Friday, April 30, 2010
The Total is in...
Minus our money from J.Gilligan's the 2nd Annual Jeff's Entourage made $2345.00. Special thanks to all the supporters, volunteers, etc. We made some awesome cash flow towards making CF stand for Cure Found!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Jeff’s Entourage 2nd Annual Benefit Concert
J.Gilligan's
400 E. Abram
Arlington, TX
Doors Open - 1:00 PM
Band Line-Up:
1:15 PM - Mo Robson Band
2:15 PM - 17 Hands High
3:15 PM - Special Guest Singer
3:30 PM - Grant Jones and the Pistol Grip Lassos
With Raffle/Doors Prizes announced through out the afternoon. Live Auction to take place prior to Grant Jones and the Pistol Grip Lassos taking the stage. Silent Auction to close at 4:00 PM.
Silent Auction Items *
• Radney Foster Memory Box – Value $ Priceless
• Sosobella Godspeed Necklace – Value $50.00
• 4 tickets to Willie’s 4th of July Picnic – Value $400.00
• Tribute Golf Course (One round of Golf for 4) – Value $500.00
• Downtown Ft.Worth Package – Value $500
o Overnight Stay for 2 at Omni Hotel
o Dinner for 2 at Reata
o Two tickets for Four Day Weekend
• Lightcatcher Wine Tasting Basket – Value $60.00
• Framed Art by ATOY Photography – Value $250.00
• ATOY Photography 1 Hour Photo Sitting with one 8 x 10 Print – Value $150.00
• Original Art by Yvonne4Eyes – Value $60.00
• 2 tickets to Dallas Symphony – Value $130.00
• Dr.Kelly West DDS - New Patient Cleaning, Exam, Full Series X-Rays, take home whitening with custom made trays. Value - $600.00
Raffle Items *
• Pampered Chef Grilling Basket Gift Set – Value $50.00
• Ultimate Keurig Coffee Maker – Value $130.00
• 32 GB iPod Touch – Value $300.00
• (2 available) Softside Frost Bank Collapsible Coolers – Value $30.00 each
• (2 available) Grill Utensils Sets in Foldable Frost Bank Carrier – Value $40.00 each
• O’Reilly’s AC Delco 2 Ton Hydraulic Jack and Jack Stand Kit – Value $50.00
Door Prizes *
• 4 tickets to Gilley’s in Dallas – Value $85.00
• American Express Credit Card – Value $100.00
• (2 available) Stainless Frost Bank Coffee Thermos Sets – Value $35.00 each
• O’Reilly’s Car Wash Kit – Value $35.00
• Uppercase Living Home Décor – Value $25.00
Live Auction *
• Autographed Help Austin Help Haiti Acoustic Guitar – Value $ Priceless
• Tanning Bed Sun Ergoline Model is Sundash Competition – Value $2,000.00
*current at print date
400 E. Abram
Arlington, TX
Doors Open - 1:00 PM
Band Line-Up:
1:15 PM - Mo Robson Band
2:15 PM - 17 Hands High
3:15 PM - Special Guest Singer
3:30 PM - Grant Jones and the Pistol Grip Lassos
With Raffle/Doors Prizes announced through out the afternoon. Live Auction to take place prior to Grant Jones and the Pistol Grip Lassos taking the stage. Silent Auction to close at 4:00 PM.
Silent Auction Items *
• Radney Foster Memory Box – Value $ Priceless
• Sosobella Godspeed Necklace – Value $50.00
• 4 tickets to Willie’s 4th of July Picnic – Value $400.00
• Tribute Golf Course (One round of Golf for 4) – Value $500.00
• Downtown Ft.Worth Package – Value $500
o Overnight Stay for 2 at Omni Hotel
o Dinner for 2 at Reata
o Two tickets for Four Day Weekend
• Lightcatcher Wine Tasting Basket – Value $60.00
• Framed Art by ATOY Photography – Value $250.00
• ATOY Photography 1 Hour Photo Sitting with one 8 x 10 Print – Value $150.00
• Original Art by Yvonne4Eyes – Value $60.00
• 2 tickets to Dallas Symphony – Value $130.00
• Dr.Kelly West DDS - New Patient Cleaning, Exam, Full Series X-Rays, take home whitening with custom made trays. Value - $600.00
Raffle Items *
• Pampered Chef Grilling Basket Gift Set – Value $50.00
• Ultimate Keurig Coffee Maker – Value $130.00
• 32 GB iPod Touch – Value $300.00
• (2 available) Softside Frost Bank Collapsible Coolers – Value $30.00 each
• (2 available) Grill Utensils Sets in Foldable Frost Bank Carrier – Value $40.00 each
• O’Reilly’s AC Delco 2 Ton Hydraulic Jack and Jack Stand Kit – Value $50.00
Door Prizes *
• 4 tickets to Gilley’s in Dallas – Value $85.00
• American Express Credit Card – Value $100.00
• (2 available) Stainless Frost Bank Coffee Thermos Sets – Value $35.00 each
• O’Reilly’s Car Wash Kit – Value $35.00
• Uppercase Living Home Décor – Value $25.00
Live Auction *
• Autographed Help Austin Help Haiti Acoustic Guitar – Value $ Priceless
• Tanning Bed Sun Ergoline Model is Sundash Competition – Value $2,000.00
*current at print date
Live Auction Items
*Live Auction*
Here is a little preview of the items that will be available in the Live Auction.
