The Owl's Nest

November Happenings:

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:39:00 +0000

• Chili Cook-off! Wednesday, November 5th 6pm-8pm at Homestead High School [4310 Homestead Road] benefitting the Southwest Allen Relay. A $5 donation gets you chili tasting and a vote. Rest assured, I will not be making any chili.

• I will make a 10% donation on any cheesecake order for Thanksgiving to get 2009 started early. [Can deliver on T-Day as well this year] As always, this is a tax deductible donation with receipt.

Back from hibernation.

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:35:00 +0000

Yes. I know. I've committed a blogging sin. As those who know me can attest, Relay is never far from my mind! But my hiatus is officially over - it's time to kick off 2009! This is why I love the Southwest Committee - they're on it.

June 6th, 2009. Summit Middle School. Mark your calendars, postpone your wedding date or family vacation.

This year marks the 25 anniversary of the first Relay For Life - good things to come!

Feeling purple and very, very tired.

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:35:00 +0000

A quick note before I collapse on the couch Relay For Life - Southwest Allen was a huge success. I personally had an amazing time, the staff and committee really did a great job putting this Relay together. And rough estimates are putting the total dollars raised at $44,000+! This event will make an important impact on our community with every one of those dollars. I'll simply say 'thanks' to everyone who's played a part this year until the more formal, and coherant wrap-up. I'll admit I wavered, even up to this week, on continuing to do a team but then the event comes and I wonder why I doubted! I'm already looking forward to next year.

Relay For Life is finally here!

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:06:00 +0000

$925 has already been raised for team Night Owls For A Cure - yay - it's going to be a good year! A big thanks to those who've donated or bought a cheesecake, those small things will make a big difference to someone this year. ACS researchers get most of the notice but on a local level it's a low cost mammagram or free lodging during treatment away from home among many other things. It's pretty awesome to impact someone's life for the better just by spending a day socializing in the sun (yes I'm being hopeful) and having some sweets ;)

Stop out anytime to be my walking buddy since I really will be there for 24 hours and determined to keep someone (ugh myself) Relaying day and night! Come for a slice of cheesecake @ 2 or 7 pm at the tent.It's going to be a great day & I'd love to see you there! Reach me at 416-8631 for directions or just ask for me once you're at the field :)

Leslie

Awareness Laps & Important Events

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:43:00 +0000

9:00 am Opening Ceremonies, Surviver/Caregiver Laps
10:00 am General Cancer Awareness (Lavender Lap)
11:00 am Childhood Cancer (Gold Lap)
Survivor Celebration/Luncheon
1:00 pm Breast Cancer (Pink Lap)
2:00 pm Lung Cancer (Clear w Gold trim Lap)
3:00 pm "HOPE" photo out on the field
4:00 pm Lymphoma Cancer Awareness (Red Lap)
5:00 pm Colon Cancer Awareness (Brown Lap)
6:00 pm Leukemia Cancer Awareness (Orange Lap)
7:00 pm Brain Cancer Awareness (Gray Lap)
8:00 pm Pancreatic Cancer Awareness (Purple Lap)
9:00 pm Prostate Cancer Awareness (Blue Lap)
10:00 pm Luminaria Ceremony
11:00 pm Cervical Cancer Awareness (Teal w white lap)
1:00 am Testicular Cancer Awareness (Orchid Lap)
2:00 am Multiple Myeloma Awareness (Burgandy Lap)
3:00 am Urinary Bladder Cancer Awareness (Yellow Lap)
4:00 am Uterine Cancer Awareness (Peach Lap)
5:00 am Ovarian Cancer Awareness (Teal Lap)
8:30-9am Closing/Last Lap

Schedule and more onsite fundraising

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:43:00 +0000

When Blogger says they don't support PDFs, they aren't kidding! Here's the basic outline schedule with more updates coming midweek. Since it's hard to read message me if you'd like a copy!

I really need some help in the afternoon and evening, if you're interested in stopping by please let me know. I'll bribe with food if needed!

***

A few other onsite fundraisers:
Fish bowl contest (Fish -just what I want to take care of again!)
Fresh roses
Henna tattoos
Silent Auction (good stuff!)
ID/DNA kid kits (only $5! You keep them in the freezer)
Popcorn from the PopWeaver teams

Luminaria

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Thu, 15 May 2008 19:35:00 +0000

The luminaria ceremony will be held Saturday May 31st @ 10pm. I know it's a bit later because of Daylight Savings, but it is really neat when it's dark! Names of all the honorees on the luminaria bags will be named and celebrated. It's definitely my favorite part of the Relay night!

If you'd like to purchase a luminaria bag you may do so online or see me for a bag and you can decorate one yourself. They're available for a $10 donation now thru the day of!

Updates...

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Mon, 12 May 2008 04:16:00 +0000

I'll be putting up a tentative agenda on Thursday or Friday as I know it for activities and meal times. I'm going to guess the Luminaria ceremony will be around 9:30pm (due to daylight savings they'll want to get close to dark before it starts).

