Benefit/Fundraiser a HUGE success!!!

I have so much to process through from our great weekend with the Benefit/Fundraiser- this may take a few posts! But thought I'd get started for those that are interested in how it went!   

Little man's daddy and I are from small town community's.   There is just something about a small town community that rivals no other community you will form.  From the beginning stages of this illness with our son, we have received unending support from "back home"- by way of prayers, special sentiments and supportive words sent our way. We wanted to help all those, that have supported us all these months, to understand what this allergy that our son has is about.   We also wanted to raise awareness in our communities- for those not familiar with us or FPIES.  We accomplished those goals and then some.   As noted in a previous post, we were published in a local paper: The Watch.  That paper has far reaching clients and we received support, and donations from people we did not even know but whom had read this article!   Not only that but 2 other local papers printed articles in conjunction with this article.  One paper (the RLF Gazette) printing that same article and the other (Oklee Herald) printing this article I wrote for my File Cabinet blog: What is FPIES?   A-mazing!!  I was so surprised when my mom, who had saved the articles for us, showed them to me!  As we were putting together last minute details and setting up for the benefit, I was reflecting on the success we already had....our goals already so accomplished.   We had raised awareness.  

OOF-Da Taco's  provided the food, with 100% of the proceeds from the sales going to the FPIES United Family Fund established through CHOP Foundation for research, supportive and education services to be established for FPIES.  Unequivocal generosity.  And again, our goal was accomplished.  Funds were raised, in Sam's name for future research, for supportive services to be established for families and education for doctors.  So that future families will not to endure what our Little Man, and our family had to because of the unfamiliarity of this rare allergy.

The day started out raining....and kept raining, and raining.....but friends and family from far and near, came anyway -- all to eat for Sam!   And to meet him!  Again, our goals were met.  Those that couldn't make it in person, were with us in thoughts, prayers...and donations.

We had a Silent Auction, in which we (by way of my sister and her friend who managed this Benefit) had numerous generous donations for!  Thankfully too, we had interested bidders!  We also did a free drawing/door prizes as well as balloon sales with a chance for a prize.   Our sons, J.(8yrs) did a Kids booth- with games and prizes for the kids, while W.(10yrs) with help from T.(3yrs) did a lemonade/cookie/donut stand!  They all did a really great job, and they felt so good for contributing to their little brother's benefit and fundraising efforts.  We also had a slide show, an array of informational sheets on FPIES, and a display of Little Man's safe foods.   

We were so fortunate to be able to visit with everyone who came: friends, family, neighbors, teachers, and even a fellow FPIES family.  A family we feel like we've known for years, a family that drove over 3hrs. to Come Eat for Sam- and to meet us!  We were so grateful for them to make the trip and for Little Man and K. to meet! 

We are so very blessed!!