Moving Right Along.....

Things have been busy in the Metsker household since my January post. Our elementary PTO carnival was March 1st. It went really well & we raised $3,700! It's our major fundraiser for the year. Jacob's Gift donated funds to pay for the bounce house and speed pitch game which were items we didn't have at the carnival before. That's one of my goals for the charity is to be able to provide kids with items or events that they normally wouldn't have due to a lack of funding. The owner of Great2Inflate was really kind and gave me a wonderful deal on both items. He even delivered them the night before while we were setting up. We had fun trying it out!

Jacob's Gift also had the opportunity to be a part of the "Rally for Ryan" we had at the elementary school for our friend, Ryan Trewin. We funded the magician who came and performed. I found his link on the internet. He lives in Cleveland and was on the Ellen Show & Good Morning America. When I called him, I figured he would be too expensive but when I told him of our charity and the event for Ryan he gave me a really low rate. He's also coming to perform for a low rate at our Knights and Princesses dance next Saturday which I will explain later. Ryan was at Rainbow Children's in Cleveland for 4 weeks with surgery to straighten his spine. I'm happy to report he came home yesterday to continue the work but at least he is home now. We're so proud to be able to support Ryan and his special family.

I guess I feel a little strange telling people what we've funded with Jacob's Gift but I want them to know not for kudos for us definately. I feel I need to let others know what we are up to and where their donations and support are going. It's already been over a year which I cannot believe but I am very protective of our reputation as a worthwhile charity.

Next Saturday is our Knights and Princesses dance Jacob's Gift is hosting along with the Northwest Elementary PTO. It's a dance mostly for preschool through 2nd graders just for fun. On the flyer I had asked moms to wear their old prom or bridesmaids gowns while the girls will be all fancy as well. My girls have gowns, gloves & tiaras! Who doesn't want to be a princess? It's at the Elm Ridge Party Center in Canal Fulton. Once again, Joyce is donating her hall and we appreciate it so much. We're having a DJ, facepainting, prizes and the magician. Buehler's of Jackson is donating cookies and McDonald's of Canal Fulton is donating the punch. Studio Rhodes Photography is donating a free photo with frame for everyone and the possibility to go order more on his website later. Some moms were nervous they had to dress up but it's just a suggestion. I thought it would be funny and something you wouldn't normally do with your kids. Casual dress is definately OK. I'll blog more after the dance with the results.

We are having our next Night at the Races on Saturday, September 27th at Elm Ridge again. This is our only fundraiser. Last year was so much fun and I'm looking forward to it again. I'm hoping to sell tickets to parents in our community so they can come and have fun together while supporting a charity that benefits Northwest kids. I am going to work all summer collecting gift cards, items for silent auction, etc. If you have any "connections" and can help collect items that can be donated, please let me know. I've hired the same caterer as last year, Santangelo's. He's very kind and gave us the same rate. The food was yummy too! I wanted to do some side boards this year too. I went to the baseball Night at the Races and it was really neat how they did it. I love going to other fundraisers to get ideas. Can you tell I love event planning?

We ended up sending over 300 pairs of gloves to Afghanistan the second time with the help of the elementary parents and St. John's Lutheran church in Canal Fulton. Thanks so much!

Anyway, thanks for reading this far if you made it. Thanks so much for supporting our charity. It's growing and it's great. Continue to pray for Ryan and for little Shelbi Martin, a 5 year old with brain cancer. They are the ones who need it most.

Peace,

Joanna