Hold onto your hats - the Relayer who brings along the most guests (any unsuspecting car-riders are fine too) will be the recipient of this (L) tee:

It's amazing what I find when I clean out the Relay tote There's probably some other stuff I'll be giving away too. More to come!

Make a donation online

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:13:00 +0000

I love being able to make donations online. So convienent! Please see the ACS Online Page if you're interested in making a donation!

Additional Onsite Fundraising

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:09:00 +0000

ReJOYCEful Relayers will be doing "ID kits" onsite at Relay this year for a $5 donation. Normally running $25 elsewhere, Team Captain Tim's security company, Absolute Protection, will be making DNA & ID kits for mom's & dad's to keep in the freezer in case of emergency. We missed out on doing this last year so we'll definitely be making the stop - what a great deal for something so important!

Good news

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:02:00 +0000

Many thanks for another year of corporate sponsorship from my employer. It makes it nice to have my shirts and registration covered, as well as the great donation. Thanks HK!

With that the grand total is up to $730.00 for 2008 so far, almost halfway to goal and not too shabby for not sending out an email or flyer yet! Next week I swear!

2008 Information!

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:51:00 +0000

Relay is coming at me like a freight train, help! I'd really love to have you join me for the event for an hour of what I'm sure will be a beautiful May day & night!

May 31st - June 1st, 2008 9a - 9a
Summit Middle School (across from Homestead High School)
Fort Wayne

Participants can run, walk or roll the track during the event keeping someone going at all times if possible, relaying the same way cancer is fought - day and night. I can't make any promises but Braiden might even let you try his scooter. I'll also gladly take help cutting up and serving cheesecakes (voted favorite fundraiser of 2007!) a couple of designated times in the afternoon and evening TBD next week.

This Relay location will be quite a bit bigger with 33 teams already active. I'm so excited, I love doing this event, all the better to get to participate with and for the people I love most.

If you're unable to come out but would like to support the efforts please feel free to donate at Southwest Relay Online

See you in a couple weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:59:00 +0000

when I come out of the kitchen...15 cheesecake orders in for Easter.

I'm thrilled, it's a good start to get a little money raised early on!

**

Update! The fifteen jumped to twenty four, with a few people turned down due to lack of fridge room. This has been such a wonderful surprise to bring in $480 in the first effort this year.

The Big Move

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:11:00 +0000

NOFAC will be joining the Southwest Allen County Relay this year after some consolidation of events. I'm really excited about the move - the location at Summit Middle School will be great and good for foot traffic!

Specifics coming soon!

Easter Cheesecake Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:53:00 +0000

I will be making cheesecakes March 10th - March 21st (Good Friday) for this year's Relay For Life. Last year $660 was raised in cheesecakes alone & I'd love to do even more this year.

They are homemade and a 100% tax deductible donation ;) Place your order any time for delivery by March 21st.

Traditional New York w/ pastry crust & your choice of fruit or topping
Turtle w/ chocolate crust
Key Lime w/ chocolate crust
Pumpkin Marble w/ gingersnap crust
Triple Chocolate
Raspberry Swirl w/ pastry crust

$20 each, 9 inch - serves 12-15. All but Key Lime can be frozen and can be shipped for at FedEx cost.

Two more American Cancer Society researchers win Nobel Prize

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 18:37:00 +0000

ATLANTA, October 7, 2007 -- Two of the three scientists receiving the 2007 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine received funding from the American Cancer Society early in their careers, bringing to 42 the number of Nobel Laureates among the Society’s funded researchers.

Former grantees Mario R. Capecchi, Ph.D. of the University of Utah and Oliver Smithies, Ph.D., of the University of North Carolina are co-winners along with Sir Martin J. Evans of Cardiff University in Wales of the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking discoveries that led to a technology known as gene targeting. Their work enabled scientists to develop targeted “gene knockout” mouse models that allows the study of specific genes involved in cancer, as well as in other diseases.

Like many Society-funded researchers, Drs. Capecchi and Smithies received American Cancer Society grants early in their careers, when funding is particularly hard to get. Dr. Capecchi received a four-year Faculty Research Award (FRA) from the American Cancer Society beginning July 1, 1974. Dr. Smithies received funds for an American Cancer Society Project Grant from July 1, 1974 - December 31, 1976.

“Throughout its more than 60-year history, the American Cancer Society’s research department has recognized the importance of funding promising grants by scientists whose careers are in their infancy,” said John R. Seffrin, Ph.D., national chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society. “In just the past four years, seven Society-funded researchers have won the Nobel Prize, a remarkable achievement that is unmatched in the non-profit sector. We congratulate these researchers for receiving this proud honor, which stands as strong evidence of the strength of the Society’s peer-review process and the credibility of its research grant program.”

Pink is the new...

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:33:00 +0000

The blog has gone pink this month in honor of the national breast cancer month and a cool site aptly named, pinkforoctober.org, aimed at education and awareness.

ACS really encourages the Tell-A-Friend program (which I didn't participate in earlier this year *hangs head in shame*) which simply involves in asking 5 friends or loved ones of age if they've had their mammagram and if not to schedule a time to go. It works!

Relay has wrapped...Now What?

