti-fundraiser fundraiser. Which is where you and the family don't do planning, prep, or set up - instead contributing the commensurate amount of $$$ that you would have spent, plus babysitter, and enjoy the evening at home. It's opting out, and is sometimes appealing. Sending a check is technically enough, right?
Other than hoping to raise some funds to relieve a bit of stress, I'm hoping this event brings together the many people touched by Will and his family. So we can generate some positive, healing, fabulous energy and remind us that although the worst of times can bring out the best in people, you at least need to make a showing.
Damn ubiquitous "they". And I owe my daughter yet another quarter for swearing. Now that Xav can read, he's going to want in on the action.
Each time I feel like whining over yet another technical snafu - say, attempting to attach an event invitation to a mass e-mail - I get a giant slap upside the head from the Goddess of Perspective. It says something like "Really? In the grand scheme of things? Really?" How is it that the Newells are facing each and every challenge and still able to function? Just thinking of facing such an illness in my kids feels like a hoof to the chest; I can barely breathe.
So the minor fits of self-doubt over fundraising don't even make a blip. Or so I keep telling myself. And if you haven't checked the CaringBridge site for Will lately, be sure to do so. Very cute puppy pictures, and Will looking pretty darn good for being less than a week post-surgery. Amazing.
The preschool cooperative experience really cemented our family's relationship with the Newells. We did the lunch/play date thing weekly, and Janel was kind enough to take over my position when we "graduated." My fundraising experience, such as it is, was part of the co-op. And it wasn't always pretty.
There was a desperate moment of planning where we actually considered the anti-fundraiser fundraiser. Which is where you and the family don't do planning, prep, or set up - instead contributing the commensurate amount of $$$ that you would have spent, plus babysitter, and enjoy the evening at home. It's opting out, and is sometimes appealing. Sending a check is technically enough, right?
Other than hoping to raise some funds to relieve a bit of stress, I'm hoping this event brings together the many people touched by Will and his family. So we can generate some positive, healing, fabulous energy and remind us that although the worst of times can bring out the best in people, you at least need to make a showing.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Have you heard?
I rarely send out mass e-mails. I'm the one who breaks the chain letters, refers to Snopes, fails to forward. But tonite, I sent out a plea to at least a third of my address book. And yes, I even know all of them personally.
I've been enormously blessed by the people I've had in my life. Whether it's church, preschool, neighborhood, work - I know I'm in an amazing interconnected web, but am continually surprised by its strength. The one tiny consolation when facing unbelievable hardship is that people do gather and kindnesses prevail.
Fundraising isn't my passion, and I hate asking people for things. But I've been hitting the bricks, especially in the Longfellow neighborhood where Will and his family live. It's given me the opportunity to check in with folks I may have neglected, even if I come with hat in hand and palm extended.
At this point I'm worried I will forget someone off our long long list of sponsors, individuals and businesses who have donated items, services, cash. I will do a comprehensive list, post it here and at the fundraiser. We're grateful for the outpouring. And hopeful for lots of people to attend the actual event and show some support, both emotional and financial.
Yes, it's a busy weekend. But food, friends, adult beverages and a child-friendly atmosphere will be much-needed respite after hours of eye candy at the Art Fairs.
FYI - the Wall o' Wine will be a raffle for all the bottles of wine we collect. And no, it won't be Two Buck Chuck by the case. I believe we've hit up every liquor store this side of Wisconsin. And we're still accepting donations. No, we're not all about drinking. (Just because in my house we call it "Mommy Juice"....) But as a veteran of a few too many raucous fundraisers, I can tell you that bidding goes up in direct proportion to BAC. Just sayin'.
I've been enormously blessed by the people I've had in my life. Whether it's church, preschool, neighborhood, work - I know I'm in an amazing interconnected web, but am continually surprised by its strength. The one tiny consolation when facing unbelievable hardship is that people do gather and kindnesses prevail.
Fundraising isn't my passion, and I hate asking people for things. But I've been hitting the bricks, especially in the Longfellow neighborhood where Will and his family live. It's given me the opportunity to check in with folks I may have neglected, even if I come with hat in hand and palm extended.
At this point I'm worried I will forget someone off our long long list of sponsors, individuals and businesses who have donated items, services, cash. I will do a comprehensive list, post it here and at the fundraiser. We're grateful for the outpouring. And hopeful for lots of people to attend the actual event and show some support, both emotional and financial.
Yes, it's a busy weekend. But food, friends, adult beverages and a child-friendly atmosphere will be much-needed respite after hours of eye candy at the Art Fairs.
FYI - the Wall o' Wine will be a raffle for all the bottles of wine we collect. And no, it won't be Two Buck Chuck by the case. I believe we've hit up every liquor store this side of Wisconsin. And we're still accepting donations. No, we're not all about drinking. (Just because in my house we call it "Mommy Juice"....) But as a veteran of a few too many raucous fundraisers, I can tell you that bidding goes up in direct proportion to BAC. Just sayin'.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Starting up/Staying up
I realize, now, why there are meetings that are" strategic planning sessions" and event planners whom I suppose actually plan events generally in the distant future.
But we have to bloom where we're planted... And just in case we need perspective:
Will had his maxillectomy today, his 4th surgery. It went well in terms of low blood loss, they were able to save his two front teeth (but, being 6, he doesn't have them visible as yet), and Will was able to eat and drink small amounts. A big step, pretty major recovery, then more chemo. And the attempt to reschedule the trip to Boston for proton beam radiation. Unbelievable amounts of stress, worry, wait, worry more - rinse and repeat.
