Monday, April 6, 2009

No place like home: Help fight childhood Cancer

Nestled in a peaceful little neighborhood in the Deep Creek area of Chesapeake, Virginia sits a beautifully decorated, newly constructed house unlike any other. This is no ordinary home, in fact, for thousands of critically ill children and their families this house represents an abundance of hope. Yesterday was the second in the Hampton Road's chapter of Friends of St. Jude's monthly membership and fundraising series - Cinco for St. Jude. Cinco for St. Jude takes place on the 5th of each month throughout the year to raise awareness, membership, and funds to help this incredible cause - dedicated to the concept that “No Child Should Die in the Dawn of Life.”


This month's theme Cinco for St. Jude event, the "Big Hat Brunch", took place in the gorgeous 2009 St. Jude Dream Home. The spacious 3,058 square foot house was exquisitely decorated in lush earth tones and featured a tantalizing range of hues including chocolate browns and cool blues. Guests of the event were the first to tour this fantastic home, which is currently open for tours Saturdays, 9am to 5pm and Sundays, noon to 5pm from now until May 30th. With a large, loaded kitchen and airy sunroom overlooking the backyard, this house would be perfect for anyone who enjoys entertaining at home and was an ideal venue for this Cinco for St. Jude event.


The "Big Hat Brunch" invited guests to come in their best (and biggest) hat. Geoff Cook (left along side Jenny Watson) won for his outrageous balloon hat in the Big Hat Contest. Guests were treated to Sunday morning cocktails like Mimosas and Bloody-Marys, scrumptious breakfast delights, fine silent auction items, and live entertainment in the form of Caricatures from yours truly. During Sunday's event it was my pleasure to not only perform caricatures for all who came out but to meet two amazing families who's lives were touched by the tremendous support of St. Jude.
It was such a joy to meet and sketch Gracie (a bubbly four year old cancer survivor) and her 3 brothers and sisters. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital focuses on fighting childhood cancer, offering treatment and care to children and their families regardless of their ability to pay. Gracie's family, after being told that her cancer was terminal and to prepare to for her passing, received a life-changing call from St. Jude's. The family was told that they could in fact help Gracie. St. Jude flew the family out to their facility in Tennessee for treatment as well as took care of their lodging during Gracie's care. Today Gracie's cancer is in remission, she is a vibrant little girl who is full of life and this loving family is joyful. Programs like Friends of St. Jude and the St. Jude Dream Home help St. Jude to make stories like this possible. The St. Jude Dream Home is a breathtaking home (valued at approximately $490,000.00) and an incredible giveaway to help this cause.
Tickets for the drawing (which will take place on Sunday, May 31) are $100 each. For more information on reserving a ticket for your chance to win the St. Jude Dream Home and other fabulous prizes please visit: http//www.friendsofstjude.org/hamptonroads

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