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.