I am blessed to know the Newells pretty well. Will is well-named and if anyone can beat this, it will be him. He is feisty. Mike and Janel are doing all they can in making tough choices, educating themselves, using every resource, having heartwrenching talks with Will - while working full-time and trying to keep things as normal as possible for Thomas (my godson) and John.
So other than offer to clean house, bring meals, cry, fold cranes - what is the correct response when a family is going thru hell? Well, we formed a committee. Dianne O'Donnell is a neighbor to the Newells and has musical connections and lots of enthusiasm. Becki Keenan Campbell has a child in Will's class at Seward Montessori and a passion for finding donations and volunteers. Myself (Karen Barnes) - I'm trying to catch up with Becki and Dianne, who are far more together. We're hoping for a family-friendly event that is fun for the kids and not too stressful for the parents. Most of all, though, I would consider this a success if it was an outpouring of support for this family. And while emotional support and hot dishes have there place, let's put the FUND back in fundraising.
Basics: Saturday, August 6th, 3 to 7, Mpls Eagles. Spaghetti dinner and dessert buffet - $5 each/ $25 for the family. Raffles, games, chair massage, face painting (still hoping to arrange a moon bounce... perhaps a visit from the PedalPub)
At this point we are THRILLED to have the space donated by the Eagles and the food from Fat Lorenzo's. I am personally strong-arming the best bakers I know to load up the dessert buffet. The Silent Auction donations are just about set, and we are trying to run an eBay one as well.
It looks like we're in good shape. Until I look at the calendar, and begin to panic, because it's the Uptown Art Fair for everyone who is left after the great exodus to the lake places... and it's coming up fast.
Well folks, we need you. And your checkbooks.
Ways to contribute:
Invite friends. And friends of friends. And coworkers.
Consider posting some flyers, maybe talk up the event at National Nite Out.
Donate bottles of wine for our Wall of Wine raffle.
Attend! Have fun! Bid on our wide array of silent auction items. Get in on the raffle.
Consider volunteering your time/talents/nerves of steel for the actual event.
More details to follow...
But we have to bloom where we're planted... And just in case we need perspective:
Will had his maxillectomy today, his 4th surgery. It went well in terms of low blood loss, they were able to save his two front teeth (but, being 6, he doesn't have them visible as yet), and Will was able to eat and drink small amounts. A big step, pretty major recovery, then more chemo. And the attempt to reschedule the trip to Boston for proton beam radiation. Unbelievable amounts of stress, worry, wait, worry more - rinse and repeat.
I am blessed to know the Newells pretty well. Will is well-named and if anyone can beat this, it will be him. He is feisty. Mike and Janel are doing all they can in making tough choices, educating themselves, using every resource, having heartwrenching talks with Will - while working full-time and trying to keep things as normal as possible for Thomas (my godson) and John.
So other than offer to clean house, bring meals, cry, fold cranes - what is the correct response when a family is going thru hell? Well, we formed a committee. Dianne O'Donnell is a neighbor to the Newells and has musical connections and lots of enthusiasm. Becki Keenan Campbell has a child in Will's class at Seward Montessori and a passion for finding donations and volunteers. Myself (Karen Barnes) - I'm trying to catch up with Becki and Dianne, who are far more together. We're hoping for a family-friendly event that is fun for the kids and not too stressful for the parents. Most of all, though, I would consider this a success if it was an outpouring of support for this family. And while emotional support and hot dishes have there place, let's put the FUND back in fundraising.
Basics: Saturday, August 6th, 3 to 7, Mpls Eagles. Spaghetti dinner and dessert buffet - $5 each/ $25 for the family. Raffles, games, chair massage, face painting (still hoping to arrange a moon bounce... perhaps a visit from the PedalPub)
At this point we are THRILLED to have the space donated by the Eagles and the food from Fat Lorenzo's. I am personally strong-arming the best bakers I know to load up the dessert buffet. The Silent Auction donations are just about set, and we are trying to run an eBay one as well.
It looks like we're in good shape. Until I look at the calendar, and begin to panic, because it's the Uptown Art Fair for everyone who is left after the great exodus to the lake places... and it's coming up fast.
Well folks, we need you. And your checkbooks.
Ways to contribute:
Invite friends. And friends of friends. And coworkers.
Consider posting some flyers, maybe talk up the event at National Nite Out.
Donate bottles of wine for our Wall of Wine raffle.
Attend! Have fun! Bid on our wide array of silent auction items. Get in on the raffle.
Consider volunteering your time/talents/nerves of steel for the actual event.
More details to follow...
Sunday, July 17, 2011
You are invited to a fundraiser for Will Newell on Saturday, August 6th 3:00pm - 7:00pm at the Minneapolis Eagle, 2507 E. 25th Street, Minneapolis
This blog has been set up to keep people updated about the fundraiser and to help increase visibility and interest in all of the amazing food, music and auction items that will be available!
We are looking for volunteers at the event, so please use the contact link to let us know if you can help out.
Here is a sneak peek at some of the fabulous silent auction items that will be available that evening:
One Week Stay at Pine Lake
Juut Esthetician Services
Angry Catfish Bicyclery and Coffee: Free bike tune up
Ete Handbags Handbag
Eastern Shore Natural Health: 1 hour Shiatsu Massage
60 minute Massages by Rebecca Smith
Handmade Quilt by Leslie MacKenzie
Rhythm Guitar lessons by Conrad deFiebre
Salsa Basket from Maggie Petit
38th St. Flowers Gift Certificate
Movement Arts Center Gift Card
Articulture Gift Card
Dessa autograghed CD and Book
French Tutor Lesson
Ballareteatro Gift Card
Stagecoach Theatre Class
Amy Wurdock Photography Gift Certificate
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