Count Down for March for Babies 2012

It is that time again where I do my thing and raise some money for The Babies!

I have so much fun working on fundraisers and getting in the action! This year is no different. Well, actually it is different than last year. I did not just give birth and spend 8 weeks cooped up on maternity leave. Not that I am complaining, because I am not. I just did not have as much time last year to get all I wanted done.

This year we had a hard time finding a place to let us hold a bake sale. One, it is Girl Scout cookie time and two, not many people are up for it. That makes me sad. All around town during the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, they have all kinds of things going on around town and decorations hanging up. Even our local newspaper is printed pink. But during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and all during the March for Babies season, there is nothing. I have seen an increase in commercials on the television and small banners across the top of web pages though. I just feel there should be more support in our community.

My job is not into helping me. I have to ask my co-workers on the side if any are interested in making a donation or joining our walk. I get a little jealous when other family teams are doing what I consider as "raking it in"; however, I have been telling myself this year, that every little bit helps and we are doing a lot of good.

Let me tell you, my mom is awesome! She is always selling whatever things I have at her work. Whether it is a handmade craft or chocolates. She even makes bread to sale, that is a hit! I could not ask for a better helper! Love you mom!

My oldest daughter is a great sales lady as well. She is always selling candy to her friends and even getting them to hand over their loose change. I am hoping when she gets to high school they may let her do some fundraising.

We are waiting on our t-shirt design to be finished. The gentleman who did our design last year is adding some little details to that same design for this year. He is awesome too!

Anyway, back to our fundraising "fiasco". After a few days and hours of calling local establishments to hold a bake sale, a light bulb went off and I immediately thought of a local thrift store that is always helping people out. I just thought, "All she can tell me is no, like everyone else". So, I typed up a message and had my husband proofread it & then I sent it. I got an answer that same day! Yes, I would love to help out! She is even donating 5% of that day's sales. How much more awesome can that be!

So, for those of you in the area. We will be at A Thrift Store 1406 W 10th Ave (down from Rumors).

March for Babies

I am so EXCITED! A friend of mine, Keisha, has gotten me involved with the March of Dimes. At first I did not think I was a candidate for the March of Dimes. I assumed the March of Dimes was for preemies born alive. Little did I know, stillbirths are part of the March of Dimes as well.

So, Keisha picked me up everything I would need to sign up to be a part of the March of Dimes. As well, as the March for Babies paperwork to walk. They are doing several fundraisers as well to raise money besides just the 5K run & walk that they do every year, like we are selling 24-20oz. bottles of sodas for $20 & Desperado's (a local restaurant) is selling presmoked rack of ribs for $20 & 25% goes to the March of Dimes. Well, I took my contributions information to work with my Thursday & by Friday, I had collected $90 (not including the money I have not collected yet) & I got 5 women to sign up to walk with me. Not only that, one of the March of Dimes directors in my area brought be 4 boxes of chocolates Friday morning @ 11:30 & by 2pm I had sold 2 1/3 boxes to the ladies in my building! The coolest thing, is that all of the candy bars have Keisha's baby girl's name on them "in Memory of Brooke Julian". I plan to do a few fundraisers on my own as well & my walking mates now have a contribution sheet of their own to get donations from the friends & family. I will post some facts about the March of Dimes later, I promise.

I really feel like I am doing something now. Not only because I lost a baby, but maybe we can keep another baby from being born too soon & keep complications at a minimum.

Now I must tell you, I have not seen my family yet to see if they would like to be a part of this, but I am sure I will have some more walkers by this afternoon when they come over for KK's bday party. And any of you who may be interested in campaigning for someone that does not live near you, you can still go to your local March of Dimes & partake in their walk & get your friends & family to donate for the cause. I always thought something like this would never happen to me, & believe me, I hope it never happens to anyone else, but we have to remember we are not invincible.



P.S. I have more green growing in my garden & it is suppose to get into the 30's this coming week, pray it does not freeze.