March 22 09
I’d like to thank two groups who organized fundraising events for the B+ Foundation over the past week.
First, I’d like to thank Brianna Kelts for running a soccer fundraiser at her high school. Unfortunately, Brianna knows the devastation of cancer firsthand as her Dad went to Heaven about 2 months before Andrew. Bri, I know your Dad is smiling down on you.
Secondly, last night we were able to briefly attend a surprise ”Sweet 16″ party for Maddy Buckley, a student at Archmere Academy. Since Maddy’s family knows that she is a big supporter of the B+ movement, they asked all of their guests to donate $16 to the B+ Foundation in lieu of a gift. Virtually all of the guests wore B+ shirts as well. It was really nice to see and really nice to be reminded that Andrew “lives” on. Thank you to the Buckley family and Happy Birthday Maddy!
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Prior to the birthday party, we attended a fundraiser for Drew Koenig (www.caringbridge.org/visit/drewkoenig). Unfortunately, we had to leave before the Koenigs arrived, but it looked like a good crowd had assembled and I’m sure a lot of money was raised.
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And, in Richmond, VA today at the Jefferson Cup soccer tournament, the Andrew McDonough B+ Award was given to Emily Lodge of the Chantilly Hotspurs. Congratulations, Emily, you’re part of a special club now. Emily, if you can please contact me at joe@livelikeandrew.org, we have a special gift bag for you as well. Thank you, Bev Carrey and all the folks from the Richmond Strikers organization for including us in your great tournament.
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We’re excited about three upcoming events that should be a lot of fun. First, on Fri. April 24th, we’re hosting our inaugural fundrasing dinner, The B+ FUN Raiser. It’s a casual night of food, drink, games, music, and fun. We’re getting close to capacity, so if you’re interested in joining us please visit the homepage of www.BePositive.org and you’ll see all of the information at the top of the page.
On Sunday, April 26th, the Greek organizations at the University of Delaware are hosting UDance, a 12 hour dance marathon to benefit the B+ Foundation and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS foundation. It should be fun to watch. Stop by at the UD Field House between 11am and 11pm. There will be all kinds of activities and many of our “Heroes” (brave kids with cancer) will be there. For more information, please visit www.BePositive.org or www.udancedelaware.org.
Also on Sun. April 26th, the Hockessin MOMS Club is sponsoring “Touch A Truck” for kids. There will be all kinds of trucks there that kids can climb up and into. The B+ Foundation and the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation have been selected as this year’s beneficiaries. You can find more information at www.BePositive.org or http://www.touchatruck.vpweb.com/
If you’re local, there’s something for everyone that weekend!
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Would you believe that I was contacted by 12 social workers from all over the country in a 24 hour period last week. They were all asking about our Foundation and the “Family Assistance Program”. Turns out we appeared on a resource list for their professional association. :) I have a hunch that we are going to get flooded with applications soon. But, that’s what we’re here for…but, boy do I look forward to the day when there is not a need for our “Family Assistance Program”.
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I know it’s easy to focus on the challenges that we face, but please try to focus this week on your blessings. Take extra time this week with your children, parents, loved ones… Don’t be shy about telling them how much they mean to you. You never know what’s around the corner. Live for today.
“Let God gather from his garden as He wills. He takes nothing out of season.” (F.deSales)
Live Like Andrew - live in the moment.
B+
MAKE it a great week!
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad