Community Volunteering
Posted by Carolyn K under A Smile and a Story®,Dairy Queen,In the Community on
I love theater- music, drama, dance…the arts. Just love all of it. One of my earliest memories is as a tiny girl going to see The Nutcracker Ballet with my parents. If I close my eyes I can still see that stage and the dancers. Wonderful!
I am currently assisting one of our local community theater groups with props for their April production. With most of our city currently buried under several feet of snow, garage sales are out of the question. Rats. Thank goodness for second-hand stores, discount stores and online sale sites.
I have made a connection in the last couple of days that will help me find the last bits of furniture I will need for our set. Connections. That’s really what it’s all about isn’t it? Connecting with others in your community, building relationships and getting to know people…really know them, not just the “Hi,” “Bye,” “I’ve seen you in the community,” kind of know.
This kind of connection is what American Dairy Queen Corporation upholds as one of our values — giving back to the communities in which we live, work and do business. It’s one of the reasons I’m so proud to be part of the DQ Family.
What kinds of things are you doing in your community?
Comments
My Mission
As many of you know..Im a planner …Parties, Events, Jack and Jills..I sink myself completly into something with all the little touches to make it perfect. Thats just me..Im dedicated to say the least when my heart is into something.
The last month of Eugenes life was heartbreaking. Helpless almost.
We both knew he was dying, and there were no options left. He had tried every drug available that we could afford.
The re were 2 more options..unreachable to us.
One drug was not covered by any insurance company..It was $2800 a month. No help.
The second was $5000 a month , but the government would subsidize the drug so the patients portion was $2600 a month.
Both of these drugs were unreachable to us. Maybe one of them wouldve given us more time.
I am doing the event to support Kidney Cancer on May 15th. This year the proceeds will go to Dr Tannock..A thankyou for keeping Eugene with us as long as possible.
But this is not my true vision.
Kidney Cancer effects many people. But statistics show a staggering connection between men in construction and industrial jobs and high death rates. So I research..As Ive done for 2 years..Men diagnosed at an age between 40 and 59 in these work fields almost always die. They are diagnosed too late.
WHY?
Because in these work fields lower back pain is common. Many men sluff it off as work related and deal with the pain. They dont complain, they dont see a doctor. By the time the pain is unbearable, and the diagnosis is made, more often than not the Kidney Cancer has massticed itself to other organs in the body. Thus being the mens cancer dubbed the”silent killer”.
I want to educate. I want to help.
There are millions of fundrasing organizations that donate directly to hospitals..Hospitals dont need this money. They recieve corporate donations and tax write offs all year long from big companies and levels of government, as well as all the hard work and donations from the “little guys”..
I want to raise funds accessable to the families. For treatments beyond thier reach. I want to set up a Memorial Day for Eugene where the proceeds go DIRECTLY to the families that need them..To get a treatment or drug that lets that man be here for his sons wedding, for the birth of his first Grandchild, to see his daughter Graduate, to watch his sons little league finals.
I want to approach corperations, small buisinesses and individuals that can offer donations, prizes and items to raise funds .
I want to have pamphlets set up in hospitals and at doctors offices with a form to fill out so they can apply to have thier drug covered. My goal for next Eugene Lake Memorial Ball Day is to raise enough money to help 5 families that year. And as this goes on I will help more. Each year i will continue to offer hope to that man and his family who just cant make that drug money appear.Who is struggling to continue to work to put food on the table, while living a silent hell. To give his family peace of mind that maybe “this drug might work”..To not allow lack of funding cut short his precious time with the people who love him dearly.
This is my mission.
I will do this.
I will help someone elses family have a bit more time.
In honour of my Family
In honour of the working man
In honour of My Sweet Prince.
My goal..2 years from now I will help 5 families with thier drug costs. And maybe give someone the gift of time.
These drugs are very expensive..It will take 2 years to build enough with fundraising to start even one persons treatment. Please help me prolong the life of someone batteling Kidney cancer.
It could be someone you love.
To Whom It May Concern
On January 17th of this year I lost my husband and Best Friend to Kidney Cancer..
He was the father of 8 beautiful children and a dear friend to many. Kidney Cancer , as you may be aware of ..Is the leading “silent” killer in men. It is usually diagnosed too late and there is no effective Chemotherapy or Radiation available to fight this type of cancer.lThe life span from Diagnosis is not more than 2 years. My husband was a pitcher in a smalltown Mens Fast Ball League and on May 15th, 2011 there will be a memorial Ball Game in his honour. I am writing this to you in hopes that your company may be able to donate an item for the Silent Auction or Raffle we are planning to do. The proceeds from this day will go to Princess Margaret Hospital in my husbands name to help research Kidney Cancer..Its causes and eventually a treatment that may help other Families keep thier loved ones for a longer span than 2 years. I understand you are probably bombarded with requests on a daily basis for donations, And I apprieciate any help you may be able to give. Please include with your donation a buisiness card to attach to the prize/service and an email address so we can send you photos of the day.
A heartfelt Thankyou from the Lake Family
leeann.lake@live.com
Hello Leeann,
I am so sorry to hear of your struggle and your husbands passing. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Your strength and dedication to helping others is a great inspiration. I would suggest reaching out to your local Dairy Queen and asking if they would be able to donate an item for your auction. Best of luck to you in your mission.