It's been far too long since I last posted. My apologies. Really. I could blame being back to work or the fact that the last two months have been full of...action. But I won't. I CAN tell you that it's been a fabulous Spring full of activity and great memories. As of this week, I am in my 17th week of pregnancy and everything is going great. A serious cause for celebration - Yippee!
On Saturday, April 23, Leo's family and I participated in
Walk Now for Autism Speaks in support of our nephews, Xavier and Alexander. This year we really stepped up our game by planning various events to raise funds. There were BBQ dinners, a charity concert, a poker game, a silent auction and a girl's night out to name just a few and I am very proud to say that the end result was that we were able to raise
$13,395.00, which earned us the 11th top fund raising team position out of literally hundreds of other teams. Impressive, if I do say so myself.
Even now, it's difficult to explain the feelings I had on the day of the walk. It was just great to feel as though we came together as a family to make a difference. A few of us qualified for the Grand Club so it was fun to be able to rub elbows with some of Autism Speak's biggest advocates and supporters, Holly Robinson-Pete (She started the
HollyRod Foundation) and
Zev and Justin from the Amazing Race. The weather was perfect and everyone wore their Team X to the A Force team t-shirts proudly.
Over the last few months, I have also had the pleasure to meet some pretty amazing people who generously donated their time, talents and products in support of Autism Speaks. Many of them I contacted online so it was even more amazing to me that these perfect strangers stepped up to make a contribution. After countless emails, facebook posts and conversations I am proud to say that many of them I now consider great friends. Please take a moment to check out their websites - I promise, you won't be disappointed!
Allison B Wonderland
Aloette Skincare - Monica Beltran
I would also like to thank the
Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, CA for allowing me to host the Girl's Night Out on their beautiful patio. I can't thank them enough for donating dinner and wine for my guests and for all the special touches, such as the surprise birthday cake made by
Cucamonga Cakery in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. (If you book an event there, ask for Beth Gallagher - she is the best of the best!)
A heartfelt thank you goes out to
Picazo's Flower Designs in Rancho Cucamonga for donating the beautiful flower arrangements (see photo at top of post) and to
Signature Limos Limousines for giving me a fabulous rate and amazing service - the party bus was a huge hit! Lastly, a HUGE thank you goes out to everyone who came out to our various fund raising events and those of you who made a donation.
Together, we put action to work for Autism Speaks! On behalf of myself, Leo's family and most especially, our nephews Xavier and Alexander - thank you for your support!
