Thank You For Supporting Gavin's Playground Project!

Dear Brian and Hope,

Right now you are little... 5 and 4 months.  But one day, you will be grown ups and I hope it will be then that you will find this letter.  I want to tell you a little story about your big brother, believing in yourselves, the power of community... and how nothing can stop you from making something happen if you put your passion underneath it.

Mommy had a little idea to try to raise a lot of money to build a playground at the hospital where your big brother died.  They have a lovely playground, but little kids (and big kids!) who have disabilities (visible and invisible!) like Gavin did can't really play on it safely.  So I decided to have what you called a "playground party," Brian.  It started off as just a thought - and quickly snowballed into something bigger.

I worked very hard for 62 days.  I had no idea what I was doing - and that's no joke.  I had never been to a fundraiser in my life.  But I'm telling you, that is where your brother comes in.  There is no other way to explain how I was able to do what I did.  Looking back on these 62 days, I feel like a path was just laid in front of me.  Connections fell into my lap... people said yes... ideas came to my head... friends gave me great referrals... I could go on and on.  It was hard work, guys, don't misunderstand.  But it all came together piece by piece until all of a sudden it was here.  The big day.

One of the yes's I got - a big one - was from Bill Marchese from the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.  He practically GAVE me the space to hold the event.  He said we could use Hall E - which is right next door to Bounce U... a place you love, Brian!

The room began as a boring warehouse.  They added 40 tables...

Aunt Meg flew down from New Hampshire before her family just to help me the day before - isn't that amazing?  I hope the two of you are just as supportive with each other as you grow up into adulthood.  Aunt Meg was such a huge help.  Especially because just the day before you and I were so sick with a stomach virus, Brian!!  

Aunt Meg and I got to the Hall on Friday, the day before the event, to set up.  Soon the tables had tablecloths... and then flowers... and then numbers!

Soon the room looked like this!  Your brother's photo was front and center right in front of the stage.  I wanted everyone to remember that even though we were there to raise money for a playground... that it was Gavin who inspired the very idea.  And, I wanted everyone to remember that we were also there to celebrate his life.  The event was just 9 days before the one year anniversary of his death.

The Expo center gave me black drapes and tables to dress up the warehouse.

They even rolled in a red carpet, too!  That was fitting.  The room was going to be filled with 400 VIPs!  Once I added the beautiful raffle baskets people generously donated, the event sponsor signs and balloons, the place was looking really festive!

Another one of your brother's photos was ready to greet everyone as they walked in the door the day of the event.  With blue balloons, of course.

Mommy was lucky enough to be sponsored by businesses and I had all of their literature in nice bags at everyone's seat.

Gavin's memorial card was in every centerpiece.

Along the way in my planning, I was contacted by the founder of the Malvern School.  She was a generous event sponsor - and she also offered me volunteers!  Twelve, actually!  I didn't know how much I needed volunteers until the event began... when I quickly realized that there was no way I could have pulled it off so smoothly without them.  They all wore matching tie-dyed shirts and one was nicer than the next.  Here they are pre-ripping raffle tickets before everyone got there...

My cousin Jennifer and her husband, Bill, have an entertainment business, McM Entertainment and they provided the entertainment and a great trivia game for the evening!

I used GiveSmart for my silent auction and they sent four people to work the event.  Here is one of the registration tables.  Guests would check in with one of the girls from the Malvern School and then the GiveSmart folks would make sure they were registered properly for the silent auction!  

Soon people started arriving and I was so happy to see familiar faces like Miss Sara and Miss Maggie and her husband, Drew.  Everyone was so excited to see both of you!  

Brian, you were so excited that your cousins were there.  You stayed by David's side nearly all night long!

Guests kept checking in until soon the room was filled with friendly faces.  Some people came in that were friends that we already knew.

Some people came in that we only knew online but fast became friends.

And some were total strangers that we met that night.  But something magical happened that evening.  It felt like everyone left as friends.

I had to do seating arrangements (with a lot of help from Aunt Meg and Aunt Bean who stayed up with me very late the night before the event!).  Many of the tables were all people I didn't know so the seating was pretty random.  After the event, I got emails and comments from so many people telling me that they were sitting with the perfect people.  Connections were made.  Job offers.  People got help for their special needs children.  It was like someone had a hand in the seating arrangements to make sure needs were met.  It was unbelievable.

