A Date 2 Remember

Stepping outside of your box to help someone else...that's one of the hardest and scariest things to do. But I have determined that my passion lies in helping others, whether it is working the Race for the Cure, talking to people about breast cancer, or simply raising money for a good cause that's what I enjoy doing. So when a friend told me to apply to be an on-stage participant in the Columbus Young Professionals premier social fundraising event, I jokingly said "OK but they won't pick me". Little did I know less then 3 weeks later I am knee deep in preparing for A Date 2 Remember that will be held February 22, 2014.

This event is a fashion show combined with a live auction containing amazing "experience packages". What's an experience package? Well this years packages haven't been released yet but last year they had a "Get Wild with Us" package complete with 4 tickets to the Columbus Zoo, behind the scenes/up-close and personal tour with the animals, 4 tickets to The Wilds, and 4 tickets to Zoombezi Bay with Cabana rental. They also had a "Salute Your Sports" package that included a OSU bracelet from the Diamond Cellar, 4 tickets tot he Nationwide Children's Hospital 200, a behind the scenes tour of Ohio stadium, 4 tickets to a Columbus Crew game, 4 tickets to a OSU women's basketball game, 4 tickets to a Ohio Machine game, and throwing out the first pitch at a Columbus Clippers home game. Needless to say these packages aren't just your everyday dinner with friends and a movie, they are things that you can't buy (well unless you are super rich!!).

But what I love the most about all of this is every year the money raised will go to a Columbus area non-profit. Since starting 6 years ago the CYP has raised more than $200,000 for A Kid Again, Capital Area Humane Society, City Year, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Flying Horse Farms, Junior Achievement, Miracle League, United Cerebral Palsy, and the United Way of Central Ohio. The 2014 charity will be the YP360, a new non-profit that supports the development of the next generation of leaders while strengthening the community of Columbus.

I am super excited about taking part in this adventure that requires me to step outside of my protective box and help others. I am even more excited about being able to share this experience with friends and family. If you would like to attend the event please see me for discounted tickets. I have tickets for $25 (if paying with check or cash) and $26.50 (if using a credit or debit card). If you would like to purchase the ticket from me using a card please click on the "Buy Now" button and enter your payment information. If you would like to pay with check or cash we can arrange a time to meet or I can send you my mailing information. VIP tickets are also available for $50.00 each.

I hope that you all can attend because I would love to be able to look out in that crowd of 1,200 people expected to attend and see smiling faces of people I know!!

For more info about the event and to see pictures from previous years check out:
http://date2remember.org/

:-)

Stop and smell the roses

You know it is funny how life pushes you to mature even if you aren't ready. Exactly 2 weeks ago I was in a car accident and I am okay. I was able to walk away from it with minor injuries, my car was not totaled, and I learned a very valuable lesson. Let me just say the accident was not my fault, I had the green light. However, through all of it I learned that life can change in a matter of a second so you have to enjoy each one. I have noticed so much more, I take time to breath, I take time to smile. I am learning to enjoy each hurdle and delay. It is a very free feeling when you can not get mad at having to sit in traffic for hours! Even though this cuts into my 1/2 marathon training it's ok I still will have 2 months by the time the doctor releases me *crosses fingers*

Smile everyone there is someone who loves you dearly :-)

Adjusting...nicely

So it has been a little over 3 weeks since I cut my hair (longest layer 9 and 3/4 inches; shortest layer 8 and 1/4 inches). The adjustment has been so hard and then I realized the last time I cut it my hair was longer so I could leave more in the front to have a "bang". Now it is just short all over!! But slowly I am coming to terms with it and I think it has a lot to do with my brother's barber in Winston-Salem, NC who lined me up and evened everything out. After he did that I looked at myself and was like I can do this. I will say that short hair has been great on days it's really hot and whenever I have to wash it! And I am so proud of my sister because she cut her hair too. Although I think she did it because she was tired of longer hair but still proud of her for taking the big chop.

The winner of the basket was Kelley Eatmon from Milwaukee, WI (CONGRATS AGAIN!!) she was almost dead on with her guesses!! The total value of the basket ended up being about $200. I am so thankful and grateful to everyone who donated items to the basket.
hOOpLALA (The BOMB earrings)
Carmacazzi (That amazing Ohio t-shirt)
Nontle Jewelry (The Necklace)
iResolve Fitness Club (T-shirt)
Susan G. Komen - Columbus Affliate (basically everything else in the basket lol - a vest, socks, bracelet, coffee mug, hair and skin products, plus informational packets)

Here is what she received...