March 15 09
It’s been a busy weekend and there are several people/groups of people that I would like to thank.
Andrew’s friend, Julianne Dominelli, hosted a variety show fundraiser for our Foundation last Friday night. Julianne, who holds the title of Miss Mid Atlantic Outstanding Teen, has chosen our Foundation as her platform. A great time was had by all and Julianne and all of the other performers raised $750 for us! Thanks, Julianne!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~
Over the past 8 years, there have been three kids from St. Mary Magdalen (SMM) School who have left this world too early — Alex Kerr, Emmi O’Toole, and Andrew McDonough. Well, yesterday, the SMM National Junior Honor Society hosted a “3 on 3″ basketball tournament to raise money to fund a room at the local Ronald McDonald House (RMH). They presented RMH with a check for $5,000 and the room will be dedicated to Alex, Emmi, and Andrew. The kids presented each of the three families with a plant and a beautifully framed prayer. I’m sure I speak for the Kerrs and the O’Tooles as well when I say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for honoring our kids this way. Thanks, Jessie Marini, and all of the NJHS.
And, thank you to Maura, Allie, and Angie who created a team called “Andrew’s Angels” and wore their “B+” uniform shirt. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~
After the very emotional ceremony at SMM, Chris and I took off for Richmond, VA where the Jefferson Cup soccer tournament is held. This prestigious tournament (ranked #2 in the US) awards an “Andrew McDonough B+ Award” to a player in the U-14 age group. Well, this year, the weather did not cooperate. We got within 45 miles of Richmond and the rest of the tournament was cancelled. They had snow, hail, and rain over the past few days in Richmond. It’s the thought that counts, though. Thank you, Bev Carrey, and everyone at the Richmond Strikers/Jefferson Cup organizations.
~~~~~~~~~
Here is just one of the many nice messages that we receive from the families that you enable us to help.
“Dear B+ Foundation,
Words cannot begin to express how grateful my family is to all of you for the donation to help pay for some of our medical expenses. Our son is 6 years old, fighting brain cancer, and kicking butt!… This battle has been difficult on all of us, and it’s people like you that hold us up when we need it most. Thank you for doing what you do, and thank you for all your support. May God bless each and everyone one of you…”
~~~~~~~~~~
“Andrew Stories”
I learned of an “Andrew Story” from one of his SMM classmates shortly after Andrew went to Heaven. It’s such a good story because it was so simple. At the beginning of the school day, a classmate was sitting by herself at her desk and, for some reason, she was really down. As she was thinking about her troubles, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Looking up, she sees her curly-haired friend, Andrew, just flashing a big smile at her. If I recall correctly, he didn’t even say anything. She said it just made her smile. His contagious smile, coupled with the fact that he cared, picked up her spirits. He then just went to his desk and she said he totally changed her mood. That was Andrew. He was so complex. He could be goofy and wild, horsing around with his buddies one moment, yet, in the next moment, so sensitive to see that a friend of his needed a lift. And, he never came home and said, “Hey, Dad, guess what I did today?” He just did what was right — for the right reason. Honestly, I think he learned that from Ali.
~~~~~~~~~
Live Like Andrew - surprise someone with a smile.
B+
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad