Day 14

This is always one of my favorite events, because I get to meet and talk to other autism parents. A lot of us know each other through social media but rarely meet up in person, so the autism walk is a good time to catch up, swap war stories, and compare notes on schools, programs, lectures, therapists, etc.

The weather was perfect. The crowd was great. The conversations were excellent. I even liked the new route better than the old one. And collectively we raised somewhere north of $200,000.

Looking forward to next year already.

Day 13

For this project, I try not to repeat things within the same calendar year, but I often repeat things from one year to the next. This is one I think I've done every year. Today I cooked and brought dinner to the IFC Homestart Women's Shelter. They're always so appreciative and sweet. (Steph helped out by making a grocery run, putting together a beautiful salad, and cutting up a ton of fruit. I love how supportive she is of this crazy thing I do.)

Day 12

Today I wrote glowing emails, feedback, and reviews of businesses that I love. I didn't say anything that wasn't sincere, and I made a point of praising specific people wherever possible.

Day 11

The wildfires in California and other western states are not getting the attention that the hurricanes did, but they are every bit as destructive. I know a number of people who have been affected, along many different parts of the West Coast.

Today I donated to the Asia Sikkila Fire Disaster Relief Fund. She's my friend's sister, and she lost almost everything when she and her family had to evacuate quickly. 

Day 10

This breaks my heart. Today I contributed to the Lindsey Lassiter Memorial Library. Lindsey was the step-daughter of a friend of mine. You can read more below, or by following the link.

https://www.gofundme.com/lindsey-lassiter-memorial-library

Day 9

This is one of my favorite things I've run across in my five-plus years of doing this project. You should totally join me. Yes, of course I mean you.

Today I signed up to participate in the worst fundraiser ever. Not a single dollar was raised last year. And yet, somehow, it was a gigantic success, and so they are doing it again this year.

The Give Gala is a simple idea, but also a brilliant one. Instead of giving money, people give, well, anything else. They offer whatever they might have available to benefit critically ill children and their families: gifts, services, skills, connections, etc.

The event is sponsored by The Monday Life and Headbands of Hope. I chatted with Joey McMahon, CEO of The Monday Life about what kinds of things people could offer and he gave several examples:

• Tickets to a game, a concert, or a show
• Gift cards for gas or groceries
• Spa or massage services
• Housecleaning services
• Connections ("I know someone who can.....for you")

In exchange for your offer, you get to attend the Give Gala on November 10, 2017 at Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh. (Cocktail Attire/Black Tie Optional)
 
I mean who doesn't like having a party? Who doesn't like helping kids and families who need it? Who needs a ride?!

Day 8

Today I found out that one of my favorite local burger shops, Al's Burger Shack, was hosting a fundraiser for hurricane victims in Puerto Rico. Despite being dog tired, I decided to go get some specialty Puerto Rican food for a good cause.

Sadly, I only got to smell the food. The fundraiser had been going all afternoon, and at 4:30 the line was out the door and around the corner, and they literally ran out of everything edible before I got to the front of the line. Someone three spots ahead of me got the last of the roast chicken, which was the last thing to run out. Great news in terms of fundraising, but bad news for me. So I had to settle for a fundraiser t-shirt and some money in the donation jar.