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 13:19:00 +0000

American Cancer Society is known for their research & funding of now 40 Nobel Prize winners. But Relay benefits much more than the "big" items. A few examples of how Relay dollars will be used:

$1000 = covers 10 day stay at Hope Lodge in Indy, always free of charge for patients and families going through treatments.

$500 = provides visits to 5 patients matched to trained breast cancer survivors in the Reach to Recovery program for questions and one on one support.

$250 = 83 hours of toll free access on1.800.ACS.2345 where cancer information specialists speak with 1.2 million callers each year.

Camp Catch-A-Rainbow, the resource libraries at both Parkview & Lutheran Oncology Centers, Road to Recovery volunteer driver program in Allen County...the list goes on!

Luminaria Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:01:00 +0000

The Luminaria ceremony was led by news personalities from WANE TV, who did a great job honoring those being remembered and celebrated.

I had a new honoree to Relay for this year, as my grandma's brother passed this past January.

Night Owls News Volume 2

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 19:42:00 +0000

Being the Night Owls’ second year in existence and first year fundraising, I’m pretty proud of the contribution we could make. Just over 20 people came out to participate or support the event throughout the day. $200.00 was raised during on-site fundraising for a total of $1,095.00 donated this year.

I'm pleased to say that ours was recently named "Favorite Fundraiser" at Relay this year. Thanks guys!

A heartfelt “Thank You!” to all those who, purchased (or ate!) cheesecake, generously donated, and participated in the ‘07 Relay. And for putting up with my emails :)

Special thanks to Tangie Rasnick for decorations, Kim Cole for the Night Owl design & Emi Piebenga for being my right wing all day!

For those of you who know Braiden well, or at all...Relay was a very big deal. With the kindness of the event’s DJ, he got to talk in the microphone. Not just once, but throughout the evening making announcements.

Thanks to Monty for making Braiden’s year and helping him on his current quest to be a news anchor. He was a natural!

The theme for Relay this year was Relayville—reinforcing the community aspect of our local Cancer Society and services.

We served as Relay bakery serving up cheesecakes twice throughout the day. 8 different cheesecakes and a carrot cake were almost completely gone by midnight. I’m thrilled they were a big hit, and grateful for the sales over the past few months, but 70lbs of cream cheese later I think my love for it is gone. That’s certainly not a bad thing!

In addition there was a bookstore, tattoo parlor, pizzeria and security among others.
It was a great day to be together out in the sun and a beautiful night under the stars.

The Owl's preparing for hibernation

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Wed, 23 May 2007 13:55:00 +0000

Just a quick note until the "official" follow up... Relay turned out great! Warmer than expected weather, great turnout and successful on-site sales.

I've already got ideas rolling around for next year...it's like an addiction

Weather

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Mon, 14 May 2007 18:24:00 +0000

Saturday

High: 73°F Mostly Sunny

Low: 53°F Clear
Sunset: 8:56 PM ET

Yay! The UV index will be very high, so please lather up in sunscreen...it might be a bad idea to get skin cancer at Relay!

The Stuff.

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Thu, 10 May 2007 15:06:00 +0000

Okay Relayers, I've updated the schedule on the sidebar! Any updates on onsite fundraising will be listed here.

Time: May 19-20 (Sat-Sun) 10am to 10am
Location: Between Science Bldg, Classroom-Medical & Neff at IPFW--best parking at the Science building or library/parking garage (follow signs)

There's a few of you I haven't heard back from, if it turns out you're not going to make it please give me a shout. There's a big hole in the afternoon--I need you! The Relay goal is to try and keep somebody walking at all times ("There is no finish line until there's a cure!") so more feet are always welcome--please invite someone along!

There will be onsite fundraising by several teams (book sale, rummage sale, popcorn, kid ID kits, possibly Marcos pizza/cheesy bread-yay!) as well as all the meals being "donation" so bring a few dollars if you want to peruse the other teams. We'll be serving up cheesecake at 2 & 7 pm for $2/slice and desserts for donation.

Other highlights:
Kids Carnival 12-2 pm
Massages by Ivy Tech 2-4 pm
Several bands throughout day
Trick-or-treating 7 pm
Luminaria Ceremony 9:30 pm * the highlight of Relay! Luminarias can also be purchased in site in Honor or Memory.
Pancake Breakfast 7-8 am

I really appreciate you participating in fundraisers this year and giving of your time to come out. I can't rave enough about the other teams and committee, everyone has put a lot into fundraising and survivor recognition! I'll be great to see the purple shirts (survivors) and really see donations in action.

P.S. Braiden has picked a neon green t-shirt like his for the owl to wear so we should be pretty easy to spot

Onsite Fundraising:

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Mon, 07 May 2007 18:15:00 +0000

All final details for Relay day scheduling will be up on Thursday!

Less than a month to go!

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie) — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 20:15:00 +0000

Night Owls' campsite will be the Relayville Bakery--stop by for cheesecake, sweet treats, and prizes as a reward for time spent walking! Relay cheesecakes are calorie-free ;)

If you'll be attending & would like to bring some goodies to sell for donations please let me know!