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Generosity is Magical

I had the opportunity to attend the most amazing fundraiser yesterday.   Those living in Central PA know, this has been one of the coldest and rainiest Aprils on record. This in itself might have served as an excuse for well meaning folks to stay home in their warm, dry, and cozy living rooms. 

Amazing, because as what started out as a drizzling, cold and gloomy April day incredibly transformed itself into a sunny, warm, and blue sky panorama. The magic were the scores of generous supporters who, at first, slowly trickled in to the park, then streamed, and finally became a roaring river of support for one small 8 year old boy with brain cancer.

Smoke billowed from grills churning out MOG burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken.  Long tables were laden with HOPE slaw, mac'n cheese, baked beans.  Homemade cupcakes decorated for Spring and cookies of every variety adorned the final 'leg' of the food journey. 

Summer sounds resounded throughout the park.  Music from guitars, fiddle, and tambourine.  The whack of a ball, glad shouts from the swings, voices of children racing to grab as many of the 5000 candy and prize filled Easter eggs, as fast as short legs could carry them.

This surely was generosity at a grass roots level.   On this day, there were no well meaning but often distant checks written.  This was volunteers, musicians, family, friends, giving of their time and energy to let one small boy and his family know, we care about you. 

Yes, it was an amazing and magical day of pure generosity.

Old Hands - What A Story They Tell

Old Hands

Old hands, what a story they can tell.  Hands once young and smooth, now crinkled and wrinkled with age like the bark of an aged oak tree in the woods. 

Hands first clasped together sixty-three years ago on the threshold of a journey together, hands now clasped together in love and support and whispering "I am here with you."

Hands that lovingly tended three babies, hands that brushed away the tears of a young girl, hands that smoothed away the heat of a fever.  Hands that taught you how to bat a ball, ride a bike, and thread a worm on a hook. 

Hands that reached out to you as a young adult when life seemed difficult but wasn't really.   Hands that understood your journey and wanted to hold yours but let you walk your own path.

Hands that have come full circle as it is your turn to now lovingly smooth away the fears, brush away the tears, and whisper "I am here with you."

Hands, what a story they can tell.

Time	Sunday, May 15 · 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location	Seven Mountains Wine Cellars 107 Mountain Spring Ln Spring Mills, PA 16875
Created By	Nancy Babcock
	“An Evening at the Winery” Fundraiser Sunday, May 15th 5-7 pm The Seven Mountains Wine Cellars in Potter’s Mills http://www.sevenmountainswinecellars.com/ Seven Mountains Wine Cellars will be donating 10% of any wine sales to Alzheimer's Walk to End Alzheimer's - Walk4Dot team! Babcock Family Reunion 2010-Seven Mts Wine Cellar . *Complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be served *Winery open for cash by the glass or bottle sales ….. Please RSVP Nancy by May 1st at the information below….. Feel free to bring a Guest Angela Homan Anderson, Caterer and Personal Chef The fundraiser is being held to support  Alzheimer’s Association State College Walk to End Alzheimers 2011 and Team “walk4dot”  and in honor of my Mother and of the many people who share the experience and pain of seeing a loved one or friend afflicted by Alzheimer's. If you are unable to join us, to donate on line visit “walk4dot” web sitehttp://walktoendalz.kintera.org/statecollege/walk4dot ********************** This special evening will include: Music by Grace Between Us Shares their music with nursing homes and assisted living residents around Centre County.  They have also performed at Relay for Life fundraisers.   Meet the Artisans: Kim Bowersox, Kim’s Pockets Quality Handmade Bags & Accessories Made from Recycled Fabrics. Custom Orders Are Welcome!  http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/KimsPockets?sk=info Erica Homan, Erica Rae Design Jewelry Unique, handcrafted jewelry pieces made from recycled items and fashioned with copper, brass, and nickle. Each piece is designed to be one-of-a-kind.   http://www.facebook.com/EricaRaeDesigns Amy Hoffmann Ritter and Sharon Pecht Poorman, Greeting Cards- handmade by the Card Lady Whatever the reason, whenever the season-We've got the card for you (and if we don't We'll make it!). Special order cards-not a problem! Verses written especially for your occasion.    http://simplyelegantweddinginvitations.weebly.com/ Crystal Little-Henry - Rodan and Fields Discover the difference that great skincare can make in your life with Rodan + Fields    https://skinsolutionsbycrystal.myrandf.com/Pages/OurProducts/GetAdvice/SolutionsTool Perry Rearick - Photgraphy - Perry's Prints Specializing in landscaping, historical structures and wildlife photography   http://perrysprints.com/ Jessica Curfman - Tastefully Simple The Food You Love, The Time You Deserve.® From main dishes to desserts, we offer a wide variety of easy-to-prepare foods and gifts for every day and every occasion   http://www.tastefullysimple.com/home.aspx *** Sandy Walizer Wolford Cute little purses for little girls *** Cherie Wert Fabric handbags, in variety of sizes for adults and children.  Wool felted handbags accented with antique buttons and jewelry.  Anne Kelly joins Cherie in offering quality handmade baskets Amanda Snook Fedisson Unique and creative party ideas to make your bash stand out! http://creativepartyplans.theaspenshops.com/ *** Kim Barnyak  Handmade Earrings *** Chair massage by Ruth Smith of Morning GloryMassage http://local.yahoo.com/info-44250608-smith-ruth-cmt-morning-glory-massage-therapy-pleasant-gap A special thank you to Cathy Walton for her support via  : http://www.facebook.com/CentralPANonProfitFundraisers As a Thank You for your donation, your name will be entered into the drawing for a Coby Home Theatre System. Names will be drawn October 2nd, 2011. For additional information contact Nancy Babcock, 814-237-6315, crabcake1@earthlink.net or Facebook email or Event Tab. OR text me @ 814-880-7549

Why I Walk

Why I Walk

“Be the change you wish to see in the world" -- Gandhi.

Five years ago I really didn't know much about Alzheimer's. When I was young, I had watched my mother help care for her Mother and Mother-in-law who suffered from memory loss, but I did not really understand. I truly began to understand the difficulties and pain the disease inflicts as my Mom began to slowly slip away; as she little by little she became unable to do the everyday activities she loved, like cooking and baking.

I'm driven to raise money not only because I have seen the effects of the disease first hand, but, because I am inspired by the hard work and dedication of so many individuals and teams who participate. This is not a journey anyone should take alone.

Why Memory Walk? It’s the one thing in this journey of Alzheimer’s disease that has made me feel empowered rather than devastated, hopeful rather than discouraged, embraced rather than disheartened. It is the place where families like mine come together for a common cause, to share their stories and to make a difference for each other.

While I find it challenging to ask people to donate every year, I’m thankful that my family, friends and co-workers continue to generously support my fundraising efforts. You never know who in your life may be affected by Alzheimer’s-- give them the opportunity to join the movement.