Mommy got up on stage before the fun began to give a little speech.  I was a nervous wreck.  You might be too one day.  I wish I had a great trick for you to be less nervous.  I don't.

Hopefully you have a great supporter who will tell you how great you are even if you mess up.  Mine was holding you, Hope, in the back of the room.

Always remember how important it is to support the person you love a lot.  Especially when they are really scared to do something.

While I was up there on stage, I announced a social experiment.  Using GiveSmart's mobile technology, I had them send a text out to all of my registered guests.  It asked them to give $5.00 on their phones at exactly 7:30.  We had a tote board that showed the donations in real time.  In just a few hours it surpassed my goal of $10,000!  Here is what it looked like two days later (when people were still giving!)

I hope you always remember that no matter what your circumstance - there is always something to give.  A couple thousand people gave just $5.00 and look what happened!  And you know what?  Seeing this made so many people happy.  Giving feels good.  And when you give - whether it's money or time or love or positive energy... you get it back.  Sometimes tenfold.  Please remember that.  Don't be scroogy with anything in your life.  Life is too short to be scroogy.

Once the trivia started, strangers banded together and quickly bonded.

Teams were formed and people became competitive!!  Great team names were formed like:  The Einsteins... For Gavin... Hashtag... and, my favorite, "Spez Margaret."

It was so much fun to watch everyone come together and get so into this part of the evening...

Daddy and I walked around and tried really hard to greet everyone.  We were drowning in a sea of names and faces - but we did our best!  I still can't believe how many people showed up - and if you're reading this when I'm 80, I will still feel the same way.  It was just a remarkable night.  Daddy and I also had the Malvern School volunteers pull the winners of the raffle baskets in the back and then we hand delivered them to all the winners.  That was fun!

As the night went on, things got a little crazy AWESOME!!!

Daddy and I had Miss Katja standing by at home - ready to head to our house to meet both of you.  We were sure that we'd at least send you home, Brian, as it was such a late night!  But both of you lasted until the very end.  Hope, you had no shortage of people to hold you... and admire you!

And Brian, you were just having too much fun with the big kids.  We kept asking you if you wanted to leave (you usually would!  You are a strict 7pm bedtime kind of guy!) but you said no!

Near the end of the night, it was time to draw the 50/50.  Aunt Bean and I headed to the front and she held the bucket FILLED with tickets and I pulled the winner.  It was down to your cousin David (!!!) and our neighbor (and your friend Danny's Mom, Brian!) Sonia!

It was Sonia that won!  She won $1,315!!  We greeted her at our door the very next morning and she handed it right back to us for the playground.  People are so kind.  Always remember to be kind, ok?

I got back up on stage because I just love to talk to 400 people (not) and fumbled my way through a thank you.  And then I did my best Vanna White impression and showed the total from the "Give 5 for Gavin" experiment.

And finally, the winners of the trivia game were announced!  You can tell it's a good night when you don't see people leaving early.  Hardly anyone left early!  The night ended close to 11pm.

So, I guess you're wondering how much money was raised after all of that, huh?  Well, I don't have the exact - down to the dollar - number.  But I am happy to tell you both that nearly $60,000 was raised.  Maybe a little more.

Yes.  That was $60,000.

That counts direct donations to the hospital, ticket sales, raffles, 50/50, silent auction items and trips and "Give 5 for Gavin" money.

Brian - Hope - don't ever think that you can't do something by yourself... or that anything is too big to handle alone.  If you feel that way, remember this story.  Set your mind to something - believe it can happen - and then make it work.  You'll find everything you need along the way.  

So many wonderful blessings came to be that I KNOW where orchestrated from above.  Not just how everything seemed to just fall into place for me along the way... or how the seating arrangements affected people... or how the right people seemed to win the right things for the right reasons. 

Lots and lots of strangers from all walks of life and all different areas all walked into a warehouse in Oaks, PA... and they all came together for one common goal.  To help raise money for a playground where all kids can play.  But I really believe that people left that warehouse changed.  Inspired.  Your big brother's life has that affect on people.  And he only lived until he was 5 1/2.  So always remember that you, too, can inspire and affect change in people.  It doesn't matter how old you are... you will always have that power.  Use it wisely... and always in love.

 There was an energy in that room that night that was undeniable.  All I felt all night was love.

Love,

Mommy... who will love you forever.  

