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...