Why I give….
Yesterday was a really big day. First, it kicked off my 10-week campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (more on that in just a second). But it was also the first annual “I Heart Giving” awards by Giving Sum. They chose me for this award based on the work I do at The Sussy Project. I was in great company with 5 other fantastic people who give back to the community. Giving Sum is a tremendous organization who in their own words “engages professionals in Indianapolis in the community through volunteering, education, FUN, and a $50,000 annual grant.” I was so honored to be chosen (and so grateful for the $500 grant they gave to TSP) and loved the opportunity to get on stage and talk about why I give. My speech was short, but in essence I said that since I was young, my mom taught me that actions speak louder than words. And giving is the thing that takes good intentions, positive thoughts and well spoken words to the next step. It’s why I love The Sussy Project. It’s why gifts are my love language. It’s why something as small as a cookie given to me by a coworker can make my day.
Giving Sum award ceremony
Now, this all ties into what I first mentioned – yesterday was the kick off for the Man and Woman of the Year campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I was approached about becoming a candidate after serving on a friend’s committee last year. Anyone who knows me would probably say that I am a quite the competitive person, but paired with a lot of compassion. And this challenge really suits both. My campaign is all about dollars raised. Every dollar I raise is a vote for me and a vote to cure cancer. It’s going to be a 10-week, all-out effort including local events, auctions, social media, personal donations and corporate donations.
My goal is $50,000. I am up against 3 amazing other women who have also embarked on this challenge. But though I hate to lose and really want that title, in the end, what I care about most is raising as much money as possible so that someday, no parents have to hear “your child has cancer.”
Allow me to introduce you to this years Boy and Girl of the Year. When I first met these two families, I was extremely moved. Quincy was 4 when he was diagnosed. Grace Kelly was 12. They both allowed me into their lives to film the below video. Spend 5 minutes hearing their stories. It will be the best use of your time today.
If there is one thing I am, it’s tenacious. So if I get a little obnoxious over the next 10 weeks, you’ll have to deal with it. I am not going to apologize for asking for money over and over again. And if I see you in the hallway and you haven’t donated, I’ll probably say something. And if you like this post, I am going to assume that’s your indication of a future donation. And if we are socializing over a glass of wine or running a few miles together, I’m going to talk about this campaign. Because though I didn’t have a personal connection with blood cancer before this campaign began, I do now. It’s those two kids. It’s Gwyn and Jenn’s dad. It’s Haley’s sister. It’s Mark’s family. It’s Tom’s dad. It’s Lya’s childhood friend.
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- Quincy and his family
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- Me and Grace Kelly
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- Jenn and Gwyn
My goal is $50,000 and I am only going to get there with a LOT of donations.
- Donate to my campaign.
- Become a corporate sponsor (or introduce me to one!)
- Donate an auction item (comment below!)
- Host a fundraising event (comment below!)
- Spread this message to your network.
Thank you in advance for your support. I’d like to get to $5000 in the first week by personal donations alone. We’re halfway there…..can you help?
Congrats, Meggie and what a worthwhile endeavor! I would be happy to donate an auction item and if any of your friends want to host Jewel Kade parties (either home or online) then I will donate the majority of my commissions to your campaign. Email me to talk about details. Best of luck!
Stephanie
Congrats to you Meggie! And yes, you’ll see a donation from me as well. I wish it would be a way to incorporate another child I know with Leukemia in your stories. He needs as much help as any other child with Leukemia. He is only 2 years old, one of Scott’s best friends as school. He was just diagnosed at the end of 2012 and going through intensive treatment (chemo and all that “fun” stuff) right now. I met his parents in several occasions through school events and know that little guy as Scott’s protege’ (since he was among the youngest in class, Scott was his best friend). It is a heartbreaking story for us, parents here, who met the Nico and his parents. Leukemia at 2?!!? No one deserve cancer, let alone a 2 years old. We are helping as much as we can through our local channels…but who knows…every little help counts. You know that too.
…and sorry for the grammar mistakes…it’s late, i just ran 9 miles and I’m half way done with a glass of wine. Plus, I can’t find my eyeglasses…but the essence is the same.
Wow that is so scary, Adriana. I Would love to hear more about his story and include it as part of my campaign. I can’t imagine going through that at such a young age, his parents must be so frightened. Thank you so much, in advance, for your donation!
Hey Meggie, sorry to take so long to get back to you. Here is the site his parents put together to keep the family updated and us too. http://www.warriornico.com/
If you have a few (?) minutes and a box of tissues, please scroll through.
We’re putting together a zumbathon at the school next week, all donations go 100% to the family. And we’re having a family meal plan set up for them. Their hardest days are Thursday & Friday, when Nico has chemotherapy, so we try to help them out as much as we can. We’re all anxious to hear that Nico is getting better or when he will be able to join his friends.
If you can make them more “public” that would be a million times appreciated. I’m sure they need as much as financial help, but the moral one is the most needed right now. I think. Thanks!
Congrats on your accomplishment! I’d love to host a Scentsy fundraiser for you. I would donate 100% of my commission towards your goal. (Currently, my commission is 20% of sales). Email me at pattykonis@gmail.com for details.
Good luck!
Patty