Thursday, July 28, 2011

Another Successful Fiesta!

Yesterday, I dropped off $4,030 at the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation.  That's a nice chunk of cheddar for the scholarship funds. 

I couldn't do it without the support and generosity of everyone who donated time, money and talent.  It was a great evening, and if you didn't make it this year, try to join us next year.  We always have a blast!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Final Preparations

Yesterday, Maddy and I ran all over getting the final bits and pieces for the fundraiser on Saturday.  We got the table covers, centerpieces, picked up donations, finalized our wardrobes and swiped my debit card until it screamed "no more!!" 

In my frantic running amok, I managed to leave a bag of picture frames at the store - luckily they were holding it for me.  I tore up my house and car looking for them last night.  My house is Fundraiser Central right now - the guest room and dining room currently house the donations, five boxes of tote bags are in the foyer, my living room chair has the centerpieces, and I'm using my couch as a printer stand.  It's a mess but it's a good mess. 

I was stressing for a few days over the food, but we got it worked out.  We'll be enjoying fabulous barbecue from Bully's Smokehouse - their garlic mashed potatoes are sooooo yummy.  The Brinley family is so awesome - please check them out next time you are in Columbia, IL or Edwardsville, IL.

We have over 35 separate silent auction items, ranging from Cardinals tickets, overnight stays at the Westin St. Louis, Hilton At The Ballpark, and Moonrise Hotel, an autographed hockey stick from Al MacInnis, gorgeous handmade floral arrangements, wine baskets, dog obedience classes, handyman services, Bath and Body Works products, haircare products, Yankee candles, photo sessions, sports memorabilia and an autographed photo of Tim McGraw.

I am really excited about Maddy's contribution.  She had the idea to frame some of her her botanical photographs and use them in the auction.  The kid has an eye for this stuff, I'm not even kidding.  The photos are fantastic in their color and detail.  She takes them with my Canon point and shoot, but somehow she manages to take better pictures than I do with the same camera.  It's a gift, I guess.  She wants to be a photographer when she grows up.  I think she's got a good start.

Here's one of my favorites:

The raffle tickets have been a HUGE success!  We don't have many left so if you want a chance to win a 40" flatscreen Hitachi HD TV, leave me a comment.  Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. 

Tickets are still available for the event on Saturday.  Just show up at the KC Hall in Collinsville IL and in exchange for a $20 admission, you get the aforementioned bbq dinner along with drinks, dancing, and a chance to bid on those fabulous silent auction items. 

If you can't make the event but want to donate, you can send a tax-deductible donation to the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation - just indicate "Jessica and Kelli Uhl Memorial Foundation" on the memo line of your check. 
All our proceeds benefit the Jessica and Kelli Uhl Memorial Foundation, which funds a scholarship in Jessica's name at SIU Edwardsville and a scholarship in Kelli's name through the Collinsville Education Scholarship Foundation.

On a daily basis, I am overwhelmed by the support and generosity of the community.  So many individuals and businesses have supported our efforts, and we are truly grateful. 

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

(Semi) Wordless Wednesday

I'm up to my elbows in fundraiser preparations (invitation here), so in the meantime, here's a few photos showing what Maddy has been up to during her summer vacation.  Sadly, school starts for her in about a month. 


She played softball


She rocked at basketball camp (with the proper shirt)


She went to Silver Dollar City


She went boating, tubing and jet-skiing


She went swimming


We've got some other fun stuff planned for the next month.  Stay tuned!