Runners, walkers hit the streets for the Foundation

All 20 members of Team CdLS crossed the finish line of the Chicago Marathon this past Sunday. To date, the team has raised more $63,000 for the Foundation, and the donations are still coming in. A big thanks to all the members, many of whom are pictured in th pre-race photo below.

And a big high-five to Joel and Maureen in Michigan, who held the first Walk for Will and Hope this past weekend as well. Their event raised nearly $5,000 for the Foundation. Read more about the walk (and see pictures of the always adorable Hope) at  http://journeyofhopekurth.blogspot.com/2009/10/walk-for-will-and-hope.html.

Team CdLS Chicago runners before the race

Team CdLS takes Manhattan Beach by storm

Los Angeles-area families and friends took to the streets of Manhattan Beach this past Saturday in honor of children with CdLS – and of one young man in particular, local resident Mikey Gonella, who passed away three years ago.

His parents, Julie and Roy, put together a team of runner and walkers for the Manhattan Beach 10K. It was their way of giving back to the Foundation for the support it provided to the family for 18 years. And give  back they did: the team raised  more than $35,000. Way to go!

Team CdLS Manhattan Beach

You can read a news article about the family and the race at http://www.cdlsusa.org/news/Gonella%20Daily%20Breeze.pdf.

Go the distance for kids with CdLS

On October 11, Team CdLS runs the 26.2-mile Chicago Marathon in support of children with CdLS. You can be part of the event without ever hitting the pavement by joining Team CdLS in its second phantom marathon — no sneakers required.

You’ll experience the satisfaction of running for someone you love, without needing to stretch a muscle, quicken your stride or ice your knee. To learn more and request your Phantom Runner Kit, call 800-753-2357, email events@CdLSusa.org , or go online, http://www.cdlsusa.org//teamcdls/phantom_marathon_2009.html.

Go Team!

A diVINE event to benefit the Foundation

This fall, the Foundation introduces an event that is truly divine. New Englanders are invited to attend Vines, Wines and Meaningful Times, a wine tasting event in Coventry, CT to benefit the Foundation on September 26.

Guests enjoy a tour of the Cassidy Hill Vineyard cellars, taste unique wines, view the beautiful countryside, and spend some quality time with friends.

Proceeds help provide much-needed services to those affected by CdLS and their families. In the midst of a hectic-paced society, who knew that awareness and fundraising could be done by relaxing with a glass of your favorite wine? This event is sure to be a barrel of fun!

To RSVP  or to receive more information about hosting your own wine tasting to benefit the Foundation, email events@CdLSusa.org or call 800-753-2357. The Foundation is “grapeful” for your support! – JS

P.S. If you don’t receive our quarterly newsletter, Reaching Out, by mail, the new Summer 2009 issue is now available online. Click here to view our latest issue. Want to receive an email link to each new issue? Email info@CdLSusa.org to join the email list.

 

Time to make some change

Just in time for fall, the CdLS Foundation is excited to announce it’s new program, which will use common “cents” to make some real change for those with CdLS. Introducing Pennies for Jessica, a fundraising program available to clubs & organizations throughout the country.

Pennies for Jessica is designed to increase awareness of CdLS in your community and raise funds to provide family support services to families affected by the syndrome. It’s inspired by Jessica, a young girl with CdLS from Mississippi, who began collecting pennies for the CdLS Foundation more than a decade ago. This program is open to any club or organization interested in supporting programs to help disabled children.

Here’s how it works: Representatives from clubs/organizations contact the CdLS Foundation to schedule a free presentation by a Foundation volunteer at a monthly meeting. The volunteers is provided with all the materials needed for a successful presentation. After the presentation, members are asked to distribute Pennies for Jessica collection boxes throughout their communities. Members also have the option of setting up tables at grocery stores and other high traffic areas and collecting the donations personally.

This program is designed to be easy. The event can start any time after the Pennies for Jessica presentation is given and can last for a week, a month, a season, or continually. The organization simply chooses a time frame and how many boxes it wants to distribute. That’s it!

Why participate?  The great thing about this event is that it benefits everyone. Funds raised support the Foundation and those it serves while clubs & organizations get a crash course in CdLS awareness while showing their support for disabled children and their commitment to community service.

We hope that Pennies for Jessica will truly “Provide Hope Through Change.” If you’d like to learn more about this event, know of an organization who’d like to participate, or want to volunteer as a presenter, please contact Gail at events@CdLSusa.org or call the office at 800-753-2357. Together, we can make a litte change go a long way! – JS