Thumbs Up Campaign: Who Will Win?

The Thumbs Up Campaign is still going strong at many local Ashland businesses.  Have you seen the logo in some neighborhood storefronts lately?


Local Ashland businesses have volunteered to support the Thumbs Up Campaign.  Add a $1 (or more) donation to each transaction and 100% of the proceeds will benefit CJSTUF.  Each donor gets their name on a card which will be posted prominently in the business.

Current participating businesses include:
Pepicellis Pizza         208 S. Washington Highway, Ashland
NY Nails & Tan          107 N. Washington Highway (Ashland-Hanover Shopping Center)
Ashland Pack & Ship  225 N. Washington Highway (Ashland-Hanover Shopping Center)
Flower Depot           211 N. Washington Highway (Ashland-Hanover Shopping Center)
Cross Bros. Grocery   107 S. Railroad Avenue
Train Town Toy & Hobby 104 S. Railroad Avenue
1st Capital Bank-Ashland  409 S. Washington Highway, Ashland


100% of the proceeds will go to CJSTUF's programs, providing financial assistance to families in need.  The business that sells the most cards will win a team-building workshop from Comedy Sportz Improv Theater valued at $1500!


The Thumbs Up Campaign will be going on through May 31st. 

Thumbs Up Campaign: Local Businesses Give Back

If you're shopping around Ashland in the next month or two, you might say some of the proprietors are "all thumbs".  


Local Ashland businesses have volunteered to support the Thumbs Up Campaign.  Add a $1 (or more) donation to each transaction and 100% of the proceeds will benefit CJSTUF.  Each donor gets their name on a card which will be posted prominently in the business.

Current participating businesses include:
Pepicellis Pizza         208 S. Washington Highway, Ashland
NY Nails & Tan          107 N. Washington Highway, Ashland (Martin's Shopping Center)
Ashland Pack & Ship 225 N. Washington Highway, Ashland (Martin's Shopping Center)
Flower Depot           211 N. Washington Highway, Ashland (Martin's Shopping Center)
The Thumbs Up Campaign will be going on through May 31st. 


If you own a local business that would like to participate, contact Roger ASAP.  We will supply each business with donor cards, posters, and information about the foundation that can be distributed to customers.  The business that raises the most funds by May 31st will win a team-building comedy workshop for their staff from Comedy Sportz Improv Theater valued at $1500!


PS You don't have to be an Ashland business to participate! 

Get in the Spirit with some Art!

Our April fundraiser is going to help us get into the spirit of Spring.  


Spirited Art Richmond is hosting as our Business of the Month.  Join us on Tuesday, April 24th from 6:30-9 PM and you can paint your very own butterfly!

What's that you say? 

You're not artistic? 

You can't paint?!?  

Forget all those ideas. 

Spirited Art makes it easy and fun.  I attended a Spirited Art event about two months ago with some of the other writers from Richmond Mom.  I am one of the least artistic people I know and I found it both easy and fun.  The instructors guide you through the process step by step.  You can customize your picture and everyone's creation is unique.  PLUS, you have access to affordable wine and appetizers from The Wine Loft (conveniently located next door) so no matter what happens, we'll be relaxed and contented!  

My first Spirited Art Creation

from start to finish

If I can do it....

...you can do it!

Visit our website if you need more information.  Cost is $35 for the evening (wine and appetizers are extra). Space is limited so call today or go online to register for our fundraising night.  A large portion ($25) of each registration comes back to CJSTUF so this should be a great night for our organization.  


By the way, speaking of Richmond Mom, don't forget to nominate your favorite Richmond Super Mom by April 14th. We will get a $5 donation for every nomination!


Also, now is the time to start thinking about hosting a Butterfly Social in May. What is a Butterfly Social? It's a great excuse to have a party or special get together for your friends.  You can give your party any theme you desire and use it as an opportunity to raise awareness (or even a little $$) for our organization. We can provide you with an entire event kit, including invitations, an event checklist, party ideas, and even some cool CJSTUF swag for your guests.  Stay tuned for more information or contact us if you have questions.  


Happy Easter, Happy Passover, and Happy Spring to one and all. 

FAQs about the Thumbs Up Ball

The Thumbs Up Ball is less than 2 weeks away! 
Do you have your tickets yet?


Over the last few weeks, we've received some questions about the event so I figured I would give some answers right here on the blog.  


What is the Thumbs Up Ball?

It's a family dance celebrating Valentine's Day! It's a great opportunity for the family to enjoy an evening out.  Plus, you will help your community. 100% of the proceeds from the event will benefit families in the Richmond area dealing with chronic and life threatening illness.  


When and where does the Thumbs Up Ball take place?
The event is on February 18th from 4:30-7 PM at Shady Grove UMC in Richmond's West End, 4825 Pouncey Tract Rd. 


What should I wear to the Thumbs Up Ball?
There is no official dress code. You can come in your fanciest party clothes or your most outlandish Hawaiian shirt.  If you have been looking for an opportunity to get dressed up for a night on the town, though, this is a great excuse.  Richmond Photographics will be on hand to take family photos for a nominal donation to CJSTUF. How often do you get the whole family looking spiffy in one place?


What will there be to eat?
Pepicelli's Pizza of Ashland has donated pizza and subs. Kelly's Cakes will be providing cupcakes and a cake as well.  We will also have coffee, tea, punch, and assorted snacks.  This is an alcohol free event.


What activities will be there for the kids?
We will have some simple craft activities for all ages.  Plus, musical entertainment from Offering will provide great opportunities to strut your stuff on the dance floor.  There will be something for everyone.


I've never been to a Silent Auction before. How does it work?
Local businesses have provided some great items for our Silent Auction. We have everything from homemade kid's clothes to yard tools to manicures, massages, and gift certificates from great local restaurants. Each item or package will have a starting bid (usually half the item's value). During the event, add your name and bid to the items you want.  At the close of the auction, the highest bidder wins! We have Silent Auction packages ranging in value from $35 for a ionic foot spa from Massage Within to $1500 for a corporate team-building training package from Comedy Sportz Richmond!


Do I have to bid on items in order to come to the event?
No. The Silent Auction and raffle are optional.  

Raffle? There's a raffle too?
Each ticket to the event will give you one entry into the raffle. You can buy additional raffle tickets for $1 each at the event.  We have a variety of raffle items including gift cards to local businesses and tickets to local events.


Should I bring money to the event?
If you wish to purchase family photos or bid on silent auction items, be sure to bring a little extra dough. We will be able to accept cash, checks, or credit/debit cards at the event.


Ok, you've convinced me. I'm in! How do I get tickets?
Go to the CJSTUF website and order tickets online. You can pay via credit card through our website or send a check within 3 business days.  


Will you have tickets available at the door?
Tickets are $10 in advance.  If we don't sell out, tickets will be $15 at the door.  


See you there!

World Cancer Day

Today is World Cancer Day. 


We remember survivors. We remember friends and family taken far too soon. We remember the doctors, nurses, and researchers who devote their lives to searching for cures and caring for the sick.  We remember our heroes who fight with their lives.  


Many of us think of these things every day. 


Before January 20, 2009, cancer was something that happened to other people.  Before that day, I heard about a friend or acquaintance (usually an adult) who had received a diagnosis, who had died, or who was living in remission after a hard-fought battle.  I felt empathy for them but I don't think I could completely understand. 


When we were drafted into the war, Roger and I were brought immediately to the front lines. We watched our daughter endure surgeries and treatment protocols. We saw her lose her hair (twice). We waited for news on scans with anxiety and anticipation. We learned what was truly meant by the words "a matter of life or death."  


Our lives will never again be the same. 


As we recognize World Cancer Day, think of how you can make an impact with anyone fighting the battle.  You don't have to cure the disease to make a difference.  


Make a meal for a family in crisis. Offer to babysit for siblings so a parent can spend more time at the hospital or balance the rest of their lives with their child's healthcare.  Send a note, just to let someone with cancer know that you are thinking about them. Let them know that you admire their courage.  


There are hundreds of organizations in the world devoted to helping those affected by cancer. Some focus on research, while others focus on caring for the individuals and families at every stage of diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and (unfortunately) sometimes death.  Use World Cancer Day as an opportunity to learn more about what you can do to help. You can volunteer your talents and donate your time and money to so many worthy causes.  


Until we can eliminate cancer, we continue to remember. 

The Thumbs Up Ball

Have you made your plans for Valentine's Day yet?

Bring the sweethearts in your life to the Thumbs Up Ball! 


This family dance will feature:
Live music by Offering, a diverse local band!


Family-friendly food provided by Pepicelli's Pizza and Kelly's Cakes. 


Craft activities for the kids


We will have a Silent Auction with items ranging from massages, restaurant gift certificates, tools from Ashland Ace Hardware, veterinary services from The Housecall Vet and Wellesley Animal Hospital, a pink mini-cooper kid's car, tickets to Goochland Drive-In, and MORE! For more items, check out a full list of our generous sponsors.  


There will be raffle items too! Each ticket to the event will give you a raffle ticket. Additional tickets will be available at the event for $1 each.  


PLUS...take advantage of the opportunity to have the family "all dressed up".  Richmond Photographics will be on hand to take family photos for a nominal donation to CJSTUF.


The best part? 100% of the proceeds will benefit CJ's Thumbs Up Foundation! 


The event will be Saturday, February 18th from 4:30-7:00 PM at the Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Short Pump.  Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door (if available).  

Get your tickets online at our website.  

PS Don't forget to bring some extra spending money for the Silent Auction and Raffle. We will be able to accept cash, check, or credit cards at the event.  

Share your memories with us

Saturday January 7th will mark two years since Charlotte emerged from her consuming chrysalis and flew away as a beautiful butterfly. 

We will remember the day with friends and family at 1 PM in our cul-de-sac. Anyone local is welcome to attend. We will have plenty of balloons and blank notes so people can write and send messages to Charlotte.


If you cannot attend our Remember CJ event, we invite you to remember sweet Charlotte in your own way. Please leave a message in the comments, either here in the blog or on our Facebook page, telling us how you have marked the day, a favorite Charlotte memory, or anything else you would like to share.


We appreciate the love and support that we feel from our community at this time. 


With much love,


Rachel & Roger

If you have tissues handy, you're invited to watch this video created by our friends, Julia Dollison & Kerry Marsh, in honor of Charlotte. It's a beautiful tribute to our girl.  

Radiance from Julia Dollison on Vimeo.

About the music: transcribed from Keith Jarrett's improvised solo piano recording in "Radiance Part 8", vocal a cappella arrangement by Kerry Marsh, lyrics by Julia Dollison, performed by Kerry Marsh & Julia Dollison.

Lyrics:

Sometimes in her sleep, she smiles.

Is she dreaming? is she far away?

Sometimes in her sleep, she laughs.

Is she happy? does she wish she could stay?

Sometimes in her sleep, she cries,

and you hold her and pray.

Morning comes, and she'll forget -

Things we dream about never make much sense.

Then the sun shines in, so bright,

just like her radiance.

All these moments fly by so quickly,

but she never seems to mind -

as long as you're by her side.

Sometimes in her sleep,

She awakens to find you were there all the while.

With a smile, she returns to her dreams.