********

Thank you to Lauren Naldzin from Bella Baby Photography for the wonderful photos!  If you were there and YOU have photos, please add them to my share site on Shutterfly so we all can see them!!  You can see the rest of Lauren's photos there!

Celebrate Life...

Last night felt like a dream.  I can't even believe it all happened and, quite frankly, I'm still recovering in every way!  I gave a little (wobbly and fumbly) speech last night and told a little story.  I told the story about the day Gavin died.  One of the nurses that was taking care of him (and us!) knew that it was my birthday.  She brought me a cake (which she said she wrestled with, not knowing if it was the right thing to do.  It was more than perfect in my eyes).  The cake said...

Celebrate Life

I looked at Ed.  She couldn't have known that we were secretly celebrating life that day. 

Hope's new life.

So yesterday, before we celebrated Gavin's life at the big event, we celebrated Hope.  Surrounded by her family, her Godparents (my brother, Tom, and Miss Sara!), and Sara's Mom and Dad, Hope was baptized in the same church where her brothers were baptized... by the same priest that baptized Gavin and Brian, too... in the same dress that her cousins and mine have worn since 1958.

Many probably thought I was nutso for having Hope baptized the morning of the big event...

...and you know, maybe I was.  But it was actually a beautiful way to start the day.  A reminder of the hope we felt amidst the storm last year.

The dress is a family heirloom.  My oldest cousin first wore it in 1958.  My Grandmother hand embroidered each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren's names and birthdates on the gown until she just couldn't do it anymore.  She was well into her 90s.  You can see my name...

Kathleen Marie - 4-14-70.

Gavin wore the gown...

...Brian wore the gown...

...and then, Hope Margaret.

The priest who baptized all of my children is the same priest that married us in 2004.  And the same priest that performed Gavin's funeral service.  Father Kelly is very important to us.  He did give us all a good laugh during the ceremony!  He kept calling Hope "Spes Margaret."  We all kept giving each other the side eye wondering why he was calling her by the wrong (and seemingly made-up!) name!  It wasn't until after the ceremony that we realized that hope in Latin is "spes."  So now, Hope has a new nickname!!  Ha!

My Mother made a beautiful bib as a new tradition for our family.  She took a napkin that her Mother had monogrammed for herself... 

...and a napkin that my Grandmother had monogrammed for my Mom and sewed them together.  It was a beautiful, beautiful gift.

We all left the baptism smiling and ready for the big night!  Brian was very excited for the "playground party" and couldn't wait to spend time with his cousins!!

I will have professional photos to show of Hope's baptism at a later date.

If you are looking for an update on Gavin's Playground Project - come back tomorrow!!  I want to make sure I have an exact total to give all of you... and I also want to wait until I have photos to share.  I have so much to share about last night.  And, if you check my Facebook page, lots of people who were there are sharing their experiences as well.  It was an overwhelming, unbelievable night.  The energy in the room of 400 people was amazing.  I felt nothing but love all night long.

One thing I do want to share is the social experiment I did, "Give five for Gavin."  I set a pretty lofty goal of $10,000 and in just a few hours, it surpassed that goal.  As a matter of fact, donations are STILL coming in!!  The latest total is $10,260!  I'm seeing a new name highlighted on the thermometer every time I look at the page!!  Thank you to everyone - all over the world - who participated.

I have so, so many reasons to be thankful.

You Are All Invited to Join A Social Experiment!...

Ready for the secret?  I am so excited about this.  I figured out another way that ALL of us can be connected on the evening of "Gavin's Playground Project."  More connected than usual, I should say.

I have often said that "every dollar counts" - and we proved that with "Gavin's Trust Project" when we raised $25,000 in many fives and tens!!  So I decided that early in the evening on Saturday - at 7:30pm, EST, to be exact - we will have the opportunity to prove (to ourselves and to the world) how small $5.00 donations can add up to a huge amount.  And it will happen right before our eyes!!  Readers from all over the world can participate!

GiveSmart created a thermometer for us - and a specific web page devoted to this "Give 5 for Gavin" event!  If you click HERE you will see what the page will look like.  Right now it is counting donations that are coming in on the ticket page, but that night it will also count the $5.00 donations and we'll watch them come in fast and furious! We'll be able to watch that thermometer rise in real time!!  How cool is that?

You NEED to register your phone or computer on the GiveSmart page to participate.  You can do that HERE.

