It's been several days since the ACS Relay for Life and I think I have finally recuperated. I want to thank my Inspired Girlfriends-Relay for Life Team for their determination and perseverance with respect to fundraising and keeping a positive, upbeat spirit through the entire event, even through the brisk hours of the night and early morning. At the last minute one team mate was unable to travel due to medical reasons and another team mate came and enjoyed the early festivities, but due to a new discovery she couldn't stay all night. When it was all said and done four of us stood at 6 a.m. for our victory photo.!!! WE DID IT!!! (we looked pretty ___ good for 6 a.m!!!! bright eyed too) We were able to raise $1700, in a very short time. The effort was incredible, e-mails, phone calls, text messages, scratch off's, talking to co-workers, family and friends--we worked hard to get donations. I now see that my $500 goal was not that hard to attain....so next year, the bar is going to be raised. I hope everyone will up the anty!!! The real highlight of the evening was the Ms. Relay lap. This is where men dress up as women and ask for donations. We raised $129 just by having Ruthelle, do his/her thing!!! Ruthelle will forever be in our hearts and minds....hopefully Ruthelle will be interested in a new look for next year! I have vowed not to show pictures--but trust--he really did represent! We incorporated our children in the event by having them participate in the Teddy Bear lap--they each carried a teddy bar around the track and then it was donated to children with cancer. I confess, I underestimated the amount of walking and how much I would feel it the next day. I also realized I have to rest up prior to the event--going in sleep deprived was not a good idea. I'm glad to say we all worked together as a team, no-one knew each other (I was the one who knew everyone). We mixed and mingled well and laughed alot---I think this could be the beginning of something.....Let's raise those cute wine glasses!!! Cheers!
I just want to say that I am so proud of the four of us for staying throughout the whole relay. It was so nice to meet these two ladies and feel like I have known them forever. We had such a great time and I cant wait to do it again. I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and interaction with it being "just the girls". There were talks of having the whole family stay the night but I really believe that would take away from the purpse of the "inspired girlfriends" doing the walk. Sometimes the girls just need some time to themselves to talk, laugh, and vent withouth the kids and menfolk around. Very seldom do women get a chance to do this and I am appreciative for the opportunity. Marcia dont change a thing. You did an OUTSTANDING job. I am proud to be a member of your team. Luv you Marcia, Shandelin, and Doris (My pandora crew!!!). I really feel I made some new friends. Cant wait to do it again. We look good in that photo for having braved that cold weather and made it til' 6AM!!!
ReplyDeleteMarcia,
ReplyDeleteWorking with you is always a privilege and honor. The RFL was an awesome experience. there were so many different activities going on that it was hard to keep up. I am extremely proud of the girlfriends for their commitment to such an important cause. I found the experience enriching not only to my life but also to the lives of my children as they will later understand how devastating cancer can be.
I am always so excited to meet new friends. Having the opportunity to put names with faces makes the girlfriend connection so much more meaningful. I will never forget the look on Doris's face when I tuned over to find the both of you looking at me wondering how Doris was going to get her spot back! I still giggle about that. The thought of my new girl Keisha laying face down on that dirty tarp was priceless. Next year we defiantly need more walkers so that we are not trading off shifts every hour or so. That was brutal.
I love my new adopted mother. I am going to adopt Keisha's mom too! There were so many moments that we enjoyed together. I will say that Ruthelle was a fabulous surprise. My honey is sexy even dressed as a women tee hee! Another one of my favorite moments was sitting around the table at your house with our families getting to know one another.
I look forward to many more experiences with the girlfriends. Its nice to be around women that can bond so quickly with so many things in common.
Marcia, thank you for being such a blessing to me. You will be my girlfriend, sister, and confidant for life!
P.S. Keisha I love my Pandora bracelet. I am well on my way to putting new charms on it.