I'm thrilled to announce that I've now raised the first $1000.00 ($1072.00 to be precise). That is about 7 % of my total goal and the amount raised so far is split pretty evenly between donations to the foundation and supporting my efforts. Fantastic, huh?
If you're insterested in donating, it's so simple. You can donate online to Make-A-Wish and/or to support my efforts. If you're not comfortable donating online, but still want to help - contact me.
A few weeks back I posted an invtitation calling all ladies to host their own "Girls Night IN". Where I was completely surprised by the success of the pancake-mix fundraiser, I was a little disapointed at the lack of response to the "Girls Night IN" idea. I'm realizing more and more that people are really busy and that it's easier to sollicit a positive response if (1) they feel like they're getting something for their money and (2) there is little (or no) work involved.
With that said, I haven't given up on the "Girls Night IN". After hosting my own soiree this past weekend, I'm even more convinced that it's a really great idea - not to mention, an easy and simple way for people near and far to support the project. I don't know about you, but I don't get in enough girl time and having a group of ladies over for some drinks, chit-chat and laughs was such a pleaseant experience. So whether an evening with the ladies in your life is long overdue or not, why not suggest making your next get-together for a good cause - helping make a child's wish come true?So what did my girls night look like?
Timing: Friday evening from 7:30 to 11ish
Food & Drink: Sangria and cosmos (virgin for the pregnant ladies and non-drinkers in the group), home-made pizza, samosas and nachos & salsa / Coffee and tea with an arrangement of brownies and cookies (provided by the lovely Aimee)
Entertainment: For the most part, we spent our evening snacking and chatting around my kitchen table. But that's not all... Melanie Saad set up a display of her hand-made jewelery (some of the most beautiful stuff I've ever seen). A few girls purchased some absolutely incredible pieces to jazz up their summer wardrobes. I drew a couple door prizes (a pair of stunning earrings donated by Melanie and a pair of movie passes). At some point in the evening we all made our way to the basement - some wanted to see the renovation progress but a few ladies were actually interested in checking out Brandon's reptile collection. Go figure.
Donations: Everyone donated about $20 for the food & drinks, and I absorbed the costs associated with hosting.
This simple evening of fun added $150 to the project. And it was tons of fun! I have to say a huge thank you to Aimee, Melanie, Miranda, Jacquie, Isabelle, Magalie and Jamie for coming out - not only to support my fundraising project - but to give me some much needed girl time. I didn't realize how much I was missing just sitting around with the ladies! Apparently it's been proven that when girls get together, their stress levels go down. Apparently I'm stressed and the evening did me some good!
This weekend I also had the opportunity to share my project with the young adults group at the church I attend. I expected to leave encouraged by verbal support, promises for prayer and eventual donations. I underestimated the group of people and was overwhelmed by the response. I left the meeting with a very generous donation (from someone I only met that night) which brought my total amount raised up over the $1000.00 mark AND with the promised support of a very experienced fundraiser who wants to take on my project, share my burden and help me reach AND EXCEED my goals (Thank you Carolyne. I can't wait to get to know you more as we work on this together... and I will sing for you when I reach that summit!).
After spending last week discouraged and wondering how I was going to manage to reach my fundraising goals - I am so encouraged by the progress that's been made this past weekend and I am so excited at what is to come!
Stay tuned... I'm only 7% in... this journey is nowhere near complete! If you're interested in updates, you can follow the project on facebook or subscribe (rss or e-mail).
A.
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