The night of the event, you will receive a reminder text (or email if you registered your home computer) that looks like this:  

"From Kate: Let's see what happens if EVERY reader of Chasing Rainbows gives $5 @7:30pmEST. Reply "Give 5" to this text or click (a link will be in this spot)"

Then, at 7:30pm, EST, you will see a text or email that looks like this: 

"Tap the green donate button to give $5 here (a link will be in this spot) or REPLY "Give 5" NOW & watch the Chasing Rainbows Facebook page for an update!"

For those who won't be able to watch in real time, I will be posting the dollar amount on the Chasing Rainbows page once it's over!  I'm really excited about this part of the evening and I hope you'll join in this fun, social experiment! Feel free to spread the word, tell your friends and set your reminders for Saturday night, April 5th, at 7:30pm, EST!!

There are still tickets available if you want to come to the event!  Remember, you must have pre-purchased a ticket to get in.  Do that HERE.  You can bring the print out of your confirmation email or your license so our wonderful volunteers from the Malvern School can get you registered.

Thank you, as always, for supporting me and loving our family.

**********
Dear Gavin,

This morning was not good.  My worst fears were realized when I woke up feeling nauseous.  And then, Brian got sick. I couldn't believe it.  Two days away from my event - and we spent the entire day in bed with a huge tub between us.  I was pretty devastated this morning.  I have worked so hard on making this night happen for you, Gavin.  Making this playground a reality as part of a way to celebrate your life. To think that I might not make it - or not get things done before the night - created a lot of anxiety.  It's a lot of pressure having 400 people counting on you!

But, as the morning went on... I calmed down.  I re-read last night's blog entry and decided to take my own words to heart. At this point, whatever happens - will happen.  I decided to be brave and ask for help (I really don't like asking for help!) and wow, did people come through.  Friends, strangers, neighbors, relatives... everyone was so willing to help me with a huge task I had to accomplish - stuffing 400 bags with brochures from our event sponsors.  (More on them in a separate entry!)

Granny came over and took care of Hope all day and Brian and I snuggled up in Mommy and Daddy's bed - where we still are.  It was rough up until mid-afternoon but both of us are starting to slowly perk up.  Gavin, your little brother was so brave.  He's never had a stomach virus!  He was such a trooper all day.  Listen, bud... if you have any good doctor connections up there, could you pull in a favor?  Your little sister can NOT get sick.  That would be heartbreaking.

So we had a little detour - and I am behind schedule - and I'm hoping that I have the energy to handle all the things on my "to do list" tomorrow.  But, honestly, you and I both know - well - that in the grand scheme of life, this is not a big deal. Daddy, Brian, Hope and I will be standing in a room that is filled with people that care about you - and want to celebrate your life.  I'm going to soak in all that energy and that will be what gets me through the night.  (Along with undereye concealer and some lipstick)

You have been with me every step, Gavin, as I fumbled my way through planning my very first (and likely last! Whew!) fundraiser.  I knew it.  I felt you.  I miss you... desperately.

Love,
Mommy

This is What Matters...

Dear Gavin,

Lately I have been so, so busy planning this "playground party."  That's what Brian and I have been calling it - the Playground Party.  The last week has been the busiest as I'm taking care of last minute details... and watching the calendar move closer and closer and closer.  We are now just three days away.  Three.

I've thought a lot about how I will feel at the event - what I will say.  So many people (we're inching closer to 400 now!) are going to be there.  I know that we're going to raise a lot of money for this "all abilities" playground, and that makes me so happy.  But I also feel like this event will be a big celebration of you.  Of your life.  Your legacy.  All of these kind people are not coming for the food... or for the game... or to let go of their hard earned money.  They are coming because of you, Gavin... and all that you have inspired.  I am so proud to be your Mommy.

And today, amidst the hustling around to get things done and trying to keep the three of us (lovingly) away from Daddy who was in bed for the second day - I had a moment.  A "nothing else matters" moment.  I had to run upstairs so I put Hope on the floor and asked Brian to keep an eye on her.  As I made my way back downstairs, I could hear him singing.  I stood there for a little bit as he finished his rendition of "Let it Go" and tears welled up in my eyes.  And when I came around the corner, I found them like this...

...with Brian saying, "Did you like that, Hopi doo?  That's Mommy's favorite song.  You gonna smile for me?  Come on - you can smile!  I love you Hopi.  I love you Hopi doo."

