I just wanted to pass along a few things to help out some people.
GBR Mud 4 Blood
First, Here in the Atlanta area, the GBR4WD Club will be hosting its 5th Annual Mud 4 Blood drive. I have mentioned it previously, and will soon mention it again (at least on my Active Rain blog). Along the right margin, you can see a montage of images from previous events.
This year’s event will again be held at the Bass Pro Shops location at Discover Mills (I-85 and Sugarloaf Parkway across the interstate from the Gwinnett Center) on May 10th. Blood collection will run from 9:30 until around 3:30 in the parking lot.
Aside from the blood drive, there is a GIANT raffle for those that donate or attempt to donate blood. Last year, vendors donated over $4000 in prizes for the raffle, goody bags and silent auction. There will be a silent auction benefiting Rescue Tellico. There is also a “Scratch & Dent” sale from Rugged Ridge with a portion of the proceeds benefiting selected charities. Finally, there will be a truck show running all day long. And this won’t be a chrome and paint kind of truck show.
For further information, be sure to visit the official Mud 4 Blood website.
Nicole Bandell and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life
My ex-Sister in Law is walking in the ACS Relay for Life. Her event is on May 16th and 17th in Springfield, MO. Her Mother is a Breast Cancer Survivor, and Nicole is walking in her honor, along with other friends and family members that have faced cancer. I could try to say all sorts of things, but it would be better just to excerpt a little from Nicole’s website:
I fully support the Relay for Life as my mother, Lillian Bandell, is a breast cancer survivor. I have never been so afraid in my life – when I found out she had it I went numb – but she was brave, fought and won! SInce that time I have had numberous friends, that I am proud to say are survivors, of all different types of cancer – Dale, Julia, Donna, Clyde and my Aunt Bonnie – along with others I have met online through school, I salute each of you on the fight you have endured – this is for each and every one of you!
Nicole is a great person and has my support. I have a great affection for all of the Bandells. Lillian is a true hero.
Jay Bird and the Breast Cancer 3 Day
Jay has been doing the 3 Day to End Breast Cancer for the last several years. He is one of the few guys that walk each event. He has built a very successful fund-raising team. They have raffled off a vehicle, had wine and cheese tasting events, charity concerts and target shooting poker. Each year they pull the stops out a little more and shock everyone by doing more. Even though they are smaller than many of the teams, they area always near the top of the rankings for the incredible fund-raising they do.
But, it isn’t all about the fund-raising. They have fun and promote fitness… and they do an incredible job of spreading the word.
What can you do?
photo credit: Wesley Fryer
There are a lot of different opportunities for people to help charitable organizations. They range from fast and easy to longer term commitments. But, all of these different opportunities can be quite rewarding.
Gail and I raised money by participating with the American Stroke Association’s Train to End Stroke and running in the Walt Disney World Marathon. Before that, each of us supported various charities ranging from the Humane Society to the Alzheimer’s Association. Walking, running, donating labor and money, or hosting events are some of the ways to pitch in and help.
Another simple way to give a little bit of yourself is to donate blood. It is fast and easy… I know, I HATE the needles, but I get through it each time. I can speak from very personal experience that the LifeSouth team that works the GBR4WD Mud 4 Blood event are pretty good.
Just get involved.
