Every Day Is A Bonus!

That's one of our catch phrases.

It evolved during Charlotte's treatment out of the realization that we may be spending our last days with her.  It's our statement that no matter how inconvenient it may be to have to wait at the toll booth, or find that a piece of technology isn't working correctly, or to get mayo on your burger (when you expressly ordered one with NO MAYO!), it's all pretty insignificant when compared to the fact that the time you have to spend with loved ones is finite and can end at any moment.

Every Day Is A Bonus!

Like anyone, we find ourselves losing sight of this, occasionally (not very often but it happens).  We need reminders that Every Day Is A Bonus which is why we wear the bracelets, have photographs of Charlotte all over the place, and spend nearly every free moment we have working on/thinking about CJSTUF stuf.

Bedonna Wakeman's piece

The Fall Art Auction is coming up tomorrow at the Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen and we're all working feverishly to get everything in place.   Besides the fact that it's a cool fundraiser, it's also one of those big reminders.  It's a reminder to us that what really matters isn't how much money we bring in but the fact that so many wonderfully talented artists have donated pieces for our event - everything from pieces of jewelry to a beautiful 4' X 5' painting from Pirate Alley Artist Bedonna Wakeman to a "commissioned" piece from one of our youngest contributors, Ani Checkosky.

These artists remind us that Every Day Is A Bonus!

There are also the volunteers who will be giving of their valuable time to make sure we have an event worth attending.  This includes three live interactive artists who will actually be creating pieces during the event to be auctioned off at the end of the evening.  There are also Brothers of Alpha Phi Omega from Randolph-Macon College, auctioneer Marlynn Turner, and of course, members of our amazing Board who will be helping to remind us.

The generous sponsors and those who have donated in lieu of tickets because they are able to attend remind us.

And the end result of it all,  besides keeping US centered, is continued support of the families in the best way we can with the resources we have been allowed to gather from you.

Now if we have a bit of fun while we gather those resources, can anyone blame us?  Because, "Hey, if you can't boogie, then what's the use?"

Did I mention the chocolate dessert bar with chocolate fountain?  What about the wine donated by Ian at the Caboose in Ashland or the very special surprise that we will be unveiling?  Reminders, reminders, reminders...

Tell those you love that you do.

Every Day Is A Bonus

Even now.