And you know, Gavin, in that moment I decided one thing.  This is what matters.  The event is going to happen - we'll either be well or we'll be sick - I'll either raise all the money needed or I won't.  But one thing is for sure - that night... we will all celebrate you.  You, who continues to change the world without ever uttering a word. 

Love,

Mommy

********************

If you have yet to purchase your ticket to "Gavin's Playground Project" - there is still time!  They are $25.00 per person and must be purchased before you arrive on Saturday.  You can do that HERE.

The silent auction is going on right now and I encourage everyone - whether you're attending or not - to register and join in on the fun!  And please share the auction anywhere and everywhere!  You can register HERE by pre-authorizing your credit card (only used if you win a big) with GiveSmart, a very reputable organization that is used by some big time charities!

If you got this far, I've got a secret.  I'm planning a BIG moment at the event - but you don't have to be there to participate.  Everyone will participate at the same time - all over the world.  I can't wait to tell you all about it... tomorrow.

Last Minute Auction Additions - and Raffle Previews!...

I have a half of a journal entry at the bottom of this post, but before I get to that - I wanted to fill you in on some last minute silent auction additions!  You can look for them on the auction site!  I also have a preview of the raffle baskets for those who will be at the event this Saturday.

Are there any Downton Abbey fanatics out there?  This once in a lifetime experience is for you!

The winning bidder will enjoy six days and five nights at the Royal Park Hotel and the Vineyard Hotel for two and a tour of Highclere Castle where they film Downton Abbey!

One of my favorite silent auction items is this high end dog themed basket!!  It's worth $250 and has everything you need to ensure that you don't lose your BFF status with your pooch.  This item is only available to those who are attending the event on April 5th.  It's big - and heavy!!  And it could be yours if you'll be there!

Also for local bidders only - a photography package that will blow your mind.  Meghan from Hope Joy Photography is donating a ... wait for it... WEDDING PACKAGE!!!!

Meghan is very special to us.  If you remember, she volunteered to handle the funeral programs for Gavin's service.  And she will be photographing Hope's baptism for us!  But wait - there's more!  Meghan is also donating a photography package - of your family, your baby, your pet, your anything - at any location you choose (see restrictions).  I am hoping to get this on the auction site tonight, but it will definitely be there tomorrow.  Look for it!

There are also three duplicate trips that have the airfare removed, making them more affordable - especially if you live nearby.

Look for numbers 174 (Vegas), 175 (Any game - 50 markets), 176 (Ireland), and 178 (All Star Disney) - they are all "Land Only," meaning airfare is not included. 

Now - on to the raffles.  For those who are attending the event (Make sure you have your ticket!  No tickets are sold at the door!), you'll have opportunities to bring home some incredible raffles!!  Raffle tickets will be sold:

5 tickets for $10.00 or 10 tickets for $20.00

Trust me, you'll want to buy 40 tickets and spread them around.  There are some pretty awesome raffles.

A box from the Nordstom makeup counters.

A huge basket filled with Tastefully Simple products.  (Yum!  Beer bread!)

A huge tote that holds a purse, $25.00 gift card, wallet, fabric bin, etc from Thirty One Gifts!

An adorable set of two "Dinosaur Tails" and capes!  There is even a "Super G" cape to honor Gavin!

Gift cards to Seasons 52, Outback and Bertuccis.

Tuition credit to the Music Training Center!

Four hour passes to Sky Zone - and bounce time and birthday party credit at Bounce U.

A lovely basket, including a "Forget Me Not" necklace from Chloe and Isabel.

An Easter basket!

A "Glittery Glam" gift certificate to "Sweet and Sassy"

A movie themed basket including the DVDs Frozen and Saving Mr. Banks!

A Vera Bradley iPad case and a Vera Bradley purse and matching wallet.

Two winners will share $25.00 gift cards to my favorite hometown business, Home Cooked in Paoli!

A beautiful basket (literally - the basket is beautiful!) of high end salon hair care products from our beloved hairdresser, Silvia.

There are a couple other baskets that were not "camera ready" for today's post.  I'll let you be surprised at the event!

Thank you to everyone for your enthusiasm for this event - whether you're participating in the silent auction from your couch or you're anticipating Saturday's event!  I am so happy that this is really coming together.  And to those who are coming... I'm so looking forward to seeing you and meeting you!!

Please say a prayer that we all stay healthy.  It seems a stomach bug is traveling through my family after our get together - and Ed is down for the count in our house.  I am feeling very anxious.