We are counting down the hours to main event, and I am thinking about what it actually took to make this all possible. There really is no way this thing would have seen the light of day without some very hard work by some very dedicated people.
This whole event materialized via a single e-mail on October 28th, and from there almost magically people assembled and did what they are best at. First and foremost, I want to thank the City Chicks 4 Charity for being what they are. They really did a tremendous job in rounding up and understanding all the little pieces that are needed to coordinate an event of this magnitude. Renee, Diana, Kristen, Kirstiana, Margot, Randi, Kat, Marisa… my deepest thanks for you being who you are and coming up with an idea like the CC4C.
To my two cousins, Jason and Rebecca. I know the writing is not easy. It is tough to wake up each day and try to find something to write. Some days you want to put the pen down and just get back to your old life. Sometimes you don’t have any other option but to skip a day and get other things done. You came to me and asked if you could write, and it was always on a day when my tank was on empty. Your words become my Tylenol for the day and provided some relief from my perpetual heartache.
To my kick-ass aunts, who I realize now that when I lost one mom I got three in her place. Your encouragement in this endeavor is unwavering and words cannot express my gratefulness for your continued support in everything I have done and continue to do.
Jamie Forrest, you should consider a new career. You’ve driven Jenny’s doorman crazy with the abundance of messengers and deliveries these last few weeks. I am in awe of your energy and drive to consolidate your network of people to give so generously. Jenny sent me a picture yesterday of her apartment, which looks as if Christmas has come ten times over.
Katy, Ro, Mark, Harry, Duddy, Deb, Mark, Sean, Paul, Ray, Chelsey, Tom, Chantal, Colleen, Adam, Erica, Yolanda, Mo, Rori, Wolfy, Hailey, Mike, Sue Ann, Ryan, Chrissy, Canaan, Ashley… I know I am leaving people out here, but to everybody who donated for the silent auction. We may need another venue just to host the amount of items we have.
To Erica, Kaitlyn and Sybil, thank you for getting the largest agencies and publishers in the world aware of LIPF and getting them to match every donation that their employees make.
I feel like I need the Dave Chapelle “Wrap it Up B” button here. There is no way I can show my thanks to all of you or possibly mention all the people who have helped make tonight’s event possible. Just know that my heart is swelling with pride and respect for all the people who have gone out of their way to make this possible.
And certainly none of this is at all possible without all of you attending this evening. We’ve already raised an additional $10,000.00 in ticket sales alone!
I want you all to know that this is NOT about money, but without it, we are that much less effective in our mission. I promise you all that every penny raised is going to work as if it was a nickel, and every nickel a quarter. We will make a difference.
Thank you, thank you, thank you…
