The September 27, 2003 Event including both the Silent and Live Auctions was an incredible success!
Over forty people pitched in to unload all the auction items from vehicles, help setup the silent and live auction tables, setup/staff the cashiering and registration tables, serve food/beverages to attendees, bus tables and clean up, assist with auction related activities. Event Committee volunteers began setting up at the time we took possesion of the hall (12 noon on Saturday) and continued right up to the time the doors opened (4:30 p.m.). Thanks to those of you who helped get the event up and running, those who helped by serving food/beverages and bussing tables, those who solved problems, those who staffed the registration and cashiering tables, Stortini staff members who were incredible! Joe Stortini for auctioneering and Jenny Rink for reading auction item descriptions, our many lovely "Vanna Whites" who displayed auction items, members of the Stortini family who helped throughout the event. There were 302 seats available for attendees, and they were all filled. Attendees represented most aspects of our lives: family, friends, co-workers, classmates, supporters and many people who had heard about our story, but met us for the first time that evening. Michael and I are humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support shown to us by the attendees, donors, family, friends and supporters who participated in the event. We thank you.
The phenomenal net proceeds from the event (after paying all associated expenses) were nearly $24,000!!! Proceeds from all fundraising efforts, including the Event, will be held in the "Donation Account for Michael Blair" held at Keybank and will be used to pay for personal medical bills and Michael's ongoing care.
As if the Event and fundraising efforts were not phenomenal enough, we received a letter from St Clare Hospital on Tuesday, Setpmber 30, 2003 that indicated that St Clare Hospital has agreed to reduce hospital expenses by 25%!!! We wish to thank St. Clare Hospital for this incredibly generous show of support for our case.
We will need many days to prepare and send "thank you" notes, and additional days to complete the list of Thank You's for the website, check it out and stay tuned for its completion!
Did you take pictures at the event? Michael and I would love to have reprints. Eventually, a collection of photos will be available.