A HUGE THANK YOU!!

Sorry it has taken so long, but here is the HUGE thank you post I have been looking forward to writing!

First, I'd like to thank every single person who has taken the time to read Maddox's story, taken time to think about him and his family, and/or pray for them!

Thank you to all of the AMAZING people who came out and walked for Maddox and spent a few hours with me having a good time!  I look forward to doing it again next year and hope to see every single one of you there again!

I also need to thank those of you that were a little early and pitched in to help set up, it was a HUGE help and also those of you who helped with the clean up!  I have some great friends...thank you!

I have to give credit where credit is due...

I had a lot of great sponsors and donors for raffles and people who donated time that must be recognized! 

Maddox's Miles For Spina Bifida was sponsored by:

C.A. BARRS Contractor, Inc.

757.898.7282 phone
757.898.1282 fax

www.cabarrs.com



Peninsula Electric Motor

757.873.1273 phone
757.873.3033 fax

www.peninsulaelectricmotor.com



Paws Concrete, Inc.

804.695.1951 phone

www.pawsconcrete.com



Ace Handyman

(need to get info)




I asked friends to volunteer their services for Maddox's Miles For Spina Bifida and they obliged!  :-)

Ricky Firth volunteered his time and DJ services and equipment.  You can book him for events by calling 757.504.8169

He also plays guitar and sings!

Callie Hardman DeKeuster and her husband Matt volunteered their time and their great eyes for photography to take pictures during the event.  I have been a fan of Callie's blog and pictures since she started her blog (and I'm THRILLED that she's decided to become a full time photographer!!!), so I asked if she'd take some pictures of the event for me and it was one of THE best things I did!  It wasn't until I looked at the pictures that Callie took that I realized how busy I was (I guess).  Seeing the pictures, I was able to see how the event REALLY went.  Maybe I was too IN it during the event, I don't know.  I received so many compliments during and after the event and after seeing the pictures, I could SEE why.  I really can't explain how wonderful it was for me to be able to really SEE the event and for that, I am so thankful to Callie and Matt.  I knew I wanted the pictures for the blog, but I didn't realize how much enjoyment I would get out of them, I knew they'd be wonderful, but they really were my window into the event.  I encourage you all to check out Callie's blog and consider her for your next event, family portrait, or special occasion.  You can read all about her, check out her beautiful work and contact her through www.calliehardmanphotography.com

Karen Kennedy Insurance Agency Inc. sponsored a snack table for the event and provided fresh fruit and granola bars.  They also handed out water that was donated by Food Lion.  My friend, Nikki, works for Karen Kennedy Insurance Agency Inc. and she worked the snack table at the event with some support from her co-workers!  While at the event, Karen said, "We are happy to support Maddox's Miles For Spina Bifida.  As a State Farm Agent in Newport News, I have the opportunity to meet many wonderful people in our community.  Being there is very important to us and it is why we are here for Maddox."

Karen Kennedy Insurance Agency Inc. can be reached by calling 757.873.1339 or by going to their website www.KarenKennedyIsurance.com




Now I need to thank and give credit to the wonderful people who donated all the GREAT raffle items!!  They brought in a great amount of money for my little Maddox!  Thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets, too!

All of the childrens' raffle baskets were purchased and put together by the wonderful Kirsten Wolenski, who brought them down all the way from New Jersey!  Thank you Kirsten and Adam for coming down for the event, for helping prepare, set up, and clean up!

The pink Coach wristlet was also donated by Kirsten Wolenski!

Manhattans New York Deli & Pub provided TWO gift cards!  They are located at 601 Thimble Shoals Blvd in Newport News.  Their phone # is 757.873.0555  www.manhattansdeli.com

There was a beautiful pair of Silpada earrings donated by April Carr!  Her website is www.mysilpada.com/april.carr

A Thirty-One bag was donated by Ami Sharp!  Her website is www.mythirtyone.com/AmiSharp

Theresa Corbett Firth donated a Scentsy Plug In Warmer and two scents!  Her website is www.tcfirth.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Home

Bobbi Connelly donated an Origami Owl Living Locket and two charms!  Her website is www.bobbiconnelly.origamiowl.com

Salon Vivace Newport News donated a Rejuvenating Spa Pedicure!  They have various locations, the Newport News location's phone # is 757.873.1775  All of their locations in several states along with their services are available on their website www.salonvivace.com

Shear Genius Salon in Williamsburg donated a Gift Certificate for a haircut along with a goody bag with some product inside!  Their phone # is 757.220.5722 (Ask for Jessica!) Their website is www.sheargeniussalon.com

One of the most amazing and heartfelt items that we were able to raffle came all the way from Texas!!!  Maddox reached Texas!!  Kirsten was tweeting about making her raffle baskets and coming down for the benefit and one of her wonderful friends on Twitter offered to send a handmade crocheted blanket!!  Kirsten asked if I'd be interested and I said I would never turn down a donation AND I was AMAZED and so touched by the generosity of a stranger!  So, Anne quickly mailed a beautiful blanket to Kirsten that just so happened to be close in colors to the theme of the event!  This whole offer and transaction all happened just in the week prior to the event.  I was beyond amazed and Kirsten and I were so proud that Maddox had reached as far as Texas!  Thank you Anne Mashek!  If you are looking for some beautiful crocheted items, check out Anne's Etsy shop at www.AnneMashekCreations.Etsy.com

Last, but DEFINITELY not least, I am thankful to Teresa Rhyne who donated an autographed and pawtograghed copy of her book, The Dog Lived (And So Will I) You can read about her and Seamus, buy the book, and read her blog at www.teresarhyne.com I HIGHLY recommend that you AT LEAST check out her website and then hopefully her book!  I loved it!  And how awesome was it for her to send an autographed and pawtographed copy for Maddox's Miles For Spina Bifida?!?  Her donation was the first or second I secured and I was thrilled!  It made me know that what I was doing was really happening and that I was making it happen!