Live Auction will start at 3:00 PM
(prior to Grant Jones and the Pistol Grip Lassos set)
* Autographed Acoustic Guitar -
Donated on behalf of the artists at the Help Austin Help Haiti Benefit Concert.
Includes the following autographs: Ray Benson, Asleep at the Wheel, Robert Earl Keen, Reckless Kelly, Joe Ely, Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Butch Cochran, Shawn Colvin, The Gourds, Band of Heathens, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis, Lloyd Maines, Curtis Potter, and Radney Foster. Value - Priceless
Tanning Bed - Sun Ergoline Model is Sundash Competition
Donated on behalf of Electric Sun
Value - $2,000.00
Specifications:
• 32 new Genesis 120 watt lamps with 11 new hrf 25 watt facials
• 20-min bed.
• Electrical spec: 4 wire 220v, 30amp breaker (an Electrician will need to connect to the wall)
• Free Delivery within 30 miles
• 90 Day Warranty on Parts & Service
• If you should have any questions regarding the tanning bed, please ask to speak with Rod Slack.
*Silent Auction will close at 4:00 PM, please come by and check your bids at this time and confirm if you are the lucky winner.
Here is a little preview of the items that will be available in the Live Auction.
Live Auction will start at 3:00 PM
(prior to Grant Jones and the Pistol Grip Lassos set)
* Autographed Acoustic Guitar -
Donated on behalf of the artists at the Help Austin Help Haiti Benefit Concert.
Includes the following autographs: Ray Benson, Asleep at the Wheel, Robert Earl Keen, Reckless Kelly, Joe Ely, Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Butch Cochran, Shawn Colvin, The Gourds, Band of Heathens, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis, Lloyd Maines, Curtis Potter, and Radney Foster. Value - Priceless
Tanning Bed - Sun Ergoline Model is Sundash Competition
Donated on behalf of Electric Sun
Value - $2,000.00
Specifications:
• 32 new Genesis 120 watt lamps with 11 new hrf 25 watt facials
• 20-min bed.
• Electrical spec: 4 wire 220v, 30amp breaker (an Electrician will need to connect to the wall)
• Free Delivery within 30 miles
• 90 Day Warranty on Parts & Service
• If you should have any questions regarding the tanning bed, please ask to speak with Rod Slack.
*Silent Auction will close at 4:00 PM, please come by and check your bids at this time and confirm if you are the lucky winner.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Where did our time go... (a post from Mom)
I’ve been going through a box of old pictures and the last ten years this task has proved to the hardest thing in my life that I do. It is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it gives me special time to reflect on not only your life but mine also. A curse because when I am through, it is all I can do to make it through the rest of the day without a huge “Bubba Cry Session”.
I’ve tried to stay strong for the girls when in fact a lot of the time I am falling apart inside I am so lonely without you. It was so special “growing up” together. It was quite a ride and yes, there are so many times and things that I would like to have a “do over” on but I know that is not possible; at least not in this life.
Jeffory as we get ready to start our intense effort to raise money for CF this year, please know it is all for you. I know you are happy and out of pain because you have told me on several occasions but it doesn’t ease the pain I feel as a mother that lost her baby. A part of me will forever be missing.
Just know that everything we do, we do for you. Godspeed little man, sweet dreams.
Love, Mom
(make sure and pause playlist at bottom of blog for music)
I’ve tried to stay strong for the girls when in fact a lot of the time I am falling apart inside I am so lonely without you. It was so special “growing up” together. It was quite a ride and yes, there are so many times and things that I would like to have a “do over” on but I know that is not possible; at least not in this life.
Jeffory as we get ready to start our intense effort to raise money for CF this year, please know it is all for you. I know you are happy and out of pain because you have told me on several occasions but it doesn’t ease the pain I feel as a mother that lost her baby. A part of me will forever be missing.
Just know that everything we do, we do for you. Godspeed little man, sweet dreams.
Love, Mom
(make sure and pause playlist at bottom of blog for music)
JE 2nd Annual Benefit Concert
Look forward to seeing everyone this Saturday...we have a lot of exciting auction items, raffle prizes, and door prizes! Will post a firm list of all of this information toward the end of the week...Stay Tuned!
Live music from Grant Jones and the Pistol Grip Lassos, with guests Mo Robson and 17 Hands High...and a special performance from Vanessa Lozada. You don't want to miss it!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Good News...
I officially will be working direct for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation starting May 3rd...I'm nervous, excited, anxious, etc. all at the same time. Having been working for the same company for the last 8 1/2 years has me in my comfort zone, but I know I made the right decision for me, and I will be doing something I'm passionate about. My new title will be Special Event Specialists...something I have always had a desire to do...and now I will be doing it on a daily basis for an organization that I deeply care about. So Bubba, I begin this journey with your support and guidance...without you I would not be making this step!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Why We Fundraise? (Up Close & Personal)
My Mother's Reason
My name is Shirley Relien and I lost my 26 year old son Jeff in the fall of 2000 to Cystic Fibrosis. You may or may not be familiar with this dreadful childhood disease but Jeff was diagnosed at the age of 6 weeks with CF. I was a 20 year old girl that could barely say Cystic Fibrosis much less know what all it involved. So, as you can imagine our world seemed to fall apart for quite sometime. In 1974 the life expectancy was 12 years and we were told to take him home and love him as we had no guarantees as to how long he would survive.
Through the years with new drugs, research and the possibility of a transplant, things seemed to look up. But once again our world fell apart on September 22, 2000.
I made a commitment to myself and my son that I will continue as long as I am physically and mentally able or until a cure is found to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It is my hope that one day no family will have to endure losing a son, brother and husband with so much life ahead of him.
Jeffory, as we get ready to start our intense effort to raise money for CF this year please know it is all for you.
My Sister's Reason
It has been almost 10 years since we lost my Bubba to his long battle with CF, and it still kills me to talk about him in the past tense. If I would have realized what was REALLY going on the weeks/days prior to his passing I would have shared many of my fears, jokes, and stories with him. I would have loved to hear his laugh one more time. He had an electric laugh that was ‘one of a kind’. That is one of the many reasons why I fundraise towards a cure for this nasty disease. So that another mother, wife, sister, daughter doesn’t have to lose a loved one that still had so much life to live. So that a mom can see her son smile with his one chipped tooth - So that a husband can tell his wife his endless collection of jokes - So that a brother can protect his sisters. I feel my brother’s presence here on earth; I see his smiles in my children’s eyes. I know he is with me, and that comforts me and encourages me towards my goals every year that I set in my Great Strides endeavors. He is my Hero; my Guardian Angel and I love him more than any words could ever describe. He was a true gem!!! This is why I fight…so that CF stands for a “Cure Found”!!!
My Reason
My brother, Jeffory “Bubba” Duane Smith touched anyone who ever came in contact with him, and he continues to touch people with his spirit. This year marks the 10th year of his passing, and I will tell you that it still feels like yesterday we were saying good-bye to him in the hospital. It was a very surreal moment in life, which no one can understand until they experience it themselves. Watching someone you love so dearly slip away right before your eyes is one of the most painful experiences I've ever been through. Then the aftermath...well, it was hard. But, we picked ourselves up for him...and started honoring his memory, because that is what he would want us to do.
Another reason I fight for this cause is because I know that I'm a carrier of the CF gene...when my identical twin sister got pregnant with her first child, she immediately knew that she should get tested, and that's when we found out that we also carried the gene that our mother does. Fortunately my brother in law doesn't...so...long story short, it was a relief to us all. But, I now know that in the future I too will have to go through the same trials and tribulation to find out if my future husband carries the gene. I have thought about it long and hard, being 27 and always knowing that I would want to be a mother, if there were a chance that my child would have CF, would I proceed with getting pregnant? The question is still unanswered, it was hard watching my mom go through what she did, but I know her love for him could conquer all, and that's the main reason I think I would still take a chance. Motherhood seems to be the most rewarding career anyone could ever have, and to have a bond with my children like my mom has with us, well I guess you could say that it’s pretty rare and really unique. So a cure for Cystic Fibrosis is very important to me, and that’s why I fight to raise the money for the best research to help find it.
In 2009, I decided that I was ready to take the plunge for our team and head up the first benefit concert in memory of my brother, and it was a success. We raised $5,000on April 17th, 2009 on a Friday evening with 3 bands, silent auction, and raffle. Thanks to Randy Ford, owner of J.Gilligan’s and Beverly James, with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, I gained the confidence I needed to make this an Annual Event. So in 2010, our goal is to raise $10,000 with the concert event to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Great Strides, and Jeff’s Entourage. To make CF stand for Cure Found!
My name is Shirley Relien and I lost my 26 year old son Jeff in the fall of 2000 to Cystic Fibrosis. You may or may not be familiar with this dreadful childhood disease but Jeff was diagnosed at the age of 6 weeks with CF. I was a 20 year old girl that could barely say Cystic Fibrosis much less know what all it involved. So, as you can imagine our world seemed to fall apart for quite sometime. In 1974 the life expectancy was 12 years and we were told to take him home and love him as we had no guarantees as to how long he would survive.
Through the years with new drugs, research and the possibility of a transplant, things seemed to look up. But once again our world fell apart on September 22, 2000.
I made a commitment to myself and my son that I will continue as long as I am physically and mentally able or until a cure is found to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It is my hope that one day no family will have to endure losing a son, brother and husband with so much life ahead of him.
Jeffory, as we get ready to start our intense effort to raise money for CF this year please know it is all for you.
My Sister's Reason
It has been almost 10 years since we lost my Bubba to his long battle with CF, and it still kills me to talk about him in the past tense. If I would have realized what was REALLY going on the weeks/days prior to his passing I would have shared many of my fears, jokes, and stories with him. I would have loved to hear his laugh one more time. He had an electric laugh that was ‘one of a kind’. That is one of the many reasons why I fundraise towards a cure for this nasty disease. So that another mother, wife, sister, daughter doesn’t have to lose a loved one that still had so much life to live. So that a mom can see her son smile with his one chipped tooth - So that a husband can tell his wife his endless collection of jokes - So that a brother can protect his sisters. I feel my brother’s presence here on earth; I see his smiles in my children’s eyes. I know he is with me, and that comforts me and encourages me towards my goals every year that I set in my Great Strides endeavors. He is my Hero; my Guardian Angel and I love him more than any words could ever describe. He was a true gem!!! This is why I fight…so that CF stands for a “Cure Found”!!!
My Reason
My brother, Jeffory “Bubba” Duane Smith touched anyone who ever came in contact with him, and he continues to touch people with his spirit. This year marks the 10th year of his passing, and I will tell you that it still feels like yesterday we were saying good-bye to him in the hospital. It was a very surreal moment in life, which no one can understand until they experience it themselves. Watching someone you love so dearly slip away right before your eyes is one of the most painful experiences I've ever been through. Then the aftermath...well, it was hard. But, we picked ourselves up for him...and started honoring his memory, because that is what he would want us to do.
Another reason I fight for this cause is because I know that I'm a carrier of the CF gene...when my identical twin sister got pregnant with her first child, she immediately knew that she should get tested, and that's when we found out that we also carried the gene that our mother does. Fortunately my brother in law doesn't...so...long story short, it was a relief to us all. But, I now know that in the future I too will have to go through the same trials and tribulation to find out if my future husband carries the gene. I have thought about it long and hard, being 27 and always knowing that I would want to be a mother, if there were a chance that my child would have CF, would I proceed with getting pregnant? The question is still unanswered, it was hard watching my mom go through what she did, but I know her love for him could conquer all, and that's the main reason I think I would still take a chance. Motherhood seems to be the most rewarding career anyone could ever have, and to have a bond with my children like my mom has with us, well I guess you could say that it’s pretty rare and really unique. So a cure for Cystic Fibrosis is very important to me, and that’s why I fight to raise the money for the best research to help find it.
In 2009, I decided that I was ready to take the plunge for our team and head up the first benefit concert in memory of my brother, and it was a success. We raised $5,000on April 17th, 2009 on a Friday evening with 3 bands, silent auction, and raffle. Thanks to Randy Ford, owner of J.Gilligan’s and Beverly James, with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, I gained the confidence I needed to make this an Annual Event. So in 2010, our goal is to raise $10,000 with the concert event to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Great Strides, and Jeff’s Entourage. To make CF stand for